KARACHI: A Few days after a Karachi-bound passenger was erroneously flown to Jeddah due to negligence of a private airline, a passenger was mistakenly boarded for the wrong flight, ARY News reported.According to Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), the incident occurred due to two individuals with the same name. Arif Ali, scheduled to travel to Dubai on a private airline, inadvertently approached the check-in counter of a foreign airline at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport.Without verifying his ticket, the staff of the foreign airline issued him a boarding pass for a Sharjah-bound flight. Arif Ali then proceeded to the departure lounge with the incorrect boarding pass.Shortly after, when the foreign airline’s legitimate passenger, also named Arif Ali, arrived at the counter, the staff realised their error.The foreign airline retrieved the boarding pass from the private airline’s passenger, Arif Ali, and sent him back.In the meantime, the private airline’s Dubai-bound flight had completed boarding, closed its gates, and departed. The PAA confirmed that the mix-up occurred due to oversight of the foreign airline’s staff.The affected passenger, Arif Ali, is financially disadvantaged and lacks the means to purchase another ticket.

LAHORE: The Punjab government has made a fitness certificate mandatory for motorbikes across the province to reduce the risk of accidents, Radio Pakistan reported.A law has been amended to allow for the issuance of a one-year fitness certificate following motorcycle testing.The public has been encouraged by the Transport Department to seek a certificate after their motorcycles have been inspected for fitness.The Punjab government has already imposed a 60 per hour speed limit for motorcycles across the provinceAccording to a notification issued by the Transport Department, the new speed limit is now in effect, and violations will result in fines or legal action.The decision aimed to enhance road safety and reduce traffic accidents involving motorcyclists.

KARACHI: A Passenger, who was mistakenly flown to Jeddah instead of Karachi from Lahore, has issued a legal notice to the management of a private airline, ARY News reported.The affected citizen, Shahzain, maintained in the notice that the airline erroneously transported him from Lahore to Jeddah while he was boarded for Karachi.The citizen said that he had to face distress in Saudi Arabia due to the airline’s negligence.The legal notice demanded that the airline cover additional travel expenses incurred and provide a response to the matter.The affected passenger said that two planes were stationed at the domestic airline gate. He added that despite showing his ticket to the air hostess upon boarding, he was not informed he had boarded the wrong flight.Read More: Private airline takes Karachi-bound passenger to JeddahThe private airline has come under scrutiny after a passenger bound for Karachi from Lahore was mistakenly flown to Jeddah without passport and visa. The Pakistan Airport Authority had already taken notice of the incident, with the Lahore Airport Management holding the private airline responsible.The manager said that the passenger’s arrival in Jeddah instead of Karachi was a result of the airline’s ‘negligence and carelessness’.He said that a request for action against the airline has been submitted to the authorities.

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched Pakistan’s first dedicated Riot Management Police Force, marking a significant step forward in law enforcement and crowd control in the province.The new force has been created within the Punjab Police framework to protect the life, property, and safety of citizens as well as government infrastructure.Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister emphasized that protecting the lives and property of citizens remains her top priority.The provincial cabinet has formally approved the establishment of the force, which comprises physically fit, capable, and well-trained officers—specifically prepared to respond to unrest with professionalism and restraint.As per her directive, a comprehensive eight-week professional training programme was conducted for the first batch of personnel at the Police Training Center Farooqabad. The training followed manuals from the United States, Turkiye, Europe, and other developed countries, and was delivered by experts trained in Turkiye.During the passing-out ceremony, officers demonstrated exceptional crowd-control drills designed to safely manage violent protest scenarios.The first phase of the Riot Management Police Force includes 5,000 personnel, out of which 3,000 have successfully completed training. These personnel will be deployed across Punjab’s regional headquarters, with 250 officers assigned to each region to ensure swift and organized response to unrest.Each Riot Management Police team of 250 personnel is supported by 15 specialized sub-units, including First Aid Unit, Drone Surveillance Team, Crowd Engagement Team, Negotiation Team, Crowd Control Unit, Arrest Unit, Evacuation Team, K9 (dog handler) Unit, Sniper and Tactical Response Team.The force has been equipped with advanced crowd-control equipment, safety gear, and riot protection tools, and personnel will receive special allowances based on their professional roles.CM Maryam Nawaz was briefed that the Riot Management Police has been specially trained to manage all types of crowds, including organized violent groups.The aim is to not only neutralize threats, but also engage with protesters proactively to prevent damage to public and private property. She stated, “The establishment of this force brings a new dimension to modern governance. By safely controlling angry crowds, it becomes possible to de-escalate tension and prevent chaos.”The CM said that the Riot Management Police will respond to mobs attempting to create fear or unrest in a professional and strategic manner, minimizing both physical damage and reputational harm to Pakistan. “Attacks by violent protesters not only damage property but also tarnish Pakistan’s image globally,” she observed.She added, “This force is not only a protective shield for the people but also a symbol of our resolve to ensure law and order through discipline, readiness, and advanced training.”

