AGP Executive Report

Fuel & Power Shock: Petrol jumps Rs12.90 to Rs358.77/litre and HSD by Rs3.72 to Rs381.77 as global oil pressures bite. Nepra also approved a quarterly tariff rise of Rs0.5194 per unit, adding about Rs12.67bn to bills, while UoSC rules for open-access users move forward to enable competitive power trading. Security & Governance: ECC okays Rs6.6bn for 30 bullet-proof vehicles for the SCO summit; Senate panel directs rationalising accountability/special courts by caseload. Economy & Markets: PSX clears SE Fruits & Vegetables’ IPO to raise up to Rs1.92bn; TCP issues tender to export 107,739 tonnes of imported sugar to manage surplus. Politics of New Provinces: Opposition warns against hasty province creation without consensus; President Zardari cuts short his London trip amid the debate. Human Rights & Courts: SC upholds Bait-ul-Mal support for Hindu girls; NA panel backs FOSPAH ruling in Dr Ayesha harassment case. Cricket Crisis: PCB launches an internal inquiry into “discipline and conduct” after England tour turmoil and player reshuffles. Sports (Women’s Asia Cup): Pakistan beat Hong Kong to reach the semi-finals after choosing to bat first.

Cricket Discipline: PCB has launched an internal disciplinary inquiry on Pakistan’s England tour, with Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan under scrutiny after reports said phones and contacts in London were reviewed following heavy defeats. Women’s Cricket: ICC fined captain Fatima Sana 10% of her match fee and added a demerit point for a send-off gesture after dismissing Shafali Verma in the Women’s Asia Cup. Human Rights: A National Assembly committee backed implementation of a decision in a sexual harassment case involving former HSA vice chancellor Dr Shahzad Ali Khan, urging action to prevent workplace harassment. Public Safety: A major fire broke out at an old clothes factory in Karachi’s Landhi EPZ, with three people reported in critical condition from smoke inhalation. Local Justice: Police filed an interim challan in the Mir Raza murder case but admitted no suspect has been identified yet. Economy & Prices: Gold prices fell in Pakistan, dropping Rs2,400 per tola to Rs463,136 amid a global bullion dip. Governance: Islamabad’s proposed new administrative model would create a 27-member elected assembly and shift powers toward local government. International Aid: Pakistan handed over 100 tons of relief supplies to flood-hit Nepal.

Defence & Martyrs Day: Pakistan marked 6 September with tributes across the country, with leaders and ISPR highlighting sacrifices from 1965 through Marka-e-Haq and ongoing counter-terror efforts. Power & City Services: IESCO issued a detailed power suspension schedule for parts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi for routine maintenance. Lahore Heritage & Tourism: Lahore’s Kamran Ki Baradari is set for restoration and beautification, with plans for a riverfront hotel, gardens, access road, boat rides and a heritage museum; “History by Night” tours resume from Sept 12 with a revised fee. Health & Education: NADRA will set up an International Travelers Vaccination Centre at Lahore airport with digital certificates; obesity is flagged as a major chronic health challenge; SIUT appoints Dr Azhar Rashid as Chief of Oncology Services; a thalassemia postgraduate diploma program is launched in Karachi. Economy & Governance: Cabinet moves to draft a new BIT policy and penalise refineries that miss Oct 1 upgrade agreements; FBR sets timelines to clear deferred sales tax refunds; digital P2G payments keep expanding. Protests & Politics: JI’s petroleum levy sit-in in Karachi enters day 22; KP CM Sohail Afridi’s Karachi rally faces road closures and delays. Sports: PCB’s England tour overhaul continues, while PSL owners discuss shifting the 2027 window to January-February.

