23. Pakistan başbakanı
Türkiye, Pakistan reaffirm $5 billion trade goal
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed their target of raising bilateral trade to $5 billion, while pledging to deepen cooperation in defense, energy, transport, critical minerals and information technologies.
Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan: İsrail hükümeti savaş bağımlısı, tahrikleri takip ediyoruz
Cumhurbaşkanı Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Vahdettin Köşkü'nde ikili ve heyetler arası görüşmelerinin ardından Pakistan Başbakanı Şahbaz Şerif ile ortak basın toplantısı düzenledi. Pakistan Başbakanı Şerif ve heyetini İstanbul'da ağırlamaktan memnuniyet duyduğunu dile getiren Erdoğan, Pakistan'ın Belucistan eyaletinde yolcu otobüsünün uçuruma yuvarlanması sonucu yaşanan kazada vefat edenlere Allah'tan rahmet diledi. Şerif'e de ülkesi ve milleti adına taziyelerini ileten Erdoğan, "Bugün yaptığımız görüşmelerde, ikili ilişkiler başta olmak üzere bölgesel ve küresel meseleler hakkında görüş teatisinde bulunduk." ifadelerini kullandı. Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan, "Evvela İslamabad Mutabakatı ile sağlanan sükunet sayesinde tüm dünya derin bir nefes almıştır. Son günlerde uluslararası basına yansıyan haberler, müzakere sürecinin hangi zorluklarla yürütüldüğünü ortaya koymaktadır." diye konuştu. Bloomberg, NATO'nun 'yeni denklemini' yazdı! ‘Avrupa’nın Türkiye’ye ihtiyacı var, kilit ülke’ Bu neticenin alınmasında büyük emeği geçen Şerif'i ve Pakistanlı kardeşlerini tebrik ettiğini söyleyen Erdoğan, "Biz de bölgemizde gerilimin azaltılmasına ve sorunların diplomasi yoluyla çözülmesine katkı sağlayacak her adımı özellikle destekledik, destekliyoruz. İsrail yönetiminin mutabakatı dinamitlemeye yönelik tahriklerini dikkatle takip ediyoruz. Siyasi bekasını bölgede çatışmaların sürmesine bağlayan siyonist katliam kadrosu, özellikle Lübnan'ı ve Suriye'yi rahat bırakmıyor." dedi. Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan, "İsrail işgal güçleri Gazze'deki mazlumlara yönelik hukuk ve insanlık dışı saldırılarına da devam ediyor. Savaş bağımlısı mevcut İsrail hükümetinin coğrafyamızı tekrar özellikle barut ve kan kokusuna boğmasına fırsat vermemek gerekiyor. Türkiye, hangi inanca mensup olursa olsun bölge sakinlerinin tamamının huzur ve güven içinde yaşadığı bir iklimin hakim olmasını istemektedir." dedi. Böyle bir iklimin tesisi için her türlü gayreti gösterdiklerini aktaran Erdoğan, "Bölge ülkelerinin iradesi ve katkısından güç almayan hiçbir çözüm kalıcı olamaz. Bölgemizde barış, istikrar ve refahın güçlendirilmesi için Pakistan başta olmak üzere kardeş ülkelerle dayanışma halinde çalışmayı sürdüreceğiz." açıklamasında bulundu. İsrail'den 'göz ardı etmek imkansız' itirafı geldi! Gözler NATO'da: 'Türkiye'nin hızına yetişmek zor' "YATIRIMCILARIMIZI PAKİSTAN'DA DAHA FAZLA FAALİYETTE BULUNMAYA TEŞVİK EDİYORUZ" Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan, Pakistan'la her alanda dayanışmalarının sürdüğünü belirterek, "Ticari ve yatırım ilişkilerimizin de bu dayanışmaya yaraşır şekilde daha da geliştirilmesi için atabileceğimiz adımları bugün de ele aldık. Ticaret hacmimizi evvelce belirlediğimiz 5 milyar dolar seviyesine çıkarma hedefimizi teyit ettik. Özellikle Karaçi'de iş insanlarımız için tesisi öngörülen özel ekonomik bölge konusunda ticaret bakanlıklarımız çalışıyor. Benzer şekilde tercihli ticaret anlaşmamızın kapsamının genişletilmesi hususunda da görüşmeler sürüyor." diye konuştu. Pakistan Başbakanı Şerif'in bugün katıldığı iş forumunun da yatırım ve ticaret noktasında münasebetlerine katkı yapacağına inandığını belirten Erdoğan, şunları kaydetti: "Bizler de yatırımcılarımızı Pakistan'da daha fazla faaliyette bulunmaya teşvik ediyoruz. Ekonomik ilişkilerimizin en önemli unsurlarından olan savunma sanayisi alanındaki işbirliğimiz yeni projelerle her geçen gün gelişiyor. Aşama aşama hayata geçirdiğimiz bu projelerin Pakistan'ın gücüne güç katacağına inanıyorum. Pakistan'la enerji, ulaştırma, kritik mineraller ve bilgi teknolojileri alanında işbirliğimizi derinleştirmek istiyoruz. Sayın Başbakanla bugün kararlılığımızı bir kez daha teyit ettik." Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan, bugünkü görüşmelerinin ve ele aldıkları kararların hayırlara vesile olmasını temenni etti. YAŞASIN TÜRKİYE VE PAKİSTAN DOSTLUĞU Pakistan Başbakanı Şahbaz Şerif'i açıklamalarından satır başları da şöyle; "Değerli kardeşim Recep Tayyip Erdoğan'a teşekkür ediyorum. İstanbul'u ziyaret etmek her zaman büyük bir memnuniyet. Doğu ve Batı'yı bir araya getiren bir şehir. Genç kadınlar kızlar anneler yoğun çabalar sarf ettiler Türk Kurtuluş savaşında. Bizim halkımızda onlara yardım etti. İki ülke arasında hep böyle bir dayanışma oldu. Biz elimizden geleni yaptık Kurutuluş savaşında bunun şimdi karşılığını görüyoruz. Türkiye büyük bir cömertlik gösteriyor. Türkiye'nin başarısı Pakistan'ın başarısıdır. Farklı diyarlarda yaşayabiliriz ama aynı ışık bizi aydınlatıyor. Ortak bir başarı öngörüyoruz. Yaşasın Türkiye ve Pakistan dostluğu" Bloomberg, NATO'nun 'yeni denklemini' yazdı! ‘Avrupa’nın Türkiye’ye ihtiyacı var, kilit ülke’ Son dakika... CHP'li vekil Adnan Beker partisinden istifa etti
Erdoğan: İsrail Hükümeti Savaş Bağımlısı, Tahrikleri Takip EdiyoruzCumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan'dan açıklamalar
Son dakika... Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan, Pakistan Başbakanı Şahbaz Şerif ile ortak basın toplantısında konuşuyor... Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan: Pakistan Başbakanı Şerif'le yaptığımız görüşmelerde ikili ilişkilerimiz başta olmak üzere bölgesel ve küresel meseleler hakkında görüş teatisinde bulunduk"
Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan, Pakistan Başbakanı Şahbaz Şerif ile basın toplantısı düzenliyor
Cumhurbaşkanı Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Pakistan Başbakanı Şahbaz Şerif ile ortak basın toplantısı düzenliyor. Cumhurbaşkanı Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, basın toplantısında İran-ABD müzakarelerindeki rolü nedeniyle Pakistan Başbakanı Şahbaz Şerif'e teşekkür etti. Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan, görüşmede ikili ilişkiler başta olmak üzere bölgesel ve küresel meseleler hakkında konuştuklarını belirtti. Erdoğan, ’'Bölgemizde barış ve istikrar için kardeş ülkelerle dayanışmayı sürdüreceğiz. İsrail'e fırsat verilmemeli tahriklerini takip ediyoruz.'' dedi. NELER OLDU? Pakistan Başbakanı Şahbaz Şerif, Cumhurbaşkanı Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’ın davetine icabetle Türkiye'ye geldi. Erdoğan, Vahdettin Köşkü'nde Pakistan Başbakanı Şahbaz Şerif'i resmi törenle karşıladı. Tören sonrası Erdoğan ve Şerif, ikili görüşme gerçekleştirdi. İki lider, daha sonra heyetler arası çalışma yemeğine geçti. GÜNDEMDEKİ BAŞLIKLAR Erdoğan ve Şerif'in görüşmede, Türkiye ile Pakistan arasında ticaret ve yatırımlar başta olmak üzere, bölgesel ve küresel gelişmeleri ele alması bekleniyor. Ayrıca ziyaret kapsamında bir İş Forumu düzenlenmesi de öngörülüyor.
As Pakistan’s monsoon arrives, people with HIV worry
As contaminated floodwater gushed into their home in Buner, north-western Pakistan, Khalid (name changed) and his wife helped their three children up to higher ground. Amid the chaos, the couple had one more crucial thing to rescue: their life-saving HIV drugs. They trudged through neck-deep water inside their home to save their antiretroviral treatment pills from being swept away, ignoring all other valuables. “The waist-deep mud left behind by floodwaters had cut off our village for more than eight days,” Khalid recalls. “Thankfully, my wife and I still had our HIV medication with us,” says the daily wager, who contracted the virus while working abroad five years prior. This happened last monsoon, in August 2025, when the skies opened on Pakistan, causing widespread flooding. Devastating riverine floods affected places like Buner, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab province. The floods claimed over a thousand lives, with 808 of these casualties reported in the two provinces alone. They displaced three million people and damaged nearly 230,000 houses. For people living with HIV and AIDS, their illness was an added risk factor. During last year’s floods, many people with HIV got sick because they were cut off from antiretroviral therapy centres and couldn’t access drugs, Asma Nasim tells Dialogue Earth. Nasim is head of the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Sindh Institute for Urology and Transplantation. In Pakistan, antiretroviral treatment for HIV/AIDS is provided free of cost at dedicated centres. Such therapy enables persons with HIV “to live healthy lives by suppressing the virus and preserving immune functions,” explains Asghar Ilyas Satti, national coordinator for the Association of People Living with HIV-Pakistan. This year, as monsoon rolls in, Pakistan is on high alert, and has warned citizens of heavy rainfall, urban flooding and more weather-related risks. On 1 July, the country’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a glacier lake outburst flood alert in two valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan, a region bordering Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Rising river water levels damaged roads and bridges across several parts of the region, Dawn reported. Soon after, heavy rains lashed Pakistan, claiming at least 14 lives across the country, according to The Nation. These warnings and recurring floods coincide with Pakistan recording a dramatic increase in the incidence of HIV. Waheed (name changed), a teacher living with HIV in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Swat district, worries about the impacts of this year’s monsoon on his health due to his experience last year. While guiding his elderly mother, wife and three children to safety during the floods, he had to return to the house, but struggled to explain why. “Due to the stigma associated with the disease, I have kept my illness a secret from everyone, even from my spouse,” Waheed tells Dialogue Earth. “I had only nine tablets left and was worried about facing a gap in treatment due to [loss of] access to [the antiretroviral] centre,” he recalls. Eventually, he managed to rush back to his submerged house to extract his antiretroviral drugs from a hidden spot. “Gaps in treatment have severe health consequences, including viral rebound, immune system damage and progression to AIDS,” Satti tells Dialogue Earth. “For HIV patients, who are already navigating stigma and fragile health systems, climate disasters are not only destroying their homes and livelihoods, but also endangering access to essential medication, a disruption that could have life-threatening consequences,” Satti notes. HIV spikes amid floods On World AIDS Day in December 2025, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that new infections in Pakistan had risen by 200 per cent in 15 years — from 16,000 in 2010 to 48,000 in 2024. Hospitals in Karachi recently reported a “dramatic increase” in the number of paediatric HIV cases over the last nine months alone, noted Dawn. “During the last three months, I have seen more children who are HIV positive than I have seen in the last ten years,” says Nasim. “It isn’t just that more people are being tested. It is that there are more people being infected,” she adds. Unsafe medical practices appear to have been the main cause of these spikes, Samreen Sarfaraz, chair of infection control services and consultant infectious diseases at Indus Hospital, told Dawn. In April, the BBC published a story on how 331 children had tested positive for HIV between November 2024 and October 2025 in the city of Taunsa, Punjab. Their story, confirmed via undercover filming, linked the outbreak to a hospital where children were being injected with reused syringes. Waheed believes he contracted the virus while getting dental treatment where non-sterile instruments were used. After the 2019 HIV outbreak in Larkana, auto-disable syringes were introduced, which lock or break the plunger after one use. But more recently, such syringes have been discovered to be fake or substandard in some areas, she notes. “This virus has reached epidemic proportions in Pakistan,” says Nasim. These are troubling developments as the monsoon season and the potential for dangerous floods arise yet again. At a press conference in November, chairperson for Pakistan’s NDMA Inam Haider Malik cautioned that the 2026 monsoon could result in 22-26pc more rainfall than last year’s. A person with HIV has a consultation with a healthcare professional at the antiretroviral therapy centre in Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. — Adeel Saeed At the same event, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif endorsed a five-year plan for flood preparedness. This is significant in a country where no relief fund has ever been legally secured, climate and water expert Ali Tauqeer Sheikh noted in a recent Dawn op-ed. In May, Sharif ordered authorities to strengthen monsoon preparedness. He also issued a directive to ensure comprehensive screening of all patients in public hospitals for hepatitis and HIV. Memories of the catastrophic floods of 2022 are still fresh for many, when Pakistan suffered damage worth $10 billion, with more than 33 million people affected. In Sindh, the floods cut people with HIV off from treatment centres. “The devastating floods in 2022 disrupted our contact with a large number of HIV patients,” says Robina, the province’s head of the Association of People Living with HIV-Pakistan (APLHIV). When communication networks are disrupted due to climate-related disasters, treatment delays become more common, says Pulwasha (name changed), a person with HIV who has volunteered to deliver medicine to patients at their homes in Peshawar. Many patients prefer having medicines delivered to avoid being seen at antiretroviral therapy centres, she notes. Robina, who goes by a single name, tells Dialogue Earth that after six months of sustained efforts tracking patients lost to follow-up (LTFU) — those who drop out of treatment before it is complete — many patients came back to the treatment network. These were individuals who had stopped attending scheduled appointments or seeking care due to mental trauma and financial losses, including property and livelihoods. “The LTFU also indicated that several HIV patients were completely missing [and] presumed dead, either due to drowning or interruptions in treatment, as vast areas of interior Sindh remained submerged under floodwaters and [were] cut off from major cities for several months, severely restricting patients’ access to treatment centres,” she says. Nearly 20,000 patients who initiated treatment at antiretroviral therapy centres for HIV/AIDS were considered missing by Pakistan’s health ministry as of May 2026. This finding raised serious questions about follow-up, counselling and patient retention, noted the Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination in a press release. Who can help? Realising the health risks faced by HIV patients during the August 2025 floods, APLHIV activated an Emergency Response Cell to ensure uninterrupted treatment for affected individuals in Buner, Swat and Mansehra districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Satti says. Using its national registry of 25,000 people with HIV, APLHIV identified about 1,000 individuals residing in these flood-affected areas, over a hundred of whom were confirmed as directly affected by climate-induced disasters. Immediate coordination with centres, case managers, provincial and national programs ensured urgent re-supply of medicines to the flood-affected patients, Satti adds. Sobo Malik, an activist working closely with people living with HIV at the NGO Khawaja Sira Society in Lahore since 2015, says that while the government provides treatment, crucial follow-ups such as voluntary confidential counselling and testing are carried out by community-based organisations. Sadly, erratic weather patterns, extreme heat and last year’s flood have all impacted people’s access to medication especially in rural areas “There are no special programs for HIV-positive persons in case of disasters. Last year, during floods, [people] living in or near the cities received nutritional packages plus treatment, but we are not so sure those in rural areas get the same facilities,” she tells Dialogue Earth. “General aid in climate disasters, like medical camps and ration, is not specific to people with HIV. In flood relief camps, only verbal history is taken, and basics are checked like sugar [levels] and blood pressure. But no specific blood tests for HIV are conducted.” Confidentiality is also an issue with people with HIV, Malik says. “Because of the stigma, they usually don’t want to tell anyone. And in mainstream society … testing is rare.” Diagnosis is important, but treatment, follow-up and counselling are just as important, she notes. “Their immunity is obviously compromised. The viral load needs to be brought down through medication, plus nutrition needs to be maintained to strengthen immunity. If that isn’t done, then severe weather conditions… will impact their health more than an average person.” Sara Malik, deputy director of media at the NDMA, tells Dialogue Earth that the government body hopes to address the needs of people with HIV “over time”. While there are no policies specific to these individuals, NDMA has partner NGOs that are active in the health sector, so they must be indirectly benefiting from their initiatives, she says. NDMA, she says, “ensures that vulnerable populations are supported during its post-disaster response”, adding that it is now “expanding [the] scope of its relief activities to reach [the] maximum number of vulnerable people during emergencies”. Risk of other diseases Environmentalist and social activist Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Jr, who advocates for the rights of people with HIV, says that access to medicines can make the condition quite manageable. “While in many countries the onus falls on the general population to remain safe, in Pakistan it is the government that must now act to ensure medical malpractice does not take any more lives,” Bhutto tells Dialogue Earth. “Thankfully, [antiretroviral] medication can be obtained for free in Pakistan. This is a good system that can work, it just needs to be utilised,” he says. “Sadly, erratic weather patterns, extreme heat and last year’s flood have all impacted people’s access to medication, especially in rural areas.” In the event of floods this year, APLHIV will expand the services of its Emergency Response Cell to Punjab and Sindh provinces, Satti says. The government of Punjab, another province hard hit by last year’s floods, has committed to flood preparedness initiatives this year. Dialogue Earth made multiple attempts to contact the Punjab AIDS Control Program, a provincial government initiative, but got no response. APLHIV staff, meanwhile, remain on alert and are prepared to respond swiftly and take all necessary measures to provide assistance to people with HIV in the event of a disaster, Satti says. International agencies like the World Bank, Unesco and UN Development Programme, in collaboration with developed nations, have pledged support to Pakistan in disaster-preparedness and to help with early-warning systems. But experts remain cynical about whether this will result in ground relief for vulnerable communities. When asked about patients whose disease has progressed to AIDS, Nasim says that immunocompromised patients suffer much more in extreme weather events. “Post-floods, areas with floodwater are infested with mosquitoes, which means more malaria and dengue. In addition, after floods, water is often contaminated. How can AIDS patients survive that?” Header image: The floods of August 2025, which claimed over a thousand lives in Pakistan, carried particularly high risks for those living with HIV. — Kamran Khan This article was originally published by Dialogue Earth and has been republished with permission.
