United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres met with Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Nakvi, where he praised Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to promote peace. The meeting took place as part of discussions on regional and international issues, according to the report.

During the meeting, both sides discussed Pakistan’s mediation efforts in facilitating a potential agreement between the United States and Iran. The talks also highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding role in supporting regional and global peace initiatives.

Guterres recognized Pakistan’s continued contributions and mediation efforts in addressing regional challenges, reaffirming the UN’s appreciation for the country’s role in peacebuilding.

At least 96 people, including 42 members of Pakistan’s security forces, were killed in four days of armed clashes in the southwestern province of Balochistan, according to the country’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The military’s media wing reported that the violence began on July 6 and involved three major attacks by separatist militants. Security forces responded with operations that left 54 militants dead.

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, ISPR’s Director General, said the attacks were carried out by India-backed groups, including one called Fitna al-Khawarij. The first assault occurred in Hanna Urak, where four civilians were killed. A second attack on July 6 targeted a police checkpoint near Mangi Dam, killing nine officers and 15 militants. Subsequent fighting in Ziarat’s mountainous area left 18 police officers and 11 militants dead.

Chaudhry vowed that Pakistan would continue operations against all militant groups in Balochistan, asserting that the army, police, and citizens remain united in combating terrorism.

A cargo aircraft from the United Arab Emirates bound for Pakistan has gone missing with five people on board. The plane, a Boeing 737-400 operated by K-2 Airways, lost contact on Tuesday night about 155 nautical miles west of Karachi. No wreckage or trace of the five crew members has been found so far.

According to Pakistan’s airport authorities, communication with the aircraft was lost shortly after takeoff. Flight tracking data showed the plane cruising normally at 35,000 feet and 790 kilometers per hour before making a sudden U-turn and descending rapidly. Within five minutes, it dropped nearly 34,000 feet and was last detected at 1,100 feet and 211 kilometers per hour before disappearing from radar over the Arabian Sea.

Pakistan’s Navy and Air Force have intensified search operations, deploying additional warships and surveillance aircraft. Commercial vessels of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation are also assisting in the search effort.

Pakistan and Turkey are advancing toward a major defense agreement to jointly produce various technologies and components for Turkey’s ‘Kaan’ fighter jet. The initiative aims to deepen bilateral military cooperation and strengthen both countries’ defense capabilities. Under the proposed plan, advanced avionics and radar systems for the ‘Kaan-PK’ version of the aircraft will be developed collaboratively. The final agreement is expected to be concluded by 2026.

Defense officials from both nations have shown strong interest in accelerating the joint projects. The ‘Kaan’ fighter jet program is viewed as a strategic milestone for enhancing Pakistan’s defense industry. The collaboration will integrate advanced technologies and leverage Turkey’s long-standing experience and expertise in aviation and aircraft manufacturing.

According to related sources, both countries intend to utilize each other’s strengths and capabilities to advance defense technology development, marking a significant step in their growing defense partnership.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has questioned the credibility of a recent honor awarded to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Seychelles, describing it as an embarrassing event for India. In a statement posted on X, Asif raised doubts about the timing and authenticity of the award, claiming it was introduced only days before Modi’s visit. He alleged that the certificates were produced using low-quality artificial intelligence and contained spelling errors, though he provided no evidence.

Asif further claimed that Modi was the first and only recipient of the honor, suggesting it reflected either propaganda or political bias. He argued that the incident had embarrassed India and criticized the publicity surrounding the award. India condemned Asif’s remarks, with NDTV reporting that Seychelles’ government rejected his claims. The Seychelles president’s office clarified that the “Order of the Guardian of the Blue Horizon” was established under national honors law and formally approved before Modi’s arrival.

The exchange comes amid ongoing political and diplomatic tensions between Pakistan and India, reflecting continued friction between the two neighbors.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Turkey’s success is Pakistan’s success during a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on Saturday. He described Pakistan and Turkey as two hearts of the same soul and vowed to strengthen their special friendship and cooperation. Sharif expressed gratitude for Erdogan’s warm hospitality and said he always enjoys visiting Istanbul.

Sharif highlighted the deep historical and spiritual ties between the two nations, rooted in shared faith, mutual sacrifices, and brotherhood. He noted that Turkey has always stood by Pakistan during difficult times such as wars, earthquakes, and floods. The two leaders held what Sharif described as a productive and detailed discussion, focusing on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and industry, and exploring ways to raise bilateral trade to five billion dollars.

Sharif also thanked Turkey for supporting the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and for backing Pakistan’s efforts toward regional peace. He emphasized that dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual respect are the most effective means to resolve disputes and maintain global peace.

Iran and the United States are preparing for their next round of talks, expected to take place on July 11. According to a report by Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper citing diplomatic sources, Islamabad is the most likely venue, though Switzerland’s Burgenstock Resort is also under consideration. The final location has not yet been officially confirmed.

The agenda of the meeting includes discussions on Iran’s nuclear program, easing of sanctions, and the release of Iranian funds or assets frozen abroad. Regional security issues will also be addressed, particularly ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and maintaining the recently established ceasefire in Lebanon.

The meeting follows an Islamabad memorandum of understanding signed two weeks earlier, which set a 60-day goal to reach a comprehensive agreement on Iran’s nuclear activities and related matters. The July 11 session is part of efforts to advance that process.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the late Iranian leader Khamenei’s deep influence will be remembered for generations. Sharif, who has served as a key mediator between the United States and Iran, attended the funeral held in Tehran, according to Al Jazeera.

In a social media post on Saturday, Sharif praised Khamenei’s wisdom, leadership, and lasting impact on Iran and the wider region. The Pakistani delegation also included Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and Army Chief Asim Munir, along with other senior government officials.

The participation of Pakistan’s top leadership in the ceremony highlights the country’s diplomatic engagement with Iran and its recognition of Khamenei’s regional significance.

Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced the withdrawal of an 18 percent sales tax on sanitary products and contraceptives in the 2026–27 national budget, a levy widely known as the “period tax.” The move has led to lower prices for sanitary napkins and related goods, bringing relief to consumers across the country, according to Middle East Eye.

UNICEF Pakistan welcomed the decision, calling it a meaningful step toward addressing period poverty and recognizing sanitary products as essential health and hygiene items rather than luxury goods. The policy shift followed a constitutional petition filed in January 2025 by women’s rights activist and lawyer Mahnoor Omar and tax lawyer Ahsan Jahangir Khan, who argued that the tax violated principles of equality and dignity. The Federal Board of Revenue initially defended the tax but later reversed its stance.

Activists noted that while the tax removal is a major milestone, social taboos, lack of awareness, and limited access to affordable sanitary products continue to hinder millions of women. They urged long-term efforts in education, awareness, and healthcare accessibility to ensure menstrual equity in Pakistan.

At least 40 people were killed and eight others injured when a passenger bus fell into a ravine near the border of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces in Pakistan on Friday. The accident occurred shortly after the bus crossed from Sherani district’s Dana Sar area in Balochistan into Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Rescue operations began immediately after the crash.

According to a statement from Shahid Rind, media and political affairs adviser to the Balochistan Chief Minister, initial reports confirmed 40 deaths and eight injuries. Sherani Deputy Commissioner Wali Khan Kakar told Dawn that rescue teams and ambulances reached the site soon after the incident and transported the injured to hospitals. The bus had departed from Quetta for Peshawar carrying 36 passengers, but additional travelers boarded after another bus broke down along the route.

Authorities continued rescue efforts at the scene, with local administration coordinating emergency response and medical support for the victims.

Pakistan’s Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik warned that any attempt by India to block or control Pakistan’s share of water under the Indus Waters Treaty would face severe retaliation. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Malik said that Pakistan would not tolerate interference with its water rights, responding to recent remarks by India’s Water Resources Minister C.R. Patil, who claimed India was ensuring no water flowed to Pakistan after suspending the 1960 treaty.

The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, allocates six rivers between the two countries—three western rivers to Pakistan and three eastern rivers to India. India suspended the treaty following a deadly attack in Kashmir last year, which brought the two nations close to war. Pakistan argues that India is using water as a political weapon and warns that altering cross-border river flows would be considered an act of war.

Pakistan hosted an international conference on Tuesday to discuss water rights, with experts examining the treaty’s legal basis, regional security, and conflict prevention.

At least 14 children were killed when the roof of a coaching center collapsed in Lahore’s Kahna area on Tuesday. Five other children were injured and are receiving treatment at a local hospital. Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir said 19 children were rescued and taken to Kahna Hospital, but doctors could not save 14 of them despite efforts.

Rescue teams reported that more than 30 children were present in the center when the roof gave way, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation to free those trapped under the debris. Police said initial findings suggest construction work was ongoing on the upper floor when the collapse occurred during classes below.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident. The building owner and another individual have been taken into custody for questioning.

Pakistan’s security forces carried out ground and air operations along the Afghan border, killing 29 people, officials confirmed. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the strikes targeted militant hideouts in response to a series of armed attacks across Pakistan. He stated that precision strikes destroyed targets in Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar provinces of eastern Afghanistan. Afghan authorities have not yet issued any response.

The operation followed an assault on the paramilitary Rangers’ regional headquarters in Karachi, which left three soldiers dead. The Pakistani Taliban faction Jamaat-ul-Ahrar claimed responsibility for that attack. Authorities said the latest cross-border strikes targeted Pakistani Taliban bases and safe havens. Although the Pakistani and Afghan Taliban are separate groups, they maintain close ties.

The renewed offensive has heightened tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, coming less than three weeks after earlier air raids in Afghanistan. Despite international mediation efforts, including a China-led meeting in April, ceasefire talks have failed. Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban government of sheltering militants behind attacks in Pakistan, a charge Kabul denies.

Pakistan’s media regulator PEMRA has suspended the broadcast license of Geo News for 15 days, citing allegations that the channel aired content offensive to religious sentiments. According to Reuters, the decision followed the airing of a special program titled “Safar-e-Ishq” on June 26, which reportedly contained scenes that provoked public complaints. PEMRA stated that the material could incite unrest and threaten law and order, prompting the suspension order issued late on June 27. The directive applies to all distribution platforms, including satellite and cable networks.

In a statement on June 28, Geo News apologized for the incident, describing the broadcast as an unintentional error and confirming that the disputed content had been removed from all its platforms. Local media reported that Ibtisam Zahid, head of Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith, filed the complaint that led to the investigation. PEMRA has also instructed Geo News to review its editorial oversight and internal monitoring systems.

Religious sensitivity remains a highly regulated issue in Pakistan, where similar controversies have previously affected other media outlets. The country ranks 153rd out of 180 in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders.

Pakistan is considering purchasing oil and gas from Iran at lower prices following the end of the Iran–United States conflict and the lifting of sanctions on Tehran. Energy Minister Ali Parvez Malik announced the plan on Sunday, noting that the government aims to take advantage of the new trade opportunities with Iran.

Speaking in Lahore, Malik recalled that during the peak of the Iran–US conflict in April, petroleum prices had reached 460 rupees per liter, but global prices have since declined significantly. On June 17, Washington and Tehran signed the ‘Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding’ in Switzerland, mediated by Pakistan, under which the United States committed to lifting restrictions on Iran’s crude oil and petroleum exports, including related banking, insurance, and transport services.

Malik added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already passed on the benefits of lower energy costs to the public by reducing fuel prices.