The debate, “Should Pakistan create more administrative units?” was organised by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI). Senior representatives of PML-N, PPP, MQM, PTI, JI and JUI-F, federal ministers, technocrats and civil society members participated in the discussion.

The debate examined multiple reform options, including the creation of new provinces and administrative units, stronger and more empowered local governments, fiscal devolution, institutional reform and better alignment of government structures with citizens’ needs.

A recurring theme was that any governance restructuring should be informed by constitutional requirements, public demand, fiscal sustainability, administrative capacity and its likely impact on service delivery.

Stress greater devolution and reforms to address constitutional, fiscal and regional concerns

Participants also highlighted the need for stronger devolution of political, administrative and financial authority so that governance structures, whether existing or newly created, can respond more effectively to citizens.

They offered different perspectives on the appropriate structure and scale of governance, with some supporting the creation of new provinces or smaller administrative units, others stressing empowerment of existing tiers, and many arguing that these options should be assessed together rather than treated as mutually exclusive.

Liaqat Baloch of Jamaat-i-Islami said the creation of new provinces and the strengthening of local governments should be considered alongside broader fiscal and constitutional reforms.

He called for more effective use of the Council of Common Interests to address disputes between the federation and provinces, particularly over resources, water and other constitutional matters.

Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal said administrative restructuring should ultimately be judged by whether it reduces citizens’ sense of exclusion and improves service delivery.

He argued that smaller administrative units could bring government closer to citizens and stressed that local governments would remain an essential part of the governance architecture regardless of the number of provinces. He also said proposals for new provinces should be backed by public support.

Barrister Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Law and Justice, said citizens most frequently approach elected representatives over local service delivery issues such as roads, streets and sewerage, underscoring the need for effective local governments.

PPP leader and former information minister Qamar Zaman Kaira noted that the debate over administrative restructuring is not new and cautioned that any reform process should be managed carefully so that it does not deepen inter-provincial or inter-regional sensitivities over resource distribution.

Nadeem Afzal Chan, PPP leader and former Member of National Assembly, called for politicians and state stakeholders to develop a consensus-based reform agenda.

He identified judicial and electoral reform, intra-party democracy and rule of law as related governance priorities, and said any discussion on administrative restructuring should remain anchored in the constitutional framework.

Asad Umar, former federal minister, described declining public trust in state institutions and excessive centralisation as major governance challenges.

He proposed a three-tier NFC arrangement through which resources would be distributed among the federal, provincial and local governments according to a defined formula.

Salman Akram Raja, PTI Secretary General, argued that Pakistan already had divisions, districts and tehsils that required greater empowerment. He said even splitting Punjab into three provinces would leave each unit larger in population than most European countries.

Noor Alam Khan, MNA and former chairman of PAC, called for comprehensive governance reforms before and alongside the creation of new provinces.

Dr Farrukh Saleem, economist and political analyst, opposed creating a large number of additional provinces without first addressing institutional weaknesses.

He argued that Pakistan’s central problem was expenditure and governance rather than tax collection.

Mohammad Mallick, senior journalist and analyst, said structural changes would remain ineffective without changing institutional behaviour and political culture.

Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri, SDPI Executive Director, said the debate demonstrated the value of bringing different governance options into a common policy discussion.

He noted that participants presented varied views on new administrative units and provinces, while also identifying strong local governments, effective fiscal devolution and improved service delivery as important elements of any future governance framework.

Others who spoke included Dr Khaqan Hassan Najeeb, former Adviser at the Ministry of Finance; Mohammad Ali Durrani, former federal minister; and Haroonur Rashid, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association.

Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2026

The Anti-Human Trafficking Cell of the FIA Islamabad Zone raided a plaza in a private housing society on Wednesday night and arrested 258 foreigners

A case has been registered against the suspects for their alleged activities contrary to their authorised visas under section 14 of the Foreigners Act.

Shortly after the FIA action, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency also conducted a raid on the call centre located on the premises and detained 114 foreigners, including 111 Chinese and three Vietnamese, for deriving financial benefits through online activities. They were booked under the PECA and other sections of the law.

Since the shifting of a large number of suspects to the court was not possible, the arrested foreigners were produced in the court of Judicial Magistrate Naseeruddin through video link for remand custody on Thursday. The court granted 14 days judicial remand for further investigation.

The plaza has already been declared a sub-jail by the chief commissioner Islamabad.

According to officials, FIA Islamabad Zone Director Shahzad Nadeem Bukhari received information about the presence of a large number of foreigners at the plaza and their alleged involvement in operating call centres and other activities.

It was revealed that the 258 people were from Vietnam, Indonesia, China, etc., and had come to Pakistan on visit, tourist and business visas.

The foreigners were present in a large call centre-style setup in the plaza against whom allegations of business and commercial activities were brought to light.

It was found that the activities of the foreigners were not in line with the declared purposes of their visas.

The role of other people involved in the matter will be determined during the investigation, the officials said

Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2026

IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfaraz Dogar issued the stay order after hearing a petition filed by Dr Khan. The court also suspended the decision of August 11, 2026, through which his representation against the Fospah order was rejected by the Presidency.

The chief justice issued a two-page written order after the hearing.

According to the order, counsel for the petitioner submitted that Dr Khan was a senior health-sector expert and had served as vice chancellor of the Health Services Academy. The counsel contended that Dr Khan had initially approached Fospah against a woman on allegations of blackmail, intimidation and financial irregularities.

The woman subsequently filed a counter-complaint against Dr Khan before Fospah, alleging harassment.

According to the petitioner’s counsel, Fospah dismissed Dr Khan’s complaint but accepted the allegations levelled against him in the counter-complaint and imposed the maximum penalty of dismissal from service.

Dr Khan challenged the decision before the President through a representation. However, the Presidency rejected his appeal on August 11, 2026, thereby maintaining his dismissal.

The IHC order noted the submissions of the petitioner’s counsel that during proceedings before the President’s Office, it was observed that the matter was not a case of sexual harassment. The counsel further submitted that no specific incident of sexual harassment had emerged and that there were no comprehensible reasons or sufficient evidence to establish such allegations.

Despite these observations, the penalty of dismissal was maintained, the counsel argued.

The presidency’s detailed decision, while upholding the dismissal, had itself questioned the legal reasoning adopted by Fospah. It observed that the dispute appeared to be primarily a bitter personal dispute rather than a conventional workplace sexual-harassment case and criticised the ombudsperson for failing to properly frame the issues and examine the chronology of events.

The President’s Office also observed that the question of whether a valid marriage existed between the parties was a matter for the family courts. The woman had claimed that a verbal nikah had taken place and that Dr Khan had promised to marry her, while he denied the claim.

The Presidency, however, maintained the penalty on the basis of Dr Khan’s conduct towards the woman, particularly his decision to terminate her services on July 18, 2025, one day after she registered an FIR against him, observing that the conduct had created a hostile work environment. After hearing the matter, the IHC suspended the impugned orders and sought further proceedings in the case.

Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2026

IHC Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro raised serious questions over investigations conducted by the Islamabad police in four cases, including a murder case, warning that the court would take action if the investigation system was not improved.

Justice Soomro, while hearing the cases, expressed displeasure over the manner in which the investigations were being conducted and summoned the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Islamabad to the courtroom to explain the position.

Addressing the SSP, the judge observed that four cases had come before the court and investigations in all four had not been conducted properly.

Justice Soomro warns of action over defective probes

“These are four cases and the investigation was not done properly in all of them,” the court remarked, adding that when a matter comes before the high court, it has to decide the case on the basis of the investigation conducted by the police.

The judge observed that the court had to do “paper justice” and, if the investigation was defective, it was left with no option but to provide relief to an accused.

“Your inquiry and investigation are such that we have to give bail,” Justice Soomro remarked.

The court also questioned why the quality of investigations by the Islamabad Police was not improving despite the comparatively better salaries being offered to its investigation officers.

