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Showing posts from June, 2026

Rescue operation underway after at least 14 children dead, 8 injured in Lahore roof collapse: police

At least 14 children were killed and eight were injured after the roof of a house collapsed in Lahore's Kahna area on Tuesday, according to the police. Lahore Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Faisal Kamran confirmed the toll while addressing the media on the occasion. "Eight children and one teacher are hospitalised, who are injured. Apart from that, the death of 14 children is confirmed." He said it was a single-storey building with a small room at the top with a roof of TR girders. The DIG added that some work was underway on the roof and the number of labourers exceeded its strength, which caused a girder to break, triggering the collapse atop what he said was a tuition centre. "We have detained five people who were running the tuition centre and are interrogating them regarding in what capacity the centre was being run, why safety was not considered and other aspects." The DIG said the focus at this time was on the provision of medical ...

Bilawal calls for int'l convention against 'weaponisation of waterways', says it threatens global peace

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday called for a new international convention against the "weaponisation of waterways", arguing that India's decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance was not simply a bilateral dispute but a challenge to international law, global peace and the rights of downstream states. Addressing the session of the international seminar, The Indus Waters Treaty: A Key Instrument for Peace and Regional Stability, at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, Bilawal urged Pakistan to pursue its legal, diplomatic, humanitarian, climate and deterrence cases simultaneously, while warning that attempts to manipulate shared rivers should be treated as a form of coercion rather than a technical disagreement. Bilawal broadened the discussion beyond South Asia, arguing that water coercion should be recognised internationally as a distinct form of aggression. He proposed what he described as "a new...

Senate opposition leader files privilege motion against Barakahu SHO, seeks action over 'rude' conduct

Opposition Leader in the Senate Raja Nasir Abbas filed a privilege motion against the Station House Officer (SHO) of Barakahu on Monday, alleging that he was prevented from reaching his residence and treated in a "rude and discourteous manner" at a police checkpoint, it emerged on Tuesday. The motion was filed a day after a high-level delegation of Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP), led by National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, was stopped by police from travelling to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) after announcing plans to join an ongoing sit-in in Rawalakot. Police officers had stated that they had been instructed by their "senior officers" not to allow the delegation to continue. The delegation included Abbas, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, TTAP spokesperson Hussain Ahmad Yousafzai, and Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry, counsel for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan. The motion, dated...

Pakistan urges UNSC to press Israel on settlements in occupied Palestinian territory

Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, called for an end to the Israeli occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT), saying that "the ultimate goal is the end of Israeli occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT). "The establishment of an independent, sovereign, and contiguous State of Palestine on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds and Al-Sharif as its capital, remains the only guarantee for lasting peace in the region", said Ahmad while addressing the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. "It is time for the Security Council to undertake a holistic assessment of the situation across all of the occupied Palestinian territory and firmly tackle the obstacles to peace. First, the Council must compel Israel to immediately and completely cease all settlement activities, which constitute a flagrant violation of internati...

PTI, HRCP slam Punjab's habitual offenders bill

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on Monday expressed deep concern over and slammed the proposed Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behaviour Bill, warning that it appeared to grant sweeping powers to the executive without adequate judicial oversight or due-process safeguards. The Punjab Assembly on Sunday witnessed a stormy session dominated by sharp criticism of the proposed bill. The proceedings were overshadowed by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan's surprise expression of ignorance about the proposed bill. The controversy erupted after opposition MPA Rana Aftab Ahmad Khan argued that the proposed legislation violated fundamental human rights and could affect future generations. The speaker had voiced serious concern over the bill's procedural handling, saying no bill could be referred to a committee without the speaker's signature and termed the revival of colonial-era legisl...

Fact check: Viral video of woman shooting harasser on motorcycle is AI-generated

Multiple users on several social media platforms were sharing a video since Sunday showing a woman opening fire after a man on a motorcycle allegedly tries to approach her. However, the video is AI-generated. How it started On Sunday, a social media user shared a video on X showing a man on a motorcycle approaching a woman walking on the street. He closes in with a 180-degree drift, after which the woman, clad in a burka, pulls out a gun and fires in the man’s direction, prompting him to flee from the scene. The post attracted 333,000 views. An Indian account shared the same video on Instagram in a similar context. The post garnered about 171,000 likes. Another Instagram user shared the same video in a similar context, gaining 34,300 likes. Another Indian user shared the viral clip with the caption: “When a Karan Johar’s movie hero meets Anurag Kashyap’s movie heroine”. The post gained 170,000 views on X. Similarly, the video was shared by sever...

