Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved four major development projects worth more than 240 billion rupees during a meeting held in Islamabad on Tuesday, with Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar presiding. The approvals signal a renewed focus on infrastructure, healthcare, energy, and skills development across the country. Among the sanctioned projects is the expansion of the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology–National Institute of Heart Diseases (AFIC-NIHD) in Rawalpindi, aimed at improving healthcare facilities and access to advanced cardiac care for patients in the region. The project reflects the government’s ongoing commitment…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Uzbekistan agreed to deepen their strategic economic partnership during the 10th Session of the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation, held in Islamabad on Monday. The session was co-chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov. The meeting provided an opportunity for a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and the establishment of a forward-looking roadmap aimed at strengthening cooperation across major economic and social sectors. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the steady progress achieved…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Minister for Climate Change, Musadik Masood Malik, underlined the urgent need to protect forests and wetlands as central components of the country’s strategy to confront climate change. Speaking at an event in Islamabad marking World Wetlands Day, he warned that the degradation of these natural resources not only threatens biodiversity but also increases the vulnerability of communities to natural disasters. Highlighting the severe human and economic toll of floods, storms, and other climate-related events, he stressed that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a pressing challenge with immediate consequences for lives and…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif called for strengthened cooperation between the federal government and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) authorities to promote development, prosperity, and law and order in the province. The Prime Minister made the remarks during a meeting with KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi in Islamabad on Monday, highlighting the importance of coordination in addressing security challenges and advancing public welfare. He urged the provincial government to accelerate efforts for peace and stability, stressing that institutions responsible for counter-terrorism should be strengthened to effectively tackle threats. “Our joint efforts will continue until terrorism is completely eliminated…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has launched a province-wide anti-polio campaign by administering polio drops to children under the age of five at a government school in Chanesar Goth, Karachi. Speaking on the occasion, Murad Ali Shah acknowledged instances of negligence and improper execution of standard operating procedures during previous anti-polio drives. After inaugurating the campaign, the chief minister signed a formal commitment reaffirming his resolve to make Sindh polio-free and to contribute to a polio-free Pakistan. The pledge underscored the provincial government’s continued focus on eradicating the virus. The campaign will continue until…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Pakistan Independent Living Centre (PILC) warmly hosted renowned physician and Chairman of the Ibni Sina Institute, Dr. Kemal Aydın.  The Independent Living Centre works to ensure that persons with disabilities have the support, respect, and opportunities they need to participate fully in society. On the occasion, the Pakistan Independent Living Centre, the Ibni Sina Institute, and the World Media Forum agreed to collaborate to provide quality healthcare directly at patients’ doorsteps. Speaking at the event, Dr. Kemal Aydın said the World Health and Ageing Convention (WHAC) – Antalya 2026 will provide a global platform for…

By our correspondent QUETTA: The Balochistan government has imposed Section 144 across the province for one month, introducing strict restrictions to maintain law and order. The notification issued by the provincial Home Department bans the display and use of weapons, double riding on motorcycles, tinted or blacked-out vehicle windows, and unregistered vehicles. Gatherings of five or more people, public processions, and covering the face with masks, scarves, or mufflers are also prohibited. Authorities have warned that the restrictions take effect immediately and violators will face legal action. District administrations have urged citizens to fully cooperate with government measures to ensure…

By our correspondent QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti on Sunday confirmed that at least 145 terrorists have been killed in almost 40 hours across the province after terrorists belonging to the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) launched “coordinated attacks across 12 towns”. “17 security personnel and 31 civilians embraced martyrdom during the attacks carried out across the province,” the provincial chief executive said while addressing a press conference in Quetta. The statement comes as terrorists affiliated with India-sponsored Fitna al-Hindustan carried out multiple attacks targeting civilians in Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar, and Pasni. During the…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and several other Muslim and Arab countries have warned that Israel’s repeated violations of the Gaza ceasefire pose a serious risk to regional peace and stability. In a statement, the foreign office said Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Qatar — founding members of US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace — had condemned Israel’s repeated breaches of the ceasefire. The violations, it said, had resulted in the killing and injury of more than a thousand Palestinians. Israel launched some of its deadliest airstrikes since the October ceasefire on…

By our correspondent LAHORE: As Lahore prepares to host Basant from February 6 to 8, a Pakistani couple living in Europe returned to the city to celebrate the festival and relive their childhood memories. “My husband wanted to refresh his childhood memories, so we have come specifically just to celebrate Basant,” the wife told reporters on Sunday. Her husband added: “We intend to celebrate in a very enthusiastic way. We will enjoy a lot with our family. Many years have passed, and by coming to Mochi Gate, I have refreshed my childhood memories. The government has done a very good…