Justice Soomro observed that an investigation officer of the Islamabad police was receiving a salary of up to Rs100,000, whereas an investigation officer in the Sindh Police was being paid around Rs40,000. Despite the difference in salaries, he noted, investigations in Sindh were comparatively better.

The judge further observed that during the last one-and-a-half years, the court had not summoned any senior police officer over investigation-related issues.

“We have not called any senior officer here in one and a half years. We do not even think it is good that any senior officer should be called to court,” he remarked. However, he said the situation had now compelled the court to summon the SSP.

“In these 14 days, these four cases came after which you have been called,” Justice Soomro observed, adding that the court had examined the records and found that the investigations in all four cases had been mishandled.

The judge told the SSP that the situation had gone beyond the level of tolerance and warned the police leadership to take immediate steps to improve the investigation system.

“Things are beyond tolerance. This is a warning for the future of our institution,” the judge cautioned.

Justice Soomro directed the SSP to convey his concerns to the Inspector General of Police Islamabad and make efforts to ensure that investigations were conducted strictly in accordance with the law.

“If the investigation does not go well in any future case, I will write against the Islamabad police,” the court warned.

The judge further directed the SSP to send a clear message to the IG Islamabad that the high court would not overlook defective investigations in the future.

“If the investigation goes badly in future, we will issue an order,” Justice Soomro cautioned.

The court made it clear that the responsibility of investigating agencies was not limited to registering cases and arresting suspects, but also extended to properly collecting evidence and presenting a complete investigation before the court.

Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2026

It was informed in an awareness seminar held in Rawalpindi on women’s rights and protection of women at the workplace.

Punjab Ombudsperson Dr Najma Afzal Khan attended the seminar as the chief guest. Law Officer Raja Adnan Azhar provided awareness to the participants regarding the Anti-Harassment Act 2010, amended in 2012.

The participants were also provided awareness regarding the protection of women at the workplace.

Speaking at the seminar, Punjab Ombudsperson Dr Najma Afzal Khan said that women should get their rights at their doorsteps. “Harassment of women is a crime. The institution is working for the protection of women. The Provincial Ombudsman was established in 2013.”

Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2026

Sources in the Ministry of Housing and Capital Development Authority (CDA) told Dawn that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had formed a committee comprising the interior, housing and finance ministers and some federal secretaries to look into the proposal.

They said the arrangement was being considered in view of next year’s Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting. The SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS) conference in October 2027 is expected to bring approximately 35 VVIPs, along with accompanying delegations comprising more than 3,000 foreign guests, to Islamabad.

“The Shaheed-i-Millat Secretariat building has been identified as a suitable facility for timely conversion and retrofitting into a luxury five-star hotel.

Move aimed at boosting Islamabad’s hotel capacity ahead of 2027 SCO summit

This building is strategically located in the heart of Islamabad, with direct connectivity to existing trunk infrastructure and convenient access to the Red Zone and key government installations. The building is situated on Plot No. 04, Sector F-6/1, Islamabad, located between Jinnah Avenue (Blue Area) and Nazimuddin Road,” said an official of the Ministry of Housing.

He said the building stood on a 4,411-square-yard plot, which was allotted to the House Building Finance Corporation (HBFC) on an outright sale basis in 1975.

The official said the existing structure comprised a total covered area of approximately 251,774 square feet, including basement facilities and multiple access points. The ground floor includes a dedicated VIP entrance, security screening facilities, a bell desk, a double-sided reception and waiting lounges, while the mezzanine floor, measuring approximately 15,170 square feet, provides substantial space for ancillary hospitality and service functions.

“A preliminary technical assessment of the building has indicated that the built-up area spanning from the third to the 16th floors is suitable for retrofitting into a luxury hotel facility capable of accommodating approximately 128 guest rooms and 64 luxury suites, along with provision for a rooftop restaurant and penthouse facilities on the upper floors,” the official said.

He added that recently a proposal for retrofitting and converting the building into a luxury five-star hotel was presented by CDA retired Chairman Sohail Ashraf to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The Housing Ministry official said the prime minister had recently formed a high-profile committee, which was currently looking into the issue, and its report would be presented to the federal cabinet for final approval.

“We [Housing Ministry and Estate Office] have also appointed a focal person for smooth coordination with the committee and other government departments,” he said.

Asked about the structural soundness of the building, particularly as a fire had broken out there in the past, the official claimed that the building was sound and fit for any use.

Meanwhile, when Dawn approached the CDA to cross-check the Housing Ministry’s position on the matter, at least five CDA officers confirmed the development and said the prime minister had recently formed a committee, which was currently collecting information from the CDA and Estate Office.

“Yes, the CDA had requested the prime minister for conversion of the building in question into a hotel and the prime minister has formed a committee on this issue,” said a CDA officer.

It is relevant to note that the CDA has already initiated a programme aimed at enhancing the stock of international-standard hospitality infrastructure in Islamabad.

According to CDA officials, around 4,000 international-standard hotel rooms are needed for the SCO and two other international events, including the South Asian Games and a meeting of the IOC.

The CDA is preparing an inventory of rooms, and sources said there was a shortfall of around 1,000 top-class rooms. The shortfall is expected to be bridged in the coming months, as a number of new hotels are being built at various locations in the capital while several existing hotels are also increasing their capacity.

“Next week, the CDA is going to host a conference of hotel owners and investors to discuss the early completion of ongoing hotel construction work and the construction of new rooms in existing hotels, wherever feasible,” said a CDA official, adding that the CDA chairman was heading the entire operation and was committed to providing the best and sufficient accommodation facilities to all visiting delegations.

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2026

Justice Umair Majeed Malik issued notices to the Director General Immigration and Passports and the Federation through the Interior Secretary on the petition filed by Mr Khan, who rose to fame after his photograph while working at a tea stall in Islamabad went viral on social media.

During the hearing, Barrister Umar Ijaz Gilani appeared on behalf of the petitioner and contended that his client was a well-known entrepreneur who had promoted Pakistani culture globally.

The counsel submitted that the authorities had failed to renew the petitioner’s passport despite the passage of almost a year since he had applied for its renewal.

According to the petition, Arshad Khan applied for renewal of his passport on August 20, 2025, but the document had not been issued to him despite repeated efforts.

The counsel told the court that the petitioner’s identity card had been cleared by the NADRA Verification Board and his CNIC was currently active.

He contended that there was no justification for withholding the petitioner’s passport when his identity had already been verified by the relevant authority.

Barrister Gilani further submitted that the petitioner had approached the office of the Interior Secretary several times seeking issuance of the renewed passport, but received no positive response from the authorities. He said the petitioner subsequently served a legal notice on the Interior Secretary, but no response was received.

The counsel argued that the continued refusal to issue the passport was illegal and amounted to a violation of the petitioner’s fundamental rights.

He requested the court to direct the concerned authorities to issue a renewed passport to Arshad Khan.

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2026

The woman, identified as Ms K, 28, was associated with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) as an assistant. Police said she accidentally fell into the river while standing on the parapet wall.

“There is a report (sunwai) that she was making a video while standing on a low concrete wall placed on the side of the bridge when she fell into the water,” a police investigating officer told Dawn, quoting eyewitnesses.

However, IO said the woman had accidentally fallen into the river. The deceased was a resident of Gulistan Colony, Rawalpindi. She had parked her motorbike alongside the bridge wall before standing on the low-height wall of the bridge.

Shortly after the incident, Rescue 1122 teams reached the spot and launched a search operation for the drowning woman. After more than an hour of efforts, the woman’s body was recovered from the water and shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital.

Meanwhile, the search and rescue operation for five-year-old Harem Ali, who was suspected to have been swept away in an open drain near Committee Chowk Landa Bazaar on Thursday, was suspended after five days of efforts.

A spokesman for the emergency services said the search operation for Hareem Ali was stopped as she could not be traced despite hectic efforts. The missing girl’s family had announced a reward of Rs500,000 for anyone who could provide a clue leading to the girl and inform the grieving family, which had been anxiously waiting for their loved one since she went missing.

