Day: July 11, 2026

Islamabad: Pakistan hosted a high-level delegation of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s (GPEI) Polio Oversight Board (POB) this week.

The delegation’s visit was organized reiterating the country’s unwavering commitment to seizing the historic opportunity to end the global and regional public health threat of paralytic polio.

Discussions emphasized that the poliovirus is being further confined – mainly in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – and the next six months will be critical for taking a further step towards ending polio in Pakistan and worldwide.

Since 1994, thanks to medical science and life-saving vaccines, Pakistan has reduced polio cases by 99.8% – from 20,000 estimated cases in the early 1990s to 31 in 2025, and 3 so far in 2026.

The delegation members lauded the Government’s strengthened oversight of polio eradication efforts and reiterated that global support and confidence in Pakistan’s polio operations remains strong.

While emphasizing that the shrinking global funding landscape is narrowing the window to interrupt poliovirus transmission in the world’s two remaining endemic countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan, the delegation members reiterated the importance of sustaining investment in polio eradication while strengthening essential routine immunization to protect the hard-won gains achieved over the past three decades.

Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal and Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq held meetings with the delegation in Islamabad and shared Pakistan’s progress against polio.

The delegation was led by the Chair of the Polio Oversight Board (POB) and Rotary International PolioPlus Committee, Mike McGovern, and included the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Region Dr Hanan Balkhy, UNICEF Asia Pacific Regional Director Sanjay Wijesekera, Gates Foundation Global Development President Dr Chris Elias, US Centers for Disease Control Polio Team Lead Dr Omotayo Bolu, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi) Chief Executive Officer Dr Sania Nishtar, and the senior adviser of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre Relief Dr Ziad Memish.

The POB is the highest decision-making and oversight body of the GPEI, the global public-private partnership working with national governments and partners to eradicate polio globally and protect every child from a deadly paralytic disease that has no cure but can be prevented through vaccines.

Meeting the delegation, Pakistani officials appreciated the POB and GPEI partners and donors for their continued support for Pakistan and its science-based polio eradication efforts.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to polio eradication, the officials said the government is taking every possible measure to protect Pakistan’s children from polio and secure their future.

They further stated that polio eradication is a key national priority and urged all stakeholders to accelerate their joint efforts. They directed special attention to the adoption of effective strategies for polio hotspots in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In his meeting with the delegation, Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal highlighted that the strength of the polio response has been supplemented with enhanced inter-provincial coordination, complete government oversight and strengthened health service delivery to protect children from all vaccine-preventable diseases.

‘Polio eradication investments continue to strengthen the broader immunization and primary health care system. Closer integration between the Expanded Programme on Immunization and the Polio Programme is helping improve reach, particularly for zero-dose and under-immunized children. The same systems that help us interrupt poliovirus transmission are also strengthening protection against measles, hepatitis, and other vaccine-preventable diseases,’ he said.

Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq underscored the progress achieved, although cautioning that sustained concerted efforts will be crucial to preserve hard-fought gains and seize the opportunity to eradicate polio.

‘Through high-quality campaigns, robust surveillance, strengthened monitoring mechanisms, and thanks to the heroic dedication of our frontline polio workers and the unwavering support of our security personnel, polio cases have been reduced from 74 in 2024 to 31 in 2025, and three so far this year,’ she said.

‘This moment demands relentless, unwavering commitment and a shared determination to avoid complacency. The window to stop polio is narrowing, and every missed child puts progress at risk.

Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) is implementing a strategic roadmap to drive progress towards achieving zero polio.

“Maintaining our efforts is essential to prevent new resurgences and seize the opportunity to eradicate poliovirus once and for all,’ she said.

The delegation also reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and PEI in their ongoing efforts to further integrate polio operations and routine vaccination, as well as for PEI’s engagement in Gavi 6.0 planning and the introduction of new vaccines into EPI’s routine immunization schedule.

POB members also participated in a roundtable discussion with female frontline health workers from across the country, recognizing their contributions and listening first-hand about their inspiring journeys.

Before arriving in Pakistan, the delegation also visited Afghanistan. The two countries remain the only hotspots of wild polio in the world.

So far, this year, Pakistan has reported three polio cases, while Afghanistan has reported seven cases.

Islamabad: Wafaqi Mohtasib (Federal Ombudsman) Naveed Kamran Baloch on Friday directed officials across the country to intensify efforts for providing faster relief to citizens during a monthly performance review meeting at the Ombudsman’s Secretariat in Islamabad, stressing improved complaint resolution, wider use of digital platforms, stronger public outreach and new initiatives to facilitate businesses.

Chairing the meeting, Mr Baloch said public trust in the institution remained its greatest strength and must be safeguarded through efficient, transparent and responsive service delivery.

Senior officials from the Registration, Investigation, Appraisal, Implementation, IRD, Media and Overseas Pakistanis wings attended the meeting, while regional offices joined virtually.

Mr Naveed Baloch said the Wafaqi Mohtasib had evolved into the country’s leading institution of administrative accountability by protecting citizens against maladministration, injustice and unfair administrative practices while promoting transparency, accountability and excellence in public service.

Calling for a more proactive approach, the Ombudsman urged officials to ensure the expeditious disposal of complaints and noted that nearly 48% of all complaints were now being submitted through digital platforms, highlighting the growing importance of technology in public service delivery.

Mr Baloch also announced that a Grievance Commissioner for Business Facilitation would be established within the Secretariat in consultation with chambers of commerce and other stakeholders to help resolve business related grievances and support economic activity across the country.

He said the Secretariat is also preparing a comprehensive media strategy to increase public awareness of the institution’s services and expand its outreach, asking all relevant stakeholders to submit their recommendations within one week.