Pakistan'da Muson Selinde HIV Hastalarının İlaç MücadelesiBakan Bolat: Türkiye ile Pakistan ticaretinde hedef 5 milyar dolar
Türkiye ile Pakistan arasındaki ekonomik iş birliğinin güçlendirilmesi için yeni adımlar atılıyor. Ticaret Bakanı Ömer Bolat, iki ülke arasındaki ticaret hacminin 2025 yılında 1,2 milyar dolara ulaştığını belirterek, Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan ile Pakistan Başbakanı Şahbaz Şerif'in bu rakamı 5 milyar dolara çıkarma hedefi doğrultusunda kapsamlı bir yol haritası üzerinde çalıştıklarını açıkladı.
MQM-P warns of protest if Centre does not ensure implementation of 2022 agreement with PPP
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) on Saturday warned of issuing a protest call if the Centre did not ensure that the party’s 2022 agreement with PPP on various provincial issues was implemented. MQM-P and PPP had signed an 18-point agreement on March 30, 2022 — just before the two joined hands with other parties to remove PTI’s Imran Khan as the prime minister. MQM-P’s demands ranged from municipal government structure to future power-sharing formula and recruitment policy in Sindh to local policing system. Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Farooq Sattar referred to that deal as the “last agreement between MQM-P and PPP”. He stressed that his party had not demanded to be included in the provincial government or sought authority over Sindh’s resources. Sattar claimed that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari held “no meeting despite repeated reminders from MQM-P” on the agreement to implement a Supreme Court order regarding local governments within one month. “This was not implemented. This entire agreement was not implemented. This has around 18 points, out of which not even one was implemented,” the MQM-P leader asserted. Highlighting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (then the PML-N president), Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Akhtar Mengal and Khalid Hussain Magsi had signed the pact as witnesses, Sattar called for the Centre to take action. Sattar said: “You (Bilawal) have a direct signature on our rights and the solution of our problems, but the witness of this nikah, this relationship, is mian Shehbaz Sharif, so he [and] the federal government — I am not using the word intervention — but they would have to get involved. “And these 18 points would have to be implemented; otherwise, the question remains of when and how MQM-P issues a protest call,” he said, adding that PM Shehbaz must also fulfil his responsibility. The MQM-P leader stressed that his “SOS call” was not just for Bilawal and President Asif Ali Zardari, but also for the prime minister, whom he termed the “guarantor” of the agreement. He reiterated that MQM-P was “giving a final warning” to the federal government and PM Shehbaz. “You will have to get involved somewhere, or else MQM-P will begin such a protest movement that no one will be able to bring back MQM-P, the people of Karachi and those residing in other cities of Sindh,” Sattar said. He urged the premier to visit Karachi and resolve the matter before “public deprivation, injustice and lack of attention and confidence cross all limits and they take to the streets”. Sattar said his party was “in contact” with the public regarding a protest movement, adding that the Centre should not interfere later on to stop them. At one point during his press talk, Sattar said he was not addressing Bilawal as much, but rather “calling on the Centre to fulfil its Constitutional role”. The MQM-P leader said a referendum should be held under Article 149 of the Constitution, which allows the federal government to issue directives to provinces in certain cases. Calling for the abolishment of the quota system for government jobs, Sattar said that even the parity of 60:40 for rural/urban Sindh agreed under the pact was not implemented. Noting that a joint commission on the issue of fake domiciles had not been formed, the MQM-P leader said President Zardari, or even PM Shehbaz if needed, must get involved if Bilawal failed to implement that. Sharjeel Memon assails MQM-P’s ‘political blackmailing’ In response to MQM-P’s press conference, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the “mandate of the people of Sindh, the 1973 Constitution and the province are not experimental grounds to be targeted whenever a party’s politics becomes weak”. According to a statement issued on X by the Sindh Information Department, Memon said Sattar should remember that people of Sindh had given a “clear mandate” to the PPP, adding that “it cannot be changed through a press conference, threat or political blackmailing”. Memon further said: “If MQM-P wants to get a big share in power, the path lies through the public’s vote. Power cannot be gained through federal intervention or by dragging constitutional institutions into political disputes.” The Sindh minister contended that MQM-P believed in the “politics of shortcuts rather than public mandate” and termed its use of federal intervention as evidence of the party’s “political blackmailing”. “MQM-P should not turn the resources of Karachi’s people into a means of political bargaining,” Memon quipped. Further assailing MQM-P, the PPP leader said the former’s demand to hand over Karachi’s matters to the Centre was a “heinous conspiracy against the federal structure”. The minister questioned why MQM-P could not have its promises for Karachi fulfilled despite being a part of the ruling coalition, and urged Sattar’s party to question its allies in the Centre. While PPP and MQM-P are the ruling PML-N’s allies in the Centre, MQM-P sits in the opposition in the PPP-led Sindh and criticises the provincial government for its administration of Karachi. Since the deadly Gul Plaza fire on January 17 sparked a debate over the need for reforms in LGs, MQM-P has repeatedly called for Karachi to be declared a “federal territory”. After MQM-P urged Bilawal to seek resignations from Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, the top PPP leadership publicly reaffirmed their confidence in the Sindh government and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC).
Huge crowds gather in Iran as funeral ceremonies for assassinated supreme leader begin
Funeral ceremonies for Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — who was assassinated in a US-Israeli strike on the first day of the Middle East conflict — officially began on Saturday, state television reported, an event drawing thousands and intended to serve as a show of strength to the Islamic republic’s foes. Iranian authorities said they anticipate between 15 and 20 million participants in Tehran alone over the next three days for tributes to the man who ran the country for three-and-a-half decades. Six days of funeral ceremonies are planned to commemorate Khamenei, who ruled the Islamic republic as its number one from 1989 until his assassination aged 86 on the first day of the US-Israeli war on Iran on February 28. The events will be scrutinised in particular for any signs of Khamenei’s son and successor, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who was named supreme leader a week after the killing of his father but is yet to appear in public. Thousands of mourners carrying red banners gathered in the courtyard of Tehran’s vast Grand Mosalla religious complex, waiting for the arrival of Khamenei’s coffin. People attend a public farewell ceremony to pay their respects to assassinated Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, in Tehran, Iran July 4, 2026. — Reuters Chants of “death to America” and “revenge, revenge” echoed at the venue. “We came (to the funeral) because we promised the supreme leader we would stand by him to the very end,” 37-year-old university professor Reza, who gave only one name, told AFP. “For a long time, we shouted that we would sacrifice our lives for the leader, but it was he who sacrificed himself for us.” Javad Akbari, 43, a food-processing plant worker, said: “I never had the chance to see the supreme leader up close, and I regret that. Today, I have come to bid him a final farewell.” An AFP journalist saw mourners walking several kilometres to reach the venue. Hundreds of supporters of the Islamic republic had begun arriving on Friday evening outside the Grand Mosalla. People gather for a public farewell ceremony to pay their respects to assassinated Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, in Tehran, Iran on July 4, 2026. — Reuters “We want to say a final goodbye to our leader, which is why waiting like this isn’t painful or difficult for us,” Somayye Hamedi told AFP. Significant security measures have been imposed, with roads blocked and airspace expected to be closed for what is set to be the largest-scale public event in Iran since the burial of Khamenei’s predecessor, Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989. Security personnel stand guard as mourners gather at the start of the funeral ceremonies of Iran’s slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the Grand Mosalla in Tehran on July 4, 2026. — AFP ‘Final goodbye’ The coffin will lie in state until Monday, when a procession will pass through Tehran. On Tuesday, it will move to the clerical hub of Qom, before moving on Wednesday to cities holy to Shia Muslims in neighbouring Iraq, then proceeding for burial on Thursday in Khamenei’s home city of Mashhad in northeastern Iran. Officials who survived the war showed their grief and displayed a united front on Friday, with parliament speaker and top negotiator in the US talks Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf visibly tearful. Top Iranian officials paying their respects included Ahmad Vahidi, who was named chief of the powerful Revolutionary Guards after his predecessor was assassinated in the same strikes that killed Khamenei, but had not been seen since. People attend a public farewell ceremony to pay their respects to assassinated Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, in Tehran, Iran July 4, 2026. — Reuters The coming days will be closely watched for signs of Mojtaba Khamenei, who has communicated only by written statements and is said to have been wounded in the same strikes, though the extent of his injuries was never made clear. Other relatives killed in the strikes will also be buried, including Ali Khamenei’s infant granddaughter. International guests paying respects on Friday included Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country has been mediating between Iran and the US, and Russian ex-president Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy head of the Russian security council, who attended on behalf of President Vladimir Putin. Mourners gather at the Grand Mosalla to pay their final respects to Iran’s slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the start of his funeral ceremonies in Tehran on July 4, 2026. — AFP Hamas and Hezbollah were also represented, as was the Taliban government in Afghanistan. ‘Call for vengeance’ After five weeks of fighting, the Middle East conflict is on hold following an initial accord between Iran and the United States. But Iranian officials have warned Tehran is ready to resume fighting if needed. “The nation’s call for vengeance must ring in the ears of the whole world,” said Ghalibaf, who urged Iranians to turn out en masse. Army chief Amir Hatami vowed Israel and the US “will pay for the blood of the martyred leader and all the nation’s martyrs”. But authorities will also want the event to go smoothly, deeply aware of the risk of crowd crushes that have marred similar events in the past. TV broadcasting guidelines on how to stay safe. With temperatures well over 35 degrees Celsius expected over the next few days in Tehran, tankers were stationed to spray water on the roads to cool down attendees. Ahead of the ceremonies, AFP correspondents reported that Tehran was quieter than usual, with many normally busy streets free of Tehran’s notorious traffic.
İran, Ayetullah Hamaney İçin Tarihinin En Büyük Cenaze Törenini Düzenliyor- Siyasi04 Tem
PPP ticket picks trigger legal challenge, fresh controversy
MUZAFFARABAD: The PPP’s selection of candidates for the forthcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections ran into controversy on Friday as the opposition announced plans to seek contempt proceedings over one nominee’s disputed State Subject status, while the ruling party also reversed its decisions on candidates in two other constituencies. The legal challenge was announced by Syed Shoukat Ali Shah, the PML-N candidate for LA-42 (Kashmir Valley-III), who said he would move the AJK Supreme Court against the PPP’s regional leadership, including Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, for awarding the party ticket to his rival, Asim Sharif Butt, despite official inquiries declaring the latter’s State Subject certificate invalid. Mr Butt, a resident of Multan, was elected from the refugee constituency in 2021 on a PTI ticket but left the party after it ran into political turmoil in April 2023. In November last year, he joined fellow refugee lawmakers Abdul Majid Khan and Akbar Ibrahim in supporting the formation of the incumbent PPP government. PML-N announces plans to seek contempt proceedings over nomination An inquiry conducted by the deputy commissioner (rehabilitation) on the directions of the AJK Supreme Court had concluded that the State Subject certificate issued to Mr Butt in December 2004 was invalid and should be cancelled. The previous government referred the matter to the Board of Revenue, which upheld the inquiry findings and also declared the certificate invalid. Following repeated observations by the apex court over delays in implementing its judgement, the cabinet headed by Prime Minister Rathore approved cancellation of the certificate in February. However, the government has yet to issue a formal notification to implement the decision. In April, Mr Shah again approached the Supreme Court over the delay. During the hearing, the advocate general assured the court that its judgment would be implemented “in letter and spirit” as the process was nearing completion, though he did not specify a timeframe. The case, fixed for hearing on June 10, was later adjourned owing to the prevailing situation and is expected to be taken up after the court’s summer recess. Mr Shah told Dawn that he had also challenged Mr Butt’s nomination papers before the returning officer, but his objections were rejected because the government had not formally notified the cabinet’s decision. “Awarding a party ticket to a person who is not a State Subject amounts to blatant contempt of the apex court, and I will seek contempt proceedings against the PPP leadership,” he said. Asked by Dawn why the PPP had awarded its ticket to a candidate whose State Subject certificate had been declared invalid in official inquiries, the party’s regional president, Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin, replied tersely: “Bus de diya” (we just did). Separately, the PPP withdrew its decision to replace Javed Butt as its candidate for LA-43 (Kashmir Valley-IV), reportedly after he furnished a written undertaking of loyalty to the party on a Rs500 stamp paper. The party had earlier considered replacing him amid reports that he intended to surrender the PPP ticket and join former prime minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas. In another unexpected move, the PPP also withdrew its earlier decision to allocate the LA-14 (Dhirkot) constituency to JUI-F under an electoral alliance and instead nominated Raja Mubashar Ejaz as its candidate. No official explanation was offered for the reversal. Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2026
In pictures: Scenes from the state funeral for Iran's assassinated supreme leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran
Mourners and leaders from around the world, including Pakistan, gathered at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla to pay tribute to Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in a US-Israeli strike on Iran in February 2026. The funeral ceremonies will pass through a series of locations — from the seat of power in Tehran to the holy cities of Qom, Karbala, Najaf and finally Mashhad — reflecting the religious, political and ideological pillars of the Islamic republic. His funeral, initially delayed at the height of the Middle East war, is taking place as Iran and the US observe a fragile ceasefire following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding to halt the conflict. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir offering prayers during the state funeral of Iran’s late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. — AFP Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif writing in the condolence book during the state funeral of Iran’s late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. — AFP Iranians walk past a billboard bearing a picture of Iran’s assassinated supreme leader Ali Khamenei ahead of his funeral in Tehran on July 3, 2026. — AFP This photo shows a general view of a statue of Iran’s assassinated supreme leader Ali Khamenei’s hand installed at the Enghelab Square, ahead of his funeral in Tehran on July 3, 2026. — AFP Motorists drive past a billboard bearing a picture of Iran’s assassinated supreme leader Ali Khamenei, ahead of his funeral in Tehran on July 3, 2026. — AFP Mourners carry the coffin of Zahra Haddad Adel, wife of Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, during her funeral in Tehran. — AFP Men ride a scooter past a billboard featuring the images of the late founder of the Islamic Revolution supreme leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (L), Iran’s assassinated supreme leader Ali Khamenei (C) and his son, the current supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, along the street in Tehran on July 3, 2026. — AFP Mourners carry the coffin of Iran’s assassinated supreme leader Ali Khamenei at the Grand Mosalla in Tehran on July 3, 2026. — AFP Women take pictures in front of the Grand Mosalla in Tehran on July 3, 2026, ahead of Iran’s assassinated supreme leader Ali Khamenei’s funeral. — AFP The Grand Mosalla is pictured in Tehran on July 3, 2026, ahead of Iran’s assassinated supreme leader Ali Khamenei’s funeral. — AFP This handout photograph provided by the Iranian supreme leader office (Khamenei.IR) shows the chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Ahmad Vahidi (C) paying respect at the coffin of Iran’s slain supreme leader Ali Khamenei during a ceremony ahead of his funeral in Tehran on July 3, 2026. — AFP
Supreme Court rejects bid to force police officers prosecution over Pakistani journalist killing
Five-judge bench also declines to increase the Sh10 million compensation awarded to Sharif's...
