Month: July 2026

Karachi: Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar on Tuesday visited the headquarters of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Sindh, where he was warmly welcomed by Inspector General (IGP) of Police Sindh, Javed Alam Odho.

During the visit, Deputy Inspector General CTD, Ghulam Azfar Mahesar briefed the Home Minister on the department’s ongoing intelligence-based operations against terrorism, operational performance, professional capabilities, future strategy, and the challenges being faced.

The participants reviewed ongoing counterterrorism operations, the use of modern technology, intelligence sharing, forensic capabilities, and measures to further strengthen institutional coordination.

Appreciating the CTD’s professional performance, successful counterterrorism operations, and the courage and commitment of its officers and personnel, Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar said that the CTD served as the province’s frontline force in the fight against terrorism, and that strengthening the department was essential for ensuring lasting peace in Sindh.

He directed the department to immediately submit comprehensive recommendations regarding available resources and additional requirements so that the Government of Sindh could address its needs on a priority basis.

The Home Minister stated that the Sindh Government would provide all possible resources to enhance the CTD’s operational capacity, professional capabilities, and integration with modern technology.

He stressed the need to further equip the department with advanced weapons, intelligence resources, forensic support, and technical facilities to intensify impartial and effective action against terrorists, their facilitators, and financiers.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar said that the zero-tolerance policy against terrorist elements would continue to be implemented without compromise, adding that there was no place for enemies of peace in Sindh.

He directed that intelligence-based operations and inter-agency coordination with federal intelligence institutions be further strengthened to ensure the timely dismantling of every terrorist network.

On the occasion, IGP Sindh, Javed Alam Odho stated that the Sindh Police was combating terrorism on every front with full determination, professionalism, and resolve. He noted that successful operations against terrorist elements were continuing due to effective coordination and timely intelligence sharing with federal intelligence agencies.

The IGP further said that the CTD was effectively pursuing terrorist networks through advanced intelligence, scientific investigation, forensic support, and an integrated operational strategy.

He added that efforts were being accelerated to eliminate terrorism completely by further enhancing the department’s capacity and ensuring the effective utilization of modern resources.

The meeting was attended by the Additional Inspector General CTD, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) CTD Operations-I, SSP CTD Operations-II, and other senior police officers.

Karachi: Governor of Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi met a high-level delegation of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan, led by its Convener Ghulam Muhammad Safi, at the Governor House.

The delegation included APHC General Secretary Pervaiz Ahmed Advocate, Sheikh Abdul Mateen, Zahid Safi, Sheikh Abdul Majeed and Secretary Information Imtiaz Wani. Muhammad Naeem Khan and other office-bearers also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the prevailing situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), alleged human rights violations, the IIOJK people’s right to self-determination and efforts to highlight the IIOJK issue more effectively at the international level.

The Governor Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi said that Pakistan would continue extending its political, diplomatic and moral support to the IIOJK people’s right to self-determination. He said the international community must fulfill its responsibilities regarding the serious human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The Governor Sindh said that the people of IIOJK have rendered unprecedented sacrifices over the past several decades. He added that the time has come for the long-standing IIOJK dispute to be resolved in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the IIOJK people, paving the way for lasting peace and stability in South Asia.

Hashmi further said that India has already tested the option of confrontation with Pakistan, adding that the IIOJK dispute cannot be resolved through the use of force but through a just settlement based on the United Nations resolutions and the IIOJK people’s right to self-determination.

APHC Convener Ghulam Muhammad Safi said that the Hurriyat Conference is a non-political movement whose primary objective is to strive for the IIOJK people’s right to self-determination. He stated that the entire central leadership of the Hurriyat Conference is currently imprisoned in India, including 34 women leaders.

Ghulam Muhammad Safi alleged that India is committing serious human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, affecting thousands of families. He said the conflict has resulted in thousands of widows, more than 100,000 martyrs and thousands of orphaned children. He added that the Kashmiri people continue their peaceful struggle for freedom and fundamental rights and remain hopeful that the international community will support their right to self-determination in accordance with the United Nations resolutions.

Ghulam Muhammad Safi further said that the Pakistan Muslim League had created Pakistan and expressed the hope that Kashmir would also become part of Pakistan during a Pakistan Muslim League government. He added that the international community is increasingly paying attention to Pakistan’s position, particularly appreciating its positive, balanced and conciliatory role regarding the recent developments involving Iran.

The delegation informed Governor Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi that a Kashmir solidarity rally would be held on July 8 to mark the 10th martyrdom anniversary of Burhan Muzaffar Wani, from the Arts Council Karachi to the Karachi Press Club.

