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Ishaq Dar and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan have discussed implementation of understandings reached under the Makkah Defence Alliance. The talks followed the alliance's first strategic political and defence committee meeting in Istanbul and included regional developments and cooperation at multilateral forums.
PTI leader and former federal minister Hammad Azhar has been arrested in Multan in connection with cases stemming from the May 9, 2023 unrest and transferred to Lahore Police. Police sources say he had been declared a proclaimed offender, bringing a prominent PTI figure back into active legal proceedings over the violence.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has intensified Pakistan’s debate over new provinces and administrative units, saying any restructuring must reflect public consent, constitutional requirements and national consensus. The proposal has drawn support for greater devolution but strong resistance from the PPP and Sindh’s political leadership.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz says threats entering Punjab through provincial borders require stronger security coordination and greater use of modern technology. Speaking at the launch of Punjab's AI Hub in Lahore, she highlighted upgraded checkposts, intelligence-sharing systems and technology-driven policing as key parts of the province's security strategy.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz says there will be no compromise on law and order as the province expands technology-driven security measures through an AI Hub. The initiative builds on PIFTAC, anti-drone, cybercrime and intelligence-monitoring measures designed to improve threat prevention and response.
The PPP has blocked consideration of two government gas revenue bills in a National Assembly committee as tensions with the federal government deepen over AJK elections, judicial appointments and other disputes. The committee deferred both measures, including proposed changes affecting the use of billions of rupees collected through the Gas Infrastructure Development Cess.
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari have agreed to maintain the PPP's opposition to any division of Sindh after a five-hour meeting in London. The development comes amid an intensifying national debate over proposals to create additional provinces and restructure Pakistan's administrative system.
Eight ministers have taken oath in Muzaffarabad as the new AJK government under Prime Minister Barrister Iftikhar Ali Gilani completes the initial stage of cabinet formation. Portfolios are expected to be assigned next as the administration begins implementing its governance and development agenda.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has rejected India’s allegations concerning damage to a Hindu temple in Narowal, maintaining that the century-old structure collapsed during torrential rains and that restoration measures are underway. A minority rights group disputes that account, while India has called for a transparent investigation, turning the incident into a fresh diplomatic dispute.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal says the Makkah Pact can support regional peace through deterrence but Pakistan must strengthen its economy to sustain recent defence and diplomatic gains. The Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Turkiye alliance is being institutionalised with a Riyadh-based secretariat initially headed by Pakistan.
Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik says he will no longer contest proceedings in the 1990 Sarla Bhat murder case, while insisting that his decision is not an admission of guilt and saying he is prepared to accept even a death sentence. His 25-page affidavit also alleges political victimisation and addresses his Pakistani wife, Mushaal Malik, adding significant Pakistan-related interest to the case.
The federal government and Jamaat-e-Islami have agreed to form technical committees to examine relief measures linked to the petroleum levy, electricity prices and inflation. Formal negotiations are expected to begin Monday, while Jamaat-e-Islami says its nationwide sit-ins will continue during the talks.
