Muzaffargarh: Six killed, several injured in bus-trawler collision
Police say that the cause of the accident is being determined
MUZAFFARGARH (Dunya News) – A tragic road accident near Langer Sarai in Muzaffargarh resulted in a collision between a passenger bus and a trailer, leaving six people dead and eighteen injured.
According to a police spokesperson, the deceased include two men, two women, and two children, while the bus driver also lost his life in the accident. The bus was traveling from Jhang to Alipur when the incident occurred.
The Muzaffargarh police spokesperson stated that upon receiving the report of the accident, Rescue 1122 teams promptly reached the site and, after providing first aid, transferred the injured to a nearby hospital.
The District Traffic Officer, DSP, and SHO, along with police personnel, remained present at the scene and assessed the situation.
Police say that the cause of the accident is being determined, and investigations are underway. Initial information suggests that the bus collided head-on with an oncoming trailer.
The police have cleared the accident site and restored the flow of traffic. After identification and completion of legal formalities, the bodies are being handed over to their families.
Officials expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the affected families.
‘ ;
var i = Math.floor(r_text.length * Math.random());
document.write(r_text[i]);
ISLAMABAD – Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr Mukhtar Ahmed has reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s higher education sector under Vision 2047, with a strong focus on accessibility, technology integration, and institutional development. Speaking to the media, Dr Ahmed stated that the government aims to ensure modern educational facilities for 1.5 million youth. Under the P-10 project, the top ten universities in the country will be selected for targeted quality enhancement. In the first phase, 100 smart classrooms have already been established, while 200 more are under construction. Highlighting the significant progress since the formation of HEC in 2001, Dr. Ahmed noted that the number of universities has grown from 59 to 370 (both public and private), and the student population has increased from under 3.5 million to over 8.5 million. Yet, he stressed that this number is still insufficient given Pakistan’s growing youth population. “Our target is to expand access and capacity further, especially in underserved regions,” he said. One of the most remarkable statistics he shared was that approximately 48% of university students in Pakistan are female, a figure he called “a surprise to the world” and a testament to the country’s evolving education landscape. Dr. Ahmed emphasized the importance of technology in education. Under the High-Performance Computing (HPC) initiative and cloud computing, students can now attend classes remotely, and teachers can deliver lectures from home — a shift that ensures academic continuity during emergencies.
He added that the reliance on expensive computing infrastructure is being reduced, making education more accessible.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Only 28% of university faculty hold PhDs, up from a previous 24%, and efforts are underway to increase this ratio. Over 6,000 students have been sent abroad on scholarships, reflecting the country’s focus on building a skilled academic workforce.
He also acknowledged resistance from some Vice Chancellors regarding the implementation of the Higher Education Data Repository (HEDR), a system meant to improve digital governance in higher education.
The Chairman stressed that academic-industry linkages are being promoted, with two universities recently recognized internationally for producing globally competitive graduates. Meanwhile, the $400 million World Bank-funded Higher Education Development Project (HEDP) is supporting faculty development, research, innovation, infrastructure upgrades, and strengthening the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE).
Dr. Ahmed concluded by stating that the HEC is not only enhancing higher education in urban centers but is also extending resources to backward regions to ensure equal opportunities for all. He emphasized that instead of merely increasing the number of institutions, the focus will remain on improving the quality and governance of existing universities.
The government on Friday pitched a new package before foreign donors for up to Rs10.5 per unit reduction in prices on additional use of electricity by industrial and agricultural sector consumers to boost demand, which had dipped by one-fifth due to unaffordable prices.
The Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Laghari, shared the broader contours of the Industrial Support Package (2026-28) with over a dozen representatives of international development organisations to seek their diplomatic support to reduce prices.
The package appeared to be gaining traction with lenders, but their observations centred on the sustainability of the increase in demand and the viability of the national grid electricity. They raised concerns about relying solely on price signals to boost dwindling electricity demand instead of implementing comprehensive reforms in the energy sector, which include ensuring the reliability of the national grid power.
