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    Pakistan auto sales jump 80% in July

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s automobile sector started fiscal year 2026-27 on a strong note, with overall vehicle sales rising nearly 80% year-on-year in July 2026, according to data from the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA). Sales of cars, light commercial vehicles, vans, jeeps and electric vehicles reached 19,818 units during the month, compared with 11,034 units in July 2025. However, sales fell 13% month-on-month from the 22,741 units recorded in June. Analysts attributed the annual increase to stronger passenger-car demand, new vehicle launches, the entry of new manufacturers and growing auto financing. Leena Abid of Arif Habib Limited said passenger-car sales led the overall growth, jumping 141% year-on-year. She noted that June had benefited from pre-budget purchases, while uncertainty over the new Auto Policy affected bookings in July. Pak Suzuki recorded the highest sales at 10,120 units, representing a 175% year-on-year increase, although its sales declined 12% from June. Indus Motor Company sold 5,089 units, up 53% annually and 45% from the previous month. Honda Atlas Cars reported 2,640 units, marking a 76% annual increase but an 11% monthly decline. Sazgar Engineering sold 663 passenger vehicles. The two-wheeler market also performed strongly, with industry sales increasing 39% year-on-year to around 169,713 units, although volumes slipped slightly from June. Atlas Honda continued to dominate the segment. Commercial vehicles also recorded substantial annual growth. Truck sales surged 169% year-on-year, while bus sales increased 14%. Ghandhara Automobiles sold 111 trucks, up 247% annually and 31% month-on-month. Ghandhara Industries reported 424 units, a 212% year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, tractor sales rose 4% year-on-year to 1,242 units but plunged 59% from June. Al-Ghazi Tractors sold 414 units, up 29% annually, while Millat Tractors recorded 828 units, down 5% year-on-year. Analysts expect market performance to remain closely linked to the new Auto Policy, financing conditions and consumer demand in the coming months.

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    Faisal Qureshi defends Hania Aamir’s rising star power

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistani actor Faisal Qureshi has openly supported actress Hania Aamir’s growing popularity and commercial value, saying there is nothing wrong with the actress demanding a higher fee for brand collaborations. During a recent podcast appearance, Faisal was asked about Hania’s increasing influence in Pakistan’s entertainment industry and her growing presence in major advertising campaigns. In response, the veteran actor praised the actress and acknowledged that she has established herself as one of the country’s most recognisable stars. Faisal pointed out that Hania’s face can currently be seen across the country on billboards, signboards and various advertising campaigns. According to him, the fact that major companies continue to choose Hania to represent their products is a clear indication of her strong market position and popularity. Calling her a star, Faisal said that Hania has reached a stage in her career where leading brands are interested in associating their names with her. He suggested that her widespread visibility is not simply the result of her television and film projects but also reflects the strong connection she has built with audiences. The actor further explained that Hania is aware of her current position in the entertainment industry. With her popularity continuing to rise, brands are also aware of her market value and the attention she can bring to their campaigns. Faisal also defended Hania against criticism over reports that she charges a higher fee for brand endorsements. He argued that an artist’s fee naturally increases when their demand and commercial appeal grow. According to Faisal, there is no reason for an artist to feel guilty about asking for a higher payment when their popularity has increased significantly. He suggested that fees are often determined by an artist’s demand in the market, their ability to attract audiences and the value they bring to a commercial campaign. His comments come at a time when Hania Aamir has become one of the most prominent young faces in Pakistan’s entertainment and advertising industries. The actress has developed a substantial fan following through her television projects and social media presence, while her public image has also made her a sought-after choice for major brands. Faisal’s remarks highlight the changing dynamics of Pakistan’s entertainment industry, where an actor’s commercial value is increasingly influenced by their visibility, digital following and overall popularity. By supporting Hania’s decision to charge according to her market value, Faisal emphasised that successful artists should be able to benefit from the demand they have created. His comments also suggest that higher fees can be viewed as a natural outcome of an artist reaching a stronger position within the industry rather than as a matter of controversy.

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    Violence against Balochistan’s people is  futil…

    ByJustpaste.in

    QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti has criticised extremist elements for attempting to draw the Baloch population into a cycle of violence, saying attacks on infrastructure ultimately hurt ordinary citizens and undermine the province’s development. Speaking at the inauguration of the “Rasool-e-Rahmat (PBUH)” calligraphy exhibition, Bugti said the destruction of bridges, roads and commercial transport directly affects livelihoods and restricts economic opportunities for local communities. The chief minister said the provincial government would organise an international calligraphy exhibition, “Bayan-ul-Marsoos”, in Quetta next year, bringing together prominent artists and calligraphers from Turkey and other parts of the Islamic world. He said such international cultural events would help project Balochistan as a peaceful region with strong cultural and artistic traditions. He added that hosting major programmes around Pakistan’s Independence Day would also demonstrate the province’s potential to the international community. Discussing regional and international developments, Bugti said Pakistan’s growing cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Turkey reflected an evolving geopolitical landscape. He maintained that the defence cooperation was aimed at promoting security and peace rather than aggression. Bugti also expressed confidence in Pakistan’s future, praising the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir. He said no force could stop Pakistan from moving towards what he described as a decisive victory.

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    PTI vows no compromise over Imran Khan’s health …

    ByJustpaste.in

    PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Shafi Jan has strongly criticised restrictions on meetings with former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, saying the party will continue its legal, constitutional and political efforts to protect his health and fundamental rights. Speaking on Tuesday, Jan said the presence of a large number of PTI parliamentarians outside the Supreme Court reflected the party’s determination to ensure that Imran Khan receives proper medical care and access to his family and doctors. He described reports about the former prime minister’s health as deeply concerning and said denying him his constitutional and legal rights was unacceptable. Jan alleged that Imran Khan had been kept in detention through what the PTI considers politically motivated cases. The minister said PTI would not remain silent and would continue pressing for appropriate medical treatment, access to personal physicians and meetings with family members. He particularly criticised the reported denial of permission for Imran Khan’s sisters to meet him, calling the restrictions a violation of constitutional and legal rights as well as court directives. Jan said KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had already warned that PTI lawmakers would gather outside Adiala Jail on Thursday if Imran Khan’s sisters were again prevented from meeting him. Meanwhile, speaking to a private television channel on Monday, Afridi said the party had been left with little choice but to protest after its concerns were allegedly ignored by authorities. He rejected accusations that PTI was deliberately promoting unrest, arguing that protests would not have been necessary if the party’s grievances had been addressed. Afridi claimed that Imran Khan was being held unlawfully and was being denied access to his family, lawyers and personal doctors. He said PTI had exhausted available constitutional and legal avenues and would therefore continue with peaceful demonstrations. The chief minister maintained that peaceful protest was a constitutional right and urged authorities to listen to the party’s concerns.

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    Hrithik Roshan recalls father’s financial crisis after Koyla setback

    ByJustpaste.in

    Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan has opened up about one of the most emotional periods in his family’s life, recalling the financial difficulties his father, filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, faced following the commercial disappointment of Shah Rukh Khan’s 1997 film Koyla. The 52-year-old actor recently spoke about his father’s struggles and revealed that there was a time when Rakesh Roshan lost a significant portion of the money he had earned throughout his career. According to Hrithik, the setback was severe enough to create financial difficulties for the family and left a lasting impression on him. Recalling the difficult period, Hrithik said he still remembers a particular morning when he saw his father with tears in his eyes for the first time. The actor explained that Rakesh Roshan had told him that he had lost all the money he had earned. For Hrithik, witnessing his father in such a vulnerable state was an experience he could never forget. He described the moment as extremely emotional because he had never previously seen his father so broken and distressed. Rakesh Roshan had produced Koyla under his production banner Filmkraft Productions. The action thriller featured Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit in the lead roles, alongside Amrish Puri, Deepa Sahi, Ashok Saraf, Johnny Lever and several other prominent actors. Released in 1997, Koyla revolved around Shankar, played by Shah Rukh Khan, a mute and loyal coal miner who works in a coal mine. The film combined action, romance and drama and was one of the major productions associated with Rakesh Roshan’s production house at the time. Despite its scale and star-studded cast, the film failed to achieve the level of commercial success that had been expected. It was reportedly made on a budget of around Rs 12 crore and earned approximately Rs 28 crore worldwide. Although the film recovered a significant amount at the box office, its overall commercial performance was considered disappointing in relation to its investment and expectations. The experience became an important chapter in Hrithik Roshan’s understanding of his father’s professional and personal journey. Years later, the actor has established himself as one of Bollywood’s leading stars, while Rakesh Roshan has continued to remain an influential filmmaker and producer. The father-son duo is now preparing to return to the superhero franchise that has been closely associated with their careers. Hrithik and Rakesh Roshan are currently involved in preparations for Krrish 4, the next installment in the popular superhero series. Hrithik’s recent recollection offers a rare glimpse into the challenges his family faced behind the glamour of Bollywood and highlights the personal impact that professional setbacks can have, even on established filmmakers.

