Day: July 13, 2026

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Sunday, while expressing his deep grief over the passing away of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former amir of the State of Qatar, conveyed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the people and the Government of Pakistan, as well as on his own behalf

The prime minister, on his X handle, extended heartfelt condolences to ‘Dear Brother the Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the distinguished members of the Al Thani family, the Government, as well as the brotherly people of Qatar on this solemn occasion.’

He further said the Father Amir, late Sheikh Hamad was a great leader and statesman whose wisdom, foresight and dedication to public service, transformed Qatar into a modern, prosperous and globally respected nation.

His enduring contributions to the welfare of his nation and its people, as well as to regional peace, development and international cooperation, will be remembered for generations to come.

‘We stand in solidarity with them in this moment of profound grief. We will always cherish the Father Amir’s warmth, kindness and deep affection for Pakistan, as well as the fond memories of his many visits to our country,’ he added.

The prime minister prayed to Allah Almighty to grant the departed Father Amir, the highest place in Jannat ul Firdaus, and shower His blessings upon the Royal Family and their Qatari brothers and sisters to bear this irreparable loss with strength, patience and fortitude.

Islamabad: Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights Ms. Saba Sadiq Sunday said the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women will serve as a platform to formulate an action plan for empowering women socially, politically and digitally, ensuring their inclusion in the digital age and thanked the OIC for allowing Pakistan to host the historic gathering for the first time.

While appearing on PTV News, Parliamentary Secretary Saba Sadiq said Pakistan is honoured to host the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women for the first time, describing it as a historic opportunity for the country to highlight its commitment toward women’s empowerment, inclusion and equal opportunities.

She expressed hope that Pakistan will utilize this important platform to promote women’s advancement, strengthen their role in decision-making, and encourage their participation in the digital era through access to technology, skills, and new opportunities.

She added that the conference will help develop a comprehensive action plan for women’s social, political and economic empowerment.

She said Pakistan has made significant progress in providing opportunities for women, adding that women are now actively contributing and achieving success across various fields.

Secretary emphasized that the conference’s plan of action will further explore ways to expand opportunities for women in areas including technology, beyond political participation, relief efforts, justice and other important sectors.

She said the focus will remain on ensuring women’s meaningful inclusion, with women being encouraged to take leading positions and occupy decision-making platforms.

Saba Sadiq added that empowering women through equal access to opportunities is essential for sustainable development and national progress.

She also appreciated the efforts of Punjab Chief Minister for supporting initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment and creating an enabling environment for women to advance in different fields.

In her concluding remarks, Ms. Saba Sadiq thanked the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for providing Pakistan the opportunity to host the historic conference, saying the platform has opened new doors of progress, empowerment and opportunities for future generations of women.

She said the outcomes of the conference will help build a stronger pathway for women’s inclusion, development, and leadership while creating a more promising future for coming generations.

Islamabad: Assistant Director Safe City Abbas Mehdi chaired a meeting with officers of the Capital Patrol Unit (CPU) to review the use of Islamabad Police’s digital systems for crime prevention and effective patrol management.

An official told reporter on Sunday that Abbas Mehdi reviewed the operational use of Islamabad Police software for monitoring suspicious activities and preventing crime during routine patrols.

He directed officers to make effective use of technology to improve surveillance, incident response and field operations.

Special emphasis was laid on the Security Duty Management System (SDMS) to ensure real-time monitoring of officers’ attendance, deployment and patrolling activities.

The meeting also focused on strengthening coordination between Safe City and the Capital Patrol Unit through technology-driven policing.

The official said officers were instructed to fully utilize available digital tools to enhance operational efficiency and ensure timely response to emergencies.

Islamabad: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) , National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah Sunday said that the Indian government has repeatedly failed to fulfil its commitments to Jammu and Kashmir, adding that the people are seeking the restoration of their rights and dignity, not any other favour.

Farooq Abdullah addressing a gathering in Srinagar recalled what he described as decades of unfulfilled assurances from New Delhi.

He said promises had been made to address the shortcomings caused by previous governments and restore the situation, but said that those commitments had remained unfulfilled.

In a sharp political criticism, Farooq Abdullah accused unnamed political rivals of acting on directions from Delhi while claiming to represent the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Reaffirming his party’s political position, Abdullah said the demand was not for any special concessions but for the restoration of the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the people were seeking what they believe already belongs to them, rather than asking for any additional benefits or favors.

‘We are not asking for anything that is not ours we are only asking for our own right, that this right be returned to us,’ Abdullah said.

Islamabad: Chairperson Peace and Culture Organisation and wife of jailed Kashmiri freedom fighter Yasin Malik,Mushaal Hussein Mullick on Sunday paid tribute to the martyrs of July 13, 1931, saying their sacrifices continue to inspire the struggle for the people of Jammu and Kashmir’s right to self determination.

On the eve of Kashmir Martyrs Day, she urged the United Nations, the international community and global human rights organisations to step up efforts for the protection of Kashmiris’ rights and support a peaceful resolution of the longstanding dispute in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Speaking in a statement, the former special assistant to the prime minister on human rights and women empowerment said July 13 remains a defining chapter in Kashmir’s history, representing courage, faith and sacrifice.

She recalled that 22 unarmed Kashmiris were killed outside Srinagar Central Jail on July 13, 1931, after Dogra forces opened fire while they were completing the call to prayer.

She said their sacrifice ignited a movement that continues to inspire generations of Kashmiris.

MS Malik said the spirit of the martyrs lives on in every Kashmiri striving peacefully for justice, dignity and the internationally recognised right to self determination.

She said decades of repression, arbitrary detentions, restrictions on civil liberties and the continued imprisonment of Kashmiri political leaders had failed to weaken the resolve of the Kashmiri people.

Mushaal said the sacrifices made from the Dogra era to the present day could never be erased from history. She maintained that lasting peace in South Asia depended on a just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Calling for greater international engagement, she urged the United Nations, the international community and global human rights organisations to ensure accountability for alleged human rights violations and support meaningful efforts aimed at resolving the dispute peacefully.

Reaffirming her commitment, Mushaal said the sacrifices of the July 13 martyrs would never be forgotten and pledged to continue raising the voice of the people of Jammu and Kashmir through peaceful, democratic, legal and diplomatic means until they are able to exercise their right to self determination.