KARACHI: K-Electric spokesperson on Saturday said that the protest held in Punjab Colony over alleged power outages was led by ‘miscreants’ allegedly attempting to forcibly restore illegal connections.“KE teams were leading efforts to foil the coordinated power theft attempt being carried out under the guise of a cable network. During the anti-theft drive in P&T Colony, KE teams faced resistance and were attacked by individuals allegedly involved in power theft,” the spokesperson said.The power utility maintained that no claims have been made for the confiscated materials that were being used to facilitate ‘illegal’ electricity supply through the cable network.According to the KE spokesperson, supply to the remaining pockets in P&T Colony was restored following assurances of cooperation from local community leaders and commitment from law enforcement for action against electricity thieves.The KE reiterated that strict legal action has been initiated against individuals involved in attacking KE teams and engaging in power theft.“The utility remains committed to curbing illegal electricity use. Any attack or violence against field teams is unacceptable, and KE reserves the right to pursue legal recourse against such actions.”

ISLAMABAD: A Passport serves as the sole confirmation of a citizen’s identity abroad and guarantees their right to exit and enter Pakistan.To simplify international travel and guarantee their safety overseas, the Interior Ministry's Directorate General of Immigration and Passports grants passports to its nationals.If they fulfill the conditions, all nationals of Pakistan are eligible for a Machine Readable Passport (MRP) for travel abroad.To receive the MRP, applicants must follow a set of procedures at the closest Regional Passport Office (RPO) after paying the required passport price.There are two procedure to apply for a passport, in-Person application and online application, however the second option is only available for those who are looking to renew their passports.Those who are seeking passport for the first time will have to visit the designated centres.The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports issues passports of different categories depending on the number of pages as the travel document is offered with 36, 72 and 100 pages.The fee structure varies for different categories and validity.36-page passport: 5-year validity: Rs 4,500 (normal), Rs 7,500 (urgent) 10-year validity: Rs 6,700 (normal), Rs 11,200 (urgent) 72-page passport: 5-year validity: Rs 8,200 (normal), Rs 13,500 (urgent) 10-year validity: Rs 12,400 (normal), Rs 20,200 (urgent) 100-page passport 5-year validity: Rs 9,000 (normal), Rs 18,000 (urgent) 10-year validity: Rs 13,500 (normal), Rs 27,000 (urgent) Latest fee structure as per Directorate General of Immigration and Passports official website MRP Fee for 05 YEARS Validity Category Fee Online Service Charges Online Fee Normal (36-Pages) Rs.4,500/- Rs.1000(Inclusive of taxes) Rs.5,500/- Urgent (36-Pages) Rs.7,500/- Rs.8,500/- Normal (72-Pages) Rs.8,200/- Rs.9,200/- Urgent (72-Pages) Rs.13,500/- Rs.14,500/- Normal (100-Pages) Rs.9,000/- Rs.10,000/- Urgent (100-Pages) Rs.18,000/- Rs.19,000/- MRP Fee for 10 YEARS Validity Category Fee Online Service Charges Online Fee Normal (36-Pages) Rs.6,700/- Rs.1000(Inclusive of taxes) Rs.7,700/- Urgent (36-Pages) Rs.11,200/- Rs.12,200/- Normal (72-Pages) Rs.12,400/- Rs.13,400/- Urgent (72-Pages) Rs.20,200/- Rs.21,200/- Normal (100-Pages) Rs.13,500/- Rs.14,500/- Urgent (100-Pages) Rs.27,000/- Rs.28,000/-  

