Thailand Cuts Visa-free Stays To 30 Days For 60 Countries From September 15

The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has identified 741 dilapidated and dangerous buildings across the province. The disclosure was made during a meeting of the Sindh Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Karachi. The meeting was chaired by PAC Chairman Nisar Khuhro. According to an official statement, the SBCA briefed the committee about the condition of buildings across Sindh. The authority said a large number of unsafe structures were located in Karachi. Of the 741 dangerous buildings identified across the province, 588 are situated in Karachi. The figure includes 444 buildings classified as heritage structures. The SBCA also informed the committee about steps taken to deal with buildings that pose risks to residents and the public. According to the authority, approval has been granted to evacuate 59 dilapidated buildings. Permission has also been given to demolish 39 structures considered dangerous. The issue of heritage buildings also came under discussion during the meeting. The Public Accounts Committee decided to summon the Heritage Committee at its next session. It also sought a detailed report on buildings constructed illegally around the Mazar-i-Quaid. The committee expressed concern over unauthorised construction in important areas of Karachi. It directed the relevant authorities to provide complete details of such structures. The meeting also discussed illegal housing schemes operating in Karachi. The committee was informed about 58 unauthorised housing schemes in the city. The PAC directed authorities to take steps to prevent people from investing in these illegal schemes. It also ordered action against individuals and groups involved in operating them. The committee further directed officials to identify and disclose the names of people involved in the illegal housing projects. The latest disclosure has raised concerns over the safety of residents living in old and structurally weak buildings across Sindh. The authorities are now expected to take further measures to identify unsafe structures, evacuate residents where necessary and remove buildings that pose an immediate threat. The issue is particularly significant in Karachi, where hundreds of old and heritage buildings are located in densely populated areas.

SIALKOT: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has rejected claims that he questioned the Kashmiri identity of the people of Rawalakot, saying his remarks had been misunderstood and reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a public gathering in Sialkot on Friday, the senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader said he had “never said that the people of Rawalakot are not Kashmiris.” He stressed that Pakistan’s bond with Kashmir remains unwavering and added that pro-Pakistan slogans continue to be raised in Indian-administered Kashmir. Khawaja Asif also pledged that the government would not allow the abolition of refugee-reserved seats, describing Kashmiri refugees as the rightful stakeholders whose political representation must be protected. “The refugee seats will not be abolished. Kashmiri refugees are the true heirs of these constituencies,” he told supporters, adding that the government remained committed to safeguarding their constitutional and political rights. The defence minister also criticized the Action Committee operating in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, accusing it of encouraging unrest despite the government having previously accepted many of its demands. He claimed that financial assistance amounting to Rs24-25 billion had already been provided to address public concerns. Without presenting evidence, Asif further alleged that some members of the committee were “suspicious” and receiving foreign funding, asserting that their activities were creating unnecessary instability instead of contributing to constructive dialogue. Turning to politics, the PML-N leader expressed confidence that his party would form the next government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, saying the party remained committed to development, stability and public welfare in the region. His remarks come amid heightened political debate over Kashmir-related issues and governance in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where political parties continue to campaign on questions of representation, development and regional stability ahead of future electoral contests.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has sought responses from the federal government and the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports over the reported non-renewal of the passport of Arshad Khan, popularly known as “Arshad Chaiwala.” Justice Umair Majid Malik heard the petition filed by Arshad Khan, with Barrister Umar Ejaz Gilani representing him in court. The petitioner’s counsel told the court that Arshad Khan is an entrepreneur who has promoted Pakistani culture internationally. According to the counsel, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) verification board has already cleared Arshad Khan’s identity. His Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) is also active. The court was informed that Arshad had applied for renewal of his passport on August 20, 2025. However, despite the passage of nearly a year, the renewed document had allegedly not been issued. The lawyer said Arshad had repeatedly contacted the office of the interior secretary to resolve the matter but had not received a satisfactory response. He also informed the court that a legal notice had been served on the interior secretary. Despite the notice, no response was reportedly received. Arshad has asked the high court to direct the authorities to issue his renewed passport without further delay. His petition also seeks a declaration that the continued failure to issue the passport is unlawful and violates his fundamental rights. During the hearing, Justice Umair Majid Malik observed that the court would first obtain the position of the relevant government authorities before examining the matter further. The IHC subsequently issued notices to the Director General Immigration and Passports and the federal government through the interior secretary.