According to an official notification, the Balochistan government has imposed Section 144 across the province.

For 30 days, there will be a ban on displaying weapons, pillion riding, vehicles with tinted windows, unregistered motorcycles, gatherings of five or more people, processions and sit-ins. There will also be a ban on covering the face in public places.

According to the notification, legal action will be taken against violators.

During their warm and cordial conversation, the two leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional and international situation.

The Prime Minister thanked the leadership of Qatar for its strong endorsement and support of Pakistan-led peace efforts aimed at de-escalation and promoting regional peace and stability.

The Prime Minister expressed his deep appreciation for Qatar’s constructive role in regional diplomacy and for building a consensus in support of ongoing mediation efforts. Both leaders agreed on the need for continued close coordination and dialogue among all stakeholders to address common challenges.

While conveying his warm greetings and best wishes to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, the Prime Minister stated that he was looking forward to welcoming His Highness the Amir to Pakistan on an official visit very soon.

The two sides agreed to maintain regular high-level contacts to follow up on the outcomes of the conversation.

In a statement, the ISPR spokesperson said that the threat against Pakistan reflects “mental bankruptcy and war hysteria.”

The statement added that the Hindutva ideology has repeatedly pushed South Asia toward wars and crises, and emphasised that Pakistan is a key global player and a responsible nuclear power.

The ISPR noted that in a recent interview, the Indian army chief said that Pakistan should decide if it desired to be part of geography and history.”

The spokesperson called this remark “not only non-serious but reflective of a jingoistic and myopic mindset.”

According to the ISPR, Pakistan is an indelible part of South Asia’s history and geography, and has been a responsible nuclear state with global significance.

The statement also criticised the Indian leadership and said the remarks reflected that the Indian leadership had neither reconciled with the idea of Pakistan nor learned lessons despite the passage of eight decades.

The ISPR warned that threatening a sovereign nuclear state is neither a strategic signal nor a diplomatic tactic, but rather a sign of mental instability, war hysteria, and irresponsible behaviour.

It added that India was fully aware that any such geographic obliteration would be mutual and comprehensive and potentially impact the entire region.

The statement also pointed out India’s support for terrorism in the region, creating instability, conducting cross-border operations, practising transnational assassinations and running global disinformation campaigns.

The ISPR said India’s aggressive rhetoric reflects its frustration over its inability to harm Pakistan and a sense of humiliation it suffered during Marka-e-Haq.

The ISPR concluded by urging India to recognise Pakistan’s significance and adopt a path of peaceful coexistence in the region.

Otherwise, it warned, any act of aggression could have consequences that extend beyond geographic borders and prove intolerable for India.

The two leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional situation. FM Abdelatty appreciated Pakistan’s sincere efforts to promote regional peace and stability.

They also discussed matters related to the regional consultative forum of the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt.

The discussion also covered ongoing engagements pertaining to the UN Security Council and broader multilateral diplomatic developments.

FM Abdelatty also commended Pakistan’s successful humanitarian facilitation in the repatriation of 20 Iranian and 11 Pakistani seafarers via Singapore, who had been aboard vessels seized by the United States.

Both sides agreed to remain in close contact and continue consultations on regional and international developments.

FM Abdelatty reiterated the invitation to DPM/FM to visit Egypt for bilateral consultations at his earliest convenience.

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee met in Karachi to sight the moon, chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad at the Met Office. Members of the central and zonal committees, along with officials from the Meteorological Department and SUPARCO, attended.

Zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meetings were also held in Lahore, Karachi, Quetta and Peshawar.

Separately, the sighting of the Zul-Hijjah moon was confirmed in Tunisia and Turkiye, both of which announced Eid-ul-Adha on May 27. Tunisia declared May 18 as the first day of Zul-Hijjah, while Turkiye also fixed May 18, following astronomical calculations rather than traditional sighting methods.

Indonesia and Malaysia also reported moon sighting, setting Eid-ul-Azha for May 27, while India did not sight the moon and will observe Eid on May 28.

Speaking to the media after inspecting the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in Karachi, Memon said the biggest issue on University Road was mixed traffic, while the BRT project had entered its second phase.

He said a new road was also being constructed from Karachi Port to Jam Sadiq in Korangi to improve connectivity and traffic flow in the city.

“Karachi is the busiest city in Pakistan and traffic problems are being resolved,” He said, adding that modern facilities were being provided to residents and that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was addressing public issues on a priority basis.

Memon said the government’s current focus was on providing relief to the people rather than on elections.

Commenting on narcotics-related issues, he described the drug challenge as “very dangerous” and said authorities had failed to take the matter seriously in the past.

“There are drug problems all over the world, and it is the government’s responsibility to eliminate the drug network,” he said.

He added that several names had surfaced in connection with drug-related cases but declined to disclose them at this stage.

The meeting at the Presidential Palace lasted around 90 minutes and was also attended by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

According to Iranian media and the Pakistani embassy in Tehran, discussions focused on bilateral cooperation, regional peace efforts and the possibility of resuming dialogue to ease tensions in the region.

Momeni received Naqvi at the airport on arrival and praised Pakistan’s efforts, including those of Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, in supporting mediation efforts in regional disputes.

Naqvi also met Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, where matters of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation were discussed.

The Pakistani interior ministry said both sides reiterated their commitment to strengthening longstanding ties and continuing cooperation on peace, security and regional stability.

As part of her visit, she paid homage at the mausoleum of the national leader Heydar Aliyev, where she laid floral wreaths and offered prayers, honouring his legacy and contributions.

The visit to the tomb of the Father of the Nation of Azerbaijan reflects a gesture of respect and strengthens the spirit of goodwill and cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

Later, the chief minister visited the Alley of Martyrs, where she placed flowers at the memorial and honoured the sacrifices of Azerbaijani heroes.

Members of her delegation joined in paying tribute, praising the courage and devotion of those who gave their lives for their country.

Maryam Nawaz held a meeting with Ilham Aliyev, during which both sides agreed to promote brotherly relations and a strategic partnership between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

The two leaders discussed in detail the expansion of cooperation in political, economic, defence, and diplomatic fields.

On the occasion, the Punjab Chief Minister conveyed greetings from former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to President Ilham Aliyev, who expressed his best wishes for the Pakistani leadership.

Both sides also recalled historical ties and the long-standing friendship between Heydar Aliyev and Nawaz Sharif.

Heydar Aliyev was also referenced in this context of bilateral relations.

Maryam Nawaz praised the arrangements for the World Urban Forum and termed Azerbaijan’s hosting commendable.

During the meeting, Pakistan’s peace and mediation role following tensions between Iran and the United States was also appreciated, while emphasis was placed on promoting regional stability and cooperation.

Among those attending were Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and former federal minister Khawaja Saad Rafique.

Participants paid tribute to Altaf Hassan Qureshi’s contributions to journalism, intellectual discourse and ideological literature, describing his writings and journalistic work as a source of guidance for future generations.

Speaking on the occasion, Malik Ahmed Khan expressed condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family and prayed for the deceased’s elevated status in the hereafter.

Altaf Hassan Qureshi was widely regarded as an influential voice in Urdu journalism and literary circles through his longstanding association with Urdu Digest, a publication known for its intellectual and social commentary.

Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, ministers, political figures, government officials and guests attended the ceremony.

The ministers who took oath included Shafi Jan, Shakeel Ahmad, Tariq Mahmood, Nazir Abbasi and Arif Ahmadzai.

However, nominated minister Adnan Qadri could not take the oath as he was abroad.

The latest cabinet expansion saw the induction of six new ministers, four advisers, and eight special assistants, bringing the total strength of the KP cabinet to 30 members.

He prayed for the martyred lady constable and for the grant of patience and perseverance for the martyr’s family.

The prime minister issued instructions for immediate medical assistance to the injured.

He said the sacrifices of the martyrs in the war against terrorism will not go in vain, adding, “The government is determined to completely eradicate terrorism from the country.”

Earlier, police constable Shakeela Baloch was martyred in Turbat after being targeted by terrorists linked to Indian-backed proxy networks.

The attack occurred while she was on her way to duty, leaving her husband and child injured.

Officials described the incident as not only an assault on a responsible policewoman but also on the courageous women of Balochistan who stand on the front lines to protect the public.

By targeting women, teachers, and children, authorities said, these groups aim to spread fear and undermine the province’s social fabric.

Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the attack, calling it an assault on Balochistan’s peace.

He declared that the cowardly actions of terrorists are intolerable and vowed that anti-state elements will be brought to justice at all costs.

“The attack on Lady Constable Shakeela’s family exposes the brutal mindset of terrorists. Those who attack innocent civilians deserve no leniency,” Bugti said.

He further emphasised that targeting teachers and women is not only an act of violence but also an attack on Balochistan’s academic and cultural identity.

“Enemies of knowledge and awareness will be crushed under the law,” he said, adding that the government will ensure such elements face the consequences of their actions.

“Mohsin Naqvi arrived today in the Islamic Republic of Iran on an official two-day visit as part of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to facilitate talks and promote regional peace,” the Tasnim News Agency reported.

Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni received Naqvi, whose visit to Tehran comes days after that of Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

In April, Field Marshal Munir, along with a Pakistani delegation including Naqvi, paid a three-day visit to Tehran, where he met Iranian civil and military leadership as part of Islamabad’s mediation efforts to end the US-Israeli war on Iran.

During his stay, he met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran and Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters Commander Major General Ali Abdollahi.

Field Marshal Munir had also held separate meetings with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Iran’s Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf, who were part of the delegation that held direct talks with a US delegation in Islamabad last month.

In today’s meeting with Naqvi, Momeni appreciated Field Marshal Munir’s efforts to help resolve tensions with the US, Iranian media reported.

Islamabad has been actively mediating in the peace talks between Iran and the US, and last month hosted a high-stakes meeting between delegations from both sides.

A ceasefire that began on April 8 has largely halted the fighting that erupted when US and Israeli forces attacked Iran on February 28.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that Tehran had received messages from Washington indicating that President Donald Trump’s administration was willing to continue negotiations.

Iran’s chief negotiator and speaker of parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Tuesday that Washington should accept Tehran’s proposal for peace or face “failure” after Trump rejected an Iranian counteroffer and warned the ceasefire was on “life support”.

“There is no alternative but to accept the rights of the Iranian people as laid out in the 14-point proposal. Any other approach will be completely inconclusive; nothing but one failure after another,” Ghalibaf said, in a social media post.

Jack Bergman, co-chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, said in the letter that Pakistan’s partnership had been indispensable to the effort, state-run PTV reported.

Bergman said Pakistan’s willingness to leverage its unique position to bring the two parties to the negotiating table was a demonstration of true statesmanship. He added that the US-Pakistan relationship is of enduring strategic importance.

The congressman said the White House and the US Congress had publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive and distinctive diplomatic role. He said he fully echoed those sentiments.

Bergman also said President Donald Trump had achieved what previous administrations had not been able to accomplish.

Addressing both the prime minister and the Field Marshal, Bergman said they had his deep and lasting gratitude. He added that he looked forward to visiting Pakistan soon to further strengthen bilateral ties in person.

According to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division, the new rates will take effect from midnight on May 16, 2026, and will remain in place for the coming week.

Following the reduction, petrol will be available at Rs409.78 per litre, down from Rs414.78, while HSD will be priced at Rs409.58 per litre, down from Rs414.58.

The cut comes after a turbulent month for Pakistani consumers. In last week’s review alone, petrol prices were raised by Rs14.92 per litre and HSD by Rs15 per litre.

Over the preceding two reviews, cumulative hikes had reached Rs33.28 per litre on petrol and Rs46.16 per litre on diesel.

The government said the latest revision was made after taking into account international oil prices and the prevailing economic situation.

The government has been reviewing petroleum prices every week since the US-Israeli conflict with Iran began on February 28.

The conflict triggered a global fuel crunch after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the critical waterway through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies passed during peacetime.

While Friday’s cut is expected to ease some pressure on transportation and commodity costs, fuel prices remain significantly higher than they were a month ago, and the broader inflationary impact of the preceding hikes continues to weigh on consumers across the country.

In a statement on X, Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Memon stated that food outlets and wedding halls have also been given relief from the fixed operating times, allowing businesses to continue their activities as usual.

The minister explained that the specific hours had initially been imposed as part of energy conservation and austerity measures.

“All shops, markets, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, food outlets, marriage halls and marquees are hereby exempted from the closure timings prescribed vide Home department’s notification No SOJI/8-12/2026 (Lockdown) dated 10/04/2026,” stated a notification shared by the minister on X.

In consideration of promoting business activities, public convenience, and economic stability, the decision was revised after taking into account the suggestions and difficulties faced by traders and industrialists, sources added.

“Decisions are made after consultation, public interest, and ground realities. Traders form the backbone of the national economy,” the minister observed.

He added that the government will continue taking all possible steps to address the concerns of the business community and safeguard the interests of both citizens and entrepreneurs, even during challenging economic conditions.

Among those arrested are 11 African nationals who, according to investigators, smuggled cocaine into Pakistan and supplied it to Pinky.

Investigators said the African nationals had married Pakistani women, apparently to facilitate their operations. Arrests have been made in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Kasur.

Karachi’s City Court has remanded Pinky into police custody until May 22 in more than 12 registered cases. The court has also sought a progress report at the next hearing.

During a Saturday court appearance, Pinky alleged that police had coerced her statements and fabricated cases against her. The investigating officer rejected all her allegations.

