WASHINGTON – The World Bank Group’s Board of Executive Directors has approved $150 million in financing for the Sindh Property Revenues Enhancement Program (Sindh PREP).

The program will improve urban property tax collection and strengthen municipal service delivery in Sindh.

“Cities that can raise their own revenues can plan and invest for the long term,” said Bolormaa Amgaabazar, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan. “Today, Sindh’s local councils depend on provincial transfers for more than 95 percent of their revenues. By helping Karachi collect the property taxes from its residents and businesses, and by reinvesting most of that revenue in local services, this program will give Sindh’s cities the means to finance the infrastructure they need.”

The Sindh Property Revenues Enhancement Program (Sindh PREP) will support the Government of Sindh in improving urban immovable property tax (UIPT) collection and strengthening municipal service delivery capacity in selected local councils of Sindh. Despite being one of the world’s largest cities, Karachi currently collects only approximately US$8.5 million annually in property tax while cities of similar size collect 82 to 350 times more.

The program aims to increase this to US$85 million annually – raising compliance from 20 to 50 percent. It will do so by strengthening UIPT collection, compliance, and administration, including through deployment of a UIPT management information system for billing, payment processing, and grievance redress, and by rolling out integrated financial management information systems across local councils. About 70 percent of collected UIPT revenues will be reinvested directly into municipal infrastructure and services in participating local councils.

The program will benefit Karachi’s 25 local councils. Its primary beneficiaries are the 3.58 million people living in these councils, where service delivery investments will be financed. Funding will be linked to results: annual performance assessments, conducted by an Independent Verification Agent, will determine the awards each council receives, and these awards will finance the rehabilitation of climate-resilient municipal infrastructure and services, including drainage, sewerage, schools, fire stations, roads, and street lighting.

The program also includes an Investment Project Financing component of US$40 million that will expand property surveys and UIPT administration to 20 local councils in Sindh’s other urban centers, with an indirect benefit to approximately 4.5 million people.

The post World Bank approves $150 million financing for Pakistan appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.

ISLAMABAD – The Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Islamabad has introduced same day processing of visa applications for Pakistani citizens to facilitate travel and strengthen business, cultural and people to people exchanges.

New Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan Dr. Rajeh bin Tami Al-Baqami made the announcement during a meeting with Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik.

Both sides also discussed opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation in the mining, petroleum and energy sectors, including strategic oil storage, refinery upgradation, LPG supplies and facilitation of commercial engagement.

The Minister welcomed the longstanding strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and conveyed that, during his recent visit to Riyadh, he had conveyed to Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud the leadership’s special sentiments of solidarity and affection for the Saudi people. He said Pakistan deeply values its historic relationship with Saudi Arabia and remains committed to expanding cooperation across strategic sectors.

The minister informed the ambassador that Pakistan has approved a tax neutral bonded policy, benchmarked against international energy hubs such as Fujairah and Singapore. Under this framework, Saudi companies can establish commercial oil reserves in Pakistan without local tax liabilities, offering an opportunity to diversify maritime transit risks associated with the Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al Mandeb Strait while facilitating access to Asian markets. He highlighted that strategic oil storage facilities in Pakistan would provide Saudi Arabia with greater flexibility in managing supply routes and accessing regional markets.

He further highlighted Pakistan’s plans to develop a major petroleum storage and refining complex at Hub, Balochistan, under guidance of Technip Energies UK. The proposed facility, supported by the Prime Minister and the Chief of Defence Forces, will have the capacity to accommodate Very Large Crude Carriers and strengthen Pakistan’s potential as a regional energy corridor serving Central Asian and Chinese markets.

The post Saudi Arabia launches same day processing of visa applications for Pakistanis appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.

RAWALPINDI – Pakistan is “cautiously optimistic” about its mediation role in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said.

In an interview with Reuters, his first following Field Marshal Asim Munir’s two visits to Iran this month, the military spokesperson described the visits as positive.

Responding to a question about the purpose and outcome of the visits, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that if the trips had not been productive, the field marshal would not have travelled to Iran twice. He reiterated that Pakistan remained cautiously optimistic about the developments.

Without identifying any specific parties, the DG ISPR said powerful elements were still creating obstacles and undermining efforts, as they believed the ongoing conflict served their interests.

However, he declined to discuss the details of Pakistan’s discussions with Iran or the extent of US support for its mediation efforts.

Field Marshal Asim Munir recently visited Tehran alongside senior officials from Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, where they held meetings with senior Iranian military officials and the country’s foreign minister.

The delegation included Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman and Türkiye’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin.

Commenting on the possibility of Iran joining the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, the DG ISPR said the agreement’s wording did not prevent new members from joining.

He said any country sharing the pact’s vision of collective defence and regional peace could be welcomed.

However, he clarified that the final decision would rest with the political leadership of the three founding countries.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement on August 7 this year. Under the agreement, an attack on any one of the three countries would be considered an attack on all three.

Following the recent meetings between the regional officials and Iranian representatives in Tehran, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei said regional security should be ensured by countries in the region themselves, without external interference.

Asked whether Pakistan could deploy additional troops to Saudi Arabia under the defence agreement, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said any such decision would depend on the prevailing situation and the political leadership of both countries.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to defending Saudi Arabia, particularly the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

At the same time, he stressed that Pakistan was not a party to the conflict in Yemen, describing it as an internal conflict within the country.

The post Pakistan ‘cautiously optimistic’ about mediating between Iran and US: DG ISPR appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.

HYDERABAD: Carpeting of a new road and opening it for traffic, despite many electricity poles still standing in the middle of the dual carriageway, has triggered a heated debate on social media as travelers risk life and limb.

Responding to the criticism from people, the Sindh government defended its decision to complete and open the road — connecting Alamdar Chowk with the old National Highway near Qasim Chowk — saying that the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (Hesco) had been showing lethargy in fulfilling its responsibility of relocating the poles after which such a decision was taken.

The poles carry high-tension lines emanating from near the 132-kV grid station of Qasimabad that feeds a considerably large part of Hyderabad city.

Social media users had uploaded videos of the road dotted with the poles a couple of days back with crispy comments.

