AGP Executive Report

PoJK Crackdown: Pakistan Rangers fired on protesters in Muzaffarabad, killing one and injuring several as demonstrations over arrests of civil rights activists and basic rights intensified. Foreign Women Case: Lahore police say a minister-linked suspect in the alleged abduction and gang-rape of two foreign women will be treated like any other criminal; DIG Operations also detailed arrests and embassy-assisted statements. PAF Officer Murder: Islamabad IG Ali Nasir Rizvi said the suspect in Group Captain Asim Tariq’s killing was traced and arrested within nine hours after a multi-team probe, CCTV and call data review. US-Iran Talks in Islamabad: Reports say the next US-Iran technical round is likely in Islamabad around July 11, with venue still undecided after Khamenei funeral delays. Pakistan-Türkiye Push: PM Shehbaz and Erdogan reaffirmed a $5B trade target and expanded cooperation in energy, defence, connectivity and investment. Maritime Reform: Junaid Anwar says Pakistan is prioritising port modernisation, blue economy and sustainability with IMO cooperation. Hajj Online Surge: Over 232,000 people completed online Hajj registration in two weeks for 2027–2030. Telecom Bill: Law and IT ministers defended revisions to the telecom amendment bill, including mandatory property owners’ consent for right-of-way. Security in Balochistan: BLA claimed an attack on army positions, prompting reinforcements and a clearance operation. Cricket: Babar Azam returned as Test captain, replacing Shan Masood, for West Indies and England tours.

US-Iran Diplomacy: Pakistan is set to host the next US-Iran technical talks on July 11, with Islamabad seen as the likelier venue after earlier Switzerland discussions, as both sides weigh sanctions relief, frozen assets and nuclear issues. Pakistan-Türkiye Economic Push: PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Istanbul visit wrapped up with renewed pledges to deepen defense and trade ties, including a $5bn target, plus investment in energy, IT, mining and connectivity. Health Crackdown: PM Shehbaz ordered a nationwide ban on substandard syringes, directing strict legal action and a special expert committee to tighten infectious-disease prevention. Lahore Foreign Women Case: Investigators are probing a possible cryptocurrency-linked motive behind the alleged abduction and gangrape of two foreign women, with testimony claiming a $100,000 payment for release and renewed political pressure over Deputy PM Ishaq Dar’s relative. Cricket Governance: PCB removed Shan Masood as Test captain and brought back Babar Azam for West Indies and England tours, alongside several squad changes and maiden call-ups. UK Deportation Row: The UK faces legal hurdles in deporting Rochdale grooming gang leader Shabir Ahmed, after Pakistan reportedly refused to accept him, citing citizenship status. Maritime Reform: Pakistan’s maritime reforms got a boost in Istanbul, with IMO engagement focused on port modernisation, blue economy and environmental sustainability.

US-Iran Talks in Pakistan: Reports say the next round of US-Iran negotiations will resume in Pakistan on July 11, with sanctions, frozen Iranian assets and the nuclear issue on the agenda, and Iran’s delegation to be finalized after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral ceremonies. Iran Funeral Diplomacy: PM Shehbaz Sharif led Pakistan’s condolence delegation to Khamenei’s funeral in Tehran, reiterating solidarity with Iran and calling the mediation between Washington and Tehran “very difficult” and “complicated.” Pakistan-Türkiye Trade Push: In Istanbul, Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Erdoğan pledged to lift bilateral trade toward $5bn, expanding cooperation in defense industry, energy, transport, critical minerals, IT and a proposed special economic zone in Karachi. Balochistan Security Shock: BLA claimed a suicide attack on a Coast Guards camp in Gwadar’s Jiwani area, with officials reporting multiple deaths and injuries; Pakistan says security operations continue. Lahore Foreign Women Case: Police arrested a fifth suspect in the alleged abduction, gang rape and extortion case involving two foreign women; investigators say DNA and forensic work will guide the next steps, with allegations tied to Ishaq Dar’s family. Rochdale Deportation Row: Pakistan refused to take back Rochdale grooming gang ringleader Shabir Ahmed, arguing he is no longer a Pakistani citizen after he tore up his passport, complicating UK deportation plans. Passport Home Delivery: DGIP launched nationwide passport doorstep delivery via TCS, aiming to reduce visits and modernize services. Gold Prices Ease: Gold prices in Pakistan fell after a two-day rise, tracking softer international rates.

