Two Foreign Nationals Among 32 Killed in Korat Train–Crane Accident

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held important diplomatic meetings in Manila during the ASEAN Regional Forum 2026, discussing regional security, global developments, and ways to strengthen Pakistan’s relations with other countries. Dar met Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong and reviewed the current state of Pakistan-Australia relations. Both sides agreed to further expand cooperation through regular high-level contacts and closer engagement. The two foreign ministers also discussed recent regional tensions and international challenges. They stressed that dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for international law are essential for achieving long-term peace and stability. Australia appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to support dialogue and reduce tensions in the region. Both countries agreed to continue cooperation on matters of mutual interest. During another meeting, Dar held talks with Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the positive progress in Pakistan-Oman relations and agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation. The discussions focused on increasing trade, promoting investment, improving business-to-business links, expanding people-to-people contacts, and enhancing cooperation through international forums. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments. They emphasised the need to uphold ceasefires, respect international law, and work together to promote peace and security. Oman praised Pakistan’s constructive role in encouraging dialogue and supporting regional stability. The two ministers agreed to remain in close communication on important issues. Earlier in Manila, Dar also met senior officials of the Asian Development Bank and called for faster progress on financing for Pakistan’s Main Line-1 railway project. He highlighted the long-standing partnership between Pakistan and the development institution and discussed expanding cooperation in different sectors. Dar also held separate meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rehman. The discussions covered bilateral relations, trade, energy cooperation, connectivity, and future diplomatic engagement. The ASEAN Regional Forum has brought together foreign ministers and senior officials from several countries to discuss major global and regional challenges, including security issues, energy supplies, trade, food security, and ongoing conflicts.

The Sindh government has announced a province-wide public holiday on Wednesday, July 29, to mark the annual Urs of renowned Sufi poet and mystic Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. The decision was announced through an official notification issued by the Sindh Information Department on Monday. The holiday will apply to provincial government offices and institutions operating under the administrative control of the Sindh government. It will also cover autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies, government corporations and local councils across the province. However, essential services will remain operational during the holiday. Employees working in services considered necessary for public safety and welfare will continue their duties. The Urs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai is observed every year at his shrine in Bhit Shah, Matiari district. The event attracts thousands of devotees from different parts of Pakistan. Visitors gather at the shrine to pay tribute to the Sufi poet and reflect on his teachings, poetry and spiritual message. Special religious and cultural activities are traditionally held during the Urs. Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Sindhi literature and Sufi tradition. His poetry is known for themes of love, spirituality, peace and human dignity. The provincial holiday is expected to facilitate devotees and residents participating in Urs-related activities across Sindh.

Islamabad: The National Highway Authority (NHA) is under pressure after a Senate committee expressed serious concerns over delays in project restructuring, slow progress on major road schemes and the need for better management of billions of rupees invested in national highways. The Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives questioned why important decisions regarding NHA projects had not been completed on time and directed authorities to speed up work to prevent further delays. The committee, chaired by Senator Quratulain Marri, reviewed the progress of NHA projects and examined issues related to projects financed through the Cash Development Loan system. Officials informed the committee that NHA was preparing a complete debt restructuring plan in coordination with the Ministry of Communications and Finance Division. The committee expressed concern over delays in implementing earlier decisions of the Economic Coordination Committee regarding the review and separation of NHA projects under the Public Sector Development Programme. Senator Quratulain Marri said the review process should have been completed much earlier and questioned why important decisions were still pending. NHA officials informed the committee that the review of projects was currently underway and assured members that the process would be completed as soon as possible. The committee also reviewed progress on major highway projects, including the M6 Motorway and N55 Highway. Officials informed the committee that the groundbreaking ceremony for the M6 Motorway Project is expected later this year. Regarding the N5 Highway, NHA officials said rehabilitation work on different sections was currently continuing with financial support from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Officials told the committee that NHA conducts yearly surveys of highways to check their condition and classify roads as poor, fair or good. They said these surveys help authorities identify damaged sections and plan repair and maintenance work before conditions become worse. The committee also examined progress on the foreign funded portion of the N55 project. Officials informed members that the project was divided into different sections and progress varied across each part. They said one section from Shikarpur to Kandhkot had achieved 34 percent physical progress, with only eight months remaining before the completion deadline. The committee stressed that the remaining work must be completed within the planned time because delays increase costs and affect public convenience. Officials also informed the committee that another section from Kandhkot to Kashmore had achieved 22 percent progress and may face difficulties in meeting the original completion schedule. However, officials said other sections of the project were expected to be completed on time. The committee warned that delays in road projects not only waste public resources but also slow economic growth, trade activities and travel facilities for citizens. Senator Quratulain Marri emphasized that government departments should focus on completing existing projects before starting new development schemes. She said limited public funds must be used carefully and ongoing projects should receive priority until they are substantially completed. The committee directed NHA and relevant departments to improve coordination, complete pending reviews and ensure that important highway projects move forward without unnecessary delays.