TRUMP SAYS DEAL WITH IRAN 'ALL SIGNED', ADDING THAT STRAIT
as a landmark diplomatic achievement that could enhance regional stability strengthen global economic confidence and pave the way for lasting peace in the Middle East
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari all hailed the breakthrough, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving international disputes President Zardari welcomed the announcement of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Washington and Tehran, expressing hope that it would lead to a comprehensive and lasting settlement
In a statement posted on X the president said the agreement would hopefully pave the way for a final accord and lay the foundation for durable peace across the region
He noted that Pakistan had consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy throughout the period of heightened tensions describing the development as a
significant step towards strengthening multilateralism and promoting the peaceful resolution of disputes through engagement and mutual respect
President Zardari expressed confidence that the diplomatic initiative would usher in greater peace stability and prosperity for both the region and the wider world
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier announced that the United States and Iran had reached an agreement after intensive negotiations with both sides agreeing to an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also welcomed the breakthrough calling it a triumph of sustained diplomatic engagement and collective international efforts
“This significant breakthrough reflects the power of sustained diplomatic engagement and the collective resolve of friendly nations to choose dialogue over confrontation,” Dar said
He described the agreement as a reassuring development for the international community that would help restore confidence in global markets and support economic stability, particularly for developing countries vulnerable to regional conflicts and geopolitical uncertainty
Dar said Pakistan had remained actively engaged with all relevant stakeholders throughout the crisis and consistently advocated restraint and constructive engagement “Dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable means of resolving disputes and addressing regional challenges he remarked
Tcommercial banks, fertiliser, technology & communication, transport, oil and gas exploration companies oil marketing companies and refineries Monday s rally followed announcements from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and US President Donald Trump indicating that a deal had
been reached to end hostilities between the United States and Iran
"The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete," U S President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform at around 5:30 p m in Washington (2130 GMT) on Sunday His post came shortly after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country has served as a mediator, announced a deal had been struck early on Monday local time The memorandum of understanding is scheduled to be officially signed on Friday in Switzerland
The precise terms were not immediately known Sharif said in a post on X that the pact called for "the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts including in Lebanon Iran said traffic through the strait would be regulated by it and Oman a potential blow to the rules of free trade and suggesting there might be a toll of some sort on transits
During the previous week the benchmark KSE-100
POWER CIRCULAR DEBT FALLS
Provincial governments are expected to transfer around Rs1 04 trillion to the federal government in FY2026-27 under grants provided through Article 164 of the Constitution, with Punjab accounting for more than half of the total amount according to budget documents
The federal budget estimates Punjab s contribution at Rs555 69 billion representing nearly 54% of the projected provincial transfers Sindh is expected to provide Rs263 67 billion, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are projected to contribute Rs157 02 billion and Rs58 63 billion respectively The grants have been included under the federal government s extraordinary re-
ceipts and are expected to become the largest component of that category in FY27 Budget documents show total extraordinary receipts of Rs1 067 trillion, with provincial grants accounting for more than 97% of the amount Other receipts include Rs25 6 billion in United Nations military reimbursements Rs5 billion in surplus profit from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), and Rs800 million from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority Article 164 of the Constitution allows provinces to make grants for purposes beyond their legislative jurisdiction Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on
Trump says deal with Iran 'all signed',
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
