ISLAMABAD, JUL 11 /DNA/ – The National Highways & Motorway Police (NHMP) has unveiled its performance report for the first half of 2026, covering January 1 to June 30, showcasing a comprehensive effort to ensure safety, provide emergency assistance, and enforce the law across the nation’s motorways and national highways.

In a display of operational efficiency and public service, the NHMP provided timely emergency assistance to more than 876,625 road users during their travels. The force’s rapid response capability was highlighted by the handling of 26 emergency medical incidents, which helped save precious lives, and the successful extinguishing of 39 vehicle fires using fire extinguishers, preventing loss of life and minimizing property damage.

The NHMP’s dedicated 130 Toll-Free Helpline served as a critical link to the public, offering guidance to 179,408 citizens, extending various forms of assistance to 123,256 road users, delivering emergency support to 9,823 citizens, and resolving 42,111 public complaints in a timely manner.

During the reporting period, the NHMP also facilitated driver licensing and documentation, issuing 15,679 driving licences, 43 Category CE driving licences, and 528 International Driving Permits.

COMMITMENT TO ROAD SAFETY AND PUBLIC AWARENESS

To foster a culture of road safety nationwide, the NHMP organized 1,327 road safety awareness programmes. These initiatives reached an impressive 16.36 million (16,361,682) road users at toll plazas, while over 2.27 million (2,275,043) pamphlets and booklets were distributed across the country.

INTEGRITY, RECOVERY, AND REUNIFICATION

Upholding the highest standards of honesty and professionalism, NHMP officers recovered and returned lost valuables to their rightful owners. This included gold jewellery in two separate incidents, hundreds of mobile phones valued at over Rs. 13.617 million, 23 bags containing important documents, and 31 wallets.

The force also made significant recoveries of vehicles, including 25 stolen vehicles and 22 non-custom-paid vehicles, all of which were handed over to the relevant authorities and owners. In a heartwarming effort, 115 missing children were safely reunited with their parents. Furthermore, the NHMP arrested 54 dangerous criminals wanted in various criminal cases and handed them over to the respective district police.

ANTI-SMUGGLING AND ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS

In robust enforcement operations, the NHMP made substantial seizures, recovering:

• 4 illegal weapons, 35 rounds of ammunition, and 3 magazines
• 21.22 grams of hashish, 26 kilograms of opium, and 21 kilograms of cocaine
• 2,420 litres of liquor and 400 cans of alcoholic beverages
• Non-custom-paid cigarettes worth Rs. 60 million
• Skimmed milk powder worth Rs. 1.5 million and non-custom-paid cloth worth Rs. 12 million

All recovered items were handed over to relevant law enforcement agencies for further legal action.

As part of its anti-smuggling drive, the NHMP foiled attempts to smuggle 532 tonnes of wheat and flour, which were handed over to the Food Department. The force also recovered 2,173 kilograms of unhygienic meat, arrested the suspects, and handed them over to the Food Authorities. A total of 32 smuggling attempts were thwarted, with all accused individuals transferred to law enforcement.

In addition, the NHMP recovered over 16,586 metres of stolen roadside fencing and handed the suspects to the concerned district police. Under a special campaign against over-speeding, the force registered 817 FIRs against violators.

DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT AND PUBLIC OUTREACH

The NHMP’s Social Media Team and FM-95 Road Safety Radio continued to keep road users informed about traffic conditions, safety tips, and travel advisories. To further strengthen public engagement and ensure the prompt resolution of citizens’ concerns, the NHMP conducts a monthly Open Court (Khuli Katcheri) .

A MESSAGE FROM THE NHMP

The report concludes with a reaffirmation of the National Highways & Motorway Police’s unwavering commitment to impartial enforcement of the law while providing safe, dignified, and high-quality travel services to the public. The NHMP remains dedicated to serving the nation with professionalism, integrity, and excellence around the clock.

ISLAMABAD, JUL 11 (DNA): The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) provided timely assistance to more than 876,625 road users, reunited 115 missing children with their families and arrested 54 wanted criminals during the first half of 2026.

According to the NHMP’s performance report for the period from January 1 to June 30, 2026, NHMP continued its commitment to ensuring safe travel, providing timely public assistance, enforcing traffic laws, promoting road safety, and combating smuggling across the country’s motorways and national highways.

The force promptly responded to 26 medical emergencies, helping save precious lives. NHMP officers also extinguished 39 vehicle fires, preventing casualties and minimizing property losses, it added.

