BREAKING NEWS
Indian actor Pradeep Rawat dies at 74 after cancer battle • Mrunal Thakur warns of legal action over AI-generated deepfake content • Fazlur Rehman warns against politicizing debate over new provinces • Pakistan posts 387, secures first-innings lead over West Indies • Pakistan exempt from new US visa bond program • Trump voices concern over oil company profits amid Iran conflict • West Indies all out for 344 against Pakistan in first innings • Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly set to marry Georgina Rodriguez on Aug 8 • Trump says Gulf States backed diplomatic path with Iran • Fuel theft surges across UK as rising prices drive daily losses • Why ‘Inception’ remains one of Hollywood’s most rewatchable films • ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ opens with $355m worldwide • Secret wedding allegation involving Varma and Urmila resurfaces • Bilawal Bhutto alleges rigging in AJK elections • PM orders comprehensive performance review of federal ministries
Advertise with us >

Pakistan News

PM orders technical audit of power distribution companies’ billing systems

by
PM orders

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to conduct a technical audit of the billing systems used by Pakistan’s electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) as part of broader efforts to reform the country’s power sector.

During a briefing on the performance of distribution companies, officials informed the prime minister that technical and commercial losses across DISCOs have been declining gradually.

 They said the Islamabad, Lahore and Gujranwala electricity distribution companies recorded the lowest losses during the last fiscal year.

The prime minister instructed officials to establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the performance of all distribution companies and said the best-performing DISCO would be recognized with an official award.

Sharif said power sector reforms remain one of the government’s top priorities and stressed that the installation of smart electricity meters nationwide is essential to improving efficiency and transparency.

He also called for stricter measures at every level to eliminate electricity theft completely and directed authorities to prepare village-level solar energy projects to expand access to renewable energy and reduce pressure on the national grid.

PPP wins 2 seats as unofficial results continue in AJK elections

by
PPP wins

MIRPUR: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured victories in two constituencies as unofficial and incomplete results continued to emerge from the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, with the party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) locked in a closely contested race.

PPP candidates Qasim Majeed won LA-2 Mirpur-2 with 12,904 votes, defeating PML-N’s Azeem Bakhsh Chaudhry, who received 8,182 votes. In LA-3 Mirpur-3, PPP’s Chaudhry Yasir Sultan was declared the unofficial winner with 11,676 votes, ahead of PML-N’s Chaudhry Muhammad Saeed, who polled 9,832 votes.

In other constituencies, incomplete results showed PML-N leading in LA-1 Mirpur-1, LA-4 Mirpur-4, LA-5 Bhimber-1, LA-6 Bhimber-2, LA-7 Bhimber-3, LA-9 Kotli-2 and LA-13 Kotli-6. The PPP maintained early leads in LA-8 Kotli-1, LA-10 Kotli-3, LA-11 Kotli-4 and LA-12 Kotli-5, where vote counting was still underway.

Polling for the first phase of the elections concluded Monday after voting in 13 constituencies across Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber districts. Election authorities extended polling by one hour before ballot counting began.

The Election Commission has stressed that the figures are unofficial and non-final, with final results to be announced after completion of the official consolidation process.

15 security personnel martyred, 12 militants killed in Tank attack

by
15 security personnel

RAWALPINDI: Fifteen Pakistani security personnel were martyred and 12 militants were killed after suspected Fitna al-Khwarij militants attacked a joint police check post in Tank district, the military’s media wing said.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attackers attempted to breach the security of the check post, but security forces responded swiftly, thwarting the assault and killing 12 fleeing militants during the operation.

The ISPR said the attackers then rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the outer perimeter wall of the check post. The resulting blast caused extensive damage to the facility and led to the martyrdom of 12 soldiers, two police personnel, and one Forest Department official.

A clearance operation is underway to eliminate any remaining militants in the area, the military said, adding that Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue counterterrorism operations under the Azm-e-Istehkam campaign.

The military said the sacrifices of the fallen personnel reinforce the country’s resolve to eliminate terrorism and safeguard national security.

Field Marshal Munir reaffirms resolve to restore peace in Balochistan

by
Field Marshal Munir

RAWALPINDI: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, said on Thursday that the combined efforts of security forces, law enforcement agencies and the public would help bring lasting peace to Balochistan.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief made the remarks while addressing participants of the 20th National Workshop Balochistan during their visit to General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

Field Marshal Munir described Balochistan as the pride of Pakistan, saying the province is rich in natural resources and that its resilient, patriotic and talented people are its greatest asset.

 He said ongoing federal and provincial development initiatives are aimed at transforming Balochistan’s socio-economic landscape through an inclusive approach.

He reaffirmed that targeted operations against what the military refers to as Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan would continue with full resolve until terrorism and its facilitators are eliminated. He also stressed Pakistan’s commitment to dismantling militant infrastructure that threatens national security.

The army chief emphasized the importance of national unity and perseverance in shaping the country’s future, adding that the armed forces, backed by the unity, determination and resilience of the Pakistani people, would defeat all attempts to destabilize the country.

PM Shehbaz highlights role of cybersecurity in national defense

by
PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s armed forces used autonomous systems and cybersecurity capabilities to defend the country’s borders during “Marka-e-Haq,” underscoring the growing role of advanced technology in national security.

Addressing the Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo in Islamabad, Sharif said the exhibition reflected Pakistan’s ambition to become a leader in emerging technologies in the 21st century.

The prime minister said the use of technology in the security sector was a source of national pride, adding that Pakistan had made significant progress in advanced technologies, including achieving more than 60% indigenous production of drones.

Sharif credited the armed forces, under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, for effectively integrating modern technology during “Marka-e-Haq.” He also praised the contributions of the chief of air staff and chief of naval staff.

He said Pakistan would continue to invest in advanced technologies, including autonomous systems and cybersecurity, to strengthen its defense capabilities and safeguard national sovereignty.

Iranian Interior Minister arrives in Pakistan for high-level talks

by
Iranian Interior

ISLAMABAD: Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni arrived in Islamabad for an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and discussing regional security, amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi welcomed Momeni at the airport, where Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry were also present to receive the visiting delegation.

Momeni is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes the governor-general of Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province, the deputy interior minister, the deputy minister for urban development and transport, the head of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), the special representative of Iran’s agriculture minister and other senior officials.

Later, the Iranian minister held talks with Naqvi in Islamabad, where both sides reviewed bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.

During the meeting, Momeni described Pakistan-Iran ties as exemplary and thanked the Pakistani government and people for their hospitality.

Naqvi expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen cooperation between the neighboring countries and voiced hope for positive developments on regional issues. He said Pakistan looked forward to expanding bilateral engagement and supporting efforts to ease regional tensions.

During his visit, Momeni is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces.

The visit comes as Iran and the United States remain engaged in renewed tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, while diplomatic contacts between Tehran and Washington continue through mediators despite recent hostilities.

Pakistan has said it will continue encouraging dialogue and support efforts to reduce tensions under a memorandum of understanding it helped facilitate last month.

Bilawal Bhutto predicts decisive victory for PPP in AJK elections

by
Bilawal Bhutto

KOTLI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari predicted a decisive victory for his party in the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, saying the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) would suffer a historic defeat.

Addressing a public rally in Kotli, Bilawal said the PPP aims to win every seat in the constituency to form the next AJK government. He said the future of Kashmir rests in the hands of its people and that voters, not political parties, would determine the region’s direction.

Bilawal also criticized the PML-N, accusing one of its federal ministers of making remarks harmful to the interests of Kashmiris. He said that until the minister was removed from the federal cabinet, he would consider the statement to reflect the government’s official policy.

The PPP chairman reiterated his demand for the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address recent developments in Azad Kashmir.

 He also urged the government to restore internet services and suspend further action until the proposed commission completes its work.

Bilawal said the people of Azad Kashmir are seeking change and pledged that, if elected, the PPP would raise the Kashmir issue at every available forum.

 He also warned political opponents against targeting PPP workers, saying the party would respond through the democratic process after the elections.

Federal govt extends austerity measures to curb government spending

by
Federal govt

ISLAMABAD: Federal government has decided to continue austerity measures during the current fiscal year as part of efforts to control public expenditure, according to official sources.

Sources said the federal cabinet has approved the continuation of cost-cutting measures, and the Cabinet Division has forwarded the decision to the Ministry of Finance for implementation. A formal notification is expected to be issued soon.

Under the decision, all federal government posts that have remained vacant for the past three years will be abolished, while the creation of new positions will remain prohibited.

The government will also maintain a ban on the purchase of all types of official vehicles, machinery and equipment during the current fiscal year.

Restrictions on government-funded overseas medical treatment and non-essential foreign travel for public officials will also remain in place.

The measures are part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce expenditures and strengthen fiscal discipline amid ongoing economic challenges.

Security forces foil suicide bombing plot in South Waziristan

by
Security forces

ISLAMABAD: Security forces said they foiled a major suspected terrorist attack in the Wana area of South Waziristan after destroying an explosives-laden vehicle before it could be used in a suicide bombing.

According to security officials, the intelligence-based operation targeted a vehicle packed with explosives that was allegedly being prepared for a terrorist attack.

Officials said the vehicle had been kept under surveillance for three days before it was struck after moving away from populated areas to minimize the risk to civilians.

Security officials said the operation destroyed the explosives-laden vehicle and a motorcycle. One suspected militant was killed and five others were injured during the operation.

The officials said the operation was conducted with a focus on protecting civilian lives and property, describing it as a successful effort to prevent a potentially devastating attack.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security forces for thwarting the suspected attack, saying their timely action protected residents of Wana and nearby areas from possible devastation.

 He commended the forces for their professionalism in neutralizing the explosives before the planned attack could be carried out.

Bilawal says dialogue is only solution to Balochistan’s political challenges

by
Bilawal says

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that dialogue remains the only solution to Balochistan’s political challenges, reaffirming his party’s commitment to engaging with all political forces regardless of whether they are in government or the opposition.

Bilawal made the remarks during a meeting with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti at Zardari House, where the chief minister briefed him on the province’s administrative, political and security situation.

Bugti informed the PPP chairman about the recent wave of terrorism in Balochistan and said the provincial government had played an active role in supporting the families affected by the deadly Ziarat attack and addressing their demands. He also announced that a judicial commission had been established to investigate the incident.

The chief minister said an all-parties conference would soon be convened in Balochistan to discuss the province’s challenges, adding that political parties outside parliament would also be invited to participate in the dialogue.

Bilawal paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and police personnel, saying he shared the grief of the families who lost loved ones in the recent attacks. He praised Bugti’s efforts to assist the bereaved families and advance the dialogue process.