ISLAMABAD: The senior superintendent of Islamabad Traffic Police, also holding the charge of the SSP security, was removed from both the posts for poor supervision and management after President Asif Ali Zardari’s motorcade strayed from the VVIP route in the capital.
Police officers told Dawn that retired Capt Syed Zeeshan Haider, a grade 18 police officer, had put the president and his motorcade at a grave security risk.
The officers said that on Thursday evening, President Zardari was scheduled to visit a family in Bahria Town.
He, accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and others, moved to Bahria Town from the Presidency. The VVIP motorcade strayed on the Expressway after crossing Koral Chowk, even though security measures and VVIP route were put in place. Instead of taking a turn towards Bahria Town, the motorcade moved further beyond the security cordon and the VVIP route.
As a result, the VVIP motorcade was stuck in traffic for over half an hour, they added.
The interior minister and the related security agencies showed serious concern over the poor supervision and management regarding the VVIP route and security.
In response, Mr Haider was removed from both offices and sent to the Central Police Office Islamabad till further orders.
Retired Sqn-Ldr Abdul Haque, a grade-19 officer, was given the additional charge of the SSP security, while Pari Gul Tareen, a grade-18 officer, was given the additional charge of SSP traffic police.
KARACHI: Thousands of banking transactions, valued in the hundreds of millions, were delayed or stuck due to power outages caused by heavy rains across the country, according to financial market sources.
While digital transactions in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar remained largely unaffected, some of the more remote districts, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, faced significant disruptions. Bankers also observed that physical cash transactions were more challenging during the rains.
“I have not received any complaints from cities like Lahore, Peshawar, or Karachi regarding digital transactions, but areas such as Swat have been facing prolonged power cuts, sometimes lasting up to six days,” said a trader in Karachi.
The issue has been compounded by ATM outages in many parts of Karachi, although most machines have since been restored. However, customers in interior Sindh and other provinces continue to face problems with ATM functionality.
Over recent years, digital banking has experienced rapid growth, replacing traditional paper-based banking methods. Yet, this shift has not been without its challenges. The rise in digital transactions has coincided with an increase in fraud cases, with many customers expressing concerns over the safety and reliability of online banking platforms.
KARACHI: Thousands of banking transactions, valued in the hundreds of millions, were delayed or stuck due to power outages caused by heavy rains across the country, according to financial market sources.
While digital transactions in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar remained largely unaffected, some of the more remote districts, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, faced significant disruptions. Bankers also observed that physical cash transactions were more challenging during the rains.
“I have not received any complaints from cities like Lahore, Peshawar, or Karachi regarding digital transactions, but areas such as Swat have been facing prolonged power cuts, sometimes lasting up to six days,” said a trader in Karachi. The issue has been compounded by ATM outages in many parts of Karachi, although most machines have since been restored. However, customers in interior Sindh and other provinces continue to face problems with ATM functionality.
Over recent years, digital banking has experienced rapid growth, replacing traditional paper-based banking methods. Yet, this shift has not been without its challenges. The rise in digital transactions has coincided with an increase in fraud cases, with many customers expressing concerns over the safety and reliability of online banking platforms.
LARKANA: Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari distributed ownership documents of land and houses built under the Sindh Peoples Housing for Flood Affectees project in Khair Mohammad Brohi village near Ratodero, on Saturday.
Accompanied by MPA Faryal Talpur, PPP Sindh president Nisar Ahmed Khuhro and his political secretary MPA Jamil Ahmed Soomro, Mr Bhutto-Zardari inspected the newly constructed and the under-construction houses before handing over the ownership documents to the flood victims.
In his interaction with the villagers he said that most of the houses in the village had either already been built or were in the process of being completed. The villagers informed MrBhutto-Zardari of their problems and he issued instructions for their immediate resolution.
“Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had pledged that she would provide people with roti, kapra aur makan (food, clothing and shelter), and I am very pleased to see that PPP’s Sindh government is fulfilling her promise,” he remarked.
Moreover, he said, they were making efforts to ensure that the ownership documents of the houses were issued in the name of women. This too was one of his mother’s promises, he said, adding as his mother used to take care of her sons and daughters her party was striving to take care of people in the same manner.
“I want these houses to be completed as soon as possible,” he said. In addition, the Sindh government was working on a new project under which “we will try to provide solar-generated power to the [flood victims’] houses that are being built”.
