Category: 1. Pakistan

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday said that Pakistan has video footage of the six Indian aircraft shot down during a brief military confrontation between both nations in May.

The military confrontation between India and Pakistan came in May as the former, without evidence, linked the Pahalgam attack to Islamabad, which strongly denied the allegations.

Pakistan said it downed six Indian planes during the conflict, including advanced French-made Dassult Rafale jets. India’s highest-ranking general has also acknowledged that its forces suffered losses in the air, but denied losing six aircraft.

Addressing a seminar in Lahore today, Naqvi said he was involved in several matters surrounding the war with India and was privy to several key pieces on information.

“The army, air force, navy and government have all been acknowledged during the past month-and-a-half, but our intelligence agencies were doing important work behind the scenes,” he said.

“Our institutions had information on India’s (plans) well ahead of time. We knew whatever they (India) planned, what aircraft they would use. Our intelligence agencies’ role was so important, but they do not come forward. We need to acknowledge them.”

The interior minister said that when Indian planes were downed, the decision was made not to announce this without evidence.

“We had radar data, but we needed field evidence,” he explained. “Within minutes, we received video footage of all six planes which were shot down. We have this footage.”

Naqvi then outlined two incidents where seven Indian missiles struck a Pakistani base, adding that once they were launched, it became clear they were heading across the border.

“People got worried, we have important hardware at this base,” he said, not mentioning the base’s name or location. “Not a single missile hit that base. Some fell short, some hit outside the base.

“When we launched our missiles, we targeted military installations near populated areas, but made every effort to avoid civilian casualties,” Naqvi added. “We destroyed one of their biggest oil depots and there were no civilian casualties. That is when we knew that God was helping us.”

The interior minister added that Nur Khan Airbase near Rawalpindi, which was struck by Indian missiles, suffered no damage.

“We had damage at one base where a member of the air force was martyred, but that’s about it,” he said.

On the night of May 6-7, New Delhi launched a series of air strikes on Pakistan, killing at least 40 civilians. Both sides then exchanged missiles, which stretched over the week, before a US-brokered ceasefire had both sides agree to stop the hostilities.

In July, United States President Donald Trump said that five jets were shot down during the conflict. He made his remarks at a dinner with some Republican US lawmakers at the White House, but did not specify which side’s jets he was referring to.

While describing Pakistan’s response to the Indian Air Force, PAF Director General Public Relations Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed on May 12 said the PAF’s response was based “on the time and place of own choosing”, displaying “bold, aggressive and unwavering resolve of the brave military leadership”.

Last month, Chinese air force chief Lieutenant General Wang Gang lauded the “exemplary performance” during the aerial clash, praising the “decisive and measured response delivered by PAF pilots under the resolute leadership of the air chief”.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rainfall in Karachi and other parts of Sindh from August 17 to 23.

In a weather advisory issued on Sunday, the Met Office said that under the influence of monsoon currents, rain and thunderstorms — with isolated heavy downpours — are expected in Karachi, Hyderabad, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Larkana, Qambar Shahdadkot, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Badin, Thatta, Tharparkar and surrounding districts.

The weather department said that the port city is likely to experience rainfall with thunder and lightning on Monday and Tuesday, with isolated heavy downpours expected in some areas.

The Met Office has warned that heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning could disrupt daily life, cause urban flooding, and lead to water accumulation in low-lying areas.

The weather may also damage vulnerable structures such as poorly built homes, electric poles, billboards, vehicles, and solar panels during the forecast period, it said.

Farmers have been advised to plan agricultural activities keeping the weather forecast in mind.

Meanwhile, the water flow at Guddu and Sukkur barrages remains at low flood levels, while Kotri Barrage is reported to be stable and flowing normally.

The Met Office’s forecast comes as northern parts of the country have witnessed widespread destruction and loss of life exceeding 300 deaths due to heavy rains resulting in flash floods and landslides.

Isolated heavy falls are also expected in upper KP, Pothohar region and Kashmir, the weather department said, adding that rains are also expected in northeast/south Balochistan, south Punjab and southeast Sindh during evening/night.

Authorities in Punjab have intensified their crackdown on illegal hunting during the ongoing falcon and quail hunting season, registering more than 125 First Information Reports (FIRs) in various police stations across the province.

According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Wildlife Rangers, over 300 wild birds have been rescued from poachers and released back into their natural habitat.

The official noted that enforcement actions in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Jhang, the Salt Range, and South Punjab revealed most offenders were engaged in unlawful netting and trapping of quails, partridges, and parrots.

Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Punjab Dr Ghulam Rasool has revealed that falcons and quails are among key migratory bird species arriving in Pakistan from early August.