Police constable shot dead while travelling to duty in Bannu

A police constable was shot dead by terrorists after being pulled from a rickshaw near Lora Bridge in Bannu on Monday while travelling to his place of duty, District Police Officer (DPO) Bannu Yasir Afridi confirmed. According to Afridi, Constable Umar Niaz Khan was on his way to the DIG Bungalow, where he was posted, when unidentified armed terrorists intercepted the rickshaw carrying him near Lora Bridge. He said the attackers forced the constable out of the vehicle before opening indiscriminate fire, killing him at the scene. The assailants fled immediately after the attack. Following the incident, police and members of the local peace committee reached the site, cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to apprehend the attackers. Investigators collected evidence from the crime scene and have opened an investigation into the killing. Later, funeral prayers for Khan were offered with full official honours at Bannu Police Lines. The ceremony was attended by polic...

Pakistan summons Afghan envoy over terrorist attack on Rangers camp in Karachi

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Monday that the Afghan chargé d’affaires was summoned and issued a strong demarche over the terrorist attack on the Rangers camp in Karachi. On Saturday, security forces foiled a terrorist attack in Karachi, in which three Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) personnel embraced martyrdom and four others were injured. The attack, according to the military’s media wing, was launched by “Khwarij belonging to Indian proxy, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar”. The assailants, after a blast at the main gate at the Rangers camp, attempted to breach the perimeter security but were pushed back by personnel who killed three Kharjis and captured one, identified as an Afghan national, in an injured condition. According to Andrabi, "the Afghan chargé d’affaires was summoned to the MoFA last night, and a strong demarche was issued regarding the Karachi terrorist attack. A similar demarche was conveyed b...

Pakistan moves to salvage fragile ceasefire

Pakistan on Sunday stepped up its diplomatic engagement with key regional and international players as fresh exchanges of fire between Iran and the United States threatened to unravel the fragile ceasefire and jeopardise the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a series of telephone conversations over the last 48 hours with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Iran, besides separately speaking with British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. The flurry of diplomatic contacts came as fresh US-Iran military exchanges cast a shadow over the MoU both sides signed on June 18, committing to end hostilities on all fronts. The latest escalation followed US allegations that Iran was behind attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington responded with strikes on Iranian ...

FM Dar reiterates Pakistan's commitment to regional peace under Islamabad MoU in call with Saudi counterpart

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan's commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region under the "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding" during a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on Sunday. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the two leaders held an in-depth discussion on recent regional developments and expressed deep concern over the evolving situation. "The FM Dar reiterated Pakistan's resolve to continue working towards the prevalence of peace in the region in pursuance of the 'Islamabad MoU'," said the statement. During the call, FM Dar also conveyed Pakistan's condolences over a helicopter crash in Saudi Arabia that killed 14 people. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephonic conversation today with His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Foreign Minister of...

PTA warns users to update ID records or face SIM blockage

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) launched a public awareness campaign regarding mobile SIMs registered on invalid, cancelled or expired identity cards and directed users to update their documents in a timely manner. According to PTA, mobile numbers that are linked to inactive, cancelled or expired computerised national identity cards of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) could be suspended or blocked under regulatory rules. The authority advised mobile users to renew their national identity cards before their expiry date so that there would be no disruption in mobile service. SIMs on expired identity cards likely to be blocked: PTA#PTA #SIMCards #CNIC #Pakistan #MobileServices #DigitalSecurity #Telecom pic.twitter.com/v2Ct3aUnsz — APP (@appcsocialmedia) June 28, 2026 The PTA also clarified that after renewing the identity card, users should immediately update their information in the records of the relevant mobile co...

Sargodha police arrests 3 suspects for allegedly burying boy alive after reporting rape attempt

A 14-year-old boy was allegedly buried alive in a village on the outskirts of Mari Lak in Punjab's Sargodha district after he reported an old rape attempt, police said on Saturday, adding that a case was registered and three suspects were arrested. The injured boy was rescued and taken to the District Headquarters Hospital, where doctors said his condition was out of danger. According to police, the 14-year-old was allegedly subjected to a rape attempt around 20 days ago. However, the family did not approach police at the time, due to which no action was taken then. The police initially arrested two suspects, while the main suspect was later taken into custody. Read More: Child's brutal rape, murder shakes the city Sargodha District Police Officer Muhammad Suhaib Ashraf said the incident was being investigated from all angles and that the suspects would be dealt with in accordance with the law. He said it was too early to conclude...

Heavy firing, explosion rock Karachi's Gulistan-e-Jauhar

Heavy gunfire and a powerful explosion were reported in Karachi's Gulistan-e-Jauhar on Saturday, triggering panic among residents. According to reports, intense gunfire was heard near Meteorological Chowrangi on University Road. A loud blast was also heard prior to the firing incident. Rescue 1122 spokesperson said that a report of a blast near Gulistan-e-Johar Block 5 was received by Rescue 1122 on Saturday. He said the Central Command and Control at Rescue 1122 received the information and immediately dispatched a team to the site of the incident. He added that Rescue 1122 teams have reached the location and are currently assessing the situation on the ground. Following the reports, a heavy contingent of police reached the spot. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and contacted inspector general of police (IGP) Sindh and additional inspector general (AIG) Karachi. According to the chief minister's spokesperson, Shah has sought a detaile...