Vice President JD Vance said the US held significant leverage in negotiations with Iran and expressed confidence that upcoming talks would lead to a successful agreement "I think the best outcome is a good deal for the American people, which we have fundamentally " Vance said in an interview with CNBC Discussing negotiations expected later this week Vance said: We expect to have a full spectrum of representatives at the negotiation on Friday Again, we ve been talking to these people sometimes indirectly, but sometimes directly, and that's what s fundamentally changed under the president s leadership He said the Trump administration is now engaging directly with Iran adding: We have some good relationships there "
"This is going to be a successful negotiation, because you know we're not passing messages through various back channels anymore We re actually talking to them and when you talk to them you figure out what s real what s fake what are they serious about, what are they not serious about," he said Highlighting Washington s position ahead of the talks Vance said: "We fundamentally have all the cards here We don t have to give the Iranians anything if they don t make the commitments that we want long term on the nuclear program, and even if we just stopped here, what would be true? Their military is destroyed, the Straits of Hormuz are open their nuclear program has been destroyed and we have incredible eco-
nomic leverage over them that we didn t have a year and a half ago Vance further noted that Washington remained open to improving relations with Tehran, saying: "If you guys want to meet us if you guys want to change your relationship with the United States we will change our relationship with Iran That s the offer We re going to have to see whether they meet us there Addressing concerns about Israel's reaction to a potential agreement, Vance said: "Well first of all I think there are elements within Israel that like the deal quite a bit and I also think there s been some misreporting about the deal
He added that the administration hoped to release the text of the agreement this week and said it would make the region safer and help create "a new Middle East not just for the next few years but for the next generation
IRANIAN PRESIDENT SAYS WARENDING MEMORANDUM COULD BECOME SOURCE OF NATIONAL
PRIDE: Iranian President Masoud
Pezeshkian said that the MoU could become a source of national pride if all of its provisions were fully implemented Speaking on the sidelines of a national governance conference in Tehran, Pezeshkian said the agreement could help address many outstanding issues and pave the way for new conditions in Iran and across the region “If all provisions of this memorandum are properly implemented it will be regarded as a source of pride for the country, he said Pezeshkian described the memorandum as an achievement not only for Iran
but also for the wider region and what he called the resistance forces He said details of the agreement would be released at an appropriate time and noted that more than 90% of the members of Iran's Supreme National Security Council had backed it The president added that Iran s negotiating team would continue its work within the framework set by the country s leadership According to Iran's official news agency IRNA, Pezeshkian said authorities had agreed to sign the war-ending memorandum on Friday He also thanked Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, members of the Supreme National Security Council and other officials involved in the negotiations IRAN SAYS TOP IRANIAN, US NEGOTIATORS LIKELY TO MEET FRIDAY BEFORE SIGNING MEMORANDUM: Araghchi said that the heads of the Iranian and US negotiating delegations were likely to meet in Switzerland on Friday before signing the MoU and launching a new round of talks according to Iran s Tasnim News Agency Speaking after a joint meeting with members of parliament s Economic Commission, Araghchi said a meeting between the heads of the two delegations was expected to take place in Switzerland on Friday “The heads of the two delegations will likely meet in Switzerland on Friday and the MoU between Iran and the United States may be signed, after which the first round of subsequent negotiations will be held, he said
04
COMMENT
Peace, with caution
H
Tters
PA K I S TA N S Rs18 8 trillion federal budget for FY2026-27 is presented as a turning point, framed as a shift from stabilisation to growth, from austerity to recovery, and from constraint to renewed confidence Yet beneath this carefully constructed optimism lies a more uneasy reality The state is attempting to grow while still absorbing the costs of survival The result is a budget that signals movement, but not yet transformation At the macro level, the picture appears controlled Growth is projected at around 4 percent while inflation is expected near 8 2 percent The fiscal deficit is targeted at 3 6 percent of GDP External inflows provide some breathing space Remittances are expected to reach
