Day: July 13, 2026

Islamabad: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi on Sunday chaired a high-level meeting to review administrative affairs, police welfare and measures aimed at improving public services at police stations and offices across the federal capital.

An official told reporter on Sunday that the meeting was attended by DIG Headquarters Muhammad Atique Tahir, DIG Islamabad Muhammad Jawad Tariq, DIG Security Rana Umar Farooq and AIG Logistics Abdul Haq Umrani.

IGP Rizvi reviewed district-wide administrative matters, ongoing welfare initiatives for police officers and the facilities being provided to citizens at police stations and departmental offices.

Rizvi issued necessary directions to further improve administrative efficiency, strengthen professional standards and enhance public service delivery.

He emphasized that public facilitation and the welfare of police personnel remained among the top priorities of Islamabad Police.

The official said all senior officers were directed to ensure timely implementation of the decisions and maintain high standards of professionalism and accountability.

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Sunday, underscored the importance of further strengthening Pakistan-UK bilateral relations.

Expressing his views during a meeting with Lord Aamer Sarfraz, who called on him, the DPM/FM highlighted that the Pakistani diaspora, including distinguished parliamentarians like Lord Sarfraz, served as a vital bridge between Pakistan and the UK.

‘Lord Sarfraz appreciated the Deputy Prime Minister’s continued and proactive role in advancing regional peace and stability. He also briefed the DPM/FM on matters concerning the Pakistani diaspora in the United Kingdom, including key issues faced by the community and their valuable contributions to both countries,’ the Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.

They also exchanged views on the evolving political landscape in the UK.

The DPM/FM expressed confidence that members of the diaspora would continue to play a constructive role in deepening people-to-people ties, trade, and investment between the two countries.

Islamabad: Renowned director, producer, broadcaster, and television playwright Agha Nasir was remembered on his 10th death anniversary, where fans, fellow artists and media personalities paid tribute to his remarkable contributions to Pakistan’s television industry.

Born on 9 February 1937 in Mumbai, India, Agha Nasir was one of Pakistan’s most renowned directors, producers, broadcasters, and television playwrights. He began his broadcasting career with Radio Pakistan in 1955, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey in media.

From unforgettable dramas to shaping the face of Pakistan Television, Agha Nasir left an indelible mark on the country’s broadcasting industry.

His notable productions included Girah and Pani Pe Naam, while Taleem-e-Balighan is widely regarded as one of the finest stage dramas ever aired on PTV.

Agha Nasir also contributed to the design of the PTV logo. A prolific writer, he authored several books, including Gumshudda Log, Gulshan-i-Yad, Hum Jeetay Ji Masroof Rahay, and his autobiography, Agha Se Agha Nasir Tak.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to arts and broadcasting, he was awarded the Pride of Performance. Agha Nasir passed away on 12 July 2016, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire generations of broadcasters, writers and artists.

Islamabad: Superintendent of Police (SP) Aiwan-e-Sadr/Parliament House Tahir Mehmood Khan on Sunday visited Serena Hotel to review security arrangements for the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, as Islamabad hosts delegates from across the Muslim world.

An official told reporter that Pakistan is hosting the conference at the Jinnah Convention Centre on July 12-13, bringing together more than 190 delegates from 57 OIC member states to discuss the theme, ‘Socio-Economic and Political Empowerment of Women in OIC Countries.’

SP Tahir met officers and personnel deployed on security duty at Serena Hotel and reviewed the overall security arrangements.

Tahir briefed officers on the nature and sensitivity of their duties and issued necessary instructions to ensure foolproof security throughout the event.

He directed all personnel to remain vigilant, maintain strict monitoring and perform their duties with professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility.

SP Tahir also stressed effective coordination among all security personnel and instructed them to respond promptly to any emergency situation.

Islamabad: The ninth Ministerial Conference on Women of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) opened in Islamabad on Sunday with technical-level meetings, setting the stage for ministerial deliberations on women’s empowerment across the Muslim world.

The two-day conference has brought together around 190 delegates, including ministers, senior government officials and representatives from the OIC’s 57 member states, to discuss ways to enhance women’s social, economic and political participation and strengthen cooperation among member countries.