At a press conference, Additional IGP Karachi Azad Khan said investigators recovered 869 phone numbers from Pinky’s mobile phone and traced transactions worth Rs30 million through a single bank account. Eight of nine motorcycle riders linked to the network are from Punjab. Police have requested that four key suspects be placed on the Exit Control List (ECL).

Investigators say Pinky’s network used female motorcycle riders for drug deliveries, and that her brothers are also allegedly involved. According to investigative reports, she was not only involved in drug supply but also in cocaine processing, and had allegedly established her own drug brand.

Police records show Pinky was first arrested in Karachi in 2018 and again in Lahore in 2024, but faced no consequential action on both occasions due to alleged influence and financial dealings. She had been declared a proclaimed offender in multiple cases before her current arrest.

Investigators say the network’s scope is widening and further arrests are expected.

Background of the case

Earlier, Alleged drug trafficker Anmol alias “Pinky,” dubbed the “Cocaine Queen” by investigators, was arrested earlier this week during a joint operation conducted by Karachi police and federal agencies in the Garden area.

Authorities claimed she was operating a large narcotics network spanning multiple cities across Pakistan and was wanted in more than 10 criminal cases.

Police said high-quality narcotics worth millions of rupees, along with a pistol and ammunition, were recovered during the raid.

Investigators alleged that Pinky used female riders and digital payment channels to distribute drugs while avoiding police surveillance. Officials also claimed the network targeted students at educational institutions and affluent clients in major urban centres.

A local court later sent the accused to jail on judicial remand, while police subsequently secured a three-day physical remand for further interrogation.

The case drew further attention after videos circulated on social media showing the accused appearing in court without handcuffs and allegedly receiving protocol. Following the controversy, senior police officials ordered inquiries and suspended officers accused of granting undue privileges.

Investigators later revealed that Pinky allegedly operated drug supply networks from both Karachi and Lahore and maintained links with accomplices across several cities, including Islamabad, Multan, Murree, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Authorities also alleged that she launched her own narcotics brand under the name “Queen Madam Pinky” and used online payment systems and mobile franchise networks to handle transactions.

The investigation has since expanded to Lahore, where the Punjab government and the Crime Control Department (CCD) have initiated separate inquiries into the network and alleged procedural lapses in earlier cases linked to Pinky and her associates.

The Court of Arbitration issued a supplemental award on May 15, 2026, concerning maximum pondage — related to the general interpretation of the treaty — following a three-day hearing completed on April 28, during which the court acknowledged Pakistan’s stance.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed the ruling, calling the tribunal an “illegally constituted so-called Court of Arbitration.” He declared all its proceedings, awards, and decisions null and void, and said India’s decision to hold the treaty in abeyance remains in force.

Legal analysts note, however, that India’s position carries no weight under international law. The Court of Arbitration was established under the Indus Waters Treaty itself, a binding international agreement signed by both countries, making India’s refusal to participate a violation of its own treaty obligations rather than a legitimate legal objection.

Pakistan had filed a petition seeking a detailed review of the treaty’s interpretation and application, particularly regarding the design of Indian hydropower projects and their downstream impact on the Sindh, Jhelum, Chenab, and their tributaries. The court is currently examining two key issues — Pakistan’s request to halt certain Indian hydropower projects, and the treaty’s current legal status.

India unilaterally suspended the Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam attack in April 2026 — a move Islamabad and international legal observers described as having no basis under the treaty’s provisions, which contain no clause permitting suspension.

The IWT was brokered by the World Bank and signed on September 19, 1960, to manage the division of the waters between the two countries following the partition of the subcontinent. Under the agreement, India was allocated the three eastern rivers — Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej — while Pakistan retained primary rights over the three western rivers — Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus.

While India holds the right to generate hydropower from western rivers, the treaty explicitly prohibits it from storing water or reducing downstream flow into Pakistan. Islamabad has repeatedly presented evidence before international forums of Indian violations of these provisions over the decades.

Pakistan has consistently upheld the treaty and supported the international arbitration mechanism established under it. Islamabad’s decision to pursue legal recourse through the Court of Arbitration is in full accordance with the treaty’s dispute resolution framework — the same framework India is now refusing to honour.

India’s latest rejection continues a pattern of unilateral actions on water issues that have drawn concern from international observers monitoring the stability of one of the world’s most consequential transboundary water agreements.

Government spokesperson Sadia Javed confirmed that one incident did occur, a girder slipped and fell during construction, but stressed that no lives were lost and work on the project continues in compliance with international standards and safety protocols.