Fold-andThrust Belt mapped world-class concentrations with peak anomalies reaching up to 1,403 mg/kg
The survey confirmed the existence of 12 out of 17 critical rare earth elements, demonstrating a massive structural wealth with independent valuations estimating roughly $6 trillion in untouched mineral value
From an International Relations perspective, the monetization of this data reveals the core mechanics of a calculated hedging strategy In traditional structural realism, small states are expected to choose a side or “bandwagon” during a superpower deadlock Pakistan however is executing a strategy of double engagement The geological data that mapped the country s mineral wealth was largely compiled through bilateral scientific initiatives involving Chinese geological surveys But the primary commercial vehicle selected to extract and process these targeted zones is a prominent U S defense-supply partner By actively inviting western mining capital into its resource sector Islamabad is practicing dominance-denial that is preventing any single superpower from maintaining absolute control over the country s strategic geological assets This sophisticated multi-vector approach is channelled through the state-backed facilitation body of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) By structuring agreements through a single window framework, Pakistan insulates these high-stakes global contracts from localized bureaucratic friction and external diplomatic pressure SIFC sidesteps governance problems it
doesn’t solve them Pakistan’s deeper institutional weaknesses such as political instability rule of law gaps and regulatory inconsistency remain For the minerals strategy to outlast a single government cycle these structural gaps cannot be permanently avoided
To transition these initial symbolic shipments into a long-term engine for economic sovereignty Pakistan must rapidly overcome the “refining trap” For the refinery phase to happen financing domestic political will technology and the security of the northern regions are all paramount Remaining a raw ore exporter keeps Pakistan permanently at the bottom of the global value chain The FWO-USSM deal includes a second phase: a poly-metallic refinery on Pakistani soil This refinery would convert raw concentrates into high-purity oxides moving Pakistan up the value chain If this second phase doesn t happen Pakistan remains a low-margin exporter of raw dirt The refinery phase is therefore not optional it is the difference between strategic leverage and strategic dependency Codifying this framework requires the creation of an independent National Rare Earth Authority (NREA) to provide institutional predictability while simultaneously leveraging CPEC 2 0 Special Economic Zones to anchor advanced regional processing hubs If Islamabad can maintain this independent, strategically coherent foreign policy path, it can successfully transform its mountains from a site of regional vulnerability into an indispensable node of global energy and defense architecture The geology is settled The politics are not That gap is where Pakistan s mineral future will be decided The writer is a freelance columnist
Dying for justice
Tensions over Venezuela
Iran’s strategic victor y and Israel’s growing isolation
HI S TO RY may ultimately record June 2026 as the month when the strategic balance of the Middle East began to shift in a manner few thought possible What started as an effort to weaken Iran curtail its influence, and force it into submission instead produced a different outcome Iran survived, endured, adapted, and emerged from the confrontation with its political system intact its strategic position preserved and its regional influence enhanced
At the outset of the conflict expectations in many capitals were remarkably similar The assumption was that the combined military, economic, technological, and intelligence capabilities of the United States and Israel would prove overwhelming Iran was expected to retreat compromise or collapse under sustained pressure The objective was not merely military success but strategic transformation: a weakened Iran, a diminished Axis of Resistance, and a Middle East reordered under terms favorable to Washington and Tel Aviv That objective was not achieved
The conflict demonstrated a reality that military planners will study for years Modern warfare is no longer determined solely by aircraft carriers, stealth bombers, advanced fighter aircraft, and defense budgets measured in hundreds of billions of dollars Iran relied on a different doctrine one based on strategic patience missile technology drone warfare cyber capabilities underground infrastructure and asymmetrical operations Rather than matching its adversaries weapon for weapon, it focused on raising the cost of confrontation and denying its opponents a decisive political outcome