The response of the power minister was awaited until the time of filing this story.
Government officials stated that the Power Division had informed foreign donors it wanted to introduce a support package for a period of three years (2026-28) and was counting on their support. Among the participants were the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and other regional and international development organisations.
According to the proposal, the government wants to reduce the current average electricity price of Rs33.5 per unit by Rs10.5, but only on the incremental use of electricity. It has proposed that industrial connection rates will be set at Rs22.98 per unit. For the agricultural sector, the rate will be the same, but the benefits will be Rs7.77 per unit due to the current Rs30.75 per unit price.
Foreign diplomats were informed that the price reduction would only apply to additional electricity use compared to consumption from December 2023 to November 2024. In cases where no reference consumption is available, the higher consumption of the relevant month or the sanctioned load will be used for comparison.
The government claimed that the new package would be a subsidy and cost-neutral, and should neutralise any opposition from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) this time. The IMF had rejected a similar package last year due to its implications for other consumers.
According to the proposal, the Rs3.23 per unit debt servicing surcharge and the quarterly tariff adjustment will not apply to the industrial support package. However, this exclusion could hurt residential consumers, whose debt servicing surcharge may increase further to raise sufficient funds to retire the Rs1.2 trillion debt acquired from banks to address circular debt.
A government functionary noted an element of discrimination, as large numbers of consumers in Sindh might shift to the national grid due to high gas prices, making them eligible for incremental benefits compared to Punjab-based industries that already rely heavily on the national grid.
Due to unaffordability, industrial consumers are increasingly moving away from the national electricity grid. Industrial electricity demand dropped by 20% over the past two years. Consequently, the number of net-metered industrial consumers surged to nearly 6,900 in fiscal year 2024, compared to just 1,570 in 2022. Electricity tariffs for industrial consumers in Pakistan are among the highest in the region. Compared to about US16 cents per unit locally, electricity costs US9 cents in India and US10 cents in Bangladesh, Pakistan’s two biggest competitors in global markets.
However, concerns remain about the sustainability of the package and whether such price reductions can be beneficial without addressing the underlying issues in the power sector. Foreign diplomats were briefed on reforms the government is undertaking. One participant told The Express Tribune that, upon inquiry, it appeared all such initiatives were falling behind extended deadlines. The competitive market is not yet operational, and the government told participants it may become operational in September. Disputes over wheeling charges persist, and the revised Integrated Generation Capacity Expansion Plan is also facing delays. The privatisation of power distribution companies has not been accelerated, and the government remains unwilling to end the uniform electricity price policy, which penalises Punjab-based consumers for theft in other provinces.
A major lender inquired about the excess generation capacity claim, questioning whether the system can generate power equal to the installed capacity and if the transmission system can handle the full load.
Sources said there were also concerns about the viability of increased demand once the package ends. Evidence from similar industrial support packages in the past showed that demand spikes were typically modest and did not result in sustained grid dependence.
Sources added that potential risks exist that the actual costs of this package might exceed the proposed marginal rate, particularly during the summer season.
One major view was that any effort to restore industrial demand through a support package should be made under a broader framework that balances both price and non-price elements. Implementation risks, grid reliability, and service quality remain critical blind spots that could limit the package’s success.
Donors advised the government to restore industrial demand on the grid through a combination of reliable service delivery and sector-wide planning, rather than relying on reactive short-term measures.
ISLAMABAD: The government while accepting the longstanding demand of the industrial and business community has finalised 10-year long-term industrial policy after months of detailed discussions.
The prime minister of Pakistan has tasked the Ministry of Industries and Production to discuss and review the current industrial policy, keeping in view that the share of industrial sector in GDP in 1996 was 26 percent which in 2025 has reduced to 18 percent.
