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Seven former Australian cricket captains have asked Foreign Minister Penny Wong to raise humanitarian concerns over Imran Khan's detention and medical treatment. Their intervention follows earlier appeals by international cricket figures and continuing debate over the implementation of Supreme Court directions concerning his medical care.
The federal government plans separate talks with Jamaat-e-Islami, Kisan Ittehad and PTI as the three groups prepare Islamabad marches on September 20, 25 and 27. Authorities are also considering designated protest venues while preparing security measures in line with recent court directions against blocking roads.
The Federal Investigation Agency has arrested TLP North Punjab emir Syed Inayatul Haq Shah in a terror-financing investigation linked to the party's October 2025 mobilisation. Investigators are examining about 1,800 suspected accounts and Rs13.4 million in withdrawals as Shah remains in custody on a nine-day remand.
The Islamabad High Court has reserved its verdict on a petition challenging PTI's planned September 27 long march after hearing arguments over public order, protest rights and security preparations. The ruling could shape the legal conditions governing the proposed mobilisation toward the federal capital.
Security has been tightened across Islamabad and Punjab ahead of PTI's planned September 27 march, with Section 144 imposed in Punjab and thousands of additional police personnel being sought for the federal capital. The opposition is continuing its mobilisation while authorities cite security threats and prepare for possible large-scale demonstrations.
Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has warned of an expanded protest campaign if the government does not provide relief over fuel costs and other economic pressures. The warning comes ahead of fresh petroleum levy talks and a planned September 20 long march toward Islamabad.
Pakistan has stepped up diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire and reduce tensions in the widening Middle East conflict, with Foreign Secretary Asim Iftikhar Ahmad calling for negotiations and international mechanisms to resolve the crisis. Islamabad says continued escalation threatens regional stability and carries economic, security and energy implications for Pakistan.
The Election Commission of Pakistan has promoted four officers from Grade 19 to Grade 20 while announcing new postings and transfers involving senior and district-level officials. The reshuffle includes key appointments in Elections-II, electoral rolls and provincial election administration in Balochistan and Sindh.
PTI leaders from Punjab have urged the party leadership to postpone the September 27 long march, citing inadequate preparations and insufficient consultation before the protest was announced. Further discussions with Punjab lawmakers and ticket holders are expected as the party decides whether to retain the planned date.
Pakistan says the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye remains a defensive alliance and that adding new members is not currently being discussed. The clarification comes amid renewed Middle East tensions and Houthi attacks on Saudi territory, with Islamabad reiterating support for regional stability and diplomatic engagement.
PML-N Senator Abid Sher Ali and ANP chief Aimal Wali Khan exchanged sharp words during a Senate human rights committee hearing into the death of a Gujranwala sanitary worker. The committee questioned officials over salary allegations, contractual employment, compensation and grievance mechanisms while seeking further legal and administrative records.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad’s appointment as Pakistan’s next foreign secretary as Amna Baloch prepares to retire from government service on September 17. Baloch will subsequently take charge as Pakistan’s ambassador to Türkiye, while Iftikhar is expected to move from his current United Nations posting to Islamabad.
