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.

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Friday approved a resolution reaffirming that workplace harassment was not limited to conduct of a sexual nature but may also include intimidation, humiliation and gender-based discrimination.

The resolution was presented by MNA Dr Shahida Rehmani, who is also the secretary of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC).

The resolution reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to protecting the dignity, equality and rights of every individual against all forms of workplace harassment and gender-based discrimination, in accordance with Articles 14 (inviolability of dignity of man, etc.) and 25 (equality of citizens) of the Constitution.

It underscored that workplace harassment was not limited to conduct of a sexual nature, but “may also manifest through gender-based discrimination, intimidation, humiliation, degrading treatment, hostile behaviour and misuse of authority, whether sexual or non-sexual in nature”.

The resolution reaffirmed the legislative intent and protections enshrined in the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, as amended in 2022, which expressly recognises discrimination based on gender, both sexual and non-sexual, to fall within the statutory framework of harassment.

It further emphasised that the absence of a sexual advance or demand does not diminish the seriousness of gender-based harassment or discrimination.

The resolution said that the dignity of individuals “cannot be subjected to narrow distinctions between different forms of harassment” and all conduct falling within the scope of the law “must be addressed with equal seriousness, fairness and accountability”.

Through the resolution, the NA was called on to urge the federal government and all concerned institutions to ensure the effective implementation of existing legislation in its full scope, ensuring that no individual would be deprived of statutory protection merely because the harassment or gender-based discrimination reported was non-sexual in nature.

The resolution concluded by reaffirming that a workplace free from harassment, humiliation and gender-based discrimination was “not a privilege, but a fundamental requirement of human dignity, equality and justice”.

Although the resolution did not refer to any specific incident, lawyers and journalists have recently raised concerns about a ruling by the Federal Constitu­tio­nal Court (FCC), in which it set aside an Islamabad High Court judgement in a workplace harassment case filed by a National Bank of Pakistan employee in 2012.

Authored by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, the FCC order reproduced the definition of harassment stated in the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act 2010.

The 2010 Act describes harassment as “any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favours or other verbal or written communication or physical conduct of a sexual nature or sexually demeaning attitudes, causing interference with work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, or the attempt to punish the complainant for refusal to comply to such a request or is made a condition for employment”.

Interpreting that definition, the FCC ruling said that an “act, conduct or attitude has to be sexual in nature, if it is to be covered under the definition of harassment for the purpose” of the 2010 Act.

ISLAMABAD – The federal government has announced a nationwide public holiday on the occasion of Iqbal Day and issued a notification to that effect.

According to the notification issued by the Cabinet Division, a public holiday will be observed across the country on Monday, November 9, 2026, to mark Iqbal Day.

The holiday has been granted under the annual holidays circular issued by the cabinet on January 19, 2026. All ministries and departments have been directed to ensure implementation of the notification.

Following the issuance of the notification, educational institutions and government and private offices will remain closed across the country on November 9.

Employees of offices and educational institutions that observe a two-day weekend will get three consecutive days off from November 7 to 9, while normal routines will resume on Tuesday, November 10.

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RAWALPINDI – Singapore’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF), at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a press release.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest, evolving regional and global security dynamics, and ways to enhance bilateral cooperation. They also exchanged views on regional peace and stability, stressing the importance of sustained engagement and cooperation in areas of shared interest.

The army chief reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its relations with Singapore, emphasizing that closer institutional linkages and constructive engagement are essential to promoting peace, stability and security in the region.

The visiting dignitary, for his part, welcomed the strengthening of ties between the two countries. He praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions to regional peace and stability.

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ISLAMABAD: In what is set to stir a new controversy, a bill proposing quarterly determination of natural gas prices landed in the upper House of Parliament on Friday.

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was introduced in the House by Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry at a time when the daily fuel pricing mechanism has drawn widespread criticism.

The bill seeks to insert a new Section 8A in the Ogra Ordinance, 2002.

Under the proposed mechanism, a licensee for natural gas will submit its total revenue requirement on a quarterly basis — only to the extent of wellhead gas prices and the cost of imported gas, including Re-Gasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) — for review by the authority.

Ogra will then advise the federal government, which must, within 30 days, advise minimum charges and sale prices for each category of retail consumer for gazette notification.

The bill also empowers the federal government to advise Ogra to carry forward the entire or part of a quarterly adjustment to its forthcoming half-yearly determination under Section 8.

In a clause likely to trigger debate, the bill amends Section 9 to state: “Provided that public hearing shall not be held by the Authority for revision of prescribed prices under Section 8A.”

