AGP Executive Report

PoK Unrest: Over 1.5 lakh protesters gathered at Rawalakot, with Islamabad facing a July 21 deadline as clashes reportedly left at least nine dead and the wider toll rises; PPP’s Bilawal Bhutto urged dialogue and warned peaceful protesters shouldn’t be branded terrorists. Religious Minorities & Justice: Pakistan’s Supreme Court acquitted three men in the 2014 lynching and burning of a Christian couple, citing prosecution failures; meanwhile EU lawmakers urged stronger protections for underage Christian and Hindu girls facing forced conversion and marriage. Islamabad Governance & Rights: Senate panel ordered NCCIA to stop actions against newspapers and journalists, saying it exceeded its mandate and demanded verified social media data. Public Safety: Lahore sealed a private water park after a nine-year-old girl died in a drainage-pipe incident; three officials were arrested. Economy & Energy: Pakistan bought another July LNG spot cargo at $20.69/MMBtu; oil companies warned of a possible petrol supply crunch due to customs delays and unpaid PDC dues. Digital Push: SBP said PayPak will anchor domestic digital payments; regulator also sought clarification after an Islamic seminary ruling challenged crypto purchases. Security: Twin militant attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa killed three police officers and wounded 20. International: France announced it will close its Karachi diplomatic mission permanently, keeping ties via Islamabad embassy, honorary consulate, and business/cultural links.

Kashmir Unrest: Nine people were killed as clashes flared again in Pakistan-administered Kashmir between security forces and JAAC protesters, with authorities warning they will stop a march toward Muzaffarabad. Iran-US Escalation: The US carried out another round of strikes on Iran for the fourth consecutive night near the Strait of Hormuz as Washington reimposed a naval blockade; Iran rejected claims of 11-hour Oman talks and says the MoU is being undermined. Diplomacy at UN: Iran has filed a formal complaint to the UN Security Council alleging repeated US violations of the Islamabad MoU, including strikes and changes affecting Hormuz shipping. Public Safety & Health: PM Shehbaz directed NDMA to tighten coordination with provinces and PDMAs for monsoon emergency response and early warning systems; WHO progress toward DRAP’s “Maturity Level 3” is targeted by April 2027. Economy & Tax: FBR unveiled a fixed one-percent tax framework for small shopkeepers, while the IMF projects Pakistan inflation at 8.4% for FY2026-27. Security & Crime: Karachi police arrested suspects in the robbery and killing of doctor Akash near Teen Talwar. Trade/Industry: Saindak Metals warned Balochistan’s law-and-order situation could force it to halt operations within a month; Ghandhara Tyre secured US DOT certification for exports. Youth & Media: Punjab moved to restrict social media access for children under 16; HRFP urged UN action to protect religious minorities.

Middle East Security: The US reimposed a blockade on Iranian ports after Iran attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, as an interim ceasefire deal unravels and war fears rise. Diplomacy & UN: PM Shehbaz Sharif met UN SG candidate Michelle Bachelet, reaffirming Pakistan’s push for UN Charter principles and peaceful dispute resolution. UK Deportation Row: Britain’s Foreign Secretary said the UK won’t rule out a deal with Pakistan to deport Rochdale grooming gang leader Shabir Ahmed, while the UK moves to close legal loopholes. Water Politics: India put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, accusing Pakistan of obstructionism and “weaponising” treaty mechanisms; PPP staged a Lahore protest against any assault on Pakistan’s water rights. Domestic Economy & Debt: Govt retired a record Rs4.72trn domestic debt early via buybacks; cashless push continues as PM orders full digitisation of overseas remittances. Power & Industry: Nepra approved Rs332.3bn for NGC under UoSC; auto policy talks with IMF remain unresolved, likely extending the current policy for a year. Tech & Telecom: PTA told NA 5G is live in 22 cities using existing towers; PTCL confirmed Nadeem Khan as CEO. Public Safety & Crime: Karachi doctor Dr Akash was shot dead during a robbery near Teen Talwar; family demands arrests. Elections & Governance: KP govt assured ECP “all possible support” for LG polls in 23 districts; Punjab reshuffled senior bureaucracy. Trade & Transport: UN aid containers crossed Torkham into Afghanistan; Karachi Port received one of the world’s largest container ships, MSC ERICA.

