Swat Dam Project Ready but Federal Govt Not Issuing Required NOCs, Says KP CM

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PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi has accused the federal government of delaying the Swat Dam project by refusing to issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for visits by foreign engineers, despite the project being ready.

Addressing a ceremony held in connection with World Food Safety Day, the chief minister said that raising public awareness about safe food and promoting responsible behavior is a pressing need. He stated that the establishment of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety Authority has significantly improved the provision of healthy and safe food.

Afridi said the importance of the Food Department has increased because the province is not self-sufficient in wheat production. He added that planning is underway to achieve food self-sufficiency and that necessary instructions have been issued to the relevant departments.

He announced that the Food Department’s budget would be increased in the upcoming fiscal budget and that modern warehouses would be constructed. According to him, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will become self-sufficient in several sectors by 2030.

The chief minister alleged that the “fake government” in Punjab had stopped the supply of wheat to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said repeated letters had been sent but received no response. He further stated that the provincial government had allocated Rs3 billion for the CRBC project, while the federal government had not contributed a single rupee.

Afridi said the federal government was originally obligated to provide 80 percent funding for the CRBC project, which was later reduced to 65 percent, but ultimately no allocation was made in the budget.

He also said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had provided Rs4 billion in bridge financing for the Northern Bypass project. He added that the Peshawar Bus Terminal has been completed, but the National Highway Authority (NHA) has not issued an NOC for the route.

Criticising the federal government, Afridi reiterated that the Swat Dam project is ready, but the federation is not granting NOCs for visits by foreign engineers. He alleged that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is being subjected to discriminatory treatment and warned that such actions would increase divisions and resentment.

The chief minister further stated that under the Constitution, a province producing gas has the first right to use it. He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa produces more than 500 MMCFD of gas but consumes only 150 MMCFD. According to him, the federal government has effectively cut off the province’s gas supply, severely affecting the middle class.

Afridi maintained that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are paying the price for what he described as the federal government’s flawed policies.

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Pakistan’s Efforts for US-Iran Ceasefire Agreement Continue as Mohsin Naqvi Arrives in Tehran

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TEHRAN: Pakistan’s efforts regarding a possible US-Iran ceasefire agreement are ongoing as Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has arrived in the Iranian capital, Tehran.

According to sources cited by Arab media, important developments have emerged regarding Iran’s frozen assets in the United States. The sources said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi will discuss ways to reach a memorandum of understanding in Tehran.

The sources further stated that progress has been made on the issue of frozen Iranian funds, although differences remain over the total amount and the timing of their release.

It was also reported that US President Donald Trump has informed mediators that no negotiations will continue beyond 60 days, adding that it is now up to Iran to respond quickly.

Sources said Mohsin Naqvi has arrived in Tehran carrying a special message from Field Marshal for Iran’s Supreme Leader, while the Prime Minister has also issued special directives to the Interior Minister regarding the negotiations.

It is worth noting that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has held multiple meetings with Iranian officials over the past two days.

In a statement, Mohsin Naqvi said he met Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni again, during which the regional security situation was reviewed and matters of mutual interest were also discussed.

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup 2026: United States Denies Visas to 15 Members of Iranian Delegation

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The United States has refused to issue visas to 15 members of Iran’s delegation ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, creating difficulties for the Iranian team’s administrative staff.

According to AFP, Iranian state television reported that while visas have been granted to the national team’s players and coaching staff, the applications of 15 individuals from the team’s administrative and management group have not yet been resolved.

A reporter from Iranian state TV, speaking from the team’s training camp in Antalya, Turkey, said that the players and technical staff have complete travel documentation. However, some members of the delegation’s administrative personnel have not been issued US visas.

The development comes at a time when Iran’s national team is actively preparing for the World Cup. Iran’s group-stage matches are scheduled to be held entirely in the United States, while the team’s base camp has been established in Mexico.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

So far, US authorities have not issued any official statement explaining the reasons for the delay or refusal of visas.

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TI Pakistan Urges Probe Into IUB’s Alleged Violation of Right to Information Law

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Transparency International Pakistan has urged the Punjab Information Commission to investigate allegations that the Islamia University Bahawalpur violated the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2013, Article 19-A of the Constitution and orders of the provincial information watchdog by failing to provide information sought by a citizen regarding university expenditures.

