Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, in collaboration with the Secretariat of the UN Group of Friends for the Elimination of Hepatitis, hosted a high-level diplomatic briefing and consultation on Wednesday aimed at strengthening political commitment and international cooperation to eliminate viral hepatitis.Held on the sidelines of the UN High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS, the event, titled “Advancing Hepatitis Elimination: Building Momentum for High-Level Political Action,” brought together health officials, diplomats and global health leaders to discuss strategies for addressing one of the world’s deadliest chronic diseases.Participants reviewed the global burden of viral hepatitis, which claims an estimated 1.3 million lives annually, and explored pathways toward securing a dedicated United Nations High-Level Meeting on viral hepatitis by 2028. The consultation helped build consensus around a cross-regional political roadmap designed to elevate hepatitis on the international health agenda.The meeting opened with remarks by Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Usman Jadoon. Dr. John Ward, Director of the Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, provided a briefing on the global impact of viral hepatitis, recent political developments and opportunities to strengthen international efforts to combat the disease.Highlighting Pakistan’s domestic response, Jadoon said the government had launched the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis C Elimination Program with an allocation of $250 million in partnership with the World Health Organization. The initiative aims to eliminate Hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030 through free screening, diagnosis and treatment services.“To ensure effective oversight and accountability, the Prime Minister himself leads the National Task Force, which monitors progress and provides strategic guidance for the program,” Jadoon said.He added that the task force includes leading international and national experts, public health specialists, physicians, researchers and government officials.Participants also reviewed the World Health Organization’s latest Global Hepatitis Report and the ministerial declaration adopted at the 79th World Health Assembly. Discussions underscored that despite the availability of effective prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure options, viral hepatitis continues to receive insufficient political attention and financial resources compared with its global burden.The consultation provided an opportunity for member states and health officials to examine ways to raise the profile of hepatitis within the broader UN agenda. Delegates discussed procedural, political and financial considerations related to advancing future high-level action, including the possibility of a dedicated UN meeting on the issue.Participants stressed the importance of strengthening coalition-building efforts, ensuring broad geographic representation and expanding support among member states to achieve global hepatitis elimination targets by 2030.While no formal decisions were reached, delegates expressed strong interest in continuing informal consultations and identifying practical steps to increase political momentum for hepatitis elimination through existing UN processes and platforms.The meeting built on momentum generated during the 79th World Health Assembly, where health ministers and senior government officials endorsed a ministerial declaration calling for stronger leadership, increased financing and enhanced international cooperation to accelerate progress toward hepatitis elimination.Representatives from Pakistan, France, the Czech Republic, Mexico, Peru, Türkiye, Mongolia, China, Brazil, Malaysia, Spain and the Philippines participated in the consultation.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran have agreed to strengthen transport connectivity and address cross-border logistical challenges during a high-level meeting between the Federal Minister for Communications of Pakistan, Abdul Aleem Khan, and his counterpart, Iran's Minister for Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh.The Pakistani delegation also included Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal, and Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar.The Federal Minister of Pakistan, Abdul Aleem Khan has welcomed the restoration of peace in the region and lauded the unwavering determination and resilience of the Iranian people.He said stronger road and rail connections between the two neighboring countries would help unlock significant trade opportunities and deepen economic cooperation.Both sides reviewed various proposals and agreed to fully activate the Pakistan-Iran Joint Transport Committee.Minister Abdul Aleem Khan assured the visiting delegation that transport-related bottlenecks between the two countries would be resolved on a priority basis.thanked Pakistan for its role in supporting efforts to reduce regional tensions and facilitate peace initiatives."We highly value the unwavering support and cooperation of our Pakistani brothers," Minister Sadegh said.The Iranian Minister also raised specific challenges regarding the clearance of trucks and containers at the border.Senior officials from both sides attended the meeting and agreed to implement joint measures to swiftly resolve all outstanding issues at the Pakistan-Iran border.