Karachi Security: Sindh police say they’ve arrested the alleged mastermind behind the June 27 Rangers camp attack in Gulistan-e-Jauhar and dismantled a facilitator network, claiming planning, training and handlers were based in Afghanistan. Counterterror Operations: Operation Shaaban in Balochistan continues with four more militants killed, taking the toll to 83 as forces press until “all” targets are eliminated. Political Fallout: Federal ministers hit back at JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman for remarks they say demean martyrs by linking soldiers’ sacrifices to salaries; Defence Minister Khawaja Asif called it morally insensitive. Local Governance: The ECP will hold another consultation in 15 days to set dates for local government elections in 23 KP districts after delimitation is completed. Regional Diplomacy: Pakistan reaffirmed support for Saudi Arabia at the UN over Houthi missile attacks, urging restraint and dialogue to prevent Yemen escalation. Markets & Economy: PSX slid again as US-Iran Hormuz tensions spooked investors; meanwhile auto policy talks with the IMF remain unresolved and the current auto policy is likely extended. Energy/Policy: The government is reviewing petroleum pricing, including a rules-based stabilization fund and daily publication of pricing data. Corporate/Telecom: IHC approved the Telenor Pakistan–Ufone merger, while PTCL appointed Mohammad Nadeem Khan as CEO. International Justice: India’s NIA issued an open-ended non-bailable warrant against Hafiz Saeed in the Pahalgam case, paving the way for trial in absentia.

UK Deportation Push: Britain moved to close a legal loophole to deport Rochdale grooming gang ringleader Shabir Ahmed, but the plan hinges on Pakistan agreeing to take him back, with visa sanctions threatened if Islamabad refuses. Federal Politics: Sources say PM Shehbaz Sharif is weighing a federal cabinet expansion and reshuffle, with possible new faces from Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and more BAP/MQM-P representation. Karachi Health Crisis: Sindh CM ordered a probe after Valika Hospital’s HIV outbreak rose to 80 children, directing strict accountability and uninterrupted treatment. Cabinet/Policy Watch: Pakistan reaffirmed UN centrality in talks between Ishaq Dar and UN secretary-general candidate Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett. Middle East Flashpoint: Iran says it’s continuing mediation with Pakistan, Qatar and Oman to prevent escalation as US-Iran tensions over the Strait of Hormuz intensify. Public Safety: A young doctor was shot dead in Karachi during an alleged robbery after withdrawing cash. Economy/Trade: Sindh pitched itself as an investment gateway, highlighting major infrastructure and one-window facilitation efforts. OIC Women’s Agenda: OIC’s Islamabad Declaration was adopted, pushing women’s political, economic and digital inclusion.

Qatar Condolences: PM Shehbaz Sharif landed in Doha with Nawaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar and Attaullah Tarar to meet Emir Tamim and convey condolences after the death of former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, with Pakistan declaring a national mourning day. US-Iran Tensions: Fresh US-Iran clashes over the Strait of Hormuz escalated again, with Iran claiming strikes on US-linked facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait and radar damage in Oman, while Iran says talks via mediators including Pakistan continue to prevent further escalation. Crypto & Sharia: Pakistan’s crypto debate sharpened after Mufti Taqi Usmani backed a fatwa declaring digital currencies haram, as regulators move to shape oversight for virtual assets. Immigration/Deportation Row: UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to outline legal steps to deport Rochdale grooming gang ringleader Shabir Ahmed, but Pakistan signals it will not take him back. Islamabad Courts: Pakistan’s Constitutional Court set aside the Monal Restaurant demolition order, directing trial courts to decide ownership and regulatory issues through proper forums. Digital Governance: IT ministry plans a major review of PTA, NITB, PSEB and Ignite roles to streamline Pakistan’s digital governance. Karachi Economy: Flour mill owners cut ex-mill wheat flour price by Rs8/kg after talks with Karachi administration, aiming to ease consumer costs.

