ISLAMABAD: The Chairman of the Parliamentary Special Committee on Kashmir, Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon, has written a letter to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan to consult on the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), ARY News reported.The letter states, "Barrister Gohar Ali Khan will be consulted during a meeting with him to highlight the Kashmir cause at the international level."According to the letter's content, "the right of self-determination for the people of Kashmir and the adoption of a joint strategy on a national level will be emphasized in the meeting with the PTI Chairman."The regional situation and the Kashmir issue will also be discussed in the meeting with Gohar Ali Khan, the text adds.Read More: PTI's Barrister Gohar welcomes PM's offer of dialogue Before this, the Kashmir Committee Chairman also wrote a similar letter to the Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, today.

Following all vehicle transfers made mandatory by the Sindh Excise and Taxation Department, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), with the cooperation of the Sindh government, has resolved the biometric verification for vehicle transfer and sale issue.Under the new system, buyers and sellers of vehicles in Sindh can verify their identity either by visiting a NADRA office or an e-center facility for vehicle transfer.The biometric verification process can also be completed digitally from home through NADRA’s Pa- ID mobile application, after which the remaining transfer procedures can be completed.Following the biometric verification, a written agreement on stamp paper must be signed by both parties.The buyer of the vehicle is then required to visit the Civic Centre Karachi Excise Office to obtain a token and submit the application form.It is also mandatory to submit several documents along with the transfer application, which include the original registration book or smart card, copies of CNICs of both buyer and seller, photographs, a signed agreement, a clearance certificate, a valid vehicle tax certificate, proof of residence of the buyer, and a vehicle inspection certificate.Vehicle transfer fees and token taxes can be paid online or at the excise office. The transfer fee for a motorcycle is set at Rs. 605, for an 800 to 1000cc car, the transfer fee is Rs. 2000.After verification of all documents and completion of the process, the vehicle will be transferred to the buyer’s name within 15 working days.

KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) had a rough Monday on June 22, 2026. Things started off on a high note, with the market rallying early after some good news from the geopolitical front. But by the afternoon, the mood had changed. Investors decided to cash in on recent gains, and that wave of profit-taking wiped out most of the morning’s excitement.The KSE-100 index ended up closing slightly lower, dropping 450.89 points—about 0.25%—finishing at 178,471.86.It was a wild session. The KSE-100 swung more than 2,100 points throughout the day, peaking at 180,507.82 (up over 1,500 points) before tumbling all the way down to 178,337.14. Investors didn’t hold back either—trading volume hit 230.11 million shares, which is quite substantial. But by the end, 61 stocks ended lower, 38 managed to go up, and one just stayed put. The mood definitely turned bearish as the session wrapped up.What got everyone’s hopes up in the morning was news that Qatar and Pakistan helped broker a framework deal between the U.S. and Iran. Both sides are aiming to hammer out a full peace agreement within two months. That news had investors buzzing and gave the PSX a nice lift early on.But that hope didn’t last. The market’s been strong lately, and after the recent rally, investors weren’t taking any chances—they sold off in droves, especially in major sectors. That wave of profit-taking knocked the wind out of the rally and dragged the whole market down by closing time.If you look at where the biggest losses came from, commercial banks took the hardest hit, shaving off 287.12 points from the index. Cement stocks were next, subtracting 93.10 points, followed by fertilizers (down 80.69 points), tech and communication (down 47.38), and investment banks/securities companies (down 29.25).Still, a few sectors managed to buck the trend. Oil and gas exploration companies added 54.42 points, automobile assemblers chipped in with almost 33, and oil and gas marketing companies, power generation, and food & personal care products all managed small gains that helped cushion the overall fall—at least a little.So, Monday’s action really showed how jumpy the market is right now, swayed by global news one minute and local profit-taking the next. Even with all that early strength, the heavyweights ended up pulling everything down. Now, all eyes are on whether those energy and auto stocks can keep propping things up in the days ahead.