Through its 130 Toll-Free Helpline, the NHMP provided guidance to 179,408 citizens, extended various forms of assistance to 123,256 road users, delivered emergency support to 9,823 citizens, and resolved 42,111 public complaints in a timely manner.

During the reporting period, the NHMP issued 15,679 driving licences, 43 Category CE driving licences, and 528 International Driving Permits. To promote road safety nationwide, the NHMP organized 1,327 road safety awareness programmes.

More than 16.36 million (16,361,682) road users received road safety awareness at toll plazas, while over 2.27 million (2,275,043) road safety pamphlets and booklets were distributed across the country.

Demonstrating honesty, professionalism, and public trust, NHMP officers recovered and returned lost valuables to their rightful owners, including gold jewellery in two separate incidents, hundreds of mobile phones worth over Rs. 13.617 million, 23 bags containing important documents, and 31 wallets.

The NHMP also recovered 25 stolen vehicles and 22 non-custom-paid vehicles, handing them over to the relevant authorities and their rightful owners. Furthermore, 115 missing children were safely reunited with their parents, while 54 dangerous criminals wanted in various criminal cases were arrested and handed over to the respective district police.=DNA

ISLAMABAD, JUL 11: Security forces eliminated nine more terrorists belonging to India’s proxy Fitna al-Khawarij during the ongoing Operation Shaban in Balochistan, taking the total number of killed militants since July 5 to 88, security sources said on Saturday.

The operation was launched in the aftermath of the attack on the Mangi Dam police station in Ziarat and is being carried out jointly by the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC), and Balochistan Police, security sources said.

The sources privy to the development said that said the militants were targeted through coordinated air and ground operations, resulting in the killing of nine more militants in the latest action.

They added that the total number of militants killed under Operation Shaban has risen to 52. Security sources further said that 88 militants have been killed in various operations since July 5.

While security forces inflicted heavy losses on terrorists in ongoing operations, 42 people, including security personnel and civilians, were martyred in three recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan.

The operation in Balochistan will continue until the last militant is eliminated, the security sources added.

Speaking on the terrorist attack in Ziarat, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Wednesday said that India-backed terrorists attacked the checkpoint, but police personnel fought the terrorists bravely and killed 15 militants during the initial engagement.

The military spokesperson said nine police personnel embraced martyrdom in the initial fighting, adding that militants had taken police personnel hostage before security forces reached the area.

Pakistan witnessed a surge in terror activities, particularly in its KP and Balochistan provinces, since 2021, when the Afghan Taliban came into power.

In response, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, targeting what it said were terrorist hideouts across the border. According to Pakistani authorities, the operation killed scores of Afghan Taliban operatives and allied militants and injured hundreds more.

In October 2025, border clashes erupted after the Afghan Taliban and affiliated militants launched unprovoked attacks on Pakistani border posts. Over 200 Taliban fighters and allied militants were killed, while 23 Pakistani soldiers were martyred defending the country.

Despite several rounds of talks, both countries have been unable to reach an agreement, largely due to the Afghan Taliban regime’s reluctance to take action against terrorist outfits.

ISLAMABAD, JUL 11: Pakistan and the United States have made “significant progress” toward a reciprocal trade agreement after two days of talks in Washington, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said.

Taking to his official X account, Andrabi said negotiations on the Pakistan-United States Agreement on Reciprocal Trade were held in Washington, DC, on July 9 and 10.

He said the discussions were conducted in a “cordial atmosphere”, with both sides ironing out differences and building convergence with a view to the early conclusion of the agreement.

The FO spokesperson said Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul led the Pakistani delegation during the negotiations. Andrabi said that Paul described the talks as positive and appreciated the significant progress achieved during the negotiations.

He added that both sides remained engaged in efforts to finalise the reciprocal trade agreement at the earliest.

Besides Andrabi and Paul, the Pakistani delegation also included Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Nadeem Chaudhary and Joint Secretary Tariff Policy Ashfaq Khan. Officials from other ministries participated virtually, The News reported.

Pakistan and the US had reached a trade agreement in July last year ahead of President Donald Trump’s August 1 deadline that resulted in the imposition of higher tariffs by Washington against various countries on a reciprocal basis.

“In a landmark development, Pakistan and the United States finalised a trade agreement today aimed at boosting bilateral trade, expanding market access, attracting investment, and fostering cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” the Pakistani embassy in the US had said last year.