The girl’s father was putting the children in the car to depart for their home in the early hours of Thursday when five-year-old Hareem Ali vanished from the scene.

“The girl was standing near my car when I turned towards the car door to unlock it, I found my daughter missing,” the girl’s father had said in a statement.

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2026

According to the reports, barbed wire was laid around the building, and a heavy police deployment was made.

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has also been on board, with a team visiting the building on Tuesday night, sources said.

Initially, some police prison vans were brought there apparently to shift the foreigners to jail, but later it was decided to declare the building a sub-jail instead of moving such a large number of people to jail.

In addition to Islamabad police personnel, a Punjab Highway Patrol (PHP) contingent has been deployed there to strengthen security. The chief commissioner Islamabad has issued a notification declaring the building a sub-jail.

Senior officials of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) have been verifying the travel documents of the foreigners housed in the building, sources said.

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2026

The continuing standoff between transporters and authorities has effectively left thousands of passengers at the mercy of limited alternative transport, forcing many to wait for hours in the scorching heat or pay significantly higher fares for whatever private transport was available.

The strike was triggered after traffic police intensified enforcement of restrictions on the use of LPG cylinders in public service vehicles. While authorities cite passenger safety and regulatory compliance, commuters said they were being made to pay the price for a dispute they had no role in creating.

Women and elderly passengers were particularly distressed by the prolonged waiting and lack of adequate alternative transport.

With the strike entering its second day, commuters warned that continued suspension of services would further disrupt education, employment and essential travel for thousands of people dependent on the Attock-Rawalpindi public transport network.

Daily visitors to Rawalpindi also expressed frustration over having to spend additional money and time to complete routine journeys.

“This is our second day of suffering. We have to reach our workplaces and educational institutions every morning, but there is no reliable transport,” said Faizan Ahmed, an employee of a private company.

Students complained that the disruption was affecting their attendance and studies, while employees travelling regularly to Rawalpindi said they faced the prospect of arriving late at work or losing a day’s wages.

“We cannot afford taxis and hired transport every day. The authorities should resolve the issue instead of leaving ordinary passengers stranded,” said a student at an Islamabad-based university.

Passengers acknowledged the importance of enforcing safety regulations but urged the authorities to adopt a workable solution that ensures both passenger safety and uninterrupted public transport. They demanded that the district administration immediately bring transporters and traffic authorities to the negotiating table and end the deadlock.

Commenting on the issue, transporters said that with CNG stations closed and petrol prices at their highest level in the decade, it was not affordable for them to run public transport.

They said passenger vehicles had no option but to operate on LPG and questioned how they could bring their vehicles onto the roads if they were impounded.

When contacted, Zaheer Ahmed, secretary of the Regional Transport Authority, said the crackdown on passenger vehicles operating on LPG was carried out on the instructions of the provincial government and around 20 vehicles operating on various inter-district routes had been impounded for legal action.

He said the authorities would not bow to the pressure tactics of the transport mafia.

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Sardar Mohammad Sarfraz Dogar on Tuesday administered oath to three newly appointed judges, raising the strength of the high court to 10, while three seats remain vacant.

The three vacant positions are expected to be filled through transfers in accordance with the decision of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP).

Those who took oath were Justice Ayyaz Shaukat, Justice Umair Majeed Malik and Justice Shahrukh Arjumand.

Justice Ayyaz Shaukat is an expert in tax, banking and commercial matters, with extensive experience in constitutional, corporate and commercial litigation. He has previously represented clients before superior courts in complex legal disputes.

Court’s strength rises to 10, three seats still vacant

He had served as advocate general (AG) Islamabad before his elevation to the high court. In March this year, he was appointed chairman of the Pakistan Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority.

His experience in public law and commercial litigation is expected to contribute to the adjudication of the diverse constitutional and civil matters coming before the IHC.

Justice Umair Majeed Malik is a well-known lawyer with expertise in legislative drafting and several specialised areas of law. He served as a legal consultant with the National Accountability Bureau from 2002 to 2005.

His professional experience also includes the oil and gas sector, where he dealt with petroleum laws, regulatory regimes, petroleum policies and rules, gas sale agreements, employment and labour laws and procurement contracts. He has also provided legal opinions and advisory services to the construction sector on laws, rules, regulations and bylaws and drafted and vetted various construction contracts.

Justice Shahrukh Arjumand belongs to the remote district of Upper Dir in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and is the first judge from the district to be elevated to any high court.

He obtained his LLB degree from the University of Peshawar and joined the judiciary as a civil judge in 2003. He was promoted to the rank of sessions judge in 2017. His elevation marks a significant development for the legal fraternity of Upper Dir, which has historically remained underrepresented in the superior judiciary.

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2026

According to the federal ministry of education, the renewal of partnership reaffirmed shared commitment to academic excellence, human capital development, research, and international educational cooperation.

The agreement was signed by USEFP Executive Director Dr Peter Moran and HEC Executive Director Professor Dr Ziaul Haq at the USEFP headquarters in Islamabad on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Moran stated: “USEFP-administered programs empower participants to develop skills and practical knowledge that directly benefit Pakistan’s development across all sectors of society. We are grateful for the continued partnership of the governments of the United States and Pakistan in advancing this mission.”

Agreement signed to support 66 PhD scholars while expanding opportunities for advanced education, research and academic exchange

Prof Haq on the occasion remarked: “The HEC–Fulbright long-standing partnership stands as a hallmark of educational cooperation and continues to deliver immense value to Pakistan’s higher education landscape.”

“The United States is proud to renew this partnership with Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission,” said David Moyer, Acting Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy at the US Embassy.

According to a press release issued by the embassy, the programmes supported through the agreement reflect both governments’ investment in empowering future leaders, scholars, and professionals who will contribute to Pakistan’s progress while strengthening US-Pakistan ties.

“Through this partnership, Pakistani students and scholars gain access to the renowned American education system while improving capacity across Pakistan’s higher education sector. Americans coming to Pakistan collaborate on innovative research, business, and public health ventures that benefit U.S. universities, businesses, and the wider public,” it added.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by the education ministry said Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar took the lead from the ministry in advancing Pakistan–United States educational cooperation.

“A significant milestone under Wajiha Qamar’s leadership has been the revival and activation of the Pakistan–U.S. Higher Education Working Group after a gap of nearly 14 years. The Working Group has provided an important institutional platform for sustained engagement between the two countries on higher education, scholarships, academic mobility, skills development, research collaboration, and other areas of mutual interest. The renewed Fulbright-HEC partnership represents an important outcome of this renewed momentum in Pakistan–U.S. educational engagement,” said the press release.

“The Ministry of Education welcomes the new five-year agreement, covering Financial Year 2026–27 through Financial Year 2031–32, encompassing the Fulbright Master’s and PhD Programmes, Visiting Scholar Programme for post-doctoral scholars, Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Programme, and Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Programme.”

Under the agreement, the programme has set a target of supporting 66 PhD scholars over the five-year period, in addition to opportunities provided through the other programme streams. The initiative will continue to enable Pakistani scholars and academics to pursue advanced education, undertake high-quality research, strengthen professional expertise, and contribute to Pakistan’s socioeconomic and institutional development upon their return.

As part of the financial commitment, HEC will provide at least $4.54 million annually, with the total funding commitment capped at Rs6.48 billion over the five-year period. The agreed payment schedule provides for $2 million by June 30, a further $2 million by January 31, and the remaining balance by April 30, subject to the timely release of government funds. Any interest earned on HEC funds held by USEFP will be reinvested in student grants, further supporting the educational objectives of the partnership.

The selection process under the renewed agreement will remain strictly merit-based, with no fixed quotas for any particular group, region, or category. HEC will participate directly in the selection panels and contribute to identifying priority fields of study aligned with Pakistan’s national development and strategic priorities. To strengthen oversight and assess programme effectiveness, a Joint Review Committee, comprising representatives of the partner institutions, will meet twice annually to review programme performance and impact. USEFP will also provide HEC with annual audited financial statements, while relevant records will remain open for review by HEC upon reasonable notice, reinforcing transparency, accountability, and sound financial governance.