PM Shehbaz arrives in Turkiye on official visit
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Istanbul on Friday for an official visit to Turkiye at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said a statement by the government. The premier, earlier today attended the funeral Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in a US-Israeli strike on February 28. After paying his respects, the prime minister departed for Istanbul. At Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport, the premier was received by Turkish Minister of Trade Professor Dr Omer Bolat, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkiye Dr Yusuf Junaid, and officials from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pakistani embassy. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar are accompanying the prime minister. PM Shehbaz and President Erdogan are expected to hold detailed discussions on all aspects of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on enhancing cooperation in trade and investment, added the statement. They will also exchange views on regional peace and security. During his stay in Istanbul, the premier is also scheduled to address a Pakistan-hosted business conference aimed at highlighting investment opportunities in sectors including special economic zones (SEZs), energy, information technology and privatisation. The conference will be attended by prominent Turkish business leaders, investors, senior government officials and other distinguished guests. Pakistan and Turkiye enjoy strong bilateral ties built on shared cultural, religious and historical bonds, as well as mutual respect. Last week, Pakistan and Turkiye signed three MoUs aimed at enhancing institutional collaboration, technical cooperation and knowledge sharing in the power sector during high-level consultations held in Istanbul. The MoUs were signed between Pakistani and Turkish energy sector entities, Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO) and Energy Exchange Istanbul (EPIAS), ISMO and the Turkish Electricity Transmission Corporation (TEIAS), and the Power Planning and Monitoring Company (PPMC) and the Turkish Electricity Distribution Corporation (TEDAS).
PM Shehbaz arrives in Turkey on official visit
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Istanbul on Friday for an official visit to Turkiye at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said a statement by the government. The premier, earlier today attended the funeral Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in a US-Israeli strike on February 28. After paying his respects, the prime minister departed for Istanbul. At Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport, the premier was received by Turkish Minister of Trade Professor Dr Omer Bolat, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkiye Dr Yusuf Junaid, and officials from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pakistani embassy. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar are accompanying the prime minister. PM Shehbaz and President Erdogan are expected to hold detailed discussions on all aspects of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on enhancing cooperation in trade and investment, added the statement. They will also exchange views on regional peace and security. During his stay in Istanbul, the premier is also scheduled to address a Pakistan-hosted business conference aimed at highlighting investment opportunities in sectors including special economic zones (SEZs), energy, information technology and privatisation. The conference will be attended by prominent Turkish business leaders, investors, senior government officials and other distinguished guests.
PM Shehbaz, CDF Munir pay respects to Iran's assassinated supreme leader Khamenei
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Friday paid their respects to Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in a US-Israeli strike on February 28. Khamenei’s body arrived at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla on Friday ahead of his funeral. Apart from PM Shehbaz and CDF Munir, other foreign dignitaries, clerics, officials and mourners also paid their respects as the body lay in state in a vast hall. Photos showed mourners carrying Khamenei’s coffin, emblazoned with Iran’s tricolour flag, into the Grand Mosalla, one of the Islamic republic’s most important ceremonial venues. Others show crowds at a pre-funeral ceremony clad in black, as the coffin was set down against a backdrop of red flowers and white butterflies hanging in the air. Ahmad Vahidi, head of the Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of the military, made his first appearance since the start of the war in February, paying his respects at the coffin, Iranian media footage showed. He will lie in state for three days at the colossal Grand Mosalla, which has been draped in banners featuring images and quotes of Khamenei. Millions of people and a coterie of foreign dignitaries are expected to attend Saturday’s official ceremony for Khamenei. Representatives from around 30 countries are expected to attend the funeral, with people pouring in from neighbouring Iraq and Afghanistan. The bodies of his slain relatives will also be present. Multi-city commemorations The funeral ceremonies for the supreme leader will pass through a series of locations — from the seat of power in Tehran to the holy cities of Qom, Karbala, Najaf and finally Mashhad — that reflect the religious, political and ideological pillars of the Islamic republic. His funeral, initially delayed at the height of the Middle East war, is taking place as Iran and the US uphold a fragile ceasefire after signing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding to halt the conflict. The US and Israel initiated a war against Iran with the initial strikes assassinating the supreme leader and his family members — his daughter, grandchild, son-in-law and daughter-in-law. Other senior Iranian military commanders were also assassinated during the strikes, including Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader. His public funeral will begin on Saturday, with his body lying in state at the colossal complex in central Tehran that hosts major Friday prayers, official ceremonies and religious gatherings. Following the ceremonies in Tehran, Khamenei’s body will be taken to the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala before his burial on July 9 at the shrine of Imam Reza in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad, his birthplace. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said a massive public turnout at the funeral of late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would serve as a “decisive” response to terrorism, violence and bullying, while demonstrating national unity, state broadcaster Press TV reported. Who is attending from Pakistan? PM Shehbaz and CDF Munir arrived in Tehran separately earlier today. CDF Munir was received by Iranian officials and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who was already present in Tehran, an X post by PTV News said. A post on PM Office’s X account said the premier was received by Iran’s interior minister, Pakistan’s ambassador to Tehran and senior diplomatic officials from Pakistan and Iran at Mehrabad Airport. The post said the premier was on a one-day visit to Iran, during which he would participate in Khamenei’s funeral rites. “The prime minister will express heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Pakistani people and government to the Iranian leadership and bereaved families, and reaffirm Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the brotherly Iranian nation in this hour of grief,” it added. PM Shehbaz is accompanied by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PPP Secretary General Nayyer Bukhari, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on the visit to Iran, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said as he left for Tehran. The PMO said that after wrapping up his visit to Iran, the premier would proceed onward to Turkiye. Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani also arrived in Tehran with a high-level delegation to attend the funeral prayers and burial earlier in the day, state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) reported. Iranian officials received the delegation upon its arrival in Tehran.
Pakistan PM to Attend Khamenei Funeral in Iran, Then Visit TurkiyePM Shehbaz, CDF Munir pay respects to Iran's assassinated supreme leader Khamenei's last rites
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Friday paid their respects to Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in a US-Israeli strike on February 28. Khamenei’s body arrived at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla on Friday ahead of his funeral. Apart from PM Shehbaz and CDF Munir, other foreign dignitaries, clerics, officials and mourners also paid their respects as the body lay in state in a vast hall. Photos showed mourners carrying Khamenei’s coffin, emblazoned with Iran’s tricolour flag, into the Grand Mosalla, one of the Islamic republic’s most important ceremonial venues. Others show crowds at a pre-funeral ceremony clad in black, as the coffin was set down against a backdrop of red flowers and white butterflies hanging in the air. Ahmad Vahidi, head of the Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of the military, made his first appearance since the start of the war in February, paying his respects at the coffin, Iranian media footage showed. He will lie in state for three days at the colossal Grand Mosalla, which has been draped in banners featuring images and quotes of Khamenei. Millions of people and a coterie of foreign dignitaries are expected to attend Saturday’s official ceremony for Khamenei. Representatives from around 30 countries are expected to attend the funeral, with people pouring in from neighbouring Iraq and Afghanistan. The bodies of his slain relatives will also be present. Multi-city commemorations The funeral ceremonies for the supreme leader will pass through a series of locations — from the seat of power in Tehran to the holy cities of Qom, Karbala, Najaf and finally Mashhad — that reflect the religious, political and ideological pillars of the Islamic republic. His funeral, initially delayed at the height of the Middle East war, is taking place as Iran and the US uphold a fragile ceasefire after signing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding to halt the conflict. The US and Israel initiated a war against Iran with the initial strikes assassinating the supreme leader and his family members — his daughter, grandchild, son-in-law and daughter-in-law. Other senior Iranian military commanders were also assassinated during the strikes, including Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader. His public funeral will begin on Saturday, with his body lying in state at the colossal complex in central Tehran that hosts major Friday prayers, official ceremonies and religious gatherings. Following the ceremonies in Tehran, Khamenei’s body will be taken to the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala before his burial on July 9 at the shrine of Imam Reza in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad, his birthplace. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said a massive public turnout at the funeral of late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would serve as a “decisive” response to terrorism, violence and bullying, while demonstrating national unity, state broadcaster Press TV reported. Who is attending from Pakistan? PM Shehbaz and CDF Munir arrived in Tehran separately earlier today. CDF Munir was received by Iranian officials and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who was already present in Tehran, an X post by PTV News said. A post on PM Office’s X account said the premier was received by Iran’s interior minister, Pakistan’s ambassador to Tehran and senior diplomatic officials from Pakistan and Iran at Mehrabad Airport. The post said the premier was on a one-day visit to Iran, during which he would participate in Khamenei’s funeral rites. “The prime minister will express heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Pakistani people and government to the Iranian leadership and bereaved families, and reaffirm Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the brotherly Iranian nation in this hour of grief,” it added. PM Shehbaz is accompanied by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PPP Secretary General Nayyer Bukhari, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on the visit to Iran, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said as he left for Tehran. The PMO said that after wrapping up his visit to Iran, the premier would proceed onward to Turkiye. Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani also arrived in Tehran with a high-level delegation to attend the funeral prayers and burial earlier in the day, state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) reported. Iranian officials received the delegation upon its arrival in Tehran.
Pakistan PM to Attend Khamenei Funeral in Iran, Then Visit TurkiyePM Shehbaz, CDF Munir participate in Iran's assassinated supreme leader Khamenei's last rites
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir participated in the last rites of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in a US-Israeli strike on February 28. Khamenei’s body arrived at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla on Friday ahead of his funeral. Apart from PM Shehbaz and CDF Munir, other foreign dignitaries, clerics, officials and mourners also paid their respects as the body lay in state in a vast hall. Photos showed mourners carrying Khamenei’s coffin, emblazoned with Iran’s tricolour flag, into the Grand Mosalla, one of the Islamic republic’s most important ceremonial venues. Others show crowds at a pre-funeral ceremony clad in black, as the coffin was set down against a backdrop of red flowers and white butterflies hanging in the air. Ahmad Vahidi, head of the Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of the military, made his first appearance since the start of the war in February, paying his respects at the coffin, Iranian media footage showed. He will lie in state for three days at the colossal Grand Mosalla, which has been draped in banners featuring images and quotes of Khamenei. Millions of people and a coterie of foreign dignitaries are expected to attend Saturday’s official ceremony for Khamenei. Representatives from around 30 countries are expected to attend the funeral, with people pouring in from neighbouring Iraq and Afghanistan. The bodies of his slain relatives will also be present. Multi-city commemorations The funeral ceremonies for the supreme leader will pass through a series of locations — from the seat of power in Tehran to the holy cities of Qom, Karbala, Najaf and finally Mashhad — that reflect the religious, political and ideological pillars of the Islamic republic. His funeral, initially delayed at the height of the Middle East war, is taking place as Iran and the US uphold a fragile ceasefire after signing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding to halt the conflict. The US and Israel initiated a war against Iran with the initial strikes assassinating the supreme leader and his family members — his daughter, grandchild, son-in-law and daughter-in-law. Other senior Iranian military commanders were also assassinated during the strikes, including Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader. His public funeral will begin on Saturday, with his body lying in state at the colossal complex in central Tehran that hosts major Friday prayers, official ceremonies and religious gatherings. Following the ceremonies in Tehran, Khamenei’s body will be taken to the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala before his burial on July 9 at the shrine of Imam Reza in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad, his birthplace. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said a massive public turnout at the funeral of late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would serve as a “decisive” response to terrorism, violence and bullying, while demonstrating national unity, state broadcaster Press TV reported. Who is attending from Pakistan? CDF Munir was received by Iranian officials and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who was already present in Tehran, an X post by PTV News said. Following Shehbaz’s arrival, a post on PM Office’s X account said he was received by Iran’s interior minister, Pakistan’s ambassador to Tehran and senior diplomatic officials from Pakistan and Iran at Mehrabad Airport. The post said the premier was on a one-day visit to Iran, during which he would participate in Khamenei’s funeral rites. “The prime minister will express heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Pakistani people and government to the Iranian leadership and bereaved families, and reaffirm Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the brotherly Iranian nation in this hour of grief,” it added. PM Shehbaz is accompanied by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PPP Secretary General Nayyer Bukhari, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on the visit to Iran, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said as he left for Tehran. The PMO said that after wrapping up his visit to Iran, the premier would proceed onward to Turkiye. Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani also arrived in Tehran with a high-level delegation to attend the funeral prayers and burial earlier in the day, state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) reported. Iranian officials received the delegation upon its arrival in Tehran.