The Ministry of Industries and Production, following the prime minister’s directives constituted eight different high-powered sub-committees to look into the matters of reshaping the industrial sector of the country, here on Friday presented the recommendations for the revival of industrial sector to the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan during a high-level meeting.
Long-term industrial policy on the anvil
As per the policy recommendations of prime minister’s constituted committees, the policy will remain valid for 10 years and the government along with other stakeholders after every 18 months will review the progress.
The government will ensure improved credit to the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and distressed segment.
Special amendments in various laws will be made to create business-friendly environment and ensure the investors security as well as promoting localisation. The sick industrial units will be restored and banks will be encouraged to provide them loans.
During the meeting, the committee members finalised the recommendations of eight specialised sub-committees. These proposals were reviewed in detail, marking the beginning of the implementation phase for the country’s new industrial policy.
Haroon Akhtar Khan highlighted that the contribution of the industrial sector to GDP has declined from 26 percent in 1996 to 18 percent in 2025, stressing the urgent need to revive the sector. He emphasised the importance of boosting exports and developing import substitutes to stabilise the economy.
To address the challenges facing the industrial sector, eight sub-committees were constituted. Among their key proposals: The State Bank of Pakistan will issue guidelines for the revival of sick industries and resolution of debts.
Amendments have been proposed to the Corporate Rehabilitation Act, 2018. Banks have been advised to use data forecasting tools to detect early signs of industrial sickness. Industrial unit classification has been determined in consultation with the Pakistan Banking Association.
To incentivise manufacturing, a reduction in corporate tax from 29 percent to 26 percent over three years has been recommended.
Amendments to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) Act, the Anti-Money Laundering Act, and the Income Tax Ordinance have also been proposed.
To ensure swift execution, SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan has formed 10 new implementation sub-committees and instructed them to show tangible results within a week.
He stated that the new industrial policy is comprehensive and has the potential to usher in an industrial revolution in Pakistan.
Commending the committees for their exceptional performance in a short span, Khan added that the finalised recommendations have been presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who appreciated the effort.
As a fresh political storm brews in Punjab, PTI on Friday announced that it will challenge the suspension of 26 of its MPAs from the Punjab Assembly through legal channels and public mobilisation.
The opposition party decried the speaker’s “unconstitutional and partisan” conduct, asserting it was left with no choice but to escalate both inside and outside the assembly.
At a joint press conference in Islamabad, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar and senior lawyer Sardar Latif Khosa condemned the Punjab government’s actions.
The party leaders denounced the “theft of mandate” on February 8 as Bhachar accused the political elite of installing a “fake chief minister” while dragging PTI workers out of their homes. “A worthless government that couldn’t even use its past budget… If we have offended the dignity of a so-called ‘second queen’, then so be it, we’ll keep doing so.”
Bhachar vowed that if the party was thrown out of the assembly, it would simply set up a “real assembly” on the streets. “We don’t care about seats, but history will remember you.”
Speaking at the occasion, Sardar Latif Khosa slammed the government for repeatedly violating the constitution, particularly with the 26th amendment followed by the suspension of 26 MPAs. He lamented the erosion of human rights: “They want to bring fascism to K-P; this hurts democracy.”
“The Constitutional Bench’s verdict on reserved seats was shameful, the election commission’s even more so.” He defended the rights of jailed leaders and workers to meet Imran Khan, criticising inaction on reports of corruption at Adiala Jail.
Similarly, Salman Akram Raja slammed the administration for writing a “history of cruelty and oppression”. “No member can be forced out over protest,” he said, adding the party would turn to courts, but doubted the rule of law still existed.
Amid relentless rainfall in the upper regions and the water level in Tarbela Dam surging, prompting authorities to open the dam’s spillways to manage the inflow.
The operation was scheduled for 12pm on Friday, according to officials, who have issued an alert for citizens residing along the spillway routes to remain cautious.
The spillway release is likely to result in flood-like conditions in the Indus River, they added.