It said that the agreement will result in a reduction of reciprocal tariffs, especially on Pakistani exports to the United States.

“Under the said understanding, Pakistan and the US will also focus on energy, minerals, information technology, cryptocurrency, and other key areas, ” it added.

Following negotiations between Pakistani officials and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), Washington agreed to lower the proposed reciprocal tariff on Pakistani exports from 29% to 19%.

However, the arrangement was disrupted in February when the US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the White House had overstepped its constitutional authority by imposing sweeping tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), effectively nullifying the policy.

The Trump administration later relied on Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to introduce a temporary 10% global tariff for up to 150 days, a measure set to expire on July 24.

ISLAMABAD, JUL 11: Pakistan has urged all sides to uphold the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, saying that any interruption in the diplomatic process would further complicate efforts to resolve the Iran nuclear issue and other outstanding matters through negotiations.

Speaking during a briefing on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2231, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad expressed deep concern over the latest escalation in the region, saying it was “in no one’s interest”.

The statement came as renewed US-Iran hostilities and disputes over last month’s ceasefire put fresh pressure on diplomatic efforts.

US President Donald Trump said Washington and Tehran had agreed to continue talks, but declared that the ceasefire reached between the two sides last month was over.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue ‘talks.’ We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the Cease Fire is OVER!” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.

During the UN briefing, Pakistan called on all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could further undermine regional peace and stability.

“The cycle of violence and instability must end for the good of regional and international peace, security and prosperity,” Ahmad said, according to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the UN.

He said all efforts should be made to restore normalcy and bring the parties back to the negotiating table, adding that there was “no alternative” to continued engagement, dialogue and diplomacy.

Pakistan reiterated its support for resolving all outstanding issues, including the Iran nuclear issue, through peaceful means, diplomatic engagement and sustained dialogue.

Ahmad said the Islamabad MoU, signed last month, offered a “viable roadmap” to address outstanding issues through negotiations and reach a mutually acceptable settlement.

“Any interruption in this diplomatic process would complicate the issue further,” he said.

Pakistan urged all sides to uphold their respective commitments under the MoU, which Ahmad described as an “enduring foundation for understanding, mutual respect and shared prosperity for the region and beyond”.

Trump’s comments followed a week of renewed conflict, including attacks on commercial tankers, US strikes on Iranian sites and Iranian strikes on US military sites in Gulf states.

Regional mediators have continued efforts to revive diplomacy, with Qatari negotiators meeting Iranian officials to discuss de-escalation and the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters.

At the Security Council, Ahmad said Pakistan, along with partners, had been engaged in constructive diplomatic efforts to support de-escalation, ceasefire efforts and broader regional stability.

He said Pakistan was encouraged by expert-level talks held so far and the “positive progress” made on aspects of the Islamabad MoU.

“As these sensitive negotiations continue, we should avoid any actions or messaging that may contribute to misunderstandings,” he said.

“All our efforts and energies should be devoted to advancing the implementation of the Islamabad MoU.”

Pakistan would continue working toward the objectives of the MoU, a comprehensive final deal and the advancement of peace and security in the region and beyond, he added.

ISLAMABAD, JUL 10 /DNA/ – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a ‎warm and cordial telephone conversation today with ‎the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh ‎Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.‎

During their discussion, the Prime Minister ‎expressed his deep concern over the recent ‎escalation in tensions in the region. While conveying ‎Pakistan’s solidarity and support with the people of ‎Qatar on the recent attacks, the Prime Minister ‎stressed upon all parties to exercise restraint and ‎refrain from any actions that could undermine peace ‎in the region.‎

The Prime Minister conveyed Pakistan’s sincere ‎gratitude to His Highness the Amir for Qatar’s ‎consistent and steadfast support in the peace efforts ‎that culminated in the Islamabad Memorandum of ‎Understanding and the first round of high-level ‎technical talks at Burgenstock.‎

The two leaders agreed upon the importance of ‎sustained diplomatic engagement and dialogue, and ‎adherence to the commitments made by all parties ‎under the peace memorandum. ‎

His Highness the Amir thanked the Prime Minister, ‎Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and ‎Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for playing a ‎leading role for peace in the region and assured him ‎of Qatar’s continued support in this regard.‎

KARACHI: The Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) on Friday announced the Class-10 Science Group results, with 80.87% of candidates successfully passing the annual examinations.

According to board officials, a total of 176,152 students were registered for the examinations, while 175,200 appeared in the papers.