Pakistan PM to Attend Khamenei Funeral in Iran, Then Visit TurkiyePM Shehbaz, CDF Munir arrive in Tehran for funeral of assassinated Iranian supreme leader Khamenei
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Tehran on Friday to attend the funeral of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in a US-Israeli strike on February 28, state broadcaster PTV reports. CDF Munir was received by Iranian officials and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who was already present in Tehran, an X post by PTV said. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had departed for Iran to attend the funeral earlier in the day, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said. In a post on social media platform X, the PMO said the premier was accompanied by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PPP Secretary General Nayyer Bukhari, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. “The prime minister will express heartfelt condolences to the Iranian leadership and the bereaved families and reaffirm Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the brotherly Iranian nation in this hour of grief,” it said. The PMO said that after wrapping up his visit to Iran, the premier would proceed onward to Turkiye. Earlier, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani arrived in Tehran with a high-level delegation to attend the funeral prayers and burial, state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) reported. Iranian officials received the Pakistani delegation upon its arrival in Tehran. China, Afghanistan and Iran’s neighbours in the Caucasus region have said they will also be sending representatives. The funeral ceremonies for the supreme leader will pass through a series of locations — from the seat of power in Tehran to the holy cities of Qom, Karbala, Najaf and finally Mashhad — that reflect the religious, political and ideological pillars of the Islamic republic. His funeral, initially delayed at the height of the Middle East war, is taking place as Iran and the US uphold a fragile ceasefire after signing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding to halt the conflict. The US and Israel initiated a war against Iran with the initial strikes assassinating the supreme leader and his family members — his daughter, grandchild, son-in-law and daughter-in-law. Other senior Iranian military commanders were also assassinated during the strikes, including Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader. His public funeral will begin on Saturday, with his body lying in state at the colossal complex in central Tehran that hosts major Friday prayers, official ceremonies and religious gatherings. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said a massive public turnout at the funeral of late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would serve as a “decisive” response to terrorism, violence and bullying, while demonstrating national unity, state broadcaster Press TV reported. Additional input from AFP
Pakistan PM to Attend Khamenei Funeral in Iran, Then Visit TurkiyeCDF Munir arrives in Tehran for funeral of assassinated Iranian supreme leader Khamenei
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Tehran on Friday to attend the funeral of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in a US-Israeli strike on February 28, state broadcaster PTV reports. CDF Munir was received by Iranian officials and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who was already present in Tehran, an X post by PTV said. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also departed for Iran to attend the funeral earlier in the day, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said. In a post on social media platform X, the PMO said the premier was accompanied by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PPP Secretary General Nayyer Bukhari, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. “The prime minister will express heartfelt condolences to the Iranian leadership and the bereaved families and reaffirm Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the brotherly Iranian nation in this hour of grief,” it said. The PMO said that after wrapping up his visit to Iran, the premier would proceed onward to Turkiye. Earlier, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani arrived in Tehran with a high-level delegation to attend the funeral prayers and burial, state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) reported. Iranian officials received the Pakistani delegation upon its arrival in Tehran. China, Afghanistan and Iran’s neighbours in the Caucasus region have said they will also be sending representatives. The funeral ceremonies for the supreme leader will pass through a series of locations — from the seat of power in Tehran to the holy cities of Qom, Karbala, Najaf and finally Mashhad — that reflect the religious, political and ideological pillars of the Islamic republic. His funeral, initially delayed at the height of the Middle East war, is taking place as Iran and the US uphold a fragile ceasefire after signing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding to halt the conflict. The US and Israel initiated a war against Iran with the initial strikes assassinating the supreme leader and his family members — his daughter, grandchild, son-in-law and daughter-in-law. Other senior Iranian military commanders were also assassinated during the strikes, including Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader. His public funeral will begin on Saturday, with his body lying in state at the colossal complex in central Tehran that hosts major Friday prayers, official ceremonies and religious gatherings. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said a massive public turnout at the funeral of late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would serve as a “decisive” response to terrorism, violence and bullying, while demonstrating national unity, state broadcaster Press TV reported. Additional input from AFP
Pakistan PM to Attend Khamenei Funeral in Iran, Then Visit TurkiyeCDF Munir arrives in Tehran for funeral of assassinated supreme leader Khamenei
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir has arrived in Tehran to attend the funeral of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in a US-Israeli strike on February 28, state broadcaster PTV reports. CDF Munir was received by Iranian officials and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who was already present in Tehran. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also departed for Iran to attend the funeral earlier in the day, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said. In a post on social media platform X, the PMO said the premier was accompanied by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PPP Secretary General Nayyer Bukhari, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. “The prime minister will express heartfelt condolences to the Iranian leadership and the bereaved families and reaffirm Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the brotherly Iranian nation in this hour of grief,” it said. The PMO said that after wrapping up his visit to Iran, the premier would proceed onward to Turkiye. Earlier, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani arrived in Tehran with a high-level delegation to attend the funeral prayers and burial, state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) reported. Iranian officials received the Pakistani delegation upon its arrival in Tehran. China, Afghanistan and Iran’s neighbours in the Caucasus region have said they will also be sending representatives. The funeral ceremonies for the supreme leader will pass through a series of locations — from the seat of power in Tehran to the holy cities of Qom, Karbala, Najaf and finally Mashhad — that reflect the religious, political and ideological pillars of the Islamic republic. His funeral, initially delayed at the height of the Middle East war, is taking place as Iran and the US uphold a fragile ceasefire after signing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding to halt the conflict. The US and Israel initiated a war against Iran with the initial strikes assassinating the supreme leader and his family members — his daughter, grandchild, son-in-law and daughter-in-law. Other senior Iranian military commanders were also assassinated during the strikes, including Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader. His public funeral will begin on Saturday, with his body lying in state at the colossal complex in central Tehran that hosts major Friday prayers, official ceremonies and religious gatherings. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said a massive public turnout at the funeral of late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would serve as a “decisive” response to terrorism, violence and bullying, while demonstrating national unity, state broadcaster Press TV reported. Additional input from AFP
Pakistan PM to Attend Khamenei Funeral in Iran, Then Visit TurkiyePM orders ban on production, use of substandard syringes to curb spread of infectious diseases
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed a ban on the production and use of substandard syringes to prevent infectious diseases. The directives came as the premier chaired a meeting in Islamabad on measures taken to prevent the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C, the Prime Minister’s Office said (PMO). According to the statement, he said that action should be taken against individuals and hospitals found using illegal syringes or guilty of criminal negligence in preventing their use. He further ordered the formation of a special committee of experts to control infectious diseases, whose recommendations should be presented after consultations with the provinces. He also directed the law ministry to propose amendments to the legal and regulatory framework. “Formulating a comprehensive strategy at the national level and ensuring its effective implementation is the solution to the problem,” he said. Shehbaz also instructed the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, in consultation with the medical devices industry, to permanently prevent the spread of infectious diseases through syringes. “The support of international partners is crucial in efforts to prevent infectious diseases,” he told the meeting attendees. PM Shehbaz also stressed on training medical staff according to international standards. History of HIV cases in hospitals Over the years, HIV outbreaks linked to healthcare facilities have surfaced in various cities of Pakistan. It was reported in April that three hospitals in Karachi recorded a dramatic increase in the number of paediatric HIV cases over the last nine months. The same month, an expose by the BBC revealed that “serious malpractices” in the children’s ward of a government hospital in Punjab’s Taunsa continued months after the facility was linked to an outbreak of HIV among children. “Punjab authorities promised a crackdown – but months later, secret filming by BBC Eye Investigations found that children’s lives were still being put at risk,” the British broadcaster said. According to the BBC investigation, at least 331 children tested positive for HIV between November 2024 and October 2025, with infections continuing even after official intervention. An HIV outbreak in Karachi’s SITE Town was also reported in November last year, when more than 15 children were diagnosed with HIV in the densely populated neighbourhood. At the centre of the crisis was the Kulsum Bai Valika Social Security SITE Hospital, commonly known as Valika Hospital, where the children treated for different health complaints were diagnosed with HIV. In 2019, an outbreak in Sindh’s Ratodero resulted in hundreds of children getting infected. As the matter was of great concern, the government requested the World Health Organisation (WHO) to investigate it. A WHO-led team then reached Pakistan, whose key tasks included ascertaining the source of the outbreak and controlling it, providing technical expertise, particularly in areas of HIV testing, paediatric HIV treatment and family counselling, and ensuring adequate supplies of rapid diagnostic tests and anti-retroviral medicines for both adults and children. It was later revealed that the repeated use of injections was the main reason for the outbreak.
"Gürültü yapma" uyarısına otomatik silahla kurşun yağdırdı!
Adana’da, gürültü nedeniyle komşusuyla tartıştıktan sonra sitenin bahçesinde otomatik tabancayla eve doğru ateş açan 27 yaşındaki Hakan Şerif K., saklandığı apartman dairesinde yakalandı. Şüphelinin, polise yakalanmamak için il dışına gidip geri döndüğü, ihtiyaçlarını da sipariş yoluyla giderdiği ortaya çıktı
CDA takes possession of 26 flats out of 200 in ‘illegal occupation’
ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Thursday took possession of 26 flats in the G-6 building, which were under illegal occupation. Out of a total of 200, the civic agency took over 26 flats, while the remaining are still in possession of illegal occupants mostly police personnel. Sources said a mega operation was planned for Thursday and in this regard, police assistance was also sought. However, the CDA did not conduct the mega operation and, in the first phase, got possession of 26 flats occupied by CDA officials. When asked why only CDA officials were targeted and no flats under illegal possession of police officials and others were vacated, CDA spokesperson Shahid Kiani said: “After issuance of written orders of operation, occupants voluntarily started vacating the flats, therefore, operation was postponed. ” He added that action would be taken against those who will not vacate the flats voluntarily. After written orders for operation, occupants voluntarily started vacating flats and operation was postponed, says official Sources said that CDA wanted to take over possession of its 200 flats from illegal occupants. After renovation work, the same will be auctioned in the open market as the civic agency is expecting over Rs8 billion revenue from this project. The CDA constructed the flats near Aabpara Market and was to hand them over to the housing ministry for onward allotment to government officials. However, the terms and conditions with the housing ministry had not been finalised when the 2005 earthquake occurred. Subsequently, survivors and displaced persons were shifted to the flats temporarily. Later on, during the Lal Masjid operation in 2007, police officials began living in the flats, and to this day they and many other government employees are residing there. Some officials claimed that few flats were even “rented out by illegal occupants. Nawaz Sharif ‘s vision This project was part of the vision of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. During his second tenure, Mr Sharif’s cabinet approved the project as part of a redevelopment project approved by the federal cabinet in 1998. These were meant to replace outdated government quarters and provide secure accommodation for the employees. The project was started by CDA to shift their government employees living in single-storey houses. Source said that purpose of Mr Sharif’s vision was to promote vertical construction to save the land bank of Islamabad. However, the first project of the flats fell prey to illegal occupation by government servants, including police. It is relevant to note here that the matter of G6 flats had already reached the highest legal forums. The Islamabad High Court ruled against the illegal occupation of these flats, and appeals filed before the Supreme Court were also dismissed. The court order stated: “In view of the above, all the captioned appeals are allowed and the impugned order dated 13-04-2011 is hereby set aside. The Inspector General of Police as well as the Secretary, Ministry of Interior, are directed to register criminal cases against all officials/employees of the Police Department who have illegally occupied the flats by force.” The court further directed the Inspector General of Police, Islamabad, to initiate departmental action against all occupants and submit a compliance report before the court within one month. Recently, CDA had issued a notice to all the 200 illegal occupants and after expiry of the notice, an operation was planned for Thursday. Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026
JAAC protests have subsided, premier told
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reviewed the law and order situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and reaffirmed his commitment to utilising all available resources for the welfare and prosperity of the people of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The prime minister expressed these views during a meeting with Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam, who called on him at the PM House. The premier was briefed that the intensity of the month-long deadly protests launched in AJK by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) had subsided, but demonstrations in Rawalakot and its fringes were still being staged. The protesters were still staging a sit-in in Rawalakot. However, the situation in Muzaffarabad and its nearby areas was reported to be calm. Shehbaz reviews AJK law and order situation in meeting with Amir Muqam Federal Minister for Public Affairs Rana Mubashir Iqbal, Minister of State for Power Abdul Rehman Kanju and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Talha Barki also attended the meeting. During the meeting, they also discussed the overall political situation in the country. The prime minister directed the authorities concerned to expedite the public service agenda and ensure that resolving public issues remained the government’s top priority. Meanwhile, former National Assembly deputy speaker and PML-N Khyber Pakhtunkhwa General Secretary Murtaza Javed Abbasi also called on the prime minister. According to a PM Office statement, they exchanged views on the country’s overall political situation. Federal Minister Iqbal, Minister of State Kanju and Special Assistant Barki also attended the meeting. Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026
Rights-based prison reforms pledged
• Chief ministers commit to reducing unnecessary incarceration, improving infrastructure • CJP terms reforms ‘shared institutional responsibility’ • Maryam says prisons should be reflective of values, effectiveness of justice system • Afridi calls for reforms to ‘start from Adiala’ ISLAMABAD: The provinces on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to sustained prison reforms, with all the chief ministers acknowledging that these reforms were not just an administrative necessity, but a constitutional and public safety imperative. The National Conference on Prison Reforms, hosted by the Supreme Court under the auspices of the National Judicial (Policy-Making) Committee (NJPMC), aimed at building a nationally coordinated prison reform framework with the provincial governments. While signing the Islamabad Declaration on Prison Reforms, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz, Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Sohail Afridi, and Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti affirmed the importance of prison reforms. In his keynote address, Chief Justice Yahya Afridi observed that prisons reflected the true pulse of the criminal justice system and emphasised that meaningful reform required shared institutional responsibility and sustained provincial leadership. He also asked for the resolve that the criminal justice system remain grounded in human dignity. During the conference, CM Maryam shared her own harrowing experience of solitary confinement that, according to her, translated into improvements across the provincial prisons, whereas CM Afridi specifically mentioned the Adiala jail, where his party chief is jailed, and sought better amenities for those visiting him. However, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, while announcing the Islamabad Declaration on Prison Reforms, said reforms in the colonial-era jail laws were not for the benefit of prisoners like Nawaz Sharif or Imran Khan but for thousands of ordinary inmates languishing in jail. CM Afridi insisted that the reform process should begin from Adiala jail, where former PM Imran Khan is currently incarcerated. While speaking about the concept of e-visits, the KP CM requested CJP Afridi to ensure that Imran could communicate with his two sons living abroad. He also asked the CJP to order the jail admin to erect shades so that the visitors who reach Adiala jail to meet their incarcerated leader do not endure the scorching heat. CM Maryam said the experiences she endured during her imprisonment had changed her forever and helped her understand the responsibility of the state towards those in custody. It helped her understand that the jail should never become a sentence against human dignity, she added. The Punjab CM also shared a presentation to showcase how her government brought improvements by improving facilities in all the prisons of Punjab. Prison should not be a place of confinement but reflective of values of the society and effectiveness of the justice system, she stressed, adding Punjab has 45 correctional centres across the province which currently house 69,000 inmates against the authorised capacity of 39,000. But the challenge was not the overcrowding since three-fourths of the jail population consisted of undertrial prisoners. She recalled based on her own experience how she introduced emergency panic buttons inside prison cells throughout Punjab for immediate assistance in case of need. Meanwhile, CM Murad Ali Shah said that the rehabilitation policy was the cornerstone of the Sindh government’s vision to ensure that no inmate should remain unrepresented merely because they could not afford legal assistance. ‘Coordinated national effort’ Meanwhile, the declaration shared a commitment to a coordinated national effort to reform provincial prison systems and recognised that Pakistan’s prisons were operating under serious strain with overcrowding, a high proportion of undertrial prisoners, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to healthcare and mental health services and insufficient opportunities for rehabilitation, education and vocational training. The chief ministers committed to reducing unnecessary incarceration, particularly of undertrial prisoners, by strengthening access to bail, legal aid, probation, parole, diversion and other non-custodial alternatives, especially for women, children, persons with disabilities, persons with mental health conditions and those detained for minor, poverty-related offences. The declaration also committed to reviewing provincial laws, rules, policies and administrative practices governing arrest, detention, sentencing, prison management, probation, parole and rehabilitation with a view to reducing overcrowding and aligning prison administration with constitutional and human rights standards. The declaration asked to improve prison conditions through increased investment in infrastructure, sanitation, nutrition, healthcare, mental health services, complaint redressal and safeguards against torture, ill-treatment and neglect. It asked for promoting rehabilitation and reintegration by expanding education, vocational training, psychosocial support, drug treatment, skills development and post-release support for persons in custody. It also asked for strengthening coordination across the criminal justice system, including prison departments, police, prosecution, probation and parole services, legal aid institutions, health and social welfare departments and the judiciary, to support efficient case processing and timely access to justice. The declaration also committed to reporting regularly on implementation to the agreed national prison reform coordination mechanism, including progress on reducing overcrowding, improving detention conditions, expanding non-custodial alternatives, and strengthening rehabilitation services. Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026
2 killed in rain-related incidents in KP, taking two-day tally to 9: PDMA
LAHORE/PESHAWAR: Rain-related incidents claimed the lives of two men in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday, while Punjab witnessed two deaths in the last 24 hours due to similar occurrences, authorities said. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), a fresh monsoon spell across the country was set to begin from July 1 and continue till July 6. Two deaths from a roof collapse incident in Mansehra took the number of lives lost since July 1 to nine, data from the KP Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) showed. At around 2am, torrential rain in Mansehra caused the roof of a temporary mud-and-wood shelter to collapse, claiming the lives of two shepherds and injuring four others, PDMA said. Providing a breakdown of the total deaths since Wednesday, PDMA said they included four men, four children and a woman. Meanwhile, the 23 injured comprised 11 men, as many minors and a woman. Two lives were lost each in Khyber and Mansehra, while Buner, Haripur, Nowshera, Shangla and Upper Dir saw one death each. Five of those injured were from Lower Dir, and four each from Bajaur, Khyber, Mansehra and Mardan. A woman was wounded in Nowshera, while a child was hurt in Shangla. While a police officer had said 21 female students were injured in a stampede after lightning struck near their seminary in Upper Dir, a PDMA report said they had fallen unconscious and no injury was reported, excluding the incident from its figures. Additionally, a total of 163 cattle perished, including 138 in Lower Chitral and 25 in Upper Dir, PDMA said. The rainfall impacted infrastructure as well, with Lower Chitral accounting for 30 of the total 41 damaged houses. Two were fully damaged, while 28 were partially affected in the district, which saw flash floods caused by heavy rain. Six houses were fully or partially damaged in Shangla, while three were partially impacted in Upper Chitral. Human losses and infrastructure damage recorded from July 1-July 2 in KP. — PDMA Lower Chitral witnessed torrential rainfall and a cloudburst in the Osaik area of Drosh tehsil, resulting in a flashflood, the PDMA stated in an earlier update. As a result, 27 houses were damaged, along with two mosques, two shops, a pedestrian bridge, two vehicles and two motorcycles. Flashfloods caused by heavy rain also occurred in Upper Chitral, Haripur and Shangla, while lightning strikes were reported from Khyber, Bajaur, Buner and Upper Dir. In Lower Dir, Mardan, Nowshera and Shangla, heavy rains coupled with gusty winds caused wall collapses and trees and solar panels to fall. A statement issued by PDMA at 10am, citing data from the PMD, said 40 millimetres (mm) of rainfall was recorded in Kakul during the last 24 hours, 35mm in Malam Jabba, 30mm in Bajaur’s Pashat, 25mm in Balakot, 15mm in Bajaur’s Khaar, 16mm in Parachinar and Mamad Gut each, 10mm in Timergara, 6mm in DI Khan airport area, and 4mm in Pattan. Peshawar witnessed traces of rain, while Dir, Saidu Sharif and Cherat reported 1mm each. The PDMA said partly cloudy weather with chances of rain-windstorm/thunderstorm was expected in Peshawar, Upper and Lower Dir, Upper and Lower Chitral, Upper and Lower Kohistan, Kolai-Palas, Swat, Shangla, Malakand, Buner, Bajaur, Torghar, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Mardan, Swabi, Mohmand, Khyber, Nowshera, Charsadda, Kohat, Karak, Hangu, Kurram, Orakzai, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, D.I. Khan, Tank, and North and South Waziristan districts. “Isolated hailstorm/heavyfalls may also occur during the forecast period,” it added. 2 deaths in Punjab in last 24 hours In Punjab, at least two people were killed and nine others injured in rain-related incidents during the past 24 hours, Rescue 1122 said on Thursday. In a statement, Punjab Rescue 1122 spokesperson Farooq Ahmad said the casualties resulted from the collapse of walls, roofs and a billboard triggered by strong winds and heavy rain. Lightning strikes during rain and thunderstorm in Islamabad on July 1, 2026. — AFP In Attock, two people were killed and three others injured when a wall collapsed near Naya Pump. In a separate incident in Para Shaheen Bagh, three people sustained injuries after the roof of a house caved in, the spokesperson said. In Khushab’s Qaidabad area, one person was injured after being struck by lightning. In Sargodha, one person suffered injuries when a signboard collapsed due to strong winds, he added. In Sheikhupura, one person was injured after a wooden roof collapsed on Chak Risala Road. Rescue 1122 said emergency teams responded to all incidents and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals. According to the PMD, Mandi Bahauddin recorded the highest rainfall of 23mm between 8pm and 11pm on Wednesday. Murree received 17mm, while Hafizabad and Sheikhupura recorded 14mm each. Other areas received comparatively lighter rainfall, including Gujranwala (11mm), Lahore Airport (10mm), Gujrat (10mm), Garhi Dupatta (10mm), Lahore (6mm), Jhelum (6mm), Mangla (5mm), Balakot (4mm), Barkhan (4mm), Islamabad Zero Point (4mm), Chaklala (4mm), Kotli (3mm), Pattan (1mm), Chakwal (1mm) and Dera Ghazi Khan (1mm). Monsoon rains occur across the region from June to September, offering respite from the summer heat and are crucial to replenishing water supplies. However, heavy downpours also trigger deadly floods, landslides and displacement, particularly in vulnerable, poorly drained, or densely populated areas.
