Day: July 12, 2026

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari on Saturday said BESS would play a pivotal role in Pakistan’s energy transition by enhancing grid stability, supporting greater integration of renewable energy and paving the way for widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).

Addressing the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Conference organized by Pakistan Solar Association in Lahore, the minister said battery storage had become an essential component of modern power systems as Pakistan’s electricity sector undergoes a fundamental transformation driven by the rapid expansion of distributed solar generation.

He said the growing use of rooftop solar systems had significantly altered electricity demand patterns, resulting in lower daytime demand and higher consumption during evening hours.

“This changing demand profile creates operational challenges for the national grid, as surplus solar energy generated during the day must be balanced with rising electricity demand after sunset,” he said.

Leghari said Battery Energy Storage Systems offered an effective solution by storing surplus solar energy during daylight hours and supplying it back to the grid during peak demand, thereby improving grid flexibility, reducing reliance on expensive peaking power plants and enhancing the integration of renewable energy.

He said the government had declared battery energy storage a strategic priority and established a Federal Steering Committee on BESS to formulate a coordinated national policy and accelerate regulatory and implementation measures.

The minister said battery storage technology offered immense potential for strengthening isolated grids in Gilgit-Baltistan, improving electricity reliability in Gwadar, integrating renewable energy in remote areas and enhancing the resilience of the national transmission network.

Leghari said Battery Energy Storage Systems are sophisticated energy systems that require strict adherence to international standards. Quality, certification, and standardization must remain central to our strategy. Only high-quality, certified, and internationally compliant battery systems should be imported, manufactured, or assembled in Pakistan.

He said the Ministry of Energy had directed all relevant stakeholders to adopt International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards and allow only IEC-certified battery modules to ensure consumer safety and system reliability.

The minister said the government was also promoting indigenous manufacturing of battery systems through a dedicated Battery Energy Storage Systems Manufacturing Policy being developed by the Ministry of Industries and Production.

He said the policy would encourage domestic and foreign investment, facilitate technology transfer, strengthen local supply chains and create skilled employment opportunities, with the long-term objective of transforming Pakistan into a regional hub for battery manufacturing and innovation.

The minister said widespread adoption of electric vehicles would place additional pressure on the country’s electricity distribution network unless supported by battery storage solutions.

He said the government envisioned an integrated energy ecosystem where rooftop solar panels, battery storage, smart grids and electric vehicles would work together to improve energy efficiency, reduce pressure on the grid and maximize the utilization of renewable energy.

Pakistan’s energy transition is entering a defining phase. Renewable energy, digitalization, distributed generation, battery storage, and electric mobility will together shape the future of our power sector.

Calling for close collaboration among policymakers, regulators, utilities, manufacturers, investors, academia and development partners, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a policy and regulatory environment conducive to innovation and investment.

He expressed confidence that with the right policies, strong public-private partnerships, and a commitment to local manufacturing, Pakistan has the opportunity not only to become a major user of Battery Energy Storage Systems but also a regional hub for their manufacturing and innovation.

Islamabad: The delegations from member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have arrived in Pakistan to participate in the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, scheduled to be held on July 12-13 in Islamabad.

Pakistan is hosting the two-day conference, which will bring together ministers, senior officials from OIC member states and representatives of international organizations to deliberate on issues related to the social, economic and political empowerment of women.

Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik, Punjab Minister for Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal Saba Sadiq, Secretary Ministry of Human Rights Farah Naz Akbar and senior government officials received the distinguished delegations upon their arrival.

Pakistan has the honour of hosting the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women and will reaffirm its commitment to promoting the rights, dignity and empowerment of women across OIC member states.

According to the official source, Federal Minister for Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar will assume the responsibilities as Chair of the conference.

During Pakistan’s chairmanship, efforts will be made to further strengthen cooperation among OIC member states on women’s development and empowerment.

The conference will review progress made in advancing women’s development, share best national practices and formulate a future course of action for enhanced cooperation among OIC member states in the field of women’s empowerment.

The Government of Pakistan has extended a warm welcome to all distinguished delegations participating in the conference.

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Saturday, emphasized the geographical location of Pakistan, terming it ‘an asset ‘ which needed to be explored, as the country lies at the crossroads of Central, South and West Asia.