In a formal communication addressed to the Chief Information Commissioner of the Punjab Information Commission, Transparency International Pakistan said it had received a complaint alleging persistent denial of access to public records by the university, despite repeated requests made under the right to information law and subsequent legal remedies available to citizens.

The anti-corruption organisation stated that, after reviewing the complaint, it found that the allegations appeared, prima facie, to be correct and warranted examination by the commission.

According to the complaint forwarded by Transparency International Pakistan, the applicant had submitted information requests to the registrar and vice chancellor of Islamia University Bahawalpur on Nov 29 and Dec 18, 2024. The requests sought official records relating to a number of electrical repair, maintenance and procurement expenditures incurred by the university.

The complainant alleged that, despite repeated follow-ups, the university failed to provide any response within the statutory timeframe prescribed under the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2013.

Transparency International Pakistan emphasised that Section 10(7) of the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2013 clearly requires public information officers to respond to applications “as soon as possible” and, in any event, within 14 working days.

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Internet Services Suspended in Gilgit Ahead of GB Assembly Elections

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GILGIT: Internet services have been suspended in Gilgit-Baltistan ahead of the upcoming elections for the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly.

Elections for all 24 seats of the GB Assembly will be held tomorrow, with a total of 403 candidates contesting. Several constituencies are expected to witness tough competition between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Among the political parties, the PPP has fielded candidates on 23 seats, while the PML-N has nominated candidates on 22 seats. The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) has fielded 15 candidates, Pakistan Muslim League 11, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) 9, and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen 7 candidates. Jamaat-e-Islami and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) have fielded candidates on 6 seats each. In addition, around 266 independent candidates are also in the electoral race.

A total of 958,480 voters are eligible to cast their votes in the elections.

To ensure security, internet services in Gilgit city have been completely suspended. The shutdown includes mobile internet, fiber internet, and Wi-Fi services, causing communication difficulties for residents.

Meanwhile, the government has neither officially confirmed the suspension of internet services in Gilgit city nor issued any notification in this regard. However, political party leaders and local residents believe that the services have been suspended in view of the upcoming elections.

Pinky

Murder Case Registered Against Anmol alias Pinky in Karachi

by with No Comment Crime & Court

A murder case has been registered at Baghdadi Police Station in Karachi against Anmol alias Pinky, who had been arrested on allegations of selling drugs. The investigation officer has submitted an interim charge sheet in the case to the prosecution.

According to the interim charge sheet submitted by the investigation officer, the complainant was passing through Haji Pir Muhammad Road on May 7 in connection with motorcycle-related work when he saw the body of a man lying on the footpath, with people gathered around it.

The complainant stated that, with the help of rescue personnel, the body was shifted by ambulance to Baghdadi Police Station. During the police inspection, a small box was recovered from the deceased’s pocket.

The charge sheet stated that the golden-colored box had the words “Queen Medium Pinky Don Naam Hi Kafi Enjoy” written on it. It was later learned that Anmol alias Pinky allegedly sold this narcotic substance.

The investigation officer maintained that the investigation against the suspect has not yet been completed. The interim charge sheet is being submitted because the required period for filing the charge sheet has expired.

The prosecution said it is scrutinizing the charge sheet. It added that any investigative defects and shortcomings will be corrected during scrutiny, after which the interim charge sheet will be submitted before the judicial magistrate.

According to police, the murder case against Anmol alias Pinky has been registered at Baghdadi Police Station on the complaint of Sheroz, a resident of Lines Area.

AJK Police

72 Members of Awami Action Committee Arrested in AJK Amid Security Measures

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Azad Jammu and Kashmir authorities have arrested 72 members of the banned Public Action Committee, officials confirmed.

According to a spokesperson for the Inspector General (IG) of Police, weapons, communication devices, and suspicious documents were recovered from the possession of the arrested individuals.

The spokesperson stated that certain elements of the banned organization were attempting to disrupt law and order under the pretext of public issues, adding that no effort to disturb peace will be tolerated.