US-Iran Escalation: Trump warned the U.S. is preparing more strikes after saying the ceasefire is “over,” as the Strait of Hormuz standoff deepens and oil prices jump. Diplomatic Push: Pakistan urged Iran-US de-escalation under the Islamabad MoU, with Deputy PM Ishaq Dar speaking to Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi and calling dialogue the only path. Qatar Mourning & Mediation Fallout: Pakistan declared national mourning for Qatar’s former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani; PM Shehbaz is set to visit Doha, with the trip also tied to the stalled US-Iran mediation track. Humanitarian Access: Pakistan issued an NOC for UN humanitarian cargo to Afghanistan via Torkham, though trucks remain held pending Taliban permission. Regional Politics (AJK): AJK says elections will be held on schedule and rejects the banned Awami Action Committee’s activities amid disruption claims. Domestic Economy & Daily Life: Lahore roti prices face a showdown as tandoor owners threaten Rs25 if the government-fixed rate isn’t revised. International Mobility: Pakistan’s passport climbed to 100th on the Henley index, offering visa-free access to 30 destinations. Security & Condemnations: Top leaders condemned attacks on labourers in Washuk, Balochistan, as Pakistan continues its anti-terror messaging. OIC Women’s Conference: Islamabad hosts the 9th OIC ministerial conference on women’s empowerment, with Pakistan highlighting education and inclusion.

West Asia Diplomacy: Pakistan’s FM Ishaq Dar urged Iran and the US to de-escalate and stick to the Islamabad MoU after fresh strikes and counter-strikes, stressing dialogue as the only route to stability. US-Iran Escalation: CENTCOM says the US completed a third round of Iran strikes this week, hitting 300+ targets around missile/drone and coastal capabilities, as Trump warned more strikes could follow. OIC Women’s Conference in Islamabad: The 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women opened with delegates from 57 member states, with Pakistan’s leadership set to address the main session and security sealed around the Red Zone. Qatar Leadership Loss: Pakistan’s president, PM and FM offered condolences after the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, praising his role in Qatar’s development and regional peace. Governance & Public Services: Islamabad Traffic Police launched a “Flower and Candy” drive to reward law-abiding drivers, while LESCO ended free electricity perks for senior officers amid public pressure over rising bills. Health & Rights: Sindh suspended 37 hospital staff and set up a Rs2bn endowment fund after an HIV outbreak linked to Valika Hospital cases.

West Asia Diplomacy: Pakistan’s DPM/FM Ishaq Dar spoke with Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan, urging de-escalation and continued mediation as US-Iran tensions flare. Regional Security: Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah chaired a security meeting to intensify targeted operations against terrorists, facilitators and extortionists, with improved intelligence sharing. Anti-Terror Drive: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said Operation Shaban has killed 88 terrorists in Balochistan since July 5, including the Mangi Dam attack where policemen were abducted. Immigration Crackdown: Pakistan launched a new crackdown on undocumented Afghans after a deadline, citing national security; UN concerns over forced deportations persist. Islamabad Hosts OIC Women’s Meet: Delegations began arriving for the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women (July 12-13), with Pakistan set to chair and push socio-economic and political empowerment. Economy & Costs: Petrol and high-speed diesel prices rose by over Rs13 per litre; IMF expects another $3.6bn tranche over 14 months tied to reforms. Governance & Oversight: Punjab launched an investigation into alleged changes to the Rawalpindi Ring Road design. Energy & Trade: Gwadar Port completed its first international bunkering operation, supplying IMO-compliant fuel via NLC and Vitol. Media Regulation: Pemra resumed Geo News transmission after upholding a 15-day licence suspension and Rs10m fine over a Muharram documentary.

IMF Support: The IMF will release an additional $3.6bn to Pakistan over the next 14 months, with the next review expected in September, under EFF/RSF conditions on fiscal discipline, tax reforms, energy restructuring and circular-debt reduction. US-Pak Trade: Pakistan and the US say they’ve made significant progress on a reciprocal trade agreement after two days of talks in Washington, narrowing tariff differences ahead of the July 24 end of a temporary US tariff arrangement. Middle East Mediation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held calls with Iran’s President Pezeshkian and Qatar’s Emir to revive stalled US-Iran negotiations, urging restraint and strict adherence to the Islamabad MoU as tensions escalate. Fuel Costs & Court Challenge: Petrol and diesel prices rose again by over Rs13/litre after a levy tweak, while the Lahore High Court hears a petition challenging the hike. Security in Balochistan: Operation Shaaban continues, with security forces reporting 88 militants killed since July 5. EU GSP+ Warning: The European Parliament put Pakistan’s GSP+ status on notice over alleged rights violations involving minority girls and forced conversions. Punjab Land Rule Change: Punjab removed the Green Property Certificate requirement for property transactions, allowing transfers via Fard/record copies instead. Energy Planning: A Pakistan Climate Prosperity Plan report says solar imports surged and outlines targets for clean power expansion and reducing grid losses.