This approach fundamentally challenged long-standing assumptions about military superiority
The lesson was simple but profound: overwhelming power does not automatically produce political success Nations with determination, strategic depth, and resilience can survive pressures that many observers consider impossible to withstand
The conflict also exposed a profound di-
vide within the Muslim world For nearly two years, the world witnessed the devastation in Gaza and the immense suffering of Palestinians Yet many of the region’s most influential states including Saudi Arabia the United Arab Emirates Bahrain Egypt Jordan and Türkiye chose caution restraint, and strategic calculation over confrontation Their leaders prioritized economic stability, national interests, and avoidance of a wider regional war Iran chose a different path It accepted the political economic and military risks associated with direct confrontation and positioned itself as the principal challenger of Israeli military power Whether one agrees with Tehran s policies or not, that decision dramatically elevated Iran’s standing across large segments of the Muslim world and transformed its image from a regional actor into a symbol of resistance
The military consequences of the war may prove significant, but the diplomatic consequences may be even greater Reports of expanding negotiations involving Iran, the United States, Israel, Lebanon, and Hezbollah suggest that the conflict may conclude not with regime change in Tehran but with arrangements that preserve Iran s core interests while reducing the likelihood of wider regional war
If such a settlement ultimately results in meaningful sanctions relief, access to frozen assets normalized trade relations and unrestricted energy exports the greatest beneficiary may not be the Iranian military but the Iranian people
For more than four decades, sanctions and financial restrictions prevented Iran from fully utilizing its enormous economic potential Despite possessing some of the world’s largest oil and natural gas reserves Iran often sold energy under difficult conditions and at discounted prices Economic normalization would fundamentally change that equation
The return of frozen assets and renewed access to international markets would
strengthen the Iranian economy, stabilize the national currency, reduce inflationary pressures, and attract investment from around the world Iran would be able to market its energy resources under normal commercial conditions generating revenues that could be directed toward infrastructure education healthcare, scientific research, technology, and industrial modernization
The country’s geographic location provides another extraordinary advantage Positioned at the crossroads of Asia Europe Central Asia and the Middle East Iran has the potential to become a major transportation logistics and energy hub Modern ports, rail networks, highways, industrial zones, and trade corridors could transform the country into one of the most important commercial gateways in Eurasia Cities such as Tehran Isfahan Shiraz Mashhad and Tabriz could experience rapid modernization Universities could attract international talent Research institutions could expand Advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, aerospace industries, and digital technologies could emerge as pillars of economic growth The transformation of Iran from a heavily sanctioned state into a major economic power would represent one of the most significant geopolitical developments of the twenty-first century
Another major consequence of the conflict concerns regional security Many governments in the Middle East have concluded that long-term stability cannot rest on overwhelming military imbalance The existence of a significant strategic disparity has encouraged regional actors to explore new security arrangements, deeper defense cooperation, and alternative mechanisms for deterrence
In this environment, Pakistan assumes a unique role As the only Muslim nuclear power Pakistan occupies a position unlike any other state in the Islamic world Therefore all middle eastern countries including Turkey are scrambling to sign defense deals with Pakistan to provide them counterbalancing deterrence to Israel’s nuclear capability
capabilities make it an increasingly important factor in regional calculations Whether through diplomacy
b i n e d m i l i t a r y s u p e r i o r i t y a n d u n c o n d i t i o n a l s t r a t e g i c
b a ck i n g o f t h e U S wo u l d e n a b l e i t t o m a t e r i a l i z e i t s e l u s i v e d r e a m o f g r e a t e r I s r a e l . I r a n Ês d e f i a n c e a n d t h e U S b e g g i n g fo r a p e a c e d e a l s u g g e s t t h a t t h o s e a s s u m p t i o n s
a r e b e i n g r e a s s e s s e d T h e c o s t s o f p e r p e t u a l c o n f ro n t a t i o n a r e r i s i n g T h e p o l i t i c a l
c o n s e q u e n c e s o f p ro l o n g e d c o n f l i c t a r e b e c o m i n g m o r e s ev e r e .
