Thailand to Begin Construction of Border Fences with Cambodia Next Month

Punjab authorities have stepped up action against Afghan nationals living in the province without valid documents. The Foreign National Security Cell of the Punjab Home Department is carrying out checks across the province. Officials are identifying Afghan nationals who are staying without acceptable visas. Those found to be residing illegally are being detained. They are then moved to designated holding centres before being repatriated to Afghanistan. A spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department said 2,689,295 Afghan nationals have so far been repatriated from Pakistan. The spokesperson said 140,468 undocumented Afghan nationals have been sent back from Punjab alone. Officials said the action is being carried out under the government’s existing policy. Under the policy, Afghan nationals without valid and acceptable visas are considered to be staying illegally in Pakistan. The crackdown is not limited to one area. Officials are conducting checks in residential neighbourhoods and commercial markets across Punjab. The authorities are also monitoring places where foreign nationals may be living or working. The purpose is to identify people who do not have the required legal documents. The department said detained Afghan nationals are transferred to holding centres. These facilities are being used to manage the repatriation process. There are currently 39 active holding centres across Punjab. According to the department, 188 Afghan nationals are currently staying in these centres. The provincial authorities have also directed action against people who rent properties to undocumented foreign nationals. Cases can be registered against property owners found violating the relevant rules. Officials said the enforcement drive will continue across the province. Authorities are maintaining checks in different areas as part of efforts to enforce immigration regulations.

German Consul General Thomas E Schultze has extended Independence Day greetings to the people of Pakistan, praising the long-standing friendship between Pakistan and Germany and calling for stronger bilateral relations. In his message marking Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, Schultze said the occasion was a time to celebrate the country’s creation while recognising the resilience, diversity and ambitions of its people. He noted that Pakistan and Germany will complete 75 years of diplomatic relations on October 15. He described the anniversary as an important milestone in the history of relations between the two countries. Schultze said economic links between Pakistan and Germany predated the establishment of formal diplomatic relations. He recalled that Siemens opened its first office in Lahore in 1922. According to the German diplomat, the relationship between the two countries rests on reliability, trust and sustainability. He said these principles had helped create lasting cooperation and opportunities that benefit both sides. Schultze highlighted the importance of economic ties between the two countries. He said Germany is Pakistan’s largest trading partner and the biggest importer of Pakistani products within the European Union. He also pointed to the significance of the EU’s GSP+ trade arrangement for Pakistan. Around 90 per cent of Pakistan’s exports to the European Union benefit from the scheme and enter the bloc’s market without customs duties, he said. The German consul general also highlighted the role of Pakistani women in the country’s future. He said women across Pakistan were making contributions in leadership, education, entrepreneurship and community development. Their efforts, he added, were helping create opportunities and inspiring younger generations. Schultze also spoke warmly about his experience in Pakistan. Having served in the country since last year, he praised the hospitality and warmth of the Pakistani people. He said Pakistan had gained a special place in his heart and expressed his appreciation for the relationship between the two countries. The German diplomat said he looked forward to working toward further strengthening Pakistan-Germany relations in the years ahead.

A low-level flood has been recorded in the Ravi River near Kamalia after water levels increased at the Mil Fatyana point. Authorities have stepped up monitoring and emergency preparations as floodwater continues to move downstream. According to the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Irrigation, around 50,000 cusecs of water is flowing through the Mil Fatyana section of the Ravi River. Officials are closely monitoring the river to assess any further rise in water levels and to ensure timely action if conditions worsen. The district administration has established flood relief camps in several vulnerable areas. The camps have been set up in Mil Fatyana, Kot Pathana, Adda Kalaira, Mauza Tara, Haveli Mai Safuran, Kot Karam Shah and Dedi. These facilities are intended to provide temporary shelter, food and emergency assistance to residents if evacuations become necessary. As part of efforts to improve disaster preparedness, Punjab has launched drone-based flood monitoring for the first time. The technology is being used to monitor river conditions, identify vulnerable locations and issue early warnings before floodwaters reach populated areas. Officials believe the system will help improve response times and reduce the impact of flooding. The rising water has already affected nearby agricultural land. Standing crops in Mil Fatyana, Khan Da Chak, Jhalar Sigla, Shahabal Shah, Basti Peepal Wala and Mauza Darsana have been submerged, raising concerns about crop losses and the financial impact on local farmers. The Irrigation Department has urged people living along the river belt to remain alert and cooperate with local authorities. Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to move to safer locations as a precaution against any further increase in water levels. Officials said surveillance of the Ravi River will continue around the clock. Rescue teams and local administration remain on standby to respond quickly if the flood situation intensifies. Authorities have also appealed to the public to follow official advisories and avoid unnecessary movement near the river until conditions become safe.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has announced record recoveries worth Rs5.414 trillion during the first six months of 2026, describing it as the highest six-month recovery in the institution’s history. According to an official statement, the bureau recovered Rs2.452 trillion during the second quarter alone, significantly increasing the overall recovery figure for the first half of the year. Among regional offices, NAB Sukkur recorded the highest overall recoveries. Meanwhile, NAB Balochistan reclaimed 209,544 acres of forest and state land valued at Rs604.64 billion, including areas linked to Hingol National Park and land belonging to the Gwadar Industrial Estate Development Authority (GIEDA). In Karachi, the anti-corruption watchdog recovered 11,422 acres of illegally allotted government land and disputed housing society leases worth Rs467.11 billion. The Lahore bureau reclaimed 1,909 acres of state and PCBL land valued at Rs288.29 billion, while the Islamabad/Rawalpindi office recovered 810 acres of CDA amenity plots in various housing societies, with an estimated value of Rs66.63 billion. NAB also reported progress in housing and financial fraud cases. The bureau said more than 24,365 victims received compensation through the return of recovered money and assets worth Rs42.303 billion. The accountability body said the recoveries reflect its continued efforts to retrieve public assets, restore illegally occupied state land, and provide financial relief to citizens affected by fraud and corruption