SKARDU: The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) candidate has been elected Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan unopposed, ARY News reported.On the other hand, Hafiz Hafeez-ur-Rehman of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was elected as the Leader of the Opposition in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly.https://youtu.be/LwBXtocH72I?si=RpoYH-oTHmHUzJ6WEarlier on Monday, the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly also elected its Speaker and Deputy Speaker unopposed. PPP’s Imran Nadeem secured the Speaker’s slot without contest, while PML-N’s Malik Kifayat-ur-Rehman became the Deputy Speaker in the same manner.Outgoing Speaker Nazir Ahmed Advocate administered the oath of office to Imran Nadeem, who subsequently swore in Kifayat-ur-Rehman as Deputy Speaker.In another development today, Istahkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) Chairman and Federal Minister for Communications Aleem Khan on Monday contacted Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari regarding the formation of the government in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).Both leaders discussed forming a joint government in Gilgit-Baltistan. Sources said that the duo agreed that the PPP and IPP will establish the government in GB jointly.On the other hand, sources said that the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) will vote for the PPP candidate for Chief Minister (CM) but will sit on the opposition benches.In exchange for its support to the PPP, the positions of GB Governor and Deputy Speaker will be given to the PML-N, the sources added. PPP sources said it is likely that Amjad Hussain Advocate will be elected as the GB CM tomorrow, Tuesday. 

KARACHI: The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Sindh on Monday confirmed the arrest of former Yellow Line Project Director Zameer Abbasi, ARY News reported.The former project director was arrested in Lahore in connection with a multi-billion-rupee corruption case involving the Yellow Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.Chairman Anti-Corruption Sindh, Zulfiqar Ali Shah, stated that the arrested ex-PD has been shifted to Karachi, adding that legal action against him will proceed there.A case was previously registered against Abbasi on June 10 in Karachi's District South.The ACE had filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the ex-project director of the Karachi Mobility Project (KMP) over allegations of misuse of authority regarding an advance payment of Rs8.5 billion made to Yellow Line contractors without the required bank guaranteesOn the other hand, Abbasi’s father registered a disappearance case in Lahore today, claiming that his son had been abducted on June 12..The Yellow Line BRT is planned to connect Quaidabad’s Dawood Chowrangi with Numaish and will exclusively use eco-friendly electric buses.

SARGODHA: A seven-year-old girl was allegedly raped and murdered in Sargodha, ARY News reported.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.Also Read: Supreme Court grants bail to man accused of rapeIn 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.The court upheld the convict’s Rs 300,000 fine and 6-month additional imprisonment. It also retained the order under the Anti-Rape Act directing payment of Rs 100,000 compensation to the victim child.The court said protecting female students in educational institutions and on routes is the state’s responsibility. It directed all provincial IGs and the IG Islamabad to increase police patrolling outside schools and take immediate measures for the protection of girls in schools, colleges and universities. Police were ordered to act without delay on complaints of harassment of women and children.The Supreme Court of Pakistan recommended that federal and provincial governments establish modern medico-legal services on the pattern of the Sindh Medical Legal Act.According to the verdict, a sweeper at a housing colony school in Sheikhupura assaulted the 10-year-old student. Medical reports confirmed injuries on the child’s body and sexual assault. The court noted that the absence of semen in the forensic lab report does not nullify the case. A 3-day delay in registration of the FIR does not give benefit of doubt in this case.The court observed that the school administration tried to conceal the incident and administered a drip to the child inside the school. The silence and delay by the administration cannot be allowed to harm the child and her widowed mother, it said. The convict’s claim of a fight at the school gate and allegation of being falsely implicated were not proven.

The Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has launched the “Skill Enhancement Through Home Reach Program (SEHAR)” to allow women across Punjab to get vocational skills from their homes.The initiative allows women residing in remote, semi-urban, and urban areas to receive training in beautification services, hospitality, and digital technology.The Punjab government has allocated Rs. 970 million for the SEHAR program, which aims to train 5,365 women. Participants will also receive laptops, internet devices, data packages, and monthly stipends to support their learning.Officials said that widows, differently-abled women, and those belonging to minority communities will be given preference under the SEHAR program.The hospitality training courses include culinary arts, baking, guest relations, front desk management, and airline management.Moreover, in partnership with Nail Bar, beautification training covering hair styling, skincare, makeup, and nail art is being offered to 2,065 women in four districts.Meanwhile, under the SEHAR program, 1,260 women are receiving hospitality training in collaboration with the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITHM), while 2,040 women will undergo a six-month digital skills training course in partnership with the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF).The digital skills component includes training in e-commerce platforms such as Daraz and Shopify, English language, product research, and financial literacy.The chief minister said the SEHAR program aimed to transform Punjab’s female population into a valuable economic asset by providing them with opportunities for growth and self-reliance.Maryam Nawaz Sharif further said that the Punjab government would also facilitate job placement opportunities for women completing the training programs.

The traffic police in Karachi plan to expand their artificial intelligence-powered (AI) traffic enforcement system to Airport Road, Clifton, and the Do and Teen (2&3) Talwar junctions by August, 2026, DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah says.He said that the system to detect the lane violations is currently being piloted on Shahrah-e-Faisal, one of the major roads, using 20 high-resolution Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras operating around the clock up to Drigh Road to detect lane violations.DIG traffic police has said that Shahrah-e-Faisal was selected for the pilot project because of its heavy traffic volume. "If we can fix discipline on Karachi's busiest artery, we can fix it on any road," he said.According to DIG Pir Muhammad Shah, the system is currently issuing an average of 100 challans daily for lane violations at Shahrah-e Faisal.He also cautioned motorists that there is no waiver for a first offence on Shahrah-e-Faisal, although drivers are offered a one-time deferment option.Read more: Karachi bus owners observe strike against e-challans, insurance policyHe stressed that the technology is designed to differentiate between deliberate violations and genuine emergencies. Cases involving breakdowns, potholes, or other unavoidable situations are selected for manual review.Pir Muhammad Shah has also explained that the lane violation fines vary according to the type of vehicle and the level of risk involved. Motorcycles and rickshaws face a fine of Rs. 2,500, cars Rs. 5,000, buses Rs. 7,500, and dumpers and tankers Rs. 10,000.DIG traffic police said the impact of the initiative was already visible, with improved traffic flow on Shahrah-e-Faisal as buses increasingly remain within their designated lanes.

KARACHI/RIYADH: The Saudi Riyal (SAR) reported even greater stability with most of South Asia's currencies, showing positive trends with the already large communities of Pakistani and Bangladeshi expats in Saudi Arabia. This reflects Saudi Arabia’s strong economy and the oil market combined with Saudi Arabia's regional partnerships with labor-exporting countries.Currently, SAR 1 is trading in Pakistan for around 74.10 to 74.19 PKR, though open market trading is slightly higher. SAR is also trading around 32.70 to 32.74 BDT. These rates provide decent purchasing power for expenses when the SAR sent home struggles with the family for day-to-day expenses.Currently, Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia benefit the most from the SAR to PKR rate. Their expenses at the rate of conversion are more affordable in Pakistan for education, housing, healthcare, and even to pay loans. The workers in the construction, service, and other critical sectors provide remittances that boost Pakistan's economy.The favorable SAR to BDT rate also provides the same benefit for Bangladeshi expats in Saudi Arabia. Bangladeshi expats engaged in different sectors of employment in Saudi Arabia can send home remittances that are expected to retain value against Bangladeshi local inflation while also contributing to family remittances, small businesses, and local community development.The Saudi Riyal is pegged to the US Dollar which ensures its strength and counters short-term volatility in other currencies. Although the influence of global commodity prices and monetary policies on the Riyal are minor, it’s smart to remain vigilant when sending remittances.The continued strength of the Saudi Riyal is evidence for the millions of South Asians working in the Gulf why they must remain in those jobs.Financial flows into and between households and countries from Pakistan and Bangladesh means the foreign exchange market needs to be analyzed regularly to derive the optimum level of financial well being that is possible. Remittance opportunities and currency fluctuations should be followed closely.