the polit-
Beirut’s
killed more than 3,300 people and injured more than ten times that number, according to Iranian authorities Twenty schools have been destroyed and 240 health and medical facilities have been damaged Water pipes have been blown up and cultural sites damaged including five world heritage sites and 54 museums Israel opened a second front of the war when it invaded its northern neighbour, Lebanon where it is fighting against the Iranallied militant group Hezbollah That war within a war has now become the most deadly part of the broader conflict – Israeli attacks have killed more than 3,700 people, according to Lebanese authorities, including women, children and medics The widespread Israeli bombing of civilian areas has displaced more than 1 million Lebanese people – roughly a fifth of the country s population More than 100 people have been killed in Iraq where Iran-allied groups operate and in Israel, about 50 people have been killed Since the start of the Iran war on 28 February, at least 15 US military personnel have died, and American bases across the region have been significant damaged Gulf countries including the United Arab Emirates Qatar Kuwait Bahrain and Oman faced Iranian drone and missile attacks, which have killed civilians and damaged hotels, airports, and critical oil and gas infrastructure Israeli forces have not halted the killing of Palestinians during the conflict including dozens in Gaza and the West Bank adding to the more than 70 000 killed in Palestine since the Gaza war began in 2023
the oil companies and the shareholders of arms manufacturers? Here are some ways the impact of the war has been assessed:
STUNTED GLOBAL ECONOMIC GROWTH: For years, Israel had pushed the US to bomb Iran but no administration in Washington agreed seeing it as counterproductive and fearing the political security and economic chaos that is now playing out The conflict has not achieved regime change or ended Iran s nuclear ambitions, but instead left governments and businesses scrambling in the fallout A peace deal has been announced but the terms or how it will be implemented remain unclear The IMF and the World Bank have marked down their forecasts for the global economy, showing how the Iran war has stalled growth Economists at the investment bank Goldman Sachs estimate that US economic growth will be
spectrum turned on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the announcement of the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding, with senior figures from both the opposition and the coalition describing him as “the father of the greatest strategic failure in Israel s history Officials warned of the agreement s security and military implications, with some rejecting any commitment to its terms or restrictions on Israeli operations in Lebanon CALLS TO REPLACE NE-
TANYAHU: Yair Golan leader of the Democrats party was among the sharpest critics describing the agreement as a difficult morning for Israel that had been reached over Israel s head Golan said on X that the agreement was “the result of many years of Netanyahu’s failure accusing him of selling Israelis a false image of security Netanyahu has become the father of the greatest strategic failure in Israel s history, Golan said, adding that Netanyahu had promised “total victory” but was ending his rule with “Israel” weaker and its enemies stronger while “the deterrence built with the blood of our fighters is eroding before our eyes Golan said that the military achievements that had been secured were squandered, while the prime minister stood weak, sick, isolated, and with almost no influence,” and stressed that replacing Netanyahu was not merely a political necessity but an existential security necessity
GANTZ: A STRATEGIC FAILURE: Former minister and Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz also described the agreement as a “strategic failure,” warning of its long-term consequences for the Israeli regime In a post on X Gantz said the agreement will force Israel to wage diplomatic military and legal battles in the coming years adding that Israel must not agree to any restriction on its “freedom of action” in Lebanon, nor to any withdrawal BEN-GVIR REJECTS THE AGREEMENT: Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir rejected the agreement outright claiming that the Israeli regime is not bound by it and is not subordinate to the United States In a post on X, Ben-Gvir called on Netanyahu to make “historic decisions ” saying “Israel” was facing “decisive
AL MAYADEEN ENGLISH
economic growth
The ADP was the centrepiece of Punjab s fiscal strategy Official development documents show the Rs1 24 trillion portfolio covered around 2,750 ongoing and new schemes, split into roughly Rs536 billion for ongoing schemes close to Rs471 billion for new initiatives and a further Rs233 billion in block allocations for special programmes including the Chief Minister s Local Roads Programme for underserved districts Transport and road infrastructure overall received over Rs335 billion, reflecting the priority placed on connectivity The social sectors education, health and social protection together accounted for nearly Rs494 billion about 40 percent of the ADP with education's development allocation alone close to Rs148 5 billion Major investments also went to climate resilience urban development, digital governance and agriculture modernisation A notable feature was the focus on budget utilisation and expenditure efficiency, an area where development
