This is the first time Pakistan has given the award to a UN Secretary-General.

The investiture ceremony took place at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, parliamentarians and members of the diplomatic corps attended.

Before the ceremony, Zardari met Guterres. He praised the UN chief’s push for dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful settlement of disputes, and his attention to the concerns of developing countries.

The president restated Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. He thanked Guterres for consistently backing Palestinian statehood and a two-state solution.

On South Asia, Zardari said lasting peace needs sustained dialogue between Pakistan and India as equal neighbours. He said this must include a settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with UN resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

He also said the Indus Waters Treaty is a binding international agreement and cannot be suspended or held in abeyance by one side.

Water must not be turned into a weapon or a tool of political pressure, he added. Pakistan’s rights under the treaty have been upheld by international courts and must be respected.

Zardari said Pakistan’s diplomacy, including the Islamabad Talks, has aimed at de-escalation, dialogue and saving lives. He said Pakistan is ready to help facilitate diplomacy wherever it can, and that dialogue is the only way to resolve regional disputes.

On terrorism, he said Pakistan has made huge sacrifices in the global fight against it and still faces attacks from groups based in Afghanistan. Pakistan has shared evidence of outside support for proxies targeting the country, he said. He insisted that Afghan soil must not be used against Pakistan or any other state.

The president noted that more than 270,000 Pakistani peacekeepers have served in 48 UN missions worldwide.

He backed Guterres’s UN80 reform initiative but said reforms must protect the interests of developing countries. He hoped the next Secretary-General would continue the reform process.

On the Security Council, Zardari said Pakistan wants a more democratic body. It opposes adding unelected members and favours more elected, non-permanent seats with fair geographical representation.

He described climate change as an existential threat for vulnerable countries such as Pakistan and called for stronger global action on mitigation, adaptation and climate finance.

Zardari also thanked Guterres for standing with Pakistan after the 2022 floods. Guterres had visited the affected areas and helped mobilise international aid through the Geneva pledging conference. The president said 2.1 million climate-resilient homes had since been built, with ownership given to women in the beneficiary households.

In his remarks, Guterres praised Pakistan for sheltering millions of refugees and for its resilience against terrorism. “I know the real Pakistan because I have seen the real Pakistan,” he said.

UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo and acting Resident Coordinator Pernille Ironside accompanied Guterres. Senators Sherry Rehman and Saleem Mandviwalla and former federal minister Naveed Qamar were also present.

According to an FBR press release, three officials of the Enforcement Squad – Sepoy Izharullah, Arm Guard Rahmatullah and Sepoy Sulaiman – were performing duty at the designated point at around 11:30am when unidentified armed men arrived and opened fire.

As a result, Arm Guard Rahmatullah and Sepoy Sulaiman were martyred, while Sepoy Izharullah remained safe.

The FBR said Izharullah returned fire during the incident, following which the assailants fled the scene. The attackers also took away official arms and ammunition issued to the squad personnel.

FBR chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial expressed condolences to the families of the martyred officials and paid tribute to their courage and commitment.

He said the sacrifices rendered by FBR personnel in the line of duty would not be forgotten.

The FBR also said it stood firmly with the families of the martyred officials and all personnel performing their duties in the service of the country.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the missile is equipped with advanced avionics and state-of-the-art navigation systems.

“The weapon system is capable of engaging targets at extended ranges with high precision and lethality,” ISPR said, adding that the test validated additional technical parameters of various subsystems incorporated to improve accuracy and enhance survivability.

The launch was witnessed by senior Pakistan Army officers, along with scientists and engineers from the developing agency.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir and the service chiefs congratulated the teams on the successful test and appreciated their technical expertise, dedication and commitment, ISPR said.

Addressing the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Kashmir Chowk underpass in Islamabad, the prime minister said “dark shadows of long marches” were emerging again as he called on the protesters to reconsider their plans.

Shehbaz said the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) joint committees had, through consensus, decided to hold talks with the PTI leadership to end the long marches and resolve differences through mutual agreement.

“We hoped the talks would reap positive results, however, unfortunately this could not materialise as the opposition at the eleventh hour demanded changes to the draft,” he said.

The prime minister said protests and marches could affect imports and exports and prevent workers, engineers, and others from reaching their workplaces on time.

“The first victim of politics of marches and protests would be your economy,” he said.

Shehbaz said the government had worked as a team over the past two and a half years to stabilise the economy and achieve macroeconomic stability, adding that the focus should was on growth and development.

He cited growth in exports, IT exports and remittances in September and warned against any disruption to the economic progress.

“If someone damages this progress, then will it not be tantamount to enmity with the country?” he asked, adding that the government would take measures to protect the lives and property of citizens.

“I would like to ask the marchers to think again if this act would benefit or inflict loss upon Pakistan,” Shehbaz said. “I would like to request you to end this protest and if you do so, then we can sit with you for talks.”

The prime minister’s remarks came a day after PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said government-opposition talks had broken down over two key issues: access to incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan and the Centre’s approach to tackling terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa without involving the provincial government.

Raja said the PTI negotiating team had reached agreement with the government on several issues but maintained that progress on them was not meaningful without resolving the two “core” disputes.

The PTI has demanded unrestricted access to Imran Khan, who is incarcerated in Rawalpindi. Raja said the party had sought access to Khan as a condition for meaningful political dialogue.

He said the government’s agreement to allow Khan’s sister and lawyer to meet him on Tuesday did not resolve the broader issue of restrictions on meetings.

Raja also said the PTI had sought the inclusion of Khan’s sister, Dr Uzma Khan, and his personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, in a medical board that would examine him at a private hospital in line with Supreme Court orders.

Raja said the government team initially agreed to the proposal but later withdrew its support.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Guterres said it was “remarkable” that both the US and Iran had accepted Pakistan as a mediator, describing their confidence in Islamabad as important.

“Pakistan’s spirit of engagement is frontal centre on issues of international peace and security. I salute Pakistan’s leadership in helping to create the conditions for dialogue between the US and Iran and mediating that conflict,” he said.

He said Pakistan had a special role at the United Nations and continued to contribute to global discussions while upholding the values of multilateralism and dialogue.

Guterres also praised Pakistan’s contribution to UN peacekeeping missions, saying Pakistani men and women had demonstrated courage while serving in them. He noted that Pakistan itself faced challenges from terrorism but continued to make significant contributions to international peace.

The UN chief acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate the dignified return of Afghan refugees and praised the role of the Pakistani leadership in the US-Iran dispute.

“Disputes could be resolved through negotiations and dialogue,” Guterres said, adding that his office remained available to support efforts to resolve conflicts.

On Palestine, he said lasting peace was not possible without the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. He called for the immediate implementation of the Gaza peace plan and an end to the suffering of Palestinians.

Guterres said the international community should not forget Palestine amid the conflicts in Ukraine and the Gulf. He also condemned the attacks of October 7 and stressed the need to end the suffering of the Palestinian people.

On climate change, the UN chief said a small number of countries accounted for a large share of global emissions and stressed the need to reduce harmful emissions.