Javed accused unspecified elements of attempting to mislead the public, saying opposition voices were trying to politicise a development project that previous governments had neglected entirely.

She said the Pakistan Peoples Party’s Sindh government remained committed to delivering on its development pledges.

The Ghotki-Kandhkot bridge is being built under a public-private partnership model. Officials describe it as a transformational infrastructure project and claim it will be the longest bridge in the region upon completion.

Once finished, the bridge is expected to cut the travel distance between the two areas from 147 kilometres to approximately 30 kilometres, reducing commute times, fuel costs, and transport expenses for residents.

Authorities say the link will also strengthen trade connectivity between Upper Sindh and South Punjab, boosting the local economy.

Javed urged critics to stop contesting every development initiative and to refrain from spreading false information through media channels.

During the visit, she will represent Pakistan at the International World Urban Forum in Baku, according to a statement.

During her stay, Maryam Nawaz will also hold a meeting with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

Besides, she will address the World Leaders Summit at the Baku Olympic Stadium as a state guest.

The violence erupted approximately ten days after 14-year-old Sidra, from the Channa community, married Muhammad Hassan Burro of the Burro community. The couple left the area following the marriage, and Hassan’s family vacated their home citing security fears.

According to victims, attackers doused homes with petrol before setting them alight, destroying clothing, grain, household goods, and personal belongings. Multiple families have since fled the village. Victims estimate losses running into crores of rupees.

On the directions of SSP Jacobabad, police registered a case against 32 suspects — including Mohsin Ali Channa, Saddam Hussain Channa, and Abdullah Channa — under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Investigators say hundreds of people participated in the attack.

Heavy police contingents have been deployed in the area to prevent further violence. Local political, religious, and civil society figures are attempting to mediate between the two communities.

Residents told reporters that normal life has been severely disrupted and families are living in fear. Citizens are demanding immediate intervention by senior authorities, protection for affected families, and strict legal action against those responsible.

Civil society representatives said the incident reflects a continuing pattern in rural Sindh, where honour-based and tribal codes are used to justify taking the law into one’s own hands, a trend they described as deeply alarming.

According to police officials, a 2024 case registered at the Wahdat Colony police station in Lahore has brought fresh developments in the probe.

The case involves the accused Sabra Bibi, from whom 20 grams of cocaine were recovered.

The FIR states that during interrogation, Sabra Bibi allegedly disclosed she obtained the drugs from Anmol in Karachi.

Following this statement, investigators have begun reviewing older cases and records linked to the accused across different police stations.

Police said this is now the fourth case being examined as part of the wider investigation into the alleged drug supply network.

Officials said Anmol was arrested on May 12 in Karachi’s Garden area during a joint operation by police and a federal agency.

Police records show she has been nominated in multiple cases and was previously arrested in 2018 before being released on bail.

Investigators are now consolidating evidence from different jurisdictions as the probe continues.

Background of the case

Earlier, Alleged drug trafficker Anmol alias “Pinky,” dubbed the “Cocaine Queen” by investigators, was arrested earlier this week during a joint operation conducted by Karachi police and federal agencies in the Garden area.

Authorities claimed she was operating a large narcotics network spanning multiple cities across Pakistan and was wanted in more than 10 criminal cases.

Police said high-quality narcotics worth millions of rupees, along with a pistol and ammunition, were recovered during the raid.

Investigators alleged that Pinky used female riders and digital payment channels to distribute drugs while avoiding police surveillance. Officials also claimed the network targeted students at educational institutions and affluent clients in major urban centres.

A local court later sent the accused to jail on judicial remand, while police subsequently secured a three-day physical remand for further interrogation.

The case drew further attention after videos circulated on social media showing the accused appearing in court without handcuffs and allegedly receiving protocol. Following the controversy, senior police officials ordered inquiries and suspended officers accused of granting undue privileges.

Investigators later revealed that Pinky allegedly operated drug supply networks from both Karachi and Lahore and maintained links with accomplices across several cities, including Islamabad, Multan, Murree, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Authorities also alleged that she launched her own narcotics brand under the name “Queen Madam Pinky” and used online payment systems and mobile franchise networks to handle transactions.

The investigation has since expanded to Lahore, where the Punjab government and the Crime Control Department (CCD) have initiated separate inquiries into the network and alleged procedural lapses in earlier cases linked to Pinky and her associates.

A.S. Dulat, former director of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), made the remarks in a recent interview, saying India had deployed every tool at its disposal — lobbying, proxies, and counter-terrorism narratives — without result.

“It is India’s misconception that Pakistan would disintegrate,” Dulat said, adding that Pakistan would never break apart.