Regional Diplomacy: Pakistan told the UN Security Council it has stepped up efforts to prevent wider Middle East escalation after attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, warning any further military moves could spiral into broader conflict. Cross-Border Tensions: India reiterated support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty after Pakistan’s strikes, while Islamabad and New Delhi traded fresh rhetoric over the Indus Waters Treaty and water flows. Security & Law: India designated 23 Pakistan-based individuals as terrorists under UAPA, raising the total to 80, as Pakistan continues to frame the issue around counterterrorism and regional stability. Lahore Foreign Women Case: In Lahore’s foreign women abduction and rape probe, victims’ statements under Section 164 allege extortion demands, repeated sexual and physical assault, and that a key suspect received $100,000 for release. Governance & Courts: Islamabad High Court issued notices to PEIRA over a petition challenging the 10% free-seat quota for private schools. Housing Policy: PM Apna Ghar expanded—NBFCs and HFCs can now offer housing loans up to Rs1 crore with a 5% markup for 10 years. Public Safety & Transport: A speeding, overcrowded bus crash in Balochistan’s Dana Sar killed 40 and injured eight, with reports pointing to overcrowding and a passenger-driver altercation. City Administration: Karachi mayor inaugurated restored fire stations in Gulistan-e-Johar and Bolton Market to improve emergency response. Economy & Industry: Turkish investors were courted by PM Shehbaz in Istanbul for energy, mining, IT and infrastructure, while cotton ginning in Sindh reportedly faces shutdowns amid tax pressure. Food Prices: Onion procurement price was raised to Rs2,125 per quintal to support farmers and buffer stocks.

Diplomacy & Regional Security: PM Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Istanbul for talks with Erdogan on trade, investment and regional peace after attending Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral in Tehran, while Iran’s acting defence minister warned any ceasefire violation would trigger a “strong” response and called for tighter Iran-Pakistan security coordination. Terrorism & Defence: The US reiterated support for Pakistan’s right to defend itself after Pakistan’s Operation Ghazab lil-Haq killed militants in border areas. Indus Waters Treaty: India said IWT remains in abeyance until Pakistan ends cross-border terrorism; Pakistani officials reject the move and warn of escalation. UK Deportation Row: Britain is considering tougher visa sanctions and legal changes to deport Rochdale grooming gang leader Shabir Ahmed after his release. Economy & Fuel: Petrol and diesel prices were cut by Rs1.97 per litre effective July 4, with critics calling it too small; passport home delivery via courier was also launched. Public Safety: A bus crash into a ravine killed at least 40 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa/Balochistan; Lahore courts granted 5-day remand in the foreign women kidnapping/rape case. Heritage Watch: UNESCO warned Pakistan over Taxila reconstruction, raising delisting risks.

Road Safety Crisis: A speeding, overcrowded passenger bus plunged into a ravine in Balochistan’s Sherani/Dana Sar area near the Balochistan-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border, killing at least 40 and injuring 8; officials say the bus had picked up extra passengers and investigations are underway. Judicial & Law Enforcement: A Lahore court granted five-day physical remand of four suspects in the alleged abduction and sexual assault of two foreign women, with police seeking longer custody; the case includes ransom allegations. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: PM Shehbaz Sharif departed for Iran to attend Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral, with a follow-up visit to Türkiye; Pakistan also framed the “Islamabad Memorandum” as a diplomatic victory supporting US-Iran dialogue. Economy & Governance: PM Shehbaz praised FBR for surpassing the Rs12.957tr revenue target and urged maintaining momentum toward Rs15tr+ for FY26-27. Tech & Services: PTA said internet services were restored after an SMW5 submarine cable fault disrupted connectivity nationwide. Sports Diplomacy: Saudi and Pakistan cricket boards signed an MoU to develop an international stadium in Jeddah.

