Voiceup Pakistan (2025)

25/07/2025

Israeli forces have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians as they were trying to access food in Gaza since the United States- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) began operations at the end of May, according to the United Nations.

“As of July 21, we have recorded 1,054 people killed in Gaza while trying to get food; 766 of them were killed in the vicinity of GHF sites and 288 near UN and other humanitarian organisations’ aid convoys,” UN human rights office spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan told the AFP news agency on Tuesday, stating the victims had been “killed by the Israeli military”.

On Tuesday alone, Israeli forces killed at least 43 Palestinians, including 10 aid seekers, in attacks across Gaza since dawn, a day after tanks pushed into southern and eastern parts of central Gaza’s Deir el-Balah city for the first time.

Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza and humanitarian blockade, which it only partially lifted in March, continues to plunge the Palestinian territory into an increasingly dire malnutrition crisis as at least 15 people, including four children, have died due to starvation and malnutrition in Gaza within 24 hours, the enclave’s Ministry of Health said on Tuesday.

One was a child from Khan Younis in southern Gaza, and another was a 40-day-old baby in the north, according to our colleagues at Al Jazeera Arabic. Over the past three days, 21 children have died from malnutrition and starvation, the team reported.

Gaza
Palestinians shove to receive a hot meal at a charity kitchen in the al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis in southern Gaza on July 22, 2025 [AFP]
“These deaths were recorded at hospitals in Gaza, including al-Shifa in Gaza City, Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah and Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis … over the past 72 hours,” Mohammed Abu Salmiya, head of al-Shifa Hospital, Gaza’s largest, told reporters on Tuesday.

24/07/2025

In a significant step toward safeguarding the rights and dignity of marginalized communities, Blue Veins a leading human rights organization, joined hands with the Social Welfare Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) to organize an insightful session on the Transgender Persons’ Welfare Policy.

The event aimed to address critical issues faced by the transgender community, ensuring their protection and equal rights in accordance with Pakistan’s constitutional framework, national laws, and international human rights obligations.

The session brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from human rights institutions, prominent activists, members of the transgender community, journalists, and legal experts.

Their active participation enriched the discussion, offering valuable perspectives on policy gaps, implementation challenges, and actionable solutions to promote inclusivity and justice for transgender individuals.

Key discussions revolved around reinforcing legal protections, enhancing social welfare initiatives, and raising awareness to combat discrimination and violence against transgender persons.

The dialogue also emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between government bodies, civil society, and the transgender community to ensure effective policy enforcement and societal acceptance.

This initiative marks a crucial milestone in KP’s ongoing efforts to uphold human rights and foster an equitable society where every individual, regardless of gender identity, can live with dignity and freedom.

The organizers reaffirmed their commitment to advancing transgender rights through advocacy, policy reform, and sustained engagement with all relevant stakeholders

24/07/2025

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif oversaw an important meeting aimed at improving the quality and reach of higher education throughout the province.

Several key decisions were made during the session, focused on introducing meaningful reforms and raising the standard of learning in colleges and universities.

The Higher Education Department presented a detailed overview of the current system, after which it was decided that three prominent institutions, Government College University, Government College for Women University, and the University of Engineering and Technology, would be upgraded and developed as model campuses.

These universities are expected to set the standard for academic excellence and serve as a guide for other institutions.

Officials revealed that several respected international universities from the United Kingdom, South Korea, and Kazakhstan, such as the University of London, Brunel University, the University of Gloucestershire, and the University of Leicester, have shown interest in opening their campuses in Punjab.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz welcomed the move, calling it a valuable opportunity to boost Punjab’s global standing in education.

Key decisions and updates from the meeting included:

College Management Councils: Approval was granted to form these councils in public colleges to improve governance and day-to-day functioning.

KPI-Based Evaluation: A new system based on Key Performance Indicators will be introduced to evaluate faculty members and assess the performance of Vice Chancellors across public universities.

Report on Underperforming Colleges: The Chief Minister asked for a thorough report on colleges that are not meeting standards, so that action can be taken to ensure quality and consistency across all institutions.

Education Vigilance Squad: A dedicated team will be formed to conduct unannounced inspections in colleges and universities.

24/07/2025

An audit report has highlighted discrepancies in the privilege travel vouchers issued to Members of the National Assembly (MNAs), revealing a difference of Rs161 million between the issued vouchers and the officially reported expenditure for the financial years 2021-2024, The News reported.

According to the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) report, the National Assembly Secretariat issued travel vouchers worth Rs1.16 billion during the specified period. However, the official expenditure, reported at Rs1 billion, did not match the actual amount spent on the reimbursement and encashment of these vouchers, which were processed by the State Bank of Pakistan and recorded by the Accountant General Pakistan Revenues (AGPR).