The Governor Sindh described the rally as an effective expression of solidarity with the Kashmiri people and paid rich tribute to their struggle and sacrifices.

Karachi: The Sindh Cabinet, presided over by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, on Tuesday in one of its most significant policy meetings focused on agriculture, food security and rural development, approved the landmark Sindh Farmers’ Agricultural Collectives Act, 2026, ordered strict action against wheat hoarders, initiated reforms to digitise the provincial Food Department and reviewed the draft National Wheat Policy 2026-2030 aimed at transforming Pakistan’s wheat economy.

The cabinet meeting, held at the CM House, also approved a wide range of decisions relating to agricultural modernisation, inclusive education, prison security, revenue reforms, infrastructure development, welfare of Rescue-1122 personnel, fisheries monitoring, and the continuation of Pakistan Rangers’ deployment in Sindh.

Senior Minister for Information Sharjeel Inam Memon, accompanied by Minister for Agriculture Sardar Mohammad Bux Maher, Minister for Food Makhdoom Mahboobzaman, and Minister for Fisheries Mohammad Ali Malkani, addressed a press conference and spelt out the decisions taken by the cabinet.

In a major step towards transforming Sindh’s rural economy, the cabinet cleared the final draft of the Sindh Farmers’ Agricultural Collectives Act, 2026, paving the way for its introduction in the Provincial Assembly.

The proposed legislation seeks to empower small farmers, livestock breeders and fisherfolk by enabling them to pool land, resources and machinery, improve access to finance and technology, and directly connect with high-value markets.

Developed after extensive consultations with farmers’ organisations, the Sindh Chamber of Agriculture, the Sindh Abadgar Board and the State Bank of Pakistan, the bill establishes a comprehensive legal framework for collective farming and agribusiness. It defines small farmers as those owning or cultivating between one and 25 acres and extends the concept of collectives to livestock and inland fisheries.

The legislation introduces a democratic governance structure based on the principle of ‘one member, one vote,’ mandates representation of women and transgender persons, creates transparent profit-sharing mechanisms, and opens opportunities for participation in carbon-credit and ecosystem-services markets.

For regulation and oversight, the bill proposes the establishment of the Sindh Agricultural Collectives Regulatory Authority, which will register and supervise collectives, provide digital governance platforms, facilitate e-commerce linkages, manage climate and pest risks, and resolve disputes.

The government believes the initiative will promote mechanisation, strengthen farmers’ bargaining power, reduce dependence on middlemen and support climate-smart agriculture across the province, the chief minister said.

The cabinet was informed that Sindh faces a projected wheat deficit of 1.59 million tonnes during 2026-27, while wheat prices in the open market have risen significantly above the official support price of Rs3,500 per 40 kilograms.

The food department reported that flour mills, traders and private stockists were holding substantial wheat stocks, contributing to speculation and price increases. Expressing concern over the situation, the chief minister, in consultation with his cabinet, decided to launch a crackdown against hoarding to stabilise flour prices and protect consumers.

As part of broader reforms, the cabinet considered a proposal to establish an Integrated Wheat Management System to digitise procurement, storage, transportation and issuance of wheat across Sindh.

The Science and Information Technology Department endorsed the initiative and recommended involvement of the Sindh Information Technology Company (SITC). The chief minister directed the Food Department to move rapidly towards digitisation, enhance transparency and adopt modern commodity-management practices.

Murad Shah also emphasised greater private-sector participation in wheat operations and called for gradually transforming the Food Department into a lean, technology-driven regulatory body focused on policy, oversight and food security.

Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah said that digitisation of the food department was a part of the reform package being introduced in the food department.

The cabinet approved amendments to the Sindh Registration and Regulation of Fishing Jetties Rules, 2022, to strengthen monitoring and enforcement along the province’s coastline following the identification of 64 unauthorised fishing jetties.

Under the amendments, the Marine Fisheries Conservation Police will be renamed the Sindh Fisheries Security Service, headed by a District Fisheries Conservation Officer, to conduct monitoring, control and surveillance of marine resources.

The cabinet also endorsed the already approved expenditure of Rs236.55 million for 300 posts and approved an additional Rs63 million for the purchase of three speed boats to enhance coastal surveillance and enforcement.

Recognising the risks faced by emergency responders, the cabinet approved a policy framework providing financial assistance to families of Rescue-1122 personnel who lose their lives in the line of duty.

The package includes an ex gratia grant of Rs10 million, burial assistance of Rs300,000, continuation of salary or employment opportunities for next of kin, and a group life insurance cover of Rs5 million.

A dedicated Welfare Compensation Committee will determine eligibility and oversee disbursement of benefits.

The cabinet approved completion of the long-delayed Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Flyover Project in Hyderabad through the Works and Services Department.