He said that another very significant project of the Sindh government was about to start, under which “we will also add sanitation facilities to these houses”.
“The PPP was trying to not only provide solar but also sanitation facilities to the [flood victims’] houses being built across Sindh, so that the affectees’ hardships are reduced,” he said.
MrBhutto-Zardari, later, visited bereaved family of martyred police constable, Munir Ali Soomro, in Zangija village, and offered his condolences. Munir Soomro had embraced martyrdom while fighting against a gang of dacoits in the jurisdiction of Waris Dino Machhi police station on July 18.
Earlier, MrBhutto-Zardari handed over ownership documents of the land and the houses among flood-affected people.
• Warns ignoring crypto regulations can expose Pakistan to sanctions, other risks • Says financial inclusion, transparency, speed key drivers for blockchain adoption; promises conducive environment • Finance minister surprised by absence of aide to PM on crypto from event
ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Saturday acknowledged that the country’s banking system was more complex than those of other countries, underscoring the need for a decisive transition toward blockchain technology and digital assets.
Mr Aurangzeb expressed surprise at the absence of Bilal Bin Saqib, special assistant to the prime minister on blockchain and cryptocurrency, from the ‘Leadership Summit on Blockchain and Digital Assets: Technology and Innovation’. The event focused on emerging technologies — considered foundational to Pakistan’s evolving economic architecture.
The minister noted that Mr Saqib had been specifically appointed to advance this agenda, and his participation in the seminar was therefore of considerable importance. However, he affirmed that his ministry remains open to engaging with the event organisers on this critical issue.
Mr Aurangzeb reiterated that Pakistan’s banking infrastructure is comparatively more intricate than global standards and called for improvements in legislation governing digital investments. He also revealed that crypto mining was under active consideration, with a dedicated crypto council already established to explore its regulatory and economic implications.
‘Regulatory framework’
The minister outlined the regulation of this transformation. He cautioned that given the scale of activity, ignoring digital assets could expose Pakistan to risks related to KYC, AML, sanctions, and monitoring, potentially reversing hard-earned progress on the FATF front.
The minister emphasised that regulatory dimensions would be thoroughly examined. “It took five years of sustained effort to exit the grey list,” he said, adding, “We have no intention of re-entering that cycle.”
In this context, he highlighted the establishment of the Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA), whose inaugural meeting is scheduled for next week, as a milestone towards a balanced regulatory framework.
Senator Aurangzeb stressed that Pakistan must leverage international experience, drawing on models from Dubai, Singapore, and the EU, while ensuring that national interests remain paramount. He commended the support received from international experts and organisations in helping Pakistan fast-track its regulatory and policy frameworks.
FM Aurangzeb emphasised the need to embrace blockchain to drive innovation, financial inclusion, and transparency, while urging a balanced regulatory approach as the nation’s youth increasingly adopt digital assets.
“We have to accelerate our journey in terms of adopting transformative technologies like blockchain and digital assets, assuring the government’s full support,” he remarked. He noted that 20-25 million Pakistanis, particularly young people, were already engaged in digital asset-related activities in one form or another. “This scale of participation cannot be ignored,” he remarked, stressing the need for acknowledgement, education, and structured policy responses to harness this growing trend.
Calling it an opportune time to move forward, he underscored the importance of ensuring that all developments remain within a regulatory framework.
He highlighted that while Pakistan was making strides in achieving macroeconomic stability, the next imperative was to actively participate in shaping the new economy driven by blockchain, artificial intelligence, and Web 3.0 technologies.
He underscored three key drivers for blockchain adoption in Pakistan: financial inclusion, transparency, and speed. By enabling faster, cheaper, and more efficient transactions, blockchain and allied technologies can provide critical solutions for banking, remittances, agriculture, IT, freelancing, and energy.
He cited successful initiatives such as the development of e-KYC systems through blockchain, which reduce duplication of compliance processes in banking, as practical examples of progress.
“We must harness their energy, channel it through education and regulation, and integrate it into a system that strengthens the economy while safeguarding national interests. This is not just about keeping pace with global change—it is about ensuring Pakistan’s rightful place in the new economy.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for the private sector to lead economic growth. He emphasised that facilitating traders and investors was a top government priority. He noted that economic reforms were underway and the national economy was gradually moving toward stability.
The minister said the country must embrace this shift as part of its new economy by fostering financial inclusion, transparency, and efficiency, while ensuring a balanced regulatory framework through collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector.