CM says carriageway carpeted and opened to force Hesco into relocating transmission lines

The poles existed in their place when the road was being given the first layer of carpeting. Since the two ends of the road were not blocked with barriers, vehicles started plying along it supposing that there was no risk in using it. However, the poles posed a great risk to commuters’ life. Motorists and bike-riders have to drive in a zig-zag manner to avoid hitting the poles.

On Friday, the criticism forced Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to publicly explain that it was Hesco’s responsibility to relocate the poles. The power utility was provided funds for the work, but it did not carry out the work, he said while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the World Culture Festival in Karachi.

The chief minister said there was a major issue of land availability for the construction of the road. The chief secretary, he said, contacted the military estate authorities and got the land use permission.

He explained that as a matter of strategy, the government constructed the road first and restored the traffic so that pressure would come upon Hesco. He pointed out: “As soon as the road was constructed, public pressure increased and Hesco was forced to remove the poles”.

The road is a 1.6km-long dual carriageway which is part of three road projects involving a cost of Rs1.06 billion. It is entirely new for the people of Hyderabad and connects the city’s bypass from the Qasim Chowk road.

Until now used to be known as Ghora Ground, the artery has been converted to an asphalt road, the landscape otherwise being an abandoned waterlogged area used for electricity transmission to Deh Fouj Gah through the poles. The area is located within the administrative territory of the Cantonment Board Hyderabad and Military Estate Office (MEO).

Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Hyder Shah had obtained permission from the two offices to build this road in order to lessen the traffic pressure on Qasim Chowk and Wadhu Wah in Qasimabad. The work on the road project had begun in April this year.

Hyderabad mayor’s spokesman and district administration also had to respond to the criticism from people on social media. Sindh government’s spokesman Sadia Javed clarified the situation, but admitted that there was some sort of negligence seen on the part of the administration and that it should have put up barricades there with warning signs for commuters.

“When development schemes are executed, some issues do crop up,” she maintained.

According to Hesco spokesman Sadiq Kubar, Qasimabad grid station located near Alamdar Chowk feeds electricity to 27 feeders. Of them, 24 pass through this area which used to be an abandoned space until the road scheme was approved.

He said that out of the 27 feeders, 22 have been shifted to new poles and accordingly energised. The remaining five would also be energized, he added. Similarly, he explained, 100 high-transmission lines needed to be shifted and out of them, 50 were positioned in the area until this road project was conceived. He said that relocation of the poles involved a cost of Rs79m. He said that while these 50 poles stood removed from the road, as many others were located along the grid station.

Hyderabad Deputy Commissioner Zainul Abedin Memon, in his response to the issue on Thursday night, said that the road was not formally opened.

He claimed that barricades, cautionary signage and other deterrents were deployed by the executive agency concerned and the traffic police, “but commuters continue to breach them daily”.

He said proximity of Qasimabad grid station with the road necessitated relocation of electricity infrastructure, adding that until Wednesday (Oct 28), 97 poles had been shifted and the remaining ones would be relocated by Nov 10. He said only the ‘base binder course’ was laid; the final wearing (asphalt) course is yet to be laid. He said appropriate compaction is needed since it had previously been a waterlogged area. Thus, he added, ‘binder course’ is laid early.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2026

KARACHI: The Jamaat-i-Islami, along with some Clifton residents, moved the Sindh High Court against the provincial government for carrying out construction and development activities on Nehr-i-Khayyam.

Leader of the Opposition in the City Council Advocate Saifuddin and three others filed a petition, citing the chief secretary, local government secretary, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, Karachi Development Authority, Karachi Water & Sewage Corporation, Sindh Environmental Protection Agency and Boat Basin SHO as respondents.

They submitted in the petition that they were aggrieved by the ongoing construction and development activities being carried out in and around Nehr-i-Khayyam in Clifton including adjacent amenity plots, which has raised serious concerns about preservation of the natural waterway, potential adverse impact upon city’s rainwater drainage system and the possible commercial utilisation of land of such waterway.

They also contended that the construction, alteration and development were being carried out rapidly on the subject waterway and the mega project was being proceeded without a proper technical and environmental assessment, which may adversely affect the flow of rainwater, particularly during the monsoon season, thereby endangering public safety and the civic interests of residents of Karachi.

They further stated that the respondents could not lawfully disregard the approved planning framework or permit development inconsistent with the designated purpose of the watercourse and its associated public infrastructure.

Referring to previous judgements of the Supreme Court and the SHC, the petitioners maintained that the judiciary had stopped the construction in the vicinity of Nehr-i-Khayyam on a number of occasions, but after reported suspension of construction for a brief period, such activities had time and again been resumed.

The petitioners maintained that if these construction activities were allowed to continue without lawful authority, adequate technical assessment and compliance with the applicable environmental safeguards, the same would threaten the effective functioning of an essential storm-water drainage facility and expose the residents to risks of flooding and environmental degradation.

They asked the SHC to declare as illegal the alleged conversion, alteration or utilisation of the storm-water drain into a recreational park or commercial venture or any other inconsistent purpose without lawful authority and compliance with the applicable laws.

They urged the court to preserve Nehr-i-Khayyam for its lawful purpose and primary function as a storm-water drainage channel.

They also sought directives to immediately halt all ongoing construction and development activities and remove all structures, encroachments, unauthorised constructions, reclaimed portions and other works already erected or undertaken within the lawful boundaries of Nehr-i-Khayyam.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2026

LAHORE: During the current month in Lahore, as many as 1,763 smoke-emitting vehicles were fined, while a total penalty of Rs5.5 million was imposed.

During the same period, 739 vehicles were impounded and overloaded vehicles were offloaded in Lahore.

Furthermore, 2,018 industrial units were inspected across the Lahore division, resulting in 41 units and 146 restaurants being sealed for causing pollution.

Action was also taken at 49 locations in the division against burning crop residues. Consequently, eight FIRs were registered and a fine of Rs240,000 was imposed for burning crop remains. These details were shared during a meeting presided over by Lahore Commissioner Nauman Yousuf.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2026

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police have integrated anti-drone systems and surveillance drones operating across the province into the Safe City Peshawar’s Command and Control Centre to strengthen security and surveillance capabilities.

With the integration of Safe City cameras and anti-drone systems, live video and surveillance feeds from police drones operating anywhere in the province, including during field operations and offensives carried out against terrorists by the police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), can now be monitored at the Command and Control Centre.

