Day: July 18, 2026

Peshawar: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has assured a delegation representing minority rights organizations of his full support for the timely processing of assent to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Hindu Marriage Act 2026, aimed at safeguarding the legal rights of the Hindu community in the province.

A high-level National Lobbying Delegation (NLD) for Minority Rights, led by Deputy Speaker of the Sindh Assembly Anthony Naveed, called on the Governor at the Governor House.

The delegation thanked the Governor for the unanimous passage of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Hindu Marriage Act 2026 by the provincial assembly and urged him to grant prompt assent to the bill to facilitate its early implementation.

The delegation said the legislation would provide legal recognition and protection to Hindu marriages in the province, ensure compulsory marriage registration, safeguard the rights of women and children, and facilitate access to legal documentation, including CNICs, inheritance and other official records through linkage with NADRA.

The delegation comprised Anthony Naveed, Haroon Sarab Diyal, Krishan Sharma, Pushpa Kumari, Romana Bashir, Atif Jamil Paggan and Jai Parkash Moorani.

Governor Kundi welcomed the delegation and acknowledged the importance of the legislation in promoting and protecting the constitutional rights of religious minorities.

He assured the delegation of his full cooperation for the timely processing of the bill and its effective implementation.

Speaking on the occasion, Anthony Naveed said the passage of the legislation reflected the inclusive vision of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and urged early assent so that Hindu citizens could benefit from the legal protections without delay.

Haroon Sarab Diyal said the Act would end decades of legal uncertainty surrounding Hindu marriages in the province and appreciated the role of the Governor, chief minister, speaker and members of the provincial assembly in supporting the legislation.

He said the National Lobbying Delegation would continue to work with the provincial government in framing rules and creating public awareness to ensure the effective implementation of the Act.

Sargodha: Police in collaboration with the local community,collected 70 blood bags during a donation camp organized for Thalassemia patients on Sunday.

According to a police spokesperson,the initiative was aimed at ensuring a steady supply of blood for patients who rely on regular transfusions for survival.

Superintendent of Police (Investigation),Imran Abbas Chaddar visited the camp and reviewed the arrangements.

He also met volunteers participating in the drive and appreciated their efforts.

Speaking on the occasion,SP Chaddar said helping humanity,especially children suffering from Thalassemia,was a noble cause and a collective responsibility.

He praised the voluntary blood donors for their contribution and expressed gratitude to members of the community for supporting the humanitarian initiative.

Hyderabad: The Police Facilitation Center Hyderabad will now provide the services of driving license renewal and issuance of the International Driving Permit.

The police spokesman informed here on Friday that the 2 services had been launched on the directions of Inspector General of Sindh Police Javed Alam Odho.

According to the spokesman, the center was already issuing learner licenses and with the addition of the 2 new services the citizens could benefit from the hassle free services of the center.

Abbottabad: The District Administration Abbottabad has issued a weather advisory after the Pakistan Meteorological Department forecast strong winds, thunderstorms and heavy rainfall at isolated places across various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from July 19 to July 23.

According to the advisory, all relevant government departments have been directed to remain on alert and ensure necessary precautionary measures to deal with any emergency arising from the expected weather conditions.

The district administration also urged tourists and travelers to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas, and stay informed about the latest weather updates throughout the forecast period.

In case of any emergency or for weather-related information, the public has been advised to contact the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Helpline at 1422 or the District Control Room at 0992-9310553.

Mirpur: The AJK Department of Inland Revenue has established an Excise Police Station and lock-up facility at the Toll and Excise Check Post Mangla, marking a significant step towards modernisation, improved enforcement, and strengthening the rule of law in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, it was officially said.

AJK IRD sources told reporter here Friday that the formal inauguration of the Excise Police Station was performed by Chairman of the AJandK Central Board of Revenue/Secretary of Inland Revenue Muhammad Younis Mir. On the occasion, he congratulated the officers of the department on establishing the first-ever excise police station in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and appreciated the efforts made by the department in this regard.

During a briefing, Commissioner Inland Revenue Syed Ansar Ali stated that latest Excise Check Post Marks Major Step towards modernization and implementation of rule of law that the establishment of the Excise Police Station and lock-up at Mangla represents a historic milestone in the journey of the Inland Revenue Department of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He said the facility would help ensure effective implementation of laws and strengthen enforcement mechanisms.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Chairman AJandK CBR/Secretary Inland Revenue Muhammad Younis Mir along with Commissioner (North Zone) Basil Siddiq, Commissioner (South Zone) Syed Ansar Ali, Secretary AJandK CBR Dr Shazia Habib, Deputy Secretary Inland Revenue Usman Azam, Additional Commissioner Inland Revenue Muhammad Mahmood Alam, senior officers, and field staff of the department.

Addressing the ceremony, participants highlighted that the establishment of the Excise Police Station and lock-up would play a vital role in taking strict action against tax evaders and law violators. They said the initiative would improve enforcement of laws, protect government revenue, and contribute to further strengthening of the financial system.

Special addresses were delivered by the chairman of the AJandK Central Board of Revenue. The latest excise checkpost marks a major step, Mir, Commodernisation and Revenue (North Zone), and the rules and law. diq, Commissioner Inland Revenue (South Zone) Syed Ansar Ali, Additional Commissioner Inland Revenue Muhammad Mahmood Alam, and other officials.

Following the inauguration ceremony, Chairman AJandK CBR/Secretary Inland Revenue, accompanied by senior officers of the department, visited industrial units located in the New Industrial Area, Mirpur. He received a detailed briefing regarding their operations and working procedures.

During the visit, representatives of the industrial sector apprised the Chairman of certain technical issues related to taxation matters. The chairman assured them of prompt efforts for the resolution of their concerns.

That is, Chairman AJandK CBR/Secretary Inland Revenue also visited Inland Revenue offices in District Mirpur and reviewed their performance, working procedures, and other administrative matters. He directed all officers and staff to continue their dedicated efforts for achieving the annual revenue targets.

Multan: The Motorway Police successfully foiled an attempt to steal valuable Intelligent Transport System (ITS) equipment on the M-5 Motorway, arresting two suspects red-handed during a timely operation near Uch Sharif.

Central region spokesman Syed Imran Ahmad said in a statement on Friday that the arrested suspects were identified as Waqas Aslam and Huzoor Bakhsh, both residents of Multan.

During the operation, police recovered stolen solar panels, electrical cables, circuit breakers, other ITS equipment, and sections of a high-value protective fence allegedly removed from the motorway infrastructure.

During initial interrogation, the suspects also confessed to their involvement in previous theft incidents targeting motorway installations, the spokesman said.

The arrested suspects, along with the recovered stolen property and the vehicle used in the crime, were handed over to the local police after completion of legal formalities. A case is being registered, and further investigation is underway to determine the suspects’ involvement in other similar incidents.

The motorway police reiterated their commitment to protecting national infrastructure and warned that strict action would continue against individuals involved in theft and vandalism of public assets.