Hi all, on Monday July 27.

A few updates on this new week. Substack, which is the platform we use for our newsletter, will now tell its subscribers if any newsletter has A.I. generated content. Which isn’t a big deal for us since we usually use it for images and when we do, we mention it in the caption when it is.

We’re hitting almost a year when I took over this newsletter myself and aah, it’s been a fun ride. I enjoy it as it sets the day for me but it’s super hard work getting it together. Although I don’t want to but the next step for a newsletter is to ask you, our reader to pledge support to us. If you enjoy the newsletter, please do pledge your support. You won’t be charged ANYTHING at all at this time, but we’ll have an idea about how many of you want to keep reading it (and me writing it).

I’ll be brutally honest: I believe a good newsletter on Pakistan is a NECESSITY and I believe it has value, but there aren’t many of us around. Do pledge your support and I hope we can (and we will even if you’re unable to pledge at this time) continue this journey together.

So, if you enjoy this newsletter and would like to support independent journalism, consider pledging your support here. Would really appreciate it.

Here’s to a new week and I do wonder what that puppet looked like in highlight 2.

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• Azad Jammu and Kashmir is voting in the first phase of the Legislative Assembly elections today. The numbers you need to know are: 1.4 million voters, voting across 13 constituencies with nearly 300 candidates running for elections. 2,400 polling stations have been set up and the elections will continue into the first week of August.

• The federal govt has released the latest Toshakhana records, revealing what all President Zardari, PM Shehbaz and other senior officials got from foreign dignitaries. Officials say that all have been deposited with the govt and they will keep releasing what all has been received and then deposited with the govt, in the interest of transparency. Zardari was given a tea set, sword, a Vacheron Constantin watch (with generally ranges from $15,000 to over $650,000 USD) and other gifts. Shehbaz got two Rolexes, one Patek Philippe watch, a car and clock models, and a jewelry set among other things. Interestingly, among other gifts, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar got a Burmese puppet.

• YouTuber Rajab Butt has been booked in an assault case in Lahore, after a woman accused him and his associates with assaulting her and her friends in a cafe. The woman alleges that one of the people Butt was with opened fire on her and her friends after harassing and slapping her friend. She is accusing Butt of being a part of the assault. Police has registered a case and launched an investigation.

• Kuwait has officially entered into a five year defence cooperation agreement with Pakistan, for closer collaboration in military training, intelligence sharing and defence technology. Pak won’t be deploying troops to Kuwait but it it can become a broader partnership with investment in energy and other industries.

• Want to talk to your books? Now you can with new AI reading tools that are turning books into interactive conversations. You can ask questions about characters, plot and context or just have a conversation. Amazon’s Kindle and Audible are already rolling out the features but a larger debate continues on author consent, rights and compensation. But what our mums would tell us is now here: books can be your best friend too.

• Pause in the war (again) as the US and Iran give room for talks (again). However, the allegations and threats against each other continue. Tehran is now saying that unnamed regional countries are helping the US and condemned the Ukraine for attacking one of Iran’s ships. Ukraine took responsibility, saying that they had attacked the vessel with a long-range strike but that it was only targeting vessels that are transporting military cargo between Iran and Russia. Economically, pressure continues on global prices although the Pak stock market has opened today in green today, gaining 5,000 points during intraday trade.

If you’re not feeling well, don’t ignore the feeling and get it checked. It might be more serious than you think.

Exposing Pak studies, yes, please!

In this episode of The Current Podcast, journalist, analyst and author Raza Rumi goes beyond standard classroom textbooks to examine the private life of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, his secular political vision and how his untimely death in 1948 triggered the first major power grab in the nation's history.

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The Cockroach Janta movement (I have to say, only Gen Z can take an insult directed at them and turn it into a more than 22 million people movement), has taken to the streets in India, now applying enough pressure on Modi to respond to the demands of the youth of India. They want a resignation from the education minister - he isn’t giving it, and they’re not backing down. It’s an inspiring time for the youth of any country. I also saw videos of Indians anonymously using delivery apps to send food and chai to protestors, showing how widespread the support is.

Not for Bollywood (except a few). This Hema Malini meme had me laughing and if you’re old enough to have seen the movie (and then been told off by your parents about it), this is the one for you (and don’t miss the Indian news report link to Salman Khan’s comments on the movement).

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• PM Shehbaz has reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for Saudi Arabia during a call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, strongly condemning recent Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. Both leaders agreed to work closely to safeguard regional peace, maritime security and global trade routes. The Houthis threatened a naval blockade of Saudi ports which would further disruption to international shipping and oil supplies.

• An American woman was allegedly sexually assaulted in her DHA apartment has recorded her statement before a judicial magistrate in Karachi. The teenage suspect remains in police custody, with investigators awaiting the results of his ossification test, which will determine his age. Police say the investigation is ongoing, and the suspect is expected to be produced before the relevant court today.

• The govt has raised petrol prices by Rs6.39 per litre and diesel by Rs7.83, taking the new prices to Rs327.12 and Rs375.04 respectively. The increase, effective today is, you guessed it, because of the US-Iran war. Meanwhile, petrol pump owners have deferred their planned nationwide strike for two weeks after holding talks with the petroleum minister over the new daily fuel pricing mechanism.

• India’s Cockroach Janta Party, which has amassed over 22 million Instagram followers, has rejected PM Modi’s promise of tougher action against exam paper leaks, saying protests will continue until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. The movement is also demanding reforms to prevent future scandals (and an apology from Modi). The protests have become one of the biggest challenges to Modi’s govt since his 2024 re-election, with around 50,000 people joining the largest Delhi demonstration this week and 178 people injured in clashes with police. There’s a big online discussion on why Bollywood is staying out of taking a stand for the protestors, with Salman Khan and Naseeruddin Shah being the only top tier celebs taking a stand with the students.

• The US has bombed Iran for a 12th consecutive night, with strikes reportedly hitting civilian infrastructure and military targets, where at least two people were killed. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran was “begging for a deal” but insisted Tehran was “not serious” about negotiations. Jordan is intercepting Iranian missiles and drones, and more than 2,300 Israeli settlers entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, prompting strong condemnation from Jordan and Hamas.

You’re forgetting something that you had to do. Dig through your email and find out what it is.

The talk of KHI’s yogurt scene this this Nefis Food greek yogurt. Light and fluffy, I saw literally five people buying it at the same time at a tiny Fresh Basket in DHA. Definitely get it! So good, great serving size and get your probiotics in. Karachi only.

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Hey all, it’s Wednesday July 22.

Have you had one of those dreams when you know you’re dreaming and just want to sleep? I had one of those last night and was telling a friend in my dream that look, I know I’m dreaming and I just want to sleep 😂. To which she said, this is not a dream. Eat something and if you can taste it, it’s not a dream. I then eat a date and can taste it so end up saying okay, fine, it’s not a dream. Intense right! But all I wanted to do was sleep!

Hope the summer is going well for all of you!

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• The FIA has arrested four suspects, including two Nadra officials, for allegedly issuing fake identity documents to Afghan nationals in KHI. Investigators say the network was involved in altering official records and making fake documents. The agency says initial evidence suggests possible links to terrorist elements, with more arrests expected as the investigation expands.

• The All Pakistan Petrol Pumps Owners Association announced a nationwide strike starting tonight, rejecting the government’s new daily fuel pricing mechanism after talks with the petroleum minister failed. Dealers say they cannot operate with fuel prices changing every day. The govt insists the new system will improve transparency and ensure quicker adjustment to international oil prices.