The statement of objects and reasons states that the primary objective is to align tariffs with market realities by adjusting for Rupee-Dollar parity in a timely manner, signal accurate pricing, curb accumulation of circular debt in the gas sector and ensure financial and operational stability of the gas supply chain.

The bill landed in the Senate at a time when consumers are complaining of unpredictable fuel price shocks.

If passed, it shall come into force at once.

‘Will Karachi’s sea be shifted next?’

During the Senate session on Friday, PPP Senator Waqar Mehdi raised the proposed shifting of Pakistan Petroleum Limited’s (PPL) head office from Karachi to Islamabad, warning that a pattern was emerging of moving federal headquarters, ministries and corporations away from Karachi.

“The head office has been in Karachi since around 1951. Now attempts are being made to shift it to Islamabad through the board of directors, whose members are not elected representatives of the people,” Mehdi said.

He pointed out that the current office’s rent was around Rs4 million per month, but shifting would cost billions. Around 500 officers and employees from Sindh work in PPL and would face severe economic and family disruption if the head office was moved, he said.

“From the federal government’s conduct, it seems tomorrow they will talk of shifting Karachi’s sea to Islamabad as well,” Mehdi remarked.

He said PPL’s core activities, exploration, imports and related infrastructure were linked to Karachi and the institution had been working successfully from there. He demanded the decision be withdrawn.

PPP Senator Zamir Ghumro said oil and gas came under the domain of the Council of Common Interests (CCI).

“How can you shift it without the will of the CCI?” he asked.

In response, Chaudhry said PPL was a company and its board had repeatedly said vacating the office had become inevitable.

“We take everything towards provincialism, regionalism. PPL’s assets are not only in Sindh but also in Balochistan. No employees are being affected. There is no provincialism in shifting this office from Karachi,” he said.

KARACHI: 11 Pakistani fishermen, after spending several years in Indian jails for unknowingly crossing over to Indian waters while fishing, were reunited with their families in Karachi on Friday morning.

The men were handed over through the Wagah Border by Indian authorities some two months ago. On Friday, the Edhi Foundation brought them from Lahore to Karachi by ambulance. They arrived at 11:30am at the Edhi Centre near Merewether Tower, where their families had been waiting since morning.

It was a touching reunion where the fishermen, having been jailed for between four and nine years, finally met their families.

Some, like Kamal Hassan Bengali of Machhar Colony, who was in jail in India for eight years, returned to meet new family members. But his eyes grew moist knowing that his mother would not be there to greet him when he got home.

“The day our boat was captured by the Indian coast guard was the day my mother passed away. I only learned about her passing through a letter which reached me three years later,” Kamal told Dawn, as he held his eight-year-old niece Areeba close.

“I am meeting her (Areeba) for the first time,” he added, smiling through tears.

Asked how his boat crossed over to the other side, he said that they experienced an engine failure, following which the boat drifted towards Indian waters.

All of Kamal’s seven brothers and his sister have gotten married in the last eight years. His sister Manzoora told Dawn that with their mother gone, the responsibility of finding a good match for him now fell on her shoulders.

“I will get him married soon now that he is back home,” she said.

Noor Nabi Bengali, also of Machhar Colony, who was also with Kamal on the same boat, recalled their days in Indian captivity with sadness.

“We were given bad food. The lentils and plain rice or the potato and cauliflower curry that we were fed in jail would stink sometimes because it had gone bad,” he said.

Khamiso Siddiq Mallah from Shah Bandar said that he spent almost four years in Indian captivity. Now 60, he said that he has no intention of returning to fishing now that he is back.

“I will become a labourer, but I will never go back to sea,” he said.

Abdul Rehman of Korangi said that he was in jail in India for nine years.

“I don’t remember the name of my boat,” he said when asked its name.

“I only remember the horrible jail food and the lonely days I spent behind bars in India,” he shared.

“The attitude of the jail staff toward us Pakistanis never let me forget for a minute that we were in an enemy country. They treated us worse than animals.”

Mehboob Ali Mullah of Badin, who was in jail for three-and-a-half years, said that he could not wait to see his children.

“My journey doesn’t end here. I still have to travel to my village in Badin,” he said. “I have three children back home whom I cannot wait to see.”

Basheer of Machhar Colony said that he only knew how to fish, so he could not stop doing that if he wants to earn a livelihood.

“But what I’ll do is not ever fish in Sindh. I’ll fish in Balochistan, which doesn’t touch the Indian border,” he said.

“Now that I’m back in my country, I will eat good, healthy food to gain back the 70 pounds that I lost while in Indian jail,” he added.

Meanwhile, Saleem Sabro from Thatta, who has been looking for his missing fisherman brother for five years, came to give Basheer a good look.