Guterres said the United Nations stood with the people of Pakistan and expressed pleasure at returning to the country. His previous visit came in 2022, following the devastating floods that affected large parts of Pakistan.

He also questioned the rationale for Africa’s limited representation on the UN Security Council.

Speaking alongside Guterres, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar said the global situation was “extremely complex”, citing challenges involving Iran, the United States, the Houthis and the Bab el-Mandeb.

Dar said the UN had adopted resolutions on several international disputes, but the key issue was their implementation. He cited the Kashmir dispute as an example, saying UN resolutions on the issue had not been implemented.

He said Pakistan had immediately condemned Israel’s attack on Iran and urged Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to exercise restraint.

Dar called for a clear mechanism to ensure implementation of UN resolutions, saying a system of consequences and incentives was also needed to ensure effective compliance with international decisions.

DPM Dar, UN chief discuss global peace, security issues

DPM Dar earlier held a meeting with UN chief Guterres in Islamabad, wherein the two discussed regional and global issues related to peace and security, including Palestine, Jammu and Kashmir, Afghanistan, counter-terrorism and the future of multilateralism.

According to the Foreign Office, Dar briefed Guterres on Pakistan’s positions on Jammu and Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty, while reaffirming Islamabad’s call for a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Dar also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation, including its facilitation of the Islamabad talks between the United States and Iran.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as the most effective means of resolving disputes, the Foreign Office said.

Guterres appreciated Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to the United Nations and its diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue, mediation and de-escalation.

The UN secretary-general arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for a three-day official visit to Pakistan from October 6 to 8 at the invitation of Dar.

Guterres was received by Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the start of his visit. He is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir as well.

The UN chief will also visit the headquarters of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) and attend a briefing at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

The FO said the visiting dignitary’s other engagements will highlight Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen multilateralism and international peace and security, as well as its progress in disaster preparedness and early-warning systems.

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif received the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award for the ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ project at a ceremony held at the historic Convention and Exhibition Centre in Muscat.

The Chief Minister was specially invited to Muscat as a State Guest to receive the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award. She was warmly welcomed at the World Habitat Day ceremony at the Convention and Exhibition Centre.

UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach welcomed CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif and other participants. The hall erupted in applause as the Chief Minister received the prestigious award.

The CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif dedicated the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award to the people who have built their homes under the ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ programme.

Only five selected countries from around the world received the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award this year. Myanmar’s Htoo Weng, Brazil’s Thiago Baurmann Gubert, Tunisia’s Abdelmalek Ghanem and London Mayor Sadiq Khan were among the other recipients.

The CM also attended the opening ceremony of a special UN-Habitat exhibition organised on World Habitat Day. She was also specially invited to the development agreements signing ceremony and participated in a group photograph with other participants.

A special briefing was given at the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award ceremony. It was highlighted that the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour is one of the highest international distinctions associated with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme.

The award is conferred upon individuals, cities, public and private institutions and research institutes in recognition of outstanding performance. Its key objectives include promoting affordable and adequate housing, sustainable urban development, improvement in basic urban facilities, better urban development and reconstruction, and recovery from natural disasters.

The UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour has been presented to around 200 public and private institutions over the past 37 years.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan received the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour in 2007. After 19 years, Punjab’s ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ project has emerged among the leading initiatives selected from more than 150 projects worldwide. For the first time in Pakistan’s history, a provincial housing project has received international recognition and the prestigious UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi has urged people from every corner of Pakistan should reach Swabi, saying the future course of action will be announced there.

He was addressing Long March participants at Jail Chowk in Karak, paid tribute to the people of Karak and the wider southern region for the warm reception accorded to the long march.

He said that the people should understand that the terrorism imposed on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the result of a deliberate and well-conceived plan. “Once again, Pashtun blood is being shed. People are being displaced, businesses are being destroyed, military operations and drone strikes are taking place, and innocent civilians, police personnel and soldiers are losing their lives,” he said.

Referring to criticism levelled against him on television, the Chief Minister said, “A representative of the establishment had labelled him on national television “immature” for standing with his people. “If standing with my people is considered immaturity, then I will continue to do so without hesitation. If loving my country is considered immaturity, I will embrace that charge again and again,” he said.

He said that misguided policies were deepening divisions within the country.

Referring to the federal government, he maintained that corruption amounting to Rs 5.3 trillion had taken place under its watch and reported by IMF. “If this is what is being presented as wisdom and patriotism, then I reject such wisdom,” he said.

The Chief Minister clarified that those imposed on the country were pursuing policies that were driving the country towards division and fuelling prejudice among its people.

He said that the situation was now slipping beyond their control, adding that even the resettled terrorists were no longer under their control. He said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government was being pressured to become complicit in policies it did not support. “I am Imran Khan’s player. I have said ‘Absolutely Not’ to the powerful, and I will continue to stand by that position,” Sohail Afridi said.

He alleged that a mindset imposed on the country was treating Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a stepchild and attempting to compound one flawed policy with another in an effort to isolate the province.

Referring to decisions taken behind closed doors, the Chief Minister clarified that a political party had been imposed on the country whose Chief Minister had stated that she faced no threat from India but regarded the other three provinces as a threat. “As long as we are alive, and as long as our generations are alive, we will never allow this to happen,” he said.

Sohail Afridi said that those who plunder public resources could not claim to be sincere with the country. He said that Imran Ahmad Khan Niazi was the only leader who commanded a nationwide following. “Imran Khan is the heartbeat of our people, and 90 percent of the people want him,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that Imran Khan was the only leader capable of steering the country out of its present crisis and restoring the dignity, credibility and standing of its institutions.

He also paid tribute to the soldiers who sacrifice their lives in the service of Pakistan, saying their sacrifices are an integral part of the nation’s collective struggle and existence.

The Chief Minister said he was witnessing growing public rejection of the existing system across the country, with people from Khyber to Karachi seeking to reach Islamabad.

He maintained that the government would have to address their democratic demands and that national policies must be guided by the public interest. He said his government would resist any policy that runs contrary to the interests of the people.

The Chief Minister said that Imran Khan was enduring imprisonment with courage and resolve and had refused to compromise his position for the sake of power. Had he been motivated by a desire to return to office, he could have secured his release by signing a document, he said, adding that Imran Khan had instead chosen to remain steadfast.

Sohail Afridi said the struggle for “real freedom” would continue alongside Imran Khan. He added that Imran Khan and his entire family were making sacrifices for the future of the people and generations to come.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Speaking to the media in Swat, Barrister Gohar said the government had shown no seriousness during negotiations and stressed that talks can continue even during wartime. He said there was still time for the government to step forward and engage in dialogue.

Gohar said the PTI approached negotiations with goodwill but no final agreement could be reached on the draft points because, according to him, the government displayed obstinacy.

He said discussions had taken place on five points, but the government did not agree to a single point. He added that the PTI made sincere efforts during the talks, but the government did not yield.