By improving connectivity, the country could get maximum economic benefits, the DPM/FM expressed these views while chairing a high-level meeting regarding the improvement of port connectivity.

Secretary Maritime Affairs gave a detailed briefing to the Committee regarding the current situation of Pakistani ports and their utilization capacity, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.

The meeting was attended by the Ministers for Law and Justice and Maritime Affairs, SAPM Tariq Bajwa, Secretary Maritime Affairs, DG NLC, Chairman of the Karachi Port Authority, and senior officials from relevant departments.

The committee reviewed measures for the development and enhancement of the efficiency and competitiveness of Pakistan’s ports.

Discussions also focused on improving port connectivity, streamlining operational processes, strengthening inter-agency coordination, facilitating trade and logistics, and advancing reforms to position Pakistan’s ports as efficient regional trade gateways.

Islamabad: Pakistan will host the 9th Ministerial Conference on Women of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) here, to be held from July 12-13, bringing together around 190 delegates from 57 OIC member states, including ministers, senior government officials and prominent women leaders.

The two-day conference aims to strengthen cooperation among OIC member states for the empowerment of women by promoting their social, economic, political and professional participation while advancing inclusive and sustainable development across the Muslim world.

According to official details, delegates will deliberate on measures to expand women’s access to economic opportunities, financial systems, entrepreneurship, technology and digital platforms, besides addressing the digital gender gap and enhancing financial inclusion.

The conference will also discuss strategies to improve women’s participation in decision-making processes and review progress made on commitments adopted at previous OIC ministerial conferences. Participants are expected to exchange experiences and best practices while exploring new avenues for promoting women’s rights and socio-economic development within member states.

The meeting will further focus on expanding women’s access to quality education and healthcare and promoting policies aimed at achieving inclusive growth and sustainable development across the Muslim world.

The conference builds on the outcomes of previous OIC ministerial meetings on women, particularly the eighth session held in Cairo in 2021, which focused on women’s empowerment, protection frameworks and enhancing their socio-economic participation.

Pakistan, as the host country, is expected to use the conference as a platform to reaffirm its commitment to strengthening cooperation among OIC member states for promoting gender-inclusive development and creating greater opportunities for women across diverse sectors.

Islamabad: The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) provided timely assistance to more than 876,625 road users, reunited 115 missing children with their families and arrested 54 wanted criminals during the first half of 2026.

According to the NHMP’s performance report for the period from January 1 to June 30, 2026, NHMP continued its commitment to ensuring safe travel, providing timely public assistance, enforcing traffic laws, promoting road safety, and combating smuggling across the country’s motorways and national highways.

The force promptly responded to 26 medical emergencies, helping save precious lives. NHMP officers also extinguished 39 vehicle fires, preventing casualties and minimizing property losses, it added.

Through its 130 Toll-Free Helpline, the NHMP provided guidance to 179,408 citizens, extended various forms of assistance to 123,256 road users, delivered emergency support to 9,823 citizens, and resolved 42,111 public complaints in a timely manner.

During the reporting period, the NHMP issued 15,679 driving licences, 43 Category CE driving licences, and 528 International Driving Permits. To promote road safety nationwide, the NHMP organized 1,327 road safety awareness programmes.

More than 16.36 million (16,361,682) road users received road safety awareness at toll plazas, while over 2.27 million (2,275,043) road safety pamphlets and booklets were distributed across the country.

Demonstrating honesty, professionalism, and public trust, NHMP officers recovered and returned lost valuables to their rightful owners, including gold jewellery in two separate incidents, hundreds of mobile phones worth over Rs. 13.617 million, 23 bags containing important documents, and 31 wallets.

The NHMP also recovered 25 stolen vehicles and 22 non-custom-paid vehicles, handing them over to the relevant authorities and their rightful owners. Furthermore, 115 missing children were safely reunited with their parents, while 54 dangerous criminals wanted in various criminal cases were arrested and handed over to the respective district police.

During enforcement operations on national highways, the NHMP recovered four illegal weapons, 35 rounds of ammunition, three magazines, 21.22 grams of hashish, 26 kilograms of opium, 21 kilograms of cocaine, 2,420 litres of liquor, 400 cans of alcoholic beverages, non-custom-paid cigarettes worth Rs. 60 million, skimmed milk powder worth Rs. 1.5 million, and non-custom-paid cloth worth Rs. 12 million. All recovered items were handed over to the relevant law enforcement agencies for further legal action.