“He looks like my brother Ahmed Ali,” he told Dawn, explaining, “I come here whenever Pakistani fishermen return from India to see if my brother might be among them.

“Among the fishermen released last year, I came across one who had information about my brother. He told me that he was in a jail in Ahmedabad,” he shared.

Sabro added that he had in the meantime contacted the Pakistan Embassy in Delhi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ansar Burney Trust, a non-government organisation (NGO), regarding his brother.

“He served his sentence two years ago, but still he has not returned home. During this time, I have also gotten his two daughters married and found an apprenticeship with a motor mechanic for his young son,” he said.

Many Pakistani fishermen continue to languish in Indian jails. According to Fatima Majeed Motani, the Chairperson of Fishermen’s Cooperative Society, there are still more than 70 Pakistani fishermen who unknowingly crossed over to India and are currently behind bars in India.

ISLAMABAD – Pakistani security forces on Friday took out several Afghan Taliban posts and military installations in areas bordering South Waziristan and Parachinar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to security sources.

The strikes were carried out by the Pakistan Army in response to unprovoked firing by Kabul regime personnel at Angoor Adda on October 27, the sources said. They added that Afghan Taliban personnel abandoned their positions and fled after the Pakistani action, and that multiple casualties among them were also reported.

On Wednesday, security forces had destroyed several Afghan Taliban checkposts in a retaliatory operation after an attack on civilians in Angoor Adda, South Waziristan. One person was killed and five members of the same family were injured in that attack, according to the sources.

The Deputy Commissioner of Lower South Waziristan said Afghan Taliban forces had opened unprovoked fire on the Angoor Adda bazaar and nearby residential areas. A mortar shell hit the area, killing one civilian and wounding five others, while several shops were damaged. He said Pakistani forces deployed along the border were mounting an effective and forceful response.

The incident comes amid recurring cross-border violence in the Angoor Adda sector. In late April, mortar shelling from across the border wounded civilians and damaged homes in South Waziristan, prompting Pakistani forces to target Afghan Taliban positions, according to security sources and local authorities. Those clashes followed renewed hostilities in February, when Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq.

Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to stop militant groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan.

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Pakistan’s armed forces targeted and destroyed several Afghan Taliban posts and military positions in areas adjacent to South Waziristan and Parachinar, state media reported on Friday, citing security sources.

According to state-run Radio Pakistan, the army “gave a befitting reply to unprovoked firing by the Afghan Taliban along the Pak-Afghan border in the Angoor Adda area” on Tuesday.

“Using heavy weaponry, the Pakistan Army forced Afghan Taliban personnel to abandon their posts and flee,” the report said.

Citing reports, it added that several Afghan Taliban regime personnel were also killed during the operation.

“Security forces remain committed to the defence of the country and the protection of its people and there will be no compromise on national security,” the report said.

On Tuesday, Afghan security forces opened unprovoked fire on Pakistan Army border posts and residential areas in the Angoor Adda border area, which claimed the life of one local and injured a family of five.

According to officials, the firing originated from posts located inside Afghan territory and targeted Pakistani border posts with sniper, small and heavy weapons.

Sources said that Pakistani forces launched an immediate and effective retaliatory action, engaging multiple Afghan Taliban border posts, mortar positions and defensive bunkers with small and heavy arms, including artillery.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi had condemned the firing, asserting that Pakistan would “never tolerate” attacks on its people or violations of its sovereignty.

Meanwhile, Pakistan had also dismissed a statement by Afghanistan’s defence ministry regarding the incident that claimed that Pakistan was the aggressor, terming it a “fabrication of lies”.

The border at Angoor Adda is one of the most important and sensitive crossings along the Pak-Afghan border, serving as a key trade route and one of the main points of public movement between the two countries.

Pak-Afghan tensions

Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Taliban administration in Kabul to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil, particularly those linked to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, that are used for attacks in Pakistan. Officials say those appeals have gone unheeded.

September witnessed another bout of conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

On Sept 21, in response to recent major terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan conducted “calibrated” airstrikes in the border region with Afghanistan against terrorist hideouts, with the government saying more than 28 terrorists were killed.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar described the action as part of Operation Ghazab lil Haq, which was launched on the night of Feb 26 in response to unprovoked cross-border firing by the Afghan Taliban.

Days later, Pakistan shot down eight drones launched from across the border that had entered Pakistani airspace near the Torkham border and Kohat. It was also reported that the Afghan Taliban engaged in unprovoked firing the night before near Kurram as security forces foiled an attempt by terrorists to cross into Pakistan.

