Day: July 10, 2026

Islamabad: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Diamer Basha Dam Project, WAPDA and District Administration, Diamer for implementation of livelihood schemes worth Rs. 972.571 million in the Project area under Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) by WAPDA.

General Manager/PD Diamer Basha Dam Project Dr. Engr. Nazakat Hussain and Deputy Commissioner Diamer Lt Muhammad Owais Abbasi (Retd) signed the MoU in the presence of Chief Secretary Gilgit Baltistan Mr. Arshad Majeed, said a message received here on Thursday.

As per the terms of the MoU, the livelihood schemes will be implemented through the line departments concerned under the supervision of the District Administration, in consultation with the local community. A Joint Committee, comprising representatives of the District Administration, WAPDA, and the local community, will oversee the quality of work and implementation of the schemes.

It is pertinent to mention that Rs. 78.5 billion have been earmarked for socio-economic uplift of the people in the Project area under Diamer Basha Dam Project. A number of mega development schemes have already been completed including Thore Hydel Power Station, Thak Hydel Power Station and Cadet College Chilas etc.

Islamabad: Acting President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Tahir Ayub on Thursday assured the traders of Fruit Market, Sector I-11/4, Islamabad, that the chamber would take up all their longstanding civic, infrastructure and traffic-related issues with the relevant authorities to ensure their early and permanent resolution.

He expressed these views while talking to a delegation of the Fruit Market, Sector I-11/4, which called on him and discussed matters relating to promote trade and business, said a press release issued.

The delegation briefed the Acting President on the key challenges confronting the market, particularly the closure of one carriageway of the main double road in front of the local police station, which they said has been causing severe traffic congestion and immense difficulties for traders, transporters, customers and visitors throughout the day. They urged ICCI to intervene for the reopening of the road to restore the smooth flow of traffic.

The delegation also highlighted several civic issues, including blocked sewerage lines, the shortage of safe drinking water, inadequate security arrangements and the growing problem of encroachments, which they said were disrupting business activities and creating hardships for the trading community.

Responding to the concerns, Tahir Ayub acknowledged the strategic importance of the Fruit Market in maintaining the uninterrupted supply of fresh fruits to Islamabad and adjoining areas. He emphasized that the smooth functioning of the market is essential not only for traders but also for consumers across the region.

He assured the delegation that ICCI would vigorously pursue all these issues with the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad Traffic Police, the district administration and other relevant departments to secure practical and lasting solutions.

He stressed that the chamber remained fully committed to protecting the interests of the business community and improving the overall business environment in the federal capital.

The Acting President further announced that he would personally arrange a visit of the Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Islamabad, Ms. Kainat Azhar Khan, to the Fruit Market to assess the traffic situation firsthand and facilitate the removal of bottlenecks.

He expressed hope that reopening the closed side of the main double road would significantly ease traffic congestion and provide much-needed relief to traders, transporters and the general public.

The members of the delegation appreciated the proactive approach of the ICCI Acting President and expressed confidence that, under his leadership, the Chamber would continue to effectively advocate for the resolution of issues confronting the business community and contribute to the sustainable development of Islamabad’s commercial sectors.

Islamabad: Pakistan and Croatia Thursday agreed to further intensify bilateral economic relations, enhance trade and investment, and explore mutually beneficial areas of cooperation.

According to a joint communique, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia Dr. Gordan Grlic Radman during their meeting reiterated the need to greater access to each other’s markets as well as strengthen business-to-business linkages.

At the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Dr. Gordan Grlic Radman, was on an official visit to Pakistan.

The DPM/FM received Foreign Minister Dr. Gordan Grlic Radman at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad. Both the leaders held detailed delegation level talks. Both sides discussed entire range of their friendly bilateral ties. They also exchanged views on important regional and international issues. Both sides underscored their shared commitment to further deepening bilateral cooperation.

Noting that this is the maiden high-level visit at the Foreign Minister level from Croatia to Pakistan, both sides welcomed it as an important opportunity to inject greater momentum to Pakistan-Croatia bilateral relations. They affirmed their desire to maintain regular high-level contacts and develop mutually beneficial partnerships in all areas of bilateral interest including trade, investment, development, climate change, tourism, infrastructure, IT, seaports collaboration, etc.