He said India had also failed to turn the international community against Pakistan on the terrorism issue. By contrast, he said Pakistan’s role as a diplomatic mediator had strengthened its global standing.

Dulat singled out Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, noting that Pakistan’s army chief was drawing growing international attention, including from Washington. He cited US President Donald Trump’s reported description of Munir as his “favourite field marshal.”

Talking about the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Dulat said the situation remained volatile beneath the surface. He described an “invisible” undercurrent of unrest, uncertainty, and public grievance continuing to simmer among residents.

The initiative is a joint venture of the National Logistics Corporation (NLC), Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Port Qasim Authority and Gwadar Port Authority.

The establishment of NDMS is aimed at reducing dependence on foreign dredging companies and saving valuable foreign exchange through the development of local capacity.

The company will undertake dredging operations to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of Port Qasim and improve the overall efficiency of maritime transportation in the country.

Speaking at a multi-party seminar titled “The Constitutional Future of Article 140-A and Empowered Local Governments,” organised by the civic platform Baikhtiar Awaam, lawmakers and political heavyweights stressed that the spirit of democratic devolution has been stifled by provincial centralisation.

The colloquium brought together a diverse group of political leaders, including former federal minister and leading member of Baikhtiar Awaam Asad Umar, senior MQM-Pakistan leaders Dr Farooq Sattar and Aminul Haque, PTI Additional Secretary General Firdous Shamim Naqvi, Jamaat-i-Islami leader and opposition leader in the KMC Saifuddin Advocate, PML-F leader Sardar Rahim, and GDA’s Hasnain Mirza, alongside several sitting and former legislators.

Addressing the gathering, Asad Umar underscored the need for a new ‘charter of democracy’ that explicitly guarantees constitutional, administrative, and financial protection for local bodies. He observed that persistent attempts to govern the entire country strictly from Islamabad and the provincial capitals had only bred administrative inefficiency and exacerbated public grievances.

Local governments must be granted formal constitutional recognition as a third tier within the National Finance Commission (NFC) framework to ensure an equitable and direct distribution of resources,“ Asad Umar proposed.

He further emphasised that elected local bodies require absolute constitutional protection to prevent provincial governments from arbitrarily dissolving them for political expedience.

Endorsing the view, MQM-P’s Dr Farooq Sattar argued that while the 18th Amendment was envisioned to empower local tiers of governance, provincial administrations had instead concentrated authority within their own hands. He noted that autonomous local bodies form the backbone of developed nations and remarked that the debate surrounding local government autonomy has now escalated into a critical national issue.

PTI’s Firdous Shamim Naqvi focused on the administrative challenges plaguing the provincial capital, asserting that a financially and administratively autonomous local government system is indispensable for a mega city like Karachi. He maintained that civic issues should be resolved directly by local representatives rather than forcing citizens to approach distant provincial or federal authorities.

Highlighting the legal lacunae, JI’s Saifuddin Advocate pointed out that Article 140-A lacks a precise, binding interpretation regarding the transfer of powers to the grassroots level. He criticized the systematic shifting of key municipal institutions from the city administration to the provincial government, a move he said had actively crippled local governance and compromised public service delivery.

PML-F’s Sardar Rahim attributed the provincial dominance over municipal bodies to the prevailing ambiguities within Article 140-A. He stressed the need to administratively unify Karachi, adding that sustained discourse on local governance is vital to raising public awareness about municipal institutions.

GDA’s Hasnain Mirza lamented that despite the constitutional commitments made in the wake of the 18th Amendment, both the Provincial Finance Commissions (PFC) and District Finance Commissions had failed to function effectively. He noted that legal loopholes continue to allow ruling provincial parties to maintain an authoritarian grip over local setups.

Former provincial lawmaker Bilal Ghaffar added that any meaningful consolidation of democracy in Pakistan hinges on an empowered local government system that pairs authority with accountability.

At the conclusion of the seminar, the participants consensus-built on a shared commitment to push for comprehensive constitutional reforms aimed at establishing an autonomous, self-sustaining, and legally shielded local government structure across the country.

Several workers were buried under the debris after the structure gave way while construction work was underway.

The bodies of three people were recovered, while injured workers were shifted to a nearby hospital.

Residents took part in rescue efforts before official teams arrived.

According to initial reports, work was ongoing at the site when the bridge collapsed. The exact cause of the incident is not yet known.

An emergency was declared in the area, and police and local administration were called to the scene to assist rescue operations.

The campaign, part of the Digital Pakistan vision, has been significantly expanded this year. The number of participating livestock markets has grown from 54 last year to 96 in 2026, reflecting the initiative’s growing reach since its launch several years ago.