budgets across jurisdictions often struggle with low absorption and delayed implementation During FY 202526 the Planning and Development Board stepped up monitoring with the Provincial Development Working Party convening far more frequently to accelerate scheme approvals By the Board s mid-year review, releases against ongoing ADP schemes had reached roughly Rs536 billion of the Rs1 24 trillion programme, even as its leadership pressed line departments to translate releases into faster utilisation on the ground Greater inter-departmental coordination and digitised monitoring helped align allocations with actual spending Fiscal management also reflected strong discipline Despite higher development spending, the government maintained controls in non-development sectors, including a steep roughly 94 percent cut in domestic borrowing and an 88 percent reduction in Account-II (Food) expenditure compared with the previous year The province also built an Estimated Provincial Surplus of around Rs470 billion into its fiscal framework linked to the Federal Board of Revenue meeting its national collection target under Punjab s understanding with the IMF supporting broader macroeconomic stabilisation Revenue mobilisation remained another key pillar Of Punjab s projected revenue of about Rs4 890 4 billion roughly Rs4 062 2 billion was expected through the federal divisible pool under the NFC Award while the province set its own receipts target at Rs828 2 billion Rather than new taxes, the government pursued a probusiness, zero-new-tax approach focused on expanding the tax base improving documentation and enhancing collection efficiency including through property valuation reforms improving revenue buoyancy without raising the burden on households and businesses Punjab Revenue Authority was assigned a collection target of Rs340 billion, the Board of Revenue Rs135 5 billion and the Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department Rs70 billion Digitisation of tax administra-
Clashes erupt in Geneva as G7 protesters confront police ahead of Evian summit
tion improved enforcement data-driven audits and taxpayers' facilitation initiatives strengthened revenue administration contributing to greater transparency and reduced leakage FY 2025-26 also saw further consolidation of modern public financial management, with greater emphasis on performance-based budgeting, evidence-driven decision-making and digital financial systems Institutional reforms extended to local government empowerment with a Provincial Finance Commission award of Rs764 2 billion transferred to local bodies alongside dedicated allocations for waste management municipal services and a Rs70 billion social protection package for impecunious strata reinforcing the Punjab government’s emphasis on treating public funds as a trust to be managed with accountability
The year also reinforced Punjab's focus on development-led growth with large-scale investment in education health including new cardiology institutes such as the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology in Sargodha, infrastructure, housing, transport and social welfare designed to generate multiplier effects across the provincial economy and strengthen human capital
Overall FY 2025-26 stands as a significant milestone in Punjab s fiscal evolution: record development spending a more diversified ADP stronger financial governance enhanced revenue administration and renewed fiscal discipline together produced a more resilient, performance-oriented public finance framework While challenges remain, Punjab's trajectory guided by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's continued emphasis on transparency accountability and prudent stewardship reflects a determined effort to balance development ambitions with sound financial management, laying a stronger foundation for future growth and service delivery
(The writer is Lahore-based public policy analyst and can be reached at qudratu@gmail com)
Israeli attacks kill six in Gaza as mediators push to rescue ceasefire
CAIR O A G E N C I E S Israeli strikes and gunfire killed at least six Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, health officials said as mediators intensified efforts to preserve a US-brokered ceasefire that has remained in place since October 10 2025 despite repeated violence According to medics cited by Dawn, an Israeli air strike killed at least four people near AlYeman Al-Saeed Hospital in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza medical sources and eyewitnesses who spoke to Anadolu said the strike hit commercial shops in Jabalia and that several other people were wounded That report also said the dead included a child Separate shooting incidents were also reported in the south and north of the enclave Two people were killed in separate incidents in Khan Younis and Gaza City Express Tribune identified one of those killed as 30-year-
old Zaki Mohammed al-Qarra who it said was shot dead east of Khan Younis, while another person was moderately injured It also reported that a 13-year-old boy, Amir alBashiti, was killed by Israeli gunfire in the Batn al-Sameen area south of Khan Younis Express Tribune further reported that a Palestinian was seriously wounded in a drone strike on tents sheltering displaced people in central Khan Younis In northern Gaza, Israeli forces carried out demolition operations against civilian structures in areas where they are deployed east of