LAHORE: Punjab police have taken several of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) workers into custody on Saturday as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur led convoy reached Lahore to express solidarity with suspended Punjab Assembly MPAs, ARY News reported.A group of PTI workers, led by party ticket-holder Yasir Gillani, had gathered at Shahdara Chowk to welcome CM Gandapur’s convoy. However, a heavy police contingent dispersed the crowd and detained several workers, including Yasir Gillani.Meanwhile, PTI leaders proceeded to the Raiwind farmhouse, where a meeting of the party’s parliamentary group is scheduled to take place. The meeting will be attended by the party’s central leadership, along with MNAs and MPAs from Punjab and KP.The agenda includes formulating a political strategy and planning the next phase of PTI’s protest movement against the government.Read More: Punjab Assembly Speaker suspends 26 opposition membersIt is important to note here that on June 27, 2025, the opposition MPAs allegedly caused disruption and damaged property during a Punjab Assembly session. In response, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan suspended the membership of these 26 SIC lawmakers.Later on June 28, the speaker announced his decision to refer the matter to the ECP for the disqualification of the suspended members.The members suspended by the speaker included Malik Fahad Masood, Muhammad Tanvir Aslam, Syed Riffat Mehmood, Yasir Mehmood Qureshi, Kalimullah Khan, Muhammad Ansar Iqbal, Ali Asif, Zulfiqar Ali, Ahmed Mujtaba Chaudhry, Shahid Javed, Muhammad Ismail, Khayal Ahmed, Shehbaz Ahmed, Tayyab Rashid, Imtiaz Mehmood, Ali Imtiaz, Rashid Tufail, Murtaza Iqbal, Khalid Zubair, Ijaz Shafi, Saima Kanwal, Muhammad Naeem, Sajjad Ahmed, Rana Aurangzeb, Shoaib Mir and Usama Asghar Ali Gujjar.

Karachi/Dubai, July 12, 2025 – The UAE Dirham (AED) is trading at 77.42 Pakistani Rupee (PKR) today at 7:09 PM PST, reflecting a minor decrease of 0.05 PKR from yesterday’s rate of 77.47 PKR, according to data from reliable financial sources tracking interbank and open market rates. This slight dip follows a strong performance in June, when the AED appreciated by 0.81 PKR, rising from 76.44 PKR at the month’s start to 77.25 PKR by its close, with a peak of 77.6111 PKR on July 1, 2025. The Dirham’s resilience underscores the United Arab Emirates’ expertly crafted economic strategies and its authoritative standing as a global financial hub. UAE Dirham- AED to PKR Rate-Daily UpdatesCurrency Profiles: AED and PKR The UAE Dirham (AED), established as the official currency of the United Arab Emirates in 1973, is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate of 3.6725 AED to 1 USD, as maintained by the Central Bank of the UAE. This peg ensures the AED’s stability, making it a trusted currency for international trade and investment across all seven emirates. The Pakistani Rupee (PKR), Pakistan’s official currency since 1948, is a floating currency managed by the State Bank of Pakistan, subject to fluctuations driven by domestic economic conditions, global market trends, and geopolitical factors.Economic Impact on Pakistan Today’s slight decline in the AED-PKR exchange rate provides marginal relief for Pakistani businesses importing from the UAE, reducing costs compared to yesterday’s rates. However, the Dirham’s overall strength, driven by June’s gains, continues to influence Pakistan’s economy. For the millions of Pakistani expatriates in the UAE, the robust AED enhances remittance values, which reached $717.2 million in June 2025, securing the UAE’s position as Pakistan’s second-largest remittance source after Saudi Arabia, per State Bank of Pakistan data. These funds bolster household incomes and stimulate local markets. Conversely, the elevated exchange rate increases the cost of Emirati goods, from luxury items to essentials, challenging Pakistani businesses and consumers. The AED’s peg to the US Dollar may further pressure Pakistan’s trade balance and raise debt servicing costs for loans in USD or AED. Economic analysts recommend that Pakistan strengthen export sectors and implement monetary policies to stabilize the PKR to address these challenges.UAE’s Economic Expertise Drives Dirham’s Stability The UAE’s economic strength is rooted in its strategic diversification from oil, with significant investments in technology, renewable energy, and vibrant trade and tourism sectors in hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Backed by authoritative fiscal policies and world-class infrastructure, the UAE attracts substantial foreign investment, as evidenced by its high global economic rankings. The Central Bank of the UAE’s meticulous oversight ensures the Dirham’s reliability, making it a trusted currency for global transactions. This economic expertise has sustained the AED’s value, even amidst minor fluctuations, as seen in today’s rate.

