Day: July 11, 2026

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister (DPM/FM), Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Friday appreciated the relevant officials for their hard work in managing the preparations for hosting the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, and directed them to ensure enjoyable stay and the best of Pakistani hospitality to the foreign delegations arriving from around the world to attend this important event.

The deputy prime minister chaired the 8th meeting of the High-Level Committee overseeing preparations for the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, to be held in Islamabad on 12-13 July 2026, a DPM’s Office news release said.

The Committee reviewed the final preparations for the Conference. The Secretary, Human Rights, gave a detailed briefing on the arrangements for the conference programme, delegate facilitation, protocol, security, logistics, media arrangements, and inter-ministerial coordination, to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the Conference.

The meeting was attended by the Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, SAPM Tariq Bajwa, the Federal Secretaries of Foreign Affairs and Human Rights, and other senior officials from relevant ministries.

Islamabad: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi held a meeting with Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari on Friday and discussed prolonged electricity load shedding, frequent tripping and other power related issues affecting consumers in the province.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed various proposals aimed at addressing public complaints regarding electricity supply, with particular focus on reducing the hardships caused by load shedding across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The meeting also discussed prolonged power outages and repeated tripping in the southern districts, especially Dera Ismail Khan, where residents have been facing severe difficulties amid the ongoing hot weather.

Governor Kundi expressed concern over the lack of basic facilities and essential equipment at the WAPDA Superintending Engineer (SE) office in Dera Ismail Khan despite its approval.

The federal minister directed the relevant authorities to ensure the early provision of the required facilities and equipment at the SE office to improve consumer services.

Matters relating to Dera Ismail Khan Grid Station-II and Band Korai Grid Station also came under discussion, with both sides reviewing proposals to strengthen the electricity transmission system.

PPP Parliamentary Leader in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Ahmad Karim Kundi, WAPDA Secretary Dr Fakhar Alam and Principal Secretary to the Governor Fazal Khaliq also attended the meeting.

Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Water Resources met at Parliament House on Friday under the chairmanship of Senator Jam Saifullah Khan to review the implementation of its previous recommendations, examine the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) allocations for the water sector, and receive a comprehensive briefing on the performance and mandate of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA).

The Committee emphasized the need for timely compliance by all concerned organizations.

While reviewing the compliance report, the Committee was informed that work on the river encroachment monitoring system is underway through satellite imagery.

The Committee noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had reported 227 encroachment points, of which imagery had been obtained for only 18 locations, while Punjab had reported 2,737 encroachment points. WAPDA informed the Committee that provincial authorities were actively removing encroachments through district administrations.

Chairman Senator Jam Saifullah Khan underscored the need for greater use of modern technology in flood forecasting and river management. He directed that the Committee’s next meeting be dedicated to the use of satellite and other advanced technologies for flood management. He further proposed an in-camera meeting on the implications of the Indus Waters Treaty, future reservoir development in Pakistan, and national water security.

The Committee decided to invite representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the World Bank, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the Federal Flood Commission (FFC), and provincial irrigation departments for detailed deliberations.

The Committee also reviewed the staffing position in the Federal Flood Commission. It was informed that the request for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to fill vacant posts is pending with the Establishment Division. Taking serious notice of the matter, the Committee directed the Establishment Division to expedite the issuance of the NOC in view of the critical role of the Commission during the ongoing flood season.

The Committee was further informed that the draft Dam Safety Council Bill had been finalized and would soon be submitted to the Ministry of Water Resources. The Committee observed that dam safety is presently being managed through executive arrangements rather than a dedicated legal framework.

The Committee held a detailed discussion on groundwater depletion across the country. Members were informed that groundwater levels continue to decline in several districts of Punjab, including Okara, Vehari, Sahiwal, Multan and Lahore. Chairman Senator Jam Saifullah Khan emphasized the need to adopt international best practices for groundwater conservation, efficient irrigation techniques and sustainable water management to enhance agricultural productivity while protecting water resources.

During the meeting, Senator Muhammad Aslam Abro raised concerns regarding encroachments along the River Ravi. Punjab irrigation authorities informed the Committee that no critical encroachments currently exist. However, in response to questions regarding housing developments near the riverbanks, the Chairman Committee directed the concerned authorities to submit complete and verified information to the Committee and, if necessary, provide a detailed briefing in the next meeting under a separate agenda item.

The Committee also reviewed floodplain management mechanisms. The Ministry of Water Resources informed the Committee that provincial floodplain zoning systems are in place. The Chairman directed all provinces to present their floodplain zoning maps so that weaknesses could be identified and addressed. The Governments of Punjab and Sindh will be invited to participate in the next meeting for this purpose.

On groundwater management, Sindh irrigation authorities informed the Committee that approximately 80 percent of groundwater in the province is saline and that a provincial groundwater law is under preparation. The Chairman directed the Government of Sindh to provide the draft legislation to the Committee. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa informed the Committee that no comprehensive groundwater assessment has yet been conducted due to the absence of piezometer installations.

Balochistan officials reported that annual groundwater usage exceeds available resources, resulting in a significant deficit across 18 groundwater basins. Provincial authorities outlined plans for groundwater monitoring, construction of recharge dams and development of GIS-based decision support systems.

While discussing the Nai Gaj Dam Project, WAPDA informed the Committee that the original contractor had submitted a fake bank guarantee in 2009, causing a financial loss of approximately Rs.23 billion.

The contract was subsequently terminated, the contractor blacklisted and the matter is currently pending before the Supreme Court. The Committee endorsed the Ministry’s position and stressed the importance of ensuring accountability while expediting completion of the project, which has the potential to irrigate approximately 28,000 acres of land.

The Committee also received updates on several major water projects, including Hingol Dam, Harpo Dam, Kachhi Canal, RBOD-I and RBOD-III, and reviewed issues relating to waterlogging and drainage infrastructure.

While discussing the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project, WAPDA informed the Committee that repairs to the damaged tunnel are progressing following the incident that occurred after commissioning.

It was further informed that nearly 80 percent of the project’s construction cost has already been recovered through electricity generation.

Chairman Senator Jam Saifullah Khan emphasized that the causes of tunnel failure and cost escalations must be investigated through a transparent and independent inquiry.

He assured that the Committee would fully support an impartial investigation to ensure accountability and safeguard future national infrastructure projects.

Reviewing PSDP allocations for the current financial year, the Committee expressed serious concern over the substantial shortfall in funding for both water and power projects. Members observed that inadequate allocations would adversely affect the timely completion of strategically important projects and called for enhanced financial support to the water sector.

During the briefing on WAPDA’s organizational structure and performance, the Committee was informed that the Authority’s primary mandate is now focused on the development and management of water reservoirs. WAPDA also briefed the Committee on its financial management system, internal audit mechanisms and institutional reforms.

Concluding the meeting, Chairman Senator Jam Saifullah Khan directed that a separate meeting be convened to comprehensively examine the Right Bank Outfall Drain (RBOD) projects and their operational challenges.

The Committee discussed 11 recommendations from previous meetings, while the remaining recommendations will be taken up in the next sitting.

The meeting was attended by Senators Khalil Tahir, Poonjo Bheel, Asad Qasim, Muhammad Aslam Abro, and senior officials from the relevant departments.

Islamabad: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Friday called for expanding the network of NADRA’s Citizen Facilitation Centres (CFCs) across remote and underdeveloped areas of the province to ensure easier access to identity registration and other public services.

The Governor made the remarks during a meeting with NADRA Chairman Lieutenant General Muhammad Munir Afsar here. PPP Parliamentary Leader in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Ahmad Karim Kundi was also present.

The meeting discussed the availability of NADRA facilities and the expansion of Citizen Facilitation Centres in KP.

The Governor was informed that the provincial government had provided land for the establishment of a NADRA centre in Dera Ismail Khan city.

Kundi urged NADRA to begin construction of the new office without delay so that citizens could benefit from improved services on a permanent basis.

He also called for upgrading all NADRA centres with modern facilities, including dedicated counters and comfortable waiting areas for senior citizens, women and persons with disabilities.

Expressing hope for further modernization of NADRA, the Governor said improved facilities would make documentation and other official procedures more convenient for Pakistani citizens.

The meeting also reviewed proposals for establishing additional NADRA centres in the DI Khan.

Islamabad: National Disaster Management Authority issued weather alert about prolonged spell of hot and humid weather is set to grip most parts of Pakistan from July 11 to 18, with monsoon activity expected to gather strength during the second half of the week as a westerly wave combines with moisture laden currents from the Arabian Sea, raising the likelihood of thunderstorms and isolated heavy rainfall across the country’s northern and upper regions.

The coming week is expected to begin with oppressive heat and humidity before the weather gradually turns more volatile.

Rain bearing systems are forecast to become increasingly active over northern and upper Pakistan, with scattered to widespread showers and isolated heavy downpours over upper catchments, mountainous areas and adjoining plains, heightening the risk of localized flooding and weather related disruptions in vulnerable areas.

On Saturday, July 11, the country is expected to experience another day of oppressive heat and high humidity, with uncomfortable conditions likely across most plain areas.

Relief from the heat is expected only in parts of the north, where isolated rain showers accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms may develop over Kashmir, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, northeastern Punjab and the Pothohar region.

While rainfall is not expected to be widespread, strong wind gusts and lightning may briefly disrupt routine activities in affected areas, bringing a temporary drop in temperatures after the storms.

Islamabad: Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Fauzia Waqar on Friday urged women to report every incident of workplace harassment without fear, stressing that awareness and timely complaints are key to ensuring legal protection and holding offenders accountable.

Fauzia Waqar, talking to a local television programme said that the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace law is enforced equally across both public and private sector institutions, warning that anyone found guilty would be held accountable under the law.

She said workplace harassment is not limited to physical misconduct but also includes gender-based discrimination, denying women equal opportunities, reserving senior positions only for men, ignoring merit and performance in promotions and unwelcome physical contact.

Waqar said repeated attempts to invade a woman’s personal space, standing unnecessarily close, or any conduct that creates an intimidating or hostile work environment may also constitute workplace harassment under the law.

She urged women not to remain silent out of fear of victim-blaming and encouraged them to report such incidents, reaffirming that the law provides equal protection and applies uniformly across both public and private sector institutions.

Waqar said the law provides for stringent penalties, including substantial fines and other legal punishments, for those found guilty of workplace harassment or for anyone attempting to suppress a complaint or retaliate against a complainant.

She also urged women not to fear retaliatory action for reporting harassment, assuring that the law protects complainants against victimization and ensures that those engaging in any form of revenge or intimidation can also be held accountable.

Concluding her remarks, Waqar said the government maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards workplace harassment, adding that the Federal Ombudsperson Secretariat for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) remains committed to ensuring timely justice, safeguarding women’ s rights, and promoting safe and dignified workplaces across the country.