Islamabad

An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad sent Saad Abbasi, the alleged killer of Pakistan Air Force Group Captain Asim Tariq, to jail for 14 days for an identity parade. The suspect is accused of shooting the officer while he attempted to prevent an abduction.

Mirwaiz urges revival of the dialogue process initiated by Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, emphasizing the need for meaningful dialogue between Delhi and Islamabad, as well as Delhi and Srinagar, to achieve peace.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to Pakistan Air Force Group Captain Asim Tariq, who died while attempting to prevent a woman's alleged abduction in Islamabad. The suspect, arrested within nine hours, had reportedly picked up the woman from a cash and carry outlet before the incident. Both leaders emphasized the need for a transparent investigation and justice for the officer's sacrifice.

The suspect who shot a Pakistan Air Force officer dead was arrested within nine hours. The officer intervened during an argument between the suspect and a woman at a cash and carry outlet in G-6. The suspect and woman worked at the same location, representing different companies.

Islamabad is the likely venue for the next US-Iran technical talks on July 11, focusing on Iran's nuclear program, sanctions relief, and regional security. Negotiations were paused due to Iran's state funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and aim to advance the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding framework. Qatar and Pakistan are mediating discussions, with recent indirect talks in Doha.

Two foreign women from the Netherlands and Venezuela detailed a multi-day ordeal of alleged kidnapping, extortion, and physical and sexual assault during their visit to Pakistan. The suspects, including a relative of a senior political figure, lured them to a house in Lahore under false pretenses, demanded a $2 million ransom, and stole $17,000 in cryptocurrency. The victims were rescued after police arrested four suspects and booked five individuals for the alleged crimes.

An unidentified quadcopter crash-landed on a rooftop in Islamabad’s Humak locality, prompting police to cordon off the area and confiscate the device. Authorities are investigating the origin and operators of the drone, following recent bans on UAVs in Pakistan due to security concerns linked to Afghan Taliban drone activity.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested five individuals in Islamabad for allegedly smuggling human placenta from hospitals to produce anti-ageing injections. Authorities discovered 500kg of placenta in an illegal processing facility and intercepted a 100kg shipment bound for Vietnam. Suspects admitted under interrogation that the placenta was human, despite initially claiming it was from sheep.

Israeli jets entered Iranian airspace to attack an Iranian negotiators' plane after peace talks in Islamabad. U.S. officials feared Israel was plotting to kill Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, which could derail negotiations and reignite conflict.

Pakistan has issued a warning to India regarding the Indus Water Treaty, raising concerns about potential tensions between the two countries over water resources.

Pakistan's inflation has cooled, prompting the central bank to remain cautious. Shoppers are purchasing fruits at a market in Islamabad.

The article discusses speculation about the instability of the Pakistani government, with journalist Sohail Warraich predicting its potential downfall starting in July. Debates highlight economic struggles and the government's lack of popularity, while others argue its stability due to the prime minister's relationship with the military.

Pakistan has launched cross-border strikes in Afghanistan following a terrorist attack in Karachi linked to Jamaatul Ahrar, a group tied to TTP, eliminating 29 terrorists including a militant commander. The attack highlights the resurgence of terrorism in urban centers and Pakistan's call for the Afghan Taliban to address terrorist groups on their soil.

At least 36 people were killed in Pakistani strikes across three provinces in eastern Afghanistan. Islamabad claims the strikes targeted a group responsible for an attack the previous day.

Federal ministers Attaullah Tarar and Musadik Malik are addressing a press conference in Islamabad. Tarar emphasized water security as a critical issue for Pakistan and announced a seminar to raise awareness about the country's rights under the Indus Waters Treaty.

A 5.9-magnitude earthquake from Afghanistan's Hindu Kush region caused tremors across Pakistan, while two quakes in Balochistan damaged homes and injured 18-19 people. The National Disaster Management Authority reported no fatalities, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed rescue operations.

A 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck Pakistan and Afghanistan, causing panic but no reported damage or casualties. The epicenter was in Afghanistan's Hindu Kush region, and the quake was felt in multiple Pakistani provinces and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Emergency services confirmed no initial damage or injuries.

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan, with the epicenter in Afghanistan's Hindu Kush region. Tremors were felt in multiple Pakistani provinces, but no damage or casualties were reported. The U.S. Geological Survey measured the quake at magnitude 6.1.

Recurring fires at H-9 Weekly Bazaar in Islamabad highlight safety gaps, with the latest incident destroying 374 stalls and exposing issues like non-enforcement of dawn-to-dusk policies, flammable materials, and missing fire tenders. Vendors storing goods permanently and using tarpaulins have exacerbated fire risks, with five major fires reported in nine years.

PPP announced local government elections in Sindh will be held in 2027, sparking a dispute with PML-N over election patterns in Punjab and Islamabad. PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari challenged PML-N to hold local polls in 90 days, while PML-N's Saad Rafique opposed adopting Sindh's model. PPP emphasized its past success in Sindh's local governance.

