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Today’s news: Globally, Thailand-Cambodia clashes enter Day 2, the US recalls Gaza ceasefire negotiators, and updates from Taiwan. Locally, Pakistan will import sugar amid a price hike, floods batter Gilgit-Baltistan, and the FBR uncovers a Rs2.25 trillion tax fraud.

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Around The World

Updates from Gaza. Israeli attacks on Gaza killed at least 62 people on Thursday, including at least 19 aid seekers. Israel and the US are also recalling negotiators from ceasefire talks after Hamas responded to the latest proposal. US envoy Steve Witkoff said Hamas’ response shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire. An Israeli source stated that the recalls are not an indication of a crisis in the talks, and the US reiterated its commitment to seeking a truce.

Meanwhile, France has announced that it will recognise Palestine as a state in September, a move slammed by the US and Israel. This makes France the largest and most influential country in Europe to recognise the Palestinian state. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would hold an emergency call today with France and Germany as the crisis in Gaza has reached new depths.

Clashes- Day 2. Fighting between Thai and Cambodian troops has entered its second day, with Bangkok warning that the conflict could move towards war. More than a dozen people have been reported killed, and more than 100,000 civilians have been evacuated. Thailand's acting PM stated that the confrontation now involves heavy weapons. Cambodia has meanwhile accused Thailand of using banned cluster munitions at a border area within Cambodian territory.

On second thought. Threats from China and anger over legislative deadlock have dominated Taiwan’s political discourse in a campaign to recall two dozen opposition Nationalist Party lawmakers. The polling will be held on Saturday, and Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang party risks losing nearly two-thirds of its legislators. The outcome will set the tone for Taiwan’s domestic politics for the next three years and shape the government’s ability to act on key issues, such as defense spending.

Pakistan

Sweet exports. Pakistan’s Trading Corporation has issued a new international tender to import 100,000 metric tons of white refined sugar, with offers due by July 31, following a previous failed tender due to tight shipping deadlines. Approved by the government to stabilize rising domestic prices, the sugar will be shipped in two 50,000-ton batches between late August and mid-September, with all shipments expected to arrive by September 30. 

Battering storms. At least nine people have died in Gilgit-Baltistan due to floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains and cloudbursts, with 12–14 more feared swept away and over a dozen injured. The disaster has destroyed over 500 houses, 12 km of roads, 27 bridges, and several vehicles and shops, while rescue efforts by the Pakistan Army and GB Scouts continue to assist stranded tourists and restore basic services. 

Additionally, Rawalpindi has seen a rise in dengue cases from heavy rains, prompting the district administration to intensify control efforts. Seventeen cases have been confirmed, and officials warn that cases could increase if preventive measures aren't enforced.

Fishy business. The government has uncovered over Rs2.25 trillion in tax evasion through fake and flying invoices over the past two fiscal years, according to FBR officials who testified before the Senate Finance Committee. FBR Member Hamid Atique Sarwar attributed the massive loss to weak enforcement and noted that while the department has acted against corrupt officials, safeguards have been added in the Finance Bill 25–26 to prevent taxpayer harassment.

What Else Is Happening?

🤼Hulk Hogan, the American sports and entertainment star who made professional wrestling a global phenomenon, has died at the age of 71.

🔐OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has warned of an impending “AI fraud crisis”, saying the tech has already defeated authentication methods widely used by banks and major institutions. This will enable bad actors to impersonate and defraud the public.