– An audit report has revealed irregularities in the sale and registration of mobile SIM cards in Balochistan, with several SIMs allegedly activated using the identities of citizens from Punjab.

According to the report, seven franchises operating in Balochistan activated around 2,000 SIM cards registered under the names of Punjab residents through illegal means. The findings have raised concerns over the effectiveness of measures taken against those involved in such activities.

The audit noted that despite evidence of fraud, the concerned franchises were only issued show-cause notices. No criminal cases were registered against them, and no financial penalties were imposed.

The report further stated that two telecommunications companies were fined more than Rs1.88 billion and also received show-cause notices; however, the implementation of these decisions remained incomplete.

Audit officials described the lack of strong action against organised fake SIM-related fraud as a serious concern, warning that such practices could raise issues related to national security and the regulatory framework.

The authorities have been advised to ensure immediate recovery of outstanding dues and take effective legal action against those responsible to prevent similar incidents in the future.

 Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) and across the world are observing Kashmir Martyrs’ Day today (Monday) to pay tribute to the twenty-two martyrs of July 13, 1931, and all other Kashmiri martyrs.

The observance marks the death anniversary of the 22 unarmed Kashmiris who were shot dead outside Srinagar’s Central Jail on July 13, 1931, during protests over the trial of Abdul Qadeer, who had urged people to defy Dogra rule. The incident is widely regarded by many Kashmiris as a defining moment in the region’s political history.

Authorities and organizers in Azad Kashmir said special prayers, seminars and rallies would be held at district and tehsil headquarters, including Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Bagh, Rawalakot, Bhimber, Haveli, Neelum Valley and Hattian Bala to pay tribute to the martyrs.

The government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has declared a public holiday to facilitate public participation in the commemorative events.

Organizers said participants would renew calls for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in line with the aspirations of the people of the region and international commitments.

They also said prayer gatherings and visits to martyrs’ graveyards were planned in several areas.

According to Kashmir Media Service, despite threats from the Indian BJP regime and its forces, a complete shutdown will be observed in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir today.

The call for the strike has been given by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference and is supported by all pro-freedom leaders and organizations.

The APHC has also appealed to the people to march toward the Martyrs’ Graveyard at Naqshband Sahib in Srinagar to offer Fateha for the departed souls.

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan met with Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari on Sunday to talk about measures to improve bilateral economic and energy cooperation.

According to a press statement, the meeting’s main goals were to strengthen the economic ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and to increase cooperation in the energy industry.

The two parties agreed to deepen bilateral economic connections and reiterated their commitment to expanding cooperation in the energy sector.

In order to promote cooperation in important areas, they also decided to keep up close coordination and consultation on issues of shared concern.