The new agreement builds upon the original Fulbright-HEC PhD partnership signed in February 2016, under which $25.786 million was committed to support 125 Pakistani scholars during the fiscal year 2016–20. That landmark initiative emerged from high-level engagement between Pakistan and the United States, including the meeting between then US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif in October 2015, and was linked to the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor launched in June 2015.

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2026

All doctors have been advised to renew their registration certificates within six months to ensure continued compliance with the prescribed legal, professional, safety, and ethical requirements and to avoid any inconvenience.

The decision has been made to bring the professional register up to date and protect the interests of both practitioners and the public. A current and verifiable register is fundamental for maintaining public confidence in the healthcare system.

“PMDC has taken this measure primarily to protect doctors, safeguard patients, and strengthen the integrity of the medical and dental profession. Maintaining an accurate and up-to-date register of licensed practitioners is an essential regulatory responsibility and is necessary to ensure that only duly registered and authorised professionals are able to practise”, said a statement issued by the PMDC.

Furthermore, the renewal process will also help PMDC address concerns relating to quackery, forgery, fraudulent use of registration certificates and unauthorised medical practice. An updated registration database will make it more difficult for individuals to misuse or falsely represent professional credentials.

Importantly, regular renewal and verification of registration records will also provide an additional safeguard against the misuse of the registration certificates or credentials of deceased practitioners. Keeping the professional register current will enable the council to identify outdated records and take appropriate regulatory action where necessary, it added.

PMDC emphasised that maintaining valid registration is both a professional and ethical responsibility. “Regular renewal ensures that doctors remain compliant with regulatory requirements and provides verifiable evidence of their professional standing, benefiting them in Pakistan as well as when pursuing employment, training, licensing or other professional opportunities internationally”, it added.

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2026

According to an FIR registered at Chaklala police station, Muhammad Yaquoob Khan, a resident of Bagh, said his two divorced daughters lived with him in a rented house in Rawalpindi. His elder daughter has three children, while his younger daughter, Rabia, lives with her young son.

The complainant said he had gone to Bagh with his elder daughter and grandchildren to attend a nephew’s wedding, while his wife and Rabia remained at home.

He said his wife called him at around 5pm and informed him that their nephew, who was settled in Qatar and was currently visiting Pakistan, had come to their house and allegedly taken Rabia away by force.

According to the FIR, his wife was deeply shocked by the incident and asked him to return to Rawalpindi immediately. While the family was travelling back, they received a call from a relative informing them that his wife, Ruqayya, had died.

The complainant said they reached home at around 11pm and found that his wife had already died.

Police have registered a case against the accused under sections relating to kidnapping and murder on the complaint of the deceased’s husband. Further investigation is underway.

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2026

In a detailed order the President’s Office upheld the penalty of removal from service imposed by the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Fospah) on February 13. However, the top forum observed that the case was fundamentally mischaracterised by the lower tribunal and was, in reality, a bitter personal dispute rather than a textbook instance of workplace sexual harassment.

The verdict noted that Fospah failed to frame distinct issues, ignored the critical chronology of events, and relied on “highly abstract and academic” reasoning. Specifically, the Presidency found that the ombudsperson incorrectly applied the precedent in PLD 2025 SC 354 without establishing factual parallels and failed to reconcile glaring contradictions in Dr Khan’s own testimony - namely, his admission of being “honey-trapped” while simultaneously denying any inappropriate relationship.

“The finding recorded in paragraph 22, to the effect that the onus lay upon the complainant to establish that he did not harass a student over whom he exercised a dominant position, is unsustainable as a matter of law and logic,” the order stated, adding that the relationship between the parties appeared “prima facie mutual and consensual” over a period of roughly five years.

Despite overturning the ombudsperson’s core findings on sexual harassment, the Presidency maintained the punishment on separate grounds.

The order highlighted that Dr Khan did not approach the president with “clean hands”, pointing to his dismissal of his female subordinate’s services on July 18, 2025 - just one day after she registered an FIR against him.

“Such conduct clearly resulted in the creation of a hostile work environment towards the respondent and, in the circumstances of the case, also constituted gender-based harassment against her,” the order read. Since these facts were established on record, the Presidency ruled that the punishment awarded by Fospah was “in any event, commensurate with the petitioner’s conduct”.

The Presidency noted that the core controversy revolves around whether a valid marriage existed between the parties - a question that falls squarely under the jurisdiction of family courts, not workplace tribunals.

The female subordinate claimed they had a verbal nikah and that Dr Khan had promised to marry her, while Dr Khan denied the claim.

“If the respondent feels her marital rights are being denied, she should file a suit for divorce or claim maintenance. Such matters are to be decided by courts of competent jurisdiction under family laws,” the order observed, while similarly advising Dr Khan to file a suit for jactitation of marriage if he denies the union.

Regarding financial allegations where Dr Khan claimed the woman defrauded him of Rs27.44 million, the Presidency did not disturb the ombudsperson’s finding that the allegations lacked documentary corroboration and contemporaneous legal action.

Ultimately, while the Presidency declined to sustain Fospah’s specific findings on sexual harassment, it confirmed the dismissal order, effectively leaving the former vice chancellor removed from service.

Cross-FIRs and legal proceedings between the two parties remain pending in other forums.

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2026

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Mohammad Aurangzeb, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad retired Lt Sohail Ashraf, Secretary Interior Ahmed Raza Sarwar, Secretary Law and Justice Raja Naeem Akbar and other senior officials attended the meeting.

The participants held detailed discussions on the need for an effective, transparent and people-oriented regulatory system for Islamabad’s real estate sector, including the existing RERA framework, its implementation, institutional responsibilities and regulatory arrangements.

The meeting decided to hold further consultations on RERA legislation and undertake a comprehensive review of available legal and regulatory options.

Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar constituted a subcommittee comprising representatives of the ministries of interior and law and justice and the Capital Development Authority to examine legal options, regulatory arrangements and institutional mechanisms relating to RERA.

The minister directed the subcommittee to submit its report within 20 days.

The meeting emphasised that the proposed regulatory system should protect citizens’ interests and property rights while ensuring transparency, accountability and effective regulation.

Federal Minister Tarar said Islamabad’s regulatory and institutional framework needed to be further strengthened to develop the capital as a model city of Pakistan.

He said protection of citizens’ property rights, effective regulation and safeguarding public interest should remain the key objectives of the reform process.

The minister said an effective legal framework was essential for promoting low-cost housing, facilitating access to housing finance and helping citizens secure property ownership. He added that a transparent and people-oriented regulatory system would help restore public confidence in the real estate sector.

The meeting also discussed digitisation of land records as an important component of the RERA review. Various aspects of developing a modern regulatory framework in line with contemporary requirements were also examined.

Mohammad Aurangzeb stressed the need to restore public confidence and improve transparency in the real estate sector. He said digitisation of land records could help strengthen the confidence of banks and the public in the sector.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry appreciated reforms undertaken by the CDA and emphasised the need for further consultations on various options for the RERA framework. The meeting agreed that the federal government, CDA and private sector were key stakeholders in developing an effective real estate regulatory system and that consultations with all relevant stakeholders would be held while formulating the future legal and regulatory framework.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2026

The deceased, identified as Zahid and Saddam, were working at the crushing site when they were hit by mudslides and boulders falling after quarrying through explosives.

Sources said the incident occurred due to inadequate safety arrangements and lack of proper protective measures at the site. The victims reportedly hailed from Khanpur and Dir. Local police and rescue teams reached the site shortly after the incident and recovered the bodies from the debris.

Police have launched an investigation and stated that legal action will be taken against those found responsible once the inquiry is completed.

Boy’s body ‘killed by father recovered’

Police in Attock have launched a search for a man who allegedly killed his three-year-old son and fled.