Defence Day & security: ISPR released the national song “Manzil Pakistan” to mark Defence and Martyrs’ Day, while armed forces reiterated readiness to defend the country. Regional diplomacy: PM Shehbaz’s government welcomed export insurance support for SMEs via the Export Development Fund and EXIM Bank, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held calls with Saudi, Turkish and Egyptian counterparts on de-escalation and follow-ups under the Makkah Defence Alliance. Gaza stance: Pakistan and seven Arab/Islamic countries condemned Israeli calls for forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, warning it violates international law. Energy & economy: Pakistan issued its third LNG tender for September after rejecting earlier high-priced bids, underscoring pressure to secure fuel at acceptable rates. Public services: NADRA will offer e-passport renewals and reprints at all centres from September 7, with new passport issuance still handled by passport offices. Cricket & politics: India routed Pakistan women in the Asia Cup, bowling Pakistan out for a record-low 55; meanwhile, PTI leader Hammad Azhar was arrested in Multan over May 9 cases, and Pakistan’s England tour turmoil continues with PCB reshuffling after heavy Test defeats. Humanitarian aid: Pakistan sent 100 tonnes of flood relief to Nepal.

Women’s Asia Cup Shock: India spinners tore through Pakistan as the women were bowled out for a record-low 55, with Shree Charani and Prema Rawat taking three wickets each, and India chased 56 in 8.4 overs to win by seven wickets and finish group stage unbeaten. Cricket Turmoil: Ahead of the 3rd Test vs England, the PCB reportedly took Pakistan players’ phones into custody, adding to the already messy England tour. Defence Day Messages: President Zardari and PM Shehbaz paid tribute to martyrs and veterans on Defence and Martyrs Day, linking the 1965 spirit to “Marka-e-Haq” and national unity. Education Reform: IBCC approved a new grading policy with 40% minimum passing marks and moves toward understanding-based assessment, plus B-Form/CNIC inclusion on certificates. Security & Justice: Islamabad High Court ordered a JIT to trace missing girl Aisha Fatima after seven months. Trade & Exports: PM Shehbaz welcomed a Rs3bn export insurance risk pool for SMEs via EDF and EXIM Bank, while EU officials warned GSP+ access depends on measurable progress. Local Governance: Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab handed over 100 homes to minority families in Malir with solar and clean-water support.

Judicial Expansion in Lahore: Chief Justice Aalia Neelum inaugurated 26 new courts at the Lahore High Court’s 11-storey building, adding four courts per floor (ground to fourth), plus record rooms, conference spaces and a cafeteria for staff and police. Security & Justice: In Quetta, businessman Salahuddin Noorzai was shot dead; his family staged a protest sit-in after the killing, while police opened an investigation. Water Tensions: India’s first rock check dam on the Indus in Ladakh is set to divert river water for local irrigation, raising fresh concerns for Pakistan after the Indus Waters Treaty suspension. Public Services: Islamabad Traffic Police facilitation vans delivered driving licence services to 7,000+ citizens this year, including learner permits and renewals. Sports Hosting: Pakistan finalised dates for the South Asian Games 2027 (April 4–11) across Islamabad, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Defence Day: A Defence Day symposium in Islamabad honoured armed forces’ sacrifices and discussed national security challenges. Power Sector Reform: DPM/FM Ishaq Dar pushed for consumer-focused electricity reforms and privatization outcomes. Cricket Spotlight: Women’s Asia Cup clash in Dubai pits India (semi-finalists) against Pakistan, with Smriti Mandhana’s record form in focus. Health Travel: Islamabad opened an International Travelers Vaccination Center with NADRA-linked, digitised, cashless certification.

Test Cricket Shake-Up: Interim red-ball coach Mike Hesson says he had no role in Pakistan’s mid-series Test squad overhaul and insists reports of Salman Ali Agha “snubbing” King Charles were “made up,” adding the dropped players had already been released before the royal meeting. Pakistan Economy & Finance: Finance Minister Aurangzeb said the government is working on a rupee-denominated, dollar-settled bond and exploring tokenisation of some Eurobond debt to diversify borrowing beyond banks. Infrastructure & Power Oversight: A Senate panel flagged delays and alleged irregularities in the 765kV Dasu-Islamabad transmission line, while PM Shehbaz pushed for early groundbreaking of the ML-1 railway with ADB support. SMEs & Digital Payments: SMEDA and SBP discussed cluster-based lending for SMEs, and SBP clarified that Raast is a legitimate domestic payment channel after a misleading social media claim. Public Services & Cities: Lahore intensified anti-smog enforcement, and Punjab announced seven more electric buses for Sargodha. Security: Pakistan’s military said 48 militants were killed in Balochistan operations. Sports (Grassroots): PFF launched an injury prevention workshop for district football coaches ahead of the District Football Championship.