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry for Information of Pakistan and the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have rejected a BBC Urdu report regarding alleged road closures in the region, describing it as inaccurate and contrary to the facts.In a statement, the authorities in Pakistan and AJK said a review of the BBC report found that its headline and allegation were based on comments from an anonymous source.The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of Pakistan has lodged a strong protest and formal complaint with BBC Urdu over the publication of fake news regarding Azad Jammu & Kashmir.The ministry stated that the BBC report relied on unverified and uncorroborated allegations while disregarding official facts and on-record statements.'Unfortunately, this is not the first instance of such reporting. The repeated publication of unverified claims has become a trend, and corrective measures must be taken, the Ministry for Information and Broadcasting added.Both governments argued that the report did not contain video evidence, independent witness accounts, or official statements to support the claim.The authorities said that, contrary to the report, highways across Azad Kashmir remained open to traffic.They further stated that the AJK Chief Secretary and Inspector General of Police had also denied the allegations in a press briefing.According to the Azad Kashmir government, protesters linked to a banned action committee attempted to plunder goods-carrying vehicles; however, law enforcement agencies intervened promptly, ensuring that transport routes remained open.The Azad Kashmir government further rejected BBC claims that citizens were being stopped on roads, describing the allegation as false.It also criticized the use of unnamed sources, saying it created the impression of an attempt to promote a particular narrative.Officials called on international media organizations to uphold journalistic standards and avoid publishing misleading reports.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah has indicated that petrol prices in Pakistan may decline further as international oil prices continue to ease following the de-escalation in US-Iran tensions.Exclusively talking to ARY News, Rana Sanaullah said the government has formed a dedicated team to monitor developments in petroleum markets and assess their impact on domestic petrol prices.He noted that global oil prices had surged during the US-Israel and Iran conflict amid concerns over regional stability and potential disruptions to energy supplies. In response to the uncertainty, the government had adopted a weekly review mechanism for petroleum prices.According to the adviser, oil marketing companies were required to purchase fuel at elevated prices during the period of volatility to maintain adequate stock levels. He said allegations that companies had earned excessive profits during the crisis did not fully reflect the realities of market fluctuations.Rana Sanaullah added that while companies may benefit from price movements at certain times, they also face losses when market conditions reverse.He said the government would review the extent of gains and losses within the sector while ensuring that the pricing system continues to function smoothly.Read more: Pakistan oil industry warns of fuel supply risks after petrol, diesel price cutsHe stressed that the government remains committed to passing on the benefits of lower international oil prices to consumers. However, he warned that any attempt to create an artificial fuel shortage or market disruption would be dealt with strictly.The remarks come as international crude oil prices have declined in recent days, raising expectations of further relief for consumers if the downward trend continues.Brent crude fell more than one percent Thursday, slipping below its closing level on the eve of the Middle East war, as investors grow optimistic about US-Iran peace talks and tankers continue through the Strait of Hormuz.The contract for August hit a low of $72.44 a barrel, compared with the February 27 close of $72.48. Brent soared as high as $119 in the weeks after the United States and Israel began their strikes on Iran on February 28.

The Iranian rial has witnessed renewed demand and a rise in value following the reported peace agreement between Iran and the United States, as investors speculate on the potential lifting of economic sanctions and an improvement in Iran’s financial outlook.Chairman of the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan, Malik Bostan said the recent appreciation in the rial is being driven by expectations that sanctions relief could boost the currency’s value, similar to the gains seen after the partial easing of sanctions during the Obama administration in 2016.According to Bostan, the value of 10 million Iranian rials had previously risen significantly following sanctions relief but later declined after sanctions were reimposed in 2018. He noted that a similar pattern is now influencing investor sentiment.He explained that the rial's value fluctuated sharply during the recent period of uncertainty but has recovered following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries.Read more: Iranian rial surges against PKR after Islamabad MoUHowever, Bostan cautioned that investment in the Iranian rial carries significant risks.He said the rial could lose value again if tensions escalate or if agreements fail to materialize, while a successful sanctions-relief process could lead to substantial appreciation.He advised investors to adopt a short-term strategy rather than making large or long-term commitments, suggesting that profits should be realized as the currency appreciates instead of waiting for highly optimistic targets.Bostan also said that any easing of sanctions on Iran could have broader economic implications for Pakistan, including the possible revival of the long-delayed Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project and expanded trade opportunities between the neighboring countries.

