Pakistan is close to finalizing a trade agreement with the United States, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. He said a team has been formed under the Prime Minister’s directive to coordinate the deal, which could be concluded within days. The agreement is expected to focus on minerals, offshore gas, and broader commercial cooperation. Dar also invited U.S. investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan.

Two Pakistani army personnel, Major Ziad Saleem (31) and Sepoy Najam Hussain (22), were killed during an anti-terror operation in the Mastung district of Balochistan. The operation also resulted in the deaths of three militants. According to the military, the operation was based on intelligence reports. Security forces have launched a sweeping search operation in the region, reaffirming their commitment to combating India-backed terrorism. Pakistan has seen a rise in militant attacks in recent months, particularly targeting security personnel.

The Pakistan Senate has passed the "Social Media (User Age Limit) Bill 2025" with 34 votes in favor, prohibiting individuals under 16 from creating social media accounts.

The bill aims to protect minors from online abuse, cyberbullying, and to promote digital literacy. Social media companies could face hefty fines if they allow underage users on their platforms. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has been tasked with removing existing underage accounts. The legislation aligns with similar laws in Australia and New Zealand.

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is set to travel to New York and Washington next week, where he will preside over a high-level UN Security Council debate on multilateralism and peaceful conflict resolution.

Dar is also expected to participate in discussions on the Middle East crisis, the Palestinian issue, and OIC-UN cooperation. He will hold bilateral meetings with foreign ministers from various countries during the visit, which is being described as an effort to strengthen Pakistan’s diplomatic ties with the U.S. and enhance its multilateral engagement.

An Islamabad district and sessions court has issued an arrest warrant for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister and PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur in connection with a case involving illegal possession of alcohol and firearms.

The court rejected Gandapur’s request for exemption from personal appearance and ordered him to appear by July 21. The case has been pending for eight years, with testimonies recorded, but Gandapur has allegedly avoided presenting his own statement. The judge warned that a verdict could be delivered in his absence, and his right to testify could be revoked. This development comes as Gandapur intensifies anti-government protests led by PTI.

Imprisoned former Pakistani PM Imran Khan has accused Army Chief General Asim Munir of orchestrating abuse against him and his wife Bushra Bibi in jail. In a social media post, Khan warned that Munir should be held accountable if anything happens to them. He claimed the mistreatment stems from past personal and political tensions with Munir. PTI has announced a nationwide protest on August 5 demanding their release, with Khan’s sons Sulaiman and Qasim expected to lead the movement.

Pakistan has extended its airspace restrictions for Indian aircraft and flights related to India by another month.

According to a notice issued by the Pakistan Airport Authority, the ban will remain in effect until 5:19 AM on August 24. The restrictions were initially imposed after a deadly militant attack in Kashmir on April 22 that killed 25 Indian nationals. In response, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, prompting Pakistan to restrict Indian air traffic. India later reciprocated by banning Pakistani flights.

The diplomatic and aviation standoff between the two nations remains unresolved.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) alleges that former Prime Minister Imran Khan is being held in a "death cell" under inhumane conditions, with no access to his lawyers or family members. The party claims Khan is kept in solitary confinement for 22 hours a day, without permission to read newspapers or watch television—conditions they describe as psychological torture and a violation of human rights. PTI also highlighted the deteriorating health and mistreatment of its other detained leaders, accusing authorities of ignoring court directives regarding visitation rights.

Two leading Pakistani TV channels, Geo News and ARY, have retracted reports claiming former U.S. President Donald Trump would visit Pakistan this September. Geo News issued an apology for publishing the unverified information.

Reuters confirmed the White House has no such visit planned. The channels had initially reported the visit as confirmed, prompting a denial from Pakistan’s Foreign Office. The last official U.S. presidential visit to Pakistan was made by George W. Bush in 2006.

Severe flooding in Pakistan’s Punjab province has claimed 63 lives and injured 290 within 24 hours due to continuous heavy rainfall. The National Disaster Management Authority reports most deaths were caused by collapsing homes, electrocution, or drowning. The government declared a holiday in Rawalpindi and urged residents near swollen rivers to evacuate. Punjab’s Chief Minister announced an emergency in several areas, with thousands of rescue workers deployed. The monsoon season has caused widespread disruption, with roads closed and flights canceled.

At the SCO summit in Tianjin, China, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining the ceasefire and regional stability with India. However, he warned that peace cannot prevail if aggression and force become state policies. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the April 22 Kashmir attack, later diffused through US-brokered mediation. Dar emphasized resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy, calling for SCO to act as a platform for regional stability. He also addressed anti-terror collaboration and the situation in Afghanistan.

Reham Khan, journalist and former wife of Pakistan's ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan, has officially entered politics by founding the 'Pakistan Republic Party'. At a press conference in Karachi Press Club, she declared that her party aims to pursue public service rather than power politics. Reham stressed the need to break dynastic control and empower ordinary people, pledging to unveil a constitution-based manifesto soon. She stated her party is ready to challenge Pakistan's mainstream political players.

Seasonal rains and floods in Pakistan have claimed at least 105 lives and injured more than 211 people between June 26 and July 13. Punjab province has been hardest hit, with collapsed buildings, lightning strikes, and flooding causing the majority of casualties. Over 10 kilometers of roads and nine bridges are damaged, while 145 homes were completely destroyed. Authorities are providing emergency medical care and urging the public to stay cautious during the ongoing rainy season.

From June 26 to July 13, ongoing monsoon rains and flash floods have killed at least 105 people in Pakistan and injured over 211. The dead include 49 children, 38 men, and 18 women. Punjab province is the worst affected, with 44 deaths and 134 injuries. The extreme weather has damaged over 10 kilometers of roads, nine bridges, and hundreds of homes. Incidents include building collapses, lightning strikes, electrocutions, and drowning. Government agencies continue rescue and relief operations and have urged the public to remain vigilant.

The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the US Congress is set to hold a hearing on Pakistan’s suppression of opposition parties and curtailment of free speech. The hearing will address issues like political repression, media control, and violations of freedom of expression, which experts say intensified following the ousting of Imran Khan in 2022. Representatives from Amnesty International, human rights lawyers, and Khan’s advisers are scheduled to testify. The proceedings will be broadcast live.