• Pakistan has reportedly asked the US Treasury for a $10 billion Exchange Stabilisation Support Facility to strengthen foreign exchange reserves, ease debt pressure and improve access to international capital markets. The request was made by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb during meetings in Washington. Diplomatic sources say the proposal has a strong chance of approval as Washington looks to deepen economic engagement with Pakistan.

• New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani says the city cannot legally arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his expected UN visit in September, despite the ICC warrant against him. He has instead urged the US federal government to join the ICC and enforce the arrest warrant. In a very strong and moving speech, Mamdani called Netanyahu a “war criminal” over Israel’s actions in Gaza, while both the Israeli government and US President Donald Trump rejected any possibility of an arrest in the US.

• The US-Iran conflict intensified yesterday, with Trump threatening “very heavy” strikes on Iran’s underground Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility. Iran continued retaliatory attacks across the Gulf, targeting Bahrain and Kuwait, while reports also emerged of explosions near Tabriz and Mahshahr. Diplomatic efforts continued in parallel, with Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni meeting Pakistani officials in ISB to discuss reviving ceasefire talks. The US says its war against Iran has cost $37.5 billion so far, with the Pentagon seeking billions more from Congress to fund military operations through September.

Dancing is a good idea tonight! Have fun!

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Hey all, it’s Tuesday July 21.

A Lahore man’s story has gone viral (The Current’s story is linked with all the details), about Punjab police officers stopping him and his wife and accusing them of ‘fahashi’ (indecency) to make a few bucks. Everyone has heard stories of police asking people for ‘nikahnamas’ to prove they are married but it doesn’t seem like its ending. Have you heard of it happening to someone you know?

Today is slowwww with campaigning in AJK for elections, FIA planning cryptocurrency investigations and petrol falls by veryyyy little but hey, at least it’s something.

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• Nawaz Sharif and Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz will address a major election rally in Muzaffarabad today as campaigning for the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections intensifies. Security has been tightened across the city, while PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is also holding a rally in Nakyal. The AJK campaign is increasingly becoming a direct contest between Nawaz Sharif and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, with both leaders holding back-to-back public gatherings across the region.

• The FIA has set up a dedicated cryptocurrency investigation unit to crack down on the use of virtual assets for money laundering, terrorism financing and organised crime. Officials say the new unit will investigate crypto-linked offences while working alongside the country’s new virtual assets regulator.

  The agency is also expanding its cybercrime, border security and anti-human trafficking capabilities through a newly launched National Command and Control Centre.

• A Lahore man has alleged that two Punjab Police officers harassed and tried to extort Rs5,000 from him while he was helping his pregnant wife, who had stopped due to severe nausea. He claims the officers accused the couple of “indecency” and threatened to register an FIR before fleeing when he called the police helpline. The incident has sparked widespread outrage online, with many users sharing similar experiences and urging Maryam Nawaz to take action.

• The government has reduced petrol prices by Rs0.35 per litre to Rs315.80, while high-speed diesel has gone up by Rs5.71 to Rs360.06 per litre. The revised rates take effect from today (July 21).

• India’s viral Cockroach Janta Party says it will continue nationwide protests until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns over alleged exam scandals. After police used tear gas and batons to stop protesters marching towards parliament, nearly 180 people were injured in the clashes. The movement, which has gained millions of supporters online since May, is also demanding sweeping reforms to India’s education and examination system.

There is money in a pair of clothing that you’ve forgotten about. If you’re looking for it, check the pockets.

Karachi’s favourite dessert spot is Butterhaus which is home to different home bakers and small bakery products around the city. It’s known to be well curated and has desserts to die for. The eclairs and honey cake have gotten rave reviews. Check it out!

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The only match I watched in the FIFA World Cup was the final and of course, after Netanyahu publicly supported Argentina, the obvious choice was Spain (also Yamal, Yamal, Yamal).

An unbelievable final, it was truly an adrenaline rush of joy. There is no way all of us didn’t wake up happy today (with a pang of love for Messi, if you did love the GOAT).

Today’s news well, isn’t the best. Trigger warning for a harrowing murder case in Karachi (the reason for the murder will SHOCK you), oil prices are set to go up, Maulana Fazalur Rehman is saying, ‘I’m not apologising, you apologise’ (have the deets on that) and a good day for foreign relations.

‘Spain’ you all tomorrow!

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• The govt is considering bringing back fuel-saving measures as the US-Iran war once again pushes global oil prices up and puts pressure on Pak’s dollar reserves. Proposals include a four-day work week, reduced govt office attendance, limits on official travel and fewer official vehicles. A final decision is expected from the federal cabinet in the coming days.

• Maulana Fazlur Rehman, chief of the religious party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), says his recent speech was taken out of context. He faced a massive backlash after he reportedly said that although the martyrdom of the soldiers who fell in the line of duty was frequently mentioned, they were also salaried employees assigned to defend the country. Rehman insisted he was criticising state policies and not disrespecting the armed forces or martyrs. He demanded an apology, saying he had been a target for propaganda, and repeated his claim that the last general elections were rigged.

• Police say the paternal aunt of three-year-old Kulsoom has confessed to killing her niece in Karachi’s Quaidabad area, claiming that fights between the children of her two brothers pushed her to murder her niece. Investigators state she placed the child’s body in a sack and asked one brother to dispose of it, but he reportedly left it near the family’s home. Police say forensic tests are still underway to rule out sexual assault.

• Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand has arrived in Islamabad for the first visit by a Canadian foreign minister in nearly 20 years. During her trip, she will meet PM Shehbaz and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to discuss trade, investment, education and stronger people-to-people ties.

• The US-Iran war continued to intensify today, with the US carrying out its ninth consecutive night of strikes, targeting Iranian military command centres. The latest attacks expanded northwards, with strikes reported in Tabriz, where one person was killed and several injured, and in Bushehr, home to Iran’s only civilian nuclear power plant. Oil prices climbed more than 3% and Iran also claimed to have expanded its military response, saying it targeted US military aircraft and facilities in Jordan and Kuwait. A US service member was also killed in northern Iraq during the controlled detonation of a downed Iranian drone. Direct messages still being exchanged with Washington through mediators and Foreign Minister Araghchi said negotiations would only take place once Iran had achieved a stronger position on the battlefield.

You need to conserve energy for a conversation you weren’t expecting. Remain calm and don’t give in.

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Hello all, here’s to resting this Sunday, July 19 in a windy Karachi.

Even if you’re not watching FIFA, there is no way you are missing the FIFA fever. It’s as if it’s taken over the whole world. At this year’s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, for the first time in the tournament’s history, there will be a half-time show, complete with performances from Madonna, Shakira, BTS and Justin Bieber.

The match will begin at midnight in Pakistan tonight with Spain making it to the final after 16 years. I haven’t been watching it at all, but I’m definitely a Spain supporter over Argentina. Go Spain, Free Palestine!

In other news, Imran Khan’s sister is in trouble for problematic comments, a mysterious family death in Lahore and the UK has a new PM on Monday.

See you all tomorrow!

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• The national cybercrime agency has summoned Imran Khan’s sister, Noreen Niazi, over social media remarks it says spread false and inflammatory content against state institutions. Niazi had alleged that the 2025 Pakistan-India conflict was staged in coordination with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to push Pakistan towards recognising Israel. She has been ordered to appear in Islamabad on July 20, with authorities warning that failing to comply could lead to legal action.

• Police are awaiting forensic and post-mortem reports after a US-based Pakistani woman and her three children were found dead in a rented home in Lahore. Investigators have questioned and released the husband, while examining the possibility that the mother may have poisoned the children before taking her own life, though authorities say no conclusion has been reached yet.

• Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk has been taken to hospital after his health deteriorated on the 21st day of a hunger strike demanding the resignation of India’s education minister over a major exam paper leak scandal. His protest has become one of the biggest public challenges to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, with supporters planning fresh demonstrations outside parliament.