Iran Funeral Diplomacy: PM Shehbaz Sharif will attend Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral in Tehran on July 4, then travel to Türkiye for talks with Erdogan, with Ishaq Dar and other ministers in tow. US-Iran Mediation: Pakistan and Qatar say Doha talks on the Islamabad MoU show “positive progress,” with further discussions planned after the funeral. Regional Security: Kuwait and Pakistan reviewed ways to deepen security and law-enforcement cooperation, including training and coordination on community issues. Internet Disruption: PTA says Pakistan’s internet slowdown is linked to a fault in the SMW5 submarine cable; traffic is being rerouted while repairs continue. Karachi Health Crisis: Sindh High Court orders a detailed report in two weeks on a reported HIV outbreak at KBV hospital, after a petition alleged negligence and deaths. Crime & Policing (Lahore): Police arrested suspects in kidnapping and sexual assault cases involving two foreign women, using Safe City surveillance. Politics & Kashmir: PTI says it will boycott Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections, citing lack of a free and fair environment. Water & India: FO rejects India’s move to put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, calling it an attempt to control a shared river system. Energy Investment: China’s Shandong Xinxu signals broad energy-sector investment interest, from upstream production to refinery upgrades.

Diplomacy & Regional Security: PM Shehbaz Sharif will visit Iran and Türkiye from July 3-5, attending Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral in Iran and holding trade and security talks in Istanbul. US-Iran Mediation: Qatar and Pakistan-backed mediators report “positive progress” in Doha on the Islamabad MoU framework, including steps on Strait of Hormuz maritime traffic and frozen Iranian assets. Cricket Diplomacy: PCB and Saudi Arabia’s cricket federation signed an MoU to build an international-standard stadium in Jeddah, with PCB oversight and technical cooperation aimed at Saudi Vision 2030. Aviation & Connectivity: PIA resumed direct Lahore–Manchester flights after six years, boosting weekly services for the Pakistani diaspora. Economy & Energy Policy: World Bank urges Pakistan to reform the NFC Award formula and improve federal-provincial coordination; government also raised carbon tax on petrol and diesel by Rs5 per litre. Governance & Law: IT ministry told a Senate panel Pakistan lacks a law declaring internet an essential service, despite its role in public services. Public Safety: Lahore police and administration visited families after the Kahna tuition centre roof collapse that killed 14 children; investigations and accountability steps are underway. Minorities & Heritage: A 125-year-old Sikh gurdwara in Punjab was demolished without NOC; Punjab authorities ordered restoration and India condemned the act. International Humanitarian: 147 Afghan nationals released from detention in Pakistan returned home. UK Deportation Row: UK officials say they’re exploring “every route” to deport Rochdale grooming gang ringleader Shabir Ahmed after his release, citing legal limits and Pakistan’s willingness to accept him.

Consular & Dialogue Push: India and Pakistan exchanged lists of civil prisoners and fishermen under the 2008 consular access deal, with New Delhi urging Islamabad to expedite release and repatriation of 188 completed cases while Pakistan also asked for 97 of its prisoners in return. Afghan Border Tensions: Pakistan said it intercepted four drones launched from Afghanistan as Kabul and Islamabad traded accusations over strikes and civilian harm, with Pakistan rejecting India’s criticism of its Afghanistan airstrikes. Lahore Tragedy: A tutoring centre roof collapse in Lahore killed at least 14 children; police arrested the owner and another person and an FIR was registered as authorities ordered inquiries and compensation. Governance & Services: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said cashless passport fee payments are now live nationwide to cut queues, while the World Bank flagged mixed progress on fiscal federalism and warned of accountability gaps. Security in Karachi: Sindh CTD registered cases in the Rangers transport attack probe after a suicide blast killed three Rangers personnel. Regional Diplomacy: Saudi and Pakistan signed an MoU to deepen security cooperation as Kuwait-Pakistan ties and trade were highlighted in embassy events. Judiciary Milestone: Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum is set to be elevated to the Supreme Court next month. Finance & Economy: Bank of Punjab was upgraded to AAA by PACRA, and Pakistan’s CPEC 2.0 focus was outlined by Ishaq Dar.