Reflecting on the broader vision of the government, the minister reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment while allowing the private sector to lead innovation, with academia providing knowledge and talent.
“This trilateral partnership of government, academia, and private sector is essential to scaling up our journey into the new economy,” he stated.
Pakistan Railways has announced plans to upgrade Shalimar Express, following the successful launch of Pak Business Express.
According to a PR spokesperson on Saturday, the Lahore-Karachi train service will soon feature modern coaches, an enhanced operational strategy, and multiple passenger-friendly facilities.
The booking process will be made more convenient through online reservations, while travelers will also enjoy WiFi internet service during their journey.
To further improve the travel experience, the Shalimar Express will offer quality, hygienic food onboard.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has vowed to develop the urban centres of the province as per the concept of future cities.
Visiting the World Expo 2025 in Osaka on the final day of her tour of Japan, she praised the event’s theme of ‘Creating a future society for a better life’ as visionary and inspiring.
Expo Association Deputy Secretary General Manatsu Ichinoki informed the chief minister that 150 Japanese and international companies had set up stalls focusing on innovations aimed at saving lives and improving living standards.
He said that leading global experts would discuss the future of societies and present solutions to pressing challenges. He also highlighted a water and light show, which has become a major draw for visitors, according to a handout issued here.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also visited the Pakistani Pavilion. She interacted with Pakistani and foreign visitors and appreciated the organisers for effectively showcasing the country’s culture and potential.
She said on the occasion, “Cities of Punjab will be developed on the concept of future city.”
She also visited an eco-friendly food and agriculture stall and commended the innovative ideas on display.
Later, the CM toured the ‘Grand Ring’ Osaka, the world’s largest wooden building constructed 20 metres above ground and spread over 61,000 square metres, which stands as an architectural landmark of the expo.
Minimum salary
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Saturday expressed anger over denial of full salary to Suthra Punjab cleanliness programme workers.
She issued a final warning to the contractors for paying low salaries to the workers and directed them to ensure paying them the minimum salary fixed by the government in every city.
KARACHI (Dunya News) – Police on Saturday night arrested Farhan Ghani, the brother of PPP’s senior leader Saeed Ghani, for allegedly beating a government employee.
Ferozabad police took the accused in custody after registering a case on the complaint of a government employee, Hafiz Sohail. The case includes anti-terrorism, attempted murder, and other sections.
The complainant told the police that on August 22, he was supervising installation of a fiber optic cable on Shahrah-e-Faisal service road when 20 to 25 individuals including Farhan Ghani, Qamar Ahmed and Shakeel on three vehicles approached him.
He said they asked him who gave him permission to dig the ground, adding he told them that it was a government work, and the digging was being done with all necessary NOCs from relevant authorities.
He alleged that they assaulted him and pointed guns at him with the intent to kill.
The FIR stated that the complainant was taken to a room at a nearby petrol pump, where he was beaten. Later, a police mobile unit arrived, rescued him, and took him to the police station.
Saeed Ghani’s statement
Responding to the FIR against his brother, Sindh Minister Saeed Ghani said there had been a dispute between his brother and a person named Sohail, adding Sohail exercised his right to file a case against his brother.
Saeed Ghani added that Farhan Ghani and all others would face the law, and prove their innocence in a court of law.
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif arrived at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, where Expo Association Deputy Secretary General Manatsu Ichinoki warmly welcomed her and briefed her about the exhibition. According to a message received here, Manatsu said, “150 Japanese and foreign companies have set up their stalls at World Expo 2025 which highlights the equipment and methods related to saving human lives and providing better facilities to improve upon their living standards.”
He highlighted, “Eminent experts from all over the world will discuss future of people, besides presenting solutions to the problems faced by societies. The exhibition also features a water and light show titled “Rainbow in the Dark Night” which is a center of attraction for the tourists.”
The Chief Minister appreciated the choice of title “Creating a Future Society for a Better Life” for ‘Osaka Expo 2025.’ She also visited Pakistani pavilion, and was warmly welcomed by the organisers there. She also spoke to Pakistani and foreign tourists visiting the pavilion.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said, “Cities of Punjab will be developed on the concept of Future City.” She also visited the stall of eco-friendly food and agriculture (KUBOTO) in the exhibition.
The CM was also given a tour of the “Grand Ring” Osaka, which is the world’s largest wooden building, a unique building at 20 meters height and spread over 61,000 square meters.