The PTI chairman said that if the government was sincere about negotiations, it should facilitate a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan. He also said the opposition had demanded a meeting between the leader of the opposition and the prime minister.

Gohar said a committee for negotiations had been formed in collaboration with the party’s allies and reiterated that dialogue remains possible.

Speaking in Swat, Gohar said negotiations take place even during wars, rejecting any suggestion that political dialogue should be abandoned because of prevailing tensions. He said the government had shown no seriousness regarding negotiations and urged it to step forward while there was still time to engage in dialogue.

The PTI chairman maintained that his party had made a genuine effort to find common ground but the government had failed to respond positively.

Gohar said the PTI has a zero-tolerance policy regarding terrorism and called for a unified strategy to deal with the security challenge. He said the government itself had raised the issue of terrorism during negotiations, to which the PTI proposed working together on the matter.

The PTI chairman said his party advocated a unified narrative against terrorism across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Sindh and Punjab, arguing that a coordinated national approach was needed.

He rejected Governor’s Rule or the imposition of a state of emergency as solutions to terrorism, saying the eradication of terrorism in KP cannot be achieved through such measures.

Gohar said unconstitutional measures would push the country into a dead end. He claimed that Governor’s Rule effectively exists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa even without a formal declaration.

He said the federal government must stop interfering in the province and questioned how peace could be established when the chief secretary and inspector general of police were allegedly taking orders from others.

Gohar also claimed that the deputy commissioner of the province was imposing Section 144 at the behest of others. He questioned the absence of PTI ministers and MPAs in the province, asking where they had gone.

The PTI chairman said his party was neither quitting the government nor dissolving the provincial assembly. However, he warned that if unconstitutional measures were taken, PTI lawmakers would completely boycott proceedings of parliament, the Senate and the provincial assemblies.

Gohar said 76 MNAs, 25 senators and 197 MPAs from Punjab and KP would boycott proceedings under such circumstances. He also alleged that the federal government had intervened to install a “weak, crippled government” in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Gohar claimed that PTI had secured the support of 20 million people in Punjab but that its mandate was stolen. He said his party had repeatedly approached the courts, claiming it had gone to the high court 25 times and the Supreme Court 19 times but justice had not been served.

The PTI chairman also said court orders were being ignored, adding to the party’s concerns about the political and legal situation.

Gohar made it clear that PTI’s Islamabad long march had not been stopped and said peaceful protest was the party’s democratic right.

He said the long march would continue and that the party would follow the designated route. He described PTI supporters as peaceful and reiterated that peaceful protest is a right in a democracy.

The PTI chairman said the government still had an opportunity to engage in dialogue instead of taking measures that could further deepen political tensions.

Gohar also alleged that non-political sisters had been picked up and sent to Kot Lakhpat Jail. He raised the issue alongside his broader criticism of what he described as unconstitutional actions and interference in the province.

The PTI chairman maintained that his party had approached the negotiations in good faith and had proposed cooperation on major national issues, particularly terrorism.

Despite his criticism of the government, Gohar once again extended an offer for negotiations, saying the PTI remained willing to engage if the government demonstrated sincerity.

He said the government should arrange a meeting with Imran Khan if it genuinely wanted negotiations to move forward.

Gohar stressed that the PTI’s position on terrorism remained clear, saying the party would maintain zero tolerance while opposing Governor’s Rule and a state of emergency as solutions for restoring peace in KP.

A division bench of Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif on Monday heard PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi’s appeals against their convictions in the £190 million case. Barrister Salman Safdar sought an adjournment, saying that a miscellaneous application to that effect had been filed.

In his application, the counsel stated that despite clear IHC orders, meetings are not being arranged with Khan and Bushra Bibi to obtain instructions for pursuing the appeals. It added that Imran’s three sisters are also in custody, so instructions could not be taken from them either.

Safdar said that he had met Imran on the bench’s directions, but the situation was different for Bushra Bibi. “My last meeting with Bushra Bibi was in December 2025,” he said. “Not a single meeting has been arranged with her in 10 months.

“I request that one meeting with my client be arranged,” he said.

He also said that a petition regarding the suspension of Bushra Bibi’s sentence is pending before the Federal Constitutional Court. He requested that the appeals be fixed for hearing only after the FCC decides it.

Safdar argued that hearing the appeals now would undermine the other proceedings. “Bushra Bibi’s appeal is fixed before the Federal Constitutional Court, so this case should be listed after that,” he said. “If the appeal is heard here, our appeal in the Federal Constitutional Court will become ineffective.”

Safdar informed that senior advocate Sardar Latif Khosa could not reach the court because of road closures, and that he had brought an application on Khosa’s behalf.

He congratulated the court on starting its digital working system, and said that obstacles and containers remained on the roads despite its clear orders.

“Despite this court’s clear order, there are obstructions and containers everywhere,” he said.

According to advocate Khalid Yousuf Chaudhry, the IHC office had earlier declined to receive the application, saying that miscellaneous applications were not accepted on the day of a hearing. Lawyers were told to present it in court during the proceedings.

Safdar also questioned the timing of the listing, saying that the temperature outside is very high, and it is strange that this case was fixed at such a time.

Referring to an earlier order of the bench, he said, “We get relief from the court sometimes, and sometimes we do not. When aggrieved, we go in appeal. I am the one affected by an order this court passed. It was summer, sir, perhaps you were angry.”

The chief justice asked whether he would begin arguments that day. Safdar said the earlier order had made him wonder why he had been removed from the case. Justice Dogar asked whether any order had led him to believe the court was biased. “No, no, nothing like that,” Safdar replied.

The court accepted the adjournment request and deferred the case for an indefinite period.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

The meeting was convened under the chairmanship of Pervaiz Rashid to conduct a comprehensive review of national highway and infrastructure projects, financial allocations, road safety, tolling operations, and maintenance frameworks managed by the NHA.

Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood raised grave concerns regarding the persistent delays and funding constraints on the N-45 highway, emphasizing that local populations are facing immense hardships. The Secretary of Communications and Chairman of the NHA briefed the committee that an agreement was reached to construct a 48-kilometer section under a bank partnership model, highlighting that this key route serves as a crucial entry corridor to Chitral and that the authority remains committed to its completion.

Addressing the status of the bank deal, officials indicated that bid concurrence is currently awaited. The committee expressed serious concern over the extended timeline, noting that if bank procedures take over a year, reservations arise regarding the institution’s ability to execute the project efficiently. the Chairman of the Committee directed the Secretary of Communications and Chairman NHA to coordinate directly with the Korean Ambassador to address all remaining concerns, with progress to be reported back in the next meeting.

