LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has issued a strong response to recent remarks made by Barrister Saif against Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, calling his interpretation of the audit report misleading and politically driven, ARY News reported.Speaking to the media, Azma Bokhari said, “Before making noise about the audit report, read it carefully, it exposes the mismanagement under your own leadership.”She added that the audit report being discussed relates specifically to the tenures of former Punjab Chief Ministers Usman Buzdar and Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi.Referring to specific portions of the report, Azma Bokhari pointedly said, “Read page 87 and 96 of the report, maybe you’ll feel some shame.”Read More: Barrister Saif accuses Maryam Nawaz of Rs10 trillion corruption in PunjabShe clarified that the much-talked-about figure of Rs10 trillion pertains to wheat procurement and subsidies between 2018 and 2023, a period when, she emphasised, the PTI government was in power in Punjab.“The people of Pakistan know exactly who was in charge during that time,” she remarked.Calling the 2018 to 2023 period one of the “darkest eras of corruption, incompetence, and looting” in Punjab’s history, Azma Bokhari drew a comparison between the governance of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under PTI.“What looting was done in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for 12 years, the same was repeated in Punjab during those 4 years,” she said.She didn’t hold back from naming individuals either. “The thefts and scandals involving Bushra Bibi and Farah Gogi are also part of the official record,” she said.In a stinging remark about PTI leaders, Azma Bokhari warned, “The final destination of Ali Amin and Barrister Saif’s so-called achievements seems to be Adiala Jail.”Earlier, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Adviser on Information, Barrister Saif, accused Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz of being involved in massive financial irregularities worth Rs10 trillion.According to reports, Barrister Saif, the Punjab government is unable to explain the serious financial mismanagement highlighted in the latest audit report.He said the lack of response from Punjab authorities clearly indicates widespread corruption and ongoing looting under Maryam Nawaz’s leadership.He claimed the audit report confirms large-scale corruption linked to the Chief Minister and alleged that Maryam Nawaz is responsible for misusing Rs10 trillion in public funds.Barrister Saif also alleged that development projects in Punjab are launched only to secure kickbacks, not for the welfare of the people.

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Adviser on Information, Barrister Saif, has accused Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz of being involved in massive financial irregularities worth Rs10 trillion, ARY News reported.According to reports, Barrister Saif, the Punjab government is unable to explain the serious financial mismanagement highlighted in the latest audit report.He said the lack of response from Punjab authorities clearly indicates widespread corruption and ongoing looting under Maryam Nawaz’s leadership.He claimed the audit report confirms large-scale corruption linked to the Chief Minister and alleged that Maryam Nawaz is responsible for misusing Rs10 trillion in public funds.Barrister Saif also alleged that development projects in Punjab are launched only to secure kickbacks, not for the welfare of the people.He said the public is being misled with empty promises of progress while facing the burden of massive financial scams.He further added that the audit report only reveals irregularities from the first year and more damaging disclosures are expected in the future.Read More: Barrister Saif slams Maryam Nawaz for politicising Swat incidentThe statement comes as tensions rise between the PTI-led KP government and the PML-N government in Punjab, with both sides trading serious accusations of corruption and misgovernance.Earlier, Barrister Saif, criticised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for politicising the Swat incident instead of focusing on genuine relief efforts.Speaking to journalists in Islamabad on Sunday, Barrister Saif criticised what he termed as “opportunistic politics” by the Punjab leadership in the wake of recent natural calamities.He stressed that such sensitive matters should not be used for political gain.Regarding the incident in Swat, he informed that a committee has been formed and has begun investigations into the matter.Addressing political developments, he asserted that the decision regarding reserved seats poses no threat to the PTI-led government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “Our provincial government remains stable and fully functional,” he stated.

Qatari princess and elite mountaineer Sheikha Asma Al Thani has made history once again, becoming the first woman from her nation to summit Pakistan's Nanga Parbat also known as 'Killer Mountain'.Nanga Parbat is the 8,126‑metre peak in Pakistan’s Gilgit‑Baltistan region.This achievement marks the ninth successful ascent in Sheikha Asma Al Thani’s ambitious mission to conquer all 14 of the world’s “eight-thousanders” — peaks exceeding 8,000 meters.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by اسماء بنت ثاني ~ Asma Al Thani (@atalthani) Facing punishing weather, snowstorms, black ice, and relentless rockfall, Sheikha Asma Al Thani described Nanga Parbat as one of the toughest challenges of her life.In a heartfelt Instagram post, she wrote: “Alhamdulillah, Nanga Parbat. My ninth 8000er and one of the toughest climbs I’ve faced. This mountain tested me in ways I didn’t expect… a constant reminder of how fragile life truly is.”Read more: Czech mountaineer who summited Mount Everest and K2, dies on Nanga ParbatShe also reflected on the emotional toll and transformative power of the climb: “There was surrender and there was strength I didn’t know I still had. I climb not just to reach summits but to return to what matters.”Sheikha Asma Al Thani’s growing list of achievements, which includes Mount Everest, K2, and Makalu, has earned her global recognition.With each summit, she shares vivid reflections and striking visuals on social media, offering rare insights into the emotional and physical challenges of climbing the world’s tallest peaks.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) in an extreme weather alert has warned against heavy to very heavy rainfall and flooding in various areas of the country on July 09 and 10.Met Office has cautioned against flooding in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab’s northeast, Kashmir and Baluchistan on Wednesday and Thursday.The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) in an advisory warned against flooding in rain drains and local streams in Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Buner, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, D.G. Khan, Kashmir and Baluchistan’s Barkhan, Kohlu, Musakhel, Dera Bugti, Naseer Abad, Sibi, Loralai, Zhob, Qalat, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Awaran, Panjgur and Turbat districts.PMD has warned that heavy rainfall and downpour could cause landslides in KP districts, Murree, Galliyat and Kashmir, causing roadblocks and hurdles in traffic flow.The low-lying areas in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Nowshera and Peshawar feared to be submerged owing to heavy rainfall, according to the Met Office.Karachi weatherMet Office has forecast drizzling in Karachi and other areas of Sindh’s coastal belt during next few days.Weather will remain cloudy with suspended sea breeze. The high ratio of humidity, about 79 percent, will enhance the feel-like temperature in the city.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has warned PTI founder's sons of arrest if they join protest movement in Pakistan.https://youtu.be/KV-zkubr5DwThis he said while exclusively talking in ARY News program Khabar.SAPM Rana Sanaullah stated that the sons of the PTI founder hold British citizenship and are unfamiliar with Pakistan's internal political dynamics.He questioned the intention behind bringing them to Pakistan, suggesting it could only add to their difficulties."If they come and take part in the party’s political movement, they will face arrest," he warned.Rana Sanaullah criticized PTI's protest methods, saying no one can trust that their demonstrations would remain peaceful, given their past record of violent agitation, attacks on institutions, and arson.Read more: PTI founder, Bushra Bibi move IHC for early hearing of £190m caseHe categorically stated that such activities will not be allowed under the guise of protest.Rana Sanaullah claimed that PTI’s real motive behind protests is incitement and vandalism, not democratic expression, and therefore the party will not be granted permission to hold such events.Rana Sanaullah reiterated that peaceful protests and rallies are a hallmark of democracy, but PTI has never shown readiness to adopt democratic behavior. Dialogue with the party would only be possible when it demonstrates a democratic approach, he added.Rana Sanaullah asserted that the state cannot be held hostage by 10,000–15,000 people in a country of 250 million.He confirmed that PTI has called for a movement on August 5, and the government will respond according to the law. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he added, has always emphasized resolving political issues through dialogue.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Minister of National Defence Yasir Guler arrived in Islamabad on an official visit to Pakistan.According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the Turkish leaders reached Pakistan in the wee hours of Wednesday night.Upon arrival, they were received by Additional Secretary (West Asia), Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani.During their official engagements in Pakistan, important issues of mutual interest will be discussed. The visiting dignitaries are scheduled to meet high officials in Pakistan.The visit reflects the close and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, rooted in shared history, culture, and mutual trust.Read more: DPM Dar, Turkish FM discuss Pakistan-Türkiye bilateral cooperationEarlier, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed the bilateral and multilateral cooperation.The DPM/FM spoke with Turkish FM and they also discussed the recent regional developments and the forthcoming ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) scheduled to be held on 10-11 July in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.

Actress Humaira Asghar's body has been shifted to morgue, ARY News reported on Wednesday, quoting police.The body of Pakistani actor Humaira Asghar Ali was found in her flat located in DHA Phase-VI on Tuesday.An official of Karachi police said that the 35-year-old actor had been living alone in the flat for the past seven years.While she had been living in the flat, Humaira Asghar had not paid any rent since 2024, and the flat’s owners had filed a suit against the Pakistani actor for failing to pay the rent on time, as per the police.A court-appointed bailiff found her decomposed body upon arriving at the flat located in DHA’s Ittehad Commercial Area.Karachi police have launched an investigation. According to law enforcement officials, the deceased’s body has been shifted to the morgue for further examination.Read more: Actor Humaira Asghar’s body found from Karachi apartmentPolice confirmed that the actress’s family has been contacted via phone but none of the relatives have yet arrived to claim the body.Authorities stated that the cause of death will only be determined after the chemical examination report is released.Officials added that when police arrived at the Humaira Asghar's apartment, it was locked from the inside.The incident is currently being investigated from multiple angles to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.

ISLAMABAD: With only one day remains for prospective pilgrims to register for Hajj 2026, as Wednesday, July 9, is the last opportunity to secure a spot, according to a statement from the Ministry of Religious Affairs.The ministry has outlined that registrations can be completed through 15 designated banks, with online registration also available from home.Details regarding Hajj 2026 expenses and other terms and conditions will be issued in line with official policy. The ministry’s spokesperson noted that registered individuals can opt for either the government or private Hajj scheme.Additionally, the spokesperson urged overseas Pakistanis with valid passports to complete their registration promptly via the online portal, emphasizing that registration is mandatory for travel from Pakistan for Hajj 2026.The ministry had set a deadline of July 9 for intending pilgrims to register. Only those who complete the registration will be considered eligible for Hajj 2026. Pilgrims can register at fifteen designated banks across the country.Read More: 18 Pakistani pilgrims died during Hajj 2025A spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs stated that the registration process aligns with instructions from the Government of Saudi Arabia. The number of registrations will determine the Hajj quota allocated to Pakistan by Saudi authorities.It is worth mentioning here that this year, 1,673,230 pilgrims globally participated in the Hajj, with 1,506,576 international pilgrims arriving from 171 different countries.According to Saudi Arabia records, 166,654 domestic pilgrims participated Hajj this year, creating one of the most balanced gender ratios in Hajj history, with 877,841 men and 795,389 women.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Information Secretary and Member of the National Assembly, Shazia Marri, on Tuesday, strongly refuted rumors suggesting that President Asif Ali Zardari is planning to resign, calling them “fabricated and baseless.”In an official statement, Shazia Marri said, “The rumors of President Asif Ali Zardari’s resignation are entirely unfounded and based on falsehoods.”She added that both the PPP and President Zardari have consistently demonstrated their commitment to face challenges rather than backing down.“History is witness to President Zardari’s resilience as he stood firm in the face of dictatorship and imprisonment,” she stated.Addressing concerns about political alliances, Marri emphasized that the PPP maintains strong and positive relations with its coalition partners. “There is no justification for such speculations. A two-thirds majority is required in all four provincial assemblies, the National Assembly, and the Senate for any change,” she noted.Read More: Zardari’s presidency faces no threat as system cannot run without PPPShazia Marri further said that President Asif Ali Zardari is poised to become the first civilian president in Pakistan's history to complete two full terms in office, reinforcing his legacy of political endurance and constitutional continuity.Earlier, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) spokesman Nadeem Afzal Chand said that President Asif Ali Zardari’s position is secure and that the country’s political system cannot function without their party.“There is no threat to Asif Ali Zardari’s presidency as the system cannot operate without the PPP. How can they throw us out?,” Nadeem Afzal Chand said during an exclusive interview with ARY News.Replying to a question about Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the PPP spokesman remarked, “He [Shehbaz Sharif] was Chief Minister, now he is Prime Minister—what more will he become?”

ISLAMABAD: The Privatization Commission Board has pre-qualified four investors for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) during its meeting, ARY News reported.Privatization Minister Muhammad Ali chaired the 273rd meeting of the board which also approved the transaction structure for the Roosevelt Hotel deal.According to a statement issued here, the pre-qualification committee reviewed applications from five potential investors, with a thorough evaluation leading to the selection of four qualified companies.The pre-qualified consortia include Lucky Cement Limited and Hub Power Holdings Limited in the first group, Kohat Cement Company Limited and Metro Ventures Limited in the second, Arif Habib Corporation Limited and Fatima Fertilizer Company in the third, alongside City Schools Limited and Lake City Holdings, while Fauji Fertilizer features in the third consortium and Airblue in the fourth.These consortia will now proceed to the due diligence phase. The board also endorsed the Roosevelt Hotel transaction structure, aimed at maximizing long-term value for the country.Read more: Govt moves ahead with PIA privatization, issues official advertisementEarlier, the Privatization Commission decided not to extend the deadline for submitting bids for the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).The commission has decided to keep  final date set for June 19, 2025, according to an official statement.The Privatization Commission of Pakistan has received Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from eight companies for PIA’s privatization. As of now, applications from five companies have been submitted, the statement added.This development follows the government’s renewed push to privatize the national flag carrier. The privatization (PIA) is likely to complete by November 2025,According to sources, the government of Pakistan is planning to sell fifty percent shares of the national airline. Sources further revealed that domestic and international groups have shown interest in buying PIA shares.

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has issued a strong clarification regarding media reports falsely attributing recent judicial orders to the FIA concerning the closure of YouTube channels.According to the official statement, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has now been formally established and is fully operational. All investigations and legal proceedings related to cybercrime now fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of the NCCIA, not the FIA.“The news circulating in the media, claiming that a judicial magistrate has ordered the FIA to shut down 27 Pakistani YouTube channels, is completely baseless and inaccurate,” the FIA spokesperson stated.The clarification emphasizes that the court orders in question were issued on the request of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), and FIA has not been mentioned anywhere in the judicial directives.“It is essential to understand that FIA and NCCIA are two separate and independent institutions. Cybercrime investigations and related legal matters are no longer under the mandate of the FIA,” the spokesperson added.Read More: Islamabad court moves to block 27 YouTube channelsThe FIA urged the public and media personnel to refrain from spreading unverified news and to confirm any information with the relevant official institutions before broadcasting or publishing.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting of the third special committee for the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme Phase IV.The meeting was co-chaired by the Chairman of the Prime Minister's Youth Programme Rana Mashhood while and Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar also participated in the sessionAccording to a press statement issued here, the committee thoroughly reviewed the regional distribution of applications and quota allocations. Discussions also took place on launching a dedicated media campaign for the Laptop Scheme ceremonies.During the meeting, it was decided that a collaborative media awareness campaign will be initiated in coordination with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.“The Ministry of Information will lead the media campaign for the Laptop Scheme,” said Dr. Khalid Maqbool.He added that the central inauguration ceremony will be held at Jinnah Convention Centre on July 25.Further regional ceremonies will follow, according to Mr. Rana Mashhood, and their dates will be announced soon.Read More: HEC releases merit list for PM Youth Laptop Scheme 2025“This scheme is a part of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision to empower the youth,” the education minister said and added, “Access to technology for our youth is a guarantee of national progress.”Chairman Rana Mashhood emphasized that “Youth empowerment is essential for building a stronger and brighter future for Pakistan.”As part of the government’s efforts to promote smart education and digital empowerment among youth, the scheme aims to empower 100,000 talented students with laptops to enhance their academic and research capabilities under the PM Laptop scheme 2025.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the importance of leveraging domestic resources to fuel economic progress and achieve Pakistan's self-sufficiency.PM Shehbaz passed these remarks during a meeting with prominent industrial leaders in Islamabad on Tuesday to discuss economic and industrial advancement, enhance exports, and tackle the business community's issues.Greeting the attendees, PM Shehbaz informed the business leaders that stability has been established, with the current priority on economic expansion, boosting exports, generating jobs, fostering industrial growth, and drawing in foreign investment.PM Shehbaz said suggestions from the business community are extremely valuable for national economic progress. He assured to personally meet with the business community every month to include them in the consultative process for economic development. He expressed the commitment to consult the private sector representatives and experts from every field.Read More: PM Shehbaz calls for effective use of AI to boost agri production“Participants lauded the government's team for bringing economic stability to the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. They appreciated the government for successfully finalizing and implementing the IMF program after long and testing negotiations to save Pakistan's economy,” a press statement issued here read.The business leaders also declared the budget for the current budget as people-friendly and a step in the right direction toward ease of doing business. It is essential that government policies align with the needs of business, investment, and industry. They said provision of more facilities to investors and exporters are vital to increase foreign investment in Pakistan.The meeting was briefed that the government team is striving to enhance awareness and coordination with the private sector to facilitate government policies. It was told that for the first time in the country's history, a modern IT ecosystem is being introduced. The AI-based systems are being developed across various sectors, including agriculture.Besides, consultations with the private sector, especially exporters, are being accelerated to expand port infrastructure and fully operationalize Gwadar Port.

ISLAMABAD: A high-level Chinese defence delegation led by Lieutenant General Wang Gang, Chief of Staff of People’s Liberation Army Air Force called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force on Tuesday at Air Headquarters Islamabad.During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security dynamics and avenues of enhanced bilateral cooperation, particularly in the domain of airpower and operational synergy were discussed, according to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).The Air Chief extended a gracious welcome to the distinguished guests, reiterating that Pakistan and China enjoy historic and time-tested ties rooted in mutual trust, strategic convergence and shared aspirations for regional peace & stability.Lieutenant General Wang Gang was given a comprehensive briefing on PAF’s modern force structure, strategic initiatives and the evolution of its operational doctrine. Chief of the Air Staff also reaffirmed the strong bond of friendship between the two Air Forces and reiterated Pakistan Air Force’s commitment to expanding cooperation in training, technology and operational domains.Read More: Field Marshal Asim Munir on India’s claim of China’s assistance to PakistanGeneral Wang Gang expressed deep appreciation for the high state of operational readiness and the cutting-edge capabilities of Pakistan Air Force. He was particularly impressed by PAF’s seamless integration of Multi-Domain Operations, terming it a hallmark of modern air warfare and conveyed PLAAF’s keen interest in learning from PAF’s battle-proven experience in Multi Domain Operations.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paMFkIWINeg&t=10sLauding the professional acumen and strategic foresight of PAF’s leadership, the visiting dignitary paid rich tribute to the exemplary performance of Pakistan Air Force during the recent conflict with India, the press release added.He praised the decisive and measured response delivered by PAF pilots under the resolute leadership of the Air Chief, describing it as a textbook example of precision, discipline and courage in the face of unprovoked aggression.The meeting stands as a testament to the shared resolve of Pakistan and China to advance their time-tested strategic partnership through deepened cooperation and innovation-driven collaboration.

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court on Tuesday declared the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) notifications regarding reserved seats allocation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa null and void, ARY News reported.Hearing a plea filed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the PHC bench directed the ECP to reassess the allocation of the specially designated seats for minorities and women.The court also directed the election watchdog to hold consultations with all candidates and political parties within 10 days to determine the new allocation.The court issued a two-page reserved decision, nullifying the ECP’s notifications dated March 4 and March 26, 2024.The PML-N had challenged the allocation of the seats for women and minorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, maintaining an ‘inequitable’ allocation of the seats by the ECP.Submitted through Barrister Saqib Raza, the PML-N's petition asserted that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (F) was allocated 10 reserved seats based on its seven general seats.Read More: ECP issues notification for reserved seats restorationThe petition read that the PML-N also secured seven general seats in the KP Assembly yet it was allocated only seven reserved seats for an identical number of general seats as JUI-F.The party maintained that it originally won six general seats in the province, with one independent joining within three days of the election—totaling seven.The petitioner added that the ECP allocated reserved seats solely in proportion to six general seats, which the petitioner argued ‘unfair’.The PML-N requested the court to prevent the newly notified members on reserved seats from taking their oath pending a final ruling.The party also requested the PHC to invalidate the ECP's notification on reserved seat distribution and direct the election watchdog to adjust the allocations.Allocation of reserves seats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa AssemblyThe Maulana Fazlur Rehman-led party, JUI-F, has secured total 10 seats—eight for women and two for minorities—in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.The PML-N has secured six seats for women and one for minorities.The PPP has been allocated five seats for women one for minorities while Awami National Party (ANP) and PTI-Parliamentarians have each secured one reserved seat for women.

LAHORE: A local court on Tuesday granted a four-day physical remand of underage driver, Hashir, who was involved in a fatal car crash in Lahore, ARY News reported.Police produced the accused before Judicial Magistrate Rana Shaheryar, seeking a 14-day physical remand.The investigation officer stated that the remand was needed to verify the driver’s age, conduct a psychological evaluation, and carry out further investigation into the car crash incident. However, the court approved a four-day remand.Meanwhile, police have obtained Hashir's school certificate to confirm his age. Officials noted that the accused has repeatedly changed his statements in an attempt to mislead the investigation officer.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFRj6732MlkAuthorities have also decided to include Hashir’s father, Umar Malik, and Khurram, the sales manager of a pharmaceutical company, in the investigation. The pharmaceutical company reportedly registered the vehicle involved in the crash under a private bank’s name.Read More: One dead as underage driver runs over three motorcycles in LahoreThe incident occurred a day ago, when an underage driver ran over three motorcycles in Shahdara, Lahore, leaving at least one dead and three others injured.According to police reports, the collision occurred due to reckless driving by the underage driver, identified as Hashir, who has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. The underage driver lost control of a car and crushed three motorcycles.The case was registered based on a complaint filed by the brother of the deceased, identified as 30-year-old Muhammad Amin.Inspector General (IG) of Punjab Police, Dr. Usman Anwar, took notice of the incident and expressed strong disapproval of traffic violations by underage drivers.He issued directives to intensify crackdowns on underage driving across Punjab, emphasizing that unlicensed minors must not be allowed on the roads.IG Punjab also ordered strict action against the parents of underage drivers and stressed a zero-tolerance policy for overspeeding, overloading, and one-way traffic violations.

RAWALPINDI: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday inaugurated the Mall Road Underpass and the Nawaz Sharif Flyover on Adiala Road, marking the completion of two significant infrastructure projects.She was accompanied by Federal Railway Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Barrister Danyal Ch, PML-N Divisional President Malik Abrar Ahmed, MNA Tahira Aurangzeb, and MPAs Ziaullah Shah and Raja Hanif.During the inauguration ceremony, CM Maryam lauded the Communication and Works (C&W) Department for their remarkable proficiency in completing the projects in record time. She specifically commended C&W Minister Sohaib Bharth and C&W Secretary Sohail Ashraf, saying them a “star team”.‘The Mall Road Underpass was completed in just 114 days, while the Nawaz Sharif Flyover was finalized in 120 days, is as a ‘small miracle’, she said.The chief minister said that over the past year, 12,000 kilometers of roads, including dual carriage ways and rehabilitation of roads, have been constructed across Punjab.She expressed confidence that the government would achieve its target of completing 19,000 kilometers of roads by the end of the year to further enhancing connectivity and infrastructure in the region. Maryam announced revamping and restoration of Lai project.She announced clean drinking water projects for South Punjab and Potohar, pipeline installations, and a solution for Murree’s water issues.“Rawalpindi’s Nullah Lai is an older issue to which we are going for its revamping. This will be another gift for Pindites”, announced the chief minister. She reaffirmed to complete the Ring Road within the given time frame too.Read More: PM Shehbaz calls for effective use of AI to boost agri productionMaryam also highlighted that Rawalpindi’s schools were being upgraded, and 1,250 health centers across Punjab have been revamped into mini-hospitals.Maryam underlined the Clean Punjab program’s success in improving sanitation and Rawalpindi’s ongoing beautification saying “I monitor these projects personally”.She also commended the teamwork during Muharram, and observed widespread appreciation for the arrangements and the religious harmony maintained during the Muharram.

Dubai, July 8, 2025 – The UAE Dirham (AED) is trading at 77.39 Pakistani Rupee (PKR) today at 6:19 PM PST, marking a slight increase of 0.08 PKR from yesterday’s rate of 77.31 PKR.This uptick follows a robust performance in June, during which the AED gained 0.81 PKR, rising from 76.44 PKR at the start of the month to 77.25 PKR by its close. The Dirham’s continued strength highlights the United Arab Emirates’ solid economic policies and its prominent position as a global financial hub. 1 UAE Dirham= 77.39 Pakistani Rupee The UAE’s economic resilience is driven by its strategic diversification from oil dependency, with significant investments in technology, renewable energy, and thriving trade and tourism sectors in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These efforts, bolstered by prudent fiscal management and state-of-the-art infrastructure, have established the UAE as a leading destination for global investment. The Dirham’s stability, anchored by its peg to the US Dollar, reinforces its reliability for international trade and commerce, solidifying the UAE’s status as a regional economic powerhouse.Today’s rise in the AED-PKR exchange rate further shapes the economic dynamics between the UAE and Pakistan. For the millions of Pakistani expatriates working in the UAE, the stronger Dirham enhances the value of remittances, which reached $754.2 million in May 2025, making the UAE the second-largest source of remittances for Pakistan after Saudi Arabia. These funds provide critical support to families and stimulate local economies across Pakistan.However, the higher exchange rate increases the cost of importing goods and services from the UAE, posing challenges for Pakistani businesses and consumers reliant on Emirati products, from luxury goods to essential commodities. As the AED is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate, this upward movement may further strain Pakistan’s trade balance and elevate the cost of servicing debts denominated in USD or AED. Pakistani policymakers may need to focus on strategies, such as boosting export competitiveness and stabilizing the PKR, to address these economic pressures.The UAE Dirham (AED), adopted 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, ensuring its stability and reliability in global markets. The Pakistani Rupee (PKR), Pakistan’s official currency since 1948, operates as a floating currency, subject to fluctuations driven by domestic economic conditions, global market trends, and geopolitical developments.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) spokesman Nadeem Afzal Chand said that President Asif Ali Zardari’s position is secure and that the country’s political system cannot function without their party.“There is no threat to Asif Ali Zardari’s presidency as the system cannot operate without the PPP. How can they throw us out?,” Nadeem Afzal Chand said during an exclusive interview with ARY News.Replying to a question about Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the PPP spokesman remarked, “He [Shehbaz Sharif] was Chief Minister, now he is Prime Minister—what more will he become?”Disqualification references against PTI-backed lawmakersAnswering a query on the references filed against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-backed MPAs in Punjab, Nadeem Afzal Chand criticised the decision and said that disqualifying members is an undemocratic move.“The Speaker should withdraw the references; this is an insult to the public’s mandate,” he said, adding that it is possible the speaker only posed for a photo with the references rather than actually filing them.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvxI1bPYjUo&t=333s“Fights happen [in assemblies], but democratic traditions do npt go this far,” Nadeem Afzal Chand added.“Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad, may have taken this step due to a weakened position within his party or strained relations with the Chief Minister and his team. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has been involved in more severe incidents of violence in the past but faced no disqualifications,.”Read More: Naqvi debunks ‘rumours’ of president change, new constitutional amendmentWhen asked about Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s performance, the PPP spokesman expressed mixed views.“I am satisfied with the Chief Minister’s performance in several areas, but also have reservations about some aspects,” he said, urging the Punjab government to prioritise funding for Rescue 1122 over publicity campaigns.Nadeem Afzal Chand also advised PML-N President Nawaz Sharif to focus on reconciliation and end political conflicts.“History will not forgive if these conflicts are not ended”

Karachi/Kuwait City, July 8, 2025 – The Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) has slightly increased to 930.81 Pakistani Rupee (PKR) as of 5:49 PM PST today, up from 930.68 PKR on July 7 and last week's closing rate.This modest rise follows a month of steady gains in June, with the Kuwaiti Dinar climbing from 928.56 PKR on June 27, 928.32 PKR on June 26, 928.22 PKR on June 25, 926.79 PKR on June 24, 925.45 PKR on June 18, 922.06 PKR on June 13, and 919.67 PKR on June 10.Over the past 28 days, the KWD has appreciated by approximately 11.14 PKR (1.21%), reflecting a continued, albeit slowed, upward trend. About KWD and PKR The Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD), Kuwait’s official currency, is one of the world’s strongest, driven by the nation’s oil-rich economy and robust financial reserves. The Pakistani Rupee (PKR), Pakistan’s currency, is managed by the State Bank of Pakistan and often faces volatility due to inflation and trade imbalances, impacting its value against currencies like the KWD. 1 Kuwaiti Dinar= 930.68 Pakistani Rupee Valuation Dynamics The Kuwaiti Dinar’s incremental rise is supported by Kuwait’s stable oil exports and strong fiscal policies, which maintain confidence in the dinar. Stable global oil prices further reinforce its value. Meanwhile, the PKR continues to grapple with domestic economic pressures, including high inflation and external debt, which weaken its position relative to the KWD. Today’s slight uptick suggests sustained, though cautious, market demand for the dinar. Impact This modest appreciation enhances the value of remittances sent by Pakistani workers in Kuwait, boosting household incomes in Pakistan. However, Pakistani businesses importing from Kuwait may face marginally higher costs, potentially affecting trade dynamics. For Kuwaiti investors, the stronger dinar offers increased purchasing power in Pakistan, which could encourage investment. While the daily increase is small, the KWD’s consistent strength may shape future economic ties between the two countries. Currency Rates in Pakistan Today