ISLAMABAD: Former Adviser to Prime Minister on Accountability Shahzad Akbar has emerged as a central figure in the 190 million pound corruption case against ex-premier Imran Khan, ARY News reported, citing sources.Shahzad Akbar ‘masterminded’ an illegal scheme that caused significant financial loss to Pakistan, the sources within the investigating authority said. The former PM Adviser had signed a confidentiality agreement on November 6, 2019, under which 190 million pounds were transferred from a specific account to an account designated by the Supreme Court.According to sources, the investigations revealed that the account was misrepresented as a State Bank account and registered in the name of the Supreme Court Registrar.“Shahzad Akbar made visits to the UK from February 4 to 8 and May 22 to 26 in 2019, during which he held meetings with the British Home Secretary and the Director General of the National Crime Agency (NCA),” the sources said.They added that during these visits, Shahzad Akbar devised a secret roadmap for the return of funds with NCA officials, without informing the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), or the State Bank.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3Tuo17Bxxw“Due to his mala fide intentions, the 190 million pounds were used for the benefit of individuals rather than the state.”Read more: PTI founder, Bushra Bibi convicted in £190m Al-Qadir Trust caseThe sources added that Shahzad Akbar and Farah Gogi jointly executed the 190 million pound deal. Although Akbar signed the agreement on November 6, 2019, the cabinet was informed only on December 3, 2019. Investigations have confirmed that Akbar played a pivotal role in concealing the corrupt funds. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and other relevant authorities are actively investigating the case, with legal proceedings underway.It is to be noted here that PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were given 14-year and seven-year jail sentences respectively by Rawalpindi accountability court Judge Nasir Javed Rana in the case, known as Al-Qadir Trust case or £190 million case.The court also imposed fines of Rs 1 million and Rs500,000 on Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, respectively.The accountability court also ordered to take Al-Qadir University into government custody.

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister (CM) Mir Sarfraz Bugti has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in the province, particularly the targeted killings of passengers based on ethnic identity, terming it a clear reflection of nefarious designs of ‘Fitna al Hindustan’.During a meeting with the delegation of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Saturday, Bugti urged human rights organizations to adopt an accurate and impartial understanding of Balochistan’s history and current realities.Bugti criticized the widespread dissemination as he termed a “distorted narrative” about Balochistan at national and international levels, stressing the need for a truth-based perspective to foster balanced discourse. The meeting addressed law and order, human rights challenges, and ongoing social development efforts in the province.The CM reiterated that the accession of the princely state of Kalat to Pakistan was a mutual agreement, not a forced annexation. He accused certain groups of deliberately misrepresenting history to mislead the public.Bugti strongly condemned recent acts of terrorism, particularly the targeted killings of bus passengers based on ethnic identity, calling the acts “barbaric” and devoid of any legitimate cause. He asserted that such violence is not a struggle for rights but a calculated attempt to divide the nation and weaken the country. He accused India of openly supporting terrorist activities in Balochistan, citing repeated statements in Indian media and alleged proxy involvement.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ItJnt_Os9sHe denounced terrorist factions for refusing dialogue and promoting violent rhetoric, asserting that such behavior is unacceptable in any civilized society.Read More: Indian-backed terrorists kill nine passengers in BalochistanAddressing the issue of missing persons, Bugti noted that the phenomenon is not exclusive to Balochistan and cautioned against blaming state institutions without evidence.He revealed that some individuals previously labeled as missing were later found involved in terrorism, and highlighted recent legislation aimed at resolving such cases through legal means.The CM urged human rights advocates to condemn all acts of terrorism, including those targeting Punjabis and other ethnic groups, rather than selectively focusing on specific narratives.“Protecting citizens is not just a duty, it’s a constitutional obligation,” Bugti declared. “We will take decisive action against terrorists and their supporters to safeguard peace and development in Balochistan.”

