Day: July 10, 2026

Islamabad: Pakistan and Croatia on Thursday discussed ways to strengthen bilateral and the European Union (EU) ties, exploring diverse avenues of cooperation spanning trade, investment, agriculture, and port connectivity.

The bilateral ties and cooperation were discussed during the delegation-level talks held here between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and the visiting Croatian Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Dr. Gordan Grlic Radman.

During their talks, Deputy Prime Minister Dar and Foreign Minister Radman discussed ways to enhance cooperation in key sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture, labour mobility, visa facilitation, education, defence, climate change, tourism, infrastructure, and information technology (IT).

The two sides also exchanged views on various facets of Pakistan-EU cooperation, alongside reviewing regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Recognizing that connectivity lies at the heart of sustainable development, regional stability, and global economic integration, both leaders specifically discussed the possibilities and potential for establishing collaboration between the ports of Pakistan and Croatia.

Both sides agreed to hold the next round of Bilateral Political Consultations during the current year or early 2027.

Earlier in the day, Foreign Minister Radman arrived here on a one-day official visit.

This marks the first-ever visit by a Croatian foreign minister to Pakistan.

During his stay, the Croatian foreign minister is also scheduled to call on Pakistan’s top leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The high-level visit marks an important milestone that will help boost bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation in fields of mutual benefit.

Islamabad: Director Software Applications and Production, DGIandP, Muhammad Abdul Khaliq on Thursday, urged the public to utilize the upgraded e-passport system, developed in line with international standards, to enhance the recognition and credibility of the Pakistani passport globally.

While speaking exclusively with a local media outlet, Director Muhammad Abdul Khaliq appreciated the government’s reform agenda in the passport sector and said that major improvements are being introduced through the launch of the modern e-passport facility.

He said that the chip-based e-passport is a secure and advanced travel document designed to provide citizens with convenient and hassle-free services, reducing the need to stand in long queues at passport offices.

Abdul Khaliq also appreciated the efforts of the Interior Ministry under the leadership of the Interior Minister for facilitating digital transformation and improving passport services for the public.

The Director added that Pakistan’s e-passport system has been developed in line with international standards and global aviation requirements to enhance the security, reliability and recognition of the Pakistani passport worldwide.

He further said that through NADRA’s Pak-ID platform, citizens can apply online and submit passport fees through available digital payment channels, including banking facilities, allowing them to complete the process from the comfort of their homes.

For public awareness, Muhammad Abdul Khaliq advised citizens to visit the official Pak-ID platform, register their accounts, complete the required information, upload necessary documents and photographs according to the given guidelines and submit the application online. Applicants can also track the progress of their applications through the digital system.

He urged citizens to carefully provide accurate information while applying and use only official digital platforms to avoid inconvenience and protect themselves from fraudulent activities, adding, the initiative aims to make passport services more accessible, transparent and efficient for people across Pakistan.

Concluding his remarks, Muhammad Abdul Khaliq said that the upgraded e-passport system is a major step toward digital transformation of Pakistan’s passport services.

He urged citizens to take advantage of the secure and convenient online facilities and contribute to the successful implementation of this modern initiative.

Muhammad Abdul Khaliq emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to providing modern, transparent and efficient public services and strengthening Pakistan’s passport system through digital innovation.

Islamabad: Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Islamabad Kainat Azhar Khan visited various parts of the federal capital to review traffic flow, field performance, and arrangements aimed at ensuring the smooth movement of vehicles.

An ITP official told reporter on Thursday that the CTO Kainat inspected traffic deployments and assessed the performance of traffic officers and personnel performing duties at key roads and intersections across the city.

Kainat directed officers to ensure maximum public convenience, maintain uninterrupted traffic flow, and adopt effective traffic management measures during peak hours.

The CTO, Kainat, also instructed traffic personnel to maintain discipline, uphold professionalism, and treat road users with courtesy while performing their duties.

Kainat said ITP remained fully committed to providing citizens with safe, organized, and efficient travel facilities, adding that strict enforcement of traffic laws would continue to ensure orderly traffic management across the federal capital, the official added.