CORPORATE CORNER
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Monday directed commissioners, regional police officers (RPOs) deputy commissioners (DCs) district police officers (DPOs) and assistant commissioners to remain present in the field and personally supervise arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram
across the province
Chairing a high-level meeting to review Muharram arrangements, the chief minister called for the best possible administrative security and public facilitation measures and appealed to citizens to help maintain peace and order in Punjab
She also directed the administration to set up stalls providing cold drinking water along procession routes CM Punjab paid tribute to all departments for their performance during Eidul Azha and praised the coordination among government institutions She commended ministers, officers and officials for their dedication and hard work, saying the Home Department, intelligence agencies, police, Special Branch, CCD and Information Department had delivered outstanding performance She also appreciated commissioners deputy commissioners and RPOs across Punjab
She said the province witnessed exemplary cleanliness arrangements during
Eidul Azha and that government departments had demonstrated practical performance rather than making empty claims A new benchmark has been set for public service and protection, she said, while particularly appreciating the home minister, home secretary, local government minister and their teams The chief minister directed that Muharram arrangements this year should surpass those of previous years in
while the Suthra Punjab Authority has been directed to ensure the use of fragrance along the routes of processions and religious gatherings
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the implementation of a comprehensive three-tier security plan for Muharram-ul-Haram and appealed to organisers of religious gatherings to immediately download and activate QR-coded panic buttons installed at 4,700 Imambargahs across the province
During a briefing on Muharram arrangements security measures and administrative preparedness the chief minister was informed that the QR-coded panic button system had been introduced for the first time in Punjab Officials said that upon scanning the QR code, the relevant security and administrative agencies would be alerted instantly and respond without delay CM Punjab ordered authorities to ensure province-wide combing operations and real-time intelligence sharing at all costs She also directed that a three-tier security plan be enforced throughout Muharram
The meeting was informed that the use of drones during Muharram has been completely banned while no unlawful use of loudspeakers will be permitted The Punjab government will arrange cold and sweet drinking water stalls for mourners
According to the briefing, a total of 47,280 religious gatherings and processions will be held across Punjab during Muharram including 37 868 majalis and 9 412 processions
A total of 125 641 police personnel will perform security duties across the province To further strengthen security arrangements, 61 companies of the Pakistan Army and 76 companies of Rangers have been requisitioned Additionally 30 445 trained volunteers will assist law enforcement agencies in maintaining law and order
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority will carry out live digital monitoring of Muharram processions
More than 5 623 CCTV cameras have been activated across the province while 1 040 body cameras and modern drones will be deployed for field surveillance Over 1,000 advanced 4G event cameras have also been installed at highly sensitive locations
Officials further informed the meeting that LTE coverage would be provided at district headquarters in 11 districts in case mobile services are suspended More than 1,400 officers will remain on round-the-clock monitoring duty
from Safe Cities control rooms
The chief minister directed authorities to intensify intelligencebased operations (IBOs) against anti-state elements and banned organisations The meeting was told that 43 targeted IBOs had already been conducted across Punjab
Strict enforcement of approved routes and schedules for licensed processions was also ordered No new procession or route will be permitted during Muharram, and any violation will face zero tolerance
The government has imposed a complete ban on hate speech wall chalking and the display of weapons To curb provocative speeches and sectarian activity, restrictions have been imposed on 794 individuals, while the entry of 1 418 persons into specified areas has been prohibited
The meeting was informed that cyber response teams had been activated after identifying 359 social media accounts allegedly involved in spreading disorder and incitement Officials further stated that 1 220 coordination meetings had been held at the grassroots level under district peace committees across Punjab Walk-through
among the most vulnerable during heatwaves Their bodies heat up faster than adults and are less efficient at regulating temperature, making them more susceptible to rapid fluid loss and heat-related complications ” said Dr Irfan Habib Medical Director ChildLife Foundation He added that ChildLife Foundation recommends families to ensure children drink plenty of water and use Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) when needed avoid outdoor activity during peak heat hours especially between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM dress in light-colored and loose-fitting cotton clothing, and use fans, shade, and cool damp cloths to help regulate body temperature in homes without air conditioning “Families are also advised to pro-