The country observed Muharram 9 with central mourning processions in Peshawar, Islamabad, and Karachi to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala. Tight security arrangements, including road closures and deployment of 20,181 police personnel in Karachi, were implemented for the events.

A massive fire broke out at Islamabad’s H-9 Weekly Bazaar on Tuesday night, destroying hundreds of stalls in Block C, primarily shoe stalls. Rescue teams from Islamabad and Rawalpindi responded, and the blaze marked the fifth fire at the bazaar since 2017, raising concerns about safety standards and firefighting preparedness.

US President Donald Trump stated that Iran is incorrect in claiming there are no plans for IAEA inspections of its damaged nuclear sites, asserting that inspections will occur at the 'appropriate time.' This follows Iran's president declaring the country will not negotiate its defensive capabilities during a joint press conference with Pakistan in Islamabad.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has set July 1 as a deadline for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad to submit required maps and data for local government elections. The ECP invoked Article 220 to address delays in providing information, with notices issued to officials for failure to meet requirements. Repeated delays in elections since 2021 have left residents facing infrastructure and service issues.

Bus terminals in Islamabad were closed as a security measure ahead of the Iranian President's arrival. Security forces, including police and paramilitary troops, were deployed in the Red Zone and along the presidential route. Public transport operations in the High Security Zone are likely to be suspended until the president's departure.

A 5.4-magnitude earthquake struck Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad at 3:22pm with its epicenter in Afghanistan's Hindu Kush region. The quake, felt in multiple areas, prompted Rescue 1122 to urge emergency contact. Pakistan's location on three tectonic plates contributes to frequent seismic activity.

The government reinstated previous speed limits on motorways and national highways, setting 120 km/h for cars and light transport vehicles and 110 km/h for public and heavy transport vehicles. The earlier reduction aimed to promote austerity and fuel conservation amid a global fuel crisis linked to the US-Israel war on Iran.

A former member of Iran’s negotiating team revealed claims of secret correspondence from the supreme leader, alleging the team overstepped its mandate. The interview led to threats of prosecution and dismissal from parliament.

A Pakistani parliamentary committee criticized the government for collecting climate levies without initiating concrete projects, approved an Islamabad token tax hike, and demanded stricter enforcement of petroleum levies from oil marketing companies. The panel, chaired by Naveed Qamar, emphasized aligning climate policies with IMF commitments and highlighted Pakistan's vulnerability to environmental risks.

Eighteen Pakistani universities are featured in the QS World University Rankings 2027, with Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) as the top-ranked institution. No university entered the global top 350, and regional disparities were evident, with Punjab and Islamabad dominating while Sindh and Balochistan had limited representation. QAU and NUST declined in rankings, while PIEAS improved.

A leopard's skull and claw found in 2018 in Islamabad's Margallah Hills confirmed the presence of leopards in the area, challenging prior assumptions. A leopard was also captured in 2005 at Marghazar Zoo, and subsequent sightings and livestock disappearances have raised awareness of their existence in the region.

Muharram processions and gatherings in Islamabad will be monitored via drones and a mobile app called 'Mehfooz Muharram' to report suspicious activities. Security measures include a four-tier cordon, a central control room, and over 15,000 deployed personnel.

Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized economic planning mindful of external and geopolitical risks during a meeting with UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary Hamish Falconer. Discussions covered regional stability, structural reforms, and strengthening Pakistan-UK economic cooperation.

Iran employed psychiatric professionals in its advisory team during indirect US talks to assess President Donald Trump's mental state and shape messages. An Iranian official stated that incorporating the psychologists' recommendations improved Trump's reactions. The strategy was implemented after initial talks in Islamabad in April.

Iran has stated that the signing of the Islamabad memorandum will not occur on Sunday. The announcement confirms a postponement of the scheduled agreement.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is presenting the Pakistan Economic Survey (PES) for FY2025-26. He highlighted the survey's reflection of resilience and discipline during the previous year.

The June 2026 events in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) highlight governance issues, including the banning of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, internet shutdowns, and security measures ahead of protests. Longstanding grievances over resource allocation, energy dependency on Islamabad, and political shifts undermining local autonomy have fueled unrest.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts dust and windstorms, along with thunderstorms and rain, across most regions of Pakistan from June 11–13, warning of potential damage to structures and urban flooding. The PMD attributes the weather to a western disturbance and moist currents from the Arabian Sea, advising authorities, farmers, and travelers to remain cautious.

Journalist Yasir Ayaz, missing from Islamabad since June 5, was found unconscious in Swabi's Charbagh area. Police hospitalized him, and he later contacted his family. His abductors remain unidentified, and he was returned to Islamabad police.

Pakistan is experiencing a heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40°C in Lahore and Islamabad, projected to last until June 12. Images show commuters, workers, and traffic police struggling with extreme heat in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi.