AGP Executive Report

Road Safety Tragedy (Balochistan): An overcrowded bus on the Quetta–Peshawar route plunged into a deep ravine in Dana Sar/Sherani, killing at least 40 and injuring 8–11 as rescue teams battled rugged terrain. Court & Crime (Lahore): Lahore police secured five-day physical remand of four suspects in the abduction and alleged rape of two foreign women, with further investigation underway. Economy (Trade): Pakistan’s trade deficit widened 21.6% to $39.47bn in FY2025-26 as exports fell and imports rose. Digital Inclusion (Mobile Internet): A GSMA report says Pakistan narrowed the mobile Internet gender gap sharply, but 28% of women still rely on someone else’s phone. Human Smuggling Probe (FIA): Authorities allege a syndicate smuggled human placentas for anti-aging injections, with raids and airport interception reported. Diplomacy & Security (UN/US): The US reiterated support for Pakistan’s right to defend itself against terrorist attacks at the UN. Sports (Saudi Cricket): PCB and Saudi Cricket Federation signed an MoU to develop an international cricket stadium in Jeddah. Culture & Trade (Pakistan-China): Pakistan’s embassy in China hosted a Mango Festival marking 75 years of ties, highlighting agricultural exports and business links.

Iran-US Mediation: Pakistan says “positive progress” was made in Doha on the Islamabad MoU, with the next round potentially after Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral; Diplomatic Push: PM Shehbaz Sharif will attend Khamenei’s Tehran funeral and then visit Türkiye, underscoring Islamabad’s regional engagement; Internet Disruption: PTA blamed a fault in the SEA-ME-WE 5 submarine cable for intermittent slowdowns nationwide, with traffic rerouted while Transworld and the consortium work on repairs; Kashmir Politics: PTI announced it will boycott the AJK elections, citing lack of a free and fair environment; Security & Diplomacy: The US State Department reiterated support for Pakistan’s right to defend itself against terrorist attacks amid Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions; Judiciary: LHC ruled WhatsApp group admins aren’t automatically criminally liable for every post, based on identifiable acts; Economy & Policy: ECC approved PASSCO wheat auction and severance for employees, while SBP ended the remittance telegraphic transfer charges incentive scheme; Energy/Industry: ECC urged fast resolution of KE gas guarantee breach; tariff changes for two-wheelers drew warnings of hurting localisation incentives.

Cross-border diplomacy: Pakistan says US-Iran talks in Doha show “positive progress” after Qatar and Pakistani mediators met both sides, with the next round planned after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral processions. Regional security: The Taliban claimed airstrikes on an alleged ISIS hideout in Balochistan while Islamabad said it intercepted and shot down four drones, as tensions keep rising. Disaster & safety: Heavy monsoon rains and flash floods across Pakistan left at least 14 dead and dozens injured, while Lahore also saw a deadly roof collapse at an under-construction house that killed a child and injured others. Heritage & minorities: A 125-year-old gurdwara in Punjab’s Farooqabad was allegedly demolished without NOC, triggering Sikh protests and international condemnation; authorities ordered restoration and an inquiry. Economy & policy: Inflation eased to 11.1% in June; World Bank urged reforms to the NFC Award formula; Pakistan raised the Climate Support Levy on petrol to Rs5/litre under IMF-linked changes. Transport & cities: PIA resumed direct Lahore–Manchester flights after six years; Lahore airport will temporarily close runways daily during monsoon bird-risk hours; Lahore Traffic Police warned of license suspensions for reckless driving. Tech & telecom: PTA reported 9,200 telecom theft/vandalism incidents in 11 months affecting about 16% of cellular infrastructure, and Pakistan has no law yet declaring internet an essential service. Sports & ties: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed MoUs to build a modern cricket stadium in Jeddah and expand security cooperation.