Under the new system, hostile quadcopters and drones will not only be detected promptly but also neutralised, KP Safe Cities Project Director Deputy Inspector General Ijaz Ahmad said.

Addressing a news conference at the Command and Control Centre, DIG Ahmad said anti-drone systems installed in Peshawar and other cities had been linked to the centre.

Drones, anti-drone systems integrated into Peshawar’s Safe City network

He said live monitoring of police operations, including those conducted by the CTD across the province, had also become possible, facilitating the timely sharing of information.

The DIG said modern anti-drone systems had already been deployed in Peshawar, Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, Tank and Bannu districts to meet evolving security requirements and counter emerging warfare threats. Anti-drone guns had also been provided to police personnel in remote and sensitive areas of the province, he added.

He said the objective was to enhance the police’s ability to promptly detect and neutralise potential threats posed by hostile quadcopters and drones.

The DIG said monitoring and control of police surveillance drones across the province had also been incorporated into the central system.

“Now, during a police operation in any area, live video footage captured by drones will be transmitted to the central Command and Control Centre. This will keep senior police officers directly informed about the ground situation and help them support field operations effectively,” he said.

However, he said the lack of internet connectivity in some areas remained a challenge. Steps were being taken in collaboration with the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) to address the issue, he added.

He said the integrated use of modern technology, drone surveillance, anti-drone systems and centralised monitoring would further strengthen the police’s operational capabilities, security surveillance and response to militant threats.

Making the policing system more effective, coordinated and modern through technology was the need of the hour, he said, adding that the Safe Cities project was providing technical support to the KP police in this regard.

Meanwhile, the KP police have established a specialised human resource division trained in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) combat to wage high-tech warfare against terrorists, whose use of drones is evolving from surveillance and ammunition drops to swarm attacks.

The UAV division, initially conceived as an idea, was established in response to advances in terrorists’ capabilities and their growing shift from conventional street fighting to aerial warfare.

The personnel have been trained in modern drone operation, aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, counterterrorism, protection of sensitive installations and the use of UAV technology in high-risk operations.

The division is the first of its kind established by a police department in the country.

An official said the KP police had realised that technology alone was insufficient and had taken the crucial step of establishing a specialised division of personnel trained in UAV operations.

“These personnel are not only trained to operate drones for surveillance but are also capable of conducting electronic warfare against hostile UAVs,” he added.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2026

WASHINGTON: Pakistan has warned that the Taliban continue to allow terrorist groups to operate from Afghan soil, as a UN human rights expert urged member states not to normalise relations with the Kabul regime without verifiable improvements in human rights.

Addressing the UN Human Rights Council’s interactive dialogue on Afghanistan on Thursday evening, Pakistan’s representative Muhammad Jawad Ajmal said more than 4,700 Pakistanis had been killed in terrorist attacks originating from Afghanistan over the past three years.

Separately, UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett told the General Assembly that five years after seizing power, the Taliban had shown no willingness to reverse systematic human rights violations. Instead, he said, they had continued to deepen restrictions, particularly on women and girls.

Mr Ajmal said the deteriorating human rights situation reflected the Taliban’s continued disregard for their international obligations. Women and girls were being denied fundamental freedoms and basic dignity through practices that, he said, violated Islamic law, traditions and tenets of the Muslim faith.

He cited the ninth Ministerial Conference on Women, hosted by Pakistan in Islamabad in July, at which the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation adopted the Islamabad Declaration, expressing concern that Taliban restrictions on women and girls were inconsistent with Islamic values.

Mr Bennett urged member states to refrain from normalising relations with the Taliban until they reversed their oppressive policies.

Recent decrees, he said, had further undermined women’s rights, enabled violence against them and made it nearly impossible for women to leave abusive relationships. He also pointed out that the Taliban regime had permitted child marriages.

Pakistan’s statement focused heavily on the security threat it says originates from Afghanistan.

Mr Ajmal accused the Taliban of maintaining close links with terrorist organisations. He alleged that these groups operated with impunity on Afghan soil, with support from external actors targeting Pakistan and other neighbouring countries. The Taliban’s failure to publicly denounce them, he said, demonstrated their complicity and active support.

Mr Bennett’s report documented arbitrary detention, torture, sexual violence, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Afghanistan.

It also highlighted restrictions on freedom of expression, the exclusion of persons with disabilities, and discrimination or persecution faced by ethnic, religious, linguistic and other marginalised minorities.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2026

Trump says Iran wants to keep negotiating and that US 'has time' to do so; IRGC Navy claims 4 tankers exploded in Hormuz after traversing routes unauthorized by the Islamic Republic

Dopo il Vertice di Teheran la palla è interamente nel campo dell’Asia occidentale. Gli Stati Uniti non sono nemmeno in gioco

Segue nostro Telegram.

L’immagine trasmessa è stata sensazionale.

Il ministro della Difesa saudita, il principe Khalid, fratello di MbS; il capo dei servizi segreti turchi, Ibrahim Kalin; e il capo delle forze armate pakistane, il feldmaresciallo Asim Munir, tutti e tre membri a pieno titolo dell’Alleanza di Difesa della Mecca, entrano in una sala sontuosa del proverbiale palazzo persiano per salutare – o baciare l’anello – del potentato, pardon, del segretario del Consiglio Supremo di Sicurezza Nazionale (SNSC), Moshen Rezaee, numero due della struttura di potere iraniana, subito dopo la Guida Mojtaba Khamenei.

Non si trattava dell’Alleanza di Difesa della Mecca che, apparentemente, sfilava in parata – in rappresentanza dei neo-ottomani, degli arabi e dei sudasiatici. Si trattava del Vertice di Teheran – così come definito dai persiani.

L’Iran aveva acconsentito a tenere questo vertice rivoluzionario – in realtà suggerito da Asim Munir durante la sua visita a Teheran la scorsa settimana – solo al di fuori del quadro dell’accordo della Mecca, ed esplicitamente nell’ambito della discussione sulla «sicurezza regionale endogena».

Pertanto, sì, si è discusso di Palestina, Libano, Yemen, sicurezza del Golfo e dello Stretto di Hormuz, nello spirito di ridurre le proverbiali «tensioni regionali» e porre fine alla guerra degli Stati Uniti contro l’Iran e l’Asse della Resistenza.

Il Vertice di Teheran potrebbe alla fine significare l’accettazione – riluttante o meno – delle richieste di sicurezza dell’Iran e dello status definitivo dello Stretto di Hormuz, attualmente in fase di elaborazione tramite l’accordo Iran-Oman.

Tutto dipende, ovviamente, da ciò che la Casa dei Saud deciderà alla fine. E questa decisione è direttamente legata al modo in cui Riyadh risolverà il suo sanguinoso conflitto con lo Yemen.

Teheran è stata esplicita: siamo pronti a mediare e ad assistere nella risoluzione della questione yemenita; tuttavia, spetta a Riyadh affrontare – e accettare – le condizioni di Ansarallah. Altrimenti, la guerra – già in corso – continuerà.

Analisi delle «sette condizioni»

È stato il dottor Ali Bagheri Kani, il vicessegretario dell’SNSC di grande competenza, a fornire la migliore visione dall’interno di ciò che veniva discusso al tavolo delle trattative.

1. Le quattro nazioni hanno identificato Israele come la principale fonte di instabilità regionale, con l’Iran come bersaglio immediato e altri paesi potenzialmente i prossimi (corsivo mio). L’altra fonte sono gli Stati Uniti. Immaginate il principe Khalid che acconsente a tutto quanto sopra.

Un accordo sulla sicurezza duratura in Asia occidentale deve essere costruito dall’interno, senza dipendere da potenze straniere.

Teheran si è posizionata come l’anello centrale (il corsivo è mio) che collega Arabia Saudita, Turchia e Pakistan. Sentitevi liberi di rimanere sbalorditi.

Tutte e quattro le nazioni hanno concordato di proseguire i colloqui. L’Iran coordinerà il prossimo incontro. Non sono ancora state stabilite né la data né la sede.

Aggiunga ora a questo quadro già sbalorditivo uno speciale «Mohsen Rezaee Unplugged»: era decisamente di umore molto più allegro del solito.

Prenda questo passaggio saliente:

«Percepisco la presenza di una nuova atmosfera nella regione. Si è creata grazie alla resistenza del popolo iraniano e alla capacità delle forze armate. Ho avvertito un’atmosfera estremamente positiva nelle discussioni con questi signori».

Pur elogiando «il successo di questa discussione retorica e delle dichiarazioni», Rezaee si è mostrato cauto: «Abbiamo preferito non rilasciare alcuna dichiarazione in questo momento, ma rilasceremo un’unica dichiarazione congiunta in cui concorderemo su questi punti e raggiungeremo un’intesa; l’attuazione di tali questioni sarà concreta e reale, e procederemo in tal senso».

Nel frattempo, rimane un compito sisifeo: come costringere l’Impero della Pirateria a comprendere la diplomazia in Asia occidentale.

Bagheri-Kani: «Gli Stati Uniti devono soddisfare le sette condizioni dell’Iran». Ha poi aggiunto: «Rezaee ha menzionato oggi che il piano di sette giorni potrebbe essere ridotto a cinque giorni o addirittura a quattro».

Analizziamo questi numeri.

Le sette condizioni rimangono le stesse: sono la versione sintetica di quel «gatto morto» ricorrente, il Memorandum d’intesa (MoU), che lo stesso Trump ha strappato e sul quale insiste nel dire che non abbia alcun significato.

Ricapitoliamo: revoca delle sanzioni; cessazione delle minacce militari; riconoscimento del diritto dell’Iran all’uso pacifico dell’energia nucleare; cessazione del sostegno a Israele; riconoscimento dei diritti sovrani dell’Iran sullo Stretto di Ormuz; cessazione delle interferenze negli affari interni dell’Iran; e fornitura di garanzie credibili contro future aggressioni.
Persino i cammelli nel cuore del Nejd sanno che gli «Eccezionali» non adempiranno mai a nessuno di questi impegni.

Ciò che cambia ora è la tempistica. Secondo il piano originale, nell’improbabile eventualità che gli Stati Uniti avessero soddisfatto le condizioni, il sesto giorno lo Stretto di Ormuz sarebbe stato aperto; e il settimo giorno, come per volere divino, sarebbero iniziati i negoziati.
La nuova proposta di Rezaee può essere interpretata solo come una gioiosa provocazione: tutto può essere fatto in cinque giorni o addirittura in quattro, perché no?

Rezaee sta sostanzialmente affermando che tutte e sette le condizioni rimangono valide; ma se Trump fosse davvero interessato ai negoziati (non lo è: vuole una capitolazione), l’Iran non avrebbe bisogno di attendere sette giorni. Ne bastano quattro.

Qualunque cosa accada in seguito – e dopo le elezioni di medio termine negli Stati Uniti potrebbe benissimo verificarsi un attacco militare alla Trump – è Teheran a dettare ancora i tempi. Oltre alle sette condizioni – che costituiscono i prerequisiti per qualsiasi negoziazione. Oltre alla tempistica. Oltre al fatto che, in assenza di progressi, lo Stretto di Ormuz rimarrà chiuso.
Ciò che Bagheri-Kani e Rezaee – i due massimi responsabili della sicurezza – stanno sottolineando è che l’Iran ha presentato una fattura all’Impero della Pirateria. A proposito, ogni singola voce della fattura è già stata approvata dallo stesso Presidente degli Stati Uniti, per quanto egli cerchi di svicolare.

O sicurezza “endogena” o nulla

A prima vista, l’Alleanza di Difesa della Mecca avrebbe dovuto essere vista come un potente allineamento di sicurezza e difesa collettiva guidato dai sunniti.

Eppure l’ultima cosa che l’Impero della Pirateria, strategicamente svantaggiato, si aspetterebbe è che il trio iniziasse a esplorare vie di cooperazione con la nazione che era stato costretto a considerare una minaccia esistenziale.

Non sottovalutate mai i persiani. Dimostrando la loro consueta finezza, ciò che hanno appena fatto è stato ribaltare strategicamente il contenimento dell’Iran.

Nel prossimo futuro l’Iran potrebbe persino prendere in considerazione l’adesione all’Alleanza di Difesa della Mecca – che non pochi studiosi musulmani autorevoli descrivono effettivamente come una blasfemia nei confronti della Mecca.