The board said 141,688 candidates were declared successful, while 29,655 failed the examinations, taking the overall pass percentage to 80.87%.

Among the successful candidates, 35,529 secured the A1 grade, while 51,022 obtained an A grade.

A further 34,910 students achieved a B grade, and 17,153 obtained C grade, according to board officials.

The BSEK examinations were engulfed in controversy amid widespread allegations of bribery, paper leaks, and serious administrative lapses.

In May, a probe report confirmed major irregularities in the examinations, including the shifting of more than 170 examination centres.

Sources said that issues like systemic mismanagement and the change of examination centres during the exams had come to light during the examination period.

Students who had appeared for multiple papers at one centre were later informed through official letters that their centres had been relocated.

Security lapses were also reported, with at least two incidents of students allegedly bringing daggers into examination centres, while basic arrangements at centres were described as inadequate, with broken fans, load shedding and poor facilities.

In some cases, students were reportedly assigned centres far from their schools, while allegations also emerged of “home centres” being created within schools in violation of rules.

ISLAMABAD, JUL 10 /DNA/ – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation today with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian.

During their warm and cordial conversation, the Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the recent escalation in tensions in the region and underscored the urgent need to restore regional peace and stability. He called on Iran and all other parties to exercise restraint and refrain from any action that could jeopardize the hard-earned peace gains achieved over the past few months.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of upholding the commitments undertaken under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), describing it as an enduring framework for promoting mutual understanding, respect and shared prosperity in the region and beyond.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to regional peace, the Prime Minister assured President Pezeshkian of Pakistan’s readiness to continue playing an honest and sincere role in facilitating dialogue and supporting all efforts aimed at preserving peace and stability.

President Pezeshkian thanked the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and other senior Pakistani leaders for attending the funeral ceremony of the late Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. He also reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to peace and appreciated Pakistan’s constructive support and sincere efforts for regional stability.

The two leaders also reviewed the implementation of the decisions taken during President Pezeshkian’s visit to Islamabad last month and agreed to expedite follow-up actions to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across diverse fields.

The Prime Minister conveyed his respectful regards and best wishes for His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei.

Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and continue consultations on matters of mutual interest and regional peace.

ISLAMABAD, JUL 10: The federal government has ordered a high-state of readiness amid increased risks of floods across the country during the ongoing monsoon season.

The development emerged during the Emergency Response Committee (ERC) meeting held on Friday at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) headquarters in Islamabad, where participants reviewed and reinforced provincial and district level preparedness for monsoon 2026.

The committee moved to ensure a rapid, coordinated response to rising risks of flash floods, urban flooding, landslides, glacial lake outburst floods and other hydro-meteorological hazards by directing continuous readiness, timely implementation of local contingency plans, protection of vulnerable communities and rapid mobilisation of resources.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal remotely chaired the meeting, with participation from Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik and NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik.

The meeting received detailed briefings from provincial chief secretaries and disaster management officials on contingency planning, resource deployment and public awareness campaigns.

Officials highlighted focus on vulnerable flood plains, urban centres, hill torrent regions, coastal belts and glacier-fed valleys where the risk of flash floods and Glofs is elevated.

The committee directed all authorities to maintain a high state of readiness throughout the monsoon season.

It stressed uninterrupted inter-agency communication, swift resource mobilisation and immediate implementation of local contingency plans to protect lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure.

Tourists advised to avoid northern routes
Separately, the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) ordered tourists and non-essential travellers to avoid mountain routes from July 10 to 14, warning that sudden glacial floods and landslides pose an immediate, high-risk threat to northern parts of the country.

In an advisory, the NEOC said that landslide alerts cover July 11 to 13, while flood and river surge warnings apply across Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir until July 14.

Officials warned that rising temperatures and ongoing heavy rain could trigger Glofs, debris flows, sudden river surges and rockfalls in vulnerable glacial valleys and hill torrents.

NDMA named multiple high-risk zones including Badswat, Ashkoman, Hinarchi, Yasin, Khaplu, Hisper Hoper, Gultang and surrounding areas.

Authority also highlighted vulnerable roads such as Jaglot-Skardu, Hunza-Gojal and Gilgit-Ghizer, and routes to Naltar, Bagrot and Hermosh.

The NEOC urged travellers to avoid glacial lakes, river channels, known flood paths and landslide prone roads.

It warned that bank erosion and sudden debris flows could rapidly worsen conditions and instructed district administrations to mobilise emergency response teams and issue on-the-ground warnings.