The semi-buried and tortured body of the minor boy wrapped in a bed sheet was recovered from a graveyard in Ghourghushti village in the limits of the Hazro police on Sunday, sources said.

According to police sources, the suspect had been released on bail just two days before the incident. He had previously remained behind bars in connection with the alleged murder of his two wives.

Police sources said the minor boy was living with his maternal grandmother after the killing of his mother. The suspect, identified as Sajjad Shah, reportedly took the boy away on the pretext of taking him home on Saturday. However, he subsequently disappeared along with the child. After the child’s body was recovered, police started raids at different locations to arrest the suspect.

Police said the suspect had fled after killing his son. The DPO Attock sought a report from the SHO Hazro and directed police to take swift action for the arrest of the suspect.

On the other hand, the tragic killing of the boy sent shockwaves in the locality, especially among his grandparents and relatives, who demanded the immediate arrest of the suspect and exemplary punishment for him.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2026

“Medical and dental colleges that charge Rs3.5 million in annual fees do not have a single vacant seat. However, colleges charging Rs1.8 million in annual fees have a number of vacant seats,” he said during a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Health, chaired by MNA Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani.

The committee discussed the issue of vacant seats in medical colleges despite a reduction in merit and whether the MDCAT passing marks should be further reduced to 50 per cent. It was also suggested that the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) be directed to reduce the percentage of difficult questions in the MDCAT.

The health minister agreed that there was an issue of vacant seats in medical and dental colleges. “If high fees are an issue, why are there hardly any vacant seats in colleges that charge very high fees?” he asked.

Committee seeks probe into vacancies, asks PMDC to submit report within a month

The committee stressed that the issue of vacant seats must be properly investigated before any further policy decision is taken. The PMDC was directed to inspect private colleges with vacant seats and submit a report identifying the reasons for the vacancies. The committee expressed grave concern over the delay in providing information required during its previous meeting and directed that the report be submitted within one month.

The committee further discussed the need for regular inspections and effective monitoring of medical colleges. The chairman stressed that institutions failing to maintain the required standards or continuing to have substantial vacant seats should be subject to appropriate regulatory action, including reconsideration of their approved seats.

Regarding MDCAT eligibility, the committee discussed the existing 60pc threshold and whether a gradual reduction could broaden access.

The committee cautioned that students below the existing academic threshold may face difficulties in completing or qualifying in subsequent stages of medical education. It noted the need to balance access to medical education with academic standards.

The proposed increase in the duration of the BDS programme from four to five years, aimed at bringing it in line with international standards, was also discussed. The PMDC informed the committee that arrangements would be considered for students already enrolled under the existing programme structure.

The committee reviewed the PMDC’s preparedness for the MDCAT 2026. It was informed that the PMDC had rescheduled the MDCAT 2026 examination to Sunday, Sept 20, 2026, to ensure a transparent, secure and well-organised process and to provide relief to candidates.

The health minister informed the committee that a number of colleges had requested an increase in fees and that universities could not independently increase fees.

Of the 61 medical colleges considered, 35 had qualified under the prescribed criteria.

The committee sought details of fee justification and scrutiny, along with audited financial statements, for each of the 35 qualified institutions.

The PMDC was asked to share the status of institutions that had not qualified but were nevertheless charging higher fees and still displaying the fees on their websites.

The committee also reviewed matters relating to the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC). It was informed that inspections of nursing institutions were being undertaken and that a new digitalised application had been introduced for inspectors to record inspection data in real time.

Meanwhile, a ceremony was held at the Ministry of Health in Islamabad for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sheikh Zayed Institute and ChildLife Foundation for the establishment of a modern Children’s Emergency Unit at Sheikh Zayed Hospital Lahore.

Mustafa Kamal and Federal Secretary Health Aslam Ghauri attended the ceremony.

Under the MoU, a 10-bed modern Children’s Emergency Unit will be established at Sheikh Zayed Hospital Lahore to provide emergency medical care to children.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2026

The stakeholders were speaking at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) seminar titled “Population Growth and Policy Coherence in Pakistan: Challenges and Pathways” held here on Monday.

The seminar was steered by a wide-ranging discussion on institutional silos, regional implementation bottlenecks and community-level narratives shaping Pakistan’s population policy landscape.

The keynote was delivered by Executive Director of the Health Services Academy Prof Dr Shezad Ali Khan whereas the panel discussion was participated by Rabia Zafar of the National Institute of Population Studies (NIPS) and Farah Ashraf of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Dr Shezad Ali Khan presented some of the starkest findings, arguing that population dynamics cannot be understood through a narrow medical lens alone. He said an estimated 48 per cent of pregnancies in Pakistan were unwanted, contributing to roughly 380,000 abortions annually, many carried out through unsafe procedures in unregulated clinics that result in severe complications and sepsis.

Pakistan records around 700,000 stillbirths a year, highest in world; 42 out of every 1,000 babies die within their first month

On maternal and infant health, Dr Khan said Pakistan recorded around 700,000 stillbirths a year the highest number in the world while 42 out of every 1,000 babies die within their first month, the highest neonatal mortality rate globally since 1960.

He further noted that 20 out of every 100 couples faced unmet family planning needs due to structural resource shortages rather than community resistance, underscoring that population challenges stem from systemic failures rather than public failure.

Dr Khan cautioned against over-reliance on externally driven terminology that could provoke cultural resistance, calling instead for an indigenised narrative built around “population welfare,” with emphasis on maternal nutritional recovery and birth spacing through breastfeeding currently practiced by only 33 per cent of mothers.

He added that infants, who were not breastfed, were 11 times more likely to die of diarrhoea and five times more likely to die of pneumonia, reinforcing the need for a multi-sectoral approach that brings education and economic planning alongside healthcare.

Rabia Zafar drew attention to these macroeconomic projections, pointing to structural deficits in long-term financing, regional coordination and ground-level commitment. She urged policymakers to move from reactive planning to systematic, projection-based frameworks, stressing that only targeted investments in human capital, health and skill development would allow Pakistan to capitalise on its approaching demographic window.

Farah Ashraf highlighted the pressing need to dismantle fragmented departmental silos that continue to hamper coherent policymaking. Speaking on UNFPA-backed initiatives, she said unified data governance, harmonised coordination between federal and provincial stakeholders, and aligning national budgets with long-term demographic trends were fundamental prerequisites for effective policy implementation.

Deputy Executive Director (Policy) SDPI Dr Shafqat Munir noted that Pakistan’s 57 million women currently in their reproductive age were projected to surpass 100 million by 2050, while the country’s working-age population currently bolstered by a youth cohort making up 67 per cent of the population was expected to grow from 164 million to 292 million over the same period. He added that Pakistan’s core challenge was not a shortage of policy statements, but inadequate long-term financing, uneven regional access and weak inter-departmental coordination.

Closing the discussion, Dr Munir reiterated SDPI’s commitment to evidence-based, multi-sectoral dialogue that bridged research and actionable governance, telling participants that Pakistan must now move “from dialogue to implementation.”

He said the seminar formed part of its continuing research agenda on demographic and development policy in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2026

Sources said a survey was in progress and the CDA was preparing an inventory of rooms in luxury hotels for SCO delegates. CDA officials said that although various hotels had more than 4,000 rooms available, around 1,000 did not meet international standards. Therefore, the CDA had decided to encourage the hotel industry to construct new rooms, complete ongoing hotel construction projects early and start work on new hotels.

“Though it is a huge challenge [to have 4,000 top-class rooms], we will meet this target,” said CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf.

He said the CDA would ensure that the required number of rooms were available in Islamabad.

Authority to convene hotel owners’ conference as Islamabad prepares for major international events

“Yes, we have decided to convene a conference of owners of top-class hotels and investors here in Islamabad. The conference aims to encourage hotel owners to construct new rooms, encourage investors to complete ongoing construction work on new hotels and explore new options for hotels in the capital city,” the CDA chairman said.