In retaliation for the drone incursion, Pakistan conducted “precision aerial and drone strikes” in 10 locations across Afghanistan.

A demarche was also delivered to the Afghan side on Sept 26 on account of the Sept 23 airspace violation by drones, the Foreign Office said.

On Oct 1, Pakistan again carried out “well-planned and calibrated” airstrikes against terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan, the information ministry said, adding that the strikes resulted in the deaths of “multiple terrorists”.

Around mid-October, the state media reported that security forces had again responded to unprovoked firing by Afghan Taliban forces along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in KP’s Upper Kurram.

It quoted security sources as saying that several personnel of the Afghan Taliban were “reportedly killed during the Pakistan Army’s retaliatory action along the Ghuzgarhi border”. The sources further said that in the Upper Kurram sector, the army targeted the Afghan Taliban’s Topsar post and Shipola base camp with artillery fire, reportedly completely destroying the latter.

The border skirmishes came a day after the Foreign Office said that talks with Afghanistan could not be unconditional, but also rejected suggestions that Islamabad was unwilling to engage with its neighbour and said it would welcome sincere efforts by friendly countries to help resolve the dispute.

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) on Friday regretted the non-implementation of an earlier Supreme Court judgment in the sacked employees case, underlining that disregarding or delaying the implementation of the latter’s verdicts by the government amounts to “challenging the very framework of the legal system”.

The observation came while hearing a set of contempt of court petitions against the Punjab government, as well as the federal government, for not implementing the Dec 17, 2021 SC judgement — a verdict which had converted the review hearings to the jurisdiction of Article 184(3) only to safeguard the fundamental right to livelihood of a number of sacked government employees.

Subsequently, review petitions were instituted against the 2021 judgement that had rendered almost 17,000 government employees jobless by holding as illegal and unconstitutional a PPP-era law, known as the Sacked Employees (Reinstatement) Ordinance Act 2010 (SERA), under which thousands of people were employed or promoted.

On Friday, FCC judge, Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, emphasised that the orders of the SC, as the then-apex court before the 27th Constitutional Amendment, were “not merely recommendations or advisories but they are legal mandate that must be followed”.

Justice Najafi was a member of a three-judge bench, which was headed by FCC Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan, that had taken up a set of contempt of court petitions on the non-implementation of the SC judgement.

In a ten-page order, Justice Najafi observed that the decisions of the SC were the culmination of “vigorous legal scrutiny and deliberation intended to reflect upon the values and laws of the land”.

“It is imperative to underline that in a constitution democracy the rule of law is not just a principle but the foundation upon which the legitimacy of and the good governance in any system of government rests,” Justice Najafi observed.

“The SC, being the apex court of the country, was entrusted with performing the responsibility of interpreting the law, ensuring justice and upholding the Constitution,” the judge observed.

“The orders of the Supreme Court, as the then apex court, are not merely recommendations or advisories but they are legal mandates that must be followed.

“And compliance with the judicial decision is not a matter of courtesy but a constitutional requirement, the non-compliance of which not only disturbs the delicate equilibrium between the prestige of the court and the enforcement of rights but also sets a dangerous precedent that could lead to an executive overreach,” Justice Najafi emphasised.

“Besides, the implementation of these orders is crucial for maintaining public confidence in the judicial system. If their decisions can be easily ignored or set aside by the individuals or entities, public trust in the efficacy of the judiciary and the entire government is seriously undermined,” the judge emphasised.

“Consequently, the erosion of trust in the judicial system may lead to undermining the democratic system,” the judgement held.

Reverting to the case, the FCC noted that the SC judgement required that the beneficiary employees would have to undergo relevant tests applicable to their post to be conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) within three months.

To take aptitude, scholastic, or skill tests was the responsibility of the employer, and if it was not conducted, it would not be considered a fault of the employees, who never refused to appear in the test until today, the judgement said.

Admittedly, the employees were granted employment by one government, terminated by another government, reinstated into service by a government and then the Act of 2010 reinstating such employees was declared unlawful by the SC, and in all these situations, employees had committed no fault, the judge emphasised.

If an offer to take the test is not made, the employees could not be put at any disadvantageous position so as to deny the benefit of the said order now sought to be implemented, Justice Najafi maintained.

“We therefore hold that the conditions so imposed by the SC on the beneficiary employees were waived/diluted by the respondent-department due to the afflux of time and lethargy on their part and not for any fault of the employees.

“Such conduct cannot be awarded with any sentence of appreciation by FCC,” Justice Najafi said.

“The inaction on the part of the employers was marked with caution, persuading us to show our concern to a sorry state of affairs,” he cautioned.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed on Friday to strengthen strategic cooperation in oil storage, refinery upgrades, crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) procurement, and the minerals sector to promote bilateral economic ties, according to a statement issued by the Petroleum Division.