Both sides agreed to expedite their procedures leading towards an early signing of (a) Pakistan-Croatia Agreement on Visa Abolition for Diplomatic Passport Holders, and (b) MoU on Cooperation between the Diplomatic Training Academies of the two countries, as well as the opening of the Croatian visa processing facility in Pakistan during the upcoming months.

The Pakistan side will, in accordance with its national rules and regulations, permit the external service provider engaged by the Croatian authorities to help it perform its functions freely. These developments are expected to further facilitate visa-related procedures and contribute to enhancing travel and people-to-people exchanges.

Both sides affirmed that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Bilateral Political Consultations (BPCs) between the two Foreign Ministries (signed in Zagreb on 1 June 2007) provides a useful platform to discuss and deliberate upon all issues of interest between the two countries.

They decided to take full benefit of the BPCs mechanism and agreed to maintain regular contact and hold the Consultations on a periodic basis as envisaged by the MoU. The Croatian side agreed to Pakistan’s offer to host the Bilateral Consultations in the last quarter of the year 2026 or the first quarter of the year 2027. Exact dates would be finalized through diplomatic channels.

They acknowledged the growing importance of expanding economic cooperation in sectors such as information technology, digital services, agriculture, defence and maritime cooperation.

Recognizing the strengths of their respective geo-strategic locations, the two sides exchanged views on connectivity and logistics, including exploring collaborative arrangements between the Croatian ports, as entry points to European markets, and Pakistan’s ports, as gateways to China, West Asia, Central Asia and the wider region.

The Pakistan side underscored the importance of the European Union’s GSP+ scheme for Pakistan and underlined that continuity of the GSP+ is beneficial not only in terms of economic value, but also for the far-reaching socio-economic impacts it has brought about. Pakistan expressed its keen interest in continuing engagement under the relevant European Union framework. The Croatian side noted Pakistan’s interest in submitting re-application for the European Union’s new GSP+ regulation.

Both sides appreciated the growing level of engagement on migration and labour mobility. Reaffirming their commitment to promoting safe, orderly and regular migration, they acknowledged the potential for legal pathways for Pakistani skilled workers to Croatia. They noted that they remain open to further dialogue on labour mobility.

The two leaders expressed willingness to expand cooperation in culture, education, science and research, including through educational exchanges and collaboration between universities and research institutions.

Underscoring the role of parliamentary exchanges, the two sides would encourage and facilitate exchanges and cooperation between their respective legislatures.

Both sides commended the support extended by each to the other at the international platforms including the United Nations and agreed to continue advancing their cooperation in the field of each other’s candidatures to various international bodies. Moreover, they decided to engage in consultations on issues of common interest at multilateral forums in future as well.

Pakistan side briefed on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. The Croatian side briefed on the current situation in Ukraine.

Both sides stressed the need to find peaceful solutions, in full respect of the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter. The two sides also exchanged views on the situation in Western Balkans. They agreed to maintain close coordination on regional and global issues based on shared interests and common objectives.

Both leaders discussed the situation in Afghanistan. They expressed serious concerns over the continued presence and activities of terrorist entities in Afghanistan and the terrorist attacks perpetrated by them against neighbouring countries.

The two sides reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and emphasized that Afghan territory must not be used to threaten or attack other countries. They also called on the Afghan Taliban Regime to take concrete and verifiable actions against all terrorist groups, without discrimination, operating in or from Afghanistan.

They also noted with concern the deteriorating situation of human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls, in Afghanistan.

Pakistan side briefed on its mediation efforts in the US-Iran conflict. The Croatian side appreciated Pakistan’s mediation role and efforts culminating in the historic Islamabad MoU signed between the parties on 17 June 2026 as well as the start of the consequent negotiations.

Both sides discussed the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), and welcomed international efforts to end the war in Gaza. They underscored the necessity of ensuring that all parties adhere to the ceasefire commitments, allow for safe, rapid and unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance and work towards a permanent end to hostilities.

They reaffirmed their support for practical and concrete steps for long term and sustainable peace based on a two-state solution in accordance with international law, the United Nations Charter and relevant United Nations resolutions.