According to a spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the opening of the spillways may cause the flow of water to increase significantly, ranging between 260,000 to 270,000 cusecs.
In light of the projected surge, the NDMA has strongly advised residents in adjacent regions to stay clear of riverbanks and water channels.
Meanwhile, five individuals who became trapped in the River Indus near Hund were safely rescued on Friday evening after a sudden rise in water levels caused by the opening of Tarbela Dam’s spillways.
According to officials, the incident occurred while the individuals were swimming in the river when the water level rapidly surged, leaving them stranded.
The rise in water was triggered by continuous rains in the upper regions, prompting authorities to release water from the dam earlier in the day.
Upon receiving the distress call, a Rescue 1122 team from Swabi swiftly reached the scene. Equipped with a rescue boat, life jackets and other safety gear, the team launched an immediate operation and successfully brought all five individuals to safety.
Local residents have been advised to adopt preventive measures and to avoid venturing near rivers or any high-risk water passages during this period of intensified flow.
Meanwhile, the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) on Friday released 275,954 cusecs of water from various rim stations with an inflow of 408,931 cusecs.
According to the data released by IRSA, the water level in the River Indus at Tarbela Dam was 1,520.00 feet, which was 118.00 feet higher than the dead level of 1402.00 feet. Water inflow and outflow in the dam was recorded as 272,900 cusecs and 151,500 cusecs, respectively.
The water level in the River Jhelum at Mangla Dam was 1,178.50 feet, which was 128.50 feet higher than its dead level of 1,050 feet. The inflow and outflow of water was recorded as 21,577 cusecs and 10,000 cusecs, respectively.
The release of water at Kalabagh, Taunsa, Guddu and Sukkur was recorded as 203,798, 178,886, 122,717 and 54,770 cusecs, respectively.
LAKKI MARWAT: Two terrorists were arrested in an intelligence-based operation in Lakki Marwat late Thursday night.
District police officer Mohammad Jawad Ishaq told Dawn the police had intensified actions against terrorists on directives of Bannu Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan to eliminate the menace and maintain peace in the region.
He said a party of Shahbazkhel police station backed by Elite Force commandos and armoured personnel carriers reached the rural area on information about the presence of terrorists there.
“The cops raided a suspected hideout and arrested two terrorists, identified as Bilal, a resident of Nawerkhel, and Asif Nawaz of Kattakhel,” he said, adding the arrested men were wanted by law enforcement agencies in various terrorism-related cases. They were shifted to the police station.
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed praised Lakki Marwat police for a successful operation against terrorists, saying that police were determined to eliminate terrorism and continue the struggle until peace was established in the entire region.
Meanwhile, the police on Friday claimed to have solved a blind murder case of an army soldier by arresting two suspects during a raid in Karak district.
A police official said that soldier Tahir Irfan left home on a motorcycle in the afternoon of June 21, but he did not return.
He said that the family tried to contact him on his mobile phone but both his SIM cards were switched off.
“Next day, while the family members were searching for him, they found his body dumped in the mountain,” the official said.
He said Karak district police officer Shahbaz Elahi took notice of the murder and constituted a special team headed by DSP Saadat Ali to trace the killers.
“The police experts launched an investigation into murder and found a clue about the suspects with the help of advanced technology and human intelligence,” he claimed, adding that the cops arrested two suspects, identified as Nadim and Samiullah, during a raid and seized a pistol used in the crime and a motorcycle of deceased soldier from them.
Separately, unknown terrorists blew up an abandoned police post in the Kharoba area of Lakki Marwat late Thursday night.
Police said that an explosive device planted along the building of the police post went off with a bang, badly damaging the structure.
They said that the post had been abandoned by the police as it had been declared unfit for use several years ago.
The blast was heard in the vicinity, however, no casualties were reported.
A large police contingent reached the place and launched a search for the saboteurs in the area.
LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court on Friday declared Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leaders Hammad Azhar and Rana Shahbaz Ahmed proclaimed offenders (POs) in two cases related to attack on police during the party’s October protests.