The project, originally launched in 2016-17, had stalled despite significant progress, including construction of 24 bridge girders. The remaining work will now proceed after structural validation and compliance with legal and technical requirements

The cabinet reviewed the draft National Wheat Policy 2026-2030, circulated by the federal Ministry of National Food Security and Research.

The proposed policy seeks to transition from a government-led wheat procurement model to a market-based system, reduce subsidy burdens, encourage regulated private storage, maintain limited strategic reserves and modernise agriculture through improved seeds, mechanisation and better inputs.

To formulate Sindh’s response, the chief minister constituted a committee comprising the secretaries of Food, Agriculture and Law to examine the policy and submit recommendations to the cabinet.

The cabinet also discussed IMF observations regarding deregulation of the sugar sector and reaffirmed Sindh’s opposition to the establishment of new sugar mills.

The province maintained that regulatory authority over licensing, pricing and oversight should remain with provincial governments while supporting conditional deregulation, phased trade liberalisation and stronger competition safeguards to protect growers, consumers and environmental interests.

The cabinet authorised the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) and Aga Khan University’s Institute for Educational Development to sign a five-year agreement aimed at promoting inclusive education across Sindh.

The initiative will establish a Special Education Unit at AKU-IED, train more than 2,000 educators, develop model schools and learning resources, and benefit approximately 24,000 students. The Sindh government will contribute Rs278.56 million, while AKU-IED will provide Rs160.65 million.

The cabinet granted permission to the Inspector General of Sindh Prisons to procure 212 units of Chinese Submachine Guns (SMGs) from the Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF).

The decision resolves a procurement delay dating back to the 2016-17 fiscal year, when the prison department initially paid Rs. 46,394,886 to POF for 535 units of Russian AK-103 rifles. Due to international sanctions imposed on Russia, POF was unable to fulfil the original contract and offered the Chinese SMGs as an alternative. Due to inflation and a higher per-unit cost of Rs. 218,820, the original paid amount will now cover the procurement of 212 units.

DHA Phase VII Extension Stamp Duty

The Board of Revenue presented a finalised mechanism regarding the recovery of stamp duty for the lease of 262 acres of land situated at DHA Karachi, Phase VII Extension.

The cabinet confirmed a legally finalised Deferred Payment Plan to recover the total stamp duty of Rs. 2,496,532,500. Rather than full or partial exemption, the arrangement ensures the realisation of the entire chargeable amount to protect the provincial exchequer. The recovery will span a maximum period of three years, divided into six equal bi-annual instalments of Rs. 416,088,750, commencing in July 2026 and concluding in January 2029.

The cabinet approved a revised financial framework for the NED Science and Technology Park, a flagship Public-Private Partnership project of the Sindh Government.

The project was originally based on obtaining Special Technology Zone (STZ) status and related federal incentives, but could not proceed after new STZ approvals were halted due to IMF-related fiscal restrictions.

Under the approved alternative model, the Sindh Government will make a contingent commitment to purchase up to 40 per cent of the project’s unoccupied saleable area at market value, only if occupancy remains below the agreed threshold three years after commercial operations begin. The cabinet also approved necessary amendments to the concession agreement and authorised the concerned departments to move forward with implementation of the project.

Three-year SLA with Pakistan Single Window (PSW)

The cabinet deliberated and approved the execution of a new three-year Service Level Agreement (SLA) between the Board of Revenue and Pakistan Single Window (PSW).

Following the expiration of the previous agreement with Pakistan Revenue Automation Ltd (PRAL) in 2025, and the system’s transition to PSW, the new agreement covers the digital collection of the Rs 2,000 stamp duty charged on Bills of Entry (Goods Declarations).

The approved service fee rates (excluding SST) per paid bank challan are set at Rs. 40 for the 2025-26 financial year, and Rs. 44 for both the 2026-27 and 2027-28 financial years. To ensure robust revenue reporting, the agreement incorporates specific safeguards requested by the Finance Department, including real-time monitoring, view-only access integration, and customised reconciliation reports through the E-Pay Sindh platform.

Rangers’ deployment extended

The cabinet ratified the extension of the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in Sindh for another year, from July 20, 2026, to July 19, 2027, to assist Sindh Police in maintaining law and order.

Karachi: The Sindh Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), in a joint operation with an intelligence agency, has arrested two alleged militants affiliated with the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and claimed to have foiled a major terror plot in Karachi.

According to a CTD Sindh spokesman on Tuesday, the arrested suspects, identified as Mujahid Baloch, son of Dil Jan, and Farid Baloch alias Zakir, son of Ejaz Ahmed, had allegedly received training at BLA camps.