OKARA: A policeman has been booked for raping a female labourer in Punjab's Okara, ARY News reported on Thursday.Policeman named Zeeshan, deputed at PS-A Division Okara, lured the female labourer and raped her in a nearby village, as per FIR registered against him.Rape-victim girl claimed Zeeshan promised to marry her but turned back from his promise. She also alleged that the policeman is issuing her dire threats and demanded justice in the matter.Earlier, a woman was allegedly gang-raped in Lahore after being lured on the pretext of job offer.According to details, a first information report (FIR) – on the complaint of the victim – has been registered at Gujjar Pura Police Station under provisions of kidnapping and sexual assault.Read more: Police break up jirga settlement in ‘rape case’ in PeshawarIn the FIR, the woman stated that the suspect – Khalil – offered a job to her and asked her to reach Kot Khawaja Saeed Hospital for a meeting.As she reached the location, the suspect took her to a house where he, along with two other accomplices, locked her in a room and raped her on gunpoint.The woman, in the FIR, claimed that the suspect also recorded the videos of the immoral act on a mobile phone and warned her against informing the police.The victim further said that she befriended the accused Khalil on social media and the latter introduced himself as the manager of a medicine company.A police official said raids were being carried out for the arrest of the suspects who had gone underground after committing the crime. He said police were trying to trace the locations of the culprits through their mobile phones data.

PESHAWAR: Police in the Badaber area of Peshawar have arrested three suspects in connection with an alleged gang rape case, bringing the incident to a conclusion, officials said.According to police, several members of a local jirga who were involved in deciding the matter have also been taken into custody.Officials said the alleged incident took place a few months ago. After the incident, a local jirga reportedly decided that one of the accused would marry the victim, while compensation money would also be paid to her father.Police stated that a dispute later emerged over the payment of the agreed amount, following which the victim’s father approached law enforcement authorities.A formal FIR was registered, and the suspects were arrested immediately, police confirmed. During initial investigation, police said it was found that there had been prior contact between the suspects and the victim.Further investigation into all aspects of the case is currently underway, according to officials.Read more: Sargodha tragedy: Minor girl allegedly raped, killed near local shopEarlier, a seven-year-old girl was allegedly raped and murdered in Sargodha. Police said the Class 2 student went out to buy something from a nearby shop and was lured away by two men working at the store. Both shop employees have been taken into custody, officials claimed.Family members said the girl left home to get items and went missing. Her body was found during the search, after which police started investigation.Sources said initial questioning of the two suspects is underway. Forensic evidence and other material are also being collected.Police said the post-mortem report and investigation will determine the exact nature and motive behind the incident. The body was sent to hospital for autopsy.In other news, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has converted the death sentence of a man convicted of raping a 10-year-old girl at a school in Sheikhupura to life imprisonment. Justice Salahuddin Panhwar issued the written verdict.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives and widespread devastation caused by the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela.In separate statements, they extended their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and conveyed sympathies to the Government and people of Venezuela during this difficult time.The president and the prime minister said people of Pakistan stand in solidarity with the people of Venezuela and share their grief.Venezuela’s interim leader declared a state of emergency Wednesday as two massive earthquakes caused buildings in the capital to crumble and forced the closure of the country’s main airport.Delcy Rodriguez said 20 aftershocks had followed the earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, which struck the same area of Venezuela, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).Read more: Emergency declared after powerful twin quakes rattle VenezuelaThe quakes triggered panic in the capital and drove people into the streets, AFP journalists saw.“The stairs came away, the whole wall cracked. Things fell from the ceiling. It was horrible,” said 54-year-old bank employee Odalis Escalona.It remained unknown if there were fatalities, but some people were injured and buildings had collapsed, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said earlier.An AFP journalist saw a 22-storey building completely destroyed in the capital’s Altamira neighbourhood, where people cried out relatives’ names as volunteers climbed over the rubble. “We need flashlights,” one of them said.The first quake, with an epicenter 21 kilometers (13 miles) west of the coastal town of Moron, occurred at 2204 GMT, USGS said. Within a minute, a 7.5-magnitude quake struck about 45 kilometers away.“This earthquake was the second event in a doublet. This magnitude 7.5 mainshock was preceded by 39 seconds by a 7.2 foreshock,” USGS said.