ATC-I Judge Manzer Ali Gill issued the order while hearing applications submitted by the police, requesting to declare both political leaders as PO.
According to the police, the suspects were wanted in two FIRs registered at Islampura and Shafiqabad police stations. It said the suspects, despite advertisements published to summon them, went into hiding to avoid arrest.
The judge, upon reviewing the record, declared the PTI leaders POs.
These PTI leaders have already been declared POs in multiple cases of the May 9 violence.
BAIL: An anti-terrorism court on Friday adjourned proceedings on the bail petitions of former provincial minister Dr Yasmin Rashid in five cases of May 9 riots, including the Askari Tower attack, due to the unavailability of police records.
A prosecutor informed the court that the case records were currently with the Lahore High Court and requested more time to present the same.
Accepting the request, the court adjourned the proceedings till July 10.
KARACHI: Phrases and idioms in any language are coined primarily to relay a message that contains wisdom.
In the English language, the phrase ‘a rainy day’ means a probable time when money will be needed, unexpectedly. This may also suggest that while rain, in a certain way, has romantic and feel-good connotations, it can also bring with it a number of difficulties. The latter seems to be apt for Karachiites.
Every time — and it’s been happening for years now — it rains heavily in the city, citizens are found complaining about at least a few things: nerve-jangling traffic jams, damaged roads, sudden appearance of potholes and puddles, stagnant rainwater on roads and streets, and power failure.
Power failure, surely, in turn makes the availability of water supply a huge problem because in most localities in the city, water is pumped into pipes through machines run by electricity. Don’t the authorities concerned know that?
By authorities concerned one means the bodies responsible for managing Karachi: the provincial government, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, the cantonment board, etc.
Every year, during monsoons, a blame game starts which ends without a positive or permanent resolution to the issue. On June 27 and 28, heavy rains disrupted life in Karachi in a painful way. Despite the fact that June 28 was a Saturday, when a majority of the offices were closed, the snarl-up at thoroughfares such as Sharea Faisal was agonising. If one was in District South heading towards the airport, it took at least two hours to move from the Hotel Metropole roundabout to Drigh Road Railway Station.
As if it was an understandable consequence of Nature’s interference in Karachiites’ daily lives, there were reports of a prolonged power breakdown on June 28.
De-silting of major drains is yet to be completed by KMC
In DHA Phase V, for example, electricity went kaput in the afternoon and was restored at 4am. Similarly, quite a few blocks in Gulistan-i-Jauhar, Federal B Area, North Nazimabad, suffered power shutdowns for up to 10 hours.
The worrisome thing is that the monsoon season has arrived early (as it usually begins in July). Have the authorities pre-empted the situation? One can’t be sure.
What adds to the worry is that at some places — for example, from Jail Road to Nipa — construction work has been going on for many a month. If rains come down heavily in July, these projects might get affected. No one knows how much money has so far been invested in the making of these yet-to-be-completed underpasses, overhead bridges and new roads. Whatever the amount may be, they need to be protected from uncalled-for interventions. Also, one hopes that construction work completes as soon as possible because it’s already a massive traffic issue.
It has to be said, though, that the one step that the KMC has taken, in terms of preparing in advance for the rains, is that a few days back the corporation had begun the process of cleaning the stormwater drains in the city.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab himself witnessed the process during which he had said: “In addition to the 46 major drains, smaller drains are also being cleaned. A joint strategy will be employed to ensure the drainage of rainwater across all towns. As soon as the rains begin, staff, machinery and pumps will be dispatched to major roads. We believe in working indiscriminately across all districts of Karachi and will respond to critics through our work.”
It all sounds good. But, thus far, not all drains have been cleaned.
The clouds, as the month of July sets in, look ominous. There’s likelihood that citizens will soon be faced with a wet season. And if preventive measures are not taken in totality, Karachiites are in for a toilsome time.