“I am happy to share that more than the required number of hotel rooms will be available next year in Islamabad, as a number of new hotels are currently being built at various places in Islamabad and will become functional next year. On the directions of the prime minister and interior minister, we are fully focusing on the hotel industry to make the SCO a memorable event,” he said.

He added that some other major events, including the South Asian Games and an IOC meeting, were also scheduled to take place in Islamabad next year.

Besides new and under-construction hotels, the city already has some major hotels, including Serena, Marriott and Mövenpick.

“Whereas, several new initiatives, like Ghandhra Club and some other government buildings, will also be added to our system as a backup for SCO delegates,” he said.

It is relevant to note that for the SCO conference, the New Islamabad Convention, Exhibition and Expo Centre (NICEEC) is also going to be built near the Malpur area to host the main SCO event. The existing Jinnah Convention Centre and Pak-China Friendship Centre will also be available to host some of the events.

Recently, the CDA opened the financial bids for NICEEC, with a China Construction Third Engineering Bureau-led joint venture (JV) emerging as the lowest bidder. There were only two JVs, both headed by Chinese companies, in the race.

The original PC-I was worth Rs16 billion, as the project was initially designed on an RCC structure. However, changes were made in the revised design and steel fabrication was added, with the domed roof to be made of steel. Therefore, the CDA received the lowest bid of Rs37 billion from the said company.

“Now, this bid and revised design will be shared with the consultant for reasonability of the rates as third-party validation. Once it is okayed by the consultant, we will move forward,” said an engineer of the CDA.

He said that once started, the project would be completed within one year, before the SCO conference.

According to a CDA document, “the flagship facility will serve as a world-class multi-functional venue for conventions, exhibitions, expos, trade fairs and cultural events, and will also host the SCO summit in 2027.”

According to the original PC-I, the total cost of the project was estimated at Rs19.3 billion, including contingency, consultancy, utility and landscaping costs. Sources said the main project cost was estimated at Rs16 billion, with a covered area of 270,000 square feet and a 60-foot-high main hall, to be completed in 18 months.

However, the design was later changed and steel components were added.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2026

The demand came during a session of the assembly chaired by Speaker Malik Kifayatur Rehman on Monday.

Aman Ali Ameer tabled a resolution demanding the Flood Commission of Pakistan to approve a PC1 already sent by the GB government for rehabilitation of the affected people. He said the GB government had submitted the Rs6 billion PC1 to the flood commission which was yet to be approved.

He said the displaced people including those in Talidas valley of Ghizer and other areas had been waiting for rehabilitation. Moreover, floods have blocked roads, damaged water channels, infrastructures and agricultural land.

Kulsoom Mehahdi of the PPP told the house that the recent floods had severely affected livelihoods of people.

“In Haramosh area, floods destroyed road networks, killing livestock, damaging homes, farmlands, irrigation channels, and affected people are without any assistance.” She said the federal government should transfer the amount to the GB government so that rehabilitation work in the affected areas could be carried out.

Taking part in the debate, Abdul Jahan from PML-N said the frequency of natural disasters in the region was alarming.

“GB government lacks funds. The prime minister of Pakistan had allocated Rs2 billion for the flood affected areas in 2024; however, due to non-utilisation the amount was returned to the federal government,” he said.

Minister for Communication and Works Mohammad Naseem told the house that the chief minister had announced construction of houses for the displaced people; however, GB lacks funds to overcome disasters.

Rana Farooq of the PML-N said affected people in Astore valley were also facing difficulties. He pointed out that funds in the past had been misused.

Replying to questions, the chief minister suggested the formation of a committee to make recommendations for the federal government.

The speaker deferred the resolution till Wednesday for voting after necessary amendments.

Meanwhile, the assembly unanimously passed a resolution welcoming the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and called for greater unity and defence cooperation among Muslim countries.

The resolution, moved by Leader of the Opposition Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman, also expressed solidarity with Palestine and urged Muslim countries to play a more effective role in promoting peace, security and stability in the Middle East. The assembly members, while describing the treaty as important for the Muslim Ummah, said that after this there had been an outcry in India.

Meanwhile, the GB government has introduced amendments to the Gilgit-Baltistan Revenue Authority Act, 2023, to bring large non-local companies operating in the region under the services tax.

Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Advocate also tabled an amendment to Bill seeking approval from the house.

He said under constitutional framework, income tax and sales tax cannot be imposed in GB. He said it had been proposed in the amendments that all private companies, including banks, above three-star hotels, cellular companies and companies that generated above one billion rupees will be charged the services tax.

The assembly also passed a resolution unanimously demanding restoration of services of 600 lady health workers and health supervisors across GB.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2026

The joint defence agreement, signed on August 7 between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, aims to strengthen collective deterrence and empowers its signatory states to treat an attack against one of them as an attack against all of them.

Addressing the federal cabinet on Monday, PM Shehbaz recalled that he, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed the pact in Makkah on Friday.

The prime minister stressed that the objective of the pact is to “promote peace, progress, and prosperity in the region”.

“Its purpose is definitely not that any aggression occurs. It is entirely for defensive purposes, for peace, tranquillity and progress in the region,” he affirmed.

“I believe this agreement is a source of strength not just among these three countries, but for the entire Muslim ummah,” he noted.

PM Shehbaz particularly felicitated Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as well as Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir on the signing of the agreement.

Efforts for the joint defence pact had been underway for “many years and materialised this Friday”, the prime minister said.

He noted that while Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had already entered the “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” in September 2025, Islamabad and Ankara also had “arrangements for decades” between them.

PM Shehbaz recalled that the Pakistani nation and the army had been honoured to “defend the world’s holiest places” of Makkah and Madina for years along with the Saudi forces.

“Last year, with Allah’s grace, this arrangement was officially recognised so that a proper agreement was signed. Friday’s agreement is another extension of it, with a trilateral agreement signed.”

In a statement issued by the Foreign Office earlier in the day, Dar felicitated the nation on the agreement’s signing. He reiterated his comments from Sunday wherein he said the pact was defensive in nature and not directed against any country.

Dar also noted that the term of treating an attack on one of them as an attack against all three was “consistent with the inherent right of individual and collective self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter”.

The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement has been hailed by the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as an “important strategic step”.

Kuwait, Bahrain and Somalia are among the countries that have welcomed it. Iran’s comments also took a rather positive tone, stressing its stance of pursuing “security mechanisms based on cooperation between regional countries”.

‘Once in power, AJK govt will offer dialogue to those willing’

Speaking on Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), PM Shehbaz favoured dialogue with protesters who have been at odds with the authorities over the 12 seats reserved for refugees and other issues, leading to a tense situation in the region for the past two months.

He said that once the new government comes to power in AJK — with PML-N already claiming a two-thirds majority — the matter of continuing talks with the protesters “will progress”.

The prime minister declared that those “who only want to cause anarchy will not be allowed to do so, but those who want to peacefully and patiently discuss the situation, the new government will provide a chance for that”.

“In any respected society, no permission can be given for lawlessness. If there is any demand or any matters, they should be resolved through talks at a table,” he said.

PM Shehbaz went on to say that the government had “clear evidence that those who purposefully worsened the situation there were working on the directives of the enemy”.

He recalled that despite that, the government had held a multi-party conference in Muzaffarabad before the elections, with only one political party being absent — apparently referring to the PTI which has boycotted the polls.

“Every aspect was discussed there, and […] those who wanted refugee seats to be changed, reduced or abolished were advised to let the elections go on as planned and bring forward their case in the new assembly,” he said, adding that this would resolve the matter as per the constitution of AJK.

“All matters were settled, but they remained adamant on this and needlessly insisted, which unfortunately worsened the situation,” the prime minister said.

Speaking about the ongoing elections in AJK, PM Shehbaz asserted that Kashmiris have “overwhelmingly voted” for his PML-N.

The PML-N has so far bagged 24 seats out of a total 45 — nine from Mirpur polls held on July 27 and 15 in the second phase comprising Muzaffarabad Division and the 12 refugee seats. The third phase of elections in Poonch Division began today.

