Pakistan’s economic landscape faced sharp criticism today as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance Advisor Muzammil Aslam questioned the efficacy of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s foreign visits in attracting investment. Aslam highlighted the Prime Minister’s commitment to securing $100 billion in foreign investment, contrasting it with what he described as “zero” actual investment despite 38 international trips over 22 months. He further warned that the current year is projected to conclude with the highest unemployment rate in 21 years, underscoring significant economic challenges.
The political arena also saw various figures weigh in on national issues. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ameer Muqam criticized Chief Minister Sohail Afridi for allegedly avoiding discussions on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s burgeoning health crisis and hospital conditions. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani accused the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and his party of echoing the rhetoric of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In Punjab, Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb asserted that all religions are represented without fear, claiming an “occupation” of the country had been dismantled. Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif disclosed he was pressured to condemn a statement made by Nawaz Sharif.
Authorities took decisive action in various incidents across the country. Deputy Commissioner Bahawalpur Syed Hasan Raza suspended three personnel from the Paraforce. On Thandiani Road, a police raid to apprehend suspect Shamrez escalated into an exchange of fire between the accused, his accomplices, and law enforcement. Elsewhere, a citizen reported missing from Baloch Colony was successfully located in Larkana, leading to the registration of a case by his son at the Baloch Colony police station.
Environmental degradation remains a critical concern, with Lahore ranked as the world’s second most polluted city, recording a staggering 337 air particulate matter index. Concurrently, severe fog across Punjab led to the closure of several sections of motorways, significantly disrupting traffic flow. The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) appealed to the government to swiftly resolve the ongoing strike by goods transporters to mitigate further economic impact. Furthermore, a social media campaign targeting national airline staff was officially declared baseless and misleading.
On the international front, Pakistan extended condolences following a shooting incident in Sydney, Australia. Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori telephoned the Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan to express profound sorrow, a sentiment echoed by President Asif Ali Zardari. Reports from Sydney indicated that players of the Sydney Sixers cricket team were warming up when the firing occurred, with legal relaxations allowing them access to phones during the emergency. In another international context, Pakistani youth Sheikh Naveed was subjected to what officials termed as “propaganda” by Indian and Afghan social media, falsely identifying him as an attacker.
Domestically, Balochistan’s Health Department completed the first phase of an AI-powered attendance system, registering employees across all District Headquarters (DHQs) and medical colleges. In Quetta, actions were taken against violations of the electoral code of conduct related to local government elections. Legal developments included the Islamabad High Court hearing a degree dispute case involving Justice Tariq Jahangiri, and YouTubers Rajab Butt and Nadeem Mubarak seeking bail in a case concerning the promotion of online gambling. Additionally, Qazi Anwar Advocate confirmed Barrister Gohar’s nomination from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a development that followed a written order issued by Salman Akram Raja and Hamid Khan. Separately, law enforcement agencies reported finding two individuals deceased at a residence today, one of whom was identified as a family member of Rob Reiner. A film project is also underway, aiming to showcase Lyari’s vibrant sports culture, traditions, and positive contributions.
