Author: Ahmed Mukhtar Naqshbandi

Chaudhry says PM Imran decided not to attend to allow Opposition Leader Shahbaz Sharif to attend briefing.
Shahbaz Sharif had threatened to not attend had the prime minister shown up, Fawad claims.
Pakistan committed to peaceful transfer of power in Afghanistan, Fawad reiterates.

COAS Bajwa attends high-level briefing on Afghan situation.
Pakistan Army says bases will not be given to US for Afghan operations; calls it government’s prerogative.
PM Imran Khan had earlier said that the country would become a ‘target’ if bases were given to the US.

June inflation drops to 9.7% YoY, compared to 10.9% in May
Food and fuel price spikes were contained, contributing to easing pressure on prices
Prices of non-perishables seen to be increasing

“All coalition forces are off Bagram,” a US official tells AFP.
Bagram Air Base served as the linchpin for US operations in Afghanistan.
US official fails to confirm a date for official handover to Afghan security forces.

The 12-month contracts will run from 1 July to 30 June, 2022.

The annual trade deficit reached $30.796bn in July-June FY21 from $23.180bn over the corresponding period of last year.

Military leadership tells lawmakers ready to pay the price of saying ‘no’ to Washington.

International Crisis Group report gives Pakistan tips on how to handle Afghan peace process, its possible implications.
An unravelling Afghanistan could embolden Pakistani militant groups, particularly the Pakistani Taliban, and threaten yet another massive influx of Afghan refugees, says ICG
Says Islamabad trying to persuade Afghan Taliban allies to opt for a “peacefully negotiated political settlement”.