Rain Disaster in Lahore: A man was killed and a woman and two children were injured after a dilapidated roof collapsed during rainfall in Raiwind; rescue teams pulled the victims from debris and shifted them to hospital. Karachi DHA Probe: A DHA Phase 6 scuffle inquiry says FIR allegations against the assaulted family weren’t supported, and recommends departmental action over police mishandling, with SSP Korangi Fida Janwari held responsible for administrative negligence. Cricket Fallout: Former coach Jason Gillespie sharply attacked PCB chief selector Aaqib Javed, saying Pakistan’s Test shake-ups are “disrespectful” and leave players “playing with fear,” while Deepti Sharma insists India’s Women’s Asia Cup edge is just about staying “one step ahead.” Balochistan Security: Pakistan forces killed 12 militants in Kalat and reported foiled attacks near Bhag city; rights groups also allege drone strikes and enforced disappearances in Zehri. Economy & Energy: PM Shehbaz and ADB discussed early groundwork for ML-1; Finance Minister Aurangzeb vowed Pakistan won’t return to boom-and-bust. Petrol Reform: Govt set June 2027 for petrol price deregulation, moving toward market-linked pricing. Markets: Pakistan raised a record $3bn via Eurobond; gold rose to Rs469,136 per tola. US-Iran Diplomacy: Oman, Qatar and Pakistan are pushing de-escalation talks amid Strait of Hormuz security concerns.

PIMS Fire Probe: Islamabad police have wrapped up their inquiry into the PIMS hospital fire, compiling officer statements and CCTV footage, and will send the report to the interior ministry for next steps. Cyber Defence: Ahead of Defence Day, the National Cyber Emergency Response Team has ordered special cyber control rooms and round-the-clock monitoring by the NSOC from Sept 5-7. Wildlife Panic in Islamabad: A Bengal tiger and two cubs were spotted in Gulberg Greens, triggering high alert and warnings for residents to stay indoors. Fuel Costs: OGRA raised petrol by Rs2.84 to Rs349/litre and HSD by Rs2.28 to Rs374.31/litre, extending a week of price hikes. Economy & Markets: Pakistan’s trade deficit jumped 18% to $7.1bn in two months as imports outpaced exports; the IMF again pointed to Pakistan as a reform and debt-management example. Eurobond Boost: Finance Minister Aurangzeb said the successful dual-tranche $3bn Eurobond reflects investor confidence. Karachi Protests: Karachi shut down in a JI-led strike over the petroleum levy and IPP deals, with markets, schools and courts disrupted. Health & Rights: Lahore High Court ruled that living in a marital relationship with a girl under 18 can amount to child abuse, even with consent. Agriculture & Climate: Pakistan’s dryland restoration work was highlighted at UNCCD COP17, while NDMA issued a 72-hour flood alert for northern areas.

Cricket Shake-up in Focus: PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi defended Pakistan’s mid-series overhaul after the Lord’s and Headingley defeats, saying “cricket isn’t finished” and pointing to other shocks like India’s loss to Ireland; the fallout spilled into London as axed players were reportedly summoned to meet King Charles at Clarence House, with at least one refusing and protesters chanting outside. Economy & Energy: Pakistan’s trade deficit widened 18.1% in 2MFY27 to $7.12bn as imports grew faster than exports; meanwhile, the government is weighing petrol price deregulation with a possible June 2027 target. Public Pressure in Karachi: Jamaat-e-Islami’s strike over the petroleum levy shut hundreds of markets and petrol pumps in Karachi, with traders and lawyers backing the shutdown. Visa Integrity: Italy’s embassy warned Pakistani study-visa applicants of an “unprecedented surge” in forged documents, especially proof of funds. Regional Diplomacy: Pakistan said it remains hopeful for peace in West Asia despite US-Iran escalation, reiterating dialogue and diplomacy. Security Update: ISPR said 15 militants were killed in an attempted infiltration from Afghanistan.

