Category: 1. Pakistan

The Foreign Office on Monday said India had shared flood warnings with Pakistan but stressed that the alerts were routed through diplomatic channels rather than the Indus Waters Commission, as stipulated under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

India in April held the IWT in abeyance following the attack in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26 — an incident New Delhi blamed on Islamabad without evidence. Pakistan termed any attempt to suspend its water share an “act of war”, noting the IWT had no provision for unilateral suspension.

Under paragraph 8 of Article IV of the IWT, “each party agrees to communicate to the other party, as far in advance as practicable, any information it may have in regard to such extraordinary discharges of water from reservoirs and flood flows as may affect the other party”.

Punjab is on high alert for floods before the arrival of a fresh monsoon spell as the provincial government on Saturday evacuated thousands of people along the Sutlej River, as the river surged to a high flood level at Ganda Singh Wala, recording a dangerous flow of 129,866 cusecs.

Amid the situation, a missive on Sunday from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, notified the government of a high flood in Jammu’s Tawi River that flows into the Chenab River.

Confirming the development today, FO Spokesperson Shahfqat Ali Khan said: “On August 24, 2025, India communicated flood warnings through diplomatic channels, rather than through the IWC as required under the IWT.

“We reaffirm that India is obligated to fully comply with all provisions of the treaty. India’s unilateral declaration to hold the treaty in abeyance constitutes a serious violation of international law and could have significant negative consequences for peace and stability in South Asia.”

An Indian government source told Reuters today that the country shared the warning on possible cross-border flooding on “humanitarian grounds” and not under the IWT.

The Indian High Commission in Islamabad shared the warning following heavy rains in occupied Kashmir, the source said. India’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The source declined to be named as they are not authorised to speak to the media.

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 25 (APP):National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Monday called upon citizens, civil society, and the business community to extend wholehearted support to families affected by recent floods across Pakistan, terming rehabilitation a “collective national responsibility.”

In a statement, the Speaker emphasised that both individual and coordinated efforts were vital to provide relief and rehabilitation to those who had lost their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones.

He urged philanthropists, welfare organisations, and civil society to actively contribute to ongoing relief operations, noting that joint efforts alongside government measures would significantly ease the suffering of flood victims.

He stressed that coordinated assistance alongside the government’s ongoing measures would significantly ease the suffering of the victims.

“Rehabilitation of the flood-affected communities is our collective national responsibility. No segment of society can remain indifferent at this critical hour,” Speaker Sadiq remarked.

He highlighted that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and several other regions of the country are in urgent need of food, shelter, and medical assistance.

Appealing to the business community and generous individuals, the Speaker called for wholehearted contributions for the reconstruction of damaged houses and the restoration of basic facilities in flood-affected areas.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also appealed to the youth of Pakistan to volunteer their time and energy in relief and rehabilitation efforts. “Young volunteers can play a decisive role in assisting with the distribution of food, medical supplies, and in rebuilding the lives of those devastated by floods,” he added.

The Speaker urged the nation to demonstrate unity, compassion, and a spirit of sacrifice during this difficult period. He underlined the importance of making affected families feel that they are not alone in their struggle.

“This is a time for solidarity and empathy. Standing by our brothers and sisters in their hour of need is not only a moral obligation but also a national duty,” Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said.

ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Pakistan’s eastern city of Faisalabad sentenced senior aides of former prime minister Imran Khan for up to 10 years in prison on Monday for being involved in the attack on a federal minister’s house during the May 9, 2023, riots, Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party said in a statement.

Angry Khan supporters took to the streets on May 9, 2023, when the former prime minister was first briefly arrested by the country’s anti-corruption agency, NAB, in a land bribery case popularly called the Al-Qadir trust case. The government says supporters of Khan’s PTI had attacked important state buildings and damaged vehicles during the riots and ransacked military facilities. Khan and his aides deny instigating supporters to attack government and military installations. 

According to the PTI, the ATC sentenced 75 people out of a total of 109 accused, acquitting 34. Fifty-nine were issued 10-year prison sentences, including senior Khan aides Omar Ayub Khan, Shibli Faraz, Zartaj Gul Wazir, and others for attacking the residence of Minister for Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah in Faisalabad during the May 9 riots, the party said. 

“Under the guise of May 9, innumerable injustices have been inflicted upon ordinary citizens, families and leadership of PTI, harassed, lives shattered, and individuals subjected to unspeakable torment,” the PTI said in a message to the media. 

Other aides of the former prime minister slapped with 10-year imprisonment sentences include Sheikh Rashid Shafiq, nephew of former railways minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Rai Murtaza Iqbal, Kanwal Shauzab, Rai Hassan Nawaz, Ahmad Chattha, Ansar Iqbal, Bilal Ijaz, Ashraf Sohna, Mehr Javed, Shakeel Niazi and others.

Former information minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain and Zain Qureshi, son of senior Khan aide Shah Mahmood Qureshi, were among those acquitted of the charges. 

Earlier this month, a court in Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore sentenced over a dozen members of the PTI to as many as 10 years in prison for their involvement in the May 9, 2023, riots. These included Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, Mahmood-ur-Rashid and Umar Sarfaraz Cheema. PTI leaders Alia Hamza and Sanam Javed were also sentenced to five years in prison. 

Earlier, an ATC in Pakistan’s eastern Sargodha city sentenced Khan aides Ahmed Chattha, Bilal Ejaz and Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Ahmed Khan Bachar to 10 years in prison on July 22 for their involvement in the 2023 riots as well.

