PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has resigned from four National Assembly standing committees, including Law and Justice, Human Rights, IT, and House Business Advisory, following founder Imran Khan’s directive. So far, at least 18 PTI lawmakers have quit committees, part of the party’s broader political strategy amid disqualifications linked to the May 9 riots. PTI will boycott upcoming by-elections, while the ruling PML-N and PPP plan to contest jointly nationwide, intensifying Pakistan’s shifting political landscape.

Pakistan has demolished a protective dyke next to a major dam to relieve water pressure caused by heavy rainfall, but the move has submerged one of Sikhism’s holiest sites, Kartarpur Sahib.
Punjab Disaster Management spokesperson Mazhar Hussain confirmed that the dyke was deliberately destroyed to safeguard the dam infrastructure.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry also revealed that India had given advance diplomatic notice before releasing water from its dams. Still, relentless rainfall across northern India led to an abnormal surge in Pakistan’s eastern rivers—the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej—forcing authorities to issue a high flood alert across Punjab province.

India has suspended its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, citing concerns over terrorism. The move comes after a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, blamed on Islamabad. Pakistan warns that any attempt to block its allocated river flows would be “equivalent to declaring war.” The treaty, signed in 1960 under World Bank mediation, governs water distribution between the countries. Experts warn India’s projects could threaten Pakistan’s irrigation-dependent agriculture, risking crop yields, food prices, and small farmers’ livelihoods.

Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been granted bail in eight cases linked to attacks on military installations in May 2023. The Supreme Court approved his appeal against the Lahore High Court’s rejection of his bail requests. The 72-year-old will be released unless accused in other cases but remains in prison for a corruption conviction. Several PTI leaders have faced similar convictions. The 2023 unrest followed Khan’s arrest, with protesters vandalizing military sites in Rawalpindi.

Heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides have devastated northern Pakistan, leaving at least 307 dead in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province over the past 48 hours. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority confirmed widespread destruction, including dozens of homes damaged or destroyed. Relief efforts face major challenges due to washed-out roads and ongoing rainfall, expected to continue until August 21. Around 2,000 rescue workers are engaged, while the army and federal government have mobilized aid and announced significant financial support for affected districts.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said the country’s nuclear weapons are solely for national security, not threats or coercion. In an interview with Geo News, he criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying war with Pakistan has become a nightmare for him as India faces internal unrest. Asif claimed Pakistan fought only defensive wars and accused India of backing groups like the BLA and Taliban factions. He urged good neighborly relations, stressing peace and stability are vital for South Asia’s future.

Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir recently issued a direct nuclear threat to India, warning of potential attacks on infrastructure and extreme retaliatory measures. The remarks sparked outrage in India, with actress and MP Kangana Ranaut mocking him on social media. Delhi’s diplomatic and defense circles are closely monitoring the situation. Experts suggest Pakistan’s economic and political pressures may drive such statements. Kangana’s comments have ignited a heated debate, highlighting the growing verbal tension between the two nations.

At least nine Pakistani soldiers were killed in an armed attack in Washuk district of Balochistan. In a separate operation, 33 Afghan terrorists linked to the Pakistani Taliban group were eliminated. Following a recent bomb attack that killed three soldiers, mobile internet services have been suspended in the province for at least three weeks due to rising tensions. Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least populated, underdeveloped, and poverty-stricken province, continues to face separatist insurgency and ongoing security challenges.

Pakistan’s Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Punjab government regarding former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s bail petition in a May 9 violence case. A three-member bench led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi started hearing multiple bail pleas after the Lahore High Court rejected them. The court refrained from commenting on legal matters for now and scheduled the next hearing for August 19. Imran Khan remains imprisoned in Adiala Jail as the case proceeds.

Pakistan Jamaat-e-Islami has declared it will hold the country’s largest-ever gathering from November 21 to 23 at Minar-e-Pakistan. Jamaat Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rahman called on the ruling authorities to restore public rights or face a peaceful but powerful mass movement. The event will feature leaders of Islamic movements globally, pro-Palestinian groups, and international figures. Ahead of the gathering, 30,000 public committees will be formed nationwide to ensure broad participation. Jamaat vows to lead a peaceful resistance representing youth, women, farmers, and workers amid Pakistan’s deepening crisis.

Pakistan’s Supreme Court will hear former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s bail plea on August 12 related to the May 9, 2023, riots. The three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, will preside over the case. Imran Khan has been imprisoned in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail since his arrest on August 5, 2023. His bail plea was previously denied by an anti-terrorism court and the Lahore High Court. The Supreme Court had earlier suspended proceedings due to the absence of his senior lawyer.

Following the Pulwama attack, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian flights on April 24, leading to a revenue loss of nearly ₹410 crore by June 30. Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence stated this is reduced revenue rather than a direct financial loss, emphasizing national sovereignty over profits. India extended its ban on Pakistani flights until August 23. With the airspace closure still in effect, Indian flights now take longer routes, increasing fuel costs and travel time.

A tragic road accident in Karachi, Pakistan, claimed the lives of two siblings on Sunday, prompting enraged locals to set fire to seven dumper trucks. Police officer Iqbal Sheikh said the victims—a 22-year-old woman, Mah Noor, and her 14-year-old brother, Ali Raza—were riding a motorcycle with their father when the crash occurred. The siblings died on the way to the hospital. Before police could intervene, locals beat the truck driver, who was later arrested along with 10 suspects involved in the arson. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to identify more individuals connected to the incident.

Authorities in Pakistan’s Balochistan province have suspended mobile internet services for three weeks in an effort to disrupt communications among insurgents accused of recent attacks. A provincial government order stated that the measure will remain in place until the end of this month due to the deteriorating law and order situation. Balochistan is home to several key projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. A government spokesperson said Friday that militants were using mobile data to coordinate and exchange information. Last month, Pakistan had also restricted road travel to Iran citing security threats.

The Pakistan Army says it has killed 33 militants, described as “Khawarij,” while they attempted to cross into Balochistan from Afghanistan. The overnight operation in Zhob district targeted the fighters with “precision fire,” seizing weapons, ammunition, and explosives. Authorities described the militants as “India-sponsored separatists.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the operation as a success. Baloch separatists have recently intensified attacks, demanding greater shares of the province’s mineral wealth. Pakistan has accused the Afghan Taliban of tolerating militants along the border, an allegation Kabul denies.