India-Pakistan Prisoner Talks: India urged Pakistan to expedite release and repatriation of 188 Indian fishermen and civil prisoners, as both sides exchanged updated lists under the 2008 consular access pact. Afghanistan Tensions: Pakistan rejected India’s criticism of its Afghanistan airstrikes, saying actions targeted “terrorist infrastructure,” while India condemned alleged civilian deaths. Security in Karachi: Sindh CTD registered cases after the Rangers transport attack, with an arrested suspect alleging planning linked to Jamaat-ul-Ahrar. Earthquakes in the North: A 5.3 quake shook Islamabad, KP and parts of Punjab, with tremors felt widely; no major damage reported. Monsoon & Flood Watch: NDMA issued a July 1-4 alert for heavy rains and flash-flood risks across multiple provinces. Passport Modernisation: Cashless payments went live at all Pakistan passport offices to cut queues and speed processing. Provincial Banking Milestone: Bank of Punjab upgraded to AAA by PACRA, becoming the first provincial bank at the top credit rating. Regional Diplomacy: Saudi and Pakistan signed an MoU to strengthen security cooperation. Sports & Culture: Telenor Pakistan’s merger with Ufone cleared in court; Pakistan also pushed cultural outreach in Kuwait under “Taste of Pakistan 2026.”

Pakistan-India Tensions: Pakistan rejected India’s “preposterous” claims over its “targeted and proportionate” actions against terrorist infrastructure in Afghanistan, accusing New Delhi of aiding militant groups from Afghan soil and calling the remarks baseless. Cross-Border Security: Afghanistan’s Taliban said it launched airstrikes into Pakistan, while Islamabad said it intercepted and shot down four drones over Balochistan; both sides traded accusations as UN and rights groups raised civilian-protection concerns. Lahore Tragedy: Fourteen children were killed after a Lahore tutoring centre roof collapsed; police opened investigations and arrested suspects, with negligence and unregistered operations under scrutiny. Balochistan Rights Pressure: Fresh allegations of enforced disappearances surfaced as six people were reportedly taken into custody during security operations, renewing calls for transparency. Indus Waters Treaty: Climate minister Musadik Malik framed the Indus Waters Treaty dispute as a global “water justice” test, while Dar and Tarar reiterated the treaty’s binding nature and warned against any disruption. Economy & Costs: Inflation hit 11.1% in June; Karachi may see higher water tanker rates as KWSC reviews tariffs amid rising diesel costs. Health Sector Unrest: Young doctors in Quetta announced suspension of emergency services after protests were blocked by police.

Lahore Tragedy: A roof collapse at a private tutoring/coaching centre in Lahore’s Kahna area killed at least 14 children and injured several others, with police arresting the owner and another person as authorities probe possible negligence and unsafe construction. Afghanistan Fallout: Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghan provinces drew fresh global pushback, with UN and rights groups warning civilians were hit, while Russia urged Islamabad and Kabul to resolve disputes through diplomacy. Indus Waters Row: Pakistan again warned India against “weaponizing” water under the Indus Waters Treaty, with leaders saying any diversion or curtailment would be treated as an act of war; China’s Victor Gao also urged Beijing to back Pakistan fully. Middle East Diplomacy: Pakistan reiterated support for Palestinians at the UN Security Council, rejecting Israel’s E1 plan as a threat to a future Palestinian state. Energy Relief: OGRA cut LPG prices for July by about Rs67/kg, lowering the domestic 11.8kg cylinder to Rs2,848.91. Weather Watch: PMD forecast hotter-than-normal conditions in many areas from July to September, alongside flood and landslide risks from monsoon rains. Security Ties: Pakistan’s interior minister visited Saudi Arabia to discuss deeper security and counter-narcotics cooperation.