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    Armed men storm prison van, free murder suspect on…

    ByJustpaste.in

    JHELUM: In a major security lapse, armed men intercepted a prison van on the busy GT Road near Mandra and forcibly freed a murder suspect who was being taken back to District Jail Jhelum after appearing in court. The escape involved Malik Hamad, who is facing a murder case registered with Saddar Beruni police. He had initially been held at Adiala Central Jail before being transferred to Jhelum following the recovery of a mobile phone and other prohibited items during a surprise inspection. Hamad was brought to Rawalpindi on Tuesday for a court hearing. While the prison van was returning to Jhelum, it slowed near Galaxy Hotel at Bacha Stop, where another vehicle approached the van. According to sources, the occupants told prison officials that Hamad’s mother was seriously ill and requested a brief meeting with him. Taking advantage of the confusion, several armed men surrounded the van with their vehicles, pulled Hamad out and escaped. The incident immediately triggered a security alert, with senior police and jail officials rushing to the location. Police teams were subsequently formed to track down and arrest the escaped suspect. The incident has raised fresh concerns about the security arrangements for transporting prisoners. It comes weeks after 14 high-risk prisoners escaped from another prison van while returning from Kahuta in late June. All of them were later recaptured following an extensive search operation, while cases were registered against the policemen responsible for their security. Following that escape, Rawalpindi police introduced new standard operating procedures aimed at strengthening prisoner transportation security. The latest incident, however, has renewed questions about whether those measures are being properly implemented. Four policemen reportedly assigned to guard Hamad have been detained for questioning. Sources also claimed that the suspect had links with an influential individual associated with a private housing society. Despite the seriousness of the incident, senior police officials declined to comment publicly, while a search operation to recapture Hamad remained underway.

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    Three Pakistanis killed in Houthi attack on Red Sea commercial vessel

    ByJustpaste.in

    At least three Pakistani nationals were killed and another sustained injuries after Houthi forces attacked a commercial vessel in the Red Sea, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of Pakistani nationals working aboard commercial ships and the wider security of one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes. Dar confirmed the deaths on Wednesday and strongly condemned the attack, saying that targeting a civilian commercial vessel posed a serious threat to maritime security and international navigation. In a statement posted on X, the deputy prime minister said Pakistan rejected attacks on non-combatant commercial shipping, warning that such incidents put innocent lives at risk and amounted to a violation of international law. He said attacks of this nature could also disrupt freedom of navigation and create further risks for international trade passing through the Red Sea. Pakistan contacts Saudi, Yemen authorities Dar said the Pakistani government was coordinating with Saudi authorities and the internationally recognised government of Yemen to establish further details surrounding the attack. He also instructed the Pakistani embassy in Riyadh to remain in close contact with the relevant authorities and take all necessary steps regarding the deceased Pakistani nationals. The embassy has been directed to facilitate the recovery and repatriation of the victims’ remains to Pakistan, while efforts are also underway to ensure that the injured Pakistani receives all possible assistance. The foreign minister said Islamabad was closely monitoring developments and would maintain contact with the concerned authorities as more information emerged. Islamabad raises concern over Red Sea security Pakistan has repeatedly expressed concern over attacks and threats against commercial shipping in the Red Sea, particularly amid growing instability across the Middle East. On July 22, the Foreign Office warned that continued threats to maritime traffic could undermine freedom of navigation, weaken the rules-based international maritime order and disrupt global commerce. The following day, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to strengthen coordination aimed at supporting regional peace and security and ensuring the continued movement of legitimate commercial shipping through the Red Sea. The understanding was reached during a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. During the conversation, Sharif strongly condemned Houthi attacks targeting Saudi oil tankers operating in the Red Sea and reiterated Pakistan’s concerns over the potential consequences for regional stability and international trade. Makkah defence pact adds regional dimension The latest attack also comes against the backdrop of growing security cooperation between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. The three countries recently signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, establishing a collective security arrangement under which an armed attack against one member would be treated as an attack against all three. Dar has described the agreement as defensive in character, stressing that its objective is to contribute to peace, stability and prosperity rather than escalate regional tensions. Naqvi visits Iran amid diplomatic efforts The latest Red Sea incident occurred as Pakistan stepped up diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the wider Middle East. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is currently in Iran, where he held meetings with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. During his meeting with Pezeshkian, Naqvi conveyed a special message from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, according to sources. Sources said Naqvi also briefed the Iranian president about the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and discussed regional security developments. Pakistan and Qatar have been involved in diplomatic efforts to help de-escalate the conflict, which has resulted in thousands of deaths, particularly in Iran and Lebanon, following US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. Shipping attacks fuel fears over global trade The latest violence comes as tensions surrounding critical maritime routes remain elevated. The United States and Houthi forces reported separate attacks involving shipping on Tuesday, adding to concerns that diplomatic efforts to end the broader Middle East conflict could face further obstacles. The Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea are strategically important waterways, with the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea serving as major routes for global energy and commercial shipments. Any prolonged disruption to these routes could increase transportation costs, affect energy markets and create further pressure on international supply chains. Iran has reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed unless Washington accepts its conditions, adding to uncertainty surrounding the future of maritime traffic through the strategically vital waterway. Despite the worsening security environment, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Tuesday that the United States and Iran were moving closer to a possible agreement. Speaking to Bloomberg News, Asif said recent developments suggested that negotiations could again be moving in the direction of a peace arrangement. Qatar, which has also been involved in mediation efforts, has said discussions concerning the management of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz had reached an advanced stage.