LAHORE: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has rejected objections raised by the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) regarding the installation of monitoring cameras in textile mills, ARY News reported on Thursday, citing sources.A dispute between the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has intensified over the installation of surveillance cameras in textile mills.According to FBR sources, cameras will be installed in textile mills across the country from July 1 as part of efforts to enhance transparency and tax compliance within the sector.Sources said that final warnings have been issued to the owners of 180 textile mills, directing them to ensure compliance with the new requirements. Mill owners will be responsible for bearing the installation costs of the cameras.FBR sources further stated that mills failing to install the required monitoring systems will be treated as non-operational for regulatory purposes.The tax authority alleges that the textile sector is attempting to conceal tax liabilities amounting to approximately Rs600 billion, prompting stricter monitoring measures.Officials added that similar camera-based monitoring systems have already been implemented in the sugar, cement, and fertilizer industries.Read more: APTMA, FBR at loggerheads over installation of monitoring camerasAPTMA sources argue that if the FBR wants to install cameras for its own monitoring purposes, it should bear its costs. They also contend that the initiative should not be limited to textile mills alone and should be extended to ginning and spinning units as well.Industry representatives point out that only around 180 textile mills remain operational in the country, whereas there are more than 1,200 ginning and spinning units. They claim that expanding monitoring efforts to these sectors could help generate greater tax revenues.The standoff between the tax authority and textile manufacturers continues, with both sides holding firm to their positions.

BANNU: At least four people, including a mother and her two sons, were killed while two others, including a young girl, sustained injuries in a firing incident in Bannu, ARY News reported on Thursday, quoting local police.According to police, the shooting occurred in the Shabri Bharat area of Bannu, reportedly following a dispute involving women.The deceased include a mother, her two sons, and another man. The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.Police officials said they reached the scene soon after receiving information about the incident and launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.Read more: Lawyer Killed, 7 Injured in Swat Fight Sparked by Children’s DisputeOn Wednesday, three proclaimed offenders were gunned down during a police encounter in Swabi.The encounter took place in the Gudduabad area of Swabi.Earlier this year, one person was killed and seven others were injured in a violent clash sparked by a dispute among children in Swat, KP.According to the police, the tragic incident occurred in the Shana Karpa Haji Abad area of Swat. The deceased was identified as Advocate Attaullah Jan.The body of the deceased and the injured individuals were shifted to a nearby hospital, where the survivors are receiving medical treatment.