The report flagged this mismatch as “irregular and unauthorised,” pointing to weaknesses in the internal financial reporting controls within the National Assembly Secretariat.

The Departmental Accounts Committee (DAC), convened on January 31, 2025, has instructed the National Assembly management to reconcile the discrepancies and submit the relevant documentation for further scrutiny.

An official from the National Assembly Secretariat, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that reconciliation is in progress, though it is a time-consuming process. The official also noted that most of the pending reconciliation cases are related to MNAs from Sindh and Balochistan. When contacted for comment, the National Assembly Secretariat declined to provide a statement.

24/07/2025

The University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore has become the first institution in Pakistan to officially integrate six critical life-saving skills into the undergraduate curriculum for all health-related programs.

Starting this academic year, students of medicine, dentistry, nursing, and allied health sciences must complete training in these emergency skills before sitting their final exams.

The six compulsory courses include: Cardiac First Response/Basic Life Support (Adult & Pediatric), Advanced Life Support (Cardiac & Trauma), Emergency Triage Assessment and Treatment (ETAT), Emergency Neonatal Care, and Emergency Obstetrics and Neonatal Care (EMONC).

UHS says around 25,000 students from 200 affiliated colleges will be trained annually. These skills are expected to help students respond to cardiac arrests, road accidents, and emergency deliveries, potentially saving lives before professional help arrives.

At the launch ceremony at UHS Jinnah Campus, experts and global partners praised the move. WHO Deputy Representative Ellen Mpangananji Thom highlighted Pakistan’s high neonatal mortality rate and called the initiative crucial.

UNICEF’s Dr. Safina Abdullah said the curriculum reform was a “reunion of heart and mind,” while Dr. Quratulain Ahmed noted that Punjab’s neonatal mortality rate had dropped due to such efforts.

24/07/2025

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has made M-tag mandatory for all vehicles entering Islamabad, and no vehicle sans M-Tag will be allowed to enter the federal capital, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Wednesday.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa. He said the move is aimed at enhancing both security and urban efficiency.

“No vehicle will be allowed to enter Islamabad without an M-tag,” Randhawa said, adding that this would help regulate traffic flow and tighten security checks at entry points.

He said a digital parking system will also be implemented across the capital. This includes the installation of parking metres, QR codes, and mobile app integration to enable cashless transactions for parking payments.

“The parking fee will be higher in congested areas to discourage traffic build-up,” Randhawa said.

The initiative will also extend to the CDA One Window Centre, where citizens will soon be able to pay property taxes and electricity bills through mobile apps, completely eliminating the need for physical cash transactions.

“Our aim is to make Islamabad a truly safe and smart city,” said Randhawa, outlining a vision of a digital-first future for the capital.

He also directed officials to collect real-time traffic survey data and maintain records of daily vehicle entry and exit to improve planning and infrastructure development.

The chairman said the introduction of M-tags, cashless systems, and digital parking will not only streamline traffic management but also play a key role in bolstering security and eliminating illegal parking.

24/07/2025

A man allegedly shot dead his daughter and nephew in Quetta on Tuesday in the name of ‘honour’, just days after the Degari case, in which a couple was gunned down in broad daylight, drawing widespread condemnation, according to the police.

Shalkot Sub-Divisional Police Officer Athar Rashid told Dawn.com, “The daughter and the nephew died in the firing, while the suspect managed to escape after the incident.”

The bodies were taken to the hospital for medicolegal formalities, after which they were handed over to the heirs.

Rashid added that a team from Kechi Baig police station was conducting raids to arrest the suspect.

“The suspect will be arrested soon, while further investigation into the incident is underway,” he said.

The incident comes two days after the police arrested at least 14 suspects for their involvement in the killing of a man and a woman in Quetta’s Degari area, who were shot dead on the orders of a tribal jirga ahead of Eidul Azha for so-called ‘honour’.

The arrests were made after a video of the killing went viral on social media, in which a group of people could be seen shooting the couple.

In Pakistan, ‘honour’ killings continued to claim the lives of women throughout 2024, perpetuated by deeply ingrained societal beliefs about family dignity and shame.

Data from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan shows that in 2024, ‘honour’ killings continued to be a serious issue across Pakistan, with particularly high figures in Sindh and Punjab. From January to November, a total of 346 people fell victim to ‘honour’ crimes in the country.

The previous two years also saw a consistent rise in murders related to the so-called ‘honour’.

24/07/2025

A body of retired Colonel Qazi Ishaq has been found from raging waters of Sawan River, three days after he and his daughter were taken away by floodwaters in Islamabad’s private housing society.

The young woman is still missing, and rescue teams are racing against time in a desperate search. The horrific incident occurred amid devastating torrential rains. Colonel Ishaq was driving with his 25-year-old daughter when their car got stuck in rapidly rising water.