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    US report urges Pakistan to open up budget and deb…

    ByJustpaste.in

    WASHINGTON: Pakistan needs to improve transparency in its public finances and give Parliament and citizens earlier access to key budget and debt information, according to a new US State Department assessment. The department’s 2026 Fiscal Transparency Report said Pakistan had made progress in making financial information publicly available but still faced important gaps, particularly in the timely release of its proposed budget and disclosure of government liabilities. The report noted that Pakistan’s approved budget and year-end financial reports were easily accessible to the public, including online. However, it found that the government did not release its executive budget proposal within a reasonable timeframe. According to the assessment, publishing the proposed budget earlier would give lawmakers and the public more time to examine the government’s spending and revenue priorities before the document is formally approved. The report also raised concerns over limited public information about government debt, especially liabilities linked to major state-owned enterprises. Greater disclosure, it said, would help provide a clearer picture of the country’s financial position and allow Parliament to better assess potential fiscal risks. Despite these shortcomings, the US assessment acknowledged that Pakistan’s publicly available budget documents contained substantial information on planned government revenues and expenditures, including income from natural resources. Pakistan’s auditing system also received a largely positive assessment. The report said financial information was generally reliable and subject to review by the country’s supreme audit institution, which it found to have an appropriate level of independence under international standards. Audit findings were also made available to the public within a reasonable period. The report found that Pakistan had established legal procedures for awarding natural resource extraction contracts and licences and appeared to follow those rules in practice. It also noted that information on public procurement contracts was accessible and described the legal framework governing the country’s sovereign wealth fund as sound. The State Department identified three major areas where Pakistan could further strengthen fiscal transparency: releasing the executive budget proposal on time, providing more detailed information about government debt, including state-owned enterprise liabilities, and bringing military and intelligence budgets under adequate parliamentary or civilian oversight. Overall, the report did not portray Pakistan’s financial system as broadly opaque. Instead, it recognised several areas of progress while calling for stronger parliamentary scrutiny and greater disclosure of information that could help lawmakers and the public understand the country’s fiscal risks.

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    CPEC 2.0: Pakistan, China shift focus to B2B investment