The spokesman said the suspects had undergone reconnaissance and communication training and were staying in Karachi on the instructions of BLA commanders Sajid Baloch and Bashir Zaib. They were allegedly collecting information on sensitive installations and were involved in establishing a network to carry out terrorist activities targeting sensitive installations and law enforcement agencies.

CTD officials said four kilograms of explosive material, detonators, prima cord and ball bearings were recovered from the possession of the arrested suspects during the operation.

Cases have been registered against the suspects at the CTD police station, while further investigation is underway.

Karachi: Highlighting Africa as one of the world’s most promising untapped trade frontiers, Honorary Consul of Malawi in Karachi Abdullah Zaki urged the Pakistani business community to shift its focus beyond traditional export destinations and capitalize on the immense commercial opportunities available in Malawi and the wider African region.

Abdullah Zaki was addressing a meeting at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), attended by Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) Zubair Motiwala, Vice Chairman BMG Jawed Bilwani, President KCCI Rehan Hanif, senior leaders and a large number of business community representatives, said a statement issued here on Tuesday.

Abdullah Zaki stated that Africa, particularly Malawi, offers significantly higher profitability and enormous untapped potential and extraordinary profit margins could be ensured through bilateral commercial linkages with African countries and direct exports.

Pakistan’s exports to Malawi recorded 7% growth during the past two years and exports of several Pakistani products, including bangles and jute products, had already commenced, he informed, adding that a substantial volume of goods originating from Pakistan and other South Asian countries are currently reaching Malawi through intermediary markets.

Encouraging the business community to actively explore new trade avenues, he assured to facilitate Pakistani exporters by providing market information, trade guidance and business connectivity.

Highlighting Pakistan’s positive image in Malawi, Abdullah Zaki said the Pakistani business community has earned immense respect and a strong presence has significantly contributed to strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala, speaking on the occasion, observed that Pakistan’s total trade volume with Malawi stands US$11.8 million which remains far below its true potential as Malawi serves as an important gateway to Southern Africa and is heavily dependent on imports, making it an ideal destination for a wide range of Pakistani products.

He stressed that Pakistan must formulate a focused strategy to penetrate emerging African economies by carefully identifying products currently being imported by Malawi from other countries and replacing those suppliers with competitive Pakistani exports.

Meaningful trade expansion requires detailed research, sector-specific engagement and market intelligence, Motiwala stressed and urged the Honorary Consul to prepare comprehensive import mapping of Malawi so that Pakistani manufacturers and exporters could be directly connected with the country’s import requirements.

He assured the Karachi Chamber’s complete support in promoting stronger commercial relations between Pakistan and Malawi while congratulating the Government and people of Malawi on their National Day.

President KCCI Rehan Hanif, while describing Malawi as the “Warm Heart of Africa,” observed that Africa remains one of the least explored yet most promising regions for Pakistani exporters. Malawi’s strategic location, surrounded by Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique, makes it an important regional trade hub despite being a landlocked country, he added.

Karachi: Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar on Tuesday visited the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) headquarters, where he was briefed on the department’s operational performance, ongoing counter-terrorism operations and future requirements.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh Javed Alam Odho received the minister on his arrival, while Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) CTD Ghulam Azfar Mahesar gave a detailed briefing on the department’s objectives, operational preparedness and actions against terrorist elements, said a news release.

The meeting was attended by the Additional IGP CTD, SSP CTD Operations-I, SSP CTD Operations-II and other senior officers.

The home minister commended the CTD’s professional performance, operational preparedness and strategy in combating terrorism. He directed the department to submit comprehensive recommendations on its existing and future resource requirements at the earliest.

Lanjar assured that the Sindh government would provide all possible resources to further strengthen the CTD’s operational capacity, professional capabilities and adoption of modern technology.

He described the CTD as the frontline force in the fight against terrorism, saying a strong CTD was essential for maintaining lasting peace in the province. He stressed the need to further equip the department with modern weapons, intelligence, forensic and technical facilities to ensure effective action against terrorists.

The minister reiterated the government’s policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, stating that there was no place in Sindh for elements threatening peace. He also directed that intelligence-based operations and inter-agency coordination be further strengthened, while action against terrorists, their facilitators and financiers be intensified without discrimination.

Speaking on the occasion, IGP Sindh Javed Alam Odho said Sindh Police remained fully committed to combating terrorism with professionalism and determination. He said successful operations against terrorist elements were continuing through effective coordination and intelligence sharing with federal security agencies.

The IGP added that the CTD was effectively dismantling terrorist networks through intelligence-led operations, scientific investigation and coordinated action, while continuously enhancing its operational capacity through the effective use of modern resources.