Prima di ciò, gli «sceicchi del petrolio» – quelle controparti del Golfo Persico dei «chihuahua del Baltico» – potrebbero andare incontro alla loro rovina, qualora si rivelassero incapaci di disinnescare l’incessante incitamento anglo-salafita alle guerre settarie.

Gli iraniani sono devoti della sacra Mecca e di Medina tanto quanto gli yemeniti – poiché entrambi i popoli furono direttamente elogiati dal Profeta (gli iraniani furono indicati come impareggiabili nel discernimento della conoscenza e nella ricerca della saggezza).

E ciò spiega in definitiva perché questo incontro sia stato definito «Vertice di Teheran» – senza alcun nesso con l’idea di un patto della «Mecca».

Per quanto riguarda gli yemeniti, Mohammad Ali al-Houthi, membro chiave del Consiglio politico supremo di Ansarallah, ha posto le cose in chiaro: ha criticato aspramente le affermazioni dell’Arabia Saudita secondo cui la visita del principe Khalid a Teheran mirerebbe a un allentamento delle tensioni nella regione, sottolineando che la retorica diplomatica di Riyadh è in contraddizione con il protrarsi della guerra, del blocco e dell’occupazione dello Yemen.

Dopo il Vertice di Teheran, la Guida Mojtaba Khamenei ha incontrato di persona Mohsen Rezaee. Il Numero Uno che parla con il Numero Due.

Khamenei ha esplicitamente chiesto di porre fine all’attuale stato di «né guerra né pace» garantendo il rispetto delle sette condizioni e «mantenendo il controllo sullo Stretto di Ormuz».

Rezaee ha infatti illustrato a Khamenei l’idea di una sicurezza «endogena» in tutta l’Asia occidentale. Si tratta di una controparte diretta della spinta russa verso l’«indivisibilità della sicurezza» alla fine del 2021, alla quale gli Stati Uniti e la NATO avevano allora risposto con un silenzio elocitante.

Eppure ora la palla è interamente nel campo dell’Asia occidentale. Gli Stati Uniti non sono nemmeno in gioco. Spetta alla Turchia, all’Arabia Saudita, al Pakistan e all’Iran far sì che ciò avvenga.

ISLAMABAD: The Directorate of Building Control (City) of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Friday issued a warning notice to remove within 15 days a guards’ room and “unauthorised and illegal” construction at the residence of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in the federal capital’s posh G-6 sector.

The notice affixed outside the residence of the JUI-F chief — addressed to the legal owner of the property and dated Oct 30 (Friday) — highlighted three violations under the Islamabad Capital Territory Building Control Regulations 2020 (amended 2023).

It pointed out illegal and unauthorised construction in building setbacks (open spaces), a guard post built on CDA land, and a generator on CDA land.

The notice added that according to records, the owner submitted an affidavit on March 18, 2019, at the time of issuance of a no-objection certificate (NOC), in which he stated that setback violations would be removed within three months and all regulations would be abided by.

“However, it has been noticed that no compliance is made,” the CDA notice said. The authority directed that the mentioned violations be removed within 15 days, starting Friday.

The city manager warned that if the occupants failed to fulfil the legal requirements and remove the violations, the CDA would take action as per the relevant clauses of the CDA Ordinance and Islamabad Capital Territory Building Control Regulations 2020 (amended 2023), which it warned could lead to the sealing or demolishing of violations as well as the initiation of a case for cancellation of the allotment.

Meanwhile, after the notice was issued, Maulana Asjad Mahmood, the son of the JUI-F chief, claimed it was retaliation for pointing out alleged encroachments by a senior military official.

In a statement, Mahmood said that instead of responding to the alleged encroachments, the authorities resorted to what he described as underhanded tactics.

He expressed concern over the “transformation of political differences into personal revenge”. He said such actions were a matter of serious concern and urged the nation and JUI-F workers to remain informed and vigilant about the evolving situation.

Pakistan is “cautiously optimistic” about its mediation between Iran and the United States, the military’s spokesman said on Friday in his first interview since a high-level delegation visited Tehran this week.

Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir has been to Tehran twice this month, most recently on Monday alongside Saudi and Turkish officials.

“Why would the Field Marshal be going twice if it is not for some positivity? So yes, of course,” Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said when asked whether the trips were a positive sign.

“The word that we would use is always cautiously optimistic,” added Lt Gen Chaudhry.

There were still “powerful spoilers and detractors,” who believed conflict serves them, he added without naming them.

Speaking in Rawalpindi, he declined to say what was discussed or whether the US had backed the trip.

Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin joined CDF Munir in Tehran on Monday.

The talks were the first high-level contact between Iran and all members of the Makkah Defence Alliance since Saudi Arabia was drawn deeper into the conflict. Under the Makkah pact, of which both Saudi Arabia and Turkiye are a part and which was signed on August 7, an armed attack on one member is considered an attack on all.

The pact has taken on added significance as the Iran war has redrawn regional alliances and raised fears of a broader Middle East conflict.

After Monday’s talks, Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said regional security should be ensured by regional countries without foreign intervention.

The wording of the pact does not bar new members, Lt Gen Chaudhry said on Friday when asked whether Iran could join.

“Anyone who has a shared vision of collective deterrence and regional peace, why not? Everyone is most welcome,” he said, adding that it was for the political leadership of the three principal parties to decide.

Asked whether more Pakistani troops were being sent to Saudi Arabia under the agreement, the DG ISPR said that it would depend on the situation and the decision of both countries’ political leadership.

He said Pakistan was committed to defending Saudi Arabia and the holy sites of Makkah and Madina.

“We are not part of the Yemeni conflict, which is an intra-Yemen conflict,” he added.

Asked if there would now be larger military-led campaigns in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following the imposition of emergency and governor’s rules, Lt Gen Chaudhry said that was not how the army conducted counter-terrorism.

“Our counter-terrorism operations are based on what we call IBOs, intelligence-based operations… The tempo of the freedom of action of (those) IBOs will further increase,” he said.

LAHORE – Punjab is gearing up for massive economic transformation as Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz unveils a historic Rs1.99 trillion PIVOT plan, targeting over one million employment opportunities, 162,000 direct jobs and an additional $6.8 billion in exports. The ambitious three-year initiative aims to turn Punjab into a major industrial and investment hub through affordable business financing, modern industries and large-scale private investment.

