At least 38 people, including six women, were killed when unknown assailants attacked passenger vehicles in Kurram district’s Ochat area. The cars, traveling from Parachinar to Peshawar, came under fire, leaving several others injured. Rescue officials transported the injured to hospitals. Kurram has endured months of tribal and party clashes, causing numerous casualties. This attack highlights the persistent violence and ongoing security challenges in the region.

The flat Earth theory, which suggests Earth is a flat disc surrounded by an impassable ice wall, has resurfaced in recent years. Proponents reject gravity and claim Earth’s curvature is an illusion. Notable figures like Samuel Birley Rowbotham popularized the idea in the 19th century, challenging the scientific consensus. Rowbotham’s 1881 book, *Zetetic Astronomy*, remains influential in the movement’s history.

On Sunday, Pakistani checkposts were attacked with heavy weapon fire from the Afghan region by Afghan Taliban and terrorists, violating international border law. The assault occurred on the morning of September 7. In retaliation, the Pakistan Army reportedly killed eight Afghan Taliban fighters and injured 16 others. The incident has heightened tensions, with both sides accusing each other of cross-border aggression.

Cyclonic Storm ‘Asna’ over the northeast Arabian Sea has moved westward, currently positioned around 200 km southwest of Karachi, according to PMD’s cyclone warning center. The latest advisory places it at Latitude 23.6 N and Longitude 65.7 E, 220 km south-southeast of Ormara, and 380 km southeast of Gwadar. The storm, 120 km south of Karachi on Friday night, is expected to continue tracking wes-southwestwards.

At least 12 people including children and women lost their lives in a devastating landslide near Patrak in Upper Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A landslide occurred near Patrak in Upper Dir which resulted in the collapse of a residential house of a person named Muhammad Ali. The disaster claimed the lives of 12 individuals, including six children, three women, and three men. Rescue teams rushed to pull out the bodies from the debris. The victims were buried under the debris due to which difficulties were faced in the rescue.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for killing 102 Pakistani soldiers in ongoing attacks under “Operation Herof,” targeting an army camp and military checkpoints in Balochistan. The BLA’s Majeed Brigade, including suicide attackers, reportedly captured large sections of the Bela army camp and set up ambush checkpoints across the province. Over 40 soldiers were killed in the Bela camp attack, with the BLA’s fidayeen unit maintaining control for six hours.

On Monday, armed men killed at least 23 passengers in Musakhel district, Balochistan, after forcibly removing them from trucks and buses, according to Superintendent of Police Ayub Achakzai. The attackers stopped the vehicles on the national highway in the Rarah Sham area of Musa Khel and targeted passengers from various parts of Punjab. Additionally, the armed men set 10 cars on fire during the attack.

Former IHC judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui made startling allegations against ex-ISI DG Faiz Hameed, claiming Hameed visited him before the verdict against PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif. Siddiqui alleged that Hameed informed him of Sharif’s conviction even before the court’s decision was announced. These revelations raise serious concerns about possible interference by the intelligence agency in the judicial process, compromising its independence.

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Pakistan on a two-day official visit from July 11-12 at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. On arrival, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly received the visiting dignitary. A 21-gun salute boomed in the backdrop to herald the arrival of the dignitary and two children, clad in traditional dresses, presented bouquets to him.

The government of Pakistan has deployed armed forces across the country for Muharram security under Article 245. A notification from the Interior Ministry stated that the army will assist the civil administration. Directives have been issued to all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir. This deployment is at the request of the provincial governments and Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan governments.

MPA Marvi Faseeh submitted a resolution to the Sindh Assembly condemning Sahil Adeem for his derogatory comments claiming that 95% of Pakistani women are ignorant. Marvi Faseeh of the PPP presented the resolution, strongly disapproving of Sahil Adeem’s claim that 95% of women are ignorant, stating, “This house vehemently condemns Sahil Adeem.”