• Andy Burnham has been elected leader of the UK’s governing Labour Party and will officially replace Keir Starmer as prime minister on Monday. The former mayor of Greater Manchester says he will give more decision-making power to Britain’s. regions instead of central government in London, invest in neglected communities and try to stop the growing popularity of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party.

• The conflict between the US and Iran has escalated sharply after two American service members were killed in an Iranian attack on a US base in Jordan, prompting Washington to launch an eighth consecutive night of airstrikes targeting Iranian military sites and Revolutionary Guard positions. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks on US bases in Kuwait. US strikes have damaged bridges, roads, railways and airports in southern Iran, disrupting transport and forcing hospital evacuations, while Iran says it remains determined to maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Lazy day is not one to feel guilty about. Enjoy doing nothing.

Watching the final tonight? I’ve just randomly googled food options post midnight and Food Panda apparently has a lot of deals tonight! Enjoy a fun meal and snacks by ordering tonight (whats football without pizza right?).

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A big recommendation this Friday, Jul 17. It requires a subscription but honestly, during their sales, it’s so worth it.

Hello all, I do apologise for this newsletter not making it to your inboxes yesterday. I was flying to Karachi in the morning with a lot of pending work when I got here and didn’t get time to get to it. It’s tough to do this as a one-person daily newsletter BUT I hope you guys enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it.

A court update on a placenta smuggling gang is making the biggest wave this morning and I’ve summarised it. I’ve also read reports that the judge (on a lighter note) wondered what happened to ‘his placenta’ when he was born when the case came to his court. Also, Maryam Nawaz is giving out more electric bikes and I have to say, it’s been liberating for many to see so many young women on bikes in Lahore, and the UK is trying to deport a British citizen Pakistani rapist back to Pak.

See you all tomorrow from Karachi!

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• An Islamabad court has rejected the bail applications of four suspects accused of illegally buying and selling human placentas after authorities recovered more than 1,000 placentas during an FIA raid. The suspects would allegedly smuggle the human placentas to Vietnam. They bought it at Rs.800 each from hospitals and would dry it on trays inside a house. Officials uncovered 500kg of placentas and FIA officials also reported to have intercepted a 100kg shipment of placenta at Islamabad airport. The placenta was used to produce anti-ageing injections.

• Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz has announced 100,000 free electric bikes, 100,000 laptops and 50,000 merit scholarships for students as part of a major education expansion drive. She also pledged to establish ‘Nawaz Sharif Schools of Eminence’ in every tehsil and upgrade govt schools with modern facilities.

• Doctors in Balochistan have ended their six-week strike and resumed OPD and hospital services after the provincial administration appealed to them to ease hardships faced by patients. The protest began following the acid attack on Dr Mahnoor Nasar and was aimed at demanding better security for medical staff.

• The Foreign Office has said that the proposed deportation of the Rochdale grooming gang ringleader, Shabir Ahmed, is ‘solely an internal matter for the UK’ and has “no connection whatsoever” with Pakistan. Ahmed, who was convicted in 2012 for raping and sexually exploiting girls as young as 13 and is facing possible deportation after serving his sentence. Ahmed is a British national convicted by a British court for crimes committed in the UK, and any decisions regarding his legal status or release fall entirely under British jurisdiction, the FO said.

• The US has completed a sixth consecutive night of strikes targeting military sites as well as civilian infrastructure like bridges. Iranian officials say the attacks killed at least seven people, prompting Tehran to retaliate with drone and missile attacks on US military sites in Kuwait, Bahrain, Syria and Qatar. Iran has vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed to oil and gas exports for as long as the renewed US campaign continues.

A childhood memory that made you happy will be remembered today.

This article in The New Yorker this month is SO WORTH a whole subscription if you don’t have it. It does a deep dive into the plastic surgery culture, exploring how it is now infecting kids in their teens and even men (websites dedicated to discussions around procedures and looks for men). It’s an incredible read and highly recommended.

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Hello all, it is Wednesday afternoon, July 15.

I’m heading to Karachi for a bit and looking forward to it, despite it being in the state that it is in. There was a time that Karachiites took great pride in being the cosmopolitan city, melting pot of ideas and professionalism and what not, but it’s now dwindling. Goes to show how bad governance can really bring all of that down. The citizens are the same: same drive to do something and become someone but the awful administration of the city has taken a toll. Such a waste of great talent I say. If the govt can’t give you a good, safe place to live, whats the point of working hard for it?

Lahore mai tou wah wah ho rahi hai (sarcastically as well) as Lahore High Court allows its 2k judicial officers to buy govt cars for real cheap, the Punjab Assembly wants a nation wide ban on social media for under 16s and the case of the murdered doctor in Karachi has some updates.

See you all tomorrow from my fav city in the world!

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• Police have arrested three suspects in the killing of Dr Akash Kumar, the young doctor who was shot dead during a robbery near Teen Talwar in Karachi’s Clifton area. Investigators say the suspects confessed to tracking the victim after an insider at the bank tipped them off about his Rs5 million cash withdrawal, and police have also recovered the getaway car and weapons. Raids are ongoing to arrest the remaining members of the gang, as doctors continue to protest across Karachi.

• The Lahore High Court has allowed nearly 2,000 judicial officers in Punjab to buy their official government vehicles at heavily subsidised prices ranging from Rs250,000 to Rs350,000. The scheme covers judges across district courts as well as specialised courts, with eligible vehicles including Suzuki Altos, Toyota Corollas and Honda Citys. Judges must submit payment by July 22 to purchase the cars currently allotted to them.

• The Punjab Assembly has proposed banning children under 16 from having social media accounts unless they have parental consent. The resolution asks the federal government to introduce age verification rules and make social media companies do more to protect children online. It comes amid growing concerns over cyberbullying, online abuse, harmful content and screen addiction.

• A National Assembly committee has raised concerns over the poor internet quality around the country, saying slow speeds and frequent call drops are affecting users even in major cities like Karachi. Officials blamed prolonged power outages at mobile towers and said 5G services are currently running on existing infrastructure, with upgrades expected over the next six to eight months. The PTA also told lawmakers that 92% of smartphones used in Pakistan are now manufactured or assembled locally (with imported ones mostly limited to iPhones and Google Pixel).

If you sit with sadness, it won’t do you any good. Change your seat.

Friends of mine have been recycling and supporting the Abroo Foundation for a few years in Lahore. They collect your recycling from your house every week and the proceeds go to educational services for city kids. They have been using them for about four years now and it is totally hassle free. Consider recycling with them if you are not signed up to any recycling program (linked above)

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What a fun way to spend your time. Hello all, it’s Tuesday July 14 and my favourite story today is coming out of the UK. A pilot found a fun way to pass the time during a routine test flight after an aircraft repair. Flying over north-west England, he carefully traced the words “I’m bored” in the sky, which quickly caught the attention of people using flight-tracking apps. The airline laughed off the stunt, saying the pilot was simply having a little fun during an otherwise uneventful test flight and isn’t in any trouble. I guess har kaam mai kuch na kuch boredom tou hoti hai.

Trump and Iran are at it again with the ceasefire effectively over. Trump has told Congress he is resuming miliutary action, Mohsin Naqvi met the FBI’s Kash Patel in D.C. and a flight into Yemen led to missile attacks in Saudi. Fascinating story with a few details yet, more to come.

Hope you have fun with your boredom today as much as this pilot did!

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• The Pakistan Stock Exchange fell sharply for a second straight day, with the KSE-100 index dropping more than 3,000 points as investors reacted to rising tensions between the US and Iran. The renewed fighting pushed global oil prices to a four-week high, prompting widespread selling in the market.

