Category: Pakistan

Dubai merchants continue to source Iranian products like saffron and nuts even after the UAE suspended formal trade with Tehran last month.

Opposition lawmakers in the Sindh Assembly rejected proposed changes to the Local Government Act on Saturday. They argued that allowing mayors and chairmen to stay in office after their terms violates the constitution. The group also demanded that all powers be transferred to elected representatives within 120 days.

The Rawalpindi Development Authority sealed apartments at Mid City Apartments on Service Road in Mouza Gangal. An enforcement team assisted by Punjab Police removed unauthorized offices, restaurants, and penthouses during the operation. Officials stated the action followed the Punjab Development of Cities Act, 1976, and RDA zoning regulations.

The federal government transferred Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi from his position as inspector general of the Islamabad Capital Territory Police. He has been appointed director general of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency with immediate effect. Captain (Retd) Muhammad Sohail Chaudhry will fill the vacant Islamabad police chief post.

Rana Sanaullah stated that discussions regarding the creation of new provinces should occur within Parliament rather than at economic forums. He noted that while public desire for such changes cannot be stopped, the final decision rests with the legislative body. The PML-N is currently consulting its party workers before issuing an official policy statement on the matter.

Sources indicate Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman requested assistance from President Donald Trump to combat Houthi threats in the Red Sea. The administration stated it would not engage in direct military action but offered intelligence sharing and targeting support instead. Reports confirm that Washington declined the request for strikes while maintaining continuous dialogue with regional partners.

Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb defended Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz against criticism regarding her use of a government jet for a private London trip and comments on regional security threats. Aurangzeb stated that the controversy stems from Nawaz's performance and popularity rather than the aircraft or her statements, noting she personally covered the travel expenses. She further urged those using her remarks to incite inter-provincial hatred to apologize to the public.

Pakistan strongly condemned drone strikes that damaged the East-West oil pipeline in Riyadh and Madinah regions of Saudi Arabia. The attacks caused injuries to civilians and prompted the shutdown of the vital energy conduit. Pakistan reaffirmed its support for Saudi sovereignty while calling for regional stability.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi addressed a conference in Islamabad on Saturday to call for strengthening the district judiciary. He described these courts as the backbone of the country's justice system and the primary point of contact for citizens. Afridi stated that public confidence must be earned through integrity, competence, and institutions that empower judges.

Intense fighting has resumed between Saudi-backed forces and Houthi groups in Yemen after a period of relative quiet. Pakistan, which holds defense agreements with both Riyadh and Tehran, states it offers support to Saudi Arabia but does not plan to join strikes against the Houthis. Officials indicate Islamabad seeks peace and stability while managing its dual diplomatic relationships.