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South Africa proposes stricter protocols for former leaders following Jacob Zuma’s controversial India visit

ByJustpaste.in

South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation has submitted formal recommendations to parliament to establish stricter rules and greater transparency regarding foreign travel undertaken by former heads of state.

The legislative push follows intense backlash over a recent visit to India by former President Jacob Zuma, during which the 84-year-old politician was photographed at a temple alongside fugitive businessman Ajay Gupta.

The Gupta family remains central to South Africa’s massive “state capture” corruption scandal, which involved allegations of systemic political influence and state asset siphonage that ultimately contributed to Zuma’s resignation in 2018.

The incident sparked severe political friction, leading South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, to be recalled after he was also pictured alongside Zuma and Gupta. Foreign Affairs Minister Ronald Lamola confirmed that the proposed protocols would require former presidents to disclose complete details regarding international itineraries prior to departure.

The advance documentation would allow government agencies to evaluate security requirements alongside potential diplomatic, political, and reputational risks to the nation.

The controversy marks the latest diplomatic dispute involving the former president, who now leads the opposition uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party following his expulsion from the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Last year, the South African government issued a formal diplomatic protest to Morocco after Zuma engaged in talks supporting Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara region, directly contradicting official South African foreign policy.

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    Goods transporters announce indefinite strike

    ByJustpaste.in

    The All Pakistan Goods Transporters Alliance has announced an indefinite nationwide strike after talks with the federal and Sindh governments failed to resolve their demands. Alliance President Malik Shehzad Awan made the announcement at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, saying transporters would keep their vehicles off the roads from August 8 until the government formally accepted their demands through official notifications. Awan said a meeting held on Friday included senior officials from both the federal and Sindh governments, including the communications minister, communications secretary, National Highway Authority chairman, inspector general of motorways, Karachi commissioner, transport secretary, excise secretary and senior traffic officials. However, the talks failed to produce an agreement. He said the alliance would observe a peaceful wheel-jam strike by parking trucks and trailers instead of blocking roads. However, he warned that transporters could move their vehicles onto roads if authorities tried to intimidate or arrest their leaders during the protest. According to Awan, vehicles carrying import and export containers will continue operating until August 10 to allow cargo already in transit to reach its destinations. The transporters have also formed a committee to negotiate with the government. Awan warned that if their demands were not accepted within two days, the protesters would march towards the governor houses in all provinces. He said the committee would not negotiate with officials who had previously made commitments to transporters but failed to fulfil them. Awan also called for the resignation of the federal petroleum minister, Punjab’s transport and mass transit minister and the Punjab senior minister. Highlighting the financial pressure on the transport sector, he claimed that a single trailer pays around Rs2.4 million in annual toll taxes while transporters also face e-challans, adding to their difficulties. He warned that the ongoing dispute could negatively affect the national economy and urged the government to take immediate steps to resolve the crisis. Other transport leaders, including Malik Sher Khan, Ghulam Yasin and Nadeem Akhtar Arain, also attended the press conference. Meanwhile, the All Pakistan Petrol Pumps Owners Association urged the Ministry of Petroleum to review the mechanism used to determine fuel prices. In a letter sent to the petroleum minister on August 7, the association’s vice chairman expressed concern over delays in implementing agreements reached between the government and petrol pump owners.

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    Rs4.21bn collected, thousands await housing

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works raised serious concerns over delays in major federal housing projects, where thousands of allottees have waited years for possession of their plots and apartments despite making payments. The committee decided to summon the Chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in its next meeting to brief it on investigations, inquiries and legal issues related to delayed housing projects managed by the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA). The decision came after lawmakers expressed frustration over the long delays in the Green Enclave I project in Bara Kahu, Islamabad, where some allottees have reportedly waited years for possession after making payments for many years. The Senate committee, chaired by Senator Nasir Mehmood, reviewed the progress of several housing schemes and questioned why projects launched for public sector employees and other members had remained incomplete for such a long period. During the briefing, officials informed the committee about the status of housing schemes managed by FGEHA and the PHA Foundation. While reviewing the Green Enclave I project in Bara Kahu, the committee learned that land acquisition started in 2009 and the project covers around 3,375 kanals. Members expressed concern that despite a construction agreement being signed in 2019, physical development work remains suspended due to disputes related to contracts, work execution and security requirements. The committee was told that many allottees had been making payments since 2008 but had still not received physical possession of their plots. Lawmakers questioned how citizens could continue waiting for years after fulfilling their financial responsibilities. Housing officials informed the committee that development work could restart after approval from the relevant board once contractual disputes are resolved. However, members expressed dissatisfaction over the continued delay and decided to seek answers from NAB regarding the matter. The committee also reviewed the Green Enclave II or Sky Garden Housing Scheme located in Mauza Kathar and Mauza Mangal. Officials informed the committee that the project covers around 7,300 kanals and that more than 2,455 consent notices have been issued. The committee was informed that over Rs4.21 billion had been collected from members under different categories. Officials said land related issues in Mauza Kathar had been resolved, while the court decided legal disputes regarding Mauza Mangal in favour of FGEHA in April 2026. The committee reviewed the expected development timeline and was informed that block wise plot handovers are planned between December 2026 and March 2027. To remove administrative delays, the committee decided to call the Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi for a detailed briefing in the next meeting. The committee also examined the EHFPRO Lifestyle Residency Apartments project in Sector G 13, Islamabad. Officials informed lawmakers that around 70 percent of the physical work had been completed, but the project faced serious problems due to rising construction costs after COVID 19, financial difficulties and the death of the private contractor. Following repeated violations, the joint venture agreement was terminated and FGEHA took control of the project. Officials said they are now trying to restart the project through a Public Private Partnership model to avoid placing additional financial pressure on allottees. The committee was informed that the project’s planning approval has been completed and the process to select a new partner is underway. Members directed the ministry to provide regular updates on the progress of the project. The Senate committee also reviewed the PHA F Residencia Project on Kuchlak Road, Quetta, and other government housing facilities. Officials informed the committee that the Quetta project has achieved around 50 percent physical progress. They said construction work has progressed on houses and apartment blocks, while additional units are being processed through new tendering. The committee also reviewed maintenance work at Federal Lodges and noted improvements in cleaning, repairs, and electrical work. Members discussed issues faced by residents, including water supply, drainage and basic facilities at some housing schemes. Officials informed the committee that discussions were ongoing between housing authorities and residents’ representatives to solve these problems. The committee also reminded residents that any unauthorised changes in buildings must be regularised through the Capital Development Authority. Senator Nasir Mehmood stressed that housing projects involving public money must be completed on time and that the rights of allottees must be protected. The committee said delays in public housing schemes create financial and emotional difficulties for citizens and directed relevant departments to improve transparency and speed up development work.

