Category: 1. Pakistan

Pakistan Railways has announced a bullet train project between Lahore and Karachi, cutting travel time from 20 hours to just five by 2030, state-run media reported.

As per Radio Pakistan, Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi said the 1215-kilometer long high-speed rail line is part of the 6.8 billion dollars ML-1 upgrade under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

The train will run at speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour with major stops in Hyderabad, Multan, and Sahiwal.

The project will be executed with Chinese support, including China Railway Construction Corporation.

Upgrades include new double tracks, rebuilt bridges, and modern signalling systems.

‘Punjab Air’ project, bullet train announced

Beyond faster travel, the project is projected to create thousands of jobs during construction and operation, boost regional trade, and increase Pakistan’s freight rail share from 4% to 20% by 2030.

It is also expected to reduce reliance on costly road transport, saving billions in fuel imports.

Earlier this year, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved Lahore-Rawalpindi Bullet Train Project.

The proposed rail link is expected to reduce travel time between the two major cities to just 2.5 hours.

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee on Sunday announced that the Rabi-ul-Awwal moon was not sighted in Pakistan, the first day of Rabi-ul-Awwal will fall on Tuesday, August 26, while the 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal – Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) – will be observed on Saturday, September 6.

Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, Chairman Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, announced after the meeting held in Karachi.

The session was attended by members of the Karachi Zonal Committee along with representatives from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, SUPARCO, the Meteorological Department, and the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Speaking to the media, Maulana Abdul Khabir confirmed that no evidence of moon sighting was received from any part of the country.

Meanwhile, zonal committee meetings were also held in Islamabad, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar, and other cities.

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The ambassador said, “The question of Jammu and Kashmir is intrinsic to Pakistan’s diplomatic agenda and moral compass. At its core, it represents a people’s right to self?determination, promised under multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions and recognized by the international community.” “Despite persistent efforts, the situation remains deeply challenging and the unilateral actions of 5 August 2019 continue to curtail the rights of Kashmiri people. Fundamental freedoms remain suppressed and political expression, mobility, and access to justice are constrained,” he remarked. Ambassador Qureshi said, “Yet, the resilience of the Kashmiri people shines through. Their steadfast commitment to justice serves as a powerful beacon for all who believe in the rule of law and human dignity.” “Efforts to silence the genuine leadership of the Kashmiri people are part of the wider hegemonic and extremist agenda behind India’s illegal occupation of Jammu & Kashmir,” he observed, stating, “The imprisonment of Kashmiri leaders and activists, including Shabbir Ahmed Shah, Muhammad Yasin Malik and Masarrat Alam Bhatt will never dim the resolve of our Kashmiri sisters and brothers. The continued defiance of Kashmiris in an environment of unending intimidation across the illegal Indian occupation is further proof of the indomitable courage of the Kashmiri people. India’s illegal occupation of Jammu & Kashmir remains the defining conflict in South Asia and the reason for India’s continued rogue behaviour.” He stressed that India’s unprovoked aggression against Pakistan in May 2025, and its swift and comprehensive military defeat were only the latest evidence of the urgent need for the international community to ensure that resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute becomes a global priority. “Honouring the will and aspirations of the Kashmiri people, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions provides the only path forward towards lasting peace in South Asia,” he asserted. The ambassador said, “Our success in Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos is a landmark moment in our history. It was a demonstration of unshakable national will, professional excellence, and united purpose. Faced with unjustified Indian aggression, Pakistan responded with clarity, courage and restraint. The world witnessed a nation that is peace-loving, but fully capable of defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.” “The military capability, valour and faith of our brave soldiers and air warriors forced the enemy to kneel down. We pay tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sake of our freedom and offer prayers for the elevation of their ranks in eternal life,” he continued. He drew attention to a European Parliament–commissioned study on transnational repression of human rights defenders. “This report, requested by the Parliament’s sub-committee on Human Rights and finalized in June 2025, outlines how governments including India have extended coercion beyond borders. This includes tactics such as surveillance, digital intimidation, misuse of Interpol notices, and physical threats aimed at silencing exiled critics and activists in host countries,” he mentioned. He said, “These developments are deeply instructive for us. Just as Kashmiri voices face suppression at home, many continue to encounter intimidation abroad.” He urged the international community, and especially the European Union to stand firm against such cross-border attempts to silence dialogue, dissent, and justice. While appreciating the steadfast advocacy of Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the Kashmir cause, both within Pakistan and on international platforms, the ambassador said the Governor’s voice has been a source of strength and encouragement for all those committed to justice and human dignity. “The Governor’s consistent engagement with political leaders, civil society, and the media has helped keep the plight of the Kashmiri people at the forefront of national consciousness,” he said adding, “By amplifying the voices of the oppressed and underlining Pakistan’s principled position, the Governor has contributed meaningfully to ensuring that the issue of Jammu and Kashmir remains alive in public discourse and firmly anchored in our national priorities.” He recalled that in June 2025, a high-level parliamentary delegation led by Member of the National Assembly, former Foreign Minister, and Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari underscored the centrality of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in Pakistan’s foreign policy and highlighted the just struggle of the Kashmiri people. While expressing his deepest condolences on the tragic loss of precious lives in the recent floods in Pakistan, he said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, and we stand in solidarity with all those affected by this natural calamity.” He said the devastating floods were yet another reminder of the urgency of collective climate action, particularly for vulnerable countries like Pakistan that were disproportionately affected despite contributing little to global emissions. He called on the international community to redouble efforts to build resilience, mobilize resources, and pursue equitable climate justice.