Further discussion on northern routes focused on the Mastuj-Broghil road project, where Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood highlighted the severe plight of local communities, pointing out that due to poor road conditions, a 145-kilometer journey now takes 14 to 15 hours. Although the project falls under provincial jurisdiction, the committee directed the Ministry of Communications and NHA to explore avenues to assist or take over the work. The Chairman NHA informed the committee that the matter would be raised at the provincial cabinet level, as it involves jurisdictional boundaries beyond NHA’s immediate mandate, and the committee requested a comprehensive follow-up briefing. Regarding the Lowari Tunnel section on the N-45, Talha Mahmood questioned the failure of tunnel lighting systems. Officials informed the committee that lighting on one side was installed in 2017 at Rs 4 million, and a broader project valued at Rs. 35 billion has been approved to procure a Rs. 33 billion upgrade ensuring continuous 24-hour lighting. While the contract carries a 2.5-year timeline, NHA assured the committee it is striving to complete the installation within two years, with priority resolution pledged.

The committee extensively evaluated transport infrastructure in Balochistan and CPEC road networks. Senator Asad Qasim raised critical questions regarding annual casualties on these roads, demanding clear explanations for ongoing delays and emphasizing that security challenges and terrorism are compounded by non-existent infrastructure. Representatives from NHA reported that out of a total Rs. 128 billion in requirements, Rs. 116 billion was sanctioned for Balochistan this year, with Rs 100 billion specifically allocated for the Pakistan Expressway (Karachi-Bela N-25 section), where work commenced in December 2025. The Secretary of Communications informed the committee that the ministry is pursuing a multi-year calendar funding strategy to ensure the timely completion of already awarded projects rather than initiating new ones. To address budget disparities and project execution, the Chairman of the Committee directed that a dedicated agenda item be set for the next meeting to examine the detail of fund utilization, resource management, and legal hurdles. Specifically addressing an NHA letter regarding legal challenges in Balochistan, the committee directed that NHA’s stance be submitted to the Balochistan High Court with all committee reservations duly included to expedite resolution.

The committee heavily scrutinized toll plaza collection practices and public facilitation across the national network. Senator Pakwasha and Abdul Qadir noted that several toll plazas have achieved 100 percent financial recovery over past years, raising questions regarding the moral justification of continued toll collection when commuting facilities and road conditions remain inadequate. The Chairman NHA explained that toll rates were revised after five years, with automated and manual toll collection details provided to the committee. The committee stressed that increasing tolls must correspond directly to improved user facilities and urgent infrastructure upgrades.

Addressing digital tolling, the Chairman of the Committee questioned the transition from manual tolling to M-Tag systems, noting that citizens have already paid billions of rupees for the M-Tag facility and demanding a full detailed report on collection metrics. Concerns were also highlighted regarding commercial encroachments on right-of-ways, which have expanded significantly, and issues surrounding call centre services where public inquiries are directed to automated messages rather than live agents. The committee called for immediate corrective measures and the restoration of responsive public support services.

Chairman directed NHA to step up roadside plantation campaigns across all motorways and ensured that funds collected from the public via toll fees are strictly reinvested into road construction, maintenance, and commuter amenities, confirming that work on the M-6 motorway project is scheduled to begin by December. In addition, the committee addressed financial governance by reviewing the rationale behind advertising a new NHA project estimated at Rs. 15,000 million while older projects remain pending due to funding delays. The NHA leadership was instructed by Member Finance and Member Engineering Coordination to submit a comprehensive project-wise statement detailing approved costs, funds released, expenditures, liabilities, and expected completion dates.

Furthermore, Member Central Zone presented details on tendering 11 new works costing Rs. 39.866 billion under the Road Maintenance Account, with the committee reviewing 100 percent funding availability and approved financing mechanisms to guarantee timely execution.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

According to the PDMA, rain is forecast in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad and Wazirabad. Rainfall is also expected in Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh and Faisalabad.

PDMA Director General Muhammad Saif Anwer Jappa directed commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province to remain alert in view of the anticipated weather conditions, particularly the risk of landslides in Murree, Galyat and other hilly areas.

He said that, following the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, an alert had been issued to all district administrations. Relevant departments, including Health, Irrigation, Communication and Works, Local Government and Livestock, had also been directed to remain prepared.

The DG urged citizens to adopt precautionary measures during adverse weather and avoid staying in dilapidated or mud houses. He advised people to remain in safe places during windstorms and avoid unnecessary travel.

He also cautioned citizens against going into open areas during thunderstorms to protect themselves from lightning strikes.

Jappa appealed to parents to take special care of children and prevent them from going near accumulated water in low-lying areas, power lines and utility poles. The PDMA urged citizens to exercise caution during rainfall and contact its helpline 1129 immediately in case of an emergency.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

The Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges, chaired by Senator Waqar Mehdi, considered several privilege motions, with some cases settled through apologies while others were escalated for further investigation.

The committee deferred a privilege motion filed by Senator Palwasha Khan against Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan because of his absence from the meeting.

In another case, Deputy Commissioner Keamari Abdul Sattar Hakro faced the committee over his alleged failure to meet Senator Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto despite a request for an appointment.

Bhutto said his political office was barely two minutes from the deputy commissioner’s office and that he had sought the meeting to discuss a public-interest matter.

He alleged that his calls remained unanswered for more than a month.

The deputy commissioner attributed the lapse to his personal assistant, who was away for Umrah and allegedly failed to convey the senator’s call.

Hakro subsequently submitted a written apology, which the committee accepted with Bhutto’s consent.

The episode nevertheless prompted the chairman to direct the Parliamentary Affairs Division to approach the Establishment Division for instructions to officers to ensure cooperation with members of Parliament.

The committee also took up a privilege motion against PIMS Director/Chief Clinical Coordinator Dr Sharjeel Zaheer over alleged derogatory remarks concerning a parliamentarian.

Senator Palwasha said she had posted on social media about the deaths of 14 children at PIMS and that an officer allegedly made mocking comments after a related video was circulated.

The committee summoned the officer to its next meeting for clarification.

The most serious controversy centred on the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD), where Senator Bushra Anjum Butt accused Vice Chancellor Hina Tayyaba Khalil of failing or refusing to appear before a Senate committee.

Butt claimed the vice chancellor’s contractual tenure expired in December 2025 but that she continued in office.

She also raised concerns over the ongoing search for a new vice chancellor, alleging a possible conflict of interest because the incumbent’s sister was among the candidates.

She further alleged political support for the incumbent from the federal education minister.

The committee sought documents clarifying the legal status of the vice chancellor’s continued tenure and expressed serious reservations over allegations of nepotism and appointments based on personal preferences.

The chairman also ordered the personal appearance of PIFD officials who failed to attend through video link and directed that 13 individuals who signed the institution’s response to the committee be summoned.

The committee said it would apprise the President of Pakistan of the situation.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of Phase III of the Thar Coal Block II project in Islamkot tehsil of Tharparkar, Bilawal said no other part of the country had witnessed a transformation comparable to Thar’s, while sharply criticising what he described as politics of hatred, division and “Zionism” in Sindh.

Bilawal said the development achieved in Thar was a major success for the Constitution and the 18th Amendment, adding that significant improvements had been made in the region’s health and education sectors. He said the entire country was amazed by the progress made in Thar and argued that Islamabad should also follow the development model demonstrated by the desert region.

According to Bilawal, children from Thar are now topping examinations, and this has become a tradition. He said their academic achievements were a source of pride and should be celebrated instead of being overshadowed by political rhetoric and hatred.