The man attempted to restart the vehicle, but fierce current dragged their car into a storm drain, disappearing before stunned witnesses.

For days, hope clashed with despair. Then, on Thursday morning, emergency teams made a grim discovery. Parts of the vehicle were found beneath Sawan Bridge its door and bonnet torn off, twisted by the power of the flood. Moments later, Colonel Ishaq’s body was recovered from the river.

His daughter remains lost, and her family is clinging to the slimmest of hopes. Rescue 1122, Navy divers, helicopters, drone teams, and heavy machinery continue working around the clock, refusing to give up.

The devastated family is praying for a miracle while the nation watches in grief and shock. This tragic incident is another reminder of deadly risks posed by urban flooding, raising serious questions about infrastructure, disaster response, and public safety during monsoon season.

24/07/2025

The federal government has decided to forgo the open bidding process for outsourcing operations at Islamabad International Airport and instead pursue a government-to-government (G2G) agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to media reports.

According to officials, the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Defence, and the Aviation Division have been instructed to jointly develop a detailed framework for the agreement. This framework will be shared with UAE authorities after obtaining formal approval from the federal cabinet and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The decision marks a shift from the previously considered open bidding model. Officials believe that direct negotiations under the G2G mode will allow for faster implementation and align better with the government's ongoing economic reform agenda.

Islamabad International Airport is among at least seven state-owned enterprises that the government intends to privatise during the current financial year. Other entities on the list include Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO), First Women Bank, and the House Building Finance Corporation.

Final decisions are expected in the coming months, pending input from both domestic and international stakeholders.

24/07/2025

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has introduced a new policy allowing prisoners to spend time with their immediate families inside jail premises.

This initiative, the first of its kind in Punjab, allows eligible inmates to temporarily live with their spouses and young children in specially allocated family rooms.

A Punjab Home Department spokesperson explained that prisoners serving sentences longer than five years can apply to use these family rooms.

The policy permits up to three visits per year, with each visit lasting a maximum of three consecutive days. During these stays, inmates may be joined by their wives and children under six years old, and complimentary meals will be provided.

To access this facility, an application must be submitted by either the inmate or their spouse to the prison superintendent. The superintendent will then request written authorization from the relevant Deputy Commissioner. Once approval is granted, the family stay will be scheduled accordingly.

This reform aims to support family bonds and promote the well-being of inmates and their loved ones during incarceration.

23/07/2025

Kasim and Sulaiman Khan, sons of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, recently met with Richard Grenell, a key aide to US President Donald Trump, in California on Wednesday.

In a post on social media platform X, Grenell shared a photo with the Imran Khan sons and wrote, "Great to spend time with Kasim and Sulaiman. Welcome, my friends!"

He went on to offer words of encouragement, telling Imran Khan’s sons, "Stay strong. Millions around the world are facing political vengeance, and you are not alone in this fight."

Earlier this month, Imran Khan's sister Aleema Khan said Sulaiman Khan and Kasim Khan will be part of the protest movement.

Aleema spoke to the media after her two sisters Uzma and Noreen Khan and party lawyers met the PTI founder in Adiala Jail. Aleema was, however, denied permission for the meeting. She told the reporters that Imran Khan would himself lead the protest movement from inside the jail.

23/07/2025

An audit has uncovered significant overbilling and financial fraud by eight power distribution companies (Discos), resulting in the misappropriation of Rs244 billion from consumers, Geo News reported, citing a latest audit report by the Auditor General of Pakistan.

The report names Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco), Lahore (Lesco), Hyderabad (Hesco), Multan (Mepco), Peshawar (Pesco), Quetta (Qesco), Sukkur (Sepco), and Tribal Areas Electric Supply Company (Tesco) as the key offenders. These companies overcharged consumers to conceal inefficiencies, line losses, and electricity theft.

The audit reveals that five of these companies overbilled 278,649 consumers by Rs47.81 billion in just one month. Over the 2023–24 fiscal year, more than 900 million extra units were billed to customers, but no action has been taken against the officials involved.

In some instances, companies claimed to have refunded billions of rupees, but the audit found no evidence to verify these claims and demanded relevant records. Another disturbing finding showed that Rs22 billion in overbilling was carried out under the guise of “adjusting load” to cover technical losses.

Qesco is highlighted as the worst offender, having overbilled agricultural consumers by Rs148 billion. The company reportedly inflated tube well bills to cover up poor performance.

Additionally, 1,432 feeders across the companies were used to issue inflated bills amounting to Rs18.64 billion. Despite repeated requests, relevant records were not provided to the audit teams.

While some consumers did receive refunds, including Rs5.29 billion for incorrect meter readings and Rs2.18 billion in credit adjustments from Pesco, audit officials have demanded explanations from all eight power distribution companies.

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