It was followed by the sentencing of 108 PTI members on July 31, including Omar Ayub Khan, Faraz, Hamid Raza and Wazir to 10 years in prison by an anti-terrorism court in Faisalabad on July 31.

Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has welcomed the court’s ruling, accusing PTI supporters of setting fire to government buildings, damaging military property and injuring law enforcement personnel during the May 9, 2023, unrest.

Khan, who remains popular despite being ousted from office after a parliamentary vote in April 2022, says the cases against him are politically motivated to keep him and his PTI away from power. The government denies these allegations and says Khan’s party carries out violent protests to derail the government’s efforts to ensure sustainable economic progress. 

Pakistan’s top court last week granted bail to Khan in eight cases linked to the 2023 riots. He has been in jail since August 2023 when a court sentenced him to three years in prison for illegally selling state gifts while he was the premier. The sentence barred the opposition leader from contesting in 2024 general elections. 

The National Highway Authority (NHA) has announced new toll tax rates for the Lahore, Islamabad Motorway (M2), which will take effect from August 26, 2025, and remain in force until August 25, 2026.

As per the revised schedule, Cars, Jeeps, and Taxis (Class 1) will be charged Rs. 1,330, calculated at Rs. 3.72 per kilometer. Wagons (Class 2) will now pay Rs. 2,240 (Rs. 6.24/km), while Buses will be charged Rs. 3,130 (Rs. 8.73/km).

According to an official notification issued on Monday, the annual 10% increase in toll rates is in line with the concession agreement signed on April 23, 2014, with Motorway Operations and Rehabilitation Engineering (Private) Limited, a subsidiary of the Frontier Works Organization (FWO).

The Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreement mandates this annual adjustment starting from the second operational year.

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 25 (APP):Three brave personnel of the Federal Constabulary embraced martyrdom in Hangu after repelling a terrorist assault by India-backed militants, an incident that has once again highlighted the sacrifices of Pakistan’s security forces in defending the homeland.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, along with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, attended the funeral prayers of the fallen heroes at the Federal Constabulary Headquarters in Peshawar. Inspector General of KP Police Zulfiqar Hameed, Commandant Federal Constabulary Nazir Gaara, Chief Secretary KP, and senior officials were also present.

The martyrs were identified as Naik Sadiq Hussain, Constable Abdul Ghaffar, and Constable Zewar Khan. Their coffins, draped in the national flag, were honored with floral wreaths and Fateha was offered for their eternal peace.

Speaking on the occasion, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid rich tribute to the sacrifices of the martyred personnel. “The sacrifices of these valiant sons will never go in vain. Their courage is a beacon for the nation, and their families are our families. The people of Pakistan will forever remain indebted to them,” he said. Together with CM Gandapur, the Interior Minister shouldered the coffins of the martyrs as a mark of respect.

Later, Minister Naqvi met with the bereaved families, offering condolences and heartfelt sympathy. He reassured them that the government and nation stand firmly by their side in this difficult hour. Prayers were also offered for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs.

The Interior Minister also visited the Federal Constabulary Hospital to inquire after Naib Subedar Kashif, who was injured during the encounter. Commending his resilience, Naqvi remarked, “You have set an everlasting example of bravery by repelling the enemy attack. The way you confronted India-sponsored terrorists is truly commendable. We are with you today and will always remain by your side.”

The solemn occasion was attended by senior civil and military officials, who underscored the resolve that the blood of martyrs will not go in vain and that the fight against terrorism will continue with full force.

At least two Federal Constabulary (FC) personnel were martyred and 18 others were injured in a terrorist attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Hangu district, police said on Monday.

Kohat Regional Police Officer Abbas Majeed confirmed the incident to Dawn.com, saying that terrorists attacked an FC fort in the Torah Wadi area of ​​Doaba. “The terrorist firing martyred two FC personnel and injured 18 others,” he said.

The officer said that the FC soldiers retaliated to the attack, “resulting in the death of six terrorists”. He added, “The terrorists managed to escape with the bodies of their accomplices.”

He also said that the martyred and injured personnel were taken to CMH Hospital after being provided with first aid.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the terrorist attack on the Federal Reserve Police fort in Hangu by Fitna al Hindustan, state media APP reported.

In May, the government designated all terrorist organisations in Balochistan as Fitna al Hindu­stan — a new phrase aimed at framing India’s alleged role in terrorism as a deliberate destabilisation strategy, potentially to galvanise domestic support.

In a statement today, Naqvi paid tribute to the FC personnel “who embraced martyrdom while bravely resisting the assault” and directed authorities to ensure the best medical treatment for the injured personnel.

“The brave officers of the Federal Reserve Police [the term used for FC personnel] sacrificed their lives to foil the attack of India-sponsored terrorists,” Naqvi was quoted as saying. “The sacrifices of our martyrs will never go in vain.“

Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terror activities over the past year, especially in KP and Balochistan, after the proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022.

Recent terrorist attacks have predominantly targeted the police, law enforcement agencies’ personnel and security forces. In response, the state has also intensified its counterterrorism operations.

Earlier this month, five cops were martyred and another eight left injured as militants attacked police checkpoints at different locations across KP, including Peshawar, Upper Dir and Lower Dir.

Last month, nine terrorists were killed and three security officers were injured in an exchange of fire during an operation in Hangu.

Three “wanted terrorists” were killed during a joint operation between the regional police and the Counter Terrorism Department in KP’s Bannu district on the night of July 16.