Pakistan and Poland have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation through high-level visits, parliamentary exchanges, and sustained dialogue, as the two countries seek to broaden engagement across multiple sectors.
The understanding was reached during the 9th Round of Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) held in Warsaw on July 4. Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) Ambassador Muhammad Ayub led the Pakistani delegation, while Poland’s Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski, headed the Polish side. The two sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to boosting collaboration in trade, investment, energy, defence, science and technology, agriculture, migration, and higher education.
Pakistani Ambassador to Poland Muhammad Sami-ur-Rehman and Polish Ambassador to Pakistan Maciej Pisarski also attended the talks.
Regional and global developments, including those in South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, were discussed in detail. Both delegations noted alignment on key issues and agreed to continue working closely at multilateral forums, including the United Nations.
It was agreed that the next round of consultations will be held in Islamabad in 2026.
In a major crackdown, the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Anti-Human Smuggling Cell has unearthed a high-profile visa scam involving the fraudulent issuance of Pakistani e-visas to Afghan nationals using fake sponsorships, with alleged complicity of officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Information.
According to the FIA spokesperson, two Afghan nationals were arrested during a targeted raid in Islamabad’s G-8 sector, while a case has been registered against six individuals. Raids are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.
The accused were reportedly operating out of car showrooms in the G-8 area, running a sophisticated racket that circumvented immigration procedures and compromised national security.
The FIA stated that the entire operation facilitated unverified Afghan nationals in obtaining Pakistani e-visas within 24 to 48 hours, using forged sponsorship documents and stolen identification data, all without notifying intelligence agencies.
The FIR, lodged by an FIA officer, claims that the scam was led by Samiullah Afridi, a lower-grade staffer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collusion with Malik Muneebur Rehman, a travel agent, Nadir Raheem Abbasi, an employee at the Press Information Department (PID) and several others.
Financial transactions were routed through the bank accounts of Afridi’s cousin, Abdul Aziz Afridi, who owns a car showroom in G-8 and is the brother of a Foreign Office official posted as the deputy head of mission in Kabul.
A private bank account linked to Samiullah Afridi reportedly received nearly Rs40 million in suspicious transactions related to the visa racket.
One of the arrested suspects, Atif Ahmadzai, an Afghan national from Nangarhar province, was found to be running an online travel agency that facilitated e-visa applications using fraudulent means, including forged sponsorships, bypassing formal financial channels and using hawala/hundi methods for fund transfers.
The gang provided urgent tourist visas within 24 to 48 hours for $750 (with 80% allegedly pocketed by Ministry of Information employees).
They also offered other visa categories such as 10-day tourist visas, medical visas, and business visas, each for $350.
The network reportedly met in areas surrounding Islamabad, including G-8, and had set up a streamlined process for Afghan nationals to acquire Pakistani documents without security vetting. Innocent sponsors were unknowingly implicated, while legitimate visa applicants were deprived of their rights.
The scheme, according to the FIA, not only violated immigration protocols but also posed a significant threat to national security by potentially allowing terrorist elements to gain entry into Pakistan unchecked.
Acting on credible intelligence, the FIA raided the showroom and caught Abdul Aziz Afridi and Atif Ahmadzai red-handed.
Ahmadzai was found to be illegally residing in Pakistan and lacked valid travel documentation. Both suspects recorded statements confirming that Samiullah Afridi, Malik Muneebur Rehman, Nadir Raheem Abbasi and another Afghan national named Ahmad Afghani were active members of the ring and had been issuing e-visas illegally in exchange for hefty sums.
LAHORE: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Saturday that inflation rate in the country has dropped while the country’s foreign reserves reached $14.5 billion.
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is endeavouring to improve the country’s economy and Pakistan is now set to progress,” Ishaq Dar said while speaking to the media after performing ‘Ghusl’ ceremony at the shrine of great saint Hazrat Data Ganj Bakash Saturday.
He said the country’s image has improved in the comity of nations and Pakistan has signed $2 billion investment agreement with Azerbaijan.
Country ready for ‘digital revolution’, says Dar
When asked about media reports regarding expected meeting between the three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif and the former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, the PML-N senior leader termed it as mere a ‘speculation and somebody’s desire’ but there was no truth in it. He made it clear that Nawaz Sharif did not require meeting anybody.
Responding to another question regarding joining the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) to the cabinet, Dar said the PPP had not yet shown any desire to join the federal cabinet. “PPP is an ally of the PML-N in the Center and will remain so and they would give more respect to them,” he said, adding: “The ruling alliance now enjoys a two-third majority in the National Assembly (NA).”
Talking about Indian aggression, Dar said Pakistan inflicted a humiliating defeat upon India on the night between May 9 and 10. “Pakistan downed six planes of the Indian Air Force,” he said, adding, “The hostile neighbour will never forget the lesson Pakistan taught it.” However, there are always challenges in such a situation. Regarding Israeli aggression against Iran, he said that Pakistan strongly condemned it. Iran has now realized that Pakistan is its true friend. In the Iranian parliament, gratitude was expressed to Pakistan for its support during the war with Israel, he added.