Both sides exchanged views on the evolving global landscape and underscored their shared resolve to strengthen multilateralism, uphold the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter, and promote peace, stability and prosperity. In this context, they underlined the importance of full respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, non-interference, peaceful settlement of international disputes, and non-use or threat of use of force in international relations in a manner inconsistent with the United Nations Charter.

Dr. Gordan Grlic Radman thanked Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and the people of Pakistan for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation.

The two ministers expressed hope that the friendly and productive dialogue between both states will continue to create mutual prosperity for both countries in years ahead.

Islamabad: As political activity intensifies ahead of the 2026 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, a major development emerged from Kotli’s Sehnsa constituency, where senior Muslim Conference leader and legislative assembly candidate Raja Iftikhar joined Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) along with thousands of supporters, friends, and family members.

The move comes as political parties continue to strengthen their positions before the upcoming elections. Raja Iftikhar also declared his full support for PML-N candidate Raja Asif in the Sehnsa constituency, adding a new dimension to the electoral contest.

Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Engineer Amir Muqam welcomed Raja Iftikhar and his associates into PML-N and said all new members would be given respect and an active role within the party. He stated that PML-N remains committed to strengthening the relationship between Pakistan and Azad Kashmir and aims to advance development initiatives in the region under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Addressing party workers, Amir Muqam called for unity and urged supporters to work collectively for the success of party candidates. He said only one person receives a party ticket in each constituency, and all workers should stand behind the chosen candidate. He also stressed the importance of cooperation for peace, stability, and development in Azad Kashmir.

The minister said the government is working on public welfare measures and development projects, including progress on the proposed Mansehra-Muzaffarabad Motorway. He added that ensuring access to affordable electricity, flour, and other basic services remains a government responsibility.

Amir Muqam reiterated that elections in Azad Kashmir would be held according to the announced schedule. He also emphasized that Pakistan’s national interests would not be compromised and paid tribute to the services of the Pakistan Armed Forces. He called on overseas Kashmiris to continue presenting Pakistan and Kashmir’s perspective on international platforms.

Speaking on the occasion, Raja Iftikhar said PML-N had always been close to his political thinking and that he had decided to join the party after setting aside past political differences. He said he had chosen to support PML-N together with thousands of supporters and colleagues and pledged to strengthen the vision linking Azad Kashmir with Pakistan.

PML-N candidate Raja Asif described Raja Iftikhar’s entry into the party as an important political development. He said party leaders and candidates had accepted organizational decisions and would run a united election campaign. He added that the political mission of the late Raja Naseer would continue and that development, public service, and political stability would remain key priorities in the constituency.

Several other political figures also joined PML-N during the event, including former Legislative Assembly candidate Zulqarnain Khan from LA-27 Muzaffarabad-I (Kotla), Town Committee Sehnsa Chairman Raja Shakeel Zia, former District Council candidate Raja Sohail Nawaz, and former Presidential Adviser Raja Tariq.

PML-N leaders present at the gathering claimed that more political personalities from Kotli are expected to join the party in the coming weeks. Participants expressed confidence in the party leadership and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting PML-N candidates in the 2026 AJK elections.

Islamabad: Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police carried out large-scale combing and search operations in seven police station jurisdictions, checking 365 individuals as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security across the federal capital.

An official told reporter on Thursday that, acting on the directions of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, the operations were conducted under the supervision of zonal SPs in the jurisdictions of Sihala, Shalimar, Humak, Bhara Kahu, Sabzi Mandi, Kohsar and Tarnol police stations.

The official said women police personnel also participated in the operations, during which 365 individuals and 202 households were checked.

According to the official, police also inspected 19 hotels, 53 shops, 197 motorcycles and 63 vehicles during the search operations.

He said 10 suspicious persons and 21 motorcycles were shifted to the respective police stations for further verification and legal action.

The official said special checking points had also been established at entry and exit points of the city, while patrolling units and special police squads remained active across Islamabad to enhance security.

He urged citizens to cooperate with police during checking and immediately report any suspicious activity, reaffirming that Islamabad Police remained committed to protecting the lives and property of residents through proactive policing and intelligence-based operations.

Islamabad: Pakistan and Croatia on Thursday agreed to undertake concrete steps to “inject greater momentum” into their political and economic relations, expanding bilateral cooperation across a wide spectrum of mutual interests including trade, investment, infrastructure, and visa facilitation.