The prime minister noted that based on the results from Mirpur and Muzaffarabad divisions, along with the seats reserved for refugees from India-held Kashmir, the PML-N has “almost established a majority”.

“This vote is a vote of trust in Mian Nawaz Sharif and for his leadership. I am hopeful that once we set up a government there, under his leadership, AJK will once again set out on the journey to progress and prosperity,” he said, thanking those who voted for his party.

‘Terrorists being annihilated day and night’

At the federal cabinet meeting, PM Shehbaz also touched upon the issue of terrorism in the country and mentioned the lives lost in recent terrorist attacks.

He noted that terrorists escalated their activities in “some areas of Pakistan in the past few days”.

The premier recalled the August 2 Swat suicide bombing that claimed 17 lives and the martyrdom of Deputy Superintendent of Police Diyar Khan in an attack on a Hangu police checkpost.

He paid tribute to the sacrifices of the personnel, including Captain Hamza Akram and Major Hafiz Ihsan Elahi, who were martyred during operations in Hangu and North Waziristan, respectively.

The prime minister affirmed that “Fitna Al Khawarij are being annihilated day and night”, referring to terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

“These sacrifices will not go in vain and will bear fruition. One day will come when Pakistan will once again be free from terrorism and will move rapidly towards peace and progress,” PM Shehbaz said.

The prime minister also expressed his condolences over the death of PML-N MNA Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar, describing him as a “longtime friend”.

“He was a person who was a supporter in bad times,” he said, adding that he and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif knew Channar since 1985. The cabinet also prayed for the elevated ranks of the martyrs and Channar.

Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, who had reserved the order on the maintainability of the petition on August 6, issued notices to the president, the federation of Pakistan and the attorney general. He directed them to file separate concise reports explaining the timeline and status of the summary forwarded by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for judicial appointments.

The petition was filed by advocate Luqman Zafar through his counsel Zahid Asif Chaudhry amid a presidential delay in approving the judicial appointments recommended by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP).

The JCP, headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, recommended the appointment of 19 additional judges and the confirmation of five judges to high courts during meetings on July 20 and 21. The summary was subsequently forwarded by PM Shehbaz to President Zardari for assent under Article 48 of the Constitution. However, the president has yet to assent to the summary.

Last week, the IHC had reserved its verdict on the maintainability of the plea.

During Monday’s hearing, the petitioner’s counsel contended that Article 48(1) of the Constitution employed the expression “shall,” which cast a constitutional obligation upon the president to act on the advice of the prime minister.

The proviso to Article 48(1) allows the advice to be returned for reconsideration “within 15 days,” after which the president must act within ten days on the advice tendered after reconsideration.

The counsel relied on precedent to argue that the president was bound to act on the advice of the prime minister and could not convert the constitutional process into a power of indefinite deferral or veto.

It was further argued that the prolonged delay in implementing judicial appointments adversely impacted the administration of justice and affected the fundamental right of the public to timely access to justice, particularly when the superior courts are already burdened with an increasing backlog of cases.

Justice Tahir directed that notices be served through all modes of service, and Additional Attorney General Rashid Hafeez was directed to ensure that the respondents filed separate concise reports explaining the dates on which the advice was submitted to the president and the action, if any, taken thereon. The case was listed for hearing for August 11 (tomorrow).

The delay has already created practical complications. Four additional judges of the Peshawar High Court (PHC), whose confirmations were recommended by the JCP, ceased to hold office after their tenure expired on August 4 due to the absence of formal notifications.

Similarly, an additional judge of the Sindh High Court (SHC), whose term was extended by six months, relinquished office after his tenure expired on July 29.

The oath-taking ceremony for the newly recommended judges was scheduled for July 27 but was indefinitely postponed after President Zardari neither granted assent to the summary nor returned it, allegedly holding it “without any legal justification.

RAWALPINDI: After converting Raja Bazaar from Fawara Chowk to Hamilton Road into a pedestrian street, parking has become a major problem in the main commercial hub of the region, while the Punjab government has yet to give the go-ahead signal to Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) to construct a parking plaza.

There is a parking plaza being run by Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) but it is not enough to meet the requirements. The parking plaza has the capacity to accommodate only 1000 vehicles, including motorcycles.

The RDA had planned to construct three more floors in the existing parking plaza during the government of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf but it failed to execute the project.

According to a study conducted by the RDA in 2022, more than 60,000 vehicles ply on roads around Fawara Chowk and there was the requirement of parking arrangements for 1200 vehicles. However, the roadside spaces accommodate only 200 vehicles.

Report submitted with Punjab govt but it is yet to approve construction of another parking plaza, says RMC official

A senior official of RMC told Dawn that they had assigned Nespak with preparing a feasibility study and it completed a report last year, which was sent to the provincial government for approval. However, the report has not yet been approved.

He said Rs3 billion would be spent on the construction of the three-storey parking plaza on the RMC old office land on Jinnah Road, commonly known as City Saddar Road, to end parking issues in Raja Bazaar.

The 145-year-old building of RMC was demolished in 2016 to level the three kanal and 10 marla and utilise the land for the construction of a multi-storey parking plaza.

Earlier, the land was taken over by the Punjab Revenue Board. The board tried to sell the land but found no buyer. However, after the change of the local government system in 2016, the land was handed over back to RMC.

The RMC was shifted to its new offices in 2003 and the building remained vacant and the civic body established a public transport parking at the plot.

A senior official of RMC told Dawn that work had been started to construct a multi-storey parking plaza a few yards away from the parking plaza of RDA at Fawara Chowk.

He said that according to the initial plan, the parking plaza would have five storeys, including a basement. “The ground floor will be utilised for shops and the four floors and basement will be used for parking.”

He said there was a need to construct another parking plaza to cater to visitors to the markets in and around Raja Bazaar.

“In the initial estimates, 4200 motorcycles and 1500 cars will be accommodated in the new parking plaza at a time,” he said.

On the other hand, an RDA senior official said that the construction of additional floors in the existing parking plaza was still on papers and no approval had been given.

He said that according to the plan, RDA will construct three more floors in the parking plaza in Raja Bazaar to accommodate more than 2500 vehicles at a time.

Meanwhile, visitors criticised the government for not making parking areas for vehicles especially motorcycles. They said that it had become difficult to visit the main bazaar even on motorcycles.

“I preferred to park my motorcycle in a private parking area adjacent to Taj Company shop near Gawalmandi as there was no other place.

RDA’s parking plaza is not suitable for shopkeepers as they charge on an hourly basis which is expensive,” said Saleem Ahmed, a shopkeeper at Najam Plaza near Bara Market.

Mohammad Nasir, a visitor to Moti Bazaar, said that there was no place for parking around the main bazaars. “It is wastage of time to find a place in the parking plaza. Charges are also beyond the reach of the common man,” he said.

When contacted, Rawalpindi Traders Association President Sharjeel Mir said before launching the beautification work and turning Raja Bazaar into walking street, the government should have constructed a parking plaza

He said that rising inflation and unavailability of parking space had affected businesses at Raja Bazaar.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2026

ISLAMABAD: In connection with the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement by Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, the Islamabad police organised a flag march in the city.

The flag march was led by SSP Operations Qazi Ali Raza and attended by SSP Security and Administration Sulaiman Zafar, the SP City zone and other senior police officers. The flag march commenced from the Sports Complex and passed through various major roads before concluding.

During the flag march, the national flags of Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia were prominently displayed. The atmosphere resonated with slogans of “Pakistan Zindabad” and “Long Live Pakistan-Türkiye-Saudi Arabia Friendship.”

Speaking on the occasion, the SSP operations Islamabad said that joint defence commitment between Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia was a symbol of shared strength and unity.

He said that the flag march represented a strong expression of national unity, defence cooperation, brotherhood and solidarity with the Islamic countries.

He said that the strong and longstanding relations between Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia were a matter of pride, while mutual trust, cooperation and partnership among the three countries were important for promoting peace, stability and unity in the region.