Under the campaign, 22 partner banks will establish dedicated camps and kiosks at designated livestock markets to facilitate buyers and sellers. The participating banks will onboard cattle traders, transporters, and related service providers by helping them open accounts and adopt QR code-based digital payment methods.

To ease transaction volumes expected during the Eid period, the SBP has introduced a temporary relaxation of transaction and account balance limits, effective from May 14 to June 5, 2026. Where feasible, mobile banking vans, ATMs, and cash deposit machines will also be deployed at and around livestock markets to improve access to financial services.

The SBP has urged the public to use mobile banking applications and the Raast payment system instead of carrying large amounts of cash, in the interest of safety, transparency, and financial security.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Dar said all 31 individuals are safe and in good spirits. He confirmed that all those released have travelled from Singapore to Bangkok and are expected to arrive in Islamabad the same night, after which arrangements will be made to facilitate the return of the Iranian nationals to their country.

Dar credited Singapore’s active role in the process, expressing deep gratitude to Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, the Prime Minister, and the Government of Singapore for their sustained cooperation and coordination following his personal request.

The Deputy Prime Minister also thanked Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for entrusting Pakistan with the responsibility of facilitating the return of Iranian citizens. He further acknowledged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the US government for their close cooperation in ensuring the safe return of all 31 individuals.

Thailand’s government and Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai were also thanked for facilitating the transit of the released individuals through Bangkok.

Dar extended his appreciation to officials at Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, and diplomatic missions in Singapore and Thailand for their timely coordination and tireless efforts in bringing the process to a successful conclusion.

Pakistani engineer among Somali hostages appeals for help

In a separate and ongoing maritime crisis, a new video has emerged showing crew members of a vessel hijacked by Somali pirates, in which Pakistani engineer Kashif Umar appealed directly to the government for immediate intervention, describing conditions on board as increasingly dire.

According to sources in Karachi, the video released by the pirates shows Kashif Umar stating that 26 days have passed since the hijacking and that the situation has deteriorated severely. He said food supplies on the vessel have run out, with crew members being given only boiled rice once a day. Clean drinking water has also been exhausted, forcing the crew to consume contaminated water.

Kashif Umar urged the Pakistani government and the shipping company to immediately contact the captors and take urgent steps to secure the crew’s release. According to sources, 10 Pakistani crew members, including Kashif Umar, remain held hostage by Somali pirates aboard the seized vessel.

The prime minister met an 11-member delegation led by Qian Xiaojun, Founder, President and Controlling Shareholder of IBI Beijing United Technology, at the Prime Minister’s House. The visit was a follow-up to the Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference held in Beijing in September 2025 during PM Shehbaz’s earlier visit to China.

Welcoming the delegation, the prime minister said Pakistan and China share historic ties as All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners. He praised the progress made by China under President Xi Jinping’s leadership and said he looked forward to his upcoming visit to China later this month.

PM Shehbaz appreciated IBI Group’s decision to establish its Digital Economy Headquarters in Pakistan, describing the move as particularly encouraging for its potential to promote digital economy cooperation, investment facilitation and industrial collaboration.

Qian Xiaojun expressed confidence in Pakistan’s economy and said IBI aimed to help build the digital backbone for the country’s economic transformation. He described the new headquarters as a command centre for that transformation, adding that it would create significant opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises by offering them direct access to China’s vast market.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, IT and Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez Malik, SAPM for Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar, SAPM Tariq Fatemi, and other senior officials.

Additional Inspector General (AIG) of Karachi Azad Khan, flanked by senior officers at a press conference at the Central Police Office, said the scope of the investigation has widened significantly since Anmol’s arrest on May 12 in the Garden area of Karachi.

The operation was conducted jointly by police and a federal intelligence agency on the basis of prior intelligence.

At the time of her arrest, police recovered 1.5 kilogrammes of cocaine, a 9mm pistol, and chemicals used in cocaine production. Separately, cocaine was also recovered from her former residence.

Azad Khan said Anmol has been involved in drug trafficking since 2014 and shifted to an online delivery network in Karachi from 2018 onwards.

Twenty cases are registered against her in Sindh — 17 of them older ones — and three in Lahore. A murder case is also registered against her, and she had been a fugitive in an Anti-Narcotics Force case prior to her arrest.

A forensic examination of her mobile phone yielded 869 contacts, many believed to be linked to her supply network. Transactions worth approximately 30 million rupees have been traced through one of her bank accounts, and a 500-page statement has been compiled by investigators.