The agreement was reached during “warm, constructive, and comprehensive” delegation-level talks held between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and the visiting Croatian Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, Dr. Gordan Grlic Radman here.

“We reviewed the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Croatia relations and agreed to undertake steps to inject greater momentum toward political and economic relations as well as to enhance our cooperation in all other areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, development, agriculture, labour mobility, visa facilitation, education, defence, climate change, tourism, infrastructure, IT, sea ports collaboration,” Deputy Prime Minister Dar said addressing a joint press stakeout here along with the visiting foreign minister.

This is the first-ever official visit by a Croatian foreign minister to Pakistan, marking a new chapter in the diplomatic history of the two countries.

Acknowledging that bilateral trade remained below its true potential, Deputy Prime Minister Dar said a rising trend in bilateral trade volume and stated that both sides agreed to revitalize economic ties, “including through encouraging B2B exchanges for common benefit.” Both sides considered plans to hold a future business-to-business (B2B) trade forum to connect the private sectors and business communities of both nations.

He said that the two sides decided to make the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral political consultations fully functional and that the first round of these consultations could be held either this year or early 2027.

The two leaders announced coordinated efforts to expedite the opening of a Croatian visa processing facility in Islamabad as currently, Pakistani applicants have to travel to Iran for visa processing.

“We greatly value people-to-people links, and therefore, Croatia would like to enable Pakistani citizens to submit visa applications in Pakistan, so they don’t need to travel abroad to apply,” Foreign Minister Radman announced, confirming that Croatia looks forward to opening the facility soon.

Deputy Prime Minister Dar stressed the need for combating human smuggling and illegal migration, saying that providing safe, orderly, and regular channels for migration was vital to protect the rights and lives of migrants as well as dismantling the illegal model of smuggling networks.

Highlighting the strategic geographical positions of both nations, he briefed the Croatian delegation on the capacity, facilities, and connectivity of the Karachi Port, initiating discussions on collaborative arrangements between the maritime ports of both countries.

During the talks, Dar appraised the visiting delegation on the long-standing Jammu and Kashmir dispute and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, suggesting a reactivation of peace efforts at the upcoming UN General Assembly (UNGA 2026) in New York.

He also raised concerns regarding India’s unilateral action of holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance and sought support from the friendly countries to help bring an end to the weaponisation of water.

He also apprised the Croatian delegation of security challenges originating from terrorist networks like the TTP and BLA operating out of Afghanistan and stressed the need for the Afghan Taliban regime to abide by its international commitments and that Afghan territory must not be used to threaten or attack other countries, particularly Pakistan.

Both sides also exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine, emphasizing the necessity of resolving international conflicts in line with international law.

The deputy prime minister said that Pakistan’s access to the EU GSP Plus scheme remained a cornerstone of Pakistan-European Union economic cooperation. As the new GSP Plus regulation is scheduled to enter into force on January 1, 2027, Pakistan has already initiated preparatory work for re-application in early 2027, he added.

In response, Foreign Minister Radman said that the GSP Plus served as a catalyst for Pakistan’s integration into the global economy.

He welcomed investment from Pakistani companies, highlighting that Croatia, given its excellent geopolitical position, has become an energy hub and was an open door to the European market. Mentioning the long-standing presence of Croatian companies in Pakistan, he expressed hope for an expanded market presence in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, IT, and tourism sectors.

“With nine strategic airports and six major maritime ports, Croatia can also be a gateway for international travel and trade,” he said and emphasised that Croatia’s railway links with Central Europe supported resilient transport, energy, and digital connectivity networks.

The two sides expressed strong convergence on major global issues, reaffirming their shared commitment to multilateralism, the UN Charter, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Foreign Minister Radman welcomed Pakistan’s active engagement in the UN Security Council and praised its recent diplomatic mediation.

“We particularly appreciate Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts that resulted in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding to end the conflict between the United States and Iran,” he said.

Calling Islamabad the “city of peace and diplomacy” the Croatian foreign minister thanked DPM Dar for a warm welcome and hospitality, expressing hope that his visit would help intensify ties, enhance trade and investment, and explore new avenues of cooperation.

Foreign Minister Radman extended an official invitation to Deputy Prime Minister Dar to attend the upcoming Dubrovnik Forum in Croatia at the end of June next year.