Main Suspect in Alleged Murder of Russian Siblings Brings Police to Burial Site Near Pattaya

ISLAMABAD: Almost three years after the caretaker federal government proposed appointing officers from the Pakistan Army Medical Corps to lead the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Federal Government Polyclinic (FGPC), the proposal remains unimplemented. Following the August 26, 2026 fire in the PIMS Mother and Child Health (MCH) Ward that claimed the lives of several newborns, questions are being raised over whether prolonged administrative delays contributed to weaknesses in   hospital management On October 9, 2023, the Ministry of National Health Services approached the Ministry of Defence seeking BS-21 officers from the Army Medical Corps for three-year deputations as Executive Directors of PIMS and FGPC. The ministry cited vacant executive positions and a shortage of eligible officers in the relevant cadre as reasons for seeking experienced hospital managers. The proposal was described as an interim measure intended to improve the management and service delivery of two of Islamabad’s busiest public hospitals. The proposal faced opposition from sections of the medical community. On October 30, 2023, the Islamabad chapter of the Pakistan Medical Association criticized the plan, arguing that bringing military officers into civilian hospitals could undermine the role of civilian doctors. Legal complications subsequently emerged. The Islamabad High Court restricted the appointment of outside deputationists as permanent heads, pushing authorities toward appointments from within the existing health system. The health ministry also maintained that appointments would ultimately be made according to established procedures and merit. Nearly three years later, the absence of permanent leadership at the hospitals has renewed criticism of the government’s handling of the issue. A senior health-sector observer argued that timely implementation of the original proposal might have improved management, reduced financial leakages and strengthened oversight of procurement, medicines, machinery, construction and renovation projects. PIMS has already faced concerns over staffing and expenditure. Figures cited in the debate include Rs22 billion allocated over three years, an alleged Rs670 million over spend against a budget of Rs6.84 billion last year, and 949 vacant positions out of 2,451 sanctioned posts at PIMS. More than 1,470 posts are reportedly vacant across four federal hospitals in Islamabad. The August 26 fire has intensified these concerns. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice of the incident, while Health Minister Mustafa Kamal was directed to submit a report. Health Secretary Aslam Ghauri was suspended and a high-powered inquiry was ordered. The controversy has now moved beyond the question of who should manage federal hospitals to whether those responsible for prolonged administrative shortcomings should be held accountable. Critics are questioning whether officials who managed billions of rupees in public funds should face consequences if negligence or poor oversight is established. They have also warned against allowing the inquiry to end with routine transfers, suspensions or committees without meaningful reforms. Supporters of the original proposal point to the management of military-run Combined Military Hospitals (CMHs), arguing that they demonstrate stronger discipline, cleanliness and operational management. However, opponents maintain that civilian healthcare institutions should be strengthened through transparent, merit-based appointments rather than relying on military deputations. With legal restrictions and opposition to military appointments, the government may need to move quickly toward permanent, merit-based leadership for PIMS and FGPC. The recent tragedy has made the issue more urgent. The central question is no longer simply whether the 2023 proposal should have been implemented, but whether years of administrative uncertainty contributed to systemic weaknesses. Ultimately, an independent inquiry must determine the causes of the fire and establish responsibility based on evidence. The priority now should be ensuring that Islamabad’s major public hospitals have competent leadership, adequate staffing, effective safety systems and transparent financial oversight. August 25, 2023: Health ministry stresses merit-based appointments. October 9, 2023: Defence ministry approached for Army Medical Corps officers. October 30, 2023: PMA Islamabad opposes the proposal. Late 2023–2024: Legal restrictions emerge over outside deputations. August 26, 2026: Fire breaks out in PIMS MCH Ward, resulting in multiple deaths.

The Government of Pakistan has announced a fresh increase in petroleum prices, raising the price of petrol by Rs. 1.63 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs. 1.55 per litre. The revised prices will come into effect from July 29, according to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division. Following the latest revision, petrol will now cost Rs. 335.81 per litre, while high-speed diesel will be available at Rs. 388.38 per litre. Officials said the increase reflects fluctuations in international crude oil prices caused by renewed tensions in the Persian Gulf, which have affected global energy markets. The government continues to collect substantial taxes and duties on petroleum products. Consumers currently pay around Rs110 per litre in taxes and levies on petrol, while diesel carries approximately Rs96 per litre in taxes and duties. Fuel prices have remained volatile throughout the year. Diesel had previously reached a record Rs520.35 per litre in early April after rising sharply from Rs281 per litre during the escalation of the US-Iran conflict. Similarly, petrol climbed to a peak of Rs458.41 per litre after increasing from Rs266 per litre in early March. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik recently announced that fuel prices would now be reviewed daily instead of weekly. The decision aims to ensure domestic fuel prices better reflect international market trends, especially during periods of global uncertainty. Under the new policy, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) will determine daily fuel prices based on changes in international oil markets. However, the move has faced criticism from the All Pakistan Dealers Association, which has warned that it may launch protests against the daily pricing mechanism. Petrol is primarily used by private vehicle owners, motorcycles, rickshaws, and small transport operators. As a result, any increase directly impacts middle- and lower-income households. High-speed diesel is widely used in heavy transport, agriculture, power generation, and industrial sectors, meaning price hikes can also increase transportation and production costs, contributing to inflation. With monthly sales of 700,000 to 800,000 tonnes, petrol and diesel remain Pakistan’s largest petroleum products by consumption and are significant contributors to government revenue. As global oil prices continue to fluctuate, consumers should expect further adjustments in domestic fuel prices in the coming weeks.

A private company security guard has reportedly gone missing from Lahore’s Nasirabad area, after which police registered a case of alleged abduction. Authorities have started an investigation to trace the missing man and determine the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. According to police officials, the case was registered on the complaint of the missing security guard’s daughter. The missing person has been identified as 55-year-old Ijaz Hussain, who was working as a security guard at a private company. In her statement to police, the guard’s daughter said that her father was unwell and had gone to Gulab Devi Hospital to get medicine and have tea. However, despite efforts to locate him, the family was unable to find any information about his whereabouts. Following the complaint, police registered a case and began collecting details as part of the investigation. Officials said that efforts are underway to trace the missing security guard and identify any possible suspects involved in the incident. Police teams are reportedly reviewing available information and taking necessary steps to find clues regarding the disappearance. Authorities have assured the family that the matter is being investigated and all possible measures are being taken to locate the missing man. Cases involving missing persons require immediate action, as early investigation and evidence collection can play an important role in determining the facts. Police officials have encouraged anyone with relevant information about the incident to cooperate with investigators. The investigation into the alleged abduction remains ongoing, and further developments are expected as police continue their efforts to recover the missing security guard and establish what happened.