Of nine delivery riders identified within her network, eight are from Punjab and one from Karachi, underscoring the operation’s interprovincial reach. Police have recommended that four key suspects linked to the case be placed on the Exit Control List to prevent them from fleeing the country.

Azad Khan announced the formation of a high-level investigation committee to oversee the case, which he will personally chair.

The committee includes the DIG Counter-Terrorism Department, DIG Crime, DIG Special Branch, and other senior officers.

Punjab Police and the Anti-Narcotics Force are also actively cooperating in the investigation, with raids ongoing to arrest further members of the network.

DIG South Asad Raza dismissed reports of Anmol being transferred to a hospital, confirming she remains in police custody at the station.

He added that her medical examination, conducted the previous day, was satisfactory, and that she will be produced before a court for remand on Saturday.

Background of the case

Earlier, Alleged drug trafficker Anmol alias “Pinky,” dubbed the “Cocaine Queen” by investigators, was arrested earlier this week during a joint operation conducted by Karachi police and federal agencies in the Garden area.

Authorities claimed she was operating a large narcotics network spanning multiple cities across Pakistan and was wanted in more than 10 criminal cases.

Police said high-quality narcotics worth millions of rupees, along with a pistol and ammunition, were recovered during the raid.

Investigators alleged that Pinky used female riders and digital payment channels to distribute drugs while avoiding police surveillance. Officials also claimed the network targeted students at educational institutions and affluent clients in major urban centres.

A local court later sent the accused to jail on judicial remand, while police subsequently secured a three-day physical remand for further interrogation.

The case drew further attention after videos circulated on social media showing the accused appearing in court without handcuffs and allegedly receiving protocol. Following the controversy, senior police officials ordered inquiries and suspended officers accused of granting undue privileges.

Investigators later revealed that Pinky allegedly operated drug supply networks from both Karachi and Lahore and maintained links with accomplices across several cities, including Islamabad, Multan, Murree, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Authorities also alleged that she launched her own narcotics brand under the name “Queen Madam Pinky” and used online payment systems and mobile franchise networks to handle transactions.

The investigation has since expanded to Lahore, where the Punjab government and the Crime Control Department (CCD) have initiated separate inquiries into the network and alleged procedural lapses in earlier cases linked to Pinky and her associates.

According to Rescue authorities, incidents were reported across Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Burewala, Mian Channu, Muzaffargarh, Jhang, Nankana Sahib, and Dera Ghazi Khan.

In Lahore, six separate incidents were recorded, killing two people and injuring six. A 50-year-old man identified as Ejaz died after a tree fell near the Badami Bagh bus terminal, while 21-year-old Bilal lost his life when a shed collapsed near Rang Mahal.

In Faisalabad, seven incidents involving collapsing walls, rooftops, and trees left one child dead and nine others injured. The deceased child was identified as 13-year-old Haider Ali.

In Dera Ghazi Khan, three people were injured after lightning struck at two separate locations, while in Muzaffargarh, four people were hurt in four incidents involving falling trees, solar panels, and walls. Further casualties were also reported in Jhang and Nankana Sahib. All critically injured persons were shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.

Separately, strong winds disrupted power supply in Multan, Burewala, and Mian Channu, while fallen trees and signboards were reported across several areas.

NDMA issues 24-hour alert

The National Disaster Management Authority’s National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC) has issued an alert for thunderstorms, strong winds, and hailstorms across most parts of the country over the next 12 to 24 hours.

The NDMA said the current weather pattern is consistent with its seasonal forecast issued three to four months ago. Rain and thunderstorms are expected in Islamabad and multiple Punjab districts, including Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sialkot, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Sahiwal, and Okara.

Thunderstorms and rain are also expected in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, as well as across multiple districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Swabi, Kalam, Mingora, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Kohat, Charsadda, and Dera Ismail Khan.

In Sindh, rain is forecast for Hyderabad, Karachi, Matli, Matiari, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Thatta, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Sajjawal, and Jamshoro. Balochistan districts including Quetta, Zhob, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Pishin, Chaman, Loralai, Khuzdar, Kalat, Mastung, Ziarat, Sibi, Barkhan, Kohlu, Dera Bugti, Surab, Hub, Gwadar, and Kech are also under the weather advisory.

The NDMA warned that rising temperatures in northern areas could trigger glacial lake outburst floods and landslides, urging citizens to avoid glacier-adjacent areas and hazardous slopes. In southern regions, strong winds and potential hailstorms pose a risk to weak structures, solar panels, and vehicles. Authorities advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel, stay in safe locations during bad weather, and follow guidance from local administrations.