Islamabad: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) here on Thursday recorded the statements of four prosecution witnesses in a case pertaining to the martyrdom of four Rangers personnel during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest on November 26, 2024 .

Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain heard the case, with Prosecutor Raja Naveed Hussain Kiyani appearing before the court on behalf of the prosecution . The statements of the witnesses were formally recorded, after which the court adjourned the proceedings until July 16.

The trial is currently proceeding only in respect of the main accused, Hashim Abbasi . The prosecution has provided a list of over 30 witnesses in the case. Abbasi was arrested after being accused of running over the Rangers personnel with a vehicle during the protest . His post-arrest bail was approved in March 2025, with the court observing that prima facie there was a case for further inquiry against him .

The case has also been registered against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) founder, Bushra Bibi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, and several other leaders under anti-terrorism provisions at Ramna Police Station . However, the charge sheet against them has not yet been submitted before the court.

Islamabad: As political activity continues ahead of the 2026 Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has secured another boost in Kotli’s LA-8 Raj Mahal constituency, where a senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader, local government representatives, lawyers, and community figures announced their decision to join the party.

The joining ceremony was held in Raj Mahal, Kotli, in the presence of Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Engineer Amir Muqam. The event saw the inclusion of several political figures and elected local representatives, adding to PML-N’s campaign efforts in the constituency.

Among the prominent leaders joining PML-N was senior PPP leader Chaudhry Muhammad Zaman Jangi, who entered the party along with hundreds of supporters. District councillors, union council chairmen, councillors, lawyers, and other local figures also announced their affiliation with PML-N.

Those who joined the party included Malik Shah Nawaz Zirayat, Malik Shahid Rashid Advocate, Chaudhry Ghulam Mustafa, Engineer Labib Aslam, council candidate Malik Sajid Habib, Malik Israr Fida, and Malik Sajid Manzoor Advocate, along with several other political workers and community leaders.

Engineer Amir Muqam welcomed the new members by presenting them with party caps and scarves. He said the central leadership of PML-N welcomed all new entrants and valued their decision to join the party.

Addressing the gathering, Amir Muqam said public trust remains the foundation of political work and pledged that the confidence shown by people would be respected. He noted that his own political career began through local government elections and said grassroots politics plays an important role in strengthening democratic institutions.

The federal minister also acknowledged party workers and candidates who withdrew from electoral contests in the interest of party discipline. He stated that unity, sacrifice, and organizational discipline remain important factors behind the party’s political progress.

Amir Muqam said the federal government is taking practical steps to address public issues and improve service delivery. He added that political stability and cooperation are necessary for achieving development goals and addressing the needs of citizens.

PML-N legislative assembly candidate Malik Nawaz thanked the newly joined leaders and workers for their support. He said the growing support for the party reflected public confidence in its policies and development agenda.

Malik Nawaz urged party workers to remain united and work collectively for the success of PML-N in the LA-8 constituency. He expressed confidence that cooperation among party leaders and workers would strengthen the election campaign in the area.

The ceremony was attended by Abdul Rehman Arain, Hanif Malik, Fateh Mahmood-ul-Hassan, party workers, community elders, and a large number of supporters.

Islamabad: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) here on Thursday extended by seven days the physical remand of two arrested facilitators in the suicide bombing case at Imambargah Khadija-tul-Kubra.

Judge Abusl Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain heard the case. The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) produced the two facilitators, Wasifullah and Muhammad Shafiq, before the court and requested a 10-day extension in their physical remand.

The investigative officer informed the court that the suspects had been taken into custody by CTD Mardan.

Following permission from ATC Mardan, Islamabad Police formally arrested them.

The officer told the court that during interrogation, the suspects had revealed their role in facilitating the attack on the imambargah. They were allegedly involved in planning the suicide attack and providing financial assistance. It was also stated that the suspects had received money in Binance accounts to support the terrorists. A letter has been sent to the Virtual Currency Investigation Cell (VCIC) to verify the suspects’ accounts, and further investigation is required upon receipt of records from the VCIC.

After hearing arguments, the court approved a seven-day extension in the physical remand of both facilitators. The case was subsequently adjourned. A case has been registered against the suspects at the relevant police station in Islamabad.