US-Iran Escalation: Trump said the Iran-US ceasefire is “OVER” while talks continue, warning of fresh strikes after renewed Gulf exchanges, raising fresh risks for regional stability and oil markets. Pakistan-Iran Mediation: PM Shehbaz Sharif urged Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian to safeguard “hard-earned peace” and uphold the Islamabad MoU, while Pakistan also pushed the UN Security Council to keep the framework peace process on track. Balochistan Security: Pakistan reported operations in Balochistan that killed 75 insurgents, after attacks including the abduction and killing of police officers, as leadership vowed to intensify counter-terror efforts. Islamabad Airport Outsourcing: The Privatisation Commission approved the ADB as financial adviser to outsource Islamabad International Airport via a long-term concession and competitive bidding. Energy Pressure: Pakistan floated another spot LNG tender as Hormuz tensions threaten Qatar supplies, while petrol and diesel prices rose by over Rs13 per litre effective July 11. Aviation Crisis: Search efforts for the K2 Airways cargo plane missing near Karachi continued with additional debris recovered, but all five crew members remain unaccounted for. Politics & Governance: Senate panel endorsed a bill for blue passports for former parliamentarians, and KP’s governor called for a uniform national policy on lawmakers’ salaries and benefits. Public Protest: JI launched wider protests over inflation, tariffs and IPP-related power costs.

US-Iran Escalation: Trump says the US is preparing for “another night of strikes” after calling the interim ceasefire “over,” warning of attacks on Iran’s civilian infrastructure and oil hub—raising fresh fears of wider war. Aviation Emergency: Search teams recovered more debris from K2 Airways’ cargo plane crash into the Arabian Sea; the cause is still under investigation as five crew remain missing. Energy & Power: The World Bank approved $375.9m for Pakistan’s grid stability and transmission modernisation, aiming to cut outages, reduce losses, and integrate more wind power. Public Safety Tragedy: Lahore police are investigating the death of a 10-year-old girl found unconscious in a tuition centre washroom, with marks reportedly found on her neck. Counterterror & Security: Pakistan vows to keep anti-terror operations until militants are eliminated after Balochistan attacks; meanwhile, cyber researchers report China- and India-linked hackers targeted Pakistani police networks, with Balochistan Police a key target. Governance & Services: DPM Ishaq Dar chaired a committee on improving government efficiency, finalising recommendations for federal secretariat and e-office reforms. Social Protection: BISP, WFP, WHO and UNICEF extended the Benazir Nashonuma programme to protect 3.3m more children and women from malnutrition. Politics & Rights: European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning forced conversion and child marriage of minority girls in Pakistan. Deportation Row (UK): UK plans legal changes to enable deportation of Rochdale grooming gang ringleader Shabir Ahmed, with Pakistan reportedly refusing to take him back.

US-Iran Escalation: Fresh US strikes and Iranian retaliatory attacks have further strained a three-week ceasefire, with Trump warning more action is coming and Pakistan urging restraint and adherence to the Islamabad MoU. Balochistan Security: Pakistan’s military says 54 alleged terrorists and 42 others were killed in three major engagements over four days, as PM Shehbaz vows an all-out push to end terrorism. PoK Unrest: In Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, JAAC has issued a 48-hour ultimatum and warned of a major protest phase, amid allegations of police brutality and rising international scrutiny. Aviation Crisis: Search efforts continue after a K2 Airways Boeing 737 cargo plane vanished near Karachi; wreckage has been located and authorities are still working to find the missing crew. Public Health: Federal health officials reviewed the Hepatitis C elimination programme, aiming to make Pakistan hepatitis-free, while a Lahore tuition-centre death of a 10-year-old is under investigation. Economy & Energy: SBP data shows foreign exchange reserves hit the highest level since 2021, but Hormuz-linked disruptions are reported to be affecting LNG supplies; ADB also cut FY2027 growth forecast to 3.7%. Governance & Business: Cabinet committee decisions stressed transparency in state-owned enterprise boards, while SMEDA expanded free SME registration drives.

