Top National Thailand Stories From the Past Week: Eight Monks Killed, Dozens Injured, After Pickup Truck Crashes Into Them Driven by 11-Year-Old Boy, and More

The economists and business experts have warned that the nationwide suspension of goods and oil transportation could create serious disruptions across Pakistan’s supply chains if the dispute is not resolved quickly, adding that prolonged interruption in cargo movement would increase operating costs, disrupt industrial production and put further pressure on exports. Experts said the ongoing situation should not be viewed merely as a dispute between transporters and the government, as the uninterrupted movement of goods is essential for manufacturing, agriculture, wholesale and retail trade, imports, exports and the distribution of essential commodities. They said the suspension of a large portion of the country’s freight fleet could create a chain reaction across the economy. Factories dependent on regular supplies of imported and locally produced raw materials could face interruptions, while manufacturers with completed consignments could experience difficulties in moving goods to ports, warehouses and domestic markets. According to economic experts, any prolonged disruption in freight movement could raise costs at multiple stages of the supply chain, ultimately increasing prices for businesses and consumers. They urged the government to give immediate priority to negotiations with transport representatives and ensure restoration of normal cargo movement, while simultaneously addressing the structural issues that have contributed to growing tensions in the transport sector. Experts said the introduction of daily petroleum price adjustments had added another layer of uncertainty to an already difficult operating environment. Fuel represents a major component of freight costs, and daily changes make it difficult for transport operators to determine charges for journeys that may take several days. The resulting uncertainty also affects manufacturers and traders because businesses cannot accurately forecast the cost of moving raw materials and finished products. For exporters, the issue is particularly significant as freight costs are often incorporated into orders and contracts agreed weeks or months before shipment. Economists said Pakistan needed a petroleum pricing framework that reflected international market movements while providing sufficient predictability for businesses. They noted that frequent changes in fuel prices could complicate production planning, inventory management and commercial contracting. They further cautioned that heavy reliance on petroleum taxes and levies could become counterproductive if it substantially increased transportation and production costs. Higher fuel prices raise the delivered cost of raw materials, machinery, food products and finished goods and also increase the cost of moving agricultural inputs and crops between production areas and markets. According to experts, the current disruption has also exposed weaknesses in Pakistan’s logistics infrastructure. The country needs better freight facilities, rationalised toll charges, adequate parking for heavy vehicles around ports and industrial zones, streamlined licensing procedures and a taxation framework that does not place excessive pressure on formal transport operators. They stressed that logistics costs should be considered an integral part of Pakistan’s export strategy. Export competitiveness depends not only on the cost of manufacturing a product but also on the expense and reliability of moving raw materials to factories and finished goods to ports. Experts said Pakistani exporters already face intense competition from regional economies where supply chains are becoming more efficient and predictable. Any additional increase in domestic transportation costs could further reduce the price competitiveness of Pakistani products in international markets. They recommended establishing a permanent consultation mechanism involving transporters, chambers of commerce, manufacturers, exporters, oil-sector representatives and relevant government agencies. Such a platform could identify emerging problems and develop solutions before individual disputes escalate into economy-wide disruptions. Economists also called for a review of withholding tax arrangements affecting goods transporters, saying the taxation system should encourage formalisation, investment and expansion of the logistics sector rather than create additional working-capital pressures. They said all transport-related taxes, tolls, fees and regulatory charges should be reviewed collectively to determine their overall impact on freight costs.

  Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Hafiz Naeem Rehman, held separate meetings with the ambassadors of Iran and Afghanistan in Islamabad, where the leaders discussed regional developments, bilateral relations, and the importance of strengthening cooperation among neighboring countries. Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam and Afghan Ambassador Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb separately visited Hafiz Naeem Rehman to offer their condolences on the passing of Amir-ul-Azeem, a senior Jamaat-e-Islami leader. The ambassadors expressed sympathy with the party leadership and prayed for the departed soul. During his meeting with the Iranian ambassador, Hafiz Naeem Rehman highlighted the close historical and religious ties between Pakistan and Iran. He said the two neighboring countries share deep-rooted cultural, religious, and social bonds that have strengthened their relationship over the years. According to him, Pakistan and Iran are closely connected and should continue to work together in promoting peace, stability, and mutual prosperity in the region. While meeting Afghan Ambassador Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, the Jamaat-e-Islami chief said the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan are linked by centuries-old religious, historical, and cultural relations. He emphasized that the two countries have common interests and should continue to strengthen cooperation for the benefit of their peoples. Hafiz Naeem Rehman stressed that differences between Pakistan and Afghanistan can be resolved through sustained dialogue, mutual trust, and regular communication. He said constructive engagement and confidence-building measures are essential to overcoming misunderstandings and creating a stable relationship between the neighboring countries. Speaking about the broader regional situation, the Jamaat-e-Islami chief called for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Iran, Gaza, and Lebanon. He said ending hostilities is essential to preventing further humanitarian suffering and restoring peace in the region. He emphasized that dialogue and diplomatic efforts should take precedence over military confrontation. Hafiz Naeem Rehman also expressed solidarity with Iran in the face of what he described as American and Israeli aggression. He stated that the Iranian government and people deserve support during the current regional crisis and reaffirmed his party’s backing for Iran against external military actions. The Iranian ambassador, Reza Amiri Moghadam, underscored the importance of closer cooperation among Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye. He said stronger collaboration between these influential Muslim countries is essential for ensuring lasting peace, stability, and economic development across the region. He noted that collective efforts and constructive dialogue could help address regional challenges and promote greater unity among Islamic nations. During the separate meeting, Afghan Ambassador Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb also emphasized the significance of bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He said meaningful collaboration between the two neighboring countries is vital for achieving sustainable peace, regional stability, and economic progress. According to the ambassador, both countries have a shared responsibility to work together on issues of mutual interest and maintain regular engagement to strengthen their longstanding relationship. The meetings reflected a shared commitment to enhancing regional cooperation and maintaining dialogue at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. Both ambassadors and the Jamaat-e-Islami chief agreed that peaceful engagement, mutual respect, and stronger ties among neighboring countries remain essential for addressing common challenges and ensuring long-term stability in South and West Asia. The discussions concluded with a renewed emphasis on promoting peace through diplomacy, strengthening regional partnerships, and fostering closer cooperation among Muslim countries to contribute to stability and prosperity across the wider region.

A shocking alleged organ trafficking case has emerged from Pattoki, where a man claims he was lured by a close friend with the promise of a job, only to wake up without one of his kidneys. Police have registered a case and launched a search for the suspect as the investigation continues. According to police, the victim, identified as Rehmat, a resident of Pattoki, was allegedly approached by his friend Raza on June 26 with an offer of employment. Trusting the promise of work, Rehmat reportedly accompanied Raza, unaware of what police say happened next. Investigators allege that the suspect took Rehmat to Rawalpindi, where he was given a drink believed to have been laced with intoxicating substances. Police say the victim lost consciousness after consuming the beverage. When he regained consciousness, he allegedly discovered that one of his kidneys had been surgically removed. Authorities further allege that the kidney was illegally sold as part of an organ trafficking operation. However, police have not yet released details regarding where the procedure was carried out or whether additional suspects were involved. Investigators are examining all possible links to determine if the case is connected to a larger criminal network. According to police records, a kidnapping case regarding Rehmat’s disappearance had already been registered on July 12 after his brother-in-law filed a complaint. The victim later returned home on his own and narrated the alleged incident to his family, prompting investigators to expand the scope of the inquiry. Police have confirmed that the primary suspect, Raza, remains at large. Search operations are underway to locate and arrest him. Authorities are also collecting medical evidence and recording witness statements to verify the victim’s claims and strengthen the investigation. Illegal organ trafficking remains a serious criminal offense in Pakistan and poses significant risks to victims, many of whom are targeted through deception, financial desperation, or false promises of employment. Law enforcement agencies continue to urge the public to remain cautious of suspicious job offers and to immediately report any unusual activities to the authorities. As the investigation progresses, police say further legal action will depend on the evidence gathered. Officials have urged the public to avoid speculation and allow investigators to complete their work. More details are expected to emerge as the case develops and authorities continue their efforts to apprehend the suspect.