İsrail Ateşkesi Hiçe Sayarak Gazze ve Lübnan'da Saldırılarını GenişletiyorFO says PM to visit Iran, Turkiye from July 3-5; to attend funeral of assassinated Iranian supreme leader
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit Iran and Turkiye from July 3 to July 5, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi confirmed on Thursday. Addressing a weekly briefing, Andrabi said that during his visit to Iran, the premier would participate in the funeral of late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in US-Israeli strikes on February 28. The FO spokesperson said PM Shehbaz will travel to Iran first for Khamenei’s funeral. Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, cabinet members and senior officials will accompany the premier on his visit. “The prime minister will convey condolences on behalf of the people and government of Pakistan to the Iranian leadership and the bereaved families while reaffirming solidarity with the brotherly nation in their hour of profound grief,” he said. PM Shehbaz will then visit Istanbul at the invitation of Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Andrabi said. He added that the premier will “hold discussions on the entire gamut of bilateral relations with a special focus on giving impetus to bilateral trade and investment cooperation between the two brotherly countries”. “The leadership meeting will also reflect on issues concerning regional peace and security.” The prime minister will also address a business conference hosted by Pakistan to “spotlight Pakistan’s trade and investment potential in priority areas, including SEZs (special economic zones), energy, trade, IT and privatisation sectors”, Andrabi said. He noted that the conference would bring together leading Turkish businessmen and investors alongside senior officials, dignitaries and other distinguished participants from the business community. The FO spokesperson highlighted that PM Shehbaz’s visits to Iran and Turkiye “reflect Pakistan’s deep-rooted, historic, cultural and fraternal ties with the two brotherly nations”. Speaking about the US-Iran war, Andrabi noted that Islamabad has “stepped up its diplomatic engagement with key regional and international stakeholders as well as the principal interlocutors to facilitate earnest follow-up and implementation” of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed between the warring parties on June 18. He highlighted that “positive progress [was] made on issues related to the different aspects of the Islamabad MoU” during the US-Iran talks held in Doha on Tuesday, which continued into the morning. Andrabi affirmed that Pakistan will “continue to play a facilitative and mediatory role in the negotiation process along with our Qatari partners”. He recalled that in that regard, Dar also continued with “high-level consultations” as he spoke to several counterparts on the phone in recent days. More to follow
Pakistan PM to Attend Khamenei Funeral in Iran, Then Visit Turkiye2 killed, 9 injured in rain-related incidents across Punjab
LAHORE: At least two people were killed and nine others injured in rain-related incidents across Punjab during the past 24 hours, Rescue 1122 said on Thursday. Meanwhile, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the number of deaths from rain-related incidents since June 30 rose to seven, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), a fresh monsoon spell across the country was set to begin from July 1 and continue till July 6. In a statement on Thursday, Punjab Rescue 1122 spokesperson Farooq Ahmad said the casualties resulted from the collapse of walls, roofs and a billboard triggered by strong winds and heavy rain. In Attock, two people were killed and three others injured when a wall collapsed near Naya Pump. In a separate incident in Para Shaheen Bagh, three people sustained injuries after the roof of a house caved in, the spokesperson said. In Khushab’s Qaidabad area, one person was injured after being struck by lightning. In Sargodha, one person suffered injuries when a signboard collapsed due to strong winds, he added. In Sheikhupura, one person was injured after a wooden roof collapsed on Chak Risala Road. Rescue 1122 said emergency teams responded to all incidents and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals. According to the PMD, Mandi Bahauddin recorded the highest rainfall of 23mm between 8pm to 11pm on Wednesday. Murree received 17mm, while Hafizabad and Sheikhupura recorded 14mm each. Other areas received comparatively lighter rainfall, including Gujranwala (11mm), Lahore Airport (10mm), Gujrat (10mm), Garhi Dupatta (10mm), Lahore (6mm), Jhelum (6mm), Mangla (5mm), Kakul (4mm), Balakot (4mm), Barkhan (4mm), Islamabad Zero Point (4mm), Chaklala (4mm), Kotli (3mm), Malam Jabba (3mm), Pattan (1mm), Chakwal (1mm) and Dera Ghazi Khan (1mm). 7 killed so far in KP In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain-related incidents claimed the lives of seven people between June 30 and July 2, according to the PDMA. A PDMA report said the deceased included a man each from Nowshera and Buner, a woman from Shangla, a child each from Haripur and Upper Dir, and two minors from Khyber. While the PDMA said 19 people were injured, the report did not account for 21 female students hurt after lightning struck near their seminary in Upper Dir, which took the total number of wounded to 40. The injured also included seven men, a woman and 11 children, who were affected in Bajaur, Khyber, Lower Dir, Mardan, Nowshera and Shangla. The rainfall impacted infrastructure as well, destroying two houses in Shangla and partially damaging 36, including 27 in heavily hit Lower Chitral. Meanwhile, 25 cattle perished in Upper Dir during the period, PDMA said. Human losses and infrastructure damage recorded between June 30 and July 2 in KP. — PDMA Lower Chitral witnessed torrential rainfall and a cloudburst in the Osaik area of Drosh tehsil, resulting in a flashflood, the PDMA stated in an earlier update. As a result, 27 houses were damaged, along with two mosques, two shops, a pedestrian bridge, two vehicles and two motorcycles. Flashfloods caused by heavy rain also occurred in Upper Chitral, Haripur and Shangla, while lightning strikes were reported from Khyber, Bajaur, Buner and Upper Dir. In Lower Dir, Mardan, Nowshera and Shangla, heavy rains coupled with gusty winds caused wall collapses and trees and solar panels to fall. A statement issued by PDMA, citing data from the PMD, said 40mm of rainfall was recorded in Kakul during the last 24 hours, 35mm in Malam Jabba, 30mm in Bajaur’s Pashat, 25mm in Balakot, 15mm in Bajaur’s Khaar, 16mm in Parachinar and Mamad Gut each, 10mm in Timergara, 6mm in DI Khan airport area, and 4mm in Pattan. Peshawar witnessed traces of rain, while Dir, Saidu Sharif and Cherat reported 1mm each. The PDMA said partly cloudy weather with chances of rain-windstorm/thunderstorm was expected in Peshawar, Upper and Lower Dir, Upper and Lower Chitral, Upper and Lower Kohistan, Kolai-Palas, Swat, Shangla, Malakand, Buner, Bajaur, Torghar, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Mardan, Swabi, Mohmand, Khyber, Nowshera, Charsadda, Kohat, Karak, Hangu, Kurram, Orakzai, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, D.I. Khan, Tank, and North and South Waziristan districts. “Isolated hailstorm/heavyfalls may also occur during the forecast period,” it added. Monsoon rains occur across the region from June to September, offering respite from the summer heat and are crucial to replenishing water supplies. However, heavy downpours also trigger deadly floods, landslides and displacement, particularly in vulnerable, poorly drained, or densely populated areas.
İsrail Ateşkesi Hiçe Sayarak Gazze ve Lübnan'da Saldırılarını GenişletiyorCDA board approves Project Management Unit for new convention, expo centre project
ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) board on Wednesday approved the formation of a Project Management Unit (PMU) for the construction of the New Islamabad Convention, Exhibition and Expo Centre (NICEEC), while the civic agency is also considering developing one residential sector through a public-private partnership. The CDA board, which met under the chairmanship of CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf, discussed these issues in detail, along with other agenda items. Sources said that on the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the board approved the formation of the PMU for the NICEEC. The bidding process for the project, which is being planned for next year’s SCO conference, is at an advanced stage, with financial bids scheduled to be opened on July 14. According to the PC-I, the estimated cost of the project is Rs16 billion. It will have a covered area of 270,000 square feet and a main hall with a height of 60 feet. The project is expected to be completed in 18 months. Board also reviews public-private partnership proposal for stalled sector, PCB agreement and other development matters Sources said that under a revised design, the covered area is likely to be reduced to some extent, while the height of the main hall may be increased from 60 feet to 85 feet. The NICEEC will be constructed near the Bhara Kahu Bypass in the Malpur area, about three kilometres from the existing Jinnah Convention Centre. Meanwhile, sources said the CDA management also wants to develop one of the stalled residential sectors through a joint venture. The board discussed a report prepared by a CDA committee but directed the authority to conduct further study before entering into any joint venture agreement. Sources said the CDA would carry out further work on the proposal and it is likely to be placed before the board again at a future meeting. The board also discussed a proposed agreement between the CDA and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Under the proposal, the PCB would renovate and upgrade CDA grounds and, in return, use the facilities for its tournaments, while the CDA would use them for the rest of the year. However, sources said the board directed the relevant wing to further examine the proposal, consult Supreme Court orders related to the matter and review the financial model before placing it before the board again. Meanwhile, the board, in principle, approved the allotment of land, subject to federal government approval, for the establishment of an International Gemstone and Jewellery Crafts Exhibition Centre in the Mauve Area of Sector G-11. It also approved, in principle, the establishment of a National History Museum near Malpur, likely adjacent to the proposed Safari Park. The board also discussed a case regarding the restoration and extension of a farmhouse plot that was originally allotted for a nursery and later converted into an orchard. Sources said the matter was referred to a committee for a detailed review. Recently, the CDA sealed the five-acre farmhouse in Chak Shahzad, estimated to be worth billions of rupees. CDA officials said the farm is located within the right of way of Park Road. They said the land was originally part of the nursery scheme and had been allotted on a licence basis for a nursery. In 1987, the CDA changed the land use from a nursery to an orchard, directing the lessee to maintain at least 70 to 80 fruit plants and vegetables per acre. Sources said the CDA cancelled the licence in 2011 but could not take possession of the property. However, 15 years after the cancellation, the CDA sealed the building. Within days, the matter was placed before the board, which deferred a decision. Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2026
PM for response mechanism ahead of monsoon spell
PM Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting to review preparations ahead of the monsoon season.—APP • Body to coordinate with provinces as their cooperation with Centre is key to addressing climate-related disasters • PM directs swift completion of Daanish schools ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed federal and provincial authorities to intensify preparations for the upcoming monsoon season, ordering the establishment of a national emergency response mechanism and stressing that coordinated action was required to mitigate the growing risks posed by climate change and flooding. Presiding over a meeting to review monsoon preparedness and climate resilience, the prime minister approved the formation of an Emergency Response Committee headed by the planning and development minister. He said Pakistan was among the countries most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change and stressed that effective cooperation between the federation and the provinces was critical to addressing climate-related disasters. The committee, comprising the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and representatives of relevant federal ministries, will work in close coordination with provincial authorities and hold weekly meetings throughout the monsoon season to monitor preparedness and response efforts, the PM Office Media Wing said in a statement. PM Shehbaz also directed the finance minister to complete advance arrangements for an emergency fund that could be mobilised in the event of severe monsoon-related disasters. The prime minister also directed the federal minister for climate change and the NDMA chairman to visit all provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) during the current week to finalise monsoon preparedness. Highlighting the government’s commitment to water security, the prime minister highlighted the allocation of an additional Rs330 billion in the current fiscal year’s federal budget to accelerate the completion of major water infrastructure projects. Recalling the lessons learnt from previous flood emergencies, the prime minister directed all relevant institutions to implement a comprehensive flood mitigation roadmap. He directed provincial governments to remove illegal encroachments and other obstacles from river channels and flood pathways, particularly in districts identified as highly vulnerable to flooding. He also instructed all federal and provincial institutions to deploy their full administrative and technical resources to facilitate the public throughout the monsoon season. During the meeting, NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik briefed participants on the country’s preparedness measures, expected weather patterns, flood risks and evolving climate trends. According to the briefing, extreme heatwaves and unusual climatic conditions are expected across many parts of the world this year. Pakistan is also forecast to experience prolonged heatwaves and above-normal rainfall in July, increasing the risk of flooding in vulnerable regions. He further informed the meeting that all necessary measures were being implemented under a comprehensive preparedness strategy. Daanish schools Presiding over a separate review meeting, PM Shehbaz directed the authorities to expedite the completion of Daanish schools across the country, emphasising that appointment of teaching faculty and other staff at these institutions must be made strictly on merit. According to the PM Office, the prime minister announced that a technology campus of Daanish University would be established in Muzaffarabad, describing the education initiatives as a major investment in the country’s future and its most important national asset. He also directed that the architectural design of the schools should reflect the cultural heritage of their respective regions. During the meeting, officials briefed the prime minister on the progress of 27 Daanish schools under construction in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, GB, AJK and Islamabad, as well as the construction of Daanish University in the federal capital. According to the briefing, the Daanish School in Kurri, Islamabad, had been completed and already started academic activities. Meanwhile, the construction of Daanish schools in Bagh, Bhimber, Sultanabad, Ghanche and Astore was in the final stages, with classes expected to commence in April 2027. Officials also informed the meeting that the recruitment process for Daanish University’s teaching faculty had begun. The university is scheduled to start academic operations in 2027 and will admit students from across Pakistan on merit, with particular emphasis on providing opportunities to talented youth from backward areas. Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2026
ABD'de dehşet evi. 4 yıl boyunca odada tutulan 16 çocuk kurtarıldı
ABD’nin Ohio eyaletinde, kırsal bir bölgede harap durumdaki bir evde ağır ihmal koşullarında tutulan 16 çocuk kurtarıldı. Yetkililer, yaşları 1,5 ile 18 arasında değişen çocukların, son dört yılın büyük bölümünü tek bir odada geçirdiğini ve “içler acısı koşullarda” yaşadığını açıkladı. Vinton County Şerifi Ryan Cain, çocukların aynı aileden olduğunu, evde yoğun çöp ve insan dışkısı bulunduğunu söyledi. Cain, düzenlenen basın toplantısında, “Hayvanlarımızın çoğu çocuklardan daha iyi koşullarda tutuluyordu.” ifadelerini kullandı. Yetkililere göre çocukların bazıları konuşamıyordu. Gelişimsel engeli bulunan 18 yaşındaki bir çocuğun ise adını dahi heceleyemediği belirtildi. Çocukların anne ve babası ile iki büyükanne/büyükbabası hakkında, “ciddi fiziksel zarara yol açan çocukları tehlikeye atma” suçlamasıyla 16’şar ayrı dava açıldı. Vinton County Savcısı William Archer, olayın insan kaçakçılığı değil, “aile içi bir durum” olduğunu vurguladı. Ohio Başsavcısı Andy Wilson, çocukların, başka bir soruşturma kapsamında eve düzenlenen arama sırasında bulunduğunu söyledi. Wilson, “Orada 16 çocuk olduğunu bilmiyorduk.” dedi. Hamden köyündeki evde gördüğü manzarayı “saf kötülük” sözleriyle tanımlayan Wilson, olay yerinin kariyeri boyunca karşılaştığı en korkunç manzara olduğunu ifade etti. Şerif Cain, çocukların zamanlarının büyük bölümünü yaklaşık 3,6 metreye 3,6 metre büyüklüğündeki bir odada geçirdiğinin düşünüldüğünü söyledi. Evde kafes bulunmadığını belirten Cain, çocukların evin içinde nasıl tutulduğuna ilişkin ayrıntı paylaşmadı. Çocuklardan yedisi Columbus’taki hastanelere götürülürken, ikisi helikopterle birinci seviye travma merkezlerine sevk edildi. Yetkililer, çocuklardan birinin salı günü kritik durumda olduğunu ve solunum desteğine alındığını açıkladı. Gary Siders Jr., Gary Siders Sr., Christina Siders ve Elizabeth Siders çarşamba günü hakim karşısına çıkarıldı. Hakim, sanıklar adına suçlamaları reddeden beyan kayda geçirirken, her biri için 300 bin dolar kefalet belirlendi. Soruşturmacılar, ailenin son 20 yılda Ohio’nun güneyinde farklı yerlere taşındığını ve çocuklara ilişkin sağlık ya da resmi kayıt oluşturulmasından kaçınmış olabileceğini belirtti. Çocukların okula da kayıtlı olmadığı bildirildi. Başsavcı Wilson, ailenin çocukları gözlerden uzak tutma konusunda “oldukça becerikli” davrandığını söyledi. Komşular ise evde çocuk yaşadığını bilmediklerini anlattı. Nüfusu 1000’den az olan Hamden köyünde yaşayan komşular, olay karşısında şoke olduklarını söyledi. Altı yıldır aynı sokakta yaşayan Joseph Stewart, aile taşındığından beri “hiç çocuk görmediğini” belirterek, “Çok üzücü bir durum” dedi. Savcı Archer, eyaletin çocukların tamamı için geçici velayet talebinde bulunduğunu açıkladı. Başsavcı Wilson ise “Bu çocuklar için adalet yerini bulacak.” dedi.