KARACHI: A 10-year-old girl succumbed to her injuries on Monday after being injured when a speeding vehicle hit a Muharram procession near the Defence Phase 6 Imambargah on Sunday night, ARY News reported.According to the police, the girl was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Karachi, while 12 other individuals, including women, were also wounded.Another person traveling in the vehicle has been arrested today, the police confirmed.https://youtu.be/FqSIxuJ3B1Y?si=lfcEBJX5cl7GM5H0The Karachi police informed that three people were in the car, two of whom belonged to the Kati Pahari area of Karachi, while the third was a resident of Banaras in Orangi Town.Read More: Eight dead after Alam touches 11,000-volt wire in Muharram processionThe driver, named Zahid, was intoxicated while driving the vehicle, and all three had come to Seaview for entertainment.

ISLAMABAD: Istahkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) Chairman and Federal Minister for Communications Aleem Khan on Monday contacted Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari regarding the formation of the government in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), ARY News reported.Both leaders discussed forming a joint government in Gilgit-Baltistan. Sources said that the duo agreed that the PPP and IPP will establish the government in GB jointly.On the other hand, sources said that the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) will vote for the PPP candidate for Chief Minister (CM) but will sit on the opposition benches.In exchange for its support to the PPP, the positions of GB Governor and Deputy Speaker will be given to the PML-N, the sources added. PPP sources said it is likely that Amjad Hussain Advocate will be elected as the GB CM tomorrow, Tuesday.Earlier, the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elected its Speaker and Deputy Speaker unopposed today.  PPP’s Imran Nadeem took the Speaker’s seat without contest. PML-N’s Malik Kifayat-ur-Rehman became Deputy Speaker the same way.Outgoing Speaker Nazir Advocate administered the oath to Imran Nadeem. Nadeem then swore in Kifayat-ur-Rehman as Deputy Speaker.Gilgit-Baltistan Chief MinisterPPP has also named its candidate for Chief Minister, GB. Amjad Hussain Advocate will be the party’s nominee for the top slot, approved by Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.Bilawal bhutto spoke to PPP GB President Amjad Hussain over phone and gave him instructions on government formation and protecting people’s constitutional and economic rights, party sources said.Sources said PPP had backchannel talks with other parties in GB last day, convincing them not to field candidates for Chief Minister. They said Amjad Hussain Advocate will be PPP’s CM candidate and the party will announce the name after the assembly oath-taking.GB Assembly session was called for 4pm tomorrow. Sources said the names of CM and Speaker GB will be announced on June 22, with Bilawal Bhutto making the final call.

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court ruled that a government employee acquitted with honour deserves full pay and benefits, ARY News reported.Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar wrote the 8-page judgment, according to court records.The court said time spent off duty will count as service if the employee gets an honorable acquittal. It added that departmental action and criminal cases are different things and can run side by side without affecting each other.The verdict also flagged that sacking a civil servant without hearing him first violates the Constitution. SC threw out Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Service Tribunal’s order and accepted the appeal.KP Education Department was told to decide on arrears and past benefits for the reinstated teacher within 2 months.A Grade-17 teacher from Bannu lost his job after a criminal conviction. The high court later cleared him, and the department took him back but refused to clear his dues.Separately, on June 18, SC approved a 100 percent raise in utility allowance for its staff. Chief Justice Yahya Afridi signed off on the hike, which kicks in from July 1, 2026.Under the new rates, Grades 1-6 staff will get Rs12,000 instead of Rs6,000. Grades 7-10 go up from Rs8,000 to Rs16,000, and Grades 11-15 rise from Rs10,000 to Rs20,000.Grade 16 officers will now get Rs24,000, up from Rs12,000. Grade 17 moves to Rs30,000 from Rs15,000. Grade 18 allowance jumps to Rs36,000 from Rs18,000, and Grade 19 to Rs42,000 from Rs21,000.Grade 20 officers will receive Rs48,000 against the earlier Rs24,000. Officers in Grade 21 and above will get Rs60,000, double the previous Rs30,000.The allowance covers gas and electricity bills for SC staff. The notification said the extra cost will be covered from the 2026-27 budget.Also Read: Salary increases for govt employees in doubt in THIS province