PTI issues show-cause notice to MNA Iqbal Afridi over alleged discipline violations

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday issued a show-cause notice to Member of the National Assembly Iqbal Afridi over what it described as repeated violations of party discipline, directing him to submit a written explanation within seven days. According to the notice, a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune, Afridi has been asked to explain his position regarding a series of allegations levelled against him. The notice, issued by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, accused Afridi of "routinely misbehaving with party MNAs", alleging that such incidents had "at times been captured on camera and streamed on televised news and social media". It further alleged that he had used "derogatory language and undignified remarks" against fellow lawmakers. Read: NA suspends PTI lawmaker over misconduct The notice also alleged that Afridi had "routinely gone against parliamentary party decisions during National Assembly proceedin...

India resorting to covert tactics, using proxies to destabilise Pakistan: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that India was trying hard to avenge the humiliating setback of last year’s war through “covert tactics” and “proxies” aimed at creating instability in Pakistan. “Our eastern neighbour, having suffered a humiliating setback in the conflict in May last year, has increasingly resorted to covert tactics and the use of proxies in an attempt to undermine the hard-earned peace and stability in our country,” the premier said while noting that Pakistan was navigating conflicts and multi-faceted security challenges, marked by a dangerous combination of international and internal threats. The prime minister was addressing a passing-out parade of the 125th Midshipmen Course and the 33rd Short Service Commission (SSC) Course as a chief guest at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi. Referring to the Afghan insurgency, the premier said, “Our valiant armed forces continue to confront the menace of f...

Eight terrorists, including suicide bomber, killed in two separate Balochistan IBOs: ISPR

Security forces killed eight terrorists belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al-Hindustan in two high-tempo intelligence-based operations in Balochistan's Kharan and Mastung districts, the military's media wing said on Saturday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces received intelligence about the movement of a group of terrorists in Kharan on June 25. As a result of a "precise and skilful engagement", three terrorists were killed, while several others were injured. The federal government last year officially designated all terrorist groups operating in Balochistan as ‘Fitna al Hindustan’, accusing India of sponsoring a proxy war through these outfits. Eight terrorists belonging to Fitna Al Hindustan were killed during two high-tempo intelligence-based operations conducted by security forces in the Kharan and Mastung districts of Balochistan on June 25-26 as part of the ongoing counterterrorism campaign under the visi...

FM Dar announces arrival of 22 more Iranian sailors aboard vessel intercepted by US forces

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday announced the safe arrival of 22 Iranian crew members of the vessel Lenore/Davina in Karachi, who had recently been interdicted by US authorities, saying arrangements were being finalised for their earliest return to Iran. "I am pleased to share that twenty-two Iranian crew members of the vessel Lenore/Davina, recently interdicted by US authorities, have safely arrived in Karachi this afternoon," Dar said in a post on X. I am pleased to share that twenty two (22) Iranian crew members of the vessel Lenore/Davina, recently interdicted by US authorities, have safely arrived in Karachi this afternoon, AlhamdoLilah. Arrangements are now being finalised in close collaboration with the Iranian… https://t.co/wnxfUNhlmw — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) June 26, 2026 He said Pakistan was working closely with the Iranian diplomatic missions to facilitate the crew members' safe and early repatriation to ...

Ashura observed nationwide amid tight security, calls for unity and tolerance

More than 12,000 police officers and personnel were deployed across Rawalpindi and Islamabad as Ashura processions got underway on Friday, with extensive security measures including snipers on high-rise buildings, drones, a custom CNIC scanning app, and a complete suspension of mobile and internet services in Rawalpindi. Rawalpindi Rawalpindi's central procession emerged from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain, Teli Mohalla, where more than 8,000 police officers and personnel were on duty. Of these, more than 5,500 were assigned to the central procession alone, with more than 1,200 traffic police officers also performing duties. More than 1,000 volunteers assisted with security. All routes leading to the mourning processions were sealed, with the city being monitored through more than 2,000 Safe City and other cameras and continuous oversight from the Safe City and Central Control Room. Snipers were deployed on high-rise buildings, and monitoring was also being carried out through dr...