He further emphasized that strict action will be taken against those taking the law into their own hands. Legal proceedings against the arrested individuals have already been initiated, and necessary measures are being implemented to protect the life and property of citizens.

Meanwhile, daily life in Azad Kashmir has been disrupted following the banned organization’s call for a strike on June 9. Internet services have also been suspended. Flag marches were conducted in Muzaffarabad, Bagh, and Mirpur to maintain security.

Due to the strike, markets are crowded as people rush to buy essential goods, and petrol shortages have emerged in several areas. Where fuel is available, long queues of vehicles have formed.

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AJK Government Bans Awami Action Committee Over Alleged Anti-State Activities

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Muzaffarabad: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has approved the inclusion of the Awami Action Committee in the list of banned organizations, declaring it involved in anti-state activities.

According to a notification issued by the Home Department of Azad Jammu and Kashmir on June 5, 2026, the President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has approved the proscription of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, also known as JK-JAAC, Joint Awami Action Committee and Awami Action Committee, under the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Terrorism Act, 2014.

The notification states that the government has reasonable grounds to believe that the committee has been involved in activities related to terrorism, disruption of law and order, intimidation of the public, spreading hatred, creating unrest in the state and generating a sense of insecurity in society.

According to the government, the activities of the Awami Action Committee have been found harmful to the peace, security and public safety of the state. Following this, the organization has been included in the First Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2014.

The notification was issued by the Section Officer Home, and copies have been sent to relevant federal and state institutions, secretaries, commissioners, police officials, the Counter Terrorism Department and other concerned departments.

Momina Iqbal

Initial Investigation Reveals MPA Saqib Chadhar Allegedly Sent Objectionable Video to Momina Iqbal

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Initial investigation into the Momina Iqbal case has revealed that PML-N Member of the Punjab Assembly Saqib Chadhary allegedly sent an objectionable video to the actress.

According to the preliminary investigation into the case registered by Momina Iqbal against Saqib Chadhar, the accused handed over his mobile phone to the investigating authorities after deleting all data from it. The investigation further revealed that the accused allegedly sent the objectionable video to actress Momina Iqbal and her sister, Ramsha Iqbal.

The initial probe also found that Saqib Chadhar’s wife, Sameera, allegedly threatened Momina Iqbal through her mobile phone. Sameera has not yet handed over her phone to the NCCIA.

It was also revealed that the SIM used to send the objectionable video had an IMEI number that matched Saqib Chadhar’s mobile phone.

Earlier, Ramsha Iqbal, the sister of the actress, rejected the allegations made by Saqib Chadhar. She said Saqib Chadhar should prove that he had given millions in cash and gifts, adding that they were going to court against his false allegations.

Ramsha Iqbal said her sister was continuously harassed and, when they raised their voice against the harassment, they were threatened with serious consequences. She said that despite being the victims, they had been placed in the dock.

She further alleged that they were threatened that if Momina did not agree to marriage, an AI-generated video of her would be created and made viral.

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Over 50,000 Tax Cases Worth Rs 5,700 Billion Pending Across Pakistan

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ISLAMABAD: A staggering backlog of more than 50,000 tax and customs-related cases worth approximately Rs 5,700 billion is currently pending in various courts and tribunals across the country, leaving a significant amount of national revenue tied up in legal disputes.

Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), a total of 50,732 cases are under litigation in different forums involving tax and customs matters.

The highest number of pending cases, 27,621, are being heard in appellate tribunals, with a cumulative value of Rs 3,383 billion.

Sources further revealed that 2,155 cases worth Rs 58.30 billion are pending before Collector Adjudication, while 322 cases involving Rs 46.30 billion are under consideration with Collector Appeals.

In the Supreme Court, 3,961 tax and customs cases involving Rs 184 billion are pending. Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court is hearing 8,232 cases worth Rs 977 billion, and the Sindh High Court is dealing with 5,521 cases involving Rs 558 billion.

Similarly, the Islamabad High Court is hearing 2,210 cases worth Rs 492 billion, while the Peshawar High Court has 528 cases worth Rs 28 billion pending. The Balochistan High Court is handling 186 cases involving Rs 8 billion.

The massive backlog highlights that a significant portion of the national exchequer remains locked in prolonged legal disputes across multiple judicial forums.