He stated that through the flag march, Islamabad Police had conveyed a message of national dignity, patriotism, defence solidarity and strong bonds with brotherly Islamic countries. He added that the strong partnership among the three countries was a clear symbol of their shared commitment, unity and brotherhood.

Similarly, all major Islamabad police buildings have been illuminated with special decorative lighting, while the national flags of Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia have also been displayed on police buildings.

Iesco offices decorated

The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) offices have been directed to be decorated to celebrate the development.

Chairman Board of Directors Iesco Dr Tahir Masood and Chief Executive Officer Engineer Chaudhry Khalid Mahmood in their joint statement said orders have been issued to decorate all Iesco offices as part of the nationwide celebrations marking the historic defence agreement. They said the agreement represented an important development for peace, stability and collective security in the region.

“The people of the three countries are connected through deep religious, historical and fraternal bonds”, they said.

They said the historic agreement was an important step towards promoting unity and cooperation among the Muslim Ummah, and will further strengthen defence, diplomatic and economic cooperation among the three countries.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2026

The missing girl’s family has announced a reward of Rs500,000 for the person who traces the missing girl and informs the aggrieved family.

The girl’s father was putting the children in the car to depart for their home in the early hours of Thursday when Hareem Ali vanished from the scene.

“The girl was standing near my car but when he turned towards the car door to unlock it, he found his daughter missing,” the girl’s father said in a statement.

According to Rescue 1122, detailed search was conducted again in a specific area of about 50 feet near the crime scene.

The missing girl’s father, Umair Ali, said the nullah was not visible due to accumulated rainwater. However, he did not believe his daughter had drowned, suspecting that she might have been taken away by someone.

Despite a detailed search, the missing girl could not be found after which the search and rescue operation was concluded on Sunday, the Rescue 1122 spokesman said.

The police have also viewed the Safe City cameras but could not find any trace of the missing girl as there was accumulated rainwater in the street when the girl went missing.

The police have also recorded the statements of the night watchman of the area to check the possibility of kidnapping but there were no such circumstances, a police official who was taking part in the search operation said.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2026

“So far, only two cases have been reported in Islamabad, and neither originally belonged to the capital city, as surveillance teams are doing remarkable door-to-door work to spread awareness among citizens,” said DG Health Services MCI/CDA Dr Irshad Ali Jokhio.

He said around 1,000 staff members were in the field to create awareness among citizens.

“I would request citizens to cooperate with our teams. Our purpose is the safety of citizens. There is no truth in reports that we are registering FIRs against owners of houses where larvae are found,” he said.

He added that wherever larvae were found in houses, the teams informed the owners and took steps to prevent their growth.

“Therefore, I would request citizens to fully cooperate with our teams. They are here for your help,” Dr Jokhio said, adding that within 15 days, the teams had removed 4,000 larvae from Islamabad.

Responding to a query, he said, “No, it is totally wrong that we have registered FIRs against citizens. On the first visit, if we find larvae, we immediately destroy them. Then we ask citizens to avoid stagnation of water in the future. After 15 days, our teams make another visit to check the status. If larvae are still found, our teams once again request the owners to remove the stagnant water.”

“After the third visit, if no action is taken by the house owners, notices are served for continued violation of SOPs,” he said.

He added that the chief commissioner and deputy commissioner of Islamabad and other concerned officers had been directly monitoring the dengue campaign.

“Their supervision helps us combat dengue in an efficient manner,” he said.

“I once again make it clear that there is no action against citizens; action is taken only in cases of repeated violations. Therefore, I would request citizens to cooperate with our teams, as without public support, targets cannot be achieved. So far, the public response has been very good, which has resulted in the removal of 4,000 larvae in 15 days,” he said.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2026

Work on the Mother and Child Hospital started in 2005, but the building is still incomplete. The project was launched by former interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed during the government of Gen Pervez Musharraf. Former prime minister Shaukat Aziz inaugurated the project in 2005.

During the two tenures of the PML-N government in Punjab, the work could not be completed. However, after the PTI government came to power in 2018, Sheikh Rashid announced that the work would be completed. But the project is still pending.

Commissioner Salman Ghani reviewed work on the under-construction hospital on Asghar Mall Road. Officials from the concerned departments, representatives of the construction firms, the Health Department and the Communication and Works Department were also present.

Completing project according to highest quality standards is Punjab govt’s top priority, says commissioner

The commissioner inspected various sections of the hospital, ongoing construction activities, the overall progress of the project and the quality of construction.

During a briefing, officials said the project had achieved 25 per cent overall progress, while construction of the hospital’s main structure had been completed. Alteration work, marble flooring, installation of windows, grills and doors, plumbing and brick masonry work were currently progressing at a rapid pace. The project is targeted for completion by December 31.

Mr Ghani stated that the hospital was a highly significant project for the region as there was currently no dedicated government children’s hospital of this nature in Rawalpindi and its surrounding areas.

Once operational, he said, the hospital would provide thousands of children with modern, high-quality healthcare services under one roof, eliminating the need for families to travel to other cities for specialised paediatric treatment.

He stated that the children’s hospital was a valuable gift from the Punjab government to the people of Rawalpindi.

Completing the project within the stipulated timeframe and according to the highest quality standards remained one of the Punjab government’s top priorities, he said.

The commissioner directed that all essential and modern facilities be ensured for the convenience of patients and their attendants.

These include separate executive washrooms for men and women, spacious parking facilities, comfortable waiting areas, clean drinking water, an efficient drainage system, high standards of sanitation, modern elevators, ramps for accessibility, emergency access routes, clear signage, wheelchair facilities, uninterrupted power backup, comprehensive fire safety arrangements and foolproof security measures.

The commissioner instructed that the installation of modern medical equipment and the completion of specialised wards, the emergency department, intensive care unit (ICU), operation theatres, laboratory, pharmacy and other medical facilities should be completed on schedule so that the hospital could provide comprehensive healthcare services immediately upon becoming operational.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2026

To streamline property distribution, the provincial government launched the ‘Wanda Karao, Sukh Pao’ initiative, enabling legal heirs to obtain ownership records and land maps effortlessly.

The initiative will reduce conflicts, curb litigation and promote fairness through a computerised land division system.

Previously, the lack of a structured mechanism fuelled family disputes and prolonged legal battles.

District Scrutiny Committee aims to resolve land disputes locally and reduce burden on courts, police and revenue department

The district administration also asked land revenue officials to improve services and provide maximum facilities to people seeking computerised land certificates and assistance in other related matters.

This was stated at the first meeting of the District Scrutiny Committee, held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Captain (retd) Nadeem Nasir.

The meeting was attended by CPO Rawalpindi Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera, Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue Sami Khan, all assistant commissioners, SDPOs, SHOs of the concerned police stations and clerks.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir said that the main objective of establishing the District Scrutiny Committee was to resolve land disputes at the local level on merit and in accordance with the law.

He said that land disputes were the main reason for more than 80 per cent of the cases, and their timely resolution would reduce the burden of cases on the courts, police and revenue department.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue Tayyab Sami Khan, while briefing the meeting, said that so far 200 cases had been received by the District Scrutiny Committee from the tribunal, out of which 20 cases had been heard.

The deputy commissioner heard various cases and issued decisions on merit after hearing the positions of the parties. He directed the submission of immediate reports on cases involving people making illegal claims without ownership and ordered that action be taken in accordance with the law.

The deputy commissioner also issued orders for the immediate distribution of lands included in joint land holdings so that each co-owner gets a share according to their legal ownership and land disputes can be resolved on a permanent basis.

Nadeem Nasir clarified that strict action would be taken against illegal occupants in accordance with the law, while the strictest action would also be recommended against those who submit applications based on false, baseless and incorrect information.

He directed the officers concerned to handle all cases on merit, with transparency and in accordance with the law to ensure prompt justice for the parties.

Published in Dawn, August 9th, 2026