As part of its anti-smuggling operations, the NHMP foiled attempts to smuggle 532 tonnes of wheat and flour, which were subsequently handed over to the relevant Food Department. The force also recovered 2,173 kilograms of unhygienic meat, arrested the suspects, and handed them over to the respective Food Authorities. In addition, 32 smuggling attempts were foiled, with all accused persons handed over to the relevant law enforcement agencies.

The NHMP also recovered over 16,586 metres of stolen roadside fencing and handed the suspects over to the concerned district police.

Under its special campaign against over-speeding, the NHMP registered 817 FIRs against violators.

The report further highlights that the NHMP’s Social Media Team and FM-95 Road Safety Radio continue to keep road users informed about road safety, traffic conditions, and travel advisories.

To strengthen public engagement and ensure prompt resolution of citizens’ concerns, the NHMP also conducts a monthly Open Court (Khuli Katcheri).

The report concludes by reaffirming the National Highways and Motorway Police’s unwavering commitment to impartial enforcement of the law while providing safe, dignified, and high-quality travel services to the public.

The NHMP remains dedicated to serving the nation with professionalism, integrity, and excellence around the clock.

Islamabad: Federal Ombudsman Naveed Kamran Baloch on Saturday said his institution is harnessing digital and AI-powered reforms to elevate public service delivery, broaden awareness and capacity-building initiatives for government employees, and ensure Ombudsman decisions are implemented well within the prescribed 60-day time frame.

While appearing on a PTV News programme, Federal Ombudsman Naveed Kamran Baloch highlighted the Ombudsman institution’s role, sharing his personal experiences and thanking the government leadership for strengthening the system through technology and AI-driven solutions to provide speedy, transparent and accessible justice.

Kamran Baloch said the institution is focused on supporting the underprivileged segment of society, with nearly 90 percent of complainants seeking relief against issues faced at government departments and public offices.

He added that AI technology is helping take justice services to citizens’ doorsteps, with implementation of Ombudsman decisions ensured within 60 days, while efforts are underway to further reduce the time-frame.

He emphasised that public awareness is essential for ensuring access to justice and said the Federal Ombudsman is actively working to strengthen complaint resolution mechanisms. The institution is establishing monitoring cells and appointing focal persons in public dealing departments, including NADRA, airports, BISP, power sector and other organizations to improve service delivery and ensure timely redressal of citizens’ grievances.

He further said the Federal Ombudsman is ensuring coordinated efforts to resolve issues faced by overseas Pakistanis, with the Foreign Secretary supporting effective coordination among relevant institutions. These initiatives are aimed at making public services more responsive, transparent and accessible for all citizens.

Responding to a query, he stressed the need for capacity building, training and specialized courses for employees involved in public dealing to improve service delivery.

He said the Federal Ombudsman provides justice to citizens while ensuring accountability, transparency and credibility across institutions, with regular feedback reflecting public confidence in the system.

To another query, he also elaborated on the complaint filing process and legal procedures, stating that applicants can approach the Federal Ombudsman not only through physical applications but also via telephone and social media platforms.

He said dedicated teams and researchers are working to ensure quick responses and efficient guidance for complainants.

Replying to a question about complaints, he said over 256,000 cases were received by the Federal Ombudsman last year, while he personally reviews around 920 to 1,000 complaints on a daily basis.

He said a forensic digitalised system with AI-based tools is being utilized to analyze cases, enhance efficiency and ensure speedy resolution.

On the nature of complaints, he said most grievances arise from departments involved in direct public dealing.

He added that the Federal Ombudsman is actively engaged with 12 to 14 key public service organizations and is working continuously to introduce reforms for improved performance and greater public satisfaction.

In his concluding remarks, Naveed Kamran Baloch stressed the importance of public awareness, dignity and compassion in service delivery.

He said the Federal Ombudsman is committed to making justice more accessible and ensuring citizens receive fair and respectful treatment.

He said the Wafaqi Mohtasib has emerged as a strong pillar of administrative accountability by addressing public grievances, improving governance standards and promoting transparency, responsibility and efficiency in government services.