Talking about expansion of Data Darbar, he said hopefully the project would be completed before the next years ‘Ghusl’ ceremony of the Mazar. He added that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has already accorded approval to the expansion/ renovation work.
The interior minister says some people are bothered to see politicians-govt-establishment on same page
Rejects rumours about the enactment of the 27th constitutional amendment
ROHRI: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday dispelled the reports claiming a “change in the presidency” and enactment of the 27th constitutional amendment as mere speculations, advising the public not to pay heed to “social media speculations.”
He urged the media to refrain from political speculations for at least two days in respect for Ashura days, noting these “rumor-mongers” are spreading misleading narratives.
“Some people are bothered, as for the first time, politicians, the government, and the military establishment are on the same page,” he declared while addressing the media during his visit to Sindh’s Rohri city on Saturday.
Replying to journalists’ queries on reports suggesting President Zardari was being removed from office and that another constitutional amendment was in the offing, Naqvi denied the speculations, advising “against paying heed to the social media reports.”
His statement came after the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) obtained a simple majority in the National Assembly after the reinstatement of reserved seats by the Election Commission of Pakistan following the top court’s Constitutional Bench verdict.
It also handed the ruling alliance a two-thirds majority in the lower house, as its strength rose from 218 to 235 members.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar also said on Saturday that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) would remain a key ally of the PML-N despite the latter securing a simple majority in the National Assembly as a result of the reserved seats ruling.
“PPP is and will remain our coalition partner,” said the deputy prime minister, recalling that without the PPP’s support, it would not have been possible to form a government following the 2024 general elections.
Talking to journalists at the Data Darbar shrine in Lahore, Dar said that the Bilawal Bhutto Zardari-led party stood by the government during difficult times and the Nawaz Sharif-led party would not abandon it in times of stability.
To a question, he replied that the coalition partner has not demanded any ministerial portfolios from the PML-N.
KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani said that 588 buildings in Karachi are deemed unsafe, with 456 of these located in the South District alone.
Speaking during ARY News programme ‘Aitraz Hai’, the minister said that 16 dangeour buildings have been evacuated over the past few months, though some critically unsafe ones remain occupied despite ‘efforts’ to clear them.
“Forceful evictions attract criticism, but we will proceed with action against unsafe buildings regardless,” Saeed Ghani added.
He said that Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has called a high-level meeting on the dangerous buildings in Karachi.
Speaking on the recent collapse of a building in Karachi’s Lyari in which at least 21 person lost their lives, the local government minister said a team tried to evacuate the same building just days before the incident but the attempt he said faced resistance from the residents.
“The government tries to vacate unsafe buildings after issuing notices,” he added.
‘Officials involved in illegal constructions’
Saeed Ghani conceded that some officials of the concerned departments are involved in illegal constructions.
He said that the current laws do not allow the government to take strict action against so-called builders.
Read More: Death toll rises to 21 in Karachi building collapse
“We are working on amending the law, with consultations currently underway,” he vowed to impose stricter penalties on those responsible for illegal constructions and their agents involved in buying and selling such properties.
Saeed Ghani also called for harsh measures against citizens purchasing these buildings. He said that the Sindh government is also working to launch an app to guide the public, providing information on the legal status of constructions.
Meanwhile, the death toll from the collapse of a five-storey residential building in Karachi’s Lyari Baghdadi area has climbed to 21, with rescue teams recovering two more bodies from the rubble, according to officials from Rescue 1122.
The officials confirmed that 21 bodies have been retrieved so far, with fears that more individuals may still be trapped under the rubble. The operation, now in its second day, is expected to take at least eight more hours to complete due to the complexity of the debris removal process.
The devastating incident occurred as a six-storey residential building collapsed in the Baghdadi area of Lyari, Karachi.
The collapsed building, constructed in 1974, had been declared dangerous by the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) three years ago, with multiple notices issued to residents to vacate the premises.
Major cities across the country, including Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar, observed Muharram 9 processions on Saturday under tight security, with mobile phone services suspended in some areas and key locations sealed amid fears of unrest.
Authorities in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar deployed tens of thousands of police personnel, sealed sensitive areas, and partially suspended mobile phone services in efforts to prevent any untoward incidents, Express News reported.
In Karachi, the main Muharram 9 procession began at 1:00 PM from Nishtar Park. Prior to the procession, a majlis was held at Nishtar Park, where Allama Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi delivered a sermon. After the majlis, the Imamia Students Organisation led the congregational Zuhrain prayers.
The procession followed its traditional route—passing through Numaish, Saddar, Radio Pakistan, Jamia Cloth, and Denso Hall—before concluding at the Hussainia Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar.
