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Islamabad’s public transport network will be free for 30 days under a federal relief plan announced by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on the prime minister’s directions. The Ministry of Interior will bear the estimated Rs. 350 million cost after a sharp nationwide increase in fuel prices.
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi says the province is under severe financial strain because federal transfers under the NFC award and net hydel profit remain unpaid. He argues that KP has also had to bear terrorism and flood-related costs largely on its own, deepening the dispute over fiscal federalism.
Balochistan’s government and opposition have jointly endorsed austerity steps to reduce spending and manage economic stress. The agreement gives the province an unusual cross-party platform for cost-cutting and relief planning.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan needs a joint federal-provincial response to cushion citizens from the global oil shock. The government is pairing austerity measures with relief efforts as regional turmoil raises economic pressure.
Pakistan's military says eight militants were killed in a fresh border operation in North Waziristan. The incident highlights continuing security pressure along the Afghan frontier and Islamabad's concerns over cross-border militant activity.
Pakistan has dismissed viral claims that fencing along the Afghan border is being removed, saying the content is fabricated propaganda. The ministry insists the barrier remains intact and that attempts to damage it are being countered immediately.
China convened Pakistani and Afghan officials in Urumqi for exploratory talks aimed at easing tensions. Sources said the meeting was not formal mediation and does not signal any softening in Pakistan's security posture.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked the Finance Division to approach the IMF about adjusting Pakistan’s fuel levy to avoid sharp increases in petrol and diesel prices amid a global oil shock. The government is already collecting levies of Rs100 per litre on petrol and Rs55 on diesel and has spent Rs129 billion on subsidies, forcing cuts to development spending. Islamabad now seeks a formula that can protect consumers while keeping the IMF programme on track.
Security forces conducted two intelligence-based operations in Khyber and Bannu districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing 13 militants described as India-backed. The raids are part of a wider counterterrorism campaign launched after a spike in cross-border attacks following the Afghan Taliban’s return to power. Officials say operations will continue until militant networks and their foreign support structures are dismantled.
Pakistan and China have jointly pressed for an immediate end to strikes involving the US, Israel and Iran and called for urgent dialogue. They also urged protection of shipping routes and civilian infrastructure amid the widening regional crisis.
The Lahore High Court has called for official responses in petitions against the Punjab Defamation Act 2024. Critics argue the law overreaches provincial powers and could be used to suppress dissent and journalism.
Pakistan’s provinces pushed back against a proposal for nationwide smart lockdowns during a top-level meeting in Islamabad. The government instead moved toward more austerity, fuel-saving steps and a fresh review by provincial finance ministers.