Afghanistan-Pakistan Tensions: UNAMA says Pakistani airstrikes in Paktia, Paktika and Kunar killed at least 28 civilians, including women and children, and injured 49, as Kabul and Islamabad exchanged diplomatic protests and the UN chief urged an immediate halt to hostilities. Indus Waters Treaty: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Indus Waters officials doubled down on IWT protection, calling it a lifeline for 240 million and warning Pakistan will respond if water flow is threatened, while Tarar said the treaty can’t be suspended unilaterally. UN Diplomacy on Palestine: Pakistan urged the UN Security Council to press Israel to stop settlement activity under its E1 plan, warning it threatens the viability of a future Palestinian state. Local Security & Justice: In Rawalpindi, 14 undertrial prisoners escaped from a van while being moved to Adiala jail; four were re-arrested and the hunt continues. Economy Watch: Gold in Pakistan fell again by Rs4,100 per tola to Rs424,836, tracking a global dip, while silver rose. Weather (Karachi): Humid conditions with strong winds and possible light drizzle are forecast.

PIA Privatization: PM Shehbaz says PIA’s first financial closing and transfer of management control to the Arif Habib-led investor consortium marks a “new chapter” in Pakistan’s economic reforms. Forex Pressure: SBP foreign exchange reserves fell about $1.3bn to $15.916bn after external debt repayments, though inflows and refinancing are expected to lift reserves by month-end. Karachi Trade & Ports: MSC Loreto, among the world’s largest container ships, docks at Karachi Port as capacity expands. Monsoon Watch: PMD warns of a fresh monsoon spell from early July, with rain and possible heavy falls across parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Islamabad/Rawalpindi. Afghanistan Cross-Border Crisis: Pakistan summoned Afghan diplomats and lodged protests over the Karachi Rangers camp attack, while Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes in eastern Afghanistan triggered UNAMA/EU/UN rights concerns over civilian deaths and injuries. Indus Waters: Tarar and Musadik Malik reiterate IWT can’t be unilaterally changed and Pakistan will defend its water rights. Economy & Markets: PSX dips over 1,150 points amid geopolitical uncertainty; SECP approves 10 IPOs in 1H 2026. Energy: Pakistan launches an urgent LNG tender as Strait of Hormuz tensions disrupt supplies. Lahore Heat: Heat index may hit 50°C with humidity; PDMA issues pre-monsoon alerts.

Afghanistan Cross-Border Escalation: Pakistan carried out a ground operation and “precision” airstrikes along the Pak-Afghan border, killing 29 militants after the Karachi Rangers camp attack. Kabul’s Taliban officials say the strikes killed 36 civilians and wounded 163, including women and children, and condemned the action as “aggression.” Karachi Terror Fallout: The Foreign Office summoned Afghanistan’s chargé d’affaires and issued a strong demarche over the Karachi Rangers attack, saying Afghan nationals were involved, including one apprehended attacker. Legal Battle in High-Profile Corruption Case: PTI founder Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi moved the Supreme Court against an Islamabad High Court verdict in the £190m graft case, seeking suspension of convictions and citing health concerns and alleged procedural delays. Media Crackdown: Pakistan’s regulator suspended Geo News’s licence for 15 days over Muharram broadcast content, after the channel apologised. Immigration Enforcement: Interior directives order the arrest of Afghan nationals without valid visas starting mid-July, with deportations to be accelerated. Sports/Business Notes: Pakistan’s weightlifting federation faces IWF suspension risks unless unpaid fines are recovered; an IPP shifted its principal business to pharmaceuticals.

Border Security: Pakistan says it carried out an intelligence-based ground operation and “calibrated strikes” along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, killing 29 militants, after attacks on police and security forces; the action follows the Karachi Rangers camp assault that left three soldiers dead. Karachi Terror Fallout: Pakistan’s military says the Rangers attack was carried out by Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and vows retaliation, while India Rejects Allegations: New Delhi dismisses Pakistan’s claims linking it to the Karachi blast and urges Islamabad to “look inwards” against terror infrastructure. Diplomacy & Regional Stability: Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed the Middle East ceasefire with EU’s Kaja Kallas and urged all sides to uphold it amid US-Iran tit-for-tat; Dar also offered Saudi condolences over a deadly helicopter crash. Local Governance & Budgets (Karachi/Sindh): Sindh Assembly approved a Rs3.562trn FY27 budget; KMC unveiled a Rs63.95bn budget focused on development, plus a targeted Rs9bn ADP outlay. Economy & Daily Life: FBR denies Finance Act 2026 gives new powers to recover taxes from bank accounts without notice; Lahore reports food prices staying high despite fuel cuts. Energy/Trade: Pakistan is considering cheaper Iranian oil and gas imports; Taftan railway station has been notified as a land customs station to boost Iran-Pakistan rail trade.