The historic Punjab Innovation, Value Addition and Economic Transformation (PIVOT) Plan 2026–29, officially launched on Friday, October 30, sets out a three-year roadmap to turn the country’s most populous province into a competitive, export-driven industrial hub.

With a total proposed investment of Rs1,995.3 billion, the initiative aims to generate an additional $6.8 billion in exports, create 162,000 direct jobs and support employment opportunities for over one million people.

Addressing a high-profile ceremony attended by leading industrialists, bankers, diplomats and international development partners, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz declared that Punjab was entering a new economic era driven by innovation, industrial expansion and private investment.

She said her government was determined to replace administrative barriers with investor-friendly policies, allowing businesses to grow, manufacturers to compete internationally and young people to secure better livelihoods.

Rs300 Billion Financing Package for Businesses at Just 0–5% Rates

One of the most significant announcements under PIVOT is a Rs300 billion concessional financing initiative designed to help businesses expand without facing excessive borrowing costs.

The Strategic Trade Enhancement Programme (STEP), supported by a newly introduced digital portal, will offer eligible businesses financing at concessional rates ranging from zero to five percent, subject to programme conditions.

The scheme aims to encourage industrial expansion, technological upgrades and export-oriented investment.

The wider economic transformation strategy brings together Rs1,089 billion in planned government investment and a targeted Rs906 billion contribution from the private sector.

Maryam Nawaz made it clear that the government would act as a facilitator while entrepreneurs, investors and industrialists would lead Punjab’s economic expansion.

She invited investors from across Pakistan and abroad to explore emerging opportunities in the province, promising a more supportive and transparent business environment.

Rs753.7 Billion Push to Turn Punjab into an Export Powerhouse

Manufacturing and industrial modernisation form the backbone of the new economic roadmap, with Rs753.7 billion allocated for improving production capabilities, value addition and global competitiveness.

The initiative specifically targets Punjab’s established industrial strengths, including textiles, garments, sports equipment, leather goods, footwear, surgical instruments, pharmaceuticals, electric fans, cutlery, steel and ceramics.

A major focus will be placed on helping local manufacturers move beyond traditional production methods towards technology-driven, higher-value exports.

To ease the financial burden on industries, the Punjab government has earmarked Rs50 billion for solar installations and battery energy storage systems.

Another Rs50 billion has been reserved for the reimbursement of duties paid on industrial machinery, encouraging factory owners to introduce advanced manufacturing equipment.

The plan also includes modern testing laboratories, product certification centres and plug-and-play industrial facilities designed to allow businesses to launch production with less delay.

These measures are expected to support compliance with international standards and help exporters access new overseas markets.

Maryam Nawaz said Punjab’s industries must compete on quality, innovation and value addition rather than focusing solely on production volumes.

Farmers to Benefit from Four New Agro-Processing Parks

Punjab’s agricultural sector is also set for a major transformation, with the government planning four specialised agro-processing parks in Sargodha, Khanewal, Okara and Bhakkar.

The proposed facilities will focus on reducing post-harvest losses, improving food processing and connecting farmers with more profitable domestic and international supply chains.

The initiative seeks to increase value addition in wheat, citrus fruits, potatoes and mangoes while strengthening marketing and export opportunities.

In another major agricultural reform, specialised horticulture authorities are planned for 20 districts, alongside targeted export financing for horticulture and floriculture businesses.

The government also aims to expand commercial opportunities in livestock, dairy farming, fisheries, halal meat and milk-based products.

The objective is to shift Punjab’s agricultural economy from selling largely raw produce towards manufacturing and exporting higher-value products.

For farmers, these reforms are intended to create better market access, improve earnings and encourage private investment in agricultural processing.

Over 400,000 Youth to Receive Industry-Focused Skills Training

Young people are expected to become major beneficiaries of the PIVOT strategy, which includes an extensive technical and vocational training programme.

The Punjab government has set a target of training 402,060 individuals over the next three years, focusing on skills demanded by modern industries, technology companies and emerging business sectors.

Unlike conventional training programmes centred primarily on certificates, the initiative aims to connect vocational education with practical employment requirements.

The plan also seeks to support entrepreneurship and prepare young workers for opportunities in growing industrial and digital sectors.

Speaking about youth employment, Maryam Nawaz said Pakistan’s younger generation needed opportunities that could translate education into meaningful careers.

She stressed that vocational training must respond to the changing demands of employers and provide participants with skills capable of improving their long-term earning potential.

Punjab to Digitise 300 Government Services, Connect 2,000 Businesses to E-Commerce

The economic package also introduces an extensive digital reform agenda aimed at making Punjab more attractive to local and international investors.

Under the E-Biz initiative, 300 government and administrative services are planned to be shifted to digital platforms.

The move is intended to reduce paperwork, simplify business procedures, improve transparency and make government services more accessible.

Another target involves connecting 2,000 businesses to e-commerce platforms, helping smaller enterprises explore digital sales channels and reach wider markets.

The government also plans reforms to labour regulations, public-private partnership mechanisms and approved government-land leasing arrangements for productive economic activities.

Maryam Nawaz said investors should spend their time developing businesses and creating employment rather than navigating unnecessary administrative complications.

The new approach aims to create an environment in which businesses can operate more efficiently while public institutions provide faster and more transparent services.

Tourism and Technology Sectors Included in Major Development Drive

The PIVOT programme extends beyond traditional industries, placing tourism, hospitality, digital services and technology-related businesses among Punjab’s economic priorities.

Under the plan, tourism infrastructure will be modernised to improve visitor facilities and encourage investment in hotels, hospitality businesses and related services.

The government also intends to create opportunities for private-sector participation in developing tourism destinations.

Alongside these improvements, workforce training and business digitisation measures are expected to support technology-driven economic activity.

The broader objective is to diversify Punjab’s economy and create income-generating opportunities across multiple industries.

Pakistan’s Biggest Business Names Back Punjab’s Economic Vision

The launch brought together some of Pakistan’s most influential business personalities, signalling significant private-sector interest in the provincial government’s economic strategy.

Among those attending were Mian Mansha, Arif Habib, Fawad Mukhtar, Zaid Bashir and Usman Khalid Waheed.