Saudi Arabia also announced the immediate introduction of same-day visa processing for Pakistani citizens at its embassy in Islamabad.

Pakistan has been planning to boost domestic storage for crude oil and refined products to increase its energy security. With no strategic petroleum reserves, the country has been left exposed to oil supply shocks resulting from the US-Iran war that has choked supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

The developments were announced after Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik met Saudi Arabia’s new ambassador to Pakistan, Dr Rajeh bin Tami Al-Baqami, to discuss opportunities for enhancing cooperation in the mining, petroleum and energy sectors, including strategic oil storage, refinery upgrades, LPG supplies and commercial engagement.

The minister appreciated the longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries and said Pakistan had approved a tax-neutral bonded policy modelled on international energy hubs such as Fujairah and Singapore, according to the statement.

“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-Mandab while facilitating access to Asian markets,” the statement said.

“The petroleum minister highlighted that strategic oil storage facilities in Pakistan would provide Saudi Arabia with greater flexibility in managing supply routes and accessing regional markets,” it added.

The statement further quoted the minister as saying that Pakistan planned to develop a major petroleum storage and refining complex at Hub in Balochistan under the 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 (VLCCs) and strengthen Pakistan’s potential as a regional energy corridor serving Central Asian and Chinese markets,” the statement quoted Malik as saying.

Malik also briefed the ambassador on investment opportunities under Pakistan’s ongoing refinery upgradation programme, which aims to modernise domestic refining infrastructure, improve operational efficiency and facilitate a transition to Euro-5 fuel standards.

He said the programme offered significant opportunities for Saudi investment and participation in Pakistan’s refining sector.

Appreciating Saudi Arabia’s support during recent global market disruptions, the minister thanked the Saudi authorities at Yanbu port for prioritising crude oil shipments to Pakistan.

He also discussed coordination with Saudi Aramco to increase crude oil procurement and arrange dedicated LPG shipments to meet Pakistan’s energy needs, particularly amid an anticipated rise in domestic gas demand during winter.

Both sides underscored that the strong defence and strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia provides a foundation for broader regional peace, stability and economic cooperation.

The Saudi envoy expressed Riyadh’s deep appreciation for Pakistan’s longstanding support, saying the two countries stood together in all circumstances.

The ambassador emphasised that the two countries’ defence and energy cooperation frameworks aimed to promote peace, stability and economic growth across the region.

The minister also announced that the Saudi embassy in Islamabad had introduced same-day processing of visa applications for Pakistani citizens to facilitate travel and strengthen business, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Malik invited Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Mining, Khalid al-Mudafier, to attend the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, scheduled to be held in Islamabad on November 12 and 13, highlighting further opportunities for cooperation and investment in Pakistan’s minerals sector.

Both sides expressed their commitment to strengthening their longstanding relationship through enhanced cooperation, investment and mutually beneficial partnerships in the energy and petroleum sectors.

The minister assured the ambassador that Pakistan deeply valued its historic relationship with Saudi Arabia and remained committed to expanding cooperation across strategic sectors.

Earlier in July, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to increase the country’s strategic petroleum reserves as a cabinet committee approved amendments to the oil refining policy.

LAHORE – The Lahore High Court has ordered the traditional slip (parchi) system for patients in all government hospitals across Punjab to be abolished within four weeks.

The court ruled that patients arriving at emergency and outpatient departments must not be forced to stand in long queues to obtain slips and complete registration, and should instead be provided immediate medical examination and treatment.

Justice Malik Javed Iqbal Wains issued the written order on a petition filed by the Judicial Activism Panel. The court directed the Punjab Health Department to introduce an effective, technology-based system for managing patients in public hospitals, so that unnecessary delays, overcrowding and long queues at registration counters can be eliminated.

According to the court order, the petition concerning the lack of basic medical facilities in government hospitals has been pending since 2020. Despite several court notices and directions, no party has so far submitted an implementation report. The court held that the continued failure to comply with its orders reflects an unserious and negligent attitude on the part of the officials concerned.

During the hearing, Special Secretary Health Nabila Irfan assured the court that the traditional slip system in Punjab’s government hospitals would be abolished within four weeks and replaced with a modern and effective patient management system.

The court also directed the Punjab Health Department to submit a comprehensive report on the medical facilities available in government hospitals, their quality, and the steps taken to improve them.

The Lahore High Court ordered all concerned authorities to submit detailed implementation reports at the next hearing, warning that legal action may be taken against officers who fail to comply with the court’s orders without justification.

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