In Lahore, the main procession commenced at 10:00 am. Punjab Police spokespersons reported more than 147,000 officers and staff were stationed throughout the province to secure 1,689 processions and nearly 3,900 majalis (religious gatherings). In Lahore alone, 79 processions and 378 majalis are being protected by more than 10,000 officers.
Special instructions have been issued to the Dolphin Squad and Police Response Unit (PRU). All teams are maintaining constant coordination with Rescue 1122, the fire brigade, Rescue 15, and other emergency services. Special attention is being paid to the safety of women and children.
Read: Karachi traffic plan for Muharram processions
“The entire province is on high alert,” said Punjab Police Inspector General Dr Usman Anwar. “We’re strictly enforcing Section 144 and the Loudspeaker Act.”
In Peshawar, the main procession began at 10:00 am from Husainia Hall. The Saddar and Cantonment areas of Peshawar have been completely sealed off, and commercial centres were closed.
Due to security concerns, mobile phone services suspended for Muharram 9 and 10. The city’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service has also been halted for two days.
Meanwhile, over 10,000 police and security personnel have been deployed in Peshawar, while entry of Afghan refugees into the city has been banned for two days. Several major roads, including Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Khyber Bazaar, Circular Road, and GT Road have been closed.
Muharram processions held in twin cities under tight security
The main Muharram 9 procession in Rawalpindi commenced from Imambargah Fatimiyah Chitian Hattian and concluded after passing through its designated route.
All roads adjacent to the procession route were sealed, while commercial activity remained suspended in Landa Bazaar, Iqbal Road, College Road, and Bohar Bazaar.
In Islamabad, the central Muharram 9 procession emerged from Imambargah Jamia Al-Asna Ashari, G-6 and concluded after returning to Imambargah Jamia Al-Asna Ashari via the same prescribed path.
Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Memon, speaking outside Imambargah Asna Ashari, said all arrangements for majalis and processions had been finalized weeks in advance.
Additional sanitation workers were deployed and drainage measures taken to handle last night’s rainfall. A mobile control room has been established for the first time, and street lighting issues along the route have been resolved.
محرم الحرام کے دوران سیکیورٹی کی مؤثر نگرانی کے لیے اسلام آباد پولیس کا اہم اقدام۔ جدید موبائل کنٹرول روم قائم۔
آئی جی اسلام آباد سید علی ناصر رضوی اور چیف کمشنر علی رندھاوا نے موقع پر موجود رہ کر ڈیوٹی پوائنٹس، سیف سٹی کیمروں اور ڈرون سرویلنس کے ذریعے سیکیورٹی انتظامات کا… pic.twitter.com/2q2mThH2rX
DIG Islamabad Jawad Tariq said over 5,000 personnel from Islamabad Police and Rangers have been deployed. Multiple layers of checks are in place, with CTD commandos stationed on rooftops. Surveillance is being carried out using body cameras and modern monitoring tools.
Read more: Section 144 to remain in place across Punjab during Muharram
Inspector General of Police Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said extraordinary security measures were essential despite the absence of specific threats, citing the religious importance and sensitivity of Muharram. The entire route has been sealed with containers and barbed wire.
Photo: Islamabad Police- @ICT_Police/X
Photo: Islamabad Police- @ICT_Police/X
According to the IG, security personnel have shown dedication over the past eight days, and the full schedule of the procession will be followed strictly.
Speaking to the media during the procession, IG Rizvi said the event is being monitored through surveillance cameras. Covering a distance of 3.88 kilometers, the procession will return to its starting point. Police will remain on duty until its conclusion.
A total of 4,100 officers have been deployed directly for the procession, with overall security personnel reaching 5,800, including those assigned to traffic and rooftop surveillance.
A seven-layer security plan has been implemented to ensure peace and public safety. 71 search-and-sweep operations were conducted in the 14 days leading up to Muharram, stated police spokesperson.
The death toll from a collapsed old residential building in Karachi’s Lyari area climbed to 19 on Saturday, with rescue teams fearing the casualties could rise further as an operation to clear the debris is still underway.
Deputy Commissioner South Javed Leghari said that the rescue teams had recovered 19 bodies so far while six injured were being treated in hospital.
“Unfortunately, rescue teams who have been working since yesterday afternoon fear there are more bodies under the debris and rubble of the building and the casualties will increase,” he said.
The five-storey building in the Baghdadi area of Lyari collapsed on Friday. Initially, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab told the media at the incident site that seven bodies had been recovered and the injured were moved to hospital.
The building was on the list of dilapidated buildings in the old areas of Karachi. Leghari said there were 22 old buildings, out of which 16 had been vacated by the authorities, but six still remained occupied by residents who didn’t want to leave.
The official said the rescue operation will continue for another 10–12 hours.
Lyari is one of Karachi’s most congested low-lying and low-income areas.
Earlier this week, 22 people were rescued from an old building in the Soldier Bazar area when a portion of it collapsed, leaving residents trapped on the upper floor.
The provincial government has declared some 570 buildings in the old Karachi area as dangerous and asked residents to evacuate them.