The government of Pakistan approved a hike in the electricity base tariff by Rs5.72 per unit, raising it to Rs34.50 per unit. The Federal Cabinet’s approval, in line with an IMF condition, substantially increases the basic electricity tariff. This decision raises the tariff from Rs29.78 per unit to Rs35.50 per unit, effective from July 1. NEPRA requested a tariff hike to meet lender demands, effective July 1 this fiscal year.

Vice President Kamala Harris is the leading alternative to replace President Joe Biden if he opts out of reelection, say senior sources. Biden’s poor debate performance against Donald Trump sparked panic within the Democratic party about his fitness for a second term, leading to calls for top aides to resign. Other potential alternatives include cabinet members and governors like Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer, and Josh Shapiro.

On Wednesday, the federal government shut down Pakistan Steel Mills, a state-owned enterprise incurring heavy losses for years. The Secretary of Industry and Production stated that the Sindh government has been offered 700 of the total 19,000 acres of Pakistan Steel Mill land to establish its steel plant. Last year, the secretary noted, they found no buyer for Pakistan Steel Mill. The remaining land will be used for industrial purposes.

Wafaa Elwan’s five-year-old son cannot sleep in Gaza’s tent city, suffering from severe skin infections. He’s among over 150,000 Gazans affected by conditions like scabies, chickenpox, lice, and impetigo since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7. According to the World Health Organization, squalid living conditions have led to widespread skin diseases in the Palestinian territory.

The PCB has reintroduced the mandatory Yo-Yo fitness test for all cricketers. Players who fail will be dropped from national and regional teams. Director of Domestic Cricket Khurram Niazi, with approval from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, has implemented a new fitness plan. Starting July 11, fitness assessments will be conducted in two phases across the country, beginning at the district and regional levels.

This week, the meteorological department announced vigorous monsoon activity in the upper and central parts, urging authorities to stay alert. Karachi faces scorching heat, with its highest night temperature since 2021 recorded recently and no rain expected. Strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are forecasted to reach these areas from July 3, potentially causing disruptions.

Over 40 people died in Karachi in June due to heatwave conditions, according to the Sindh health department. Data shows 45 deaths from heat stroke, with 18 at Civil Hospital and three at Qatar Hospital. The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported Karachi’s hottest night on record in July, with a minimum temperature of 32 degrees Celsius, the highest nighttime temperature ever recorded in July for the city.

Israeli forces advanced into Shejaia in northern Gaza and deeper into Rafah, killing at least six Palestinians and destroying homes, residents said. Israeli tanks, re-entering Shejaia four days ago, fired shells at houses, trapping families. At a weekly cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated that victory in the war against Hamas is essential. The escalating conflict has intensified, increasing casualties and destruction.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced a reduction in Umrah fares for pilgrims on Sunday. The new fares for travel from Pakistan to Madina and Jeddah are as follows: Karachi to Madina – PKR 76,000 (plus tax) for a round trip; Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, and Sialkot to Madina – PKR 86,000 (plus tax) for a round trip. These reduced fares are effective until July 15, according to a PIA spokesperson.

India’s cricket stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from T20s Internationals after winning the World Cup 2024 final. Kohli, named Player of the Match at Kensington Oval, announced his decision in Barbados. Shortly after, captain Rohit Sharma declared his retirement, expressing his enjoyment of the format and satisfaction with ending on a high note as champions.

India ended their 11-year global title drought by defeating South Africa to win the T20 World Cup 2024 at Kensington Oval. Led by Rohit Sharma, they restricted South Africa to 169/8, securing victory by seven runs. Despite Klaasen’s quickfire half-century, South Africa fell short chasing 177. This victory follows India’s recent losses in the finals of the World Test Championship and the 50-overs home World Cup.

The Lahore High Court issued five SOPs to prevent interference by security and military agencies, including ISI, in judicial matters. Justice Shahid Kareem’s order addressed harassment of an ATC judge. The court directed the Prime Minister’s Office to stop agencies from contacting judges, instructed the Punjab IG to prevent judiciary interference, and mandated consulting judges on ATC court security decisions.