• PML-N leader Abid Sher Ali has criticised Karachi's crumbling infrastructure, joking that the city's roads are so bumpy he needs physiotherapy after every visit, and challenged to show him a single road without bumps in the city. He also highlighted Karachi's ongoing clean water shortage.

• FBI Director Kash Patel met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Washington yesterday and praised Pak’s support in protecting US regional interests. The two agreed to expand cooperation through specialised training on counterterrorism financing and cyber investigations, describing the Pakistan-FBI partnership as critical to future security collaboration.

• Last night after missiles from Yemen hit areas in Saudi Arabia (video), Pakistan reaffirmed its full support for the kingdom at an emergency UN Security Council meeting, condemning the Houthi missile attacks. Pakistan also urged all sides to avoid further escalation, calling for dialogue, diplomacy and a UN-led political process to restore peace in Yemen. (Super interesting: The UN Security Council briefing came after an attack by the Yemeni govt on an airport in Sanaa, Yemen yesterday. The Yemeni govt said it wanted to prevent an Iranian plane from landing in Sanaa after the govt failed to convince a Houthi delegation, which went to Tehran for assassinated Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral, to board a Yemen flag carrier’s flight instead).

The ceasefire has effectively collapsed. Trump has sent Congress a formal notification that ‘hostilities against Iran’ resumed on July 7, which is being seen as opening a new 60-day window to use military force without congressional approval.

Trump also announced that the US would impose a 20% charge on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz and reinstate a naval blockade of Iranian ports, saying the US would act as the “guardian” of the strait.

Iran immediately rejected any American role in managing Hormuz, warning that it would not allow US “interference” in the waterway’s administration. Trump also claimed the two sides had reached a deal just two days earlier but said Iran sought to renegotiate parts of it, saying he still believed a diplomatic settlement remained possible.

The US military confirmed it had completed another five-hour wave of strikes overnight, targeting Iranian military infrastructure, saying the attacks were intended to weaken Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping.

Iran responded with a broad regional retaliation. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it fired ballistic missiles at a US air base in Jordan, while stressing it held “no enmity” towards the Jordanian people and urging them to demand the removal of American military bases from their country. Iran also claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks targeting US military facilities in Bahrain. Iran maintained that its retaliatory operation against US forces remained ongoing.

Oil prices surged more than 4%, following Trump’s blockade announcement and Iran insisted it remains firmly in control of Hormuz, with Iraninan lawmakers introducing new legislation focused on the strategic management and security of the strait.

Something good will happen today that will make you smile.

My mother got me hooked so I’m actually watching this one, although it really doesn’t feel like the best use of time :p. This one is actually good though!

Dr. Bahu is perfectly peeling back the layers of a seemingly “progressive” family with hidden, toxic control. As Kubra Khan, Shuja Asad and Shahzad Nawaz’s stellar performances add to the twists of the plot, here’s what we think of the latest episodes.

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New week, Monday, it is July 13.

Took a long time to find stories that you would like to read about today. Slow day and not a pleasant one with the stock market crashing, and the war literally back where it started.

I’ve summarised what happened over the war weekend (with Israel’s election date also set) and there is also an update in Khan’s NAB cases. And if you’re a Sinner fan and watched the Wimbledon, that’s our good news for the day!

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• PM Shehbaz has left for a one-day visit to Qatar to offer condolences following the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Accompanied by Nawaz Sharif and senior ministers, he is also expected to discuss the renewed US-Iran conflict, which has disrupted Pakistan and Qatar’s recent peace efforts.

• A new amendment to the accountability law means Imran Khan’s final appeals in all NAB cases will now be heard by the Federal Constitutional Court instead of the Supreme Court. The change could have major implications for his legal and political future, particularly in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case. PTI leaders have criticised the move, calling it legislation specifically aimed at the former prime minister.

• The stock market fell sharply on Monday, with the KSE-100 index dropping more than 2,000 points in early trading this morning. Investors are worried after fighting between the US and Iran escalated again, pushing up oil prices and increasing fears about the global economy.

• Jannik Sinner successfully defended his Wimbledon title, defeating Alexander Zverev in four sets to win his fifth Grand Slam. The Italian has now beaten Zverev 10 matches in a row, further cementing his place among tennis’ top stars.

• The US launched another wave of precision strikes across Iran, targeting dozens of military sites. Iran condemned the attacks, saying the US had made months of diplomatic efforts “futile”. Iranian state media also reported that one person was killed and four others injured. Tehran responded with one of its broadest retaliatory operations yet, launching multiple phases of missile and drone attacks against US military facilities across the Gulf, in Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. Much of the current fighting is about control of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials described the Strait as being “more important” than nuclear weapons and insisted that maintaining control over it was a strategic priority. Ship-tracking data showed that only six vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, the lowest number in five weeks. At the same time, reports emerged that Israel will hold national elections on October 27, with the vote widely expected to become a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the wider regional conflict.

The beginning of a new friendship which is exciting but be careful, some people aren’t what you think they are.

If you’re in Lahore, the best potato chips aren’t your Lays or Nimco. They’re the Jalalsons potato chips! Fresh and really crunchy, definitely get them for your next snack. Similar to King Chips in Karachi (but better), these are a must have. And with Dipitt’s Jalepeno Salsa, available nationwide, you won’t be able to stop eating them.

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Hello all to this rainy Sunday in Lahore. It’s Sunday, July 12.

At times, I do enjoy a good horror movie (not in the cinema though, I’m not that brave), but it feels like good movies are really not what the global entertainment industry is focusing on anymore. Obsession was a great horror/thriller (if you haven’t seen it, you must), but it wasn’t a big production sensation.

It was written by Curry Barker, a 26 year old, who wrote and directed it after his viral YouTube horror projects (Milk & Serial and The Chair) attracted industry attention. When Obsession premiered at a Toronto film festival, it was bought by Focus Features for $15 million in distribution rights. The movie was made in 20 days with a $750k budget. Goes to show you really don’t need big budgets and even experience to create a blockbuster.

Any horror recs, please send my way. Other than that, the war is still on, Pakistan’s blue passports are becoming controversial and does the govt want us to buy hybrid cars or not?

See you tomorrow!

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• The Senate Standing Committee on Interior has unanimously approved a bill allowing former parliamentarians, their spouses, and dependent children under 28 to receive official blue passports. The proposal will now go before the Senate for debate and a final vote. Interior Minister of State Talal Chaudhry backed the move but cautioned that extending the privilege to adult dependents could be open to misuse.

• Geo News has resumed broadcasting after completing its 15-day suspension imposed by Pemra over a Muharram transmission that violated broadcasting rules. The regulator has also issued a final warning, saying any similar violation in the future could result in the channel losing its licence.

• The govt has increased the GST on hybrid vehicles from 8.5% to a whopping 25%, prompting Toyota and Honda to raise prices by more than Rs1.3 million. At the same time, the new Auto Policy is still delayed, leaving many buyers waiting as some companies have paused deliveries. The higher prices could also discourage people from switching to more fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles.

• The govt’s digital assets regulator has called for a more detailed review of cryptocurrency after meeting Mufti Taqi Usmani, who recently ruled that crypto transactions are not permissible under Islamic law. The regulator says blockchain, stablecoins and other digital assets should be assessed individually rather than treated as one category. It has urged continued dialogue between religious scholars, regulators and industry experts as Pakistan develops its crypto policy.

• Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced it has closed the Strait of Hormuz “until further notice” after firing warning shots at a container ship it said had taken an unauthorised route. The Guards said the closure would remain in place until what they described as American intervention in the region ends. The US carried out another major wave of attacks after accusing Iran of attacking ship. US Central Command said it struck approx 140 military targets during its latest operation, while adding that over the course of three nights it has now attacked more than 300 Iranian targets. The IRGC said the American attacks hit several coastal military bases and communication towers along Iran’s southern coastline. Iran responded by launching attacks across multiple countries in Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman, while stating that Gulf states hosting American military bases were facilitating US operations. At present, mediators from Qatar and Jordan say diplomatic channels remain open despite the latest fighting.

A day of gratefulness. Show thanks for what you have by helping someone else, with your time, money or even a smile.

This is an important watch on the growing number of crimes against children in Pakistan and what's really behind the surge (the dark web is involved).

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I don’t know if it’s a good morning, guys, but it is Thursday July 9.

Honestly, compiling this war summary (I was totally bummed about it last night when Trump was threatening to strike), that literally, here we go again. I’ve of course, detailed what happened in the past two days to get us back to the beginning and it’s over control over the Strait of Hormuz. Funny how many, many of us had never heard of this silent Strait until it became the most prized possession of this war.

In other news, with war on our borders, Field Marshal Asim Munir has said terrorism will be eliminated, wreckage from the missing cargo plane has been found and a German serial killer doctor is behind bars (can we also take a moment to appreciate how this image of the german courtroom looks straight out of a Law and Order episode).

See you all on Sunday now (and if you’re in Lahore, please don’t miss my recommendation today! I had it yesterday and ouff, it’s excellent)!

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• Field Marshal Asim Munir has vowed that the army will use the full might of the state to eliminate terrorism originating from across its borders, saying terrorist sanctuaries and their facilitators will be dismantled. Earlier, the ISPR said 54 militants were killed in operations following recent attacks in Balochistan, while 42 people, including 38 security personnel, were martyred. The military also pledged to “hunt down every terrorist and facilitator” involved in the violence.

• A major recruitment drive for more than 2,000 doctors and nurses in KP has hit a legal roadblock. A doctors' association has moved the Peshawar High Court, alleging the hiring process wasn’t transparent and was carried out through unlawfully formed committees. The petition asks the court to stop the appointments and restart the recruitment under clear, merit-based rules.

• The wreckage of the missing Sharjah-to-Karachi cargo plane has been found 53 nautical miles off the Ormara coast after an overnight search. Rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate the five crew members and determine what caused the crash.

• A German doctor in Berlin has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering 15 patients by giving them lethal injections during home visits. The court called him a "serial killer", saying he acted for the thrill of killing. Prosecutors believe he may be linked to more than 70 additional deaths.

The fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran appears to be rapidly unravelling (despite PM Shehbaz telling both sides to please, hang on and stick to the ceasefire), with both sides exchanging fresh military strikes, because of control over the Strait of Hormuz.

The US launched a second consecutive night of attacks, saying it struck around 90 Iranian military targets, including air defence systems, missile and drone storage facilities, surveillance assets, naval capabilities and logistics infrastructure. Washington said the strikes were intended to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait.

The strikes hit multiple locations across southern Iran, including Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, Chabahar, Konarak, Sirik, Jask, Abu Musa Island and Aqqala. In Iranshahr, projectiles damaged airport facilities and a meteorological station, killing a firefighter on duty. Elsewhere, three people were killed near Ahvaz, while several others were injured. Iranian authorities also suspended the Tehran–Mashhad railway after damage to the line, forcing stranded passengers onto road transport ahead of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s burial.

Iran responded by launching missile and drone attacks on US military installations in Kuwait and Bahrain. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it targeted Camp Arifjan and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, along with the Juffair naval base and Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain. Air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain, while Kuwait’s air defence systems intercepted, what authorities described as, hostile missiles and drones. The IRGC warned that any further American attacks would prompt strikes on additional US bases across the region.

The renewed confrontation remains centred on the Strait of Hormuz, with Tehran insisting the waterway can only reopen under “Iranian arrangements”. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned Washington that “if you strike, you will be struck,” while threatening consequences for any attempt to bypass Iran’s authority over the strait. Iran has also warned it could completely close Hormuz if attacks continue. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, vowed US retaliation would intensify, saying every Iranian attack would be met with force “20 to one”.

The deteriorating security situation is already disrupting global shipping. Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed dramatically, with Bloomberg reporting vessel movements have fallen to their lowest level since the US-Iran memorandum of understanding was signed in June. Oil prices climbed again amid fears of prolonged disruption to one of the world’s busiest energy corridors.

Diplomatic efforts continue alongside the fighting. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held talks focused on preventing further escalation and agreed to maintain close coordination. At the same time, Iran sharply criticised European countries after NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte defended the latest US strikes, accusing Europe of being an active participant in what Tehran called an unlawful war rather than a neutral observer.

Meanwhile, the funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei entered their final stage. After several days of processions across Iran and Iraq, his procession has reached Mashhad in Iran from Najaf in Iraq, where he is expected to be buried near the shrine of Imam Reza RA, in accordance with his wishes.

There is a cupboard in your home that needs to be reorganised this weekend. You’ll find things that you were looking for in there.

The Paolas Cosa Nostra Mango and Cream cake is to die for this season. A light sponge with decadent mangos and a not so sweet cream icing makes this cake the perfect summer treat. And if you have a discount card, it becomes EVEN sweeter since the restaurant has a lot of card discounts to choose from.

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Morning everyone, it’s Wednesday July 8.

Even though I’m not watching the FIFA World Cup, all anyone can talk about is how Egypt deserved to win the match against Argentina and I wonder, do you agree? It’s getting quite heated, with accusations of racism against the Egyptian team and well, hope in Morocco now to hopefully, take the cup home.

A cargo plane headed to KHI is missing since last night, a Wasim Akram scare, and a ceasefire that doesn’t look like it will last. Also, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi might meet Mayor Mamdani in NY. And the number 2 highlight is my GOOD NEWS find of the day!

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• A cargo plane carrying five crew members is missing about 155 nautical miles west of Karachi after losing contact while flying from Sharjah, last night around 930PM. Flight tracking data shows the 27-year-old Boeing 737 made a sudden U-turn before rapidly descending nearly 34,000 feet and disappearing from radar, prompting a major search operation involving the Pakistan Navy, Air Force and commercial vessels.

• UNICEF will help transform the long-delayed Peshawar Children’s Hospital into a child-friendly facility designed to resemble a park rather than a traditional hospital. The KP govt has pledged Rs2.1 billion to equip the 300-bed hospital, with UN agencies also committing ambulances, specialised wards and operational support for five years once it opens.

• Former cricketer Wasim Akram has dismissed viral AI-generated rumours claiming he had died of a heart attack, jokingly telling fans, “I am fine, shukria.” Akram criticised the spread of fake news, while his wife Shaniera Akram shared a video of him working out in the gym to reassure fans that he is healthy.

• Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is in the US for the UN Chiefs of Police Summit and is expected to hold key talks with senior US officials in Washington next week (as well as meeting Mayor Mamdani in New York). The visit comes as the govt intensifies diplomatic efforts to facilitate US-Iran negotiations once again, with Islamabad emerging as the leading venue for technical talks expected on July 11, ahead of high-level negotiations in Doha later this month.

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• The US-Iran conflict has escalated sharply once again (and we’re hoping doesn’t affect future talks) with the latest round of fighting triggered after three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz came under attack. Washington described the incidents as an “unwarranted aggression”, and a violation of the ceasefire. Iran has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the attacks. The latest confrontation is over a dispute over who controls maritime traffic through the Strait. Iran continues to maintain that its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the US gives it sole responsibility for managing shipping, warning that vessels using unauthorised routes could face a forceful response. In response to the attack on the three ships, the US hit 80 targets in Iran, including Iranian air defence systems, and more than 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fast boats. Iran’s state broadcaster claimed that most of the attacks struck civilian areas. The IRGC responded by carrying out a joint missile and drone operation targeting 85 US military installations, including in Bahrain and Kuwait. Tehran also accused the US of deliberately timing its strikes to overshadow the funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. President Donald Trump had previously promised to pause military operations during the seven-day funeral period, but resumed strikes.

A conversation with a colleague or a friend will bring new information on a problem you’re trying to solve.

Watching Dr. Bahu? It’s a super hit drama with a great storyline (although it gets preachy at times) but a good one to watch if you haven’t yet. The story revolves around a (you guessed it), bahu who is a medical resident and gets married and how she has to navigate her in-laws to continue to do the job she wants to do. It’s not as typical as it sounds and if you’re looking for a well thought out drama, this is the one to watch.

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Hi all, it’s Tuesday, July 7.

I’ve been taking Mahjong classes this week and have discovered a whole new world! Not only is the game really fun and addictive, so many people are playing it and have been for years. I definitely recommend it (I’m learning the Taiwanese version which is apparently better than the rest).

Reuters has published an exclusive story about Pakistan mediating between warring factions in Libya to bring peace to the country as all sides trust Pakistan to do it, airports to be privatised as well, an update about Iran and I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist adding a Royal Family update as Prince Harry arrives in London.

I know I’ve been missing stories on the FIFA World Cup but I haven’t been watching! Sleep has been a lot more precious (don’t kill me, FIFA fans).

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• Pakistan is quietly trying to help end Libya’s long-running political divide by bringing its rival governments to the negotiating table, according to an exclusive Reuters report. The mediation is reportedly supported by the US, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, with both Libyan sides asking Pakistan to help. A draft plan for a three-year power-sharing government is being discussed, but talks are still ongoing and no deal has been finalised.

• The federal govt has added Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad’s international airports to its revised five-year privatisation plan, with all three expected to be privatised within the first year. The move is part of a broader strategy to privatise or restructure 25 state-owned entities, to reduce financial losses, improve efficiency and attract private investment.

• Khamenei’s funeral procession has begun its journey across Tehran before moving to Qom, drawing thousands of mourners. Meanwhile, tensions remain high despite the US-Iran ceasefire, with Washington accusing Iran of striking oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, a claim Tehran has not confirmed. Donald Trump warned that the US would either reach a deal with Iran or “finish the job”, and Iran responded that either they be spoken to with respect or they could also ‘speak another language’. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon continued, killing four people and adding to the rising death toll.

• Prince Harry has begun a week-long visit to the UK with charity events for the Invictus Games, while also awaiting a court ruling in his legal case against the publisher of the Daily Mail. His visit has been overshadowed by Buckingham Palace confirming he will not stay at the palace after he missed the deadline to accept an invitation (but he was invited so, not a bad sign?). Meghan, Archie and Lilibet did not travel with him because of ongoing security concerns. Hopes of a family reconciliation remain uncertain, with no meetings expected with King Charles or Prince William.

You’ll meet someone you didn’t want to meet today but they will change your week for the better.

Heard about the high-profile kidnapping and sexual assault case of two foreign women in Lahore but don’t know the details? Check out the detailed video before for
all the details on what happened and who has been named.

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Hello all, this Monday, July 6.

I had a great birthday weekend with food and family and now am back to real life, as we say!

Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s funeral procession has brought thousands of mourners together as it begins from Iran. The visuals are unbelievable at the sheer strength of the crowd in Tehran.

Meanwhile. you must’ve read about a high-profile rape case of two foreigners in Lahore. We’re keeping up with the story and I’ve detailed what we know below but have not mentioned the person who one of the alleged suspects is being linked to. We’re all still waiting for a confirmation on who the suspect really is.

See you all tomorrow with more details on this case.

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• A second FIR has been registered in Lahore over the crash that led to the rescue of two foreign women, Dutch and Venezuelan, who stated they were kidnapped and sexually assaulted. All eight suspects, including two high-profile individuals, have now been arrested. The DNA of three suspects has matched forensic evidence, according to the investigation. Police say the women escaped after the suspects’ vehicle crashed near Bhatta Chowk, DHA, sought refuge in a nearby shop and were rescued shortly after. The victims have since left Pakistan, while Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz has directed authorities to ensure the investigation is conducted on merit.

• After PAF Group Captain Asim Tariq was shot and killed while trying to save a woman from an alleged abduction in Islamabad, police launched a citywide manhunt and arrested the suspect within nine hours. Investigators said the officer intervened after seeing the woman being forced onto a motorcycle, before the suspect opened fire. PM Shehbaz and President Zardari paid tribute to the officer’s sacrifice and ordered a transparent investigation into the case.

• Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s funeral procession is underway in Tehran, with hundreds of thousands of mourners taking part in a 10-12 hour procession through the capital before his body begins a multi-city journey across Iran and Iraq. Many mourners carried anti-US and anti-Israel banners, while senior Iranian officials, including the army chief, vowed to continue seeking “justice” for Khamenei’s assassination. On the political front, Iran is saying that the recently signed US-Iran MoU is “achievement for the Axis of Resistance,” saying Iran’s regional allies had been recognised in the agreement, while also warning that any perceived Iranian weakness could lead to renewed conflict. Pakistan expressed hope that lasting peace between Iran and the US could be achieved within the next two months, while Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Israel not to undermine the ongoing US-Iran agreement.

You’re juggling way too much and giving priority to things that don’t need it. Rethink your time and strategy.

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Weddings and proposals on this Thursday, July 2.

Hello all, and it’s going to be a Taylor Swift wedding weekend if you haven’t heard yet. Also a couple got engaged on top of the Empire State building which is in recs below.

Lots of GREAT court news with the Supreme Court giving women their inheritance rights in a landmark 71-year-old case, and a bank manager who defrauded a blind woman got jail time and had to hand over his cars to her.

Iran and the US are on the right track too so overall, its a good, good day.

(except for the Punjab restaurant tax…WHY!!)

Details below and see you guys on Sunday!

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• In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has held that women’s inheritance rights are protected under Sharia and law, and cannot be stripped away through family pressure, fake gifts, or manipulated records. The court settled a 71-year-old dispute, restoring the rightful shares of a widow and her two daughters who were deprived of their inheritance by male heirs.

• A visually impaired woman has recovered nearly Rs19.2 million after being defrauded by her bank manager, following intervention by the Islamabad High Court. The court has now ordered that two vehicles belonging to the convicted manager be handed over to settle the remaining Rs3.3 million. The manager, already serving a five-year sentence in Adiala Jail, was found guilty of embezzling over Rs20 million from her account.

• Restaurant-goers in Punjab will now pay 8% sales tax on digital payments (up from 5%) under the new Punjab Finance Act, while cash payments remain taxed at 16%. The move narrows the tax advantage of paying by card, though digital payments are still cheaper overall and meant to encourage documented transactions. This doesn’t reduce the bank’s discount itself (like 20% off on cards), but the higher tax means your final bill will be higher, so the net savings from those restaurant card deals will feel smaller.

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• US-Iran talks in Doha ended with what both parties called “positive progress,” with Pakistan and Qatar helping keep the channel open. The US said the negotiations are moving “extremely well,” with Vice President JD Vance saying there is momentum for a deal and a chance to “turn a new page,” even adding that war might not happen again. Iran, however, maintains that its missile and drone programme remains a red line and is not up for discussion under any circumstances. Tehran also pushed back against what it says are US violations of the earlier MoU, insisting the agreement must be treated as a complete package. Iran has also accused Israel of “state terrorism” at the UN over assassination threats against Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, warning of retaliation if provoked. The US-Iran sides have agreed to continue talks after the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

• India’s opposition Congress has demanded the resignation of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accusing him of misleading parliament over military deaths during the May 2025 conflict with Pakistan. The controversy erupted after India officially acknowledged six military casualties, on June 26th, months after the conflict ended. Congress also wants Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apologise, saying the fallen soldiers did not get the recognition they deserved.

• Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are reportedly set to celebrate their wedding this week at Madison Square Garden, with a rehearsal today and the wedding tomorrow, with a major cocktail celebration. Around 1,000 guests are expected, with festivities running into the early hours of Saturday. The high-security venue, unusual for a wedding but iconic in Swift’s career as New York braces for a Swift fan takeover.

Love is in the hot air today. Take a chance and it might change your life.

Proposal and political statement on top of the Empire State building? Yes, please!

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Hello all, it’s Wednesday, July 1 and the heat in Lahore is unbearable. I hope everyone is hydrated at this point because the heatwave is supposed to get worse.

Nothing much on the Iran-US war front to report today, but the Afghan border is heating up. Terrible news coming out of Shandur due to our own negligence and 14 children in a Lahore tuition center have died.

Also, check out our recommendation today! I’m very excited about it!

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• ISPR says four drones launched from Afghanistan into Balochistan were shot down, stating that the Afghan Taliban are backing terrorist groups operating against Pakistan. Separately, a drone strike on the outskirts of Peshawar killed one woman and injured six members of the same family, marking another escalation in cross-border tensions.

• At least 14 children were killed and several injured after the roof of a tuition centre collapsed in Lahore’s Kahna area while classes were underway. Police say construction work was ongoing on the upper floor at the time, with over 30 children inside. Authorities have detained five people, including the building owner, as PM Shehbaz and Punjab CM Maryam ordered inquiries.

• Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has arrived in Riyadh on an official visit as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia look to strengthen security ties. The visit will focus on counter-terrorism cooperation, anti-narcotics efforts and closer coordination between the two interior ministries. Naqvi was received by his counterpart, Saudi Interior Minister Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, signaling the importance of the talks.

• Residents in Upper Chitral say tourism and trash thrown around from the annual Shandur festival are driving a sharp decline in the region’s yak population. Locals claim yaks are consuming plastic and leftover garbage left behind by visitors, causing disease and death, with over 15 animals reportedly dying after the latest festival. Community leaders say nearly half the yak population has been lost over the past four decades, threatening both livelihoods and local culture.

• Iran says it will not enter any further negotiations with the US until the terms of the MoU are implemented, while indirect talks with Qatar continue over frozen assets and the Strait. Tehran has called Hormuz its “greatest instrument of power,” and has also said that they prefer negotiations over war. The US has said that they “obviously” want the talks to succeed, according to Vice President JD Vance, but added that the US was “still in a much stronger position” than Iran even if they fail. He insisted that Tehran’s nuclear programme and military had been “destroyed” and warned that Trump had made clear that any Iranian attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz would prompt a US military response.

Buy that shirt you’ve been eyeing. It looks great on you and you deserve a summer treat.

I am obsessed with pens and recently ONLY RECENTLY, discovered the joy of the Pilot G2 Gel pens that are incredible (with a whopping 4.8 with around 88k reviews on Amazon UAE). It’s smooth, it’s dark, its perfect and if you haven’t tried it, you must. I haven’t been able to find them locally (I’ve checked) so if you have, definitely send us a link!

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Aaah, I’m so sorry this newsletter is so late today. Internet issues plaguing me this Tuesday, June 30. I do have a fun story for you today! A Russian influencer’s parody (linked) of Khawaja Asif’s ‘Vigo’ speech has gone viral and it’s a super fun watch for a midday break!

Nothing major today and is all in highlights! See you all tomorrow (on time)!

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• PM Shehbaz is expected to visit Iran in early July to attend the funeral of late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, whose burial is scheduled for July 9 in Mashhad. The funeral will follow three days of ceremonies in Tehran and another in Qom, as Iran continues its transition under his son, Mojtaba Ali Khamenei. Dawn sources say PM Shehbaz may also visit Turkiye afterwards as well.

• Police have declared the deadly Gul Plaza fire that killed 72 people an accident, tracing it to a shop where an 11-year-old allegedly lit matchsticks near artificial flowers. Six people, including the shopkeeper, his son and market union officials, have been nominated for negligence and are currently on the run. The report also found that locked gates and a power shutdown during the blaze worsened the tragedy, trapping victims inside and making escape nearly impossible.

• Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has criticised international media for referring to attackers as “militants” instead of terrorists, calling it an “unfortunate trend” after the recent Karachi Rangers facility attack. His remarks come as the govt says one of the attackers, identified as an Afghan national linked to Jamaatul Ahrar, was captured and trained across the border before entering the country. Islamabad has also summoned the Afghan chargé d’affaires, renewing pressure on Kabul to act against terrorist sanctuaries allegedly being used for attacks inside Pakistan.

• US and Iranian officials are expected to meet in Doha today after Trump said Tehran had requested renewed talks following days of strikes. Iran, however, says no formal talks with Washington are currently scheduled. Iran’s Foreign Ministry says the delegation’s visit to Qatar is focused on securing the release of frozen assets. President Masoud Pezeshkian says Tehran will honour the MoU if Washington does the same. Meanwhile, Lebanon says over 400,000 displaced people have returned home, with shelter numbers dropping sharply.

Take a moment and plan your course ahead. Whatever happens next is not your responsibility.

WhatsApp usernames? Sounds like a great idea actually but not in Pakistan just yet. Check out how your WhatsApp is going to change in the future.

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Peace is back this Monday, June 29.

As expected (thankfully), Iran and the US have agreed to stop attacking each other and talk again. I know you’re sick of hearing it, as am I (although I will say it’s a relief when they decide to talk again), but I’ve listed the major developments below, the main one being that talks will continue in Doha on Tuesday.

Bad news in KHI for HIV patients and zero accountability for the hospital, a major operation overnight in Afghanistan and did you know that doctors are still protesting for justice over the Dr. Mahnoor case?

See you all tomorrow and you know what, I’m going to dig out some great local news today for this newsletter because enough - we need news to look forward to. As a Cancerian, July is a month I love, so I vow to try my best to give you happy, local, daily news (might regret it when I find nothing…).

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• Security forces killed 29 militants in a major intelligence-based operation and follow-up precision strikes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, targeting hideouts linked to India-backed Jamaat ul Ahrar and Fitna al-Khawarij. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said key militant commander Khan Farosh was among those killed in Bajaur, while three more militant camps in Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar were destroyed overnight. The operation comes after a renewed surge in terror attacks, with Islamabad vowing its “Azm-e-Istehkam” campaign will continue at full force against foreign-sponsored terrorism.

• Families of around 200 children infected with HIV at Karachi’s Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital protested at the Karachi Press Club, demanding an FIR against hospital staff over alleged medical negligence that has already claimed nine young lives. Parents say they have spent months seeking justice, proper treatment, and financial compensation, while also facing poverty, social stigma, and even threats to stay silent. Their lawyer claims contaminated syringes caused the outbreak and accused authorities of delaying the inquiry, calling it a deliberate cover-up to shield those responsible.

Balochistan’s doctors’ strike has entered its 21st day, shutting OPDs in govt hospitals and leaving thousands of poor patients without treatment. The protest follows an acid attack on a doctor, Dr. Mahnoor, with the Pakistan Medical Association demanding a judicial inquiry and the suspension of senior health officials over what it calls a stalled investigation. Dr. Mahnoor was attacked by a lift operator in civil hospital in Quetta. The suspect was killed by the police after the attack. Dr. Mahnoor was taken to KHI for treatment and the govt had announced they were sending her abroad for further treatment. Doctors are protesting for the safety of their peers and if their demands aren’t met, are planning to march to Islamabad.