Ohio'da 16 Çocuk Dört Yıl Boyunca Tek Odada Kilitli TutulduÜnlü sunucunun annesi kaçırılmıştı, her şey yalan çıktı. "Üç fidye notu da sahte"
Ünlü sunucu Savannah Guthrie'nin kaybolan annesi Nancy Guthrie'ye ilişkin soruşturmada yeni bir gelişme yaşandı. Bir FBI yetkilisi, şimdiye kadar ortaya çıkan üç fidye notunun da sahte olduğunu açıkladı. ABD'de televizyon programı "Today"in sunucularından Savannah Guthrie'nin ocak ayında kaybolan 84 yaşındaki annesi Nancy Guthrie'ye ilişkin soruşturmada dikkat çeken bir gelişme yaşandı. Reuters'a konuşan ve isminin açıklanmasını istemeyen bir FBI yetkilisi, bugüne kadar kamuoyuna yansıyan üç fidye notunun da gerçek olmadığının tespit edildiğini söyledi. Söz konusu değerlendirme, şubat ayının başında ortaya çıkan iki fidye notu ile geçen hafta medyaya gönderilen ve kaçıran kişilerin kimliklerini bildiğini öne süren üçüncü mesajı kapsıyor. Bir diğer kolluk kuvveti yetkilisi de FBI'ın ulaştığı bu sonucu doğruladı. KAÇIRILMA İHTİMALİ YENİDEN TARTIŞILIYOR FBI'ın fidye notlarını sahte olarak değerlendirmesi, Nancy Guthrie'nin gerçekten fidye amacıyla kaçırıldığı yönündeki temel varsayımın da yeniden sorgulanmasına yol açtı. Soruşturmayı yürüten Pima County Şerif Ofisi ise fidye notlarına ilişkin yorum yapmayı reddetti. Yetkililer, soruşturmanın aktif şekilde sürdüğünü belirterek, olay yerinden elde edilen DNA örnekleri ile güvenlik kamerası görüntülerinin adli incelemesinin devam ettiğini belirtti. MESAJLAR MEDYAYA GÖNDERİLDİ İncelemeye alınan üç mesajın da ilk olarak TMZ başta olmak üzere çeşitli medya kuruluşlarına gönderildiği, daha sonra güvenlik güçlerine teslim edildiği belirtildi. Savannah Guthrie ise daha önce sosyal medya üzerinden yayınladığı videolarda fidye taleplerine değinmiş, annesini kaçıran kişilere doğrudan iletişim kurmaları çağrısında bulunarak "Ödeyeceğiz." ifadelerini kullanmıştı. KRİPTO PARA HESABINDAKİ FİDYE ÇEKİLMEDİ Nancy Guthrie, 31 Ocak'ta Arizona eyaletinin Tucson kentindeki evinde son kez görüldü. Sağlık sorunları ve hareket kısıtlılığı bulunduğu belirtilen Guthrie'den o tarihten bu yana haber alınamıyor. FBI'ın daha önce incelediği ilk fidye notunda, milyonlarca dolarlık kripto para talep edildiği ve ödeme için iki ayrı son tarih verildiği bildirilmişti. Yetkililer, notun gerçek olup olmadığını test etmek amacıyla belirtilen kripto para hesabına küçük miktarda ödeme gönderdi. Ancak söz konusu para hesaptan hiç çekilmedi. GÖNDERİLEN FİDYE MESAJLARI SAHTE ÇIKTI FBI, bu bulgu ve kamuoyuyla paylaşılmayan diğer incelemeler sonucunda ilk iki fidye notunun aynı kişi ya da kişiler tarafından gönderildiğini, ancak bunların Nancy Guthrie'nin kaybolmasıyla bağlantılı olmadığını değerlendirdi. Geçen hafta TMZ'ye gönderilen ve kaçıranların kimliklerinin bilindiğini, hatta olaya ilişkin görüntüler bulunduğunu öne süren üçüncü mesajın da sahte olduğu sonucuna varıldı. FBI, bu sonuca nasıl ulaşıldığına ilişkin ayrıntı paylaşmadı.
South Asian leaders urged to choose ‘talks over hostility’
ISLAMABAD: Over one hundred civil society representatives from Pakistan and India have jointly appealed to the two prime ministers to take “meaningful and sustained” steps to restore peace, dialogue and cooperation in South Asia. The appeal was coordinated by O. P. Shah, who heads the New Delhi-based think tank, Centre for Peace and Progress. The signatories said unrelenting hostility was depriving millions of young people of “opportunities, prosperity and a secure future”. “India and Pakistan combined are home to nearly one-fifth of humanity. The people of both countries deserve a future defined by peace, development, connectivity and cooperation, rather than perpetual mistrust and confrontation,” they said in their appeals to Prime Ministers Shehbaz Sharif and Narendra Modi on Tuesday. In joint appeal, over 100 civil society representatives say Pakistan-India acrimony is robbing both nations of ‘a secure future’ The Pakistani signatories include former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, former ambassador to New Delhi Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, academic Pervez Hoodbhoy, former senator Farhatullah Babar, and civil society figures Beena Sarwar, Salima Hashmi, Mohammad Mehdi and educationist A.H. Nayyar, among others. Among the signatories on the Indian side are Dr Farooq Abdullah, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Mehbooba Mufti, Mani Shankar Aiyar, Prof Manoj Jha, former RAW chief A.S. Dulat, Jawhar Sircar, Prof Saifuddin Soz and Prof Apoorvanand, among others. The 116 signatories urged both governments to consider confidence-building measures across diplomatic, economic, cultural and people-to-people tracks. They called for restoring full diplomatic relations, reinstating the High Commissioners in Islamabad and New Delhi, and resumption of visa services. The civil society representatives suggested the two governments reopen bilateral talks on all outstanding issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, and consider measures for demilitarisation and de-escalation. The framework for dialogue agreed upon between 2004 and 2007 could serve as a starting point, they said. Trade and travel The signatories sought the reopening of the Wagah-Attari land border, resumption of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Lahore-Delhi bus services, and restarting of the Samjhauta Express and Thar Express trains. They said people from the two countries be also allowed to travel on the Kargil–Skardu route. The appeal sought reopening of the two countries’ airspace to commercial airlines. It urged reopening of commercial channels, reinstating the Most Favoured Nation status and promoting regional economic integration. The signatories observed that since people-to-people contacts were essential for defusing tensions and removing misgivings, travel restrictions should be eased. The two governments should consider promoting pilgrimage tourism and visits to heritage sites, the appeal said, suggesting reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor and Neelum Valley’s Sharada Peeth as the first steps. The signatories further called for lifting restrictions on media outlets and digital platforms, allowing journalists to travel and work freely, and promoting exchanges of delegations to counter disinformation. “We respectfully request you to listen to the aspirations of common people and choose engagement over isolation, dialogue over hostility and cooperation over confrontation,” the appeal concluded. Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2026
Güney Asya’da barış için sivil toplumdan ‘düşmanlığa son’ çağrısıAvrupa Birliği Amar al-Sharif kişisini yaptırım listesine ekledi
Avrupa Birliği, Amar al-Sharif adlı kişiyi konsolide finansal yaptırım listesine ekledi (AB referansı EU.3544.77). Yaptırım programı: SYR.
AB, Suriye Rejimiyle Bağlantılı Kişi ve Kuruluşlara Yaptırım UyguladıAvrupa Birliği Sharif University of Technology kuruluşunu yaptırım listesine ekledi
Avrupa Birliği, Sharif University of Technology adlı kuruluşu konsolide finansal yaptırım listesine ekledi (AB referansı EU.2734.5). Yaptırım programı: IRN.
ABD, İran Merkez Bankası Dahil 5 Bankayı Yaptırım Listesine AldıMinister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan met with Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, 16 April 2026, Antalya
Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan met with Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, prior to the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. ##dinamik:gallery:gla|src=/images/enformasyon/gg/sayin-bakanimizin-pakistan-basbakani-sahbaz-serif-ile-gorusmesi--16-nisan-2026--antalya-1/##
Sayın Bakanımızın Pakistan Başbakanı Şahbaz Şerif ile Görüşmesi, 16 Nisan 2026, Antalya
Bakanımız Hakan Fidan, Pakistan Başbakanı Şahbaz Şerif ile Antalya Diplomasi Forumu öncesinde biraraya geldi.