President Joe Biden affirmed his intention to defeat Donald Trump in the November election despite a poor debate performance. Acknowledging his age and diminished abilities, the 81-year-old expressed confidence in his capability to govern. “I don’t walk or speak as smoothly as I used to,” he said, but insisted, “I wouldn’t run if I didn’t believe I could do this job. The stakes are too high,” as supporters chanted “four more years” at his rally.

The government plans to raise petrol prices by Rs 7.54 per litre and High-speed diesel by Rs 9.84 per litre for early July 2024. With a Rs 5 per litre petroleum levy starting July 1, motor spirit prices could rise by Rs 12.58 per litre and diesel by Rs 14.84 per litre. The federal budget for FY2025 includes increasing the petroleum levy from Rs 60 to Rs 80 per litre, gradually in Rs 20 increments.

The local government declared June 29 (Saturday) a public holiday in Karachi for Urs of Abdullah Shah Ghazi. According to the notification, all Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) offices will remain closed. The 1294th annual three-day Urs of the Sufi saint Syed Abdullah Shah Ghazi started on June 27, 2024, marking a significant event in the subcontinent’s spiritual calendar.

Pakistani-American businessman Ali Sheikhani announced on Instagram his intent to buy K Electric to end Karachi’s hours-long load shedding. He highlighted the city’s struggles with dacoity, robberies, and fatalities during mobile snatchings. Sheikhani emphasized his goal is not to profit from Karachi but to serve the middle-class people of his city by acquiring K Electric and improving their quality of life.

A district and sessions court in Islamabad rejected Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi’s pleas to suspend their sentences in the iddat case. ADSJ Afzal Majoka announced the verdict, which was reserved earlier. The Islamabad High Court instructed the session court to decide Bushra Bibi’s plea on suspending her conviction in a Nikah case within 10 days earlier this month.

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the federal cabinet approved establishing a pension fund for retired employees. Chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the ECC also approved introducing a Defined Contributory Scheme for new entrants. The scheme will apply to civilian employees from July 1, 2024, and to military personnel from July 1, 2025.

The power tariff is likely to hike by Rs 3.41 per unit due to the monthly fuel adjustment (MFA), on Thursday. NEPRA is set to hear an application by the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) to hike the power tariff by Rs 3.41 per unit. The CPPA has filed an application to NEPRA seeking an increase in the electricity tariff, citing an increase in the monthly fuel adjustment for May.

In the first semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup, South Africa secured a spot in the final for the first time by defeating Afghanistan by 9 wickets. South Africa chased Afghanistan’s modest target of 56 runs in 8.5 overs with the loss of just one wicket. South Africa achieved their first win in eight short-format World Cup semi-finals since 1992. They will face the winner of India vs. England for the title.

A video obtained by Al Jazeera shows Israeli forces allegedly releasing a dog on elderly Palestinian woman Doulat Al-Tanani during a military operation in the Jabalia refugee camp, Gaza. The incident, weeks old, gained attention after the video surfaced. Al-Tanani was attacked when she refused to vacate her home, resulting in severe injuries. She hasn’t received proper medical treatment due to limited facilities.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan, jailed since last August, faces charges including terrorism and leaking state secrets. Despite securing bail in several cases, PM Shehbaz’s advisor, Rana Sanaullah, stated Khan might be released on June 27. Speaking to a local news channel, Sanaullah said the government aims to keep Khan jailed to prevent chaos, asserting his message promotes anarchy.

Since October 7, 2023, 21,000 Palestinian children have disappeared amid the Gaza conflict, reports Western media. Save the Children highlights the devastating impact on the youngest and most vulnerable, with thousands trapped under rubble, buried in mass graves, or detained by Israeli forces. The organization stresses the immense challenges in locating and verifying these missing children.

Pakistan’s team has long struggled with middle-order batting issues, contributing to their poor performance in the T 20 World Cup 2024. Experts believe a solution may be in Saud Shakeel, a 27-year-old left-handed batsman excelling in domestic cricket. Many think he has the potential to stabilize Pakistan’s middle order, allowing established openers like Fakhar Zaman to play their natural game.