Karachi Security: Militants attacked the Sindh Rangers HQ in Gulistan-e-Jauhar with an explosives-laden vehicle and gunfire, killing 3 Rangers and wounding 4; Jamaat-ul-Ahrar claimed responsibility and Pakistan vowed retaliation as clearance operations continued. Regional Diplomacy: PM Shehbaz called Pakistan a “peacemaker” after the US-Iran Islamabad MoU, while DPM/FM Ishaq Dar spoke with Bahrain’s FM Al Zayani, who praised Pakistan’s role and plans a visit. Earthquakes & Weather: A 5.9 quake hit Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush with tremors felt in Pakistan; separate reports say 20 injured and homes damaged in Balochistan, and NDMA issued a pre-monsoon alert for flash floods, landslides and glacier-melt risks. Business & Economy: Pakistan’s petroleum minister said Islamabad is exploring cheaper Iranian oil and gas imports after sanctions relief, and the government highlighted MSMEs as the economy’s backbone. Education & Health: HEC launched a quality assurance leadership series, while the Pakistan Medical Association urged confidential nationwide HIV testing to tackle stigma and underreporting. Sports: India thrashed Pakistan 7-1 in the FIH Pro League; Pakistan women beat Netherlands by 37 runs to end their World Cup campaign on a win.

Karachi Security Shock: Militants attacked the Sindh Rangers compound in Gulistan-i-Jauhar after a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle, triggering heavy gunfire and a major clearance operation; at least three Rangers personnel and three suspected attackers were killed, with reports later saying more terrorists were neutralised as roads were cordoned off. Earthquake Watch: A 5.9 quake struck Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush, with tremors felt in Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and AJK; no casualties or damage were reported, as residents fled homes in panic. Regional Diplomacy: Pakistan’s DPM Ishaq Dar spoke to Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi, reaffirming Islamabad’s constructive role for regional peace amid US-Iran ceasefire uncertainty. Kashmir Dialogue Push: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq urged India-Pakistan dialogue from Srinagar’s Jama Masjid, framing diplomacy as the path forward. Counterterror Context: Russia raised concerns at the UN Security Council linking Afghanistan-based militant activity to threats affecting Pakistan, including TTP and ISIS-Khorasan. Navy Focus: PM Shehbaz told the Pakistan Navy passing-out parade that strengthening maritime defence and safeguarding sea trade remain key priorities. Crypto Policy: Pakistan called for developing economies to shape standards for tokenised finance at the Point Zero Forum in Zurich.

UNHRC Human Rights Clash: Pakistan faced fresh accusations at the UN Human Rights Council over a brutal crackdown in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, with claims of road blockades, mass arrests and anti-terror laws triggering a humanitarian crisis. Terror Scrutiny in Islamabad: Videos went viral after Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked figures were reportedly seen attending the funeral of Shoaib Akhtar’s brother, reigniting questions about the space available to proscribed groups. Security Operations: Pakistani forces reported killing 7 terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 8 in Balochistan in separate intelligence-based operations. Regional Diplomacy: PM Shehbaz said Pakistan is being recognised globally for peacemaking after the US-Iran Islamabad MoU, while Dar and Iran’s FM Araghchi reaffirmed close coordination and thanked Pakistan for facilitating repatriation of Iranian crew. Petrol Relief Signals: Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik hinted “good news” on fuel prices, with a committee set to oversee transparent pricing. Economy & Services: FBR extended tax office hours until midnight on June 30 to boost collections, and Pakistan’s central government debt growth eased to 5% in FY26. Sports: Pakistan’s women’s team opted to bat vs Netherlands in the World T20 group match; India also thrashed Pakistan 7-1 in the FIH Pro League.