Cricket Shake-Up: Pakistan’s Test turmoil deepened as PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi defended the mass squad overhaul ahead of the 3rd Edgbaston Test, while Imam-ul-Haq faces a possible 1–2 year ban after a calf-injury controversy at Lord’s. Royal Visit: The team met King Charles at Clarence House; Naqvi said the King encouraged players and discussed peace and security. England Selection Drama: Brydon Carse was left out of England’s final Test squad after a Derby nightclub arrest, with Sonny Baker retained. Fuel Costs: Petrol rose by Rs2.29 to Rs346.16 and diesel by Rs1.11 to Rs372.03 amid global oil volatility. Health Safety: PM Shehbaz ordered zero leniency for “criminal negligence” linked to the PIMS fire that killed 14 infants, and pushed faster health reforms. Local Governance: Islamabad will shift to three town corporations with 3 mayors and 6 deputy mayors under the new local govt setup. Regional Diplomacy: Pakistan urged India to fully comply with the Indus Waters Treaty after Hague developments, and reiterated optimism for US-Iran talks despite renewed escalation. Minority Rights Row: India condemned the reported demolition of a century-old Hindu temple in Narowal, demanding investigation and restoration. Crime & Security: US and Sri Lanka seized 463kg crystal meth from a Pakistan-linked network, arresting suspects. Tragedy: A British-Irish trekker/runner, Alexander Harris, was found dead after falling into a ravine in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Inflation Watch: Pakistan’s headline inflation climbed to 11.1% in August, up from 9.2% in July, with rural inflation rising faster than urban. Education Shock: BISE Lahore’s Class 9 results show a grim pass rate of 46.51%, with girls outperforming boys and private candidates faring better than government school students. Cricket Crisis: Pakistan’s England tour imploded after PCB’s mid-series overhaul—seven players dropped, coaches removed, and Misbah-ul-Haq offering to step down—while Babar Azam is reported to have fever ahead of the 3rd Test. Security & Drugs: US and Sri Lanka anti-narcotics agents seized 463kg of crystal meth linked to a Pakistani network in Colombo. Cyber Cooperation: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a cybersecurity MoU to share expertise and tackle cyber threats. Trade & Diplomacy: Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan agreed to lift bilateral trade to $200m in two years, alongside multiple cooperation accords. Weather: Rain and thunderstorms are forecast across upper Pakistan from Sept 3-6, with possible heavy downpours in Islamabad/Rawalpindi and Lahore. Gold Moves: Gold prices fell again, with 24-karat dropping Rs11,300 per tola to Rs454,036.

Karachi Police Crackdown: Two suspected outlaws were killed and six arrested in separate “encounters,” with police also seizing weapons, stolen goods and motorcycles. PTI Protest Plans: PTI chief Barrister Gohar says the party will hold a peaceful Islamabad protest on Sept 27 to demand implementation of court orders for Imran Khan, including meetings. Pakistan Cricket Turmoil: PCB’s mid-series overhaul—sending seven players home and sacking red-ball coach Sarfaraz—has triggered backlash; selector Aaqib Javed says Imam-ul-Haq’s calf injury needs an inquiry, while Misbah-ul-Haq resigned in protest. SCO Chairmanship & AI: Pakistan proposes an SCO sovereign AI infrastructure and governance framework as it assumes chairmanship for 2026-27, with a broader push on connectivity and shared prosperity. Human Rights Commissions Delays: Lahore reports delays in appointing chairs for rights and women’s bodies, raising fears of weakened independence and compliance gaps. Economy & Markets: Senate panel discusses extending business hours but power concerns stall it; FBR extends customs anti-smuggling powers to Rangers/FC; Pakistan starts process for a dual-tranche dollar Eurobond. Energy & Business: OGDC signs with Baker Hughes to revive mature oil and gas wells; Engro agrees to sell its EPCL stake to Lotte for Rs19.7bn; NNAR’s REIT book-building is fully subscribed. Local Governance: Sindh assembly debates amendments on local government and rejects any division of Sindh. Weather & Safety: Heavy rain floods parts of Rawalpindi/Islamabad; 12 people were rescued after a fire at Islamabad’s F-8 Markaz Babar Plaza.