“Thar and its children will continue to progress,” Bilawal said, adding that the region’s success demonstrated what could be achieved through sustained development efforts.

Speaking about the Thar coal project, Bilawal said experts in Islamabad had previously claimed that the region’s coal was useless. He said the situation had now changed significantly, with Thar’s coal being used to generate some of the country’s lowest-cost electricity and saving Pakistan USD 1.6 billion.

Bilawal said the success of Thar’s coal development was another example of how local resources could contribute to Pakistan’s economic development and energy security. He stressed that the development and success achieved in Thar should not remain limited to the region but should be implemented across the country.

Referring to calls for the creation of new provinces, Bilawal said a narrative was being pushed that the existing system had failed and that new provinces were therefore needed. “I do not understand the logic that if the system has failed, new provinces should be created,” he said.

The PPP chairman also launched a sharp attack on what he called the politics of a party of “political orphans,” accusing it of promoting hatred and division in Karachi.

Bilawal alleged that the political party was attempting to introduce the politics of “Zionism” in Sindh, saying such efforts would never succeed. He said the people of Sindh would not allow Zionist-style politics to take root in the province and vowed that the PPP would “bury” the politics of hatred and division.

Bilawal questioned why opponents were engaging in political attacks instead of congratulating the children of Thar for their achievements.

Bilawal said the PPP would also seek to bring development to Karachi through public-private partnerships, arguing that the same approach could deliver tangible improvements in other parts of the country.

“I want to bring about change in Karachi as well through a public-private partnership,” he said. He added that the Thar model of development and success should be replicated throughout Pakistan, rather than limiting its benefits to one region.

Bilawal also criticised arguments that new provinces should be created because the existing system had failed. “Claims are being made that the system has collapsed. If the system has failed, then create provinces,” he said, questioning the logic behind such a proposal.

He said he failed to understand why the creation of new provinces was being presented as the solution simply because the system had allegedly collapsed. “If Islamabad has failed, hand it over to the people of Thar; they will set things right,” Bilawal said.

He challenged those questioning the existing system to entrust Islamabad to the people of Thar, saying the region’s youth could demonstrate what was possible through effective governance and development.

Bilawal said that if responsibility for Islamabad were entrusted to his party, it would ensure that children from the capital could also top examinations. He further pledged to make hospitals in Islamabad completely free and bring them up to international standards.

“Entrust us with the responsibility of Islamabad, and we will show what the youth of Thar are capable of,” Bilawal said.

He argued that the achievements of Thar’s children and the region’s broader transformation offered a practical example of how investment in people, education, healthcare and infrastructure could produce lasting change.

The PPP chairman reiterated that Thar’s development was evidence that the model could be expanded to Karachi, Islamabad and other parts of Pakistan through public-private partnerships and effective governance.

The event commenced in the afternoon as a magnificent convoy of over 30 rare classic automobiles journeyed on a heritage drive from Frere Hall to the Port Grand Main Promenade. Hundreds of visitors, families, and healthcare advocates gathered along the waterfront to view the historic vehicles, interact with classic car owners, and engage with medical professionals and patient advocacy groups to learn more about the critical importance of early diagnosis and continuous public support.

“The ‘Miles of Hope’ drive demonstrated the remarkable power of community when we unite for a critical health cause,” said Prof. Dr. Syed Ather Enam, S.I., Founding President of PANS and PASNO. “A brain tumor diagnosis remains a formidable challenge, but seeing citizens, medical professionals, and partners come together reinforces our resolve to build robust national infrastructure for neurosurgical training and patient care. It was an important step forward for neuro-oncology in Pakistan.”

Mr. Mohsin Ikram, Founder and President of the Vintage & Classic Car Club of Pakistan (VCCCP), reflected on the success: “VCCCP has always been dedicated to preserving automotive heritage, but driving through Karachi for brain tumor awareness gave our passion a profound purpose. We are thrilled by the overwhelming public reception and proud to stand alongside PANS to demonstrate how our community can drive meaningful, lifesaving advocacy.”

The success of the inaugural drive marks the beginning of an annual initiative aimed at continually expanding neurosurgical access, medical education, and patient support nationwide.

This was revealed in an ECP meeting chaired by the CEC to review progress on holding LG polls in the cantonments as well as Punjab and Islamabad.

The meeting was informed that the ECP has completed the delimitation of wards for holding LG elections in the cantonments, and that the electoral body is ready to hold LG elections in all the cantonments located across the country.

An ECP statement issued after this meeting stated that despite reminders from the ECP, and a letter from the CEC to the PM, there was no progress on part of the government to fulfil a key electoral requirement – to formally send a written request to the electoral body to hold LG polls in the cantonments.

“In this regard, the election commission has decided that one final letter would be written to the Defence Ministry. If no satisfactory reply is received, then the Election Commission would take an appropriate decision regarding the conduct of local government elections in the cantonments,” the statement said.

The Section 19-D(2) of the Cantonments (Amendment) Act, 2023 reads that the ECP shall, on receipt of a request in writing from the federal government, issue a programme for the conduct of LG elections in the cantonments and shall fix the dates for filing of nomination papers, scrutiny, allotment of symbols and other relevant steps.

The LG elections in the 42 cantonments were held on December 12, 2021. Legally, the four-year term of the elected representatives of any cantonment begins with their oath-taking.

The Section 219(4) of the Elections Act, 2017 provides that the ECP shall hold LG elections within 120 days of the expiry of the LGs’ term in a province, cantonment, or Islamabad.

Meanwhile, the ECP meeting on Monday was informed that the electoral body was ready to hold LG polls in Punjab, and that the ECP has sought lists of officers for performing duties as district returning officers, returning officers and assistant returning officers during these polls.

The ECP meeting also decided to approach the federal government for parliamentary legislation of the Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026 in order to hold LG polls in the federal capital under this law.

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Speaking at a press conference alongside senior party leaders, Raja said the PTI negotiating team had reached agreement with the government on several issues, but insisted that progress on those matters was meaningless without resolving the two “core” disputes.

“If there could be no agreement on these two issues, any agreement or consensus on any other issue would not make any sense,” he added.

The first sticking point was the PTI’s demand for unrestricted meetings with Khan, who is incarcerated in Rawalpindi.

Raja said the party had made it clear that access to Khan was essential for any political dialogue to move forward.

The issue remained unresolved even after the government agreed to allow Khan’s sister and lawyer to meet him in jail on Tuesday (today), he said.

According to Raja, the PTI withdrew its acceptance of the concession after the government refused to lift the broader restrictions on meetings with Khan.

The party also pressed for greater access to Khan on medical grounds. Raja said the PTI had asked that his sister, Dr Uzma Khan, and personal physician Dr Faisal Sultan be included in the government medical board that would examine him at a private hospital, in accordance with Supreme Court orders.

He said the government team had initially agreed but later backed away from the proposal.

