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Pakistan News

No formal ceasefire with Afghanistan, Foreign Office confirms

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No formal ceasefire

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office Pakistan has clarified that there is no ceasefire agreement in place with Afghanistan, rejecting reports suggesting otherwise.

According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, only a brief three-day pause was observed during Eid, which has since ended, and it would be incorrect to describe the current situation as a ceasefire.

The spokesperson further stated that the British position on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border does not accurately reflect ground realities.

Despite Pakistan’s goodwill ceasefire initiative in March, cross-border terrorism and infiltration attempts from the Afghan side have continued without interruption.

Officials reported that unprovoked firing and militant activities by the Afghan Taliban resulted in the martyrdom of 52 civilians and injuries to 84 others.

Rejecting Afghan claims of civilian casualties caused by Pakistan’s response, the Foreign Office termed such allegations baseless and unverified.

The statement also highlighted that Pakistani forces have successfully foiled multiple infiltration attempts from across the border.

It added that ignoring the root causes of terrorism reflects an unbalanced perspective and urged the international community to better understand the regional situation and Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.

PMD warns of severe weather system bringing rain and strong winds

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PMD warns

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued an alert warning of dust-thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, hailstorms, and strong winds expected to affect various parts of the country in the coming days.

In an advisory issued on Friday, the Met Office said a fresh westerly wave is likely to enter the northwestern regions of Pakistan on the evening of May 2 and persist in the upper parts of the country until the morning of May 5.

During this period, widespread dust storms, rain-thunderstorms, and isolated hailstorms are expected across upper and central regions, while the ongoing intense heat is likely to subside.

KP likely to be worst affected

According to the PMD, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be the most severely impacted province. Dust-thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and hailstorms are expected in multiple districts including Chitral, Swat, Dir, Peshawar, Mardan, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, and parts of tribal districts from May 2 to May 4 with intermittent gaps.

Punjab and Islamabad also in path

Significant weather activity is also forecast for Punjab and Islamabad. Areas including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Jhelum, and Sargodha are expected to experience dust storms, rain-wind activity, and isolated hailstorms from the evening of May 2 through the night of May 4.

Southern Punjab districts such as Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, and Khanewal may also receive rain-windstorms and thunderstorms during May 3–4.

Northern areas under weather impact

Northern regions including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are expected to experience rain-wind and thunderstorm activity from May 2 to May 5, with chances of heavy rainfall and hail in several valleys.

Balochistan and Sindh forecast

In Balochistan, windstorms and thunderstorms are likely in Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Chaman, and surrounding areas between May 2 and May 4. Upper parts of Sindh may also experience dust-thunderstorms on May 2 and 3.

Possible impacts and climate outlook

The PMD has warned that landslides may occur in vulnerable mountainous areas of KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir, particularly during May 3 and 4.

Separately, the weather authority noted that there is a strong likelihood of El Niño conditions developing during the South Asian monsoon season of 2026 (June–September), based on global climate model forecasts.

Officials have advised citizens and local administrations to remain alert and take precautionary measures in view of the expected severe weather conditions.

PM Shehbaz calls for swift activation of PVARA to boost digital economy

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PM Shehbaz calls

LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Minister of State and Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority Bilal Bin Saqib to discuss the development of the country’s digital economy.

During the meeting, the prime minister directed that an effective, globally aligned regulatory system for virtual assets be made fully operational at the earliest to enhance investor confidence and promote growth in Pakistan’s digital economy.

He emphasized the need for special initiatives to train youth in modern technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence and digital finance, to equip the workforce with skills required for the future.

Bilal Bin Saqib briefed the prime minister on the transition of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority into a fully operational regulator, as well as the launch of a regulatory sandbox.

The briefing highlighted ongoing innovation in areas such as AI-powered payments and regulated virtual asset services.

It was also noted that efforts are underway to prepare national institutions, human resources, and regulatory frameworks for the next wave of economic transformation.

PM Shehbaz forms committee on One Constitution Avenue case

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PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a committee to review the One Constitution Avenue case and directed the Islamabad administration to suspend any action until a final decision is reached.

According to an official statement, the committee will be headed by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, with Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, the Cabinet Secretary, and the Commerce Secretary as members.

The committee has been tasked with submitting its report within one week. It will hear all stakeholders and affected parties without discrimination, allowing them to present their concerns before reaching conclusions.

Meanwhile, Talal Chaudhry stated that legal violations had occurred in the One Constitution Avenue project. He reiterated that the government remains committed to eliminating encroachments and illegal constructions, adding that the law applies equally to all.

He said the company that acquired the lease for the project violated its terms, noting that the land had originally been leased to three companies for hotel development purposes.

However, around 250 residential apartments were allegedly constructed in violation of the agreement.

Chaudhry further revealed that the plot was auctioned in 2005 and financed through bank loans, but the group later defaulted and went bankrupt.

The matter was subsequently taken up by the National Accountability Bureau, where commitments were made to compensate through commercial properties despite lacking legal grounds.

He added that the Capital Development Authority had clearly stipulated that the land could only be used for hotel purposes. The lease agreement was eventually cancelled in 2016 after CDA took control of the project.

Talal Chaudhry also noted that the case was reviewed by the Public Accounts Committee in 2014 and later referred for investigation, while court proceedings including those during the tenure of former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar also examined the matter.

Officials maintained that the property is currently under CDA control and that further action will proceed in accordance with the law once the committee submits its findings.

Prolonged power outages hit Karachi amid intense heatwave

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Prolonged power

KARACHI: Residents of Karachi continue to face severe hardship as both scheduled and unscheduled load shedding persists during the ongoing heatwave.

In several parts of the city, the duration of announced power outages has exceeded 12 hours, while many neighborhoods are also experiencing extended periods of unannounced electricity cuts, compounding public frustration.

Areas including Garden, Lyari, North Karachi, New Karachi, Malir, Korangi, and Orangi have been subjected to prolonged outages, with additional reports of load shedding from Manghopir, Surjani, Sohrab Goth, Baldia Town, and Malir.

Even traditionally exempt areas are now witnessing hours-long unscheduled outages, raising concerns over the reliability of the power supply system.

The situation has also disrupted academic preparations, as students preparing for matriculation and intermediate examinations struggle to cope with the lack of electricity amid extreme temperatures.

PM extends fuel subsidy for motorcyclists, public and goods transport

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PM extends fuel

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to extend the fuel subsidy for motorcyclists, public transport, and goods carriers for another month, ensuring continued relief for economically vulnerable segments of society.

The prime minister also directed authorities to prevent any increase in passenger fares and freight charges, aiming to shield the public from the ripple effects of rising fuel costs.

Emphasizing the importance of effective implementation, PM Shehbaz instructed officials to ensure strict monitoring of public relief measures.

He noted that the federal government, in collaboration with provincial administrations, has already delivered a multi-billion-rupee national relief package for the common man and will continue to provide support to the maximum possible extent.

He reiterated that providing relief to ordinary citizens remains the government’s top priority, adding that the public will not be left alone under any circumstances.

The prime minister also expressed hope for an early improvement in the regional situation to help stabilize petroleum prices.

It is worth noting that the prime minister had earlier announced a subsidy of Rs100 per litre on up to 20 litres of petrol per month for motorcyclists.

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also confirmed that the provincial fuel subsidy for motorcycle owners will continue. He stated that beneficiaries in Sindh can keep availing the additional support provided by the provincial government.

The subsidy scheme, which was set to expire, has now been extended. Previously, the Sindh government had been providing Rs2,000 per month per motorcycle to offset the impact of rising fuel prices.

Pakistan Navy commissions first Hangor-class submarine in China

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Pakistan Navy

The Pakistan Navy marked a major milestone with the commissioning of its first Hangor-class submarine in China, in a ceremony attended by Asif Ali Zardari, President of Pakistan, as the chief guest.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf was also present on the occasion.

Addressing the ceremony, President Zardari described the commissioning of the Hangor submarine as a historic step in the Pakistan Navy’s modernization journey.

He emphasized that Pakistan possesses the full capability to defend its sovereignty, safeguard maritime interests, and protect vital economic corridors.

Speaking at the event, Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted that disruptions to key sea lanes pose serious risks to global trade and energy supply.

He noted that the Hangor-class submarines will play a crucial role in deterring aggression and ensuring the security of critical maritime trade routes in the Arabian Sea.

The Naval Chief also recalled that during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, the earlier Hangor submarine made history by becoming the first submarine since World War II to sink a naval vessel.

He added that the new Hangor-class submarines are equipped with state-of-the-art air-independent propulsion systems, advanced sonar technologies, stealth features, and extended underwater endurance.

ISPR stated that the commissioning of the first Hangor-class submarine represents a new chapter in the longstanding and deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan and the country’s top military leadership extended congratulations to the nation and the Pakistan Navy on achieving this significant milestone.

NEPRA removes licensing requirement for solar users up to 25kW

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NEPRA removes

ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has announced the removal of the licensing requirement for solar consumers with systems of 25 kilowatts and below.

According to a NEPRA spokesperson, the decision was taken after a formal letter from the Power Division on the special instructions of Power Minister Awais Leghari.

The Power Division had requested that small-scale solar users operating systems up to 25kW be exempted from obtaining a NEPRA licence.

Following the request, NEPRA issued a notification abolishing the licensing requirement for these consumers.

Earlier, NEPRA had stated that all solar users connected to the national grid with any load would be required to obtain a licence, along with a fee of Rs1,000 per kilowatt. Previously, licences were only mandatory for systems above 25kW.

With the new decision, the licensing condition for solar users up to 25kW has now been officially withdrawn, providing relief to small-scale renewable energy consumers.

Pakistan successfully conducts test launch of Indigenous Fateh-II missile

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Pakistan successfully conducts

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Army Rocket Force Command successfully carried out a training launch of the locally developed Fateh-II missile system.

The Inter-Services Public Relations has announced that,  Fateh-II missile is equipped with advanced avionics and modern navigation technology. The test aimed to validate various technical parameters and assess the performance of its enhanced accuracy systems.

The launch was witnessed by senior officials from the Strategic Plans Division, Army Rocket Force Command, and the Pakistan Army, along with scientists and engineers from strategic organizations. Officials praised the successful test of the indigenously developed Fateh series missile.

ISPR stated that the President of Pakistan, the Prime Minister, the Chief of Defence Forces, and the Services Chiefs appreciated the technical expertise, dedication, and commitment of all personnel involved in the successful trial.

Heatwave alert issued as temperatures may soar up to 52°C in South Punjab

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Heatwave alert

LAHORE: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has warned that temperatures in South Punjab could rise up to 52°C amid an intensifying heatwave.

According to an alert issued by the PDMA Punjab, heat intensity is expected to increase across the province, with May and June likely to be the hottest months of the year. The authority said South Punjab may experience extreme temperatures reaching 52°C.

Director General PDMA stated that overall temperatures during May and June are expected to remain between 43°C and 45°C, while recent days have already recorded readings 2 to 4 degrees above normal.

PDMA spokesperson Umar Javaid said a mild heatwave is likely to affect southern regions from April 29 to May 3. However, western weather systems may bring a slight temperature drop in upper parts of the province.

The authority has advised citizens, especially children, women, and the elderly, to take precautionary measures, avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight, and increase water intake.

Relevant departments have been instructed to remain on high alert with round-the-clock staffing, while Rescue 1122 has been directed to ensure immediate emergency response readiness. Motorway Police have also been asked to issue traffic advisories for travelers.

In case of emergencies, citizens have been advised to contact the PDMA helpline 1129.