Dawn

Pakistan raised concerns at the UN Security Council about ongoing terrorist group operations in Afghanistan, including Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and Islamic State's Khorasan chapter, which it claims use Afghan safe havens to threaten regional security. The remarks coincided with discussions on Kashmir, where Pakistan accused India of 'state terrorism' following the 2019 revocation of the region’s special status.

The government increased petrol prices by Rs4.45 per litre to Rs333.01 and reduced high-speed diesel (HSD) prices by Rs2 per litre to Rs383.86. Fuel prices will now be adjusted daily based on international market trends due to the US-Iran conflict, replacing weekly revisions. The Petroleum Division announced these changes effective August 6.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated the government will complete its five-year term with Shehbaz Sharif as prime minister, while acknowledging the collapse of Pakistan's 80-year-old administrative system and calling for reforms. He highlighted achievements like increased revenue and improved diplomacy but faced criticism from political figures and the PPP, which demanded his resignation.

Pakistan defeated the West Indies by eight wickets in the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval to level the series. The visitors chased a target of 75, with Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique guiding the win. Pakistan’s spinners, Sajid Khan and Ali Usman, played pivotal roles in the victory.

Pakistan and Iran agreed to keep border crossings open 24/7 to boost trade, aiming for a $10 billion bilateral trade target. They also plan to enhance cooperation in mining and streamline customs procedures.

An Indian parliamentary panel demanded Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg apologize for temporarily removing a video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Meta attributed the removal to a technical error, and Joel Kaplan, Meta's chief global affairs officer, apologized to India's Information and Broadcasting Minister. The panel warned that failing to apologize could result in ending safe harbor protections for Meta's platforms.

A protest near the Karachi Press Club (KPC) caused major traffic disruptions in Saddar Town, stranding thousands of commuters. The protest, organized by the PTI, marked three years since the imprisonment of party founder Imran Khan and demanded his release.

A search team recovered the bodies of Nirmal Purja and three teammates killed in an avalanche on Broad Peak, but three climbers remain missing. The Alpine Club of Pakistan confirmed the remains would be returned to families, while recovery efforts continue.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to adopt a comprehensive strategy to attract international investors for the privatization of state-owned power distribution companies (Discos) and complete the restructuring of the Privatisation Commission within a month. Roadshows in Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and China to attract investors for Gepco, Fesco, and Iesco were reported as successful.

A strong El Nino weather event could increase acute food insecurity for 49 million more people in vulnerable regions by 2025, according to the World Food Programme. Central America and Southern Africa face the largest projected rises, with regional shortages and higher prices potentially worsening hunger. Funding cuts have reduced data collection efforts to monitor the crisis.

The National Dialogue Committee has approached the Islamabad High Court, seeking directives to facilitate meetings between incarcerated Imran Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, citing violations of constitutional rights and prison regulations. The petition argues that the denial of visitation rights since August 5, 2023, breaches Pakistan Prison Rules and international standards like the Nelson Mandela Rules.

Michigan's Democratic primary features Abdul El-Sayed, a leftist backed by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, narrowly leading centrist Haley Stevens, who is supported by Chuck Schumer and Gretchen Whitmer. The race reflects divisions over Israel policy, electability, and the party's future, with the winner facing Mike Rogers in November for a Senate seat vacated by Gary Peters. Results could influence Democrats' chances to gain Senate control.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket's second stage, launched in January 2025 to assist a Firefly Aerospace lunar lander, is believed to have crashed into the moon's Einstein Crater at high speed. The impact, caused by solar and gravitational forces, highlights concerns about uncontrolled space junk, though no danger was posed. This follows a 2022 Chinese rocket stage crash and NASA's 2009 intentional moon impact.

PML-N and PPP each secured one seat in Muzaffarabad division following delayed elections caused by landslides and weather disruptions. PML-N's Noreen Arif won LA-27 (Kutla) with 18,919 votes, while PPP's Syed Bazil Ali Naqvi secured LA-28 (Lachhrat) with 28,214 votes. The second phase of Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections included 12 refugee-reserved seats and faced protests over the inclusion of these seats.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Jordan's Ayman Safadi to discuss the deteriorating situation in the occupied West Bank and regional developments. They reaffirmed Pakistan-Jordan cooperation across political, economic, and cultural domains and highlighted Jordan's role in safeguarding Jerusalem's holy sites. Dar also met Somalia's Foreign Minister to strengthen bilateral ties.

The Lahore High Court dismissed a PTI petition seeking permission for a rally at Minar-i-Pakistan after the deputy commissioner denied the request, citing security concerns. PTI planned nationwide protests to mark three years since the imprisonment of party founder Imran Khan. The court advised challenging the deputy commissioner's order if PTI felt aggrieved.

Karachi police registered a terrorism case following a scuffle at Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan’s headquarters, where two groups clashed, resulting in injuries and heavy firing. The incident occurred during an internal party meeting, with suspects including Azhar alias Lumba, Zeeshan Habib, and 20-25 others. The FIR cited multiple charges under the Pakistan Penal Code and Anti-Terrorism Act.

A writ petition was filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) challenging President Asif Ali Zardari’s delay in assenting to a summary from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding judicial appointments. The petition, led by advocate Luqman Zafar Chaudhary, argues the delay violates constitutional provisions and disrupts judicial administration, citing specific recommendations by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) under Articles 175A and 48 of the Constitution.

Viral videos, including one from a Spanish news outlet, inspired tens of thousands to swim from Morocco to Spain’s Ceuta after a Supreme Court ruling barred immediate border pushbacks, leading to a deadly stampede and drownings. Misinformation about migration policies and regularization programs further fueled the mass movement.

Two young women suspected of petty theft died in Lahore police custody under mysterious circumstances. The Lahore police claim they died due to a drug overdose, denying allegations of torture, while the incident has raised concerns amid ongoing scrutiny of police conduct.