The PTI also sought permission for Dr Asim Yousaf, who had examined Khan on five previous occasions, to assess him again, either independently or alongside government-appointed doctors.

Raja argued that the involvement of Khan’s personal physicians would strengthen rather than undermine the credibility of any medical assessment.

The second and more substantive dispute, he added, concerned the Centre’s proposed strategy for dealing with militancy in KP without taking the provincial government on board and imposition of emergency in five ex-Fata districts.

Raja said the PTI team had referred to an all-parties conference held in Peshawar several months ago, where a broader approach to the security situation had been proposed.

The plan called for tribal leaders and other stakeholders with knowledge of the region to be consulted before a strategy was finalised.

The government, he said, instead proposed declaring an emergency in five of KP’s merged districts within 72 hours, followed by security action.

“We told the government panel: how could this be done in 72 hours,” he said.

The PTI proposed using the same 72-hour period to complete consultations and reach consensus on the course of action.

But the government rejected the proposal and was unwilling to include the word “unanimous” in the draft agreement on tackling terrorism in the province, he claimed.

The disagreement persisted as negotiations resulted into the early hours of Monday, with the talks eventually breaking down at around 2:40am.

Raja said the PTI had also sought consultation with the KP government, tribal elders and other stakeholders before any major counterterrorism action was undertaken.

The dispute, he argued, reflected a fundamental difference over whether security policy in the province should be decided unilaterally by the centre or jointly with the provincial government.

Referring to Khan’s earlier statements on militancy in the former tribal areas, Raja said the PTI founder had partly attributed the rise in violence to drone attacks in the former Fata.

The PTI secretary general said his party would not accept negotiations that excluded Khan.

He also maintained that his legal team should be allowed to meet him to discuss around 300 pending cases, which he described as politically motivated.

“Without including Imran Khan in any kind of talks, no talks can take place ever,” he said.

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Speaking at a press conference at Idara Noor-e-Haq on the prevailing international and domestic situation, he demanded the immediate release of women and ailing elderly PTI leaders and called for Imran Khan to be given access to hospital treatment, meetings and all other legitimate facilities in accordance with the Constitution and law. He also warned that the JI would resume its long march to Islamabad if the government failed to abolish the petroleum levy.

Naeemur Rehman announced Gaza marches across the country on Wednesday, saying the party would intensify its solidarity and relief efforts for Palestinians. He said the massive Gaza March in Karachi had demonstrated the city’s support for the people of Gaza. He said JI had always raised its voice for oppressed Palestinians, while the Alkhidmat Foundation had so far provided aid worth about Rs10 billion to the people of Gaza.

The JI chief said Israel had failed on every front on Oct 7 but had resumed bombing Palestine with US support. He criticised the United States for providing Israel with billions of dollars despite its claims of championing human rights. He alleged that US President Donald Trump had provided Israel with dangerous bombs that former president Joe Biden had not supplied.

“No performance of the so-called Peace Board is visible,” he said, citing international media reports that the United States was preparing to provide Israel with about $2.8 million more worth of bombs. Naeemur Rehman said that despite the ceasefire, Israel had martyred 1,500 Palestinians and injured 5,000, while at least 10,000 bodies remained under the rubble.

He said Hamas’s struggle had contributed to an unprecedented wave of public support for Palestine in Western countries, where people were raising their voices against their own governments. “America killed countless people by lying in various global issues, including Iraq and Afghanistan, and established hundreds of military bases around the world. Today all Zionist forces stand with Trump,” he said.

Turning to domestic issues, Naeemur Rehman described the government’s petroleum relief package as “a drop in the ocean”, saying it did not provide adequate relief to the public. He said the government repeatedly claimed that seven million people had been included in the package, while Pakistan had 25 million motorcycles and more than four million vehicles up to 1,000cc and 1,200cc.

The government had restricted the relief to vehicles up to 800cc, he said, while not all motorcyclists could benefit from it either. As a result, he added, the relief was not reaching a large section of the population. “Unfortunately, apart from the JI, no political party is talking about this important public issue,” he said, adding that the government had announced the package as a result of the JI’s continued struggle and pressure.

“If the government fears cheap petrol will also reach rich people, the solution is to make a separate system for the rich and double the petrol price for big vehicles,” he said. Instead of announcing relief packages, he urged the government to correct its policies and abolish the petroleum levy altogether.

He said the JI had made its “final argument” to the government and demanded an end to what he called an “extortion tax” in the name of the petroleum levy. He also called for the facts regarding independent power producers (IPPs) to be placed before the public and questioned why negotiations were not being held with the remaining 73 IPPs.

“The entire population of Pakistan is being ruined to benefit a few bank owners and stakeholders,” he said, adding that people associated with IPPs were present in all political parties. He said the JI’s campaign against the petroleum levy was not motivated by personal interest but was directly linked to a public issue.

Naeemur Rehman said the JI was a peaceful political party and that its protests, rallies and signature campaign against the petroleum levy were continuing. He said the party had never withdrawn its right to march to Islamabad and warned that it would restart the long march if the government failed to abolish the petroleum levy. “Our entire programme is ready; only the announcement remains,” he said, adding that the JI would announce its next course of action after Oct 7.

The JI chief said the party was also expanding its educational initiatives, claiming that for the first time in Pakistan a political party was establishing free IT education centres at its offices instead of merely raising slogans. He said the scope of Bano Qabil had been expanded and a modern institute had been established in Lahore to provide free IT education to Pakistani citizens as well as people from Gaza.

JI Karachi chief Monem Zafar was also present at the press conference.

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Chairman PRA Moazzam Iqbal Supra issued the orders, which a PRA spokesperson said were part of administrative arrangements.

Under the changes, Enforcement Officer Ahmad Jawad has been moved from Lahore to Rawalpindi, while Enforcement Officer Saud Atiq Khan has been transferred from Lahore to Multan. Enforcement Officer Faizan Mustafa has been shifted from Lahore to Faisalabad. Audit Officer Khawar Shehzad Siddiqui moves from Gujranwala to Lahore.

Enforcement Officer Abdul Malik has been posted to Unit 7, Enforcement Range-II, Multan, and Enforcement Officer Muhammad Akmal Waraich to Enforcement Range-I, Gujranwala.

Audit Officer Eira Akram has been given additional charge of Units 37 and 37-A in Lahore. Afshan Nazir has received additional charge of Unit 42-A and the post of Intelligence and Investigation Officer, Lahore.

Haider Ali has been relieved of additional charge as Enforcement Officer, Unit 20, where Mohsin Mahmood has been assigned additional charge as Audit Officer for Units 20 and 20-A.

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During today’s hearing, the court asked the accused whether all the allegations levelled against her are correct or wrong. The accused dismissed all the allegations against her. Later, the court issued notices to the witnesses and summoned them on the next date of hearing.

On September 26, 2026, drug dealer Anmol alias Pinky and her alleged accomplice Sameer were indicted in a narcotics case registered in 2021. This followed Pinky’s acquittal in three other narcotics cases over the summer. She remains in jail, facing several other cases.