ISLAMABAD: The National Information Technology Board (NITB) has introduced ‘Pak App’ for residents of the federal capital, aiming to provide access to a wide range of government services through a single digital platform.According to details, NITB is relaunching the City Islamabad App in a revamped format designed to offer citizens a faster, simpler, and more efficient digital experience.Through Pak App, Islamabad residents will be able to access multiple public services seamlessly from one platform. The application has been developed under the “Pakistan Asaan Khidmat” initiative to ensure quick and convenient access to services offered by various government departments.Featuring a modern user interface, enhanced performance, and simplified navigation, the app is designed to make access to government services easier than ever before.Authorities say the platform will enable citizens to integrate a variety of public services into a single smart and connected ecosystem, supporting the broader vision of Digital Pakistan.Users can download the app by scanning the QR codes available for both Android and iOS platforms.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s economy received a positive boost as global financial institution Barclays upgraded its rating on the country’s sovereign dollar bonds.According to reports, Barclays reversed the downgrade it had issued in May, citing improving economic indicators, stronger foreign exchange reserves, and growing confidence in Pakistan’s fiscal and financial stability.The institution projected improved performance of Pakistan’s sovereign bonds, supported by rising investor confidence and expectations of further upgrades in the country’s credit rating.Barclays said Pakistan’s access to international financial assistance has contributed significantly to macroeconomic stability and strengthened the overall economic outlook.The upgraded assessment was highlighted in a Bloomberg report, which was later referenced by Adviser to the Finance Minister Khurram Shehzad in a post on X.“The resilience of Pakistan’s external position cannot be ignored and it underpins the more optimistic view,” the Bloomberg report cited analysts, including Avanti Save, as saying.Read more: Fitch affirms Pakistan’s ‘B’ rating with stable outlook, cites improving economic stabilityIt noted that the economy continued to demonstrate stability, noting the country’s improved fiscal position, steadier external buffers, “relatively steady” foreign reserves, and a “moderate growth/inflation picture”.Earlier, Global credit rating agency Fitch Ratings affirmed Pakistan’s sovereign rating at ‘B’ with a stable outlook, highlighting signs of improving financial discipline and macroeconomic stability.In its latest assessment, Fitch stated that maintaining the rating reflects better fiscal management and gradual economic stabilization, supported by ongoing reforms under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.The agency noted that Pakistan is likely to receive a $1.2 billion tranche from the IMF, which is expected to strengthen foreign exchange reserves and ease external financing pressures. The inflow would also help reduce the burden of external debt repayments.Fitch, however, warned that Pakistan remains vulnerable to energy-related risks in the Middle East, which could impact economic stability.

Security arrangements for the 9th Muharram processions across Pakistan have been finalised, ARY News reported on Thursday.In Karachi, the main 9th Muharram procession will commence from Nishtar Park and proceed along its designated route before concluding at the Hussainia Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar.Authorities have sealed all roads leading to the procession route by placing containers at key access points to ensure security and crowd management.More than 5,000 police personnel have been deployed along the route, while Rangers troops will also assist in maintaining law and order.Markets and shops along the procession route have been sealed, and sharpshooters have been stationed atop high-rise buildings as part of enhanced security measures.In Punjab, police have been placed on high alert ahead of Ashura, with authorities ordering enhanced security measures across the province.Inspector General (IG) Punjab Abdul Karim has directed law enforcement agencies to further strengthen security arrangements on the 9th of Muharram to ensure the peaceful observance of religious events.According to Punjab Police, more than 152,000 security personnel will be deployed across the province during Ashura, including over 70,000 police officers and officials assigned to duty on the 9th of Muharram.A total of 1,697 mourning processions are scheduled to be taken out across Punjab on Thursday, while 3,869 religious gatherings (majalis) will be held.Read more: Check out Karachi traffic plan for Muharram processions Karachi traffic police plan In a statement issued on X, the KTP said on Tuesday, “Special arrangements have been made to ensure the traffic flow and facilitate the citizens during the 8th, 9th, and 10th Muharram processions.”Police announced that both tracks of the road from Guru Mandir to Tower would remain closed to traffic. Citizens had been advised to use alternative routes to avoid inconvenience.Karachi traffic police officials said that more than 5,000 personnel would be deployed across the city for security duties. Additional force and reserve units would also be stationed along procession routes and majalis venues.Snipers had been deployed at sensitive locations, while continuous monitoring is being carried out through search and sweep operations. Citizens had been urged to report any suspicious activity immediately by calling helpline 15.According to a police spokesperson, security arrangements hadbeen further tightened on the directives of the Additional Inspector General of Karachi, and all necessary measures had been completed to ensure the safety of processions and gatherings.