PM Shehbaz orders setting up of JIT to probe Islamabad's One Constitution Avenue project issues
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the formation of a joint investigation team (JIT) to examine issues related to the One Constitution Avenue project. Sources said on the recommendation of a committee the prime minister ordered the constitution of JIT, which will probe the matter and submit its report in 60 days. They said JIT will be headed by an officer of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and will comprise representatives from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, Federal Board of Revenue, Intelligence Bureau and ISI. The prime minister directed NAB to notify the JIT and provide secretarial support to it. Led by NAB officer, JIT will submit its report to prime minister in 60 days The prime minister had earlier ordered the Islamabad administration and Capital Development Authority (CDA) to refrain from taking any action in the matter until a final decision was taken by him. Earlier, the capital administration and CDA, backed by a heavy contingent of police, reached the site and issued eviction notices giving residents hardly 12 hours to vacate the building. Residents had begun vacating their apartments on a voluntary basis amid a heavy police presence. They were seen shifting their belongings onto mini-trucks as the building remained under the control of the local administration and police. The eviction operation followed Islamabad High Court’s orders, which upheld the CDA’s decision to cancel the plot due to payment default. The construction company, out of a total Rs17.5 billion, decided by the Supreme Court in 2019 and to be paid in over eight years in installments, has so far deposited only Rs2.9 billion. In 2004-05, the CDA had auctioned the plot for the construction of a five-star hotel with serviced apartments as part of the project for Rs4.8 billion. However, the company did not pay the amount within the stipulated time. Instead of constructing the hotel, it built around 250 residential apartments and sold them in the market. Many politicians, bureaucrats and retired judges were owners of apartments in the building. In 2019, a bench of the Supreme Court headed by then chief justice Saqib Nisar ordered the company to pay Rs17.5 billion for the entire project in eight years. However, the company paid only one installment and continued selling apartments. After stopping CDA from taking any action, the prime minister constituted a high-level committee to review the issue. The committee was headed by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and included Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the cabinet secretary, and the commerce secretary. Meanwhile, residents also got a stay order from IHC against expected eviction by CDA and Islamabad administration. The committee had been tasked with examining all aspects of the issue and submitting a comprehensive report to the prime minister within one week. Sources said the committee had already submitted its report to PM. “The findings of the committee are yet to come to the fore. Besides, other recommendations, the formation of JIT was also recommended by the committee, which was agreed upon by PM,” said a source. He said that during the meeting of the committee, one thing became clear that the rights of legitimate residents had been established and before evicting them the federal government or CDA will have to pay them their money in accordance with the market rate (may be double the actual price), said the source. He, however, added that until the report is released nothing can be said with authority. Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2026
PM Shehbaz directs major overhaul of agriculture sector
• National Agriculture Policy to be finalised in consultation with provinces • Ministry of National Food Security to be restructured on modern lines ISLAMABAD: Calling for the immediate formulation of a comprehensive National Agriculture Policy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed the restructuring of the Ministry of National Food Security, Research and Agricultural Reforms along modern lines. He also ordered the establishment of an apex forum for the agricultural sector to promote innovation and improve crop yields. Chairing a meeting, the prime minister directed that “a comprehensive National Agriculture Policy be finalised as soon as possible in consultation with the provinces”. He instructed the establishment of an agriculture apex forum, which will meet monthly to ensure the effective implementation of the Agriculture Innovation and Growth Plan. The prime minister also directed that a nationwide awareness campaign be launched for the Zarkhez Agricultural Loan Programme to enable farmers to access agricultural financing more easily. He emphasised that the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council should be transformed into a genuine centre of excellence for agricultural research. The prime minister said the agriculture sector had the potential to put Pakistan on the path to sustainable economic growth. He said the use of improved seeds, modern farming technologies, and the timely availability of water and fertilisers would significantly increase per-acre crop yields. He also stressed the need to focus on value addition in agricultural produce, improved warehousing, and modern storage facilities. During the meeting, participants were given a detailed briefing and presented proposals for reforms in the agricultural sector. Officials of the National Agricultural Research Centre informed the meeting that the centre was producing multi-grain flour on a pilot basis. They also said an AI-based mobile application was being developed to help farmers identify crop diseases and pests and recommend effective control measures. The meeting was informed that the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited would provide financial support to improve farmers’ access to affordable agricultural loans. Officials further informed the meeting that the National Seed Policy and the National Agriculture Biotechnology Policy had recently been approved. Consultations on the Pakistan National Olive Value Chain Policy have also been completed, and the policy will soon be submitted to the federal cabinet for approval. The meeting was further informed that consultations were underway on a National Wheat Policy, as well as several policies relating to the livestock sector. The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar and Shaza Fatima Khawaja; Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani; Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar; the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Agriculture, Ahmed Omer; and senior officials from the relevant ministries and institutions. Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2026
Başbakan Şehbaz'dan tarım sektöründe kapsamlı revizyon talimatıFor want of a nail
ARE the days of the government numbered? This is a question (or gossip) in Islamabad these days; I call it ‘a question’ because it is not the only one, which in itself reveals that it has its takers and its critics. Though this is an issue never far from anyone’s mind in this city (or Pindi) no matter which government is in place, this particular session of the debate in public was sparked by the column of senior journalist Sohail Warraich. The operative part of the column was his prediction that the government’s downfall would begin in July. Since then, he has been clarifying or explaining this prophecy in articles as well as interviews. Many are eager to latch on to his views while others argue against it equally passionately. The former point out, as did the column writer himself, about the government’s lack of success on the economic front and its inability to gain popularity. The government has little to offer other than its mantra of stability for five years or so. And this is frankly of little consolation to people who have experienced back-breaking inflation and a slower-than-a-tortoise economy for the past so many years. Even less needs to be said about the PML-N’s lack of popularity. Even those who can’t stop waxing lyrical about the ‘success’ of Maryam Nawaz as chief minister cannot argue that she has made the party popular. On the other hand, those who feel the government is on solid ground point out the comfortable relationship between the prime minister and the military leadership. This is more than a hybrid regime now; it is one in which the civilian side takes no risks and asserts no power. There is only one side writing on the page, the other is simply following the moving finger. The ‘same page’ is far too dicey a proposition. They also point out the disaster that is the PTI, bereft of any political strategy to woo over those in power. So why would there be any rift or disagreement, ask those on this side of the argument. However, it needs be said that even those who don’t think the government is in any danger concede the economic fragility in the country. The docility of the prime minister and his generosity in giving credit where it is due might be unprecedented but perhaps so are the economic challenges facing the country and the pressures on the more vulnerable classes. And this is exactly why arguments such as those made by Sohail Warraich, and others, might sound credible, even if — as he himself says — he has no information, just analysis. Those who disagree with this sound far more confident, for they have spoken to the powers that be and heard their assurances with reference to the strong position of the government. But the argument that the government is in danger could simply be an assessment based on experience rather than knowledge. The populace perhaps has a shorter tolerance level and the establishment understands that. The Pakistani establishment has considerable institutional expertise in managing public expectations and anger. Or so it had always seemed in the past (other than 1971). And this has manifested itself in two ways. The first is their ability to accept popular parties into the mainstream. This was true of the PPP in 1988, after the death of Ziaul Haq. Despite distrust of the party, which meant forcing Benazir Bhutto to accept certain cabinet choices and hindering her government, she was allowed to take power. And this was equally true in 2007. In other words, unpopular governments or those with a questionable mandate are not kept in power indefinitely and popular parties are accepted, regardless of misgivings, which then causes considerable instability in civilian governments. It usually happens when the institution becomes uncomfortably aware of its unpopularity and feels the need to assert its more ‘professional’ role to gain acceptability. This decision is linked to the second factor — governments especially those brought into power through questionable elections don’t necessarily complete their terms. Back in the 1990s, the first PML-N government (brought to power in a heavily rigged election) was sent home and replaced with the PPP which, too, was sent home before time. Post Musharraf, governments completed their terms but only till the elections were largely seen to be fair, till 2018, when the electoral exercise became far too controversial and unfair. The resultant PTI government was sent packing in 2022. There are specific political issues for why each government was sent packing but it can also be argued that these quick changes prevent the building up of a pressure cooker like situation. Unpopularity in itself doesn’t necessarily lead to organised outrage; longevity also acts as a catalyst that brings disparate forces and organisations to join hands. The riots which led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina didn’t just happen because she had become unpopular but also because of her long reign of nearly 15 years. Similar longevity was linked to the widespread protests against Hosni Mubarak, which the military he had led did not push back against. In Pakistan, the populace perhaps has a shorter tolerance level and the establishment understands that. Musharraf was struggling with unpopularity within seven years, a fact his institution took advantage of. As a result, those who remember what has happened in the past are now asking questions about what the Shehbaz Sharif government has to show after presenting five budgets. And other than not picking a fight with those who brought the government to power, it has also done little to bring any legitimacy to the set-up. So the steam continues to build up. And despite the ‘sab acha hai’ (all’s well) mantra on news channels, it is evident to everyone. It is a simple assessment that should also not escape some of those ruling Pakistan right now; and this includes those in Islamabad, Pindi and some of us who watch politics. Whether it shapes policy is another matter — and better known by those who have powerful zaraaye (sources). The writer is a journalist. Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2026
Dialogue only solution to AJK crisis, govt should avoid use of force: JI chief
ISLAMABAD: Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Monday said that meaningful negotiations were the only solution to the ongoing situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), urging the government to avoid the use of force and immediately engage with the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). On June 5, the JAAC was declared a proscribed organisation by the regional government and placed under the First Schedule of the region’s anti-terrorism act (ATA). Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Rehman said JI had accepted the responsibility of mediation and was playing its role in restoring trust between the government and the committee to prevent “bloodshed and unrest”. JI AJK Emir Dr Mushtaq Khan, former AJK emir Dr Khalid Mahmood, JI Deputy Secretary General Syed Farasat Shah and Islamabad Emir Nasrullah Randhawa were also present on the occasion. “JAAC has expressed complete confidence in Jamaat-i-Islami and postponed its long march, sending a positive message,” he said. He urged the government to also act with seriousness and begin negotiations to resolve the legitimate demands of the people. “The AJK situation should not be allowed to reach a point where India could exploit it for propaganda against Pakistan and the Kashmir cause,” the JI emir said. “Jamaat-i-Islami’s mediation with the JAAC is within the constitutional and national framework of Pakistan and the Kashmir issue. As long as this framework remains intact, every possible effort will be made to resolve the matter,” he added. Rejecting the impression that the situation had reached a “point of no return,” Rehman said the door for negotiations was still open. “We do not agree with the government’s position that the situation has gone beyond control. Dialogue is still possible, and Jamaat-e-Islami is ready to play its role.” He said JI had been trying from the very beginning to ensure a peaceful resolution of the AJK issue. Following the acceptance of its mediation offer, the party leadership decided to accelerate reconciliation efforts. He added that JI leaders in AJK had remained in contact with different stakeholders. “Dr Mahmood held several meetings with JAAC representatives, during which the committee expressed confidence in Jamaat-i-Islami’s efforts and also shared details of its demands,” he said. Rehman said violence, bloodshed and the use of state force could not be supported under any circumstances. “No message should go out from AJK that benefits Pakistan’s enemies,” he said. He said India was already committing serious human rights violations in occupied Kashmir through killings, use of pellet guns and imprisonment of the Kashmiri leadership. “Pakistan should not make any mistake on the internal front that gives the enemy a diplomatic advantage,” JI leader added. Clarifying JI’s position, Rehman said the party was not engaged in political point-scoring. “Our priority is Pakistan, Kashmir and the Kashmir cause.” The JI chief said public confidence in AJK’s political leadership had weakened due to repeated changes in political loyalties, power politics and vested interests, which had harmed the democratic process and contributed to public protests. He cautioned against elements trying to exploit the situation and appealed to AJK youth not to become part of any anti-Pakistan narrative. “Pakistan is the country of Kashmiris, and its educational institutions, offices and resources are open to them. They should avoid falling into the hands of the enemy,” he said. The JI emir also urged the federal government, relevant institutions and authorities to avoid any steps that could create hatred, unrest or instability. He also demanded that the Punjab and federal governments ensure an uninterrupted supply of essential goods to AJK, saying restrictions would only increase difficulties for ordinary citizens. Regarding his expected meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Rehman said he wanted to meet the premier and, if contacted by the government, JI would not seek anything for itself. “Instead, it will present national issues, including a peaceful solution to the Kashmir situation, resolution of public grievances, reduction in petroleum levy, lower electricity and gas prices, action against IPPs, employment and education opportunities for youth, and relief from IMF-related pressures.” On AJK elections, he said they should be held on time. However, if negotiations succeeded and normalcy returned, the elections would take place in a more peaceful and acceptable environment; otherwise, questions could be raised over their outcome. He said the AJK government must also play its role in the negotiation process. Although public confidence in it had been affected, it remained the constitutional government, and any final agreement would involve it along with the federal government. Responding to questions about strong statements by some JAAC leaders, Rehman said JI had made it clear that any anti-Pakistan or unacceptable narrative would not be tolerated. He added that Dr Mahmood had conveyed the same message to the JAAC leadership, and a positive change had been witnessed in their tone and position. The JI emir also criticised the Kashmir Committee, saying it had failed in the past and present to play an effective role in accordance with the requirements of the Kashmir issue. However, he welcomed any effort by the committee to consult JI. Calling for broader democratic reforms, he stressed the need for “proportional representation, an independent election commission and a modern electoral system in both Pakistan and AJK to restore public trust in democracy”.
PM Shehbaz to visit Iran, Turkiye as part of mediation efforts to end Middle East war: sources
ISLAMABAD: As part of Pakistan’s efforts to help broker an end to the war in the Middle East, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will pay official visits to Iran and Turkiye from July 3 to 6, sources in the PM Office told Dawn on Monday. The US military said it carried out new strikes on early Sunday on multiple targets in Iran, in response to a fresh Iranian attack on a ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran responded by launching strikes against US bases in Bahrain and Kuwait before both sides agreed to halt attacks. Sources said that during his visit, the prime minister will meet the leadership of both Iran and Turkiye and call on Tehran and Washington to exercise restraint, particularly following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as part of the peace process. The strikes underscored the fragility of the Pakistan-brokered interim peace deal aimed at ending a war launched by the United States and Israel on February 28, which disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and rattled global energy markets. Yesterday, Iran’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, said that “we should reach a new framework that includes all countries in the region and without the presence or interference of any country from outside the region”. This echoed a proposal put forward by Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian earlier this week, who called for a new “regional security structure” among regional countries. Pezeshkian floated the concept during a visit to Pakistan, where he expressed gratitude to PM Shehbaz and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for their efforts to bring about an end to the war.
Burgenstock'ta ABD-İran Barışı İçin 60 Günlük Yol HaritasıAl-Qadir Trust case: IHC gives defence two weeks to begin arguments in Imran, Bushra's appeals
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday dismissed contempt of court petitions filed by PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, after observing that the powers of attorney required to pursue their appeals had been signed, while granting the defence a final two-week adjournment to commence arguments in the appeals against their conviction in the £190 million graft reference. An accountability court in Islamabad had sentenced Imran and Bushra to 14 and seven years in prison, respectively, on Jan 17, 2025 in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) reference, also known as the Al-Qadir Trust case. On Monday, an IHC division bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfaraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif heard the appeals against the couple’s sentences. Barrister Salman Safdar, Salman Akram Raja and other members of the defence team appeared before the court. The PTI founder’s sister, Aleema Khan, and several party leaders were also present during the proceedings. At the outset, the bench expressed displeasure when members of the defence team approached the rostrum together. Directing the lawyers to return to their seats, the chief justice remarked that the court would not be influenced and noted that signed powers of attorney had already been received. Barrister Safdar contended that although the jail authorities had now provided powers of attorney relating to the IHC proceedings, the remaining documents were yet to be furnished. The chief justice responded that those documents would also be provided. Islamabad Advocate General Naveed Malik argued that during the previous hearing, the defence had misled the court by stating that the powers of attorney had been signed on June 16, while failing to disclose that the jail superintendent had contacted counsel on June 18 to facilitate the execution of the documents. The bench observed that since the powers of attorney had now been signed, the contempt petitions had become infructuous. The court then turned to the hearing of the main appeals and directed the defence to commence arguments. Justice Dogar warned that if the appellants failed to proceed, the court would ask the NAB prosecutor to advance arguments. Barrister Safdar then informed the bench that an appeal challenging an earlier IHC order had been filed before the Supreme Court and sought additional time, arguing that commencing arguments before the high court would render the pending appeal ineffective. When the court indicated that the NAB prosecutor should begin submissions, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Advocate Latif Khosa requested a two-week adjournment, assuring the bench that arguments would commence on the next date of hearing. The chief justice questioned whether the senior lawyers possessed valid powers of attorney in the appeals and remarked that repeated requests for adjournments amounted to unnecessary pressure on the court. Khosa requested two weeks to personally meet the PTI founder before the hearing. Accepting the request, the bench recorded his undertaking that the defence would begin arguments after the adjournment and fixed the appeals for hearing for two weeks later. Imran — imprisoned since Aug 5, 2023, for concealing details of Toshakhana gifts — is serving a 14-year sentence at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail in the £190m case. The case alleges that the couple obtained billions of rupees and hundreds of kanals of land from Bahria Town Ltd to legalise Rs50 billion identified and returned to the country by the United Kingdom during the PTI government. Imran and Bushra had challenged their convictions in the Al-Qadir Trust case before the IHC soon after they were sentenced. They had also sought suspension of their sentences, which was rejected by the IHC in May 2026 — followed by allegations from Imran’s party and family of delay in the fixation of cases. IHC removes objections to pleas challenging ‘solitary confinement’ Meanwhile, a separate bench of the IHC removed the registrar office’s (RO) objections to petitions challenging the alleged solitary confinement of Imran and Bushra, directing that both petitions be numbered while deferring the question of maintainability to the judicial side. Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro heard the petitions filed by Aleema Khan on behalf of the PTI founder and by Bushra’s daughter Mubashara Khawar Maneka. Barrister Safdar and Raja appeared on behalf of the petitioners. At the outset, Safdar argued that the registrar had objected on the ground that the petitioners were not aggrieved parties. He maintained that Aleema, being Imran’s sister, and Mubashara, being Bushra’s daughter, were competent to approach the court. “We have been trying to ascertain the position for the last four years. We only wish to reach the court without the registrar office’s objections,” Safdar stressed. The counsel informed the court that he had previously raised the issue of solitary confinement during appeal proceedings, but the IHC chief justice had advised him to approach the relevant forum. Referring to legal precedents, he cited the Begum Shamim Afridi case, in which the wife of a prisoner had challenged solitary confinement. At this, Justice Soomro asked the counsel to identify the relevant paragraph of the judgment confirming the petitioner’s status as the prisoner’s wife. Safdar then read out the relevant portion of the decision before the court. The counsel argued that solitary confinement was the harshest form of punishment and that even exceptional prisoners could only be kept in such confinement for a maximum of 14 days under the law. He alleged that both Imran and Bushra had been kept in solitary confinement for the last seven months, claiming that they had been denied newspapers, television and family meetings. “I have not met Bushra Bibi since December,” Safdar told the court, adding that he had met the PTI founder only twice on the directions of the chief justice of Pakistan and the IHC top judge. He further alleged that the couple was being subjected to inhumane treatment and cited previous cases in which family members, including incumbent Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, had approached courts on behalf of detained relatives. During the hearing, Justice Soomro questioned the absence of the chief justice’s order referred to by the counsel. Safdar responded that no copy of the order was available and complained of difficulties in obtaining certified copies. The court also summoned NAB Prosecutor Rafay Maqsood to the rostrum. The NAB prosecutor contended that after meeting the PTI founder, Safdar had not informed the court that his client was being kept in solitary confinement. Instead, he had only argued that he had been instructed to address suspension of sentence applications rather than the appeals. Safdar responded that a miscellaneous application raising the issue of solitary confinement had been filed in writing during the appeal proceedings. The prosecutor further argued that the miscellaneous application had already been rejected and that the matter, if any, could only be pursued before the Supreme Court rather than through a constitutional petition under Article 199. Safdar disputed the claim, maintaining that the application had not been rejected and asserting that the chief justice’s bench had passed no order on the solitary confinement issue. Following arguments from both sides, Justice Soomro ordered that the RO objections be removed and directed that both petitions be numbered. The court observed that the question of maintainability would be examined on the judicial side. On the request of Safdar, who sought an early hearing due to proceedings in another matter, the court adjourned further hearing of the petitions until Tuesday. In her plea filed last week, Aleema had described his brother’s detention conditions as unlawful and inhumane. According to the petition, during a lawyers’ meeting held on April 8, it emerged that Imran had been kept in solitary confinement for 22 hours a day, while his wife, Bushra Bibi, was allegedly confined in isolation for 24 hours a day. Maneka’s petition contended her mother was being unlawfully kept in solitary confinement, and requested the court to declare it illegal and set it aside.