State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad also participated alongside senior executives from major commercial banks and financial institutions.

International representation included ambassadors, diplomatic officials and development partners from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and United Nations agencies.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman were also present, together with provincial cabinet members and senior government officials.

The gathering brought government policymakers, financial institutions and industrial leaders together around the proposed economic transformation agenda.

Arif Habib Announces Pakistan’s Tallest Commercial Building in Lahore

In one of the ceremony’s standout moments, prominent businessman and real estate developer Arif Habib announced plans to construct Pakistan’s tallest commercial building at CBD One in Lahore.

The proposed project marks a significant investment announcement linked to Punjab’s development ambitions.

It also highlights private-sector interest in Lahore’s expanding commercial real estate market.

The announcement added momentum to the launch, demonstrating how major investors are exploring new development opportunities in the province.

Special PIVOT Board to Ensure Projects Deliver Results

To translate the ambitious economic blueprint into practical action, the Punjab government has announced a dedicated monitoring and implementation framework.

A PIVOT Board, chaired by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, will oversee the programme.

A specialised PIVOT Secretariat will be established in the Planning and Development Department, while a separate PIVOT Cell will operate in the Chief Secretary’s Office.

Deputy commissioners will serve as focal persons at the district level to support coordination and implementation.

A central PIVOT Dashboard and an Industry Scorecard will track progress against measurable targets, with regular reviews intended to identify delays and improve accountability.

Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman confirmed that the plan would be operationalised within six months.

Maryam Nawaz emphasised that the programme would be judged by its results rather than announcements alone, including actual investment, industrial growth, higher exports and employment creation.

New Era of Economic Prosperity

The launch of the PIVOT Plan 2026–29 represents one of Punjab’s most ambitious proposed economic development programmes, combining nearly Rs2 trillion in planned public and private investment with major reforms across manufacturing, agriculture, digital services and workforce development.

Its central targets include $6.8 billion in additional exports, more than one million employment opportunities, 162,000 direct jobs and hundreds of thousands of workers equipped with market-relevant skills.

Concluding the ceremony, Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed her commitment to building a Punjab where businesses flourish, industries compete globally, farmers receive better returns and young people have opportunities to improve their futures.

She said Punjab was opening its doors to investment and partnership, expressing confidence that cooperation between the government and private sector could turn the province’s economic potential into lasting prosperity.

 

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ISLAMABAD – A grim picture of Pakistan’s public health emergency emerged in the National Assembly, where Ministry of National Health Services revealed that millions of citizens are struggling with mental illnesses, hepatitis and HIV, while acute shortage of medical specialists threatens to deepen the crisis.

The official figures paint a troubling picture of a country where around 32.4 million people are affected by mental health disorders, nearly 12.9 million are living with hepatitis B or C, and more than 417,000 are estimated to have HIV. Even more alarming is the growing number of children affected by HIV, with 3,900 young patients registered in just 18 months between January 2025 and June 2026.

The revelations came in detailed report submitted by the health ministry to the National Assembly, exposing serious gaps in disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment across Pakistan’s population of around 250 million.

1,050 Psychiatrists for 32 Million Patients

One of key striking findings concerns Pakistan’s worsening mental health burden. The estimated number of people suffering from mental health disorders climbed from 30 million in 2019 to 32.4 million in 2023, an increase of 2.4 million within five years.

Islamabad alone has 300,000 people affected by mental health conditions. But the real concern lies in the country’s limited capacity to provide treatment. Despite millions requiring mental healthcare, Pakistan has only 1,050 registered psychiatrists nationwide.

This means one psychiatrist for every 245,000 citizens, highlighting a massive gap between the country’s mental healthcare needs and its available specialist workforce. The provincial distribution of psychiatrists also reveals significant disparities.

Punjab has 406 registered psychiatrists, while Sindh has 228. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa accounts for 122 specialists, whereas Balochistan has just 44. These four provincial figures account for 800 psychiatrists, with the ministry reporting 1,050 registered nationally.

Hepatitis Crisis

While mental health disorders affect millions, another silent health emergency continues to unfold across the country. Pakistan has the world’s largest hepatitis C patient population, according to the ministry’s report, which also places the country among the ten nations with the highest hepatitis C-related mortality burden.

Officials said around 9 million Pakistanis are infected with hepatitis C. Another 3.86 million people are living with hepatitis B, bringing the combined estimated burden to approximately 12.9 million.

Around 48,000 Pakistanis lose their lives to hepatitis-related complications every year, according to the figures presented to lawmakers. The report further revealed that more than 88,000 new hepatitis C infections occurred in 2024 alone.

HIV Infections Triple

National Assembly was also informed of a troubling rise in HIV infections, with the estimated annual number of new cases tripling over 14 years. According to the ministry, Pakistan recorded approximately 16,000 new HIV infections in 2010. By 2024, the annual figure had climbed to 48,000.

The report, citing WHO estimates, puts the number of people living with HIV nationwide at more than 417,000. However, only 92,148 individuals are officially registered with HIV treatment services. Of these, 67,878 are receiving antiretroviral therapy, the treatment used to control the virus and enable people living with HIV to lead healthier lives.

The major difference between estimated number of infections and officially registered patients raises serious concerns about undiagnosed infections, gaps in treatment enrollment and access to healthcare. On a positive note, the ministry reported a significant expansion in HIV screening.

Perhaps the most distressing disclosure concerns the growing burden of HIV among children.

The health ministry informed the National Assembly that 3,900 children living with HIV were registered between January 2025 and June 2026.

 

 

 

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ISLAMABAD – The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has issued a notice concerning the residence of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Islamabad, directing the removal of alleged encroachments.

In a notice sent to the property owner, Amanullah, the CDA has ordered the removal of a security guard cabin and a generator installed on a green area.

The notice also identifies a kitchen constructed at Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s residence as a violation of building regulations.

The CDA has directed the owner to remove the encroachments within 15 days, warning that the authority will take action itself if the instructions are not followed within the stipulated period.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the notice was part of a routine anti-encroachment campaign being carried out across the federal capital.

He added that religion or politics should not be used to defend illegal activities.

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The Trump administration plans to fly the Afghan immigrants from Louisiana to Pakistan, where they are expected to be expelled over the border to Afghanistan.