On June 22, 2026, the UAE Dirham (AED) continues to be a strong currency versus major currencies from South/Southeast Asia; hence there is substantial purchasing power parity (PPP) for the many Pakistanis and Filipinos working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), due in part to ongoing stable oil prices and significant economic connections between the UAE and countries that send workers to the UAE.Currently, 1 AED is worth approximately 75.73 PKR at mid-market, but in Pakistan, the open market rate is up to 76.65 PKR. In relation to the Philippine Peso, 1 AED is valued at about 16.61 PHP.Pakistani expatriates in the UAE stand to gain substantially from the current AED to PKR strength. Every dirham earned and sent home stretches further, helping cover rising living costs, education expenses, and healthcare needs in Pakistan. With thousands of Pakistanis working across sectors like construction, hospitality, and services in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, even small improvements in exchange rates translate into meaningful support for the national economy through increased foreign remittances.In the Gulf, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are being positively affected by the continued strength of the Dirham against the Peso. The current exchange rate creates solid purchasing power for remitted earnings; allowing remitted earnings to purchase the same goods and services that the recipient family members could purchase in the Philippines, helping out family members during periods of inflation as well as fostering domestic consumption and investment within the Philippines.According to several experts, the continued peg between the Dirham and the US Dollar is an important factor in helping to protect the value of the Dirham; thus blocking some of the volatility of other regional currencies. However, analysts advise that expats should monitor the fluctuations closely since there is a correlation between fluctuations in various global economic factors and the cash amount of remittances. UAE - Latest News and Updates The continued strength of the UAE Dirham highlights the role that Gulf employment plays in providing support for economies throughout Asia. Since millions of people rely on these international remittance flows, it is important to keep up to date with currency trends in order to maximize financial security. Keep checking for the latest updates on exchange rates and remittance information for UAE-Pakistan and UAE-Philippines.

GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elected its Speaker and Deputy Speaker unopposed on Monday, ARY News reported.PPP’s Imran Nadeem took the Speaker’s seat without contest. PML-N’s Malik Kifayat-ur-Rehman became Deputy Speaker the same way.Outgoing Speaker Nazir Advocate administered the oath to Imran Nadeem. Nadeem then swore in Kifayat-ur-Rehman as Deputy Speaker. Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister PPP has also named its candidate for Chief Minister GB. Amjad Hussain Advocate will be the party’s nominee for the top slot, approved by Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.Bilawal spoke to PPP GB President Amjad Hussain over phone and gave him instructions on government formation and protecting people’s constitutional and economic rights, party sources said.Sources said PPP had backchannel talks with other parties in GB last day, convincing them not to field candidates for Chief Minister. They said Amjad Hussain Advocate will be PPP’s CM candidate and the party will announce the name after the assembly oath-taking.GB Assembly session was called for 4pm tomorrow. Sources said the names of CM and Speaker GB will be announced on June 22, with Bilawal Bhutto making the final call.Earlier, PPP sources said party leadership had given the green light for a coalition government in GB, and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party is expected to join the set-up. 

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Monday issued fresh guidelines for Pakistani pilgrims travelling to Iraq, warning that violations of visa regulations could result in heavy fines, deportation and permanent travel restrictions.According to a notification issued by the ministry, the Iraqi government has introduced stricter measures to prevent the misuse of pilgrimage visas and curb illegal stays in the country.The ministry warned that pilgrims who violate visa conditions may be denied entry into Iraq and could also forfeit their visa fees.Under the new regulations, all members travelling on a family group visa must travel together and cross the border as a single group. In addition, men under the age of 50 will no longer be allowed to enter Iraq alone on a pilgrimage visa.The ministry said pilgrimage visas will be valid for only 30 days. Pilgrims intending to travel for both Ashura and Arbaeen will be required to obtain separate visas, as a single visa cannot be used for both occasions.Under Iraqi law, pilgrims who overstay their permitted duration by more than 60 days will face a fine of 500,000 Iraqi dinars. Authorities may also impose detention, deportation and permanent entry bans on violators.Read more: Pakistan moves to launch ferry service for pilgrims to IraqThe ministry further warned that future visa applications of individuals found violating the rules could be permanently rejected.Pilgrims have also been advised to ensure that their passports remain valid for at least six months from the date of travel. The notification states that children and other family members can no longer be included on a single passport, making separate individual passports mandatory for every traveller.Meanwhile, the government is also exploring measures to facilitate religious travel. Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed authorities to prepare a feasibility study for launching a ferry service between Karachi and Iraq, which could provide pilgrims with an alternative mode of transportation.