'Water is our red line': Info minister says IWT cannot be unilaterally revoked or amended, remains in force
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar asserted on Monday that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) between India and Pakistan could not be unilaterally revoked or altered, stressing that the people of Pakistan had a right to Indus waterways under the “legally enforceable treaty” that remained in force. He said this while addressing a press conference alongside Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik in Islamabad. At the outset of the press briefing, Tarar said the world had endorsed that water security was important for Pakistan and the country had a right to it. “Legally, Pakistan’s stance has garnered support internationally, as the Indus Waters Treaty [between Pakistan and India] cannot be unilaterally revoked, abolished or amended,” he added. The minister said the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) had laid out a framework with clarity, which was “in the field and [remains] implemented”. Tarar said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir had stated multiple times that “water is our lifeline, as well as our red line”. “Our people have a right to water through a legally enforceable treaty that was accepted by both countries, that remains implemented today, and regarding which India has been disgraced on various forums. Their stance was not accepted at any forum,” he added. He said a seminar would be held in Islamabad on Tuesday, during which awareness would be raised about Pakistan’s rights under the IWT. “Water and legal experts from around the world will be attending the seminar,” he said. The minister reiterated that experts had accepted Pakistan’s rights under the IWT internationally. “So this is a victory of Pakistan in the narrative domain that the entire world is accepting its narrative and stance on the Indus Waters Treaty,” he said. Speaking after him, Malik said the matter of IWT had been raised at various international forums during the last month or two. “Pakistan’s stance was also endorsed at the international court of arbitration,” he added. Highlighting the consequences or irregular water flows, he acknowledged that it was partly due to climate change. But, he added, there was another factor as well. “There is a tap being controlled by the prime minister of our neighbouring countries. He says he will not let even a drop of water flow into Pakistan,” Malik added. He said that this matter would be debated at the seminar tomorrow, noting that Pakistan’s 40 per cent to 50pc population relied on agriculture for livelihood. Moreover, the country’s 20-25pc economy depended on agriculture. But, he continued, “someone else [is trying to] control all of the country’s food security, 50pc employment in the country and 25pc of the economy”. More to follow
'Water is our red line': Info minister says IWT cannot be unilaterally revoked or amended, remains implemented
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar asserted on Monday that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) between India and Pakistan could not be unilaterally revoked or altered, stressing that the people of Pakistan had a right to Indus waterways under the “legally enforceable treaty” that remained implemented. He said this while addressing a press conference alongside Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik in Islamabad. At the outset of the press briefing, Tarar said the world had endorsed that water security was important for Pakistan and the country had a right to it. “Legally, Pakistan’s stance has garnered support internationally, as the Indus Waters Treaty [between Pakistan and India] cannot be unilaterally revoked, abolished or amended,” he added. The minister said the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) had laid out a framework with clarity, which was “in the field and [remains] implemented”. Tarar said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir had stated multiple times that “water is our lifeline, as well as our red line”. “Our people have a right to water through a legally enforceable treaty that was accepted by both countries, that remains implemented today, and regarding which India has been disgraced on various forums. Their stance was not accepted at any forum,” he added. He said a seminar would be held in Islamabad on Tuesday, during which awareness would be raised about Pakistan’s rights under the IWT. “Water and legal experts from around the world will be attending the seminar,” he said. The minister reiterated that experts had accepted Pakistan’s rights under the IWT internationally. “So this is a victory of Pakistan in the narrative domain that the entire world is accepting its narrative and stance on the Indus Waters Treaty,” he said. Speaking after him, Malik said the matter of IWT had been raised at various international forums during the last month or two. “Pakistan’s stance was also endorsed at the international court of arbitration,” he added. Highlighting the consequences or irregular water flows, he acknowledged that it was partly due to climate change. But, he added, there was another factor as well. “There is a tap being controlled by the prime minister of our neighbouring countries. He says he will not let even a drop of water flow into Pakistan,” Malik added. More to follow
Bilgi Bakanı Tarar: İndus Suları Anlaşması tek taraflı olarak feshedilemez veya değiştirilemez'Water is our red line': IWT cannot be unilaterally revoked or amended, remains implemented, info minister says
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar asserted on Monday that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) between India and Pakistan could not be unilaterally revoked or altered, stressing that the people of Pakistan had a right to Indus waterways under the “legally enforceable treaty” that remained implemented. He said this while addressing a press conference alongside Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik in Islamabad. At the outset of the press briefing, Tarar said the world had endorsed that water security was important for Pakistan and the country had a right to it. “Legally, Pakistan’s stance has garnered support internationally, as the Indus Waters Treaty [between Pakistan and India] cannot be unilaterally revoked, abolished or amended,” he added. The minister said the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) had laid out a framework with clarity, which was “in the field and [remains] implemented”. Tarar said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir had stated multiple times that “water is our lifeline, as well as our red line”. “Our people have a right to water through a legally enforceable treaty that was accepted by both countries, that remains implemented today, and regarding which India has been disgraced on various forums. Their stance was not accepted at any forum,” he added. He said a seminar would be held in Islamabad on Tuesday, during which awareness would be raised about Pakistan’s rights under the IWT. “Water and legal experts from around the world will be attending the seminar,” he said. The minister reiterated that experts had accepted Pakistan’s rights under the IWT internationally. “So this is a victory of Pakistan in the narrative domain that the entire world is accepting its narrative and stance on the Indus Waters Treaty,” he said. More to follow
Bilgi Bakanı Tarar: İndus Suları Anlaşması tek taraflı olarak feshedilemez veya değiştirilemezOFAC Sa'd Abdullah Hussein AL-SHARIF kişisini yaptırım listesine ekledi
ABD Hazine Bakanlığı Yabancı Varlıklar Kontrol Ofisi (OFAC), Sa'd Abdullah Hussein AL-SHARIF adlı kişiyi Özel Olarak Belirlenmiş Vatandaşlar (SDN) listesine ekledi. Yaptırım programı: SDGT.
OFAC’tan Terör ve Uyuşturucu Odaklı Kapsamlı Yaptırım HamlesiPakistan mulling purchase of cheaper oil, gas from Iran: petroleum minister
LAHORE: Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik on Sunday said that Pakistan was “considering” purchasing cheaper Iranian oil and gas. The option of sourcing Iranian crude oil supplies has again become available to Pakistan after a temporary easing of US sanctions on Tehran. By availing this opportunity, Pakistan could source discounted crude and refine it locally to produce higher-value petroleum products. Sourcing crude oil from Iran could generate import cost savings of $170-340 million for Pakistan, assuming it imports 10-20 per cent of its total petroleum requirement at a discount, including freight savings. But, while industry experts say local refineries are technically capable of processing Iranian crude, commercial and operational challenges remain, particularly due to the high furnace oil yield and the absence of significant domestic demand for the fuel. Against this backdrop, Malik said while speaking to the media in Lahore that Pakistan was now mulling sourcing cheaper crude oil from Iran. He added that the government was “active regarding the reduction in oil prices”, noting that the rise in petrol and diesel prices had created difficulties for the entire nation. But, that difficult phase had passed, he added. “Good times are coming now,” he said, further stating that the government had significantly reduced petrol and diesel prices. On June 19, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a Rs74 reduction in petrol prices and a Rs67 cut in high-speed diesel prices as the government sought to pass on the benefit of declining international oil prices. The development came as tensions eased in the Middle East following the US-Iran interim peace deal and the restoration of energy shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade of Hormuz had resulted in a sharp increase in international oil prices, which went down following the easing of tensions. Malik maintained that the reduction in local prices was more than the one in international oil prices.
Lawmakers from tribal districts threaten protest against imposition of taxes
PESHAWAR: Lawmakers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly rejected the decision of federal government to impose taxes on the residents of tribal districts and Malakand division. They threatened to stage protest demonstrations unless the decision was withdrawn. The lawmakers, nearly all representing tribal districts and Malakand division, stated that the Swat State enjoyed a century-long tax-free guarantee after it joined Pakistan. They said that federal government, before taxing tribal districts, should first fulfil its promise of releasing Rs100 billion annually for the region. While talking during a KP Assembly sitting on supplementary budget held with Speaker Babar Saleem Swati in the chair, Minister for Housing Dr Amjad Ali, who belongs to Swat district, said that federal government announced imposing tax on former Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Provincially Administered Tribal Areas. He said that no discussion was held over taxing both the areas in the meeting of National Economic Council (NEC). He stated that the areas affected by calamities and militancy should be facilitated instead of imposing taxes on them. He adding that it was violation of the agreement reached with the then Swat State when it was joining Pakistan. KP Assembly speaker apologises for allowing outsider to enter the house Fazal Hakim, another lawmaker from treasury benches belonging to Swat, said that they represented people and would protest for the rights of residents of their constituency. He said that once taxes were imposed, industry would shift from the areas and thousands of people would lose their jobs. The leader of opposition, Dr Ibadullah, who belongs to Shangla district, however, stated that the then chief minister Parvez Khattak had moved a summary for the purpose and he, being part of National Assembly at that time along with his brother MNA Amir Muqam, protested, which compelled the then prime minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif to withdraw it. PML-N’s lawmaker Jalal Khan condemned taxing tribal districts and Malakand division. He said that he would request Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muaqam to exempt tribal districts and Malakand division from taxes. He stated that the opposition was being mistreated, not only by provincial government but also by federal government. ANP’s Mohammad Nisar, from Bajaur tribal district, said that federal government imposed taxes in former Fata and Malakand but it failed to fulfil its promise of releasing Rs100 billion annually for the region. He stated that they refused to accept the decision of federal government. He said that federal government was not paying Rs5,000 billion to the province but provincial government committed to surrender Rs109 billion to it. He criticised funds for defence and said that people were unsafe in Bajaur while militancy could not be rooted out in 25 years. The adviser to chief minister on industry, commerce and technical education, Humayun Khan from Dir said that people from Malakand division and former Fata paid billions of indirect taxes. Bajaur’s treasury MPA Anwarzeb Khan said that people of tribal districts were being mistreated. He stated that federal government refused to accept share of tribal districts in NFC. MPA from Khyber Abdul Ghani warned of protesting outside Parliament House in Islamabad. Earlier, Dr Ibadullah expressed serious reservations over entry of an outsider to the house. “Your chair is required to play role of custodian of the house and to maintain privilege of the house,” Mr Ibadullah said. He added that the outsider [the chief minister’s guard] chanted slogans [in favour of former prime minister Imran Khan in the house]. “I admit my fault. The security stopped him but I allowed him,” said Speaker Babar Saleem Swati and apologised. JUI-F’s Maulana Lutfur Rehman stated that a supplementary budget was always presented in emergency situation. “There is need for steps to financially strengthen the province,” he said, adding that Chashma Lift Canal could not be completed during the last 13 years. By correspondent from Bajaur adds: Political leaders, parliamentarians and traders here on Saturday criticised federal government for extending taxes to tribal districts and Malakand division in its budget and called for revision of the decision immediately to prevent public unrest. In their separate statements, PML-N’s Israruddin Khan, MPAs Dr Hamidur Rehman and Anwar Zeb Khan, Bajaur Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Haji Lali Shah, Khar Traders Association president Wajid Khan, PTI’s Guldad Khan, ANP’s Gul Afzal Khan and former MNA Gul Zafar Khan described withdrawal of tax exemption for former Fata and Pata as “absolutely devastating” for the backward areas. They said that imposing taxes on the people of tribal districts was unacceptable to them because the area lacked basic facilities and remained underdeveloped. They said imposing taxes on tribal districts and Malakand division was injustice with poor people. They said that the government should have first brought those areas at par with settled districts politically, economically and socially. They urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to withdraw the decision at the earliest. They urged federal government to first fulfil the Sartaj Aziz Commission’s commitments before imposing taxes on the residents of tribal districts. They claimed that the government had no legal authority to impose taxes in tribal districts before 2028, as per Sartaj Aziz Commission’s recommendations, which paved the way for the merger of tribal districts into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through the 25th Amendment in 2018. They warned of strong public reaction if the decision was not withdrawn immediately. Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2026
Aşiret bölgelerine vergi kararına KP milletvekillerinden protesto tehdidiTremors felt across most parts of Pakistan
QUETTA / ISLAMABAD: A 5.9- magnitude earthquake originating in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region sent light to moderate tremors across Pakistan on Saturday, while a series of quakes in Balochistan damaged homes and injured several people over two days. The Hindu Kush earthquake struck at 6:35pm, shaking Abbottabad, Haripur, Mansehra, Shangla, Swat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Rawalpindi, Chakwal and the Pothohar region in Punjab as well as Islamabad and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. “It was very huge here in Swat and it lasted for quite a long time,” Daniyal Ahmad, a resident of Swat district, said. “People came out of their houses and women and children were seen crying in panic.” The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported no immediate casualties or major infrastructure damage. The NDMA said the earthquake originated at a considerable depth of 178 kilometres, allowing tremors to spread over a wide area while limiting the intensity of ground shaking at the surface. Experts said the event was caused by the continued northward movement of the Indian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate. In Afghanistan, the country’s authorities said checks for casualties and damage were ongoing. Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority in Balochistan reported that the two earthquakes had struck Tehsil Kingri in Musakhail district on Friday and Saturday. According to the district administration, the first tremor on Friday affected the village of Chaap, partially damaging 80 to 90 houses and leaving six people with minor injuries. On Saturday, another earthquake hit Tehsil Kingri, damaging 25 to 35 houses and injuring 10 to 13 individuals. Preliminary joint assessments indicate around 110 to 125 houses were partially damaged, while 18 to 19 people suffered minor injuries over the two days. No fatalities have been reported till Saturday evening. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief Saturday over the losses in Musakhail, extending his heartfelt sympathies to the affected families. PM Shehbaz directed the NDMA and the Balochistan provincial government to accelerate rescue and relief operations immediately. He ordered authorities to provide immediate assistance to residents of damaged houses and ensure the best medical care for the injured. With input from agencies Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2026
Minister says govt not giving preference to any sector after petrol, diesel prices kept unchanged
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik on Saturday dismissed the notion that the government was “giving preference” to one sector or imposing an undue burden on another after it kept petrol and diesel prices unchanged “till further orders”. On Friday night, the government on Friday kept petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) prices unchanged at Rs299.50 per litre and Rs311.47 per litre, respectively. In a post on the social media platform X, the petroleum minister shared a table of international oil prices over the past week. According to the number he shared, petrol prices ranged between $90.36 and $98.35 per barrel during June 22-26, while HSD traded between $104.79 and $109.09 per barrel. “The government is neither giving preference to any sector nor imposing any undue burden on the other,” he said. “The government is committed, within the scope of its international obligations, to pass on any benefit to the consumers,” he added. Highlighting the government’s record on fuel prices, Malik said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had so far reduced the price of diesel and petrol by Rs200 per litre and Rs155 per litre, respectively. The minister’s statement comes after criticism was directed at the government for not reducing the prices of petroleum products. “Despite international oil prices at the pre-war level, in Pakistan petrol price still remains Rs 300 per litre. Why not pass the benefit to people?” asked former Sindh governor Mohammad Zubair. PTI’s Haleem Adil Sheikh said that fuel prices had “fallen across much of the world”. “Yet Pakistan’s corrupt government has once again refused to pass any relief on to the public. After previously hiking fuel prices by Rs137/litre on stock purchased at much lower rates — handing massive windfall profits to oil marketing companies and petrol pumps—it has repeated the same act. The people pay, while the corrupt protect vested interests,” he said. “Oil companies, oil tanker owners, big dealers have won. The public has lost,” said journalist Zahid Gishkori about the decision to keep prices unchanged. Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a Rs74 reduction in petrol prices and a Rs67 cut in high-speed diesel (HSD) prices as the government passed on the benefit of declining international oil prices. Petrol is mainly used in private transport, small vehicles, rickshaws and two-wheelers, and changes in its price affect the middle and lower-middle classes. Similarly, changes in diesel prices also impact the public at large, as it is mainly used in the heavy transport sector, power plants and large generators. As the energy crunch from the US-Iran war due to the Strait of Hormuz blockade hit the global markets, the government began revising petroleum prices every week on Friday night. Fuel prices reached their peak on April 3 when the government hiked the petrol price by Rs137.24 per litre and the HSD price by Rs184.49, taking them to Rs458.4 and Rs520.35 per litre, respectively. Amid backlash over the unprecedented hikes, PM Shehbaz had brought the petrol price down to Rs378 per litre within 24 hours by slashing the petroleum levy by Rs80 per litre.