Karachi/Kuwait City, July 12, 2025 – The exchange rate between the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) and the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) saw a minor downward adjustment today, with 1 KWD currently valued at 930.03 PKR.This slight dip comes after a period of sustained gains for the dinar, interrupting a month-long upward trajectory. The KWD was recorded at 932.18 PKR on July 11 and 931.78 PKR on July 10, indicating a modest retreat from its recent peak.Despite today's small decline, the Kuwaiti Dinar has demonstrated significant strength against the Pakistani Rupee over the past 32 days, appreciating by approximately 10.36 PKR (1.13%) since June 10, when it stood at 919.67 PKR. This upward trend saw the KWD steadily climb through June and early July, reaching 922.06 PKR on June 13, 925.45 PKR on June 18, 926.79 PKR on June 24, 928.22 PKR on June 25, 928.32 PKR on June 26, 928.56 PKR on June 27, and 930.44 PKR on July 9, before its peak on July 11.Key Exchange Rate Figures (July 2025): July 12, 2025 (Current): 1 KWD = 930.03 PKR July 11, 2025: 1 KWD = 932.18 PKR July 10, 2025: 1 KWD = 931.78 PKR June 10, 2025: 1 KWD = 919.67 PKR What's Driving the KWD-PKR Exchange Rate Fluctuations? The minor retreat of the Kuwaiti Dinar today can be attributed to typical short-term market adjustments or potential profit-taking after its strong recent performance. The fundamental drivers of the KWD's strength remain robust: Kuwait's Oil-Driven Economy: Kuwait's substantial oil reserves and stable global oil demand continue to underpin the dinar's high value, reflecting a strong and resilient economy. Pakistan's Domestic Pressures: Conversely, the Pakistani Rupee continues to contend with internal economic challenges, primarily persistent inflation and ongoing trade imbalances. These factors consistently exert downward pressure on the PKR's value against stronger currencies like the KWD. Today's dip could be a temporary pause in the dinar's rally rather than a significant reversal, aligning with natural market volatility. Kuwaiti Dinar Rate-Daily Updates Impact on Everyday People: Remittances, Imports, and Investments Understanding the KWD-PKR exchange rate is crucial for various stakeholders: Pakistani Workers in Kuwait (Remittances): For the large Pakistani diaspora working in Kuwait, the dinar's historically high value continues to be a significant advantage. Their remittances, converted into Pakistani Rupees, stretch further, providing vital support for families back home covering essential expenses like food, education, and healthcare. While today's slight dip might mean a marginal reduction in the rupee equivalent, the overall strength of the KWD ensures remittances remain a crucial economic lifeline. Pakistani Importers: The small decline in the KWD could offer a marginal reprieve for Pakistani importers sourcing goods from Kuwait. However, it's important to note that costs remain elevated compared to June's lower levels. Kuwaiti Investors in Pakistan: Kuwaiti investors looking towards Pakistan might experience a marginally reduced edge due to the slight KWD depreciation. Nevertheless, the dinar's inherent strength generally continues to favor cross-border investment opportunities. This subtle shift in the KWD-PKR dynamic highlights the ongoing importance of monitoring currency movements for individuals and businesses involved in trade, remittances, and investment between the two nations. Understanding the Currencies: KWD and PKR Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD): As Kuwait's national currency, the KWD is widely recognized as one of the strongest currencies globally. Its stability and high value are primarily backed by Kuwait's immense oil wealth and sound, prudent financial management policies. Pakistani Rupee (PKR): The Pakistani Rupee is the official currency of Pakistan, regulated by the State Bank of Pakistan. While it serves as the backbone of Pakistan's economy, the PKR frequently faces challenges, including inflationary pressures, fiscal deficits, and a substantial national debt, which contribute to its depreciation against major international currencies like the Kuwaiti Dinar.