The Punjab government has announced that all government schools in the province will remain closed on Saturdays in a move aimed at reducing the workload of teachers and enhancing their professional development. This decision was made public by Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, who said Saturdays will be reserved for teachers’ training.

Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh by eight runs to reach the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup on Monday in a dramatic victory that eliminated Australia from the tournament. Afghanistan’s bowlers secured a famous win by bowling out Bangladesh for 105 with seven balls remaining after being restricted to 115-5. Despite rain threats, skipper Rashid Khan took 4-23 and Naveen-ul-Haq 4-26 in a defiant effort, overcoming the odds.

The IPP contracts are putting excessive financial strain on consumers, with Rs38.16 billion paid out without any power generation from a private company. These payments are collected through electricity bills. As per the documents available, payments were made towards capacity charges in the last 14 months. All the amounts paid to IPP were collected from the poor and ordinary consumers in their electricity bills.

A five-year report released on October 5, 2023, states the average daily cost of a National Assembly session is 66.5 million rupees, and the hourly cost is Rs 24.2 million. Estimating expenses for a recent seven-day session, the cost is at least 465 million rupees. The National Assembly spent 20.5 million rupees per MNA over five years. In five years, 105 quorum issues postponed 72 sessions.

Tourist accused of blasphemy killed by mob in Swat A 36-year-old man from Sialkot, Punjab, was killed and his body burned in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Swat district after being accused of desecrating the Quran. Police took him into custody in Madyan, but a crowd demanded his release, attacked the police station, and dragged him out. He was reportedly tortured to death. Videos on social media show a large crowd chanting religious slogans around a burning body.

Pakistan’s ‘Nazuk Mor’ becomes a case study at Harvard School After 77 years, Pakistan faces a critical period marked by rampant inflation, soaring utility bills, heavy taxes, corruption, and mounting external debt. While the common man struggles, the elite class flourishes with assets swelling abroad amidst the economic crisis. Foreign institutions are studying Pakistan’s plight. Harvard Business School’s Prof Alberto Cavallo teaches “Pakistan at 75: When Will the ‘Nazuk Mor’ End?”

Muslim-majority Tajikistan bans hijab, regulates Eid festivities This week, Tajikistan officially banned hijabs and other “alien garments” as parliament passed a new bill regulating Islamic clothing and Eid celebrations. Approved on June 19 by Majlisi Milli, Tajikistan’s upper house, the bill enforces a decade-long unofficial hijab ban in the Muslim-majority nation. Under the new law, individuals wearing hijabs or other banned religious attire face fines of up to 7,920 somonis (about $700).

Armenia recognizes the State of Palestine Armenia announced Friday its recognition of the State of Palestine amidst the Gaza conflict, denouncing violence against civilians. During the Israel-Hamas conflict, several countries recognized Palestine, sparking strong criticism from Israeli officials. “Armenia reaffirms commitment to international law, equality among nations, sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence by recognizing the State of Palestine,” Yerevan said.

Fixed charges on electricity bills in Pakistan from July NEPRA has introduced new fixed monthly charges for residential electricity consumers effective July 1, 2024. The charges range from Rs200 to Rs1,000 based on usage. Consumers using 301-400 units will pay Rs200, 401-500 units will pay Rs400, 501-600 units will pay Rs600, 601-700 units will pay Rs800, and those using above 700 units will pay Rs1,000. The proposal awaits final approval from the government.

Giant star set to explode anytime and you may see it An infrequent celestial event from 3,000 years ago in deep space might become visible to the naked eye this year as T Coronae Borealis, a giant star, is set to explode. Astronomers predicted its nova in 2024, recurring every 80 years. A nova causes a brief, significant increase in brightness. NASA astronomer Bill Cooke likened observing this to a solar eclipse, describing it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

PPP leaders unhappy with government actions In a crucial meeting at Zardari House led by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, key figures voiced strong dissatisfaction with the government’s actions. Senior PPP leaders called for a firmer stance, noting the party wasn’t consulted during the budget process. They criticized PML-N for ignoring prior agreements, violating the power-sharing formula in Punjab, and depriving PPP members of development funds.