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China are moving toward a more business-driven model of cooperation under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with greater emphasis on Business-to-Business (B2B) partnerships, industrial development, exports and productivity rather than large-scale Government-to-Government (G2G) financing. The development emerged during a high-level Chinese delegation’s visit to the CPEC Secretariat, where discussions focused on strengthening industrial and commercial ties between the two countries. According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Planning on Tuesday, the Chinese delegation was headed by Sun Dongsheng, Senior Advisor, Economic Affairs Press. The delegation met Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, along with senior policymakers and development experts. The talks centred on ways to advance B2B and industrial cooperation under CPEC 2.0, reflecting a broader shift in the corridor’s priorities from infrastructure-led development toward industrialisation, exports, technology and private-sector participation. From infrastructure to industrialisation During the meeting, Ahsan Iqbal briefed the Chinese delegation on the government’s Uraan Pakistan economic transformation programme and outlined Islamabad’s priorities for the next phase of CPEC. The minister proposed closer cooperation with Chinese institutions, including counterparts of the National Centre of New Manufacturing, to benefit from China’s experience in advanced manufacturing, innovation, automation and robotics. He said Pakistan needed to strengthen its productive capacity and adopt modern technologies to remain competitive in the era of Industrial Revolution 4.0 and prepare for the emerging Industrial Revolution 5.0. Ahsan Iqbal identified Pakistan’s limited export base as one of the country’s major economic challenges. According to the minister, repeated attempts to accelerate economic growth have struggled to generate sustainable momentum because productive sectors have not been sufficiently integrated with export markets. He stressed that the government’s priority was therefore to turn agriculture, manufacturing and other productive sectors into stronger sources of exports and foreign exchange. Pakistan seeks greater access to Chinese market The minister also called for greater facilitation of Pakistani exports to China, highlighting the considerable gap between the two countries’ trade potential. He noted that China imports goods worth around $2.6 trillion annually, whereas Pakistan’s exports to the Chinese market remain close to $3 billion. Ahsan said Pakistan needed to increase its presence in the Chinese market by improving production standards, competitiveness and the ability of domestic businesses to meet international demand. He expressed the expectation that CPEC 2.0 could help Pakistan address what he described as its “export deficit”, just as the first phase of the corridor contributed to addressing the country’s energy shortfall. CPEC enters a new phase Under CPEC’s first phase, China committed substantial financing to infrastructure, energy and other development projects in Pakistan. Nearly $30 billion was invested in infrastructure and power-sector projects, including independent power producers. However, the focus is now increasingly shifting toward private-sector-led cooperation. Islamabad continues to pursue financing for selected road and motorway projects, but China has yet to demonstrate readiness to finance the long-delayed Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway upgrade, which had previously been regarded as one of CPEC’s flagship projects. The latest consultations indicate that CPEC 2.0 is expected to rely more heavily on commercial partnerships between Pakistani and Chinese companies. The government has already been encouraging enterprises from both countries to explore joint ventures and investment opportunities in sectors including manufacturing, agriculture and mining. Ahsan Iqbal said recent agreements between Pakistani and Chinese companies showed that B2B cooperation was beginning to gain momentum. He expressed confidence that stronger business-to-business engagement would support the modernisation of Pakistan’s industrial and agricultural sectors while creating opportunities for investment, employment and exports. China stresses productive capacity Sun Dongsheng reaffirmed the importance China attaches to its longstanding relationship with Pakistan and highlighted the achievements of CPEC’s first phase. He called for further cooperation in industrial and agricultural development, particularly in strengthening Pakistan’s productive capacity. The Chinese delegation also stressed the importance of involving small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in bilateral economic cooperation. Greater enterprise-to-enterprise engagement, according to the delegation, could help create commercially sustainable partnerships and expand opportunities for businesses in both countries. The discussions also focused on technology transfer, innovation, skills development and the creation of stronger industrial linkages. Five Corridors aligned with Uraan Pakistan Officials also discussed the strategic relationship between the Five Corridors of CPEC 2.0 and Pakistan’s 5Es framework under Uraan Pakistan. The government’s 5Es framework focuses on exports, e-Pakistan, environment and climate change, energy and infrastructure, and equity and empowerment. The participants stressed that alignment between the two initiatives needed to translate into concrete economic outcomes, including new enterprises, technology adoption, innovation, employment opportunities, skills development, increased exports and higher investment. The delegation was also briefed on the progress achieved during CPEC Phase I and Pakistan’s priorities for the second phase. The consultations suggest that the next stage of CPEC will increasingly be measured not only by the volume of infrastructure investment but also by its ability to improve Pakistan’s industrial competitiveness, expand exports, attract private investment and create sustainable employment.

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    Banks, SBP and PSX to remain closed for three days

    ByJustpaste.in

    Banks and other financial institutions across Pakistan will observe a three-day closure from August 14 to August 16 in connection with Independence Day and the regular weekend holidays. According to a circular issued by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the central bank, commercial banks, financial institutions and the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) will remain closed on Friday, August 14, which has been declared a public holiday on account of Independence Day. The closure will be followed by the regular weekend holidays on Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16, respectively. As a result, banking and stock market activities will remain suspended for three consecutive days. The holiday schedule is expected to affect routine banking operations, including branch-based customer services and other in-person transactions. Customers who need to visit bank branches or carry out services that require physical processing have been advised to plan their transactions accordingly. However, the closure will not affect digital banking facilities. The SBP said automated teller machines (ATMs), internet banking and other online banking services will continue to operate during the holidays. Customers will therefore be able to access cash through ATMs and use digital channels for eligible transactions throughout the three-day break. Regular banking and financial market operations are expected to resume on Monday, August 17, when banks, financial institutions and the stock market reopen after the Independence Day holiday and weekend.