Latest News from Balochistan
Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
In her condolence message on Monday, the CM extended heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the bereaved family. She prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the departed soul eternal peace and bless the bereaved family with patience and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Lahore: University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore has announced admissions to various postgraduate programs for autumn 2026. The university has invited online applications from eligible candidates for MS, MPhil, Masters and PhD programs.
According to the spokesperson, the last date for submitting online applications for admissions has been set as August 13, 2026, while the entrance tests of UET Lahore will start from August 17, 2026. Interviews for MS, MPhil and PhD programs will be held from August 20 to 22, while classes for the new academic session will begin from September 7, 2026. This was stated by UET spokesperson Dr. Tanveer Qasim.
UET Lahore is offering admissions in several cutting-edge fields including engineering, computing, artificial intelligence, data science. In addition, admissions are also open for MS, MPhil, Masters and PhD programs in Islamic studies, chemistry and other subjects.
According to the spokesperson, various programs at UET Lahore will be available in morning, evening and weekend shifts so that candidates from different walks of life can continue their education as per their convenience.
The university will also provide research support, scholarships and financial assistance to selected PhD students. In addition, special financial incentives have also been provided for alumni, women and faculty members.
Lahore: The Suthra Punjab Agency Lahore (SPAL) is continuing its uninterrupted citywide cleanliness drive, with sanitation teams intensifying zero-waste operations across Shalimar Town.
On the directions of Suthra Punjab Authority DG Babar Sahib Din, more than 1,100 sanitation workers, assisted by 110 operational vehicles, cleared 6 identified waste hotspots in Shalimar Town as part of the ongoing zero-waste drive. To strengthen daily waste collection, 190 loader rickshaws have been deployed across the town for door-to-door collection.
Sanitation teams also carried out manual washing and water sprinkling around Shalimar Gardens and adjoining roads to maintain cleanliness in the area. Special cleanliness operations were completed around Neelam Cinema Commercial Market, Kotli Pir Abdul Rehman, Jameel Park, Ali Park, Bhogiwal Road, Shalimar Link Road, Jani Pura and the vicinity of Muhammad Ali Marriage Hall.
Waste clearance and manual sweeping operations are continuing in China Scheme, Chamra Mandi, Misri Shah, Shad Bagh, Sukh Nehar Road, Ghore Shah, Baghbanpura Bazaar, Ramgarh Bazaar and Suhawari Bazaar.
Daily zero-waste operations are also being maintained at the Fazalpura waste enclosure and the temporary waste collection point in China Scheme.
DG Babar Sahib Din said that special sanitation arrangements are being implemented in both urban and rural union councils to ensure improved cleanliness services for residents. He stated that all 9 towns of Lahore are being converted into zero-waste zones in phases under the Suthra Punjab initiative, while tractor-trolleys are also being used to clear waste from open plots in rural union councils.
Citizens have been urged to report sanitation-related complaints through the Suthra Punjab helpline 1139 or social media platforms.
Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi on Monday held a detailed meeting to review matters relating to the Quaid-e-Azam Mazar Management Board (QMMB) and the National Library of Pakistan’s Regional Office in Karachi, with both sides agreeing to strengthen coordination for the preservation of national heritage institutions and the resolution of longstanding administrative issues.
The meeting examined issues concerning the management, maintenance and security of Mazar-e-Quaid and its peripheral areas, including encroachments, illegal dumping of garbage and construction debris, security concerns arising from the presence of drug addicts and miscreants, and proposals aimed at improving public access to the national monument. The participants also discussed disputes involving the National Library of Pakistan’s Regional Office housed within the Liaquat Memorial Library complex, including water supply, use of premises
and future expansion plans.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi, Secretary to Chief Minister Asif Jameel, Secretary Culture Khair Muhammad Kalwar and other provincial officials. The federal minister was accompanied by Director General National Library of Pakistan, Resident Engineer and Secretary Quaid-e-Azam Mazar Management Board Aleem Khan and senior officers of the National Heritage and Culture Division.
During the meeting, officials briefed the chief minister on the constitutional status and responsibilities of the Quaid-e-Azam Mazar Management Board, which oversees the protection, preservation, maintenance and development of the mausoleum and its surrounding 131.718-acre precincts.
The chief minister directed Commissioner Hassan Naqvi to remove encroachments from the Mazar’s peripheral areas adjoining Lines Area and Khudadad Colony, take measures to stop illegal dumping of waste on the roads surrounding the monument, enhance security arrangements, and provide financial suppor
t for the upkeep and maintenance of the mausoleum.
The meeting was also informed about administrative and operational issues concerning the National Library of Pakistan’s Karachi Regional Office located within the Liