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Pakistan News

Read the latest Pakistan news, politics, economy, public services and breaking developments with verified updates, context and original analysis.

Bilawal calls emergency meeting after PML-N remarks

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Bilawal

ISLAMABAD: As tensions escalate between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has called an emergency meeting of senior party leaders to discuss the situation

According to party insiders, the meeting — to be held via Zoom — will be attended by members of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) and senior leadership. The session is expected to finalise the party’s future strategy regarding the PML-N.

Sources further revealed that Bilawal will also brief participants on the PPP leadership’s late-night meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari and the PML-N delegation.

On the other hand, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has convened a meeting of the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) at Bilawal House Karachi on October 18, to discuss the country’s political situation and future course of action, according to an official statement.

The meeting comes at a time when relations between PPP and its coalition partner, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), have been strained for several weeks.

The leaders from both parties have engaged in an escalating exchange of accusations, underscoring widening cracks within the ruling alliance.

President Asif Ali Zardari held a late-night meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to review the country’s evolving political situation, as tensions persist between coalition allies PPP and PML-N.

The leaders discussed matters pertaining to the overall security and political situation in the country, as well as recent regional and international developments.

The PPP and the PML-N’s Punjab leadership have been engaged in a war of words for the past many days over issues ranging from flood compensation to water rights in the context of the Cholistan canals project.

Seven militants killed, Major martyred in security operation

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Seven militants

RAWALPINDI: Seven terrorists belonging to the outlawed Khwarij group were killed during a security forces’ operation in the Daraban area of Dera Ismail Khan, the military’s media wing reported on Thursday.

According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Security forces conducted an intelligence based operation in general area Daraban, Dera Ismail Khan District, on reported presence of Khwarij belonging to Indian Proxy, Fitna al Khwarij.

During the conduct of operation, due to effective engagement by own troops seven Indian sponsored khwarij were sent to hell.

However, during the intense fire exchange, 30-years old Major Sibtain Haider resident of District Quetta a brave officer who was leading his troops from the front, having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat.

Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies as well as killing of innocent civilians.

Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored Kharji found in the area, as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian Sponsored Terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave sons further strengthen our resolve.

Zardari, Dar discuss politics amid PPP-PML-N rift

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Zardari

ISLAMABAD: Amid rising friction between the ruling coalition partners, PPP and PML-N, President Asif Ali Zardari met with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday night to deliberate on the prevailing political climate

The leaders discussed matters pertaining to the overall security and political situation in the country, as well as recent regional and international developments, President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.

DPM/FM Senator Ishaq Dar, who recently attended the United Nations General Assembly session and held several interactions with foreign dignitaries, briefed the president on his engagements and shared insights on pressing global and regional issues.

The PPP and the PML-N’s Punjab leadership have been engaged in a war of words for the past many days over issues ranging from flood compensation to water rights in the context of the Cholistan canals project.

The PPP, which is in power in Sindh, has been particularly incensed by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s remarks, whose party is also leading the federal government.

Earlier, a post on X by the PPP announced party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s move to call a meeting of the party’s top brass.

“Important decisions regarding national politics will be made in the meeting of the PPP’s central executive committee,“it said.

Former Pakistani senator released after five days in Israeli jail

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Pakistani senator

AMMAN: Former senator Mushtaq Ahmed has released a video statement following his release from Israeli detention, saying he has reached Jordan along with 150 companions.

In a post shared on social media platform X, Mushtaq Ahmed said they were held for five days in Israel’s notorious Negev Desert prison, where they were subjected to harsh treatment.

“Our hands were tied behind our backs, blindfolds were placed over our eyes, and shackles were put on our feet during the detention,” he revealed in the video message.

Former senator Mushtaq Ahmed has detailed the severe mistreatment he and others faced during their detention in Israel, following his release and arrival in Jordan with 150 companions.

In a video message posted on social media platform X, Mushtaq said they were attacked by dogs, threatened with guns, and subjected to brutal torture while held for five days in Israel’s notorious Negev Desert prison. He added that detainees were denied access to air, medicine, and even water, forcing them to stage a three-day hunger strike to press their demands.

Mushtaq Ahmed reaffirmed that the struggle for Palestine’s freedom will continue, pledging efforts to save Gaza, bring perpetrators to justice, and repeatedly break Israel’s blockade.c

Four injured as blast derails Jaffar Express near Shikarpur

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Shikarpur

SHIKARPUR:  Four coaches of the Jaffar Express derailed near Sultan Kot village in Shikarpur on Tuesday following an explosion on the railway track.

According to police, four passengers were injured in the incident and shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

A bomb disposal squad has been called to the site to determine the nature of the explosion and collect evidence from the damaged section of the track.

Police say the railway operation has been temporarily suspended after the blast, while arrangements are being made to send passengers by buses.

According to the DS Railway, repair of the affected track has been started and the track repair can take 8 to 10 hours, but there is no train on the track before 5pm.

On the other hand, Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar has sought a detailed report from the SSP Shikarpur following the explosion on a railway track that caused coaches of the Jaffar Express to derail.

The home minister directed authorities to launch an immediate investigation into the incident and ensure that the terrorists responsible for damaging the railway track are brought to justice at the earliest.

Lanjar emphasized the need to trace the culprits through concrete evidence and thorough investigation and instructed officials to keep him informed of all developments related to the probe.

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah strongly condemned the explosion on the railway track near Kot Sultan that caused several coaches of the Jaffar Express to derail.

According to a spokesperson, the chief minister has sought a detailed report from the Inspector General of Police regarding the incident.

He also directed the Commissioner of Larkana to ensure that the injured passengers receive the best possible medical treatment.

Murad Ali Shah further instructed authorities to dispatch rescue teams immediately to provide timely assistance to the affected passengers.

The police and bomb disposal squad are present at the site and are investigating the nature of the blast, the Sindh police chief confirmed.

Skywatchers gear up for year’s first supermoon tonight

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Skywatchers

ISLAMABAD: A breathtaking celestial event awaits stargazers tonight as the year’s first supermoon makes its appearance, shining bigger and brighter than a typical full moon.

According to a spokesperson for the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), during the supermoon, the Moon will be approximately 224,000 miles from Earth, appearing 6.6% larger and 13% brighter than a typical full moon.

The phenomenon will be visible in Pakistan as well. The supermoon will rise in the east shortly after sunset and set in the west before sunrise, giving observers ample time to witness the stunning sight.

According to SUPARCO, 2 more super monases will be seen this year. The brightest Super Moon of the year is expected on November 5, 2025, while the third Super Moon will be seen on December 5.

According to astronomers, the super moon appears when the moon is at the closest distance to the earth, which is the moon, which is why the moon looks significantly larger and bright than usual, which is why it is called Super Moon.

Punjab on alert as heavy rains swell rivers

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Punjab

LAHORE: Continuous downpours have led to rising river flows across Punjab, prompting the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to issue a flood alert and urge caution in low-lying areas.

According to a PDMA spokesperson, water flow in the Jhelum River at Mangla upstream is expected to increase, with the possibility of a medium-level flood within the next 24 hours. Meanwhile, low-level flooding has already been reported in the Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala and the Ravi River at Head Sidhnai.

While the worst of the flooding has passed in Bahawalpur district, the devastation it left behind is significant. Thousands of houses have collapsed, and standing crops over hundreds of thousands of acres have been destroyed.

The stagnant floodwaters have now led to a surge in mosquito populations, raising concerns over waterborne and vector-borne diseases.

In Multan’s Jalalpur Pirwala tehsil, drainage operations are still underway, with several low-lying areas remaining submerged. Authorities confirmed that all seven breaches at Noraja Bhutta Bund have been sealed.

However, the M-5 Motorway remains closed for a 25th consecutive day due to flood damage. Officials said a 23-kilometer stretch of the motorway was damaged at more than 13 points, and restoration work will begin soon. Traffic is currently being diverted through alternate routes.

Pakistan Rejects Trump’s 20-Point Gaza Peace Plan: “It’s Not Ours”, Says FM Ishaq Dar

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Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar speaking in parliament as Pakistan rejects Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan.

While PM Shehbaz Sharif initially welcomed the plan, Islamabad now distances itself, sparking domestic backlash and diplomatic scrutiny.

Islamabad, October 3, 2025 – Pakistan has formally distanced itself from the 20-point Gaza peace plan announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump, with Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar declaring that the version released publicly is not the one Pakistan (or allied Muslim nations) had agreed to. Reuters+1

Speaking in the national assembly, Dar asserted that key modifications had been made to the text, diverging from the coalition draft submitted by Pakistan along with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, and Indonesia. Reuters+2India Today+2

“These 20 points which Trump has made public are not ours. Some changes have been made from the draft we had,” Dar told lawmakers. Reuters+1

He also criticized international institutions — including the UN, Security Council, and OIC — for failing to prevent the ongoing Gaza war. Reuters

PM Sharif’s Earlier Endorsement & Domestic Fallout

Prior to Dar’s clarification, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had tweeted a welcome message for Trump’s plan, calling it a “vital step” toward ending the war. Wikipedia+2India Today+2

Tweet by PM Shehbaz Sharif (CMShehbaz):

That tweet triggered criticism from opposition figures and civil society, with voices accusing the government of undermining Pakistan’s historic pro-Palestine stance and appearing to side too closely with U.S. interests. India Today+2X (formerly Twitter)+2

What Does Trump’s 20-Point Plan Propose?

The U.S. plan — which has already been endorsed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — includes demands such as:

  • A ceasefire and return of all hostages (alive and dead) within 72 hours of a ceasefire
  • Partial Israeli withdrawal, leading to a phased full withdrawal under international oversight
  • Disarmament of Hamas, and removal of its role in governance
  • Reconstruction of Gaza under an international “Board of Peace,” with oversight from global partners Reuters+2Reuters+2

However, the plan leaves many critical issues open for negotiation, including long-term governance, security guarantees, and the pathway to a Palestinian state. Reuters+2Reuters+2

Why Pakistan Is Pushing Back

  1. Sovereign stamp concerns
    Pakistan insists it should not be seen as having fully endorsed a plan in which it had no say in the final text. Dar emphasized that the published version does not match the coalition draft. Reuters+1
  2. Domestic political sensitivity
    The government faces pressure from political factions and public sentiment that strongly support the Palestinians. Any perception of alignment with U.S./Israeli interests could provoke backlash.
  3. Regional diplomatic stakes
    As part of the coalition of Muslim nations that developed the original draft, Pakistan may want to protect its credibility among Arab and Islamic states.
  4. Negotiation leverage
    By rejecting the version released by Trump, Pakistan may aim to push for further revisions or clarifications that better protect sensitive points (e.g. full Israeli withdrawal, protection for Palestinian rights).

Reactions & Next Moves

  • Hamas has not publicly accepted the plan, calling parts of it biased and demanding changes. Reuters+1
  • Other countries (e.g. Saudi Arabia, Egypt) have reportedly engaged in ongoing talks with the U.S. to adjust or clarify the text. Reuters+2India Today+2
  • Pakistan will likely submit formal amendments or objections through diplomatic channels; further statements from the Foreign Office are expected in the coming days.

Sindh’s Pink EV Scooty Scheme Hits the Road with 200 Women Recipients

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A group of women proudly stand with their pink electric scooters at a distribution event in Karachi, with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari handing over keys, surrounded by cheering supporters.

In a vibrant ceremony that blended eco-innovation with women’s empowerment, the Sindh government rolled out the first batch of free electric scooters under its flagship Pink EV Scooty Scheme, handing over keys to 200 lucky female beneficiaries. The event, held on September 25 at a bustling venue in Karachi, marked a milestone in the province’s push for gender-inclusive, sustainable transport, drawing cheers from recipients, officials, and supporters alike.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari led the distribution, personally handing over the sleek pink scooters to a diverse group of female students, teachers, and working professionals. “Today, we are taking another big step by distributing electric scooters free of cost to women, which will not only ease their daily commute but also provide greater access to employment opportunities,” Bilawal Bhutto Zardari declared, emphasizing the scheme’s role in national progress. He highlighted the contrast with restrictive policies elsewhere, stating, “We want to send a strong message to Pakistan and the world—the Pakistan Peoples Party stands with the women of this country.”

The initiative, launched in April 2025 by the Sindh Transport and Mass Transit Department under Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, aims to distribute 1,000 such scooters across the province by year’s end. Each scooter comes equipped with safety features, including helmets, road safety training, and access to EV charging stations, in partnership with private entities like KFC Pakistan, which provided rider training and licensing support. “This pink scooter scheme is not just about transportation; it’s about women empowerment,” Memon noted earlier this month.

From Application to Asphalt: A Transparent Journey

The scheme’s selection process—online applications via the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) portal, followed by skill tests and a public lottery—ensured fairness, with media and a supervisory committee overseeing the draw. Recipients like Maria Mazhar Ghori, a schoolteacher from Karachi, shared her excitement: “I’ve received training from the Bint-i-Ahan women’s bike club, and now with this scooter, I can commute safely without relying on crowded buses. It’s a game-changer for women like me.”

Eligibility remains straightforward: Women aged 18+ residing in Sindh, holding a valid driving license, and either enrolled as students or employed. Applications are still open on the SMTA website (smta.sindh.gov.pk), with phased distributions continuing into October. No prior vehicle ownership is allowed, and scooters are for personal use only to prevent misuse.

Sindh Government Pink EV Scooty Scheme – SMTA Sindh Gov pk Registration

Broader Impact: Green Mobility Meets Gender Equity

This rollout aligns with national efforts like the federal Prime Minister’s Electric Bike Scheme 2025, which plans to distribute 116,000 e-bikes nationwide, but Sindh’s Pink EV focus zeroes in on women-specific barriers in urban hubs like Karachi and Hyderabad. By promoting electric vehicles, the program cuts fuel costs by up to 80% and reduces emissions, supporting Pakistan’s New Energy Vehicle Policy 2025–2030.

Looking ahead, Bhutto Zardari teased the launch of “Pink Taxis”—a women-operated ride service promising safe travel and job creation. As one recipient put it, “These wheels aren’t just for getting around; they’re for breaking barriers.”

For eligible women in Sindh, the message is clear: Apply now and ride the wave of change. The Pink EV Scooty Scheme isn’t just distributing vehicles—it’s accelerating a future where women lead the way, one eco-friendly mile at a time.

Shama Junejo Claims PM Shehbaz Personally Included Her in UN Delegation as Advisor

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Shama Junejo seated at the United Nations General Assembly, claiming to be part of Pakistan’s official delegation as an advisor.

Shama Junejo, a political figure associated with Pakistan’s current administration, has claimed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally included her as an advisor in Pakistan’s delegation to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Shama Junejo with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Bilal bin Saqib during Pakistan’s UNGA visit.

According to Junejo, the Prime Minister also tasked her with drafting his speech for the international forum, highlighting her direct involvement in shaping Pakistan’s diplomatic messaging.

The claim, which has sparked discussions on social media and in political circles, comes amid broader debates regarding delegation appointments and the roles of advisors accompanying high-level officials to global forums. Junejo stated that she was personally approached by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and included in the official UN delegation, reflecting the Prime Minister’s confidence in her capabilities.

While the Prime Minister has yet to officially comment on these claims, several political observers have noted that such appointments are typically reserved for senior government officials or experienced diplomats. Junejo’s assertion has therefore raised questions among opposition figures regarding transparency and protocol in the selection of advisors and delegation members.

Reacting to her claims, some opposition leaders have criticized the decision, suggesting that appointments to important international forums should be based on experience and merit rather than personal preference. However, supporters of Junejo argue that her inclusion as an advisor demonstrates trust from the Prime Minister and reflects the evolving nature of political advisory roles within Pakistan’s governance framework.

Shama Junejo also highlighted that her responsibilities extended beyond merely accompanying the delegation. She claimed that she was actively involved in preparing and reviewing speech drafts, coordinating with the Foreign Office, and providing strategic input for Pakistan’s engagement at the UNGA. This level of involvement, if confirmed, indicates a significant advisory role that impacts how Pakistan presents its policies and positions on the global stage.

The situation has also caught the attention of media outlets, which are closely following reactions from political figures and the public. Social media platforms have been abuzz with debates on whether political loyalty or professional competence should be the primary criterion for such international appointments. Many users have praised Junejo for taking on the advisory role at a high-profile international event, while others have criticized the move, claiming it sets a precedent for personal selection over institutional merit.

This development also brings attention to Pakistan’s diplomatic practices and the role of political advisors in international delegations. As the country navigates its foreign policy priorities, appointments like these highlight the balance between political trust and professional expertise in representing Pakistan on global platforms.

The controversy underscores the importance of transparency in political appointments, especially when representing the country at prestigious international forums such as the UNGA. While Junejo’s claims await official confirmation, the news has already generated significant public interest, highlighting the intricate interplay between politics, diplomacy, and personal influence within Pakistan’s governance framework.

As the story develops, political analysts and journalists will continue monitoring responses from the Prime Minister’s office, opposition parties, and the Foreign Office to provide clarity on Shama Junejo’s role and the protocols followed in appointing advisors to Pakistan’s UN delegation.

Reference:
Geo TV. (2025, September 29). PM Himself Included Me in UN Team as Advisor, Claims Shama Junejo. Geo News. Retrieved from Geo TV website.