LAHORE, June 24: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency has recovered objectionable videos and photos from a suspect accused of blackmailing women in Lahore, ARY News reported.Officials say the man had data of 40 women, 763 objectionable videos and 1,338 photos. He lured women on social media by offering “istikhara” readings, NCCIA said. Forensic analysis has helped identify several victims.The suspect ran his operation from his home and a boutique in Anarkali, Lahore. After gaining trust, he’d blackmail the women, the agency said. He used the shop to lure them to a shrine.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEMf_VaPTbgTwo mobile phones, two internet routers and an istikhara book were recovered during remand based on his lead.NCCIA Director Muhammad Ali Waseem said action against those exploiting women will continue. Raids are underway to arrest more accomplices, he added.Also Read: Teenage girl commits self-immolation over alleged blackmail in MurreeEarlier, a court in Karachi rejected the bail plea of a man accused of recording explicit videos of a woman and harassing her online. The bail plea was binned by Judicial Magistrate Inamullah Phulpoto after hearing arguments from both sides. According to the FIR, the accused gained the complainant’s trust during their engagement and developed a close relationship with her. The prosecution alleged that the suspect later administered an intoxicating substance to the woman, rendering her unconscious before allegedly recording inappropriate videos. The case states that the engagement was later called off after the complainant discovered that the accused was already married. In its remarks, the court observed that misuse of digital platforms has become a dangerous trend for women and that online crimes against women create fear within society. The court further stated that the law cannot remain a silent spectator in such offences and noted that the serious nature of the allegations did not justify granting relief to the accused. According to the Federal Investigation Agency, a mobile phone was recovered from the suspect during the investigation, while preliminary forensic analysis reportedly revealed objectionable material. The defence counsel argued that the case stemmed from a personal dispute and claimed the FIR had been lodged as retaliation after the engagement ended. However, the prosecution maintained that the complainant could face further threats if the accused were released on bail.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has appreciated the successful holding of Pakistan Rice Festival 2026 in the Netherlands, stating that such international trade events play an important role in promoting Pakistani exports, expanding access to new markets, and projecting a positive image of Pakistan globally.The Minister commended the efforts of Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Syed Haider Shah, Trade and Investment Counsellor Muhammad Shafiq Haider Virk, and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).He said that Pakistani basmati rice has become an important symbol of Pakistan around the world, and its growing international demand is encouraging for the country’s agriculture sector and exporters.Jam Kamal Khan termed the participation of more than 100 importers, retailers, food industry experts, renowned chefs, diplomatic representatives, and business leaders from across Europe as a reflection of growing international confidence in Pakistan.He said that the Government of Pakistan remains committed to increasing agricultural and food exports, promoting investment, and further strengthening global trade linkages.The event was held under the theme, “From Pakistan’s Fields to Europe’s Tables,” with the objective of further introducing Pakistani basmati rice in the European market, strengthening business-to-business connections, and creating new investment opportunities in the agriculture and food sectors.Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Syed Haider Shah, said that Pakistani basmati rice is being exported to more than 100 countries worldwide.He noted that its distinctive aroma, long grain, and excellent cooking qualities have made it increasingly popular among global consumers, retailers, and culinary experts.He said Pakistan is committed to ensuring quality, sustainability, traceability, and full compliance with international food safety standards in the agriculture and food products sector.Pakistani basmati, he added, is not merely an agricultural product but a distinctive brand protected through Geographical Indication (GI), representing centuries of agricultural heritage and internationally recognized quality.During the event, participants were offered an opportunity to sample different varieties of premium Pakistani basmati rice, particularly Super Kernel Basmati.Traditional as well as modern dishes prepared with Pakistani basmati rice were also presented.The