The Provincial Disaster Management Authority issued an alert across Punjab for the ninth and final monsoon spell expected from September 12 to 17. Authorities warned of potential urban flooding in major cities and flash flooding risks in rainwater drains. A westerly wave is anticipated to enter upper regions, with specific districts facing rainfall between September 14 and 17.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Advocate General challenged a petition filed against PTI's planned September 27 protest, arguing that the party was not properly impleaded as a respondent. The Islamabad High Court is currently hearing the case with a larger bench led by Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar. Legal arguments focus on whether an appropriate remedy exists before the chief commissioner under Article 199 of the Constitution.
The Senate Rules of Procedure and Privileges Committee directed Pakistan International Airlines to initiate disciplinary proceedings against a cabin crew member accused of misbehaving with a senator. The panel also recommended an inquiry into an Airport Security Force officer regarding similar allegations involving parliamentarians. Officials stated that such conduct damages the credibility of government institutions and tarnishes the airline's reputation.
The Lahore High Court issued an order preventing medical colleges in Punjab from expelling Afghan students or cancelling their examination papers. Justice Khalid Ishaq questioned the validity of sending students back after they had completed several years of education and noted that a hearing should occur before any action is taken. The court adjourned proceedings to allow for further arguments regarding the matter.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced that Ali Asad Gilani will succeed Khalil Hashmi as Pakistan's ambassador to China. Hashmi is scheduled to return to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs next week after completing his tenure. Dar expressed confidence that Gilani will advance the bilateral partnership during his assignment.
The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics reported that the Sensitive Price Index increased by 0.23 percent for the week ending September 10. Year-on-year inflation stood at 8.62 percent, driven primarily by significant increases in petrol, diesel, LPG, and onion prices. Of the 51 items tracked, 14 saw price increases while 10 experienced declines.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered authorities to limit electricity outages to a maximum of two hours in any area. Officials attributed the power shortage to disruptions in re-gasified liquefied natural gas supplies caused by regional tensions. The government directed officials to utilize all available resources to address the supply gap and prevent prolonged blackouts.
Jamaat-i-Islami leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman declared that party members will march toward Islamabad on September 20 in opposition to the current fuel taxes. The group stated that ongoing sit-ins across multiple cities have now reached their 27th day of protest. Leaders warned that if the government does not withdraw the levy before the march begins, the movement will proceed as planned.
On Friday, officials and family members gathered at Ground Zero to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The ceremony included a moment of silence and the reading of names for the nearly 3,000 victims who died. A seventh moment of silence was also observed to honor those who have since died from illnesses related to the toxic dust.
The federal government increased the retail price of petrol by Rs5.02 and high-speed diesel by Rs5.28 per litre on Friday. These new rates will apply from Saturday, September 12, through Monday, September 14. This adjustment marks the fifth consecutive weekly revision in petroleum product prices.