BÜRGENSTOCK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to facilitating dialogue and diplomacy aimed at achieving a peaceful and lasting resolution between the United States and Iran.In a statement posted on X, Shehbaz Sharif said the first high-level committee meeting held under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding had concluded successfully in Bürgenstock, Switzerland.He said that the discussions were conducted in a positive and constructive atmosphere and resulted in encouraging progress. Key outcomes included an agreement on a roadmap towards a final deal within 60 days, the establishment of a high-level committee to provide political oversight, and the continuation of technical negotiations.PM Shehbaz Sharif commended the leadership of both the United States and Iran for their commitment to constructive engagement and thanked friendly countries for supporting the diplomatic process.He expressed special gratitude to Qatar for its role in helping create conditions conducive to the negotiations and also thanked Switzerland for hosting the talks.Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Asim Munir for his efforts in supporting the process, saying his dedication and perseverance contributed significantly to the progress achieved during the negotiations.Read more: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian likely to visit Pakistan tomorrow"His dedication, commitment and perseverance are indeed commendable without which there would have been no progress", he added.The prime minister also acknowledged the diplomatic efforts of Ishaq Dar and officials of the Foreign Office, as well as the contribution of Mohsin Naqvi."Pakistan will continue to play its honest and sincere role in advancing dialogue and diplomacy towards a peaceful and lasting resolution," he said.Meanwhile, mediators Pakistan and Qatar announced that technical talks between the United States and Iran would continue throughout the week in Bürgenstock following the conclusion of the first round of negotiations.In a joint statement, the mediators said the parties had agreed on a framework to continue discussions and address key regional issues. The statement added that technical-level talks would focus on advancing the roadmap agreed upon during the initial round of negotiations.

SHIKARPUR: At least eight mourners were killed and five others injured after an Alam (flag) came into contact with a high-voltage electricity transmission line during a Muharram procession in Budo Goth village of Sindh's Shikarpur district.According to rescue officials, the incident occurred when participants attempted to raise the Alam during the procession and it touched an 11,000-volt overhead power line, resulting in a powerful electric shock.Local residents and rescue teams rushed to the scene and shifted the victims to nearby hospitals. The injured were provided initial medical treatment before being referred to hospitals in Shikarpur, Sukkur and Larkana for advanced care.Officials said several of the injured were in critical condition.Funeral prayers for the deceased were later offered in the village and attended by district officials, including District Chairman Zulfiqar Ali Khan Kamario, SSP Kaleem Malik and Deputy Commissioner Shakeel Ahmed Abro. Religious scholars, leaders of various religious organisations and a large number of mourners also attended the funerals.The tragedy cast a pall of gloom over the village and surrounding areas, while authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances that led to the incident.Meanwhile, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of lives.Read more: 12 injured after speeding vehicle crashes into mourners outside Karachi imambargahIn a statement, the chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the eternal peace of the deceased. He also wished a speedy recovery for those injured in the accident.Bilawal urged the public to exercise maximum caution during religious gatherings and called on the relevant authorities to take effective safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

KARACHI: Three persons have been detained over involvement in tree-cutting near the Buffer Zone People's Chowrangi of the city, officials said on Monday.Assistant Commissioner North Nazimabad filed a case against three accused at Taimuriya police station.DC Central district Taha Saleem has said that the legal proceedings will be initiated against the detained persons after registration of the FIR against them over the offence.He said no negligence will be tolerated over the tree-cutting, which is an environment-related crime.The removal of old and mature trees have caused harmful environmental impact over the city, disturbing the ecological balance and negatively affected already aggravating climate change situation.In January this year, City's Mayor Murtaza Wahab had announced to register cases against those involved in cutting of trees, while taking notice of the tree cutting practice in the metropolis.The mayor directed the KMC horticulture department to register cases against the culprits involved in tree cutting in the city.“Tree cutting is a crime and no one will be allowed to remove the environment-friendly trees,” Murtaza Wahab said.Those involved in tree cutting on KMC’s roads will be tackled sternly, he said.Wahab said that his city administration is increasingly promoting tree plantation in Karachi. “Urban forests are also being cultivated in parks under the KMC’s mandate,” Mayor added.

KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman on Monday urged the government to eliminate the interest-based financial system, saying the government is not serious about implementing the constitutional and judicial directives regarding the abolition of riba (interest).Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Hafiz Naeem said a significant portion of the federal budget is consumed by debt servicing, adding that despite clear court rulings, the government has failed to take meaningful steps towards ending interest-based banking."The government claims it wants to abolish interest, but the opposite is happening. Instead of eliminating this system, it is being expanded," he said.Criticising the federal budget, Hafiz Naeem said it offered little relief to the public and would further increase the burden on ordinary citizens.He noted that government employees had been granted a seven percent salary increase, while lawmakers had received 400% raises.Hafiz Naeem said debt servicing payments would exceed Rs8 trillion, placing a heavy burden on the national economy and taxpayers. He argued that every increase in interest rates adds substantial costs to the economy and ultimately affects the public.The Jamaat-e-Islami leader maintained that while the banking sector continues to grow and improve its profitability, the economic condition of ordinary Pakistanis is deteriorating.Read more: Hafiz Naeem demands reduction in fuel price to Rs225 per litreReferring to parliamentary discussions, he said even members from minority communities had spoken against the interest in the country, describing riba as prohibited and harmful to society.He also criticised the taxation system, saying electricity bills are burdened with multiple taxes and surcharges.Questioning the performance of the FBR, he said the public deserves greater transparency regarding tax collection and expenditure.Notably, the 26th Constitutional Amendment provided constitutional backing for the elimination of riba and set January 1, 2028, as the deadline for the transition by state and private institutions.

KARACHI: Karachi Police have finalized their initial investigation report (challan) regarding the tragic fire at Gul Plaza, holding Tanveer Paste and four other individuals from market union 'responsible' for the tragedy.The prosecution, however,  rejected the report and returned it to the police, citing severe gaps in the investigation.Union Leaders Blamed for the TragedyIn the four-page main challan, backed by hundreds of supporting documents, the police named five key suspects whose negligence allegedly led to the catastrophic fire. The suspects include Tanveer Pasta (Union President), Huzaifa Ammar Ismail (Vice President), Amin (General Secretary), Muhammad Ramadan (Joint Secretary) and Nematullah, the owner of the shop where the fire reportedly broke out responsible for the deadly accident. Tanveer Pasta Prosecution Flags Major Loophole Despite the police finalizing the charges, prosecution sources revealed that the current Gul Plaza investigation is entirely incomplete and lacks the legal substance required for court proceedings. The prosecution returned the challan with formal objections, ordering the police to address the deficiencies such as:Missing Commission Report: The police failed to attach the official inquiry commission's detailed findings regarding the incident.Lack of Video Evidence: Authorities have been ordered to retrieve and include CCTV footage from cameras installed around Gul Plaza to establish a clear timeline of events.No Eyewitness Testimony: The prosecution noted that investigators made no serious effort to locate or record statements from eyewitnesses who were near the affected shop when the fire started. "The current probe is half-baked. Without eyewitness accounts and concrete digital forensics, the case cannot stand in a court of law," a prosecution source stated. The police have been directed to rectify all highlighted flaws, gather the missing evidence, and resubmit a comprehensive challan for legal review.