At least 11 people, including three children, lost their lives and 47 others were injured as torrential rains and a windstorm battered Dera Ismail Khan and Lower Dir in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Of the 11 casualties, eight were reported in Dera Ismail Khan and three in Lower Dir, taking the cumulative rain-related death toll in the province to over 400. The windstorm, recorded at 100 km/h, caused severe destruction, collapsing roofs and walls in residential areas.

Dera Ismail Khan Deputy Commissioner Abdul Nasir Khan released official figures on the damage and loss of life caused by the storm in the district.

According to the latest report, eight people died in the rainstorm — five from Dera Ismail Khan Tehsil and three from Paharpur Tehsil. Of the 47 injured, 41 are being treated at the District Headquarters Hospital and six at Mian Muhammad Teaching Hospital.

The condition of three injured individuals is critical, while 18 remain under observation. A total of 26 people with minor injuries have been discharged. No deaths or injuries have been reported from Kalachi, Darazandha, Parwa, and Daraban tehsils so far.

Deputy Commissioner Abdul Nasir Khan, District Police Officer (DPO) Dera, and Assistant Commissioner Syed Arsalan visited hospitals, supervised rescue operations, and met with the injured. They coordinated with hospital administrations to ensure immediate medical assistance and facilities for the victims.

The district administration is closely monitoring the situation, and relief activities are underway. Rescue operations have been further intensified in the affected areas, and prompt medical assistance is being provided. Authorities have urged the public to take precautionary measures and immediately contact concerned officials in case of emergencies.

Strong winds uprooted trees, blocking roads and disrupting traffic. Solar panels installed on rooftops were dismantled and damaged, while the district plunged into darkness as power supply was disrupted due to the storm.

Meanwhile, in Maidan, Lower Dir, three children died when the roof of their house caved in during the heavy downpour.

According to Rescue 1122, disaster and medical teams reached the spot soon after receiving the information. The deceased children were identified as 10-year-old Qasim, 11-year-old Murtaza, and 9-year-old Sohail.

K-P CM, Governor express grief and sympathy

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed grief over the loss of life and property in the rain-related incidents.

In his message, Governor Kundi extended condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families and prayed for the departed souls.

He also wished a speedy recovery for the injured and directed the district office of the Red Crescent Society to provide relief to the affected families.

Similarly, Chief Minister Gandapur expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased.

He instructed the concerned authorities to take immediate steps to provide relief and assistance to the affected families and ensure the best possible medical care for the injured.

Gandapur added that immediate measures should be taken to compensate victims’ losses and rehabilitate them, assuring that the provincial government will fully support the affected families and will not leave them alone in this difficult time.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Bangladesh have resolved to revive their “old connections” and enhance trade and youth linkages, the Pakistani foreign office said on Sunday, following Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s meeting with Bangladesh’s chief adviser Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka.

Dar arrived in Bangladesh on a high-profile visit on Saturday in a bid to reset relations, which were scarred by the bloody 1971 conflict but have been reshaped by shifting regional power balances in recent months.

Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal has been in Dhaka this week, discussing trade and agricultural collaboration, while Pakistan’s foreign secretary Amna Baloch held in April the first bilateral consultations with Bangladesh in 15 years.

Dar met Yunus on Sunday and apprised the Bangladeshi chief adviser of his engagements in Dhaka and the key outcomes of his two-day visit, thanking for the “warm hospitality” extended to him and his delegation, according to the Pakistani foreign office.

“The discussion covered revival of old connections between the two countries, promoting youth linkages, enhancing connectivity, and augmenting trade and economic cooperation,” the foreign office said after the meeting.

“The recent developments in the region and the prospects of regional cooperation were also discussed.”

Pakistan and Bangladesh were once one nation, but they split in 1971 as a result of a bloody civil war, which saw the part previously referred to as East Pakistan seceding to form the independent nation of Bangladesh. In the years since, Bangladeshi leaders, particularly ex-PM Sheikh Hasina, chose to maintain close ties with India.

Ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh have warmed up since Hasina’s ouster as a result of a student-led uprising in August, witnessing a marked improvement. Both countries began sea trade last year, expanding government-to-government commerce in February.

Earlier on Sunday, Dar wide-ranging talks with Bangladesh Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain during which both sides discussed bilateral ties, people-to-people contacts, and cooperation in education and capacity building as well as regional and global issues.

“Regional and international issues, including rejuvenation of SAARC [South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation] and resolution of Palestine and the Rohingya issues were also discussed,” the Pakistani foreign office said.

Following the delegation-level talks, the two sides signed six agreements relating to visa abolition for diplomatic and official passport holders, Joint Working Group on Trade, foreign services academies of Pakistan and Bangladesh, the Associated Press of Pakistan Corporation and Bangladesh Sangbad

Sangstha, the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies, and a cultural exchange program.

“These agreements will institutionalize and further strengthen the bilateral cooperation in trade and economics, training of diplomats, academic exchanges, media cooperation and cultural exchanges,” the Pakistani foreign office added.

Prior to that, the Pakistani deputy premier, along with Commerce Minister Jam Kamal, met Bangladesh’s Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin and other senior officials of Bangladesh’s state-owned institutions to discuss bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation between the two sides.