The Ombudsman assured participants that every effort would be made to create a better working environment and equip regional offices with modern office equipment and automation tools to improve efficiency and ensure quicker resolution of public complaints.

Islamabad: Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Friday emphasized that empowering people, particularly the youth, and adopting inclusive, forward-looking policies are essential for transforming demographic challenges into opportunities for sustainable development and national progress.

In his message on the occasion of World Population Day, observed globally on 11 July, the Speaker highlighted this year’s theme, ‘Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people – today and for the future,’ and stated that the empowerment of youth through quality education, accessible healthcare, skills development and meaningful employment opportunities is vital for building a prosperous and resilient Pakistan.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that the observance of this day aims to raise awareness about population-related challenges, highlight the importance of sustainable development, and encourage collective efforts to ensure a better future for all.

He said that Pakistan, being among the world’s most populous countries with a significant population growth rate, faces considerable challenges in ensuring adequate provision of education, healthcare, housing and employment opportunities. He emphasized that these challenges can be effectively addressed through strategic policymaking, human capital development and by harnessing the potential of the country’s young population.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq stressed that addressing population-related challenges requires a coordinated approach involving Parliament, the government, provincial administrations, civil society, academia, religious scholars, media and all segments of society.

He underscored the importance of creating greater awareness, particularly at the grassroots level, to promote informed decision-making and encourage collective responsibility towards sustainable development.

The Speaker further stated that Parliament remains committed to supporting initiatives and legislative measures aimed at promoting social inclusion, improving public services and ensuring sustainable development for present and future generations. He expressed confidence that through collective efforts, Pakistan can achieve balanced growth, economic stability and enhanced opportunities for its people.

Deputy Speaker National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, in his message, stated that balanced population growth is closely linked with economic progress, social well-being and effective delivery of public services. He emphasized that strengthening education, healthcare facilities and employment opportunities, especially for young people, is essential to enable them to play a meaningful role in the country’s development.

The Deputy Speaker stressed that addressing population challenges requires long-term strategies, effective institutions and collective national commitment. He reaffirmed that Parliament will continue to support efforts aimed at ensuring sustainable development and improving the quality of life of the people of Pakistan.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari on Friday met Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi here at the Ministry of Energy.

The meeting focused on the ongoing reforms in the power sector, the performance of power distribution companies (DISCOs), the financial improvement of the energy sector, the overall political situation in the country, and other matters of mutual interest, said a press release.

The minister briefed the Governor on the comprehensive reforms underway in the power sector, highlighting that over the past two years, the Government has undertaken a series of significant financial, administrative, and technical measures to strengthen the energy sector.

He said the reforms had led to a marked improvement in the performance of power distribution companies, while line losses and financial deficits had declined considerably. He added that circular debt had been reduced by approximately Rs780 billion during the period.

Leghari stated that after addressing the challenge of excess generation capacity, the Government is now moving rapidly towards the establishment of a competitive electricity market, replacing the traditional power procurement model. The new framework will enable direct electricity trading between businesses.

He further informed that the privatization process for three power distribution companies has commenced under the first phase of the Government’s privatization programme, while other DISCOs will be brought into the programme in a phased manner.

The minister also apprised the Governor of ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening the transmission system. He said that the Government is working on the digitization of the national grid, enhancing transmission capacity, promoting Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and expanding the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). Around 16 million electricity meters across the country are being converted to a digital system in phases.

He further noted that under the APMS transformer-level load management is being introduced to minimize feeder and grid shutdowns and ensure more reliable and uninterrupted electricity supply to consumers.

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi appreciated the Government’s ongoing reforms in the power sector and the measures being taken to improve the energy sector. He expressed confidence that these initiatives would deliver tangible benefits to the public and contribute positively to the national economy.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on the country’s overall political situation, public welfare, and other matters of mutual interest.

Both leaders reaffirmed that close cooperation between the Federation and the provinces remains essential for national development, economic stability, and improved public service delivery.

Islamabad: The benchmark KSE-100 Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed on a bullish note on Friday, gaining 982.10 points, a positive change of 0.54 percent, to settle at 182,241.78 points against 181,259.68 points on the previous trading day.

During the session, the ready market recorded a trading volume of 948.776 million shares with a traded value of Rs38.413 billion, compared to 982.121 million shares valuing Rs41.860 billion in the previous session. The market capitalization increased to Rs20.503 trillion from Rs20.382 trillion a day earlier.

Out of 495 active companies in the ready market, 292 advanced, 169 declined, and 34 remained unchanged.

Cnergyico PK led the volume chart with 151.748 million shares, followed by K-Electric Ltd. with 67.530 million shares and WorldCall Telecom with 51.758 million shares.

The top gainers included Khairpur Sugar Mills Limited, which surged by Rs189.23 to close at Rs2,081.55, and Ghandhara Industries Limited, which gained Rs70.34 to settle at Rs1,168.32.

On the losing side, Blessed Textiles Limited declined by Rs63.29 to close at Rs1,008.26, while The Premier Sugar Mills fell by Rs49.29 to settle at Rs589.43.

In the futures (DFC) market, turnover stood at 186.207 million shares with a traded value of Rs8.065 billion, compared to 220.304 million shares worth Rs9.635 billion in the previous session.

Out of 302 futures-market companies, 205 advanced, 91 declined, and six remained unchanged.

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has reconstituted its administrative committee, replacing Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir with Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas as a member, according to an official notification.

The notification, issued by the registrar with the approval of Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar, said the chief justice will continue to head the committee.

Under the revised composition, Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas has been inducted into the committee in place of Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, while Justice Muhammad Asif and Justice Muhammad Azam Khan will continue to serve as members.

The administrative committee is responsible for making key administrative decisions relating to the functioning and management of the Islamabad High Court.