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    Ayat Noor case sparks outrage after tragic Haripur discovery

    ByJustpaste.in

    Haripur has been shaken by the tragic death of a young girl, Ayat Noor, whose disappearance ended in a heartbreaking discovery. The case has once again raised serious concerns about child safety and the growing fear among parents who worry about the dangers their children may face. According to the details shared about the case, Ayat Noor had been missing for 14 days. During that time, her father reportedly searched tirelessly for his daughter, hoping that she would be found alive and brought home safely. His search, however, ended in devastating circumstances when Ayat’s body was discovered in a well on the 15th day. Police reportedly confirmed that the child had been sexually assaulted and murdered. The horrifying nature of the case has left the local community deeply disturbed, while the death of such a young child has sparked renewed calls for stronger measures to protect children from abuse and violence. For Ayat’s family, the tragedy has brought unimaginable grief. Her father is reportedly struggling to come to terms with the loss of his daughter and is now seeking justice for the child. His pain has also become a symbol of the anguish experienced by families who lose loved ones to violent crimes. Police have arrested three suspects in connection with the case. According to the information circulating about the incident, the suspects have allegedly confessed to their involvement. Their reported demeanor after the arrests has further angered and disturbed people, many of whom believe that anyone responsible for such a brutal crime must face strict legal consequences. Ayat’s final journey has also drawn emotional attention from people in Haripur and beyond. Images and accounts surrounding her funeral have reportedly left the public heartbroken, particularly the sight of her grieving father seeking justice for his daughter. The case has once again brought the issue of child abuse into public discussion. Many parents are expressing fear and frustration, saying that repeated reports of violence against children have made them increasingly concerned about their children’s safety. For ordinary families, the thought that a child could become a victim of such a crime is deeply frightening. Social media users have also expressed anger and helplessness following the incident. One person compared Ayat’s case with another child abuse case, writing, “Aizal did not get justice in Karachi and now we have Ayat in Haripur.” Another user prayed for divine intervention, saying, “May Allah send a miracle to deal with these criminals.” Others turned their attention to society as a whole, questioning how such tragedies continue to happen and whether enough is being done to prevent crimes against children. One reaction read, “We are all wrong who can’t stop this.” The outrage surrounding Ayat Noor’s death reflects a wider demand for accountability and effective protection for children. People are now waiting for the investigation and legal proceedings to establish the full circumstances of the crime and determine responsibility. For Ayat’s grieving family, however, no punishment can undo the loss of their beloved child. What they seek now is justice, accountability and assurance that her death will not simply become another forgotten case. Her tragic story has left Haripur mourning and has once again forced society to confront the devastating consequences of child abuse and violence.

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    Sohail Afridi fires warning over Imran Khan’s sa…

    ByJustpaste.in

    PTI leader and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has said that the party does not want any harm to befall its founder, Imran Khan. Speaking at a press conference alongside other PTI leaders, Afridi said there was no alternative to resisting what he described as a “fake government”. He warned that young people were increasingly frustrated about their future and would come out of their homes on September 27. Afridi said PTI leaders had repeatedly sought a meeting with Imran Khan but had received no positive response. He said Khan’s family members were non-political and that both his family and lawyers were willing to give assurances that no political press conference would be held after the meeting. The chief minister also expressed concern about Khan’s health. He said the party wanted him to receive proper medical treatment and warned that PTI workers would stage a sit-in outside the Supreme Court if they were not allowed to meet him. Afridi reiterated that the party did not want Imran Khan to suffer any harm. He said PTI’s political struggle was centred around its founder and that his supporters would continue to raise their concerns over his treatment. Speaking on the occasion, PTI leader Salman Akram Raja said Imran Khan’s health was currently the party’s most important concern. Raja said no further interference with Khan’s health would be tolerated. He also indicated that the political campaign being planned by the party would continue and would not be stopped. He criticised the government and alleged that PTI supporters were being treated unfairly. He said the party would continue its political struggle against what he called an imposed government.

