Rawalpindi

3,172 gender-based violence cases were reported in Pakistan from January to June 2026, with murders, torture, and abductions being the most common. Punjab accounted for 74% of cases, followed by Sindh with 17%, and 10 districts were identified as most vulnerable.

The Chenab River remains in high flood as heavy rains persist in held Kashmir and Punjab. The Flood Forecasting Division warns river flows may rise further until July 25 due to monsoon rains and westerly weather systems, with urban and flash flooding risks in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan.

The deregulation of non-essential medicine prices in Pakistan in February 2024 resolved shortages but led to unaffordable costs for many, forcing patients like Abdul Rauf and Fatima Javed to prioritize or skip treatments due to financial constraints.

The Punjab government reshuffled Rawalpindi's administration and police, replacing the commissioner, deputy commissioner, city police officer, and other officials. Key positions from commissioner to assistant commissioner were changed, marking the first time all major posts in the division were replaced simultaneously. The reason for the reshuffle remains unclear despite speculations about land use issues along the Rawalpindi Ring Road.

Fourteen under-trial prisoners escaped from a prison van during transport to Adiala jail in Rawalpindi after overpowering security guards. Four escapees were re-arrested, while police continue searching for the remaining 10. The incident prompted an inquiry and references to prior prison escapes in Rawalpindi and Karachi.

Mourners observed Ashura with processions in cities like Karachi, Peshawar, and Rawalpindi under elaborate security arrangements. Security measures included road closures, thousands of personnel, and suspended internet services in some areas. Commuters were advised to use alternative routes during the processions.

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.

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.

Bahrain's National Guard commander met with Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces to discuss enhancing military collaboration, regional security, and defense technologies. The visit included separate meetings with Pakistan's naval and air chiefs, focusing on maritime security, modernization efforts, and emerging technologies. Both nations expressed satisfaction with their longstanding relationship and interest in expanding cooperation.

Lebanese Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief General Rodolphe Haykal met with Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir in Rawalpindi to discuss regional security, defense cooperation, and strengthening bilateral military relations. Both sides emphasized mutual appreciation for professional excellence and operational contributions to regional stability.

Arafat Minhas took five wickets on his ODI debut and hit the winning runs as Pakistan defeated an under-strength Australia by five wickets in a one-day international. Pakistan scored 202-5 to overcome Australia's 200, with Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori contributing key runs. Australia was without top bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Adam Zampa due to the Indian Premier League and injuries.