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## Pakistan News Roundup: Human Rights, Economic Struggles, and Widespread Fog Disruptions
**Islamabad:** The ongoing human rights situation in Kashmir dominated recent political discourse, with the Chairman of the Pakistan Hindu Council (PHC), Ramesh Kumar, calling for the immediate resumption of dialogue and the normalization of tourism in the region.
Speaking to the media in Karachi, Mr. Kumar highlighted the poignant case of Razia Sultana, the daughter of detained Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik, who has been unable to meet her father for 12 years. Kumar asserted that separating a child from the protective shade of a parent is unacceptable under any religious decree. He urged that discussions should recommence exactly where they stalled previously.
Joining the conversation, Mishal Malik, Yasin Malik’s spouse, expressed grave concerns, claiming there are attempts underway to transfer the imprisoned leader to the gallows for execution. In a gesture of solidarity, Mr. Kumar presented Mishal Malik with the traditional Sindhi Ajrak shawl.
### Governance and Political Finances
In economic and political developments, the Ministry of Finance announced a major transparency initiative, stating that details regarding the assets of senior federal and provincial officers will be made publicly accessible on a dedicated website by the end of next year. This measure is intended to facilitate rigorous scrutiny of the wealth held by high-ranking officials.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is reportedly grappling with a severe financial crunch, prompting the party leadership to request that every parliamentarian contribute 10% of their salary toward running party operations.
Federal Minister of State for Interior, Senator Talal Chaudhry, issued a stern political warning, declaring that the political career of any individual who “crosses the red lines” will be terminated.
Separately, high-level political consultations continue, with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif concluding a visit to Turkmenistan where he met with various international leaders. Consultations are also anticipated regarding the political situation in Punjab. The composition of the broader political committee has been confirmed to include Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, alongside representatives from Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, Khalid Khurshid and Sardar Qayyum Niazi.
### Infrastructure Chaos and Fatal Accidents
Severe weather conditions caused significant disruption across the country as intense fog drastically reduced visibility, leading to the closure of multiple major motorways, including M-1 (Rashakai to Peshawar), M-2 (Hiran Minar to Thokar Niaz Baig), M-3 (Faizpur to Rajana), and M-5 (Multan to Zahir Pir and Rohri to Rahim Yar Khan).
Tragically, road accidents linked to poor visibility and traffic claimed lives. A collision between a bus and a trailer on the M-4 near Khanewal resulted in the death of a bus hostess and injuries to four passengers. Another serious collision occurred between a passenger coach and a car near the Bilitang Oil Depot on Pindi Road, Kohat.
Concerns were also raised over the viability of key development projects. Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal voiced reservations over the slow pace of the Karachi Yellow Line project over the last six years, noting that the project’s cost has ballooned by an alarming 190%.
### Law, Order, and Crime Reports
In a police report, authorities confirmed that suspect Bilal Abbas was killed during an exchange of fire, and his body was subsequently transferred to the hospital.
On the anti-smuggling front, Pakistan Customs reported impressive performance, seizing gold and silver valued at over PKR 306 million within the last five months.
Separately, Umme Rubab Chandio, a social activist from Dadu district, strongly criticized the prevalent Sardari (feudal) system in Sindh, labeling it a “cancer” that has adversely affected thousands of people.
In Lahore, a business specializing in selling motorbikes on installment plans faced an unexpected crisis after PKR 2.3 million in unpaid traffic fines were registered against the installment-based vehicles, crippling the vendor’s business.
Finally, the agricultural sector was the focus of a meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, attended by the Minister of Agriculture Muhammad Bakhsh Mehar and the Chief Secretary. Furthermore, a delegation from the French Development Agency (AFD) visited the National Grid Company (NGC) headquarters in Lahore.