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*All information below taken from The Current, GEO News, Dawn and Al-Jazeera

The peace deal is back on track after days of tit-for-tat strikes threatened to collapse it entirely. According to US officials, both sides have now agreed to halt attacks in the Gulf and return to negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz, with talks expected to resume in Doha on Tuesday.

Iran had agreed to reopen the Strait for commercial traffic while the US committed to easing pressure on Iranian ports in the Islamabad MoU signed earlier this month. A US official said both sides would “stand down for now” and vessels would be allowed to move freely, raising hopes that the interim agreement can still hold.

One of Iran’s major grievances remains access to previously frozen funds, with Iranian officials saying the lack of access is proof that the US has not upheld its side of the bargain. At the same time, Iran has doubled down on its stance over the Strait of Hormuz, insisting only Tehran has control over it, warning that any challenge to its control or attempts to bypass it would only “increase tensions.”

The military fallout of the past 48 hours continues to ripple across the Gulf. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have destroyed eight US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait using ballistic missiles and drones in retaliation for recent US strikes on Iranian facilities.

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Meanwhile, regional air travel is beginning to recover. Iranian state media announced that flights between Tehran and Dubai will resume on Monday, signaling at least some restoration of normalcy after days of heightened disruption.

In Lebanon however, just days after Israel and Lebanon signed a US-backed agreement intended to end hostilities, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri dismissed the deal as “contradictory and impossible to implement,” calling it an imposed agreement. Hezbollah echoed that rejection, warning it reserves the right to defend Lebanon after accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire through repeated attacks in southern Lebanon. Israeli strikes on Sunday wounded at least two people.

Iran has made Lebanon a key part of its negotiating position. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran is “seriously pursuing” the removal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, stressing that the first paragraph of the US-Iran MoU explicitly addresses ending hostilities in Lebanon and preserving its territorial integrity.

Pakistan remains actively engaged in the diplomatic effort. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a call with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The next round of talks in Qatar now carries enormous weight, not only for US-Iran relations, but for the wider Gulf, Lebanon, and global energy markets.

Giving up doesn’t mean giving in. Stand strong, you made the right choice.

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Lazy afternoon on a Sunday, I hope, for everyone. It’s Sunday, June 28.

After a long weekend, the news is obviously not slow and well, just not great. Lots of ceasefire violations have now led to Trump warning Iran that they will cease to exist, and Iran, as always, telling the US to bring it. Back to the beginning, but hoping sense prevails.

Geo News is off-air this morning (for the next 15 days) because of a Muharram documentary, a terrorist attack in Karachi leaves three security personnel martyred and angry mobs in Sargodha.

Hope you manage to find some peace this Sunday and hopefully, next week too!

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• A terrorist attack on a Pakistan Rangers camp in Karachi’s Gulistan-i-Jauhar was foiled overnight, leaving three security personnel martyred and four others injured. The military says the attackers belonged to Jamaatul Ahrar, an Indian proxy group, and confirmed three militants were killed while one Afghan national was captured alive. The assault began with a blast at the main gate followed by heavy gunfire, prompting a city-wide security operation and strong condemnation from PM Shehbaz and President Zardari.

• Geo News has been taken off air by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and its broadcasting license has been suspended for 15 days. The media watchdog took the channel off satellite and distribution networks due to an editorial lapse regarding the visualisation of religious imagery during a Muharram programme. Geo News has apologised for the lack of editorial control in a news bulletin.

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• Public anger over the murder of eight-year-old Muntaha Zahra erupted in Sargodha as a mob vandalised and attempted to burn down the shop where she was murdered. The case has taken another turn after the mother of the main suspect, who was killed in a CCD encounter, alleged that the real culprits may be the shop owners, claiming they manipulated her son’s confession to settle a personal grudge with the girl’s father. Police say three suspects are being interrogated and all angles, including the family’s concerns, are now under investigation.

• The country’s first monsoon spell is expected to start from July 1, bringing rain to Punjab, Kashmir and the northern areas, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department. Sindh, however, is unlikely to receive rain before July 5, with Karachi and much of the province forecast to see below-normal rainfall this season. The Met Office has warned that above-normal temperatures and possible heatwave conditions could persist across southern Pakistan, particularly areas in Sindh, eastern Balochistan and southern Punjab, despite isolated heavy downpours.

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*The following summary is from updates on The Current, Geo News, Al-Jazeera and Dawn.

In the never-ending war, today is one of the most serious escalations since the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Overnight, the US launched a second consecutive day of airstrikes on Iranian territory, hitting ten military and surveillance targets near the Strait of Hormuz, including radar sites, drone storage facilities, and coastal monitoring systems. Washington says the strikes were in response to Iranian drone attacks on commercial oil tankers passing through the strait, claiming Tehran had violated the terms of the ceasefire.

President Trump escalated tensions further by warning that if Iran continued its actions, the US would “complete the job,” and 'Iran will seize to exist,’ raising fears that the truce could collapse entirely.

Iran reacted sharply, calling the US attacks a “brutal violation” of the interim agreement and accusing Washington of breaking its commitments. Tehran says the MoU clearly gives Iran temporary authority over commercial shipping arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days, and insists the US is trying to impose a different route structure outside the agreement.

Iran repeated that any ship violating the agreed passage terms would now be dealt with “more forcefully,” and warned that any further aggression would trigger a “crushing response” and could bring the peace process to a complete halt.

That warning quickly turned into action. Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones at two key US military installations in the Gulf: the Ali Al Salem airbase in Kuwait and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.

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Bahrain says at least one residential building was damaged, though no deaths were reported. The US says there have so far been no casualties or significant damage at its bases, but the situation remains fluid.

At the same time, the wider regional picture is growing more complicated. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is heading to Baghdad for urgent talks with Iraqi officials, while the Gulf countries have condemned the attacks.

In Lebanon, a separate US-brokered agreement between Israel and Lebanon is causing fresh friction. Israeli PM Netanyahu has called the deal “historic” and says it weakens Iran and Hezbollah, while Hezbollah has rejected it outright and says the US-Iran MoU itself is proof of an American-Israeli defeat. Israel has meanwhile continued strikes in southern Lebanon.

Inside Israel, the political fallout is growing. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of dragging Israel to its “lowest point in history,” while far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has attacked the Lebanon deal, calling it a lifeline for Hezbollah.

The economic fallout is also worsening inside Iran. Official figures show inflation has surged to 88.6% year-on-year, with food prices more than doubling. Bread and grains are up nearly 139%, dairy products over 151%, and meat and poultry nearly 178%, highlighting the domestic pressure on Tehran as the war and sanctions continue to bite.

The Islamabad MoU is still technically alive, but every strike, every missile, and every warning is pushing it closer to collapse. Pakistan’s diplomatic role remains important, but the next 24 to 48 hours may determine whether this stays a fragile negotiation or slides back into full-scale war, yet again.

Shut the door on the one thing bothering you this weekend. It’s not worth it. Let it go.

Looking for a sweet rom-com to watch today? Check out Netflix’s ‘Voicemails for Isabelle’, a sweet, funny and quirky flick that will make you smile. The story revolves around Jill, who loses her sister Isabelle to cancer and continues to leave her voicemails on her phone. Little does she know that someone else now has Izzy’s number and is listening in (sounds creepy now that I write it, but in the movie it isn’t). Enjoy a lazy, sweet afternoon in!

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