Pakistan called for immediate, concrete and verifiable action by the Taliban administration against terrorist organizations operating from Afghan soil.

Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq said this while addressing the Eighth Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan in Moscow on Monday. He presented a detailed assessment of the deteriorating security situation, arguing that Afghanistan has become a major source of cross-border terrorism threatening Pakistan and other countries in the region.

The Pakistani delegation specifically highlighted the activities of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) and Al-Qaeda and its affiliated networks, alleging that these groups continue to find operational space on Afghan territory.

Pakistan maintained that the Taliban administration has failed to take effective and verifiable action against militant organizations using Afghan soil to plan, finance and execute attacks against Pakistan, Sadiq added.

The regional countries gathered in Moscow amid heightened geopolitical tensions, instability in West Asia and volatility in international energy markets.

Pakistan’s Envoy warned that Afghanistan’s unresolved security crisis carries consequences far beyond its borders, including cross-border terrorism, narcotics trafficking, illegal migration and human smuggling.

The Pakistani delegation said that Islamabad had extended substantial diplomatic and humanitarian support to Afghanistan since the August 2021 change of power, including humanitarian assistance, visas for vulnerable Afghans, trade and transit facilitation and support for regional connectivity initiatives.

However, Sadiq expressed disappointment that its diplomatic goodwill and engagement had not produced the expected improvement in the security situation. Instead, it said, cross-border terrorist attacks had continued to increase despite commitments made by the Afghan authorities.

He also linked Afghanistan’s security crisis with its wider political and humanitarian challenges, noting the absence of broad-based and inclusive governance and continued restrictions on women’s rights and girls’ access to education.

The statement further highlighted severe food insecurity, water scarcity and recurring climate-related disasters facing the Afghan population, warning that these problems could further undermine regional stability if left unresolved.

On terrorism, Pakistan maintained that the situation had reached a point where it could no longer rely solely on diplomatic assurances. Islamabad reaffirmed its right to self-defence under international law and said its counter-terrorism measures were intelligence-led, defensive and precise operations of last resort against militant bases posing a direct threat to Pakistan.

Pakistan stressed that its response represented strategic restraint in view of the scale of the threat and the human cost already suffered by the country.

The Pakistani delegation said more than 4,700 Pakistanis had lost their lives in terrorist attacks originating from Afghan territory during the past three years, in addition to thousands of civilian and security personnel casualties.

Islamabad also urged all participating countries in the Moscow Format to adopt a unified regional position and press the Afghan authorities to fulfill their international obligations, prevent their territory from being used for terrorism and take effective measures to ensure that Afghanistan does not remain a source of instability for its neighbours.

Pakistan reiterated that its objective was not confrontation with Afghanistan but a peaceful, stable and secure neighbour, emphasizing that lasting peace in Afghanistan was essential not only for the Afghan people but for the security and prosperity of the entire region.

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In a letter to Secretary School Education Department, EPA Director General Abdullah Nayyar Sheikh said the prevailing air-quality situation, particularly during peak morning hours, coupled with heavy traffic congestion on major roads, required pre-emptive measures to reduce vehicular emissions.

He said high traffic volumes, idling and slow-moving vehicles were increasing particulate emissions and contributing to urban air pollution and smog.

The EPA has asked the School Education Department and educational institutions to make carpooling part of their anti-smog measures by facilitating shared transport arrangements for students, parents and school staff travelling from common neighbourhoods or along similar routes.

The agency has proposed that schools identify residential clusters and routes where multiple families are making separate trips to the same institution and encourage them to share vehicles. Schools could maintain route-wise carpool lists and coordinate parents and staff to facilitate such arrangements.

The initiative is particularly relevant to Lahore, where school opening and closing times coincide with some of the busiest traffic periods. Environmental authorities believe reducing the number of vehicles making repeated journeys to educational institutions at almost identical times could help ease congestion as well as lower emissions.

Abdullah Nayyar Sheikh stressed that carpooling should be a practical and sustained component of anti-smog planning rather than merely a symbolic campaign. He said schools, parents and staff needed to play an active role in reducing unnecessary vehicle movement, particularly during peak morning hours when stagnant atmospheric conditions can compound the impact of traffic emissions and other pollution sources.

The EPA has also emphasised that the proposed initiative should not place an additional financial burden on families. Instead, schools have been asked to adopt a facilitative approach by helping parents organise shared transport arrangements.

The proposal has been circulated among senior officials, including the Secretary Environment Protection and Climate Change Department, Chief Minister’s Office, Additional Director General Operations EPA, Chief Executive Officer District Education Authority Lahore and President Private School Education Association Lahore.

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ATC judge, Tahir Abass Sipra, while hearing the case against Khan and other PTI leaders, ordered Adiala Jail authorities to produce Khan before it either in person or through video link. The case had been registered at Ramna Police Station against Khan and other PTI leaders.

The court declared former ministers Farukh Habib, Hamad Azhar, Murad Saeed and Shibli Fraza as proclaimed offenders. The court also summoned details of the properties of the accused who have been declared as proclaimed offenders.

During the hearing, the court issued arrest warrants for former deputy speaker of the Punjab Assembly Wasiq Qayyum and PTI member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) Hassan Khan Niazi.

The court adjourned the hearing of the case till November 5.

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The meeting was given a detailed briefing on how the new system will work and what benefits it is expected to deliver.

The forum was informed that the province has formally launched the e-Fard portal as part of efforts to modernise land record services. Citizens will no longer need to visit revenue offices to obtain a Fard, a land ownership record, and can instead get it from home or from a nearby facilitation centre.

The briefing noted that the digital reforms will improve the speed and transparency of land record services, and that delivering easy, transparent and fast services to people at their doorstep remains a key priority of the provincial government.

Through the e-Fard portal, citizens will be able to obtain a Fard in a simple, secure and automated manner. The service will be available through three channels: NADRA e-Sahulat centres, the self-service portal on the official website, and the Dastak app.

Only users whose identity has been verified biometrically by NADRA will be able to download an e-Fard. The fee will be paid electronically through 1Link and Easypaisa and deposited directly into the public treasury.

According to the briefing, once payment is made the Fard will remain saved in the citizen’s account and can be downloaded again at any time. A QR code on the document will allow it to be verified online against the central land records, which is expected to remove doubts about the document’s authenticity.

The meeting was also briefed on the Digital Public Feedback System. Citizens who use revenue services will be contacted by telephone for their feedback, and satisfaction will be recorded on a four-level scale. Complaints from citizens will appear directly on the Deputy Commissioner’s dashboard so that they can be addressed promptly.

The forum was told that the feedback will be used to continuously monitor district performance and citizen satisfaction, and will be included as a key performance indicator in the Deputy Commissioners’ monthly meetings. Districts with the best performance will be encouraged, while those performing poorly will be held accountable. The system will also help identify delays and poor performance in revenue services.

Participants were told that the digital reforms are expected to reduce land-related complaints and help restore public trust in the land record system.