Punjab Wildlife Department officials detain a suspected poacher during an action against illegal hunting of falcons and quails. Photo: Express

These birds are typically found near rivers, lakes, and water channels, making them easy targets during their breeding season when poachers and hunters exploit their vulnerability.

According to Dr Ghulam Rasool, falcons prefer semi-desert and hilly terrains and are commonly used for hunting purposes.

The riverine and hilly areas of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, as well as the Salt Range in Sargodha and Khushab, are known habitats of these prized raptors.

A suspected hunter with a seized firearm during Punjab Wildlife Department action against illegal hunting of falcons and quails. Photo: Express

Hunters often employ cruel methods, such as tethering other birds as bait or using nets, to trap them.

Quails, on the other hand, are concentrated in Punjab’s central districts.

Okara, Pakpattan, Sahiwal, and Vehari are major breeding grounds due to their agricultural landscapes, where quail hunting is widespread.

Read: Punjab to enforce ‘zero-tolerance policy’ against illegal hunting of falcons, quails

Quail farming, particularly in the outskirts of Lahore and Kasur, has also become a commercial activity.

Additionally, cotton and wheat fields in Faisalabad, Jhang, and Toba Tek Singh, as well as farms in Multan and Khanewal, provide natural habitats for quails, making them easy prey for hunters.

Chief Wildlife Ranger Mubeen Elahi emphasized that the operation would continue with “full commitment and force” across the province until illegal hunting is completely eradicated, warning that violators will face strict legal consequences without exception.

Confiscated hunting equipment and suspects presented at Border Military Police Station, Rajanpur. Photo: Express

Mastanir Afzal Lodhi, a leader of the Pakistan Hunters’ Association, alleged that the illegal hunting and transportation of falcons and quails would not be possible without connivance of certain wildlife officials.

He disclosed that falcons captured in Punjab and Sindh are often transported to districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially Tank, where they are auctioned.

Selling falcons

In Pakistan’s black market, the illegal price of a falcon can range between PKR 500,000 and PKR 10 million.

Hunters reportedly share photographs of captured falcons in private WhatsApp groups, where bidding takes place.

Many of these birds are ultimately purchased by agents of wealthy hunters from Gulf states.

When Arab falconers travel to Pakistan, they sometimes swap less valuable or low-grade falcons they bring along with high-value birds procured locally.

Moreover, falcons are also smuggled abroad via sea routes.

Notably, in 2020, a Peregrine Falcon fetched around USD 173,000 (650,000 Saudi riyals) at an auction in Saudi Arabia.

In 2021, a rare super white Gyrfalcon was sold for approximately USD 93,347.

Wildlife officials display nets, loudspeakers, and other equipment recovered from illegal hunters in Punjab. Photo: Express

More recently, in 2024, a Peregrine falcon chick was auctioned for USD 106,600 (400,000 riyals), underscoring the extraordinary international demand for these endangered raptors.

The issue carries international significance, as species such as falcons are often targeted by traffickers for lucrative markets in the Middle East, despite being protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Conservationists warn that unchecked poaching not only threatens biodiversity but also undermines Pakistan’s international obligations under global wildlife treaties.

With migratory bird season currently at its peak, wildlife experts underline that continued vigilance is crucial to safeguarding species that travel across continents, many of which are already under pressure due to habitat loss and climate change.

The police on Sunday said that they were investigating the death of senior DawnNews TV reporter “from all possible angles,” hours after his body was found in Sindh’s Sanghar district.

The senior journalist was found dead in his car, parked on Hyderabad Road in Sanghar, on Saturday night under what police termed “mysterious circumstances”. The body was found in the driving seat, with a gunshot wound to the head.

Sanghar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Abid Baloch told Dawn.com that police were investigating the death of DawnNewsTV reporter Khawar Hussain Bajwa from “all possible angles”.

“The postmortem of the journalist was conducted in Sanghar’s Civil Hospital, and police are awaiting the provisional findings of the process,” he said.

“Apparently, there is a single bullet wound from a 9mm pistol with an exit wound on the left side of the temple”, SSP Baloch said, adding that only one bullet casing was found.

“We are not drawing any conclusion at this point and are looking at this case from all possible angles,” the SSP explained.

According to Sanghar police, Hussain’s body had been kept in the cold storage facility at the Red Crescent hospital in Latifabad, as his parents are said to be arriving from the United States early on Monday morning.

“Then the body will be taken to Sanghar, which is the ancestral home of the journalist, for burial,” the SSP said.

Meanwhile, Sanghar police obtained a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera recording of a restaurant, outside of which was the car in which his body was found.

The SSP stated that a guard at the restaurant told police that he arrived at around 7pm for his duties, and Hussain arrived in his vehicle 45 minutes to an hour later.

The guard told the police that the journalist had used the restaurant’s toilet and then sat back in the vehicle.