Afghanistan–Pakistan Escalation: Pakistan says it shot down four rudimentary drones launched from Afghanistan into Balochistan, while Kabul claims airstrikes on ISIS-linked targets inside Pakistan—raising fresh cross-border tensions after earlier strikes and civilian casualty claims. Indus Waters Treaty Row: Pakistan’s Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar framed the IWT as a legal, peace-stabilising instrument and warned that any suspension or water “weaponisation” would have “profound consequences,” with Bilawal stressing dialogue “under law.” Lahore Tragedy: A tutoring centre roof collapse in Kahna, Lahore killed at least 14 children and injured others; police arrested the centre owner/contractor and registered cases over alleged negligence and construction violations. Governance & Accountability: PM Shehbaz formed a high-level JIT to probe the “One Constitution Avenue” matter after an Islamabad High Court decision upheld CDA’s lease cancellation. Finance Policy Shift: Islamabad unveiled a plan to move Pakistan’s financial sector toward full Shariah compliance after 2027, with existing debts honoured and new borrowing via Shariah-compliant instruments. Human Rights Concern: Reports from Balochistan allege six more enforced disappearances during security operations, with families demanding transparency on detainees’ whereabouts.

Tragedy in Lahore: A roof collapse at an under-construction private tutoring centre in Kahna killed at least 14 children and injured eight to nine others; police arrested the owner/contractor and Punjab ordered stricter checks on unregistered tuition centres ahead of the monsoon. Afghanistan-Pakistan fallout: UN chief António Guterres and multiple governments urged de-escalation after Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghan provinces drew condemnation over civilian harm; Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate also vowed to protect security and retaliate. Indus Waters Treaty standoff: Deputy PM/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar warned India that any move to divert or block Pakistan’s water share would be “weaponization” and could amount to an act of war, as Islamabad pushes the treaty as a matter of national security. Domestic governance: PM Shehbaz Sharif chaired a population welfare meeting, stressing balanced population growth and directing the National Population Council to be set up quickly. Kashmir politics: In PoK, protests against Islamabad’s rule entered a 22nd day; meanwhile, Pakistan-administered Kashmir police arrested JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir after deadly unrest over refugee-reserved seats. Regional ties: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Riyadh to deepen Saudi security and counter-narcotics cooperation.

Afghanistan-Pakistan Cross-Border Crisis: UNAMA says Pakistani overnight airstrikes in Paktia, Paktika and Kunar killed at least 28 civilians (including women and children) and injured 49, as Kabul and Islamabad exchanged chargés d’affaires protests; Pakistan says it hit militant hideouts after attacks inside Pakistan, while Afghanistan and the Taliban accuse civilian targeting and vow retaliation. Indus Waters Treaty Showdown: In Islamabad, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar called IWT Pakistan’s “lifeline” and said it cannot be unilaterally revoked, while Indus Waters commissioner framed water as national security; Pakistan also warned India with “cut off those hands” rhetoric over treaty suspension. UN Diplomacy on Palestine: Pakistan told the UN Security Council Israel’s E1 settlement plan threatens the viability of a future Palestinian state, citing accelerated settlement expansion and new housing approvals. Domestic Legal/Administrative Moves: SBP directed banks not to block accounts without lawful basis after an Islamabad High Court order; Supreme Court returned Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi appeals in the £190m case over forum objections. Security Incident: 14 undertrial prisoners escaped a van while being transported to Adiala jail; 4 were re-arrested and the hunt continues. Local Governance Crackdown: Punjab launched a province-wide verification drive over subsidized e-taxis allegedly used as personal vehicles, warning of confiscation.

Afghanistan Cross-Border Crisis: Pakistan’s airstrikes and follow-up operations in Paktia, Paktika and Kunar have triggered a fresh diplomatic storm. Kabul says 36 civilians were killed and 163 injured, including women and children, after a second strike hit during rescue efforts; Islamabad insists it targeted militant hideouts and says 29 militants were killed. International Pressure: UNAMA, UNICEF, the EU and a UN human rights expert urged restraint and accountability, while India condemned the strikes as a “blatant act of aggression” and a threat to regional peace. Diplomatic Fallout: Afghanistan summoned Pakistan’s chargé d’affaires over alleged airspace violations and civilian targeting; Pakistan also lodged protests with Afghanistan after the Karachi terror attack. Water Rights: Musadik Malik warned Pakistan will not compromise on Indus Waters Treaty rights, calling India’s stance “water terrorism,” while Tarar said the treaty can’t be unilaterally suspended. Economy & Governance: SBP reported $1.3bn external debt repayment and a $1.305bn weekly dip in forex reserves; Pakistan also advanced PIA privatisation with first financial closing transferring management to an investor consortium. Domestic Moves: Pakistan orders arrest of Afghan nationals without valid visas from July 10, and Punjab announced wastewater treatment plants across districts.