participants were also given a detailed briefing on the Geographical Indication status of basmati rice, quality assurance mechanisms, traceability systems, and compliance with European market requirements.The event also included discussions on opportunities for enhanced agricultural and food-sector cooperation between Pakistan and the Netherlands.The upcoming Food Exhibition 2026, scheduled to be held in Karachi from November 23 to 26, 2026, was highlighted as Pakistan’s next major trade milestone in the food and agriculture sector.To showcase Pakistan’s wider export potential, a special activity titled “Goal for Pakistan” was also organized, highlighting Pakistan’s achievements in the manufacturing of world-class footballs.The Netherlands is among Pakistan’s most important export markets in the European Union. Bilateral trade between Pakistan and the Netherlands has reached approximately US$1.94 billion, while more than 50 Dutch companies are engaged in business activities across different sectors in Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD, June 24: The committee set up by the Prime Minister has submitted its interim report on right-of-way clauses in the Pakistan Telecommunication Reorganization Amendment Bill 2026, the Law Ministry said Wednesday.The panel reviewed proposed amendments and the existing legal framework for right-of-way in detail. It said the bill aims to improve digital connectivity while protecting citizens’ rights. But some wording needs more clarity to remove any ambiguity, the ministry added.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45m1E3UHQNU Telecommunication Reorganization Amendment Bill 2026 Key Recommendations Private property can’t be used without the owner’s consent and a mutual agreement. That’s a basic condition, the ministry stressed. The law must apply clearly to all public and private land and buildings.The committee suggested defining arrangements related to private ownership more clearly in the law. It also said a clear distinction should be made between land, underground telecom infrastructure, right of way and equipment. Separate procedures should be set for each case.If a licensed operator has a dispute with any party, the relevant government will handle it. Decisions must come within 45 days under the law. The committee recommended clear rules to guide the government on how hearings should work. Anyone affected by the government’s decision can then approach a tribunal.The report also called for a fresh review of the overriding clause. It asked for proposed penalties to be reviewed and harmonised.The PM’s committee has agreed on broad principles, policy objectives and necessary amendments. A new draft of the Pakistan Telecommunication Reorganization Amendment Bill 2026 will be presented within a week and reviewed again before a final decision, the ministry said.The government will keep telecom and IT sector growth aligned with public rights, it added. There’ll be no compromise on citizens’ property rights, protection and compensation. Right-of-way reforms won’t affect anyone’s ownership rights. The main goal, the ministry said, is to deliver high-speed internet across the country.Also Read: Committee recommends changes in contentious telecom bill

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has decided, at the request of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), to keep Saturday-opening branches open until 5 PM on June 27 and extend banking hours on June 29, and June 30, ARY News reported. The SBP took this decision to facilitate taxpayers making payments of government duties and taxes through Over-the-Counter (OTC) channels and Alternative Delivery Channels (ADCs).According to the SBP, all Saturday-opening branches of commercial banks and National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) branches handling customs collections shall remain open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, June 27, 2026.Additionally, all branches of commercial banks and NBP branches handling customs collections shall observe extended working hours on Monday, June 29, and Tuesday, June 30.Commercial bank branches will follow extended hours until 8:00 PM on Monday, June 29, 2026, and until 10:00 PM on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.Furthermore, NBP branches handling customs collections will remain open until 11:59 PM** on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.Banks are advised to ensure that their concerned branches remain open, in accordance with the aforementioned schedule, for as long as required to facilitate the special clearing of government transactions conducted by National Institutional Facilitation Technologies (NIFT).The banks shall also ensure the uninterrupted availability of their digital payment channels—including internet banking, mobile banking applications, ATMs, and other digital platforms—to facilitate the online payment of government duties and taxes.