© Tomas Munita for The New York Times

LAHORE – Punjab government announced province-wide public holiday on Monday, November 9, 2026, issuing fresh notification to mark birth anniversary of Pakistan’s national poet, Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD) notification on Friday, October 30, ending uncertainty among employees and students over whether Iqbal Day would be observed as an official holiday this year. According to the notification, issued under reference number SOW-I(SG&GAD)2-1/2026, November 9 will be observed as a public holiday throughout Punjab.

The notification has been circulated to provincial authorities, including administrative secretaries, commissioners, deputy commissioners and heads of government departments, for implementation. Officials have also been instructed to ensure that the holiday announcement is widely publicised through national and regional newspapers and electronic media.

Three-Day Weekend

The announcement brings the prospect of an extended weekend for thousands of government employees and others who normally have Saturday and Sunday off. With November 9 falling on a Monday, eligible employees will enjoy three consecutive days off, beginning Saturday, November 7, and continuing through Monday, November 9.

However, the three-day break will depend on the normal weekly schedules of individual offices and institutions.

Punjab’s latest notification reinforces a decision already announced by the federal government earlier this year. Cabinet Division included Allama Iqbal Day in its official calendar of public and optional holidays for 2026, circulated on January 19. The federal schedule lists November 9 as a nationwide public holiday, confirming that the occasion is not restricted to Punjab.

The Punjab government has now issued its own notification to formally communicate the holiday across the province.

November 9 marks the birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, born in Sialkot in 1877. Widely regarded as the spiritual and intellectual inspiration behind the Pakistan Movement, Iqbal remains one of the country’s most influential poets and philosophers.

His writings on selfhood, freedom, faith and national identity continue to occupy an important place in Pakistan’s literary and educational traditions. Commemorative ceremonies, poetry sessions, seminars and special programmes are traditionally organised to honour his contributions.

Public Holidays in Pakistan 2026

 

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A Pakistani automotive manufacturer has opened up a manufacturing plant in the Philippines, it emerged on Friday.

In a post on the social media platform X, the Pakistan embassy in the Southeast Asian country said: “Pakistan-made three-wheelers have entered the Philippine market!”

It said that Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr inaugurated the assembly plant of Pakistan’s Sazgar Engineering Works Limited.

It highlighted that, facilitated by the embassy, the manufacturer was introducing its “passenger, commercial three-wheelers and electric vehicles” in the Philippines.

According to the official website of the Philippine president, the plant was inaugurated on Thursday.

It quoted him as saying that the inauguration of the plant marked “an important step in our journey to strengthen our country’s manufacturing sector and advancing the transition to cleaner, more sustainable transportation”.

He said that the plant was designed to assemble approximately 12,000 three-wheeled vehicles annually, covering both electric and internal combustion engines.

“Sazgar has been building vehicles in Pakistan for over three decades. When it chose its first home outside of Pakistan and its hub for all of Southeast Asia, it chose the Philippines. It placed its confidence in our country,” he said.

According to the company’s website, Sazgar is a public limited company headquartered in Lahore. It exports three-wheelers and parts to over 20 countries, including Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka and Nigeria.

KARACHI: Over 30 shops were destroyed when a blaze erupted at a furniture market in Karachi’s Gulistan-i-Jauhar in the early hours of Friday.

No injuries were reported, according to police and rescue services officials and the fire was later brought under control.

Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hassaan Ul Haseeb Khan said the fire erupted in a furniture market near Kamran Chowrangi. It spread rapidly due to the presence of wooden goods, engulfing the whole market, he said, adding that it also spread to nearby residential areas and even engulfed a house.

“The residents had already evacuated to safer areas; therefore, no injuries were reported,” Khan said, adding that when responders reached the scene, they initially extinguished the house fire, which damaged a portion of the residence.

“Six fire tenders managed to control the fire after hectic efforts lasting for three hours,” the spokesperson added. “The fire caused huge financial losses as all stored wooden goods were destroyed.”

He added that the exact cause of the fire could not be immediately ascertained.

Meanwhile, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) said its fire brigade received information about the fire at around 1:35am on Friday. Firemen reached the scene within 10 minutes; however, due to dry weather, wind and the presence of wooden items, the fire grew. It said that around 35 furniture shops were destroyed.

Affected shopkeepers told the media that the fire caused losses of millions of rupees.

KMC Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan, meanwhile, told the media that fire incidents tend to increase in Karachi’s dry season and that the furniture market was built on an open plot.

“Nearby huts were also established, and it was possible that the flames emanating from huts spread and engulfed the market,” he said, adding that around 10-12 huts were also destroyed in the fire.

Last year, a fire had also erupted in the same market. Rescue sources said there were “unconfirmed” reports that the furniture market was established reportedly on “disputed land”.

In 2015, a fire in the same market destroyed furniture worth hundreds of thousands of rupees. A contingent of eight fire brigades was immediately sent to the site of the incident, which was brought under control.

Fires frequently erupt in buildings across Pakistan due to a mix of poor infrastructure, weak enforcement of safety regulations, and widespread negligence. Many structures lack proper fire exits, alarms, and emergency protocols, while faulty wiring and overloaded power systems increase the risk of electrical short circuits.

The Gul Plaza inferno, which erupted on the night of January 17 at the mall, claimed at least 73 lives. The blaze took nearly two days to be fully extinguished and left over 1,100 shops in ruins.

In early February, a massive fire in a plastic factory at Landhi Export Processing Zone (EPZ) engulfed several nearby factories and took major firefighting efforts to be brought under control after 13 hours.

Days later, a fire erupted in a high-rise building near Karachi’s Baloch Colony, with around 150 people evacuated. On February 17, a fire at a chemical factory in the SITE Industrial Area was brought under control.

The next month, a blaze that broke out in Imtiaz Superstore’s Zamzama branch was brought under control after hours-long efforts by rescue officials.

In June, hundreds of people were evacuated as a fire erupted in the cold storage of a department store situated in a mega shopping mall on Rashid Minhas Road in Federal B Area.

In September, at least three people suffered minor injuries from smoke inhalation after a huge fire erupted in a factory at the Karachi EPZ, near Landhi Industrial Area. The blaze destroyed half of the three-storey unit and badly damaged other factories.