Fakhar Zaman: A Case for Pakistan’s Next Captain? With whispers of a potential captaincy change in Pakistan’s cricket team, Fakhar Zaman has emerged as a surprising contender. Babar Azam’s “brainless” captaincy has come under fire after the ODI World Cup 2023 and T20 World Cup 2024 debacle. Fakhar has won a vote of confidence from T20 WC-winning captain Younis Khan. With over 80 ODIs and 80 T20Is, Fakhar brings valuable experience.

Imran Khan’s political advisor allegedly abducted from Lahore Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s political advisor, Ghulam Shabbir, has allegedly been abducted from Lahore. His son, Bilal, filed a complaint at Kahna police station, and an abduction case has been registered. Ghulam Shabbir, the elder brother of Shahbaz Gill, was reportedly abducted by unknown individuals two days ago while leaving his house in Khayaban e Amin to travel to Islamabad.

Israeli tanks push deeper into Rafah, forcing people to flee again Israeli tanks, backed by warplanes and drones, advanced into western Rafah in Gaza on Wednesday, killing eight people, according to residents and medics. Tanks moved into five neighborhoods after midnight, with shelling and gunfire hitting tents of displaced families in Al-Mawasi. Despite eight months of war, efforts for a ceasefire by international mediators, including the U.S., have failed.

Over 570 pilgrims died from scorching heat during Hajj 2024 Over 550 Hajj pilgrims have succumbed to extreme temperatures during Hajj 2024. Reports in international media said the total death toll reported by various countries is around 577. The pilgrimage, one of Islam’s five pillars, is increasingly affected by sweltering weather. Despite messages to stay cool and hydrated, many rituals require being outdoors for hours.

Pakistani journalist Khalil Jibran gunned down in targeted attack Pakistani journalist Khalil Jibran has been gunned down in Landi Kotal town, in KP on Wednesday. The senior journalist of local Television was ambushed by bike-borne assailants while returning home with his friend Sajjad Advocate, police said. Initial reports suggest that the journalist’s car broke down near his home, and gunmen surrounded him, dragged him out, and shot him.

“After a viral video, Haris Rauf vowed to respond if fans abuse his family. On social media platform X, he stated, “I decided not to bring this to social media, but now that the video is out, I feel it is necessary to address the situation. As public figures, we receive all kinds of feedback. However, when it comes to my parents and family, I will respond accordingly. It’s important to respect people and their families,” Rauf wrote.

A tragic shipwreck off Italy’s southern coast killed several Pakistanis, with others missing. Over two dozen children were among the victims. Aid groups, coastguard officials, and U.N. agencies reported the incident on Monday. RESQSHIP rescued over 50 people from a sinking boat and found 10 bodies. The vessel, from Libya, carried migrants from Pakistan, Syria, Egypt, and Bangladesh.

A tragic shipwreck off Italy’s southern coast killed several Pakistanis, with others missing. Over two dozen children were among the victims. Aid groups, coastguard officials, and U.N. agencies reported the incident on Monday. RESQSHIP rescued over 50 people from a sinking boat and found 10 bodies. The vessel, from Libya, carried migrants from Pakistan, Syria, Egypt, and Bangladesh.

A tragic shipwreck off Italy’s southern coast killed several Pakistanis, with others missing. Over two dozen children were among the victims. Aid groups, coastguard officials, and U.N. agencies reported the incident on Monday. RESQSHIP rescued over 50 people from a sinking boat and found 10 bodies. The vessel, from Libya, carried migrants from Pakistan, Syria, Egypt, and Bangladesh.