“After some time when he didn’t place any order, the guard, out of curiosity, went towards the vehicle and reported back to the restaurant manager, telling him he noticed something unusual with a man sitting inside,” the SSP said.

“Two waiters arrived to confirm the watchman’s statement and found out that blood was oozing from the right side of his [Hussain’s] temple, with a 9mm pistol in his right hand,” SSP Baloch added.

According to the SSP, Hussain’s brother-in-law told police that he didn’t inform them about his Saturday arrival, although he asked them to hold an annual religious ritual as per the family’s tradition. Hussain neither told friends in Sanghar about his visit nor did he attend the ritual.

“His sister confirmed that he had celebrated Eidul Azha with her on her insistence, after their parents shifted to the US this May,” the SSP said.

Last night, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and sought a report from the police chief, with instructions that the investigation be handed over to the best police officer.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said that the government is working on a priority basis to digitise the economy and transition the transaction system to a cashless and digital model.

PM Shehbaz stated this while presiding a review meeting on cashless and digital economy in Islamabad.

The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the steps taken and progress made toward a cashless economy.

“The government is working to change the buying and selling system to a cashless system,” he said.

Digital payments thriving in Pakistan: Q3 sees 2bn transactions: SBP

He instructed all the chief secretaries to fully cooperate with the federal government in taking the Raast system to the district government level.

The meeting was briefed on the progress of initiatives toward a cashless economy.

According to the briefing, digital IDs will be created through Pakistan Digital Public Infrastructure, which will include each individual’s national identity card, biometric data, and mobile phone numbers.

These digital IDs will be used for digital payments, the briefing added.

The briefing also stated that provincial governments have made significant progress in linking public-to-government and government-to-public payment systems with Raast.

Regarding the development of digital infrastructure, the federal development authority has granted right of way for fiber connectivity, while discussions with Pakistan Railways and the National Highway Authority in this regard are ongoing.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahsan Iqbal Cheema, Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for IT & Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Prime Minister’s Advisor Dr Tauqir Shah, Minister of State for Finance & Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, and other senior government officials.

A Lahore magistrate on Sunday dismissed the case against transgender persons allegedly organising an “objectionable” private party after police had arrested them earlier.

According to the court order, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, the case was dismissed after “no incriminating material is available on record which connects the accused persons with the commission of alleged offences.

“Hence, the request of 10 days for physical remand of the accused persons is hereby turned down, and the accused persons present in the court are hereby discharged in this case.”

The order added that no private witness of the occurrence was associated during the raid, nor were any statements taken.

“Moreover, no permission for making a raid is attached with the file on a private place. Prima facie, it seems that the accused persons were included in the case on the basis of forged and concocted facts,” the order said.

Lawyer Haider Butt represented the accused in the case. He confirmed to Dawn.com that all the accused were released and the case was discharged against them.

According to the first information report (FIR) of the incident, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, the Punjab government ordered the arrests after videos of the party, purportedly involving 50-60 individuals, including transgender persons, went viral on social media.

Fashion designer Maria B initially posted videos on her social media accounts, demanding action against “transgender activists” that she claimed featured in the clips, terming such gatherings “against the moral values of the country.”

Per the FIR, the footage, dated August 1, allegedly contained “explicit content, prompting public outcry and a swift response from law enforcement.”

The case was registered on behalf of the government at the Naseerabad police station against “a group of 50 to 60 transgender persons under sections 292 (sale of obscene material), 292-A (printing/advertising obscene matter), and 294 (obscene acts in public) of the Pakistan Penal Code, alongside Section 6 of the Sound System Act.”

Following the arrests, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) Lahore, Faisal Kamran, had said, “Promoting obscenity under the guise of a party or photoshoot is a serious legal offence.”

He said that illegal and unethical acts will not be tolerated in any form. “All individuals involved in the incident will be brought to justice.”

Kamran added that the screening of the banned film Joyland, which features a transgender love affair, was also stopped in the city. “Strict action will be taken against any activity conflicting with Islam and the law.”

The movie was set to screen in Lahore today, nearly two years after it was barred from cinemas in Punjab. The long-awaited screening was said to take place at an alternative venue instead of a movie theatre.

Responding to the development, Islamabad-based transgender rights activist Nayyab Ali said in a post on X that individuals seen in the video were “not trans activists” and had “nothing to do with our movement.”

Ali also alleged that the video was shot at a private party and only went viral after Maria B posted it, saying, “If it’s fahashi (vulgarity), then who spread it to millions? Maria B did. That’s a crime itself.”

Meanwhile, human rights activists raised concerns over the potential misuse of morality laws on social media. “While obscenity laws exist, their vague wording often leads to arbitrary enforcement, disproportionately targeting marginalised communities,” said a legal expert, requesting anonymity.

