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Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has strongly criticised the government over rising fuel prices, heavy taxation and electricity costs. Addressing participants at the party’s sit-in in Lahore, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said the government was putting an increasing financial burden on ordinary citizens. He demanded the immediate withdrawal of the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices. He said the petroleum levy had no direct connection with the actual price of petrol. He questioned the justification for repeatedly increasing fuel prices and said the government was making life more difficult for the public. “The government drops a petrol bomb on us every day,” he said. Hafiz Naeemur Rehman also criticised the government’s policies regarding independent power producers (IPPs). He alleged that successive governments had entered into unfair agreements with IPPs in the name of ending load-shedding. According to him, the government was now passing the cost of its own shortcomings on to the people through higher taxes. He said citizens were already struggling with expensive electricity and gas bills. The Jamaat-e-Islami leader said heavy taxes were being imposed on electricity and gas bills. He argued that such charges were increasing household expenses and adding to the difficulties faced by ordinary consumers. Hafiz Naeemur Rehman further said the government had shut down five of the 27 IPPs. He referred to the government’s own claim that the move would provide a benefit of Rs3,360 billion to the national exchequer. He questioned why similar measures could not be taken to provide lasting relief to consumers. He said the government should focus on reducing electricity costs instead of continuously increasing taxes and other charges. The Jamaat-e-Islami emir also criticised the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). He alleged that corruption within the tax collection system remained widespread. He called for greater transparency and accountability in government institutions. He said economic policies should be designed to provide relief to the public rather than increase their financial difficulties.

Pakistani journalist Murtaza Ali Shah was assaulted and injured while covering a protest march in central London. According to reports, Shah was attacked while reporting on a march organised by supporters of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which began at Hyde Park and proceeded towards the Pakistan High Commission. A large number of British Kashmiris gathered at Hyde Park before the march to express concern over the deteriorating situation in Azad Kashmir. Protesters called for an end to violence, the restoration of fundamental rights, and the resumption of dialogue. Eyewitnesses and videos showed that Shah came under attack as the march approached the Pakistan High Commission. While reporting from the scene, he was allegedly kicked and punched from both the front and behind by at least three individuals. A crowd quickly surrounded the journalist, escalating tensions until Metropolitan Police officers, protest organisers, and other participants intervened to prevent the situation from worsening. Police later escorted Shah away from the crowd and ensured his safety. According to reports, when Shah returned to the Pakistan High Commission to continue his reporting, members of the same group allegedly attempted to harass him again.

QUETTA: Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove remained safe after armed attackers targeted his convoy in Mastung on Friday. The attack took place in the Khad Kocha area. Langove was travelling from Kalat to Quetta when his convoy came under fire. The minister was not injured in the attack. However, six people sustained bullet wounds. Three of the injured were police personnel accompanying the convoy. The injured were immediately taken to Nawab Raisani Memorial Hospital for treatment. Hospital officials said six wounded people were brought to the facility. Two injured people were in serious condition. Two others were later referred to Quetta for further medical treatment. Security forces quickly surrounded the area after the attack. A search operation was launched to trace the attackers and determine their whereabouts. Security personnel also began collecting evidence from the site. The authorities are investigating how the attackers targeted the convoy and managed to escape. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident has raised fresh security concerns in Mastung and surrounding areas. Balochistan has witnessed several attacks in recent years, with security forces frequently conducting operations against armed groups. Langove belongs to the Balochistan Awami Party. He assumed the provincial home ministry in March this year. He has previously served as Balochistan’s home minister. His earlier appointment was later declared invalid after he was removed from the provincial cabinet in August 2024. The latest attack has prompted authorities to review security arrangements for senior government officials travelling through sensitive areas.