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  The Pakistan Goods Transporters Association has raised serious concerns over the volatile and unpredictable daily adjustments in petroleum prices, stating that such frequent fluctuations make it impossible for the transport sector to continue operations smoothly. In a press conference held in Lahore, association officials, led by President Nabeel Mahmood Tariq, articulated a series of demands and grievances that have been mounting over recent months, warning that without immediate government intervention, the entire logistics and supply chain network could face severe disruption. Addressing the media alongside other senior office-bearers of the All Pakistan Goods Transporters Association, Nabeel Mahmood Tariq emphasized that the transportation industry is the backbone of the national economy, responsible for moving essential commodities, industrial raw materials, and consumer goods across the length and breadth of the country. However, he argued that the current pricing mechanism for petroleum products—which has seen almost daily revisions—has created an environment of extreme uncertainty for fleet operators. Unlike larger corporate entities, most truck owners and small transport companies operate on thin profit margins, and without a stable fuel pricing framework, they are unable to quote competitive rates to clients or plan their operational budgets effectively. Tariq pointed out that many transporters have already started grounding their vehicles, as each trip now carries the risk of financial loss if fuel prices rise unexpectedly mid-journey. Beyond fuel prices, the association president laid out a comprehensive list of demands aimed at reducing the financial burden on the sector. First and foremost, he called for an immediate end to unnecessary customs checking at various inter-provincial checkpoints. According to Tariq, these intrusive and repetitive inspections not only cause long delays—sometimes stretching into hours—but also open the door to harassment and bribery, which further inflate the cost of doing business. He urged the federal and provincial governments to streamline customs procedures and adopt a more efficient, technology-driven system that would expedite the movement of goods without compromising security or revenue collection. Another major point of contention raised by Tariq was the recent increase in toll taxes on highways and motorways. He demanded that this hike be rolled back completely, arguing that transporters are already struggling with rising maintenance costs, spare part prices, and tyre rates. The additional toll burden, he said, is simply unsustainable and forces many operators to take longer, less safe alternative routes, which ultimately hurts the overall efficiency of freight movement. Turning his attention to provincial policies, particularly in Punjab, Tariq called for the establishment of new, modern truck terminals across the province. He noted that existing truck stands and loading points are outdated, overcrowded, and lack basic amenities for drivers and helpers. New truck yards, equipped with proper parking, resting areas, workshops, and loading/unloading facilities, would not only improve working conditions but also reduce traffic congestion in urban centers. He also strongly condemned the 300 percent increase in token tax imposed on commercial vehicles in Punjab, labeling it as punitive and counterproductive. He demanded that this excessive tax hike be withdrawn immediately, asserting that it disproportionately affects small owner-operators who form the majority of the association’s membership. In a significant announcement, Nabeel Mahmood Tariq declared that the association fully supports the wheel-jam strike (hunger strike) called for August 8, which has been organized by various transport unions across the country to pressure the government into addressing these long-standing issues. He clarified that this is not a political move but a last-resort measure to draw attention to the existential crisis facing the transport industry. He warned that if the government fails to respond positively before that date, thousands of trucks, trailers, and tankers will park on the roads, effectively paralyzing the movement of food, medicine, fuel, and industrial goods. Such a strike, he cautioned, would have catastrophic consequences for an already fragile economy, leading to shortages, price hikes, and factory closures. Concluding his address, Tariq appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the chief ministers of all provinces to personally intervene and hold urgent consultations with transport representatives. He reiterated that the industry is not asking for subsidies or charity, but merely for a predictable policy environment, fair taxation, and the elimination of corrupt practices at checkpoints. He expressed hope that the government would act wisely and avert a crisis that benefits no one except speculators and hoarders. The press conference ended with a unanimous resolution passed by the association leaders, vowing to continue their struggle peacefully but firmly until all their legitimate demands are met. The coming days, they warned, will be decisive for the future of Pakistan’s transport sector and, by extension, its entire supply chain.

  The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has launched an investigation into an alleged social media campaign aimed at damaging the reputation of Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon and his son. According to NCCIA officials, the agency has received a formal complaint from Sharjeel Inam Memon regarding the alleged defamatory content circulating on various social media platforms. The complaint was received by the Deputy Director of the NCCIA’s Karachi Zone, who has initiated the process of investigating the matter. Officials said the agency is currently working to identify individuals allegedly involved in operating social media accounts, creating content and disseminating posts that are claimed to have harmed the reputation of the senior provincial minister and his son. The investigation will focus on tracing the origin of the posts, identifying the people responsible for creating and publishing the material, and determining how the content was circulated and amplified across social media platforms. NCCIA officials said the agency has contacted around 10 major social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, X, and Instagram, as part of its investigation. The platforms have reportedly been asked to provide relevant information about the accounts and individuals involved in spreading the alleged defamatory posts. The agency has also sought details of accounts that allegedly played a role in making the posts viral. Investigators are attempting to determine whether the content was originally posted by a particular account and subsequently shared or promoted by other users. In addition, the NCCIA has requested data relating to social media accounts from which the allegedly objectionable posts were later deleted. Officials are seeking information that could help investigators identify the users behind such accounts, even where the original content is no longer publicly available. The development comes amid growing concerns over the use of social media platforms to circulate unverified, misleading or allegedly defamatory material against public figures. With social media allowing information to spread rapidly across multiple platforms, cybercrime investigators increasingly rely on digital records and platform data to trace the origins of online content. The NCCIA’s investigation is expected to examine the digital trail associated with the alleged campaign, including the accounts involved in creating, sharing and circulating the material. Investigators may also examine the extent to which the content was distributed and whether multiple accounts were coordinated in spreading it. The complaint reportedly alleges that the social media campaign was intended to damage the honour and reputation of Sharjeel Inam Memon and his son. However, the allegations remain part of the ongoing investigation, and any responsibility for the content will ultimately depend on the findings of the relevant authorities. The agency’s request for information from social media platforms is aimed at obtaining additional evidence that could assist in identifying the people behind the accounts and determining the circumstances surrounding the creation and distribution of the posts. The NCCIA has not yet disclosed the identities of any suspects or announced arrests in connection with the case. Further action is expected after investigators receive and analyse the requested information from the social media platforms. The case highlights the increasing role of cybercrime authorities in addressing complaints involving online harassment, defamation and the alleged misuse of social media. The investigation will determine whether the content in question violated relevant laws and whether those responsible can be identified and proceeded against under the applicable legal framework.

  Lahore, August 4, 2026: The Punjab Counter Narcotics Force (CNF) has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking across the province, achieving significant success in recent intelligence-led operations. The campaign is being carried out under the special directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif as part of the government’s commitment to building a “Drug-Free, Healthy and Safe Punjab.” Over the past two weeks, the CNF conducted 85 intelligence-based operations across the divisions of Lahore, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur and Sargodha. These coordinated raids targeted major drug trafficking networks operating in different parts of the province. The operations resulted in the arrest of 93 suspected drug traffickers, while authorities recovered approximately 296 kilograms of narcotics with an estimated market value of more than Rs. 53.4 million. Officials described the operations as a major step toward curbing the illegal drug trade and improving public safety. The seized narcotics included a wide range of illegal substances such as hashish, opium, cannabis (weed), crystal meth (Ice), poppy straw, cocaine, heroin and five litres of illicit liquor. In addition to narcotics, the CNF recovered a significant cache of weapons from the suspects. These included 13 pistols, two sub-machine guns (SMGs), four rifles and seven drones that investigators believe were being used to facilitate criminal activities and drug distribution. Director General of the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force, Commander Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal, said the Force’s success should not only be measured by the quantity of drugs confiscated but also by its ability to dismantle organised drug trafficking networks across Punjab. He noted that the CNF continues to rely on modern intelligence gathering, professional expertise and coordinated operational planning to identify and eliminate criminal groups involved in the narcotics trade. He further highlighted the Force’s overall performance since it became operational in August 2025. According to the Director General, the Punjab CNF has recovered a cumulative 24.7 tonnes of narcotics valued at more than Rs. 2.23 billion. He described these achievements as evidence of the provincial government’s zero-tolerance policy against narcotics and the effectiveness of its law enforcement strategy. Commander Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal also credited the Force’s progress to close coordination among various law enforcement agencies, which has strengthened efforts to combat drug trafficking and disrupt criminal organisations operating throughout the province. Reaffirming the CNF’s commitment, the Director General said the Force will continue to launch vigorous and indiscriminate operations against drug dealers and traffickers. He stressed that intelligence-driven policing, enhanced operational capabilities and sustained enforcement efforts will remain central to achieving the government’s vision of a province free from the menace of narcotics. Punjab authorities have reiterated that the fight against drugs remains a top priority, emphasizing that continued action against traffickers is essential to protecting communities, safeguarding young people and ensuring a healthier and safer future for the province.