Held under the theme, “The Social, Economic and Political Empowerment of Women in OIC Countries: Challenges and the Way Forward,” the conference will focus on expanding women’s access to education, healthcare, employment, entrepreneurship, financial services, technology and digital opportunities, while addressing barriers to their full participation in public life.

Technical experts and senior officials are holding preparatory sessions on the opening day to finalize recommendations for consideration by ministers, who will meet on Monday.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to inaugurate the ministerial session, while Pakistan will formally assume the chairmanship of the OIC Ministerial Conference on Women from Egypt for the next two years.

Several senior Pakistani leaders are expected to address the conference, including Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Members of the National Assembly Wajeeha Qamar and Saba Sadiq.

They are expected to highlight Pakistan’s initiatives aimed at promoting women’s empowerment, education, economic inclusion and leadership.

The conference is expected to conclude with the adoption of the Islamabad Declaration, outlining a common framework for advancing women’s empowerment and promoting inclusive and sustainable development across OIC member states.

The Islamabad meeting builds on the outcomes of the previous ministerial conference held in Cairo in 2021 and is expected to provide fresh momentum for greater collaboration among OIC countries to expand opportunities for women and strengthen their role in social, economic and political development.

Islamabad: The growing dominance of social media platforms, brand-focused choices has transformed modern lifestyles into a race for appearances, where many individuals feel pressured to project a flawless image, chase digital popularity, follow ever-changing trends, creating a silent burden that is increasingly affecting psychological health and emotional well-being.

Social media vloggers, digital creators and the drama industry are increasingly shaping modern lifestyles by presenting idealized images of success, luxury and daily routines where experts believe such content can create unrealistic expectations, pushing people toward comparison and affecting practical lifestyle choices.

According to mental health experts from various cities, during media conversations highlighted that excessive focus on social media trends, brand culture and unrealistic online lifestyles is increasing comparison, social pressure and emotional challenges among people.

Mental health expert Qasim Ovais said excessive use of social media, growing influence of online trends, and increasing brand obsession are affecting the thinking patterns of youth, as many young people are becoming more focused on digital approval, appearances, branded lifestyles and comparisons rather than practical achievements and personal development.

He advised parents to maintain open communication with children, guide them about responsible social media use, and help them develop a balanced approach toward digital platforms.

He stressed that awareness about brand pressure, family support and healthy online habits are important to protect young people from unnecessary stress, unrealistic expectations and emotional challenges.

Mental health professional Dr Ayesha Malik also highlighted the influence of daily vloggers, social media content, and the drama industry on public perceptions and lifestyle choices, saying constant exposure to idealized portrayals can create unrealistic expectations and increase mental stress among viewers.

She emphasized the need for awareness and a balanced approach toward digital content, adding that people should differentiate between online portrayals and real-life experiences to maintain healthy emotional well-being.

Youngsters also believe that increasing influence of social media, vloggers and entertainment content is shaping minds toward unrealistic lifestyles, where appearances often take priority over reality.

They said many online trends promote a culture of display and comparison, creating distance from genuine relationships and encouraging a focus on showing off rather than meaningful connections.

A youngster Hassan Aftab said social media trends, influencer culture, and brand obsession are changing the way young people view success and lifestyle.

He observed that many individuals are now more concerned with creating a perfect image and gaining public attention, while real-life connections, simplicity, and genuine experiences are gradually being affected.

On the other side parents also expressed concern that the growing influence of vloggers, social media trends and online lifestyles is shaping children’s choices and increasing demands for branded products and luxury items.

They said many youngsters want to own things they see on digital platforms, while managing these expectations has become challenging, as refusal can sometimes affect their emotions and behaviour.

A parent, who is a professional teacher, said the influence of social media trends and branded lifestyles is also visible among students, including those studying in private schools.

She explained that many children compare their belongings, fashion choices, and lifestyles with peers, creating pressure on families and affecting young minds.

In concluding remarks, the changing landscape of modern society requires collective efforts from families, educators, and digital platforms to promote healthier online habits.

Experts believe awareness, guidance and responsible use of technology are essential to protect young minds from unrealistic expectations.

Encouraging youth to focus on skills, creativity, meaningful relationships and personal growth can help reduce the pressure of comparison while creating a more balanced connection between digital trends and real-life values.