Minister of State for Finance, Bilal Azhar Kayani, has strongly criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its founder, accusing them of echoing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rhetoric. During a visit to a Jhelum Road construction site, Kayani asserted that the PTI is targeting the military, which he credited with securing national victories against adversaries. He condemned the party’s actions as an assault on the state in the guise of politics, stating that no true patriot would employ such divisive language. Kayani also noted that PTI supporters disseminating falsehoods abroad are facing legal repercussions, adding that ongoing development projects are slated for completion within the next six months.
In other political developments, PML-N leader Amir Maqam highlighted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s alleged reluctance to address the province’s burgeoning health crisis and deteriorating hospital conditions. Meanwhile, Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb affirmed the province’s commitment to ensuring religious representation without fear, while also stating that forces which “occupied the country for four years” have been dislodged. Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif disclosed that he was pressured to denounce a statement made by Nawaz Sharif. From Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Finance Advisor Muzammil Aslam reiterated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s pledge to attract $100 billion in investments.
On the security front, forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa conducted operations resulting in the killing of 13 alleged militants. Separately, an attempted arrest of a suspect named Shamrez on Thandiani Road escalated into a shootout when the suspect and his accomplices opened fire on the police. In Baloch Colony, a missing citizen was successfully located in Larkana, with a case having been previously registered. Furthermore, authorities in Quetta took action against violations of the election code of conduct pertaining to local government polls.
Environmental concerns continue to mount, with various Pakistani cities reporting dangerously high levels of air pollution. Lahore notably registered an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 337, making it the world’s second most polluted major city. Across Punjab, severe fog led to the closure of multiple sections of motorways, disrupting traffic. Concurrently, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) urged the government to swiftly resolve an ongoing strike by goods transporters to mitigate economic disruption.
Internationally, President Asif Ali Zardari and Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori conveyed their profound sorrow and condolences to the Australian High Commissioner following a recent shooting incident at a Sydney beach. The Sydney Strikers cricket team players were reportedly warming up nearby at the time and were provided phones under relaxed rules during the incident. Elsewhere, allegations surfaced regarding Indian and Afghan social media propagating propaganda falsely identifying Pakistani youth Sheikh Naveed as an attacker. Separately, law enforcement agencies reported the discovery of two deceased individuals at a residence connected to a family member of actor-director Rob Reiner.
In domestic governance and social news, the first phase of an AI-powered attendance system for health department employees in Balochistan has been completed, encompassing the registration of staff across District Headquarters Hospitals (DHQs) and medical colleges. A social media campaign targeting national airline staff was officially debunked as baseless and misleading. Looking ahead, a new film aims to showcase Lyari’s vibrant sports culture, rich heritage, and positive community aspects. Meanwhile, YouTubers Rajab Butt and Nadeem Mubarak have approached the courts seeking bail in a case related to the promotion of online gambling.