A public awareness campaign on e-Fard is under way so that citizens can make full use of the new facility. In addition, a call centre is being set up at the Board of Revenue, and artificial intelligence services are also being brought into use.

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According to a statement issued by SC PRO on Monday, the Congress focused on the evolving role of technology and artificial intelligence in the administration of justice, with particular emphasis on judicial independence, human rights, the rule of law, digital transformation and procedural safeguards. The programme also featured meetings of the Association’s Secretaries General and Board Members, alongside bilateral and multilateral engagements aimed at strengthening judicial cooperation and institutional exchange. The Congress brought together senior judicial representatives from across Asia and other participating jurisdictions.

During the opening ceremony, Justice Irfan Saadat Khan, who headed the Pakistani delegation, delivered welcome remarks on behalf of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The delegation also participated in the plenary deliberations and highlighted the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s ongoing initiatives for technology integration, digital transformation and the use of innovative tools to improve access, efficiency and transparency in the justice system.

The Congress adopted the Samarkand Declaration, reaffirming the supremacy of the Constitution, judicial independence, human rights and the rule of law as fundamental pillars. The Declaration recognized the potential of digital technologies to enhance transparency, timeliness, quality and equal access to justice, while emphasizing that artificial intelligence must remain an auxiliary tool and cannot substitute the independent judgment and constitutional responsibility of judges.

The participation of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in the Congress reflects its continuing commitment to international judicial cooperation, institutional learning and responsible innovation.

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The three crew members will be received in Addis Ababa and depart for Pakistan on the first available Ethiopian Airlines flight to Karachi, expected on October 7.

DPM Dar further added, “We are deeply grateful to the Government of Somalia and the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation Atalanta, present in the vicinity of MT Honour 25, for their assistance and cooperation in securing the release of the crew.”

Pakistan remains firmly committed to strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation to combat maritime piracy and safeguard the security and freedom of international maritime routes, he emphasised.

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Speaking at an emergency press conference, the spokesperson said appointments, administrative matters and other complaints involving prominent JAC members, including alleged personal use of university premises, were being examined under the law and university rules.

He stressed that accountability proceedings would not be stopped by protests, and that the administration would neither retaliate nor yield to pressure.

Defending the university’s finances, he said income had risen from about Rs7 billion to Rs12.5 billion in two years, while the budget deficit fell from Rs2.86 billion to Rs1.6 billion. He added that about 5 million units of electricity had been saved, and that admissions topped 15,000 for the first time, an increase of over 40 percent.

All financial decisions, he said, were approved by statutory bodies including the Syndicate and the Finance and Planning Committee.

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A single-member bench of the high court approved an application filed by the prosecution seeking access to the accounts.

During the hearing, the prosecution told the court that investigators wanted to examine the transactions in Mir Raza Ali’s bank accounts as part of a comprehensive investigation.

“We want to review the transactions to determine where the money was transferred and to whom,” the prosecution said.

The prosecution further informed the court that a judicial commission had also been investigating the matter for the past month.

Investigators said they wanted access to the account and transaction details to ensure that all financial aspects of the case were examined.

According to the prosecution, bank officials had advised the investigators to approach the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for access to the accounts.

The government lawyer told the court that the SBP had maintained that access to the bank accounts for investigative purposes could not be granted without a court order.

The prosecution therefore requested the high court to allow investigators to obtain the bank account and transaction details of the deceased entrepreneur.

The SHC approved the request, allowing the investigation team access to the relevant bank records.

Earlier, the Sindh cabinet extended the term of the judicial commission investigating the Mir Raza Ali murder case.

Sources within the Sindh cabinet said the commission’s term has been extended until October 15.

The extension was approved to allow the commission to continue its proceedings and complete its investigation into the case.

It is to be noted that on September 28, the Judicial Commission probing the Mir Raza Ali case adjourned the hearing until October 2 after end of the tenure.

Mir Raza Ali’s family members, Mir Hussain Ali Khan, Maryam Hussain and Alishba Khan, appeared before the commission. Javed Ahmed Abro, Additional Secretary and focal person of the Sindh Home Department, also attended the proceedings.

DSP Siraj Lashari and Kashif Iftikhar, Assistant Chief of Operations at the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), were also present before the commission.

In this connection, LDA DG Tahir Farooq chaired a meeting held here on Monday to review the progress of ongoing development projects. The meeting was attended by the Director (Architecture), the Director (Engineering), the Director (Traffic Engineering), and other relevant officials.

During the briefing, it was told in the meeting that the completion rates stand at 83 percent for the Nasir Bagh underground parking plaza and 81 percent for the Neela Gumbad underground parking plaza. Currently, work on electrification, painting, and flooring is progressing rapidly at both parking plazas.

Additionally, development efforts under the ‘Urban Regeneration’ initiative are ongoing along Outfall Road. Improvements have been made on one side of the road from Bhati Chowk to Urdu Bazaar, including facade upgrades, new footpaths, parking zones, and seating areas. The pilot project along the Inner Circular Road features decorative lighting, signage, U-turns, and other enhancements.

During the meeting, LDA DG Tahir Farooq directed that the finishing work on the underground parking plazas currently under construction be expedited.

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Sandhu acknowledged the need to review existing laws to strengthen legal protections, dignity, due process and access to justice, particularly for women and children. However, he stressed that Christian marriage is not merely a civil contract but a sacred covenant rooted in Holy Scripture and Christian faith.

“For Christians, marriage is a sacred covenant instituted by God,” Sandhu said, citing Matthew 19:6: “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

He called for meaningful consultation with recognised churches and denominations, bishops, theologians, biblical scholars, legal experts, women and other appropriate Christian representatives before legislation is finalised.

Sandhu said reforms can address issues such as marriage registration, forced and underage marriage, protection of women and children, abandonment and access to justice without compromising the biblical foundations of Christian marriage.

Referring to Article 20 of Pakistan’s Constitution, he also urged lawmakers to respect religious freedom and the theological and ecclesiastical autonomy of Christian churches.

“Reviewing the law and remaining faithful to biblical principles need not be in conflict,” Sandhu said, adding that reforms should strengthen rather than divide Pakistan’s Christian community.

He called for wisdom, patience, dialogue and consensus to ensure that any legislation protects human dignity and justice while respecting Scripture, Christian faith and the distinct character of Christian personal law.

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As per details, Nawaz Sharif was briefed on development projects being carried out under the Lahore Development Program. He inspected ongoing works along Mall Road, Urdu Bazaar, Nasir Bagh, Lohari Gate, Circular Road and other areas.

Nawaz Sharif was also briefed on the beautification and renovation of the Lohari—— Gate roundabout, while officials gave a briefing on the restructuring of Urdu Bazaar. He was further briefed about the under-construction parking plazas at Neela Gumbad and Circular Road.

After reviewing the ongoing development projects, Nawaz returned to his residence on 90 Shahrah.

Later, Nawaz Sharif visited a dental consultant in Gulberg, where he underwent a dental examination by dentist Dr Waqid Hamid. Nawaz remained at the dental consultant’s clinic for around an hour for his check-up before leaving.

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