PESHAWAR: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Saturday expressed support for a change in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government, emphasising that any such change should come from within the ranks of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), ARY News reported.Addressing a press conference in Peshawar, Fazlur Rehman stated, "My priority is a change in the KP government, but it should be initiated from within PTI, since they hold the majority." He opposed the idea of an opposition-led move, warning that KP cannot afford further political instability.He also expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the province, claiming there is currently "no sign of governance" in KP."This government is paying extortion money to armed groups. The security situation in the province is worsening by the day," he said.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SbFjGsq07sMaulana Fazlur Rehman added that his party is considering calling an All Parties Conference (APC) to address the ongoing issues in KP, stating, "We want to consult with allies before making any decisions. If PTI changes its attitude, dialogue could be possible."Responding to a question regarding seat adjustments in the upcoming Senate elections, he said that meetings with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) are still in the early stages."It’s too early to comment on any potential seat adjustments related to the Senate elections," he said.He also mentioned rising lawlessness in Sindh, referring to the increasing influence of bandits in certain areas.Read More: Amir Muqam hints at ‘govt change’ in Khyber PakhtunkhwaNotably, just a day earlier, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi met with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman at his residence. The meeting focused on devising a joint strategy for the upcoming Senate elections and discussing the broader political situation in the province.Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Governor Kundi stated that the opposition would table a no-confidence motion against Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur as soon as it secures a majority in the provincial assembly."The moment we gain even one additional member, we are ready to move a vote of no confidence," he said.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said that the government is dedicated to achieving a complete economic recovery through long-overdue reforms, structural adjustments, and a focus on meritocracy.He was talking to a delegation of overseas Pakistani students selected for the government's internship program "Uraan Pakistan - Summer Scholars" in Islamabad on Saturday. PM Shehbaz recalled that when his administration took office in 2023, Pakistan faced a severe risk of default, with its future uncertain.“Most believed Pakistan would default, while a few thought we could avoid this crisis,” he said, noting that he held extensive talks with the IMF managing director, assuring that Pakistan would avoid default and secure the IMF program.PM Shehbaz said that during that time, the economy was struggling, with inflation soaring to 38 percent and the policy rate standing at 22.5 percent, creating a highly uncertain business environment.PM Shehbaz said that they had the huge burden and onus to march in unison and work with sincerity of purpose to change the situation.The joint work paid dividends as now the policy rate was capped under 11 percent. The Uraan Pakistan programme had taken off, he added.“The road is very challenging as there were long overdue reforms, and the structural changes had not taken place in the last many decades,” he observed, and stressed that Pakistan had to undertake these overdue long structural changes, through untiring and long efforts.PM Shehbaz also referred to reforms and digitization of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and said that they had shown doors to the corrupt people without being influenced.To weed out corruption in FBR, he was very clear in his mind and took decisions which had never taken without heeding to a culture of any ‘Sifarish’, he added.The prime minister said that previously, digitization process in FBR was only confined to papers as no practical step was taken and blamed the corrupt and shrewd elements for hoodwinking the system.PM Shehbaz said that it did not mean that there was dearth of hardworking and honest bureaucrats who were not given the chance, adding that they had brought forth the best people in FBR, including its chairman, and hired expert consultants.Now, he said digitization was the hallmark of FBR, where working had been converted from papers to multiple initiatives, including AI, and faceless interaction.Through enforcement of these measures, the revenue collection had risen from Rs12 billion to more than 50 billion rupees in one year, showing massive tax evasion in one sector alone, he maintained.The prime minister expressed the hope that students would benefit from the Uraan Pakistan initiative and extended his best wishes for their future.

MANAMA: Pakistan and Bahrain have emphasized the need to strengthen their security collaboration further.The consensus was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Bahrain's Interior Minister General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa in Manama.Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Manama, Bahrain, on a one-day official visit. At Bahrain International Airport, he was warmly welcomed by his Bahraini counterpart, Interior Minister General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa.Upon his arrival at the Ministry of Interior Headquarters “Manama Fort”, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was presented a guard of honor.Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held an important meeting with his Bahraini counterpart. Matters of mutual interest and security cooperation were discussed. Both sides emphasized the need to further enhance security cooperation.During the meeting, discussions were also held on bilateral cooperation in the areas of counter-terrorism, anti-human trafficking, and anti-narcotics.Both sides also focused on strengthening security cooperation, addressing regional and global challenges, and making the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Security Committee more effective. Both sides appreciated the coordination and cooperation between Pakistan and Bahrain in security and other sectors.The Bahraini Interior Minister stated that Minister Naqvi’s visit presents an opportunity to further solidify the security ties based on the strong relations between Bahrain and Pakistan. He added that Bahrain holds Pakistan-Bahrain security cooperation and coordination in high regard.Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that enhancing cooperation between the Bahraini and Pakistani Interior Ministries in combating narcotics and human trafficking is the need of the hour. Moreover, Mohsin Naqvi invited his Bahraini counterpart to visit Pakistan. He also recorded his remarks in the visitors’ book at the Bahraini Ministry of Interior.Bahrain’s Deputy Interior Minister Major General Adel bin Khalifa bin Hamad, Chief of Public Security, senior military officers, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Bahrain Saqib Rauf, Deputy Head of Mission, and other senior diplomatic officials were also present on the occasion.

MULTAN: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Saturday arrested two officials of Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) involved in corruption and issuance of .According to spokesperson, FIA Multan Zone team carried out a major operation and apprehended Barish Ali and Muhammad Yaseen, who were allegedly involved in fraudulent practices.The accused Barish Ali was posted as Line Superintendent at MEPCO Sub-Division Bahawalnagar,while Muhammad Yaseen served as Assistant Lineman.Initial investigations revealed that the accused,in collusion with Muhammad Shakoor (LDC) issued bogus demand notices using forged stamps of the National Bank of Pakistan(NBP).The accused illicitly obtained new meters from the government store and installed them at various locations in exchange for bribes.Read More: Power division responds to reports about ban on two electricity metersHe mentioned that the actions of the suspects caused a financial loss of millions of rupees to the national exchequer.A case has been registered against the accused and raids were being conducted to apprehend other accomplices involved in the scam.In a separate development, Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) earlier decided to discontinue the facility of bill payments at post offices.From July 1, 2025, electricity bills no longer being accepted at post offices, sources confirmed. IESCO formally informed the Pakistan Post about the decision.The decision is aimed at digitising the bill collection system to enhance efficiency and streamlining the operations, according to IESCO officials.

ISLAMABAD: The Sessions Court in Islamabad has suspended the ban on five more YouTube channels, bringing the total number of temporarily unblocked channels to seven, ARY News reported.The decision came during the hearing of appeals filed against the earlier court order that had directed the blocking of 27 YouTube channels.Additional District and Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka conducted the hearing.A day earlier, the court had also suspended the blocking orders for two channels. Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah issued the original directive to block 27 channels.In response to the appeals, the court has issued notices to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency and requested a detailed reply by July 21.The case remains under review as the court continues to assess the legality of the initial blocking order.Read More: Islamabad court moves to block 27 YouTube channels over ‘anti-state’ contentOn July 09, 2025, a local court in Islamabad ordered the blocking of 27 well-known YouTube channels for allegedly spreading anti-state content, following a petition filed by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah presided over the hearing and issued a two-page written order directing YouTube to block the identified channels.The court reviewed the FIA’s request, which was based on an inquiry initiated on June 2, regarding content considered harmful to national security.According to the court order, the investigating officer was heard in detail, and the available evidence was carefully examined.The judge concluded that the material in question potentially constitutes a punishable offence under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).“In light of the evidence, the court believes that the case involves criminal activity punishable under PECA and relevant provisions of the PPC,” the order stated.As a result, the court instructed YouTube’s relevant authorities to take immediate steps to block the 27 channels named in the FIA’s inquiry. 

ISLAMABAD: The Netherlands Embassy in Pakistan has announced its temporary closure from July 9, 2025, ARY News reported quoting embassy's official social media.According to a statement released on social media, the embassy had previously been closed on July 7 due to heavy rainfall.However, no specific duration for the closure was mentioned in the July 9 notice. The embassy has advised citizens with scheduled appointments not to visit during this period and assured affected applicants that they will be contacted soon to reschedule.It is worth mentioning here that widespread heavy rainfall lashed various cities across Pakistan.The National Disaster Management Authority NDMA report stated at least 87 people killed and 149 injured in rain-related incidents across Pakistan.The data, compiled over the past two weeks, mentioned the severe toll of the monsoon season, with flash flooding identified as the primary cause of the fatalities.In 24 hours alone, six more lives were lost, underscoring the ongoing danger posed by the weather system.Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bore the brunt of the disaster, reporting 30 deaths, including 14 children, and 30 injuries. Punjab followed closely, with 29 fatalities, including 15 children and four women, alongside 77 injuries.The NDMA report also noted losses in other regions, with one death in Azad Kashmir, 16 in Sindh, and 11 in Balochistan. Injuries were recorded as 34 in Sindh, three in Balochistan, and five in Azad Kashmir, reflecting the widespread impact across the country.Also read: Sweden announces reopening of visa services in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: A session of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Yahya Afridi approved the draft of SJC Service Rules 2025 and reviewed 24 complaints.Supreme Court's judges Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Munib Akhtar, Lahore High Court's Chief Justice Aalia Neelum and Sindh High Court's Chief Justice Junaid Ghaffar attended the meeting as council members, the SJC said in a statement issued on Saturday.The Council emphasized the need of further legal consideration over the amendments in the code of conduct and more consultations over the procedure of the inquiry.The session reviewed the 24 complaints filed under Article 209 and 19 of them were unanimously dismissed. "Remaining five complaints were deferred for the time being".Sources said that the Supreme Judicial Council rejected a suggestion of making the names public after tackling complaints against the judges.As a constitutionally empowered body, the SJC plays a vital role in addressing judicial complaints and overseeing performance to uphold the integrity of the justice system and bolster public trust.

