Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Pakistan’s highest civil award, the Nishan-e-Pakistan, on the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, at a special investiture ceremony held in Islamabad on Thursday. The award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting friendship between nations, was presented in a formal ceremony attended by the country’s top leadership. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, senior military officers, and other high-ranking government officials were present to witness the occasion. The ceremony underscored the significance Pakistan attaches…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Chairman of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society Sindh, Rehan Hashmi, attended the closing ceremony of the Kashmir Solidarity All Karachi Mixed Martial Arts Championship at the Sindh Sports Complex, where he served as the chief guest, bringing an end to a sporting event that combined competitive athletics with a broader message of solidarity. The championship had been organized under the supervision of Asian MMA and jujitsu officials, including Tariq Ali, and featured participation from national-level athletes across all categories. Fighters from both men’s and women’s divisions took part, highlighting the expanding reach of mixed martial arts…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended the Pakistan-Kazakhstan Business Forum, where the prime minister offered Pakistan’s deep-sea ports at Gwadar and Karachi to Central Asian states. Addressing the forum, PM Shehbaz outlined plans to expand rail and road links via Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a landmark connectivity project that could transform economic integration between Pakistan, Kazakhstan and the wider Central Asian region. “Pakistan is fully committed to participate and contribute meaningfully in undertaking this project, as it will be a game-changer not only between our two countries, but…

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: 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…