A tragic shipwreck off Italy’s southern coast killed several Pakistanis, with others missing. Over two dozen children were among the victims. Aid groups, coastguard officials, and U.N. agencies reported the incident on Monday. RESQSHIP rescued over 50 people from a sinking boat and found 10 bodies. The vessel, from Libya, carried migrants from Pakistan, Syria, Egypt, and Bangladesh.

A tragic shipwreck off Italy’s southern coast killed several Pakistanis, with others missing. Over two dozen children were among the victims. Aid groups, coastguard officials, and U.N. agencies reported the incident on Monday. RESQSHIP rescued over 50 people from a sinking boat and found 10 bodies. The vessel, from Libya, carried migrants from Pakistan, Syria, Egypt, and Bangladesh.

A tragic shipwreck off Italy’s southern coast killed several Pakistanis, with others missing. Over two dozen children were among the victims. Aid groups, coastguard officials, and U.N. agencies reported the incident on Monday. RESQSHIP rescued over 50 people from a sinking boat and found 10 bodies. The vessel, from Libya, carried migrants from Pakistan, Syria, Egypt, and Bangladesh.

A tragic shipwreck off Italy’s southern coast killed several Pakistanis, with others missing. Over two dozen children were among the victims. Aid groups, coastguard officials, and U.N. agencies reported the incident on Monday. RESQSHIP rescued over 50 people from a sinking boat and found 10 bodies. The vessel, from Libya, carried migrants from Pakistan, Syria, Egypt, and Bangladesh.

A tragic shipwreck off Italy’s southern coast killed several Pakistanis, with others missing. Over two dozen children were among the victims. Aid groups, coastguard officials, and U.N. agencies reported the incident on Monday. RESQSHIP rescued over 50 people from a sinking boat and found 10 bodies. The vessel, from Libya, carried migrants from Pakistan, Syria, Egypt, and Bangladesh.

A tragic shipwreck off Italy’s southern coast killed several Pakistanis, with others missing. Over two dozen children were among the victims. Aid groups, coastguard officials, and U.N. agencies reported the incident on Monday. RESQSHIP rescued over 50 people from a sinking boat and found 10 bodies. The vessel, from Libya, carried migrants from Pakistan, Syria, Egypt, and Bangladesh.

A tragic shipwreck off Italy’s southern coast killed several Pakistanis, with others missing. Over two dozen children were among the victims. Aid groups, coastguard officials, and U.N. agencies reported the incident on Monday. RESQSHIP rescued over 50 people from a sinking boat and found 10 bodies. The vessel, from Libya, carried migrants from Pakistan, Syria, Egypt, and Bangladesh.

A tragic shipwreck off Italy’s southern coast killed several Pakistanis, with others missing. Over two dozen children were among the victims. Aid groups, coastguard officials, and U.N. agencies reported the incident on Monday. RESQSHIP rescued over 50 people from a sinking boat and found 10 bodies. The vessel, from Libya, carried migrants from Pakistan, Syria, Egypt, and Bangladesh.

A tragic shipwreck off Italy’s southern coast killed several Pakistanis, with others missing. Over two dozen children were among the victims. Aid groups, coastguard officials, and U.N. agencies reported the incident on Monday. RESQSHIP rescued over 50 people from a sinking boat and found 10 bodies. The vessel, from Libya, carried migrants from Pakistan, Syria, Egypt, and Bangladesh.

A tragic shipwreck off Italy’s southern coast killed several Pakistanis, with others missing. Over two dozen children were among the victims. Aid groups, coastguard officials, and U.N. agencies reported the incident on Monday. RESQSHIP rescued over 50 people from a sinking boat and found 10 bodies. The vessel, from Libya, carried migrants from Pakistan, Syria, Egypt, and Bangladesh.

A tragic shipwreck off Italy’s southern coast killed several Pakistanis, with others missing. Over two dozen children were among the victims. Aid groups, coastguard officials, and U.N. agencies reported the incident on Monday. RESQSHIP rescued over 50 people from a sinking boat and found 10 bodies. The vessel, from Libya, carried migrants from Pakistan, Syria, Egypt, and Bangladesh.