Pakistan Cricket Shake-up: After England’s 2-0 series win, the PCB axed seven players and removed coaches Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul for the 3rd Test at Edgbaston; Misbah-ul-Haq says he offered to resign from the selection committee and also stepped down as a batting consultant, while former players like Shahid Afridi and Danish Kaneria blasted the “most shocking ever” mid-tour overhaul. SCO Diplomacy & Photo Row: Pakistan assumed the SCO chairmanship for 2026-27, but the PMO sparked online backlash after cropping PM Modi (and others) from a Bishkek group photo—later Shehbaz Sharif posted the full image. Indus Waters: The Hague arbitration ruled India can’t unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty; India rejected the decision. Inflation: Pakistan’s August CPI rose 11.15% year-on-year, up from 9.2% in July. Courts & Rights: Islamabad High Court ordered Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi not be kept in solitary confinement and allowed family meetings and phone calls. Tech Demo Goes Wrong: A remote-controlled “self-driving” car crashed into a police van in Islamabad after losing internet control, going viral online. Regional Security: Iran’s Pezeshkian said it will reciprocate if the US returns to the Islamabad MoU, while Pakistan pushed “sincere implementation” to end the US-Iran conflict.

Cricket Shake-up: After England’s 194-run win at Lord’s sealed a 2-0 series, the PCB has axed Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, sent seven players home, and named white-ball coach Mike Hesson (with Ashley Noffke) to lead Pakistan for the Edgbaston third Test starting Sept 9. Energy & Prices: Govt apologised for night load shedding, blaming lack of contracted RLNG from Qatar; meanwhile petrol rose 77 paisa to Rs342.79 and HSD fell Rs1.03 to Rs370.41, with LPG also up Rs4.33/kg. Economy & Tax: FBR collected Rs1.72trn in two months of FY27 and moved to CRM-based selection of income tax assessments; SECP findings led to an FIA case over alleged Unity Foods fund misuse. Trade & Industry: LCCI launched a Directory of Trade and Industry 2026; FPCCI urged rationalising petroleum prices and exporters warned US shipping costs jumped over 200% amid Iran-war disruptions. Law & Rights: Punjab passed an anti-terrorism amendment bill amid protest; Lahore High Court ruled child marriage under 18 illegal. Regional Diplomacy: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye agreed to institutionalise the Makkah Defence Alliance with a Pakistan-led secretariat in Saudi for three years; Pakistan welcomed Hague Indus Waters Treaty ruling against India’s “abeyance.” Politics & Society: Bilawal Bhutto denied engagement/marriage rumours; HRCP flagged excessive force in PoJK unrest.

Indus Waters Treaty: The Hague’s Permanent Court of Arbitration ordered India to suspend work on Himalayan hydro projects and uphold the Indus Waters Treaty, saying the pact remains fully in force and a neutral World Bank-appointed expert will assess compliance by July 2027. Mecca defence pact: Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia kicked off the first Makkah Joint Defence Agreement meeting in Istanbul, with talks on defence cooperation, interoperability, intelligence-sharing, joint production and possible expansion of the alliance. Hospital fire accountability: In the PIMS newborn ward tragedy, PM Shehbaz Sharif ordered suspension of eight officials and criminal proceedings over alleged negligence after findings that the nursery lacked key fire-safety systems. Cricket crisis: Pakistan’s Test woes deepened at Lord’s as England won by 194 runs to seal a 2-0 series lead; pacer Mohammad Abbas said “everyone is worried” after poor batting, bowling and fielding. Gold prices: Gold in Pakistan fell again, with 24-karat down Rs1,800 per tola to Rs466,136. Weather risk: NDMA warned of possible flash flooding in northern and upper regions over the next 48 hours amid rain forecasts.