HARNAI: Two coal miners were killed after becoming trapped in the Khost coal mine in the Harnai district of Balochistan, ARY News reported, citing police.The police stated that fellow coal mine labourers present at the location recovered the bodies on a self-help basis.The mishap occurred at the coal mine of contractor Mahar Ullah in the Khost-Shahrig-Harnai coalfield, the police added.The accident happened when a section of the mine collapsed, trapping the two miners, who subsequently lost their lives.Earlier,  two workers were killed in a fatal incident in Lakhra coalmine near Hyderabad, rescue sources said on Sunday.The incident happened in the coalmine of Sindh Lakhra Coal Company, rescue officials said.Rescuers said that the two labourers were fall down to the 100-foot-deep pit along with the machine.The deceased workers have been identified as Nadir Rajar and Juman Rajar, sources said.“The dead bodies of both workers have been retrieved from the mine and handed over to their families.It is to be mentioned here that a coal miner from Shangla in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was killed in an accident at Lakhra coal mine in last February, highlighting persistent safety concerns faced by mine workers across the country.The deceased, Aftab Shah, a resident of Leelai Dandai village in Shangla district, sustained fatal injuries while working inside the mine in a sudden incident. He later succumbed to his injuries despite rescue efforts.

KARACHI, June 24: Police have taken DNA samples from 8 suspects in the rape and murder of a 3-year-old Kulsoom from Quaidabad. Investigators say relatives of the child are among them.All 8 were sent to Jinnah Hospital for testing on Wednesday, sources told ARY News. Early evidence suggests a close relative may be involved.Post-mortem found human hair and multiple DNA traces on the child’s clothes, with marks of resistance. Karchi police now believe more than one person could be involved.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdfsAjR0RVQSindh IGP Javed Alam Odho ordered a high-level investigation committee. DIG East will lead it.The team includes SSP SIU, SSP Malir, SSP Special Branch Intelligence, SP Investigation Malir, the local DSP, SIO and the case IO. Officers from key law enforcement agencies are also on board.Odho told the committee to review every angle and update him daily. He said those behind the “heinous crime” against an innocent child deserve no leniency.“Use all available resources to arrest the culprits quickly and ensure the strictest punishment under law,” he directed officers. “Delivering justice to the family is Sindh Police’s top priority.”Police have detained several suspects for questioning. Medical exams will be done for all of them, officials said. The investigation continues.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnMgNXOC_OcEarlier, police found the body of a three-year-old girl packed inside a sack with signs of torture hours after she went missing.According to rescue sources, the child’s body was immediately shifted to the hospital for legal formalities and a post-mortem examination.Karachi police said the girl, identified as Kulsoom, had gone missing around noon after leaving her home to play outside.According to the First Information Report (FIR), registered on the complaint of the victim’s father, Qasim, at Quaidabad Police Station, he had left for work at around 10 a.m. At approximately 4:30 p.m., his wife informed him by phone that their daughter had been missing since around noon.The complainant stated that he returned home immediately and searched extensively for the child but was unable to locate her. Later, at around 7:45 p.m., he returned to the neighborhood and found a crowd gathered near his residence.According to the FIR, neighbors informed him that his daughter’s body had been found inside a flour sack.The complaint further stated that unidentified persons had killed the child and dumped her body near the gate of the street.Residents transported the girl to a hospital, where doctors informed the family that she had died several hours earlier, according to the FIR.Also Read: Sargodha child murder case: Suspect Arslan killed in CCD encounter 

The government of Sindh has announced a revised salary and pension disbursement schedule for government employees and pensioners, under which they will receive payments before the start of each month.According to a notification issued by the Accountant General of Sindh (AG), monthly salaries for government employees will now be disbursed on the 25th of every month instead of the 1st. Read Also: Salary increases for govt employees in doubt in THIS province Pension payments for retired employees will be transferred on the 26th of each month.The notification further states that supplementary and additional payments will be processed on the 29th of every month.While the payments related to the General Provident Fund and other outstanding dues will be processed between the 6th and 16th of each month, with an additional processing date set for the 20th.Through the notification, the AG Sindh has also directed all concerned government departments to ensure the timely submission of payroll documents to the AG Sindh office to make the smooth and uninterrupted transfer of funds.Officials said that under the new arrangement, beneficiaries will receive their payments before the beginning of the new month, and they believe that the measure will provide relief amid rising inflation.