FIH Pro League: India crushed Pakistan 7-1 in London, completing a double after earlier beating them 4-3; Abu Bakar Mahmood scored first for Pakistan, but India’s Harmanpreet, Hardik, Jugraj, Abhishek, Rajkumar Pal and Dilpreet piled on as Pakistan stayed winless. Iran Repatriations: Pakistan facilitated the safe arrival of 22 Iranian crew members from a US-interdicted tanker in Karachi; DPM/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Islamabad coordinated with US and Iranian missions, bringing total assisted to 70+ in two months. Aviation Incident: An Air India pilot was removed from duty after a flight briefly entered Pakistani airspace during an approach to Amritsar; DGCA initiated action against the crew and an air traffic controller. Crime & Justice: FIA raided Islamabad and arrested five over an illegal human placenta processing network, while Karachi police arrested a father and uncle over the torture killing of a 12-year-old boy. Public Safety: NDMA issued a nationwide rain and storm alert, and Punjab deployed a high-tech, large security force for Youm-e-Ashura processions. International Debate: Denmark revived plans to ban the public azaan, sparking fresh controversy over integration and public religious expression.

Diplomacy & Security: PM Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eradicate torture and called for accountability for human rights violators. Pakistan also said US-Iran talks are expected to resume next week, with the process continuing after a brief gap. Regional Cooperation: GCC and the US reaffirmed strategic partnership and welcomed Qatar-Pakistan mediation roles, while Pakistan pushed for stronger peacebuilding alongside peacekeeping at the UN. Overseas Pakistanis: OPF Chairman Syed Qamar Raza said the overseas complaint system has an 83% resolution success rate, alongside reforms like expanded online support and welfare facilitation. Public Safety & Services: PTA warned users to check IMEI and ensure devices are registered to avoid service disruption. DG Immigration and Passports Muhammad Ali Randhawa unveiled passport digital reforms including a mobile app, home delivery, and QR-based payments to cut delays and middlemen. Ashura in Pakistan: Youm-e-Ashura observed nationwide with tight security; Lahore’s Zuljanah procession began from Mochi Gate with rescue and medical teams on standby, while leaders urged unity and the lessons of Karbala. Sports: Pakistan’s women’s cricketer Gull Feroza received an ICC reprimand after an on-field outburst vs Australia, and Pakistan’s hockey team faces India again in the FIH Pro League after a 4-3 loss in London. Crime & Justice: FIA arrested five in Islamabad over alleged human placenta processing and illegal export claims, while a Lahore court acquitted a blind Christian in a blasphemy case, highlighting abuse of vague laws.

Power Diplomacy: Pakistan and Türkiye signed three MoUs in Istanbul to deepen power-sector cooperation, covering market development, grid operations, transmission planning, distribution management, digitalisation and capacity building. Urban Energy Push: Karachi’s KMC approved a Rs750m solarisation drive for 2026-27 to cut electricity costs and improve civic services, especially during load-shedding. Public Health & Accountability: Pakistan urged stronger UN action on hepatitis C, citing a PM’s programme with $250m for free screening, diagnosis and treatment; meanwhile an AGP audit flagged Rs3.41bn irregularities in health-related bodies. Crime & Justice: Karachi police are probing the rape-murder of a three-year-old girl in Quaidabad, collecting DNA samples from 12 suspects; separately, a murder suspect died in police custody, with post-mortem awaited. Security & Investigations: FIA arrested suspects in an Islamabad organ-trafficking raid in F-7/1, including Chinese nationals; authorities also tightened security for Muharram processions nationwide. Digital Economy: SBP said digital payments hit 92% of retail transactions in Q3 2025-26. Energy Infrastructure: SIFC approved a 435km white oil pipeline corridor to improve fuel supply reliability and reduce logistics costs.