US-Iran Escalation: Trump says the interim ceasefire is “over” and warns of more strikes after fresh US attacks on Iranian military targets, raising fears of wider war and oil-market shocks. Air Disaster Off Karachi: Search enters day two for K2 Airways Boeing 737 crew after navigation trouble and a steep descent; wreckage recovered near Ormara with five missing. Balochistan Security: BLA ambush kills 11 Pakistan Army personnel near Bela; DG ISPR links this week’s violence to BLA and TTP/FAK operations. Energy & LNG: Pakistan issues emergency LNG tender after a Qatari shipment is aborted amid Hormuz tensions, seeking replacement supplies to avoid shortages. Economy & Markets: IMF keeps Pakistan growth at 3.5% but warns Middle East conflict could fuel inflation and disrupt energy; OICCI survey flags worsening security hurting investor confidence. Diplomacy: PM Shehbaz and Croatia’s FM agree to deepen trade, investment, IT and connectivity; Naqvi meets UN chief Guterres on Pakistan’s West Asia peace role. Social & Governance: Punjab’s Suthra Punjab faces wage and financial irregularity allegations; Lahore adds women-only Speedo buses on Metro route. Humanitarian/Regional: Pakistan releases 638 Afghan detainees and sees a surge in refugee returns.

US-Iran Escalation & Islamabad MoU: Pakistan urged restraint after fresh US-Iran hostilities threatened to derail the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, with Islamabad calling the MoU the “enduring foundation” for dialogue and warning renewed conflict is “in no one’s interest.” Regional Diplomacy: Qatar held high-level talks with Iran to cool the Strait of Hormuz situation, while Pakistan and the UK pressed Washington and Tehran to restore the ceasefire. Balochistan Security Update: The military said 42 people were killed in three major engagements over four days, including attacks on an army convoy and a police post near the Mangi dam, as Field Marshal Asim Munir vowed to crush cross-border terrorism. K2 Airways Crash Response: Search teams found wreckage of a K2 Airways Boeing 737-400 off Ormara (53 nautical miles south), but all five crew remain unaccounted for as deep-sea recovery continues. Health & Governance: Health Minister Mustafa Kamal inaugurated Phase-I of the upgraded PIMS cardiac centre, promising free advanced treatment and pushing activation of 28 BHUs. UK Deportation Push: UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to amend a 1971 law to enable deportation of Rochdale grooming gang ringleader Shabir Ahmed, with Pakistan’s acceptance still a key hurdle. Economy Watch: SBP chief projected the current account to stay balanced or in surplus for FY26, while oil-price spikes and market jitters followed Trump’s “ceasefire over” remarks. EU Rights Scrutiny: EU lawmakers and advocates plan a July 14-15 push on forced conversion/marriage cases involving minority girls in Pakistan.

Aviation Emergency: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered Pakistan’s civil aviation authorities, navy and air force to intensify search-and-rescue after a K2 Airways Boeing 737 cargo plane vanished off Karachi, with radar showing a rapid descent and contact lost about 155 nautical miles west of the city; five crew members are unaccounted for and rough seas are hampering efforts. Market Shock: Pakistan Stock Exchange slid sharply after US President Donald Trump said the Iran truce is “over,” rattling oil and risk assets. Fuel Policy Watch: Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik hinted at deregulating petrol and diesel pricing—shifting toward more market-driven, faster daily updates—sparking questions on how rates will be set. Diplomacy & Security: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met China’s security leadership at the UN, pledging deeper counterterrorism, border management, anti-narcotics and illegal immigration cooperation; he’s also set for talks in Washington. Human Rights: UN experts condemned the life sentences handed to Baloch human rights defender Dr. Mahrang Baloch, calling the trial a misuse of anti-terror laws. Health Response: Pakistan plans large-scale HIV screening in Karachi after reports of an outbreak linked to Pathan Colony and Valika Hospital, with free treatment for positives.