PM Shehbaz calls for inter-sect harmony, tolerance on Ashura

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said Youm-e-Ashura served as a profound reminder of faith, patience, perseverance, sacrifice and commitment to truth, urging the nation to promote inter-sect harmony and counter hatred and incitement. The month is observed as a month of mourning to commemorate the seventh-century martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) — the grandson of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — along with his family and companions in the Battle of Karbala. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, PM Shehbaz, in his message on the occasion of Ashura (10 Muharram), said the day commemorated God's support, the triumph of the faithful and the sacrifices made for the supremacy of truth. He said the great sacrifice rendered by Imam Hussain and his devoted companions had given Youm-e-Ashura a unique and enduring significance in Islamic history. Read: Muharram 9 processions continue nationwide under tight security The prime m...

Pakistan, Iran agree to strengthen road, rail connectivity

Pakistan and Iran agreed to strengthen road and rail connectivity and reactivate the Pakistan-Iran Joint Transport Committee to address longstanding transport and border-related issues between the two countries, according to an official statement released on Thursday. The understanding was reached during a meeting between Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh, and Minister for Communications Aleem Khan, who is leading efforts to expand transport links and trade cooperation with neighbouring countries. پاکستان کے دورے پر ایران کی وزیر ٹرانسپورٹ فرزانہ صادق اور​وفاقی وزیر مواصلات عبدالعلیم خان کی ملاقات وزیر ریلوے حنیف عباسی، وزیر تجارت جام کمال اور وزیر بحری امور جنید انوار بھی پاکستانی وفد کا حصہ تھے ایرانی وفد سے گفتگو میں خطے میں امن قائم ہونے پر وفاقی وزیر مواصلات… pic.twitter.com/HNrKAMvYqV — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) June 25, 2026 Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, and Maritime Affairs Minister Ju...

FM Dar credits US-Iran mediation role for Pakistan's emergence as global 'peacemaker'

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday said Pakistan had emerged as a recognised "peacemaker" and "middle power" on the global stage, crediting the country's recent role as a mediator in the US-Iran war for raising the country's international standing. Speaking to the media at Data Darbar, FM Dar said Pakistan's role in facilitating dialogue between rival countries had transformed perceptions of the country abroad. "Today, Pakistan is being recognised across the world as a peacemaker," he said. "A country that was once portrayed only through the lens of terrorism is now being acknowledged as a middle power and a net security provider." FM Dar said that people used to say Pakistan was diplomatically isolated, whereas now, Pakistan was making headlines across the world: "Countries that barely knew about Pakistan are now talking about it." داتا گنج بخشؒ کے مزار کا 983واں غسلِ مبارک ادا کیا گ...

Pakistan, China urge for stronger implementation of UNSC Resolutions

Pakistan and China called for stronger mechanisms to ensure the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, arguing that selective or prolonged non-implementation undermined the council's credibility, weakened its authority and prolonged unresolved conflicts, including those in Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine. At a meeting convened by Pakistan and China on Thursday, titled "Bridging the Implementation Gap: Security Council Resolutions and the Maintenance of International Peace and Security", Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said Security Council resolutions were "not mere expressions of intent but legal obligations under the UN Charter". 🔊PR No.1️⃣5️⃣5️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ China and Pakistan Organise UN Security Council Arria-Formula Meeting on Bridging the Implementation Gap: Security Council Resolutions and the Maintenance of International Peace and Security 🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/UoXviiXw7h...

Naval chief vows modernisation of warfare techniques, tools to consolidate maritime influence

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf on Wednesday called for a reassessment of traditional warfighting concepts to keep pace with the evolving nature of modern conflicts, underscoring the importance of technological advancement and strategic adaptability to address emerging maritime security challenges. The naval chief said this during an address to the participants of the 55th Pakistan Navy Staff Course during his visit to the Pakistan Navy War College in Lahore, a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) noted. Emphasising the new trends in warfare, the naval chief acknowledged the importance of a technologically proficient and intellectually capable military workforce. Highlighting the 'evolving character' of modern conflicts and emerging maritime security challenges, he stressed the importance of ‘adaptive strategies’ to effectively address both conventional and non-conventional threats. Naval Chief urges participants of...

Bilawal Bhutto slams Khawaja Asif over AJK remarks

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday criticised Defence Minister Khawaja Asif over remarks about Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), questioning why he remained in the cabinet and accusing some government members of creating political problems for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. In a television interview, Asif said Rawalakot — which has seen protests led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) — was "not Kashmir" and that he did not regard its residents as Kashmiris. He later sought to clarify the remarks on X, saying that "Kashmiriat is defined by the sacrifices and struggles waged over almost eight decades" by Pakistanis, Kashmiris and others, "not by birth certificates". "There are certain ministers whose politics I do not understand. Instead of helping the prime minister, they create problems for him," Bilawal said while addressing the National Assembly (NA) during debate on the federal budget. The PPP chairman wen...