The government authorities also vowed to expand the crackdown on “immoral activities” across the province.

Pakistan is grappling with relentless monsoon rains, as officials warn of even heavier downpours in the coming days.The death toll due to the flash flood continues to climb, killing at least 327 people in the country’s north, bringing the nationwide toll to nearly 650 since the rains began on 26 June.On Sunday, the Pakistan Meteorological Department issued a fresh alert, warning of heavier rainfall nationwide, from 17 to 21 August. It urged residents in the northwest to take “precautionary measures” amid fears of worsening floods. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said the downpours, which began earlier than usual this year, are expected to continue with greater intensity over the next fortnight, as per PTI.Khyber Pakhtunkhwa saw the hardest hit, with 327 deaths confirmed so far. The Buner district alone has reported more than 200 fatalities, making it the worst-affected area. At least 137 people have been injured across the province as houses collapsed and raging torrents swept away residents, livestock and vehicles.Rescue efforts are proving difficult. Nearly 2,000 personnel have been deployed, but landslides, washed-out bridges and broken link routes have slowed relief work. “Heavy rainfall, landslides and washed-out roads are severely hampering rescue efforts, particularly the transportation of heavy machinery and ambulances,” Bilal Ahmed Faizi, spokesman for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s rescue agency told PTI. “In some areas, workers are forced to walk long distances to reach disaster sites. They are trying to evacuate survivors, but very few people are relocating due to the deaths of their relatives or loved ones being trapped in the debris.”Buner’s deputy commissioner Kashif Qayum Khan confirmed that rescuers were searching for alternative routes to reach cut-off areas. “Many more people may still be trapped under the debris, which local residents cannot clear manually,” he said.The Pakistan Army’s Corps of Engineers Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team has also launched operations in Buner, Shangla and Swat. Using advanced equipment, they are working to recover those trapped under rubble while also repairing damaged roads and bridges. Local villagers have joined the effort, combing through debris with their bare hands.Funerals were being held across devastated villages, as survivors struggled to search through the ruins by hands. “I helped retrieve the bodies of children I taught,” said Saifullah Khan, a schoolteacher in Buner. “The trauma is unbearable.”On Saturday, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Amin Khan Gandapur visited Buner to review rescue and relief operations. According to a briefing given to him, cloudbursts struck seven village councils in the district, destroying 5,380 houses. So far, 209 deaths have been confirmed, with 134 people still missing and 159 injured.Rescue personnel, doctors, paramedics, police, civil defence volunteers and three battalions of the Pakistan Army are working together. Around 3,500 stranded people have been evacuated to safety, while the search for the missing continues. Gandapur pledged that the provincial government would provide full support, PTI reported. “No effort will be spared in the rehabilitation of flood victims. The provincial government will provide all necessary resources on a priority basis,” he said. He also announced the release of Rs 1.5 billion for relief and rehabilitation.Authorities have now declared six districts, Buner, Bajaur, Swat, Shangla, Mansehra and Battagram, as disaster-hit. Nationwide, the NDMA reported that torrential monsoon rains have left more than 650 people dead and 905 injured this season. Floodwaters have destroyed livestock, shops, vehicles and vital infrastructure. While some key roads reopened temporarily on Saturday, many remote areas remain cut off.

HYDERABAD: Journalist Khawar Hussain, who was found dead in his car in mysterious circumstances, has died by suicide, an initial autopsy report released on Sunday revealed.

Hussain, a young journalist associated with a private news channel, was found dead in his car Saturday night on Hyderabad Road in Sanghar, SSP Sanghar Abid Baloch told reporters.

As per the initial post-mortem report, the bullet recovered from his head was fired from his licensed pistol. “The evidence so far indicates suicide,” a civil surgeon involved in the examination said.

Police said they have collected fingerprints, CCTV footage and other material for forensic review.

Video evidence shows Hussain entering and leaving a local restaurant twice before returning to his vehicle, where he stayed for nearly two hours, investigators said.

Police have also recovered one of the two mobile phones in use, while the other remains missing.

The investigators say it may have been misplaced, dropped, or left behind, and efforts are underway to trace it. The recovered device has been sent for forensic analysis.

According to police, the investigation is being conducted “with minute attention to detail” to establish the exact sequence of events leading to the journalist’s death.

The journalist had been stationed in Karachi for nearly 10 years, working with different media organisations during his career.

The tragic incident drew a quick notice from Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, who asked the provincial police chief to submit a report at the earliest.

Shah directed the Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ghulam Nabi Memon to assign the case to the best investigators and leave no stone unturned in the investigation.

He also offered condolences to Hussain’s family, prayed for their strength, and instructed the administration to extend them support.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori also expressed grief over Hussain’s death and asked the authorities to carry out a probe into the incident.