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur leading a rally to Lahore to express solidarity with suspend member of Punjab Assembly, ARY News reported.As per details, the Chief Minister stated that the peaceful rally is response to "illegal, unconstitutional, and undemocratic actions".Gandapur said that our rally carries a message of peace, love, brotherhood, and tolerance," clarifying that the goal is to protect democratic values and uphold the Constitution.He stated that every step of the rally symbolizes the supremacy of the Constitution and the people's right to representation. "We are not spreading chaos but standing with our democratic members," he added.The KP Chief Minister, accompanied by provincial ministers, assembly members, and a large number of party workers, departed for Lahore via the GT Road, according to a spokesperson for the Chief Minister’s office.Read More: Punjab Assembly Speaker suspends 26 opposition membersIt is important to note here that on June 27, 2025, the opposition MPAs allegedly caused disruption and damaged property during a Punjab Assembly session. In response, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan suspended the membership of these 26 SIC lawmakers.Later on June 28, the speaker announced his decision to refer the matter to the ECP for the disqualification of the suspended members.The members suspended by the speaker included Malik Fahad Masood, Muhammad Tanvir Aslam, Syed Riffat Mehmood, Yasir Mehmood Qureshi, Kalimullah Khan, Muhammad Ansar Iqbal, Ali Asif, Zulfiqar Ali, Ahmed Mujtaba Chaudhry, Shahid Javed, Muhammad Ismail, Khayal Ahmed, Shehbaz Ahmed, Tayyab Rashid, Imtiaz Mehmood, Ali Imtiaz, Rashid Tufail, Murtaza Iqbal, Khalid Zubair, Ijaz Shafi, Saima Kanwal, Muhammad Naeem, Sajjad Ahmed, Rana Aurangzeb, Shoaib Mir and Usama Asghar Ali Gujjar.

ISLAMABAD: Tensions within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have deepened as several senior party leaders are upset over Aleema Khan’s alleged interference in party affairs, ARY News reported citing sources.According to sources, PTI founder's sister is said to be influencing key decisions over the allocation of a Senate seat vacated by Sania Nishtar.Sources revealed that Imran Khan directed senior PTI leader Mashal Yousafzai to submit nomination papers for the vacant Senate seat. However, Aleema Khan opposed Yousafzai's name, instead pushing for two other candidates: Sajida Zulfiqar, a close relative of former PTI leader Pervez Khattak, and a relative of Fida Muhammad, who previously left the party.Mashal Yousafzai reportedly have the support of Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, meanwhile, some PTI leaders have begun lobbying for other candidates, including Samira Shams and Momina Basit, sources added. Latest updates on PTI Founder Imran Khan  It is worth mentioning here that earlier PTI reconciled differences between Former PM Imran Khan sister Aleema Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.According to sources, a key leadership meeting in Islamabad, attended by Imran Khan’s three sisters, Gandapur, and party lawyers, focused on unifying the party to expedite efforts for Khan’s release from Adiala Jail.Sources revealed that Aleema Khan clarified she and her sisters are not politically active but will advocate for their brother’s freedom. The leadership resolved internal disputes and decided to intensify a campaign for Khan’s release, with PTI parliamentarians directed to attend court hearings related to his cases.