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    Khanewal farmers protest delay in lease letters

    ByJustpaste.in

      KHANEWAL: Eleven farmers selected under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” initiative have protested over the delay in receiving lease letters for approximately 950 kanals of agricultural land in Chak 63/10-R. The farmers allege that the transfer process is being delayed because of the influence of an influential local figure who, they claim, is supporting people occupying the land. The affected farmers recently held a demonstration outside the Revenue Department office at the District Complex in Khanewal. They demanded that the authorities issue their lease documents immediately and complete the process of handing over the land allotted to them through the government’s official balloting process. According to the protesting farmers, nearly 950 kanals of agricultural land in Chak 63/10-R was designated for lease to 11 deserving applicants who were selected through a formal draw under the provincial government’s scheme. However, they claimed that the land has remained in the possession of alleged illegal occupants for almost 40 years. The farmers said the occupants had earlier approached the Lahore High Court and obtained a stay order regarding the disputed property. They claimed that the relevant bench of the Lahore High Court dismissed the stay order on August 3, 2026, which, according to them, removed a major legal hurdle in the way of implementing the government’s allotment decision. Despite the dismissal of the stay, the protesting farmers alleged that the Punjab Revenue Department and the Khanewal district administration had not yet issued the required lease letters. They further alleged that the individuals occupying the land had the support of an influential political figure in the area. The farmers claimed that political pressure was contributing to the delay and preventing the concerned departments from completing the formalities required for the transfer of the land. The applicants also pointed out that their names and allotment information are already available on the Punjab government’s official online portal for the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar”scheme. They questioned why the authorities had not issued the lease documents despite their successful selection through balloting and the reported dismissal of the court stay. The Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue), Khanewal, was contacted to obtain the administration’s position on the matter, including the delay in issuing the lease letters, the current legal status of the disputed land and the allegations of political interference. However, an official response from the ADCR was not available at the time of filing the report. The administration’s version will be included once an official response is received. The affected farmers have appealed to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Deputy Commissioner Khanewal Dr Hina Arshad Commissioner Multan Aamir Karim and the Senior Member Board of Revenue Punjab to take immediate notice of the issue. They demanded that the lease letters be issued without further delay and that possession of the allotted land be handed over to the successful applicants according to the balloting results, government policy and applicable legal procedures. The protesters also urged the provincial government to ensure transparent implementation of the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” scheme and prevent any political or external influence from affecting the rights of successful applicants.

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    Gaza funeral held for 112 bodies retrieved from ru…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Palestinians in Gaza held funeral prayers on Tuesday for 112 people whose remains were recovered from the rubble of homes destroyed during the war between Israel and Hamas. Thousands of mourners gathered for the funeral in Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood, where the bodies, draped in Palestinian flags, were laid out near the ruins of the destroyed homes before the procession began. The victims are set to be buried afterward at the Baptist Cemetery in the Zeitoun neighborhood, south of Gaza City. The dead belonged to the Al Hasayneh and Abu Sharia families, who were killed when their homes were bombed while they were sheltering inside on November 23, 2023. Given the scale of the casualties, the funeral ranks among the largest recorded in Palestinian history. Civil defense teams recovered the bodies from the rubble on Saturday. A Civil Defence statement said the victims included 40 children, 38 women and seven people with disabilities. Civil Defence official Mohammad Abu Dan said search teams have so far been unable to locate 157 additional bodies still believed to be buried under the rubble. More than 73,000 people have been killed and over 174,000 injured in Gaza since the war began in October 2023, according to local health authorities. Despite a ceasefire agreement that took effect on October 10, 2025, Israeli forces have continued carrying out attacks across the territory, killing 1,250 Palestinians and injuring 4,110 others since the truce began, Gaza’s Health Ministry said. Palestinian authorities estimate that around 9,500 people remain missing under the rubble of buildings destroyed across the territory. A day earlier, at least 19 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire over a 24 hour period, pushing the overall death toll since October 2023 to 73,375, according to the Health Ministry. Officials said the toll included 18 people killed directly by Israeli forces and one person who died from wounds sustained in an earlier attack. The ministry reported that 35 additional injured people were taken to hospitals during the same period, bringing the total number of injuries to 174,220. The ministry said Saturday that 152 people were killed in Gaza during July, the highest monthly death toll recorded since the start of the year, despite the ceasefire that took effect in October 2025. The truce followed nearly two years of war that began on October 8, 2023, and caused widespread destruction across the territory, affecting an estimated 90 percent of civilian infrastructure. The United Nations has put the cost of reconstruction at approximately 70 billion dollars, underscoring the scale of rebuilding that lies ahead even as sporadic violence continues despite the formal end of large scale hostilities.

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