Karachi, a city in the southern province of Sindh, Pakistan, remains under a strict lockdown as authorities crack down on anti-government protests. In response to the potential demonstrations and blockades on major roads, the Karachi administration detained 180 individuals under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance. According to the Sindh Home Department, the majority of those detained hail from the East Zone, with 51 individuals taken into custody.
The breakdown of the detainees by zone is as follows: West Zone (30), Central Zone (24), Kiamari (23), and Korangi (22). Additionally, 10 individuals from the South Zone, 9 from Malir, and 11 from the City District were detained. All 180 individuals have been arrested for a period of 30 days.
A recent power theft scandal was uncovered at the Charssada District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital’s feeder, revealing a staggering Rs. 3 crore monthly electricity theft. The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved four major development projects worth over Rs. 240 billion. In a separate development, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, is likely to be transferred to the federal government.
In other news, the Senate’s Standing Committee on Trade has grilled the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on its performance, particularly in the areas of imports, barter trade, and tax collection. The Fire Brigade has two vehicles deployed to combat a fire in the area. Libyan Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the commander-in-chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, visited the GHQ yesterday, accompanied by Deputy Commander-in-Chief Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar.
Federal Minister for Communications and Privatization, Azeem Khan, apologized to PPP Senator Palwasha Khan in the Senate session. The Jamaat-e-Islami has reacted to the Sindh Chief Minister’s statement, stating that protests and sit-ins are a democratic right. Senator Raja Nasir Abbas of the opposition party stated that the country is facing a crisis in the areas of economy, politics, and law and order.
In a separate development, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that Iran would respond strongly if attacked. The smuggling of oil and other goods is rampant in Balochistan, and the government is taking stringent measures to curb it, according to the Defense Minister.
Meanwhile, Punjab’s Regulation of Aerial Flights Act 2025 has been approved by the government. Senator Rana Sanaullah, a political adviser to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, stated that those involved in terrorism will be designated as terrorists, even if they have no affiliation with any organization. The PTI Parliamentary Party is expected to meet, with Punjab Chief Minister Saeed Afridi likely to attend.
The IGP Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, is expected to be transferred to the federal government. The government is taking stringent measures to curb smuggling in Balochistan, according to the Defense Minister. Federal Minister for Communications and Privatization, Azeem Khan, apologized to PPP Senator Palwasha Khan in the Senate session.
In a separate development, US President Donald Trump released a statement on Twitter after speaking with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bollywood director and filmmaker Shazia Akbar has made her Instagram account private after facing backlash for calling film “Dharendra” provocative and immoral. The Senate’s Standing Committee on Trade has grilled the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on its performance, particularly in the areas of imports, barter trade, and tax collection.
