Month: July 2026

Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati directed authorities to acquire Christian Marriage Act draft approved by Sindh Assembly to assist in drafting a law for implementation in KP.

Chairing a consultative meeting regarding the Act in the assembly’s conference room on Saturday, Speaker Swati said that discussion aimed to openly address relevant issues and pave way for unanimous legislation through consultation with all parties.

He said that because religion was a highly sensitive topic, it was crucial to avoid emotional or unnecessary debates; instead, focus on finding workable, lasting solutions through mutual consultation.

Speaker Swati urged all relevant parties to sit together and address existing societal problems rather than ignoring them, warning that failing to implement timely reforms would increase social complications for which everyone would share responsibility.

To build a comprehensive and effective legal draft by consensus, he directed that Sindh Assembly’s draft law, along with proposals prepared by KP Assembly member Askar Pervez and other stakeholders, be provided to Law Minister Aftab Alam for a detailed review.

The ultimate goal, Swati highlighted, was to create best possible legal package that ensures welfare and improvement of all affected communities.

Moving forward, Speaker announced plans to contact Speaker of National Assembly to pursue a uniform, nationwide implementation if approved at federal level. However, he clarified that if progress is delayed nationally for any reason, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly will independently initiate legislation to provide a balanced and workable legal framework to people as soon as possible.

The meeting, besides others, was attended by Sindh Assembly Deputy Speaker Anthony Naveed, Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam, provincial assembly members Askar Pervez, Shazia Tehmas, Meher Sultana, and Gurdeep Singh.

Bahawalpur: A man died after he fell down from a tractor-trolley as he suffered from low blood pressure near Al-Fareed Town, Jhangi Wala road, on suburb of the city.

According to the rescue staff of the Punjab Emergency Service, Rescue 1122, a man was standing on top of a tractor-trolley fitted with a private water tank when he reportedly became dizzy due to low blood pressure. He suddenly fell to the ground and died at the scene after sustaining a severe head injury.

Rescue personnel arrived promptly and performed CPR, but were unable to revive him.The deceased’s family declined to have the body shifted to a hospital, and it was subsequently handed over to them. The deceased was identified as 46-years-old Dildar.

Peshawar: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday paid tribute to the police and security forces for successfully repelling an attack by militants on Yarik Police Station in Dera Ismail Khan.

In a statement, the Governor said the attackers launched a cowardly assault on the police station from three directions under the cover of darkness, but the police personnel and security forces displayed exceptional courage and thwarted the attack.

He said the security personnel’s bravery and professionalism deserved the nation’s appreciation, adding that their timely response prevented the militants from achieving their objectives.

Governor Kundi expressed confidence in the capabilities of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and other law enforcement agencies, saying the people of the province had complete trust in their dedication and commitment to maintaining peace and security.

He reaffirmed that the sacrifices and courage of the police and security forces in the fight against militancy would always be remembered and appreciated.

Hyderabad: Sindh Minister for Irrigation Jam Khan Shoro has that India by suspending provision of Hydrological data and agreement about water unilaterally is violating Indus water treaty which is the biggest threat to the peace and stability of entire region.

Addressing an important and urgent press conference here at Hyderabad Press Club on Saturday, Irrigation Minister warned India in stern words and said that any attempt to stop water of Pakistan or divert its direction will be considered as aggression

While quoting the past, the minister said that immediately after the establishment of Pakistan in 1947, water was used as a political weapon to weaken the newly established state, but the Pakistani nation thwarted these conspiracies with its steadfastness.

He further said that Pakistan has always respected the Sindh Basin Agreement, which allowed India to use the eastern rivers within the parameters of the agreement, but India changed the direction of the water of these rivers on a large scale, which caused environmental degradation, reduction in the flow of fresh water and vast agricultural lands, including the Indus Delta.

The minister further said that Sindh will suffer the most in the event of an obstruction.

The minister said that India has stopped providing the necessary hydrological data under the agreement, which has made it difficult to monitor the flow of water.

He said that Pakistan will fully defend its national interests instead of relying on international forums because the state will not allow its 24 crore people to be deprived of water and will go to any extent to protect its water rights and national sovereignty

Haripur: The district administration has sealed 12 poultry feed factories in the Khanpur and Hattar Industrial Estate during a large-scale crackdown against violations of environmental, labour and safety regulations.

Assistant Commissioner (AC) Khanpur Junaid Khalid led the operation, during which inspection teams found multiple violations, including inadequate control of air emissions, improper disposal of industrial waste and contaminated water, non-compliance with labour and occupational safety laws, unsafe working conditions for employees, and poor sanitation and environmental practices.

The AC directed that all vehicles transporting poultry waste and other industrial waste must be fully covered to prevent foul odours, environmental pollution and the spread of diseases. The district police have also been instructed to take strict legal action against vehicles found transporting poultry waste in the open.

The Haripur district administration reiterated that there would be no compromise on public health, environmental protection and the rule of law. It warned industrial units to ensure full compliance with environmental, labour and safety regulations or face legal action.

Citizens have also been urged to report illegal transportation of poultry waste or environmental violations to the AC Khanpur’s office for immediate action.

Faisalabad: A grand Mushaira (poetry symposium), organised by the Punjab Council of the Arts (PCA), Faisalabad Division, brought together prominent poets, literary figures and poetry enthusiasts, reaffirming the council’s commitment to promoting Urdu literature, nurturing creative talent and preserving the country’s rich poetic heritage.

Renowned poet and scholar Kausar Aleemi presided over the literary symposium while a large number of writers, intellectuals and lovers of literature attended the event.

Among those present were poet Tahir Siddiqui, Deputy Director Imran Raza and Assistant Director Zahra Batool, who joined the distinguished literary personalities in making the event a memorable celebration of Urdu poetry.

The Mushaira featured poetic recitations by leading poets including Manzoor Saqib, Tabassum Qadri, Dr Qamar Abbas Qamar, Asad Rizvi, Anwar Aneeq, Syed Farooq, Hussain Shah, Imran Hussain Pasha, Shahzad Baig, Saghir Shahzad Hashmi, Gohar Shirazi, Hakeem Muhammad Akram Shahid, Masood Chishti and Nasir Hussain Razi, who captivated the audience with their thought-provoking verses and diverse poetic styles.

The poets presented compositions reflecting a wide range of themes, including love, patriotism, social values, human emotions and contemporary issues.

Their recitals received warm appreciation from the audience, who repeatedly applauded the literary expressions and artistic excellence displayed during the session.

Speaking on the occasion, the speakers highlighted the enduring importance of Mushairas in preserving the classical traditions of Urdu literature and providing an effective platform for poets to share their creative work with a wider audience.

They said that such literary gatherings also promote cultural harmony, intellectual discourse and appreciation for the richness of the Urdu language.