Day: July 12, 2026

Houston: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal on Saturday said Pakistan had entered a new phase of opportunity after achieving three major milestones including economic recovery, national resilience and diplomatic renewal.

Addressing students, faculty members, researchers and members of the Pakistani community at Rice University, the minister said the successful execution of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos demonstrated Pakistan’s strategic clarity, national unity and institutional coordination, strengthening confidence in the country’s stability as a prerequisite for investment and sustainable economic growth.

He said the operation exposed India’s aggression before the international community while reflecting Pakistan’s responsible and measured approach towards regional peace and security.

Highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements, Ahsan Iqbal said the country had re-emerged as a credible and responsible global actor by prioritising dialogue over confrontation and cooperation over conflict.

Through balanced engagement with major powers and constructive regional diplomacy, Pakistan had strengthened its international standing and expanded opportunities for economic cooperation, he added.

The minister said the recent achievements had created a rare strategic opportunity for Pakistan, but stressed that lasting progress would depend on sustained reforms and long-term national transformation.

Referring to the development experiences of Singapore, South Korea, China, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Gulf states, he said political stability, policy continuity, investment in human capital, innovation, strong institutions, meritocracy and productivity remained the key drivers of sustainable economic progress.

Describing URAAN Pakistan as a national transformation agenda rather than merely an economic programme, he said it aimed to shift Pakistan from a consumption-driven economy to a productivity-led and innovation-based economy, promote high-value exports, enhance investment competitiveness and institutionalise long-term strategic planning.

Reaffirming the government’s vision of transforming Pakistan into a US$1 trillion economy by 2035, he said exports, technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and a highly skilled workforce would drive future economic growth.

He urged overseas Pakistanis, academia and young professionals to become active partners in the country’s journey towards sustainable and inclusive development.

Later, the minister joined members of the Pakistani-American community at the Jinnah Library in Houston to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

He said the government had declared 2026 as the “Year of Quaid-e-Azam” to mark the historic milestone, adding that the occasion offered an opportunity to honour the vision and leadership of the founding fathers while passing their values to future generations.

Ahsan Iqbal said the principles of integrity, unity, discipline, self-reliance, constitutionalism and nation-building continued to guide Pakistan’s development journey.

He appreciated the Pakistani-American community for preserving Pakistan’s history, heritage and national identity through the Jinnah Library.

The minister said Allama Iqbal’s philosophy of Khudi continued to inspire Pakistanis to realise their potential, while Quaid-e-Azam translated that vision into reality through his unwavering commitment to faith, unity, discipline, constitutionalism and the rule of law.

He said the government was translating the vision of the founding fathers into practical action through URAAN Pakistan by promoting quality education, innovation, advanced technologies, space sciences and a knowledge-based economy to empower the country’s youth.

He said the greatest tribute to Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal would be to build the progressive, prosperous and forward-looking Pakistan they had envisioned.

On the occasion, the Quaid-e-Azam Academy conferred its highest honour, the Jinnah Cap, on Ahsan Iqbal in recognition of his leadership and services to the nation.

During his engagements in Houston, the minister also met Chairman of the Ibn Sina Foundation, Nasruddin Rupani, to discuss collaboration in maternal health, early childhood development, inclusive healthcare and efforts to address child stunting.

He underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships to improve human development indicators and ensure equitable access to quality healthcare services.

Naseerabad: The Balochistan government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing basic healthcare facilities by equipping vaccinators with new resources under the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI).

In this connection 21 motorcycles were handed over to vaccinators serving under the EPI program in a ceremony held here at Sardar Yar Muhammad Jamali Memorial Hospital in Usta Muhammad.

Deputy Commissioner Usta Muhammad, Muhammad Ramzan Palal, formally inaugurated the ceremony and handed over the motorcycles to vaccinators. Sardar Zarar Khan Jamali was also present, while District Health Officer Dr. Amir Ali Jamali, Deputy DHO Dr. Qarar Hussain, and DSV Sanaullah Lashari supervised the event. Other participants included Mansoor Hussain, Dr. Khalil Ahmed, DPO Dr. Maqbool Ahmed Jamali, President of Paramedical Staff Usta Muhammad Mashooq Ali Jamali, TPO Fida Hussain Lashari, vaccinators, and health department officials.

Speaking on the occasion, the DC Ramzan Palal said the provision of 21 motorcycles reflected the provincial government’s special attention and the tireless efforts of local vaccinators. He noted that the new vehicles would make the immunization system more effective, faster, and better organized. ‘These motorcycles will enable vaccinators to reach remote, underdeveloped, and difficult areas in time, significantly improving routine immunization coverage,’ he added.

Speakers emphasized that the initiative would help protect children against measles, polio, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and a total of 15 dangerous diseases. At the conclusion of the ceremony, participants pledged to continue strengthening the immunization system across the district to ensure timely and quality vaccination services for every child.

Hyderabad: The district administration here on Saturday carried out field operations against overpricing and violations of government regulations on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Zainul Abedin Memon.

The official spokesman informed that Assistant Commissioner (AC) Qasimabad conducted price checking in various markets and imposed on two shopkeepers for selling essential commodities above the government-notified rates. The AC also raided roadside cabins and shops which were selling non-duty-paid cigarettes.

He told that the AC Taluka Hyderabad Rural inspected Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) outlets to verify compliance with government-notified LPG prices and prescribed safety Standard Operating Positions. He added that the AC also checked prices at the local flour mills besides wheat stock at those mills.

Sargodha: Sargodha Police have intensified their crackdown on kite selling and kite flying, arresting an alleged kite seller during a targeted operation in the Jhawarian police station limits on Saturday.

According to police spokesperson here, the suspect, identified as Khalid, was taken into custody, and dozens of kites were recovered from his possession.

A case has been registered against the accused under the Punjab Prohibition of Kite Flying Act, and further legal proceedings are underway.

District Police Officer (DPO) Sargodha stated that kite selling and kite flying are non-bailable offences, warning that strict action would continue against anyone involved in the illegal activity.

He said violators would be dealt with firmly and brought to justice in accordance with the law.

Bahawalpur: Five students of Institute of Chemistry, Islamia University of Bahawalpur, have been selected for scholarships in international universities.

According to an official press release issued by the IUB here, under the guidance of Vice Chancellor IUB

Prof Dr Muhammad Kamran, the Islamia University of Bahawalpur has strengthened its ties with international institutions.

‘Students of Institute of Chemistry, including Muhammad Ashad Afzal, have received a fully funded scholarship for PhD at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China,’ it said, adding that similarly, Muhammad Asjad Afzal has received a fully funded scholarship for PhD at the IOWA State University of Sciences and Technology, USA.

Muhammad Anzal Afzal has received a fully funded scholarship for PhD at the Dalian University of Technology, China. Student Ashna Jamshed has received a fully funded scholarship for PhD at the Universidade Estadual DE Campinas Unicamp, Brazil. Student Mohsin Tahseen has received a fully funded scholarship for his PhD at the University de Lille, France.

Vice Chancellor of the Islamia University of Bahawalpur Prof Dr Muhammad Kamran, and Dean of the Faculty of Chemical and Biological Sciences Prof Dr Muhammad Saleem congratulated the students who received the scholarships.