Pak-Afghan Cross-Border Clash: Pakistan carried out a ground operation and “precision” strikes in Afghanistan’s Paktia, Paktika and Kunar, saying 29 militants were killed after the Karachi Rangers attack; Human Cost Dispute: Afghanistan’s Taliban officials countered that 36 civilians were killed and 163 wounded, alleging a second strike hit residents during rescue; Karachi Security Fallout: The weekend attack on Sindh Rangers’ Karachi HQ left three rangers dead, with Jamaat-ul-Ahrar claiming responsibility and Pakistan saying one attacker was an Afghan national; Punjab Law Row: Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan distanced himself from the Habitual Offenders Bill, warning he was not briefed and calling colonial-era-style powers dangerous; Digital Governance: Pakistan unveiled the National Data Governance Policy 2026, calling government data a “strategic national asset” and tightening rules on data sovereignty and sharing; Sports Governance: PCB approved PSL autonomy and raised domestic cricket funding to Rs 4 billion, alongside higher match fees.

Karachi Security Crisis: Militants from Jamaat-ul-Ahrar stormed a Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) camp in Karachi’s Gulistan-i-Jauhar after a blast at the main gate. Three Rangers were martyred, four injured, and security forces killed three attackers while capturing one Afghan national who reportedly said he was trained in Afghanistan. Counter-Terror Operations: Pakistan also carried out intelligence-led action along the Pak-Afghan border, with officials saying 29 militants were killed in Bajaur and follow-up strikes in Paktia, Paktika and Kunar. Middle East Diplomacy: Deputy PM/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged all sides to fully observe the US-Iran ceasefire during talks with EU HRVP Kaja Kallas, as renewed US-Iran tit-for-tat attacks threaten escalation. Energy & Trade: Pakistan is considering buying cheaper Iranian oil and gas after easing of US sanctions, while Pakistan-China industrial cooperation took a step forward with a lithium-battery partnership MoU. Local Governance & Economy: Karachi’s KMC approved a Rs60bn budget amid PPP-opposition clashes, and Lahore saw food prices stay high despite fuel cuts. AJK Politics: PPP and JUI-F announced an alliance for July 27 AJK elections, with PPP naming its first batch of 35 candidates.

Karachi Security: Militants from Jamaat-ul-Ahrar attacked the Pakistan Rangers HQ in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, triggering a blast and a gun battle; three Rangers were martyred, four wounded, and one attacker (an Afghan national) was captured as clearance operations continued, with Pakistan warning of retaliation. Regional Diplomacy: PM Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan is a “peacemaker” after the US-Iran roadmap under the Islamabad MoU, while DPM/FM Ishaq Dar spoke with Bahrain’s FM Al Zayani, who plans a visit to thank Pakistan for facilitating the ceasefire. Gulf Tensions: Bahrain condemned renewed Iranian missile and drone strikes, urging the UN Security Council to act and citing the Islamabad MoU as a broken commitment. Fuel & Trade: Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said Pakistan is exploring cheaper Iranian oil and gas imports after restrictions eased, and insisted global price drops will be passed to consumers. Earthquake Response: A 5.4 quake in Pakistan’s Musakhail and tremors across the region left injuries and damaged homes; PM Shehbaz ordered urgent relief. Local Politics: Sindh Assembly offered Fateha for Rangers personnel and debated the provincial budget amid renewed calls around NFC shares and devolution. Business Climate: Karachi’s Cotton Exchange closure/occupation drew alarm from traders and exporters, warning of damage to Pakistan’s cotton trade and investor confidence. Economy & Industry: Government highlighted MSMEs as the backbone of growth, while SIFC-backed M-13 motorway revival and Punjab’s urban water/sewer projects point to infrastructure push. Public Health: Pakistan Medical Association urged confidential nationwide HIV testing to tackle stigma and underreporting.