vide light meals and water-rich fruits such as cucumbers, melons, and mangoes and to never leave children unattended in parked vehicles Parents and caregivers should remain alert for warning signs such as excessive thirst, dizziness, fatigue, headache, vomiting, confusion, rapid breathing, unusual drowsiness, reduced urine output, or high fever Immediate medical attention should be sought if these symptoms appear said Dr Irfan Dr Irfan emphasized that if a child shows signs of heat-related illness, families should seek immediate care at the nearest government hospital emergency department or ChildLife-supported pediatric emergency facility
cabinet had been reduced from 36 to 20 members, while the number of ministries had been brought down from 32 to 22
Regarding the dispute over 12 migrant seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly Chaudhry said the matter was protected under the interim constitution of AJK and should therefore be addressed through political, legislative or judicial mechanisms rather than street agitation
He also expressed disappointment that calls to postpone the planned long march had not been accepted despite repeated government appeals arguing that the decision contributed to violence and unrest
Recalling the incidents Chaudhry said four law enforcement personnel, including a member of the Frontier Corps, lost their lives during the disturbances
Energy shock reignites drive for solar and EVs
ISLAMABAD S
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for a transparent investigation into the killing of nine-year-old Hania Ahmed, who was shot when Punjab Crime Control Department personnel opened fire on her family’s vehicle in Chakwal after allegedly mistaking it for that of robbers Adeel Ahmed 39 his wife Dr Sidra Khan their daughter Hania Ahmed 9 and son Aafan Ahmed 10, came under fire during what was described as a robbery-related incident Hania was killed at the scene while Adeel and Aafan sustained critical injuries Dr Khan was not hurt Australian media outlets including ABC The Guardian and SBS reported on the case because the family are Australian nationals based in Perth and were in Pakistan on holiday when the incident took place Speaking to reporters in Can-
berra on Monday, Albanese said the matter should be thoroughly investigated by the authorities
"These circumstances do need to be examined They need to be examined in a transparent way so that everyone can know, the family, most importantly, but others as well," He added: Australia expects there to be transparency and a proper investigation of these circumstances Albanese also offered condolences to the family and their friends, and said the PakistaniAustralian community would be deeply affected by the incident
"A nine-year-old girl visiting Pakistan with her family should have been a time of joy Australia s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family Western Australia Attorney General Tony Buti described the episode on Sunday as a tragic case of mistaken identity Our thoughts and concerns
are with the family and the Pakistani community that live in Western Australia " The Pakistani Association of Western Australia said the Ahmad family had asked for privacy at this stage "We are in contact with family as they are passing through this hard time," Developments in Chakwal case
Separately two suspects linked to robberies on Wednesday night were killed in an encounter with CCD Chakwal, while a department official was arrested on charges of killing the minor girl and injuring her father and brother according to officials A senior CCD official said the two men were involved in a series of robberies committed within three hours on Wednesday night and claimed they were the same suspects who had exchanged fire with CCD personnel while the Australian national family was being looted
Shimla Hill caught in grip of growing ecological crisis
intravitreal injection
According to a statement issued by the Pims administration, the 74-year-old former prime minister, who is currently incarcerated
at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, underwent the procedure as part of continuing treatment for an eye condition that has required a series of intravitreal injections Hospital officials said ophthalmologists examined Khan before the procedure and found him clinically stable The administration said optical coherence tomography was also carried out and showed clinical improvement
Pims said the injection was administered by specialist surgeons under microscopic guidance The hospital added that the intervention was completed as a
day-care procedure and no complications were reported During the course of his stay he remained vitally stable before during and after the procedure and was discharged along with instructions for further care and follow-up advice and documents," it was stated The latest treatment was the fifth intravitreal injection given to Khan as part of his ongoing ophthalmic care He had previously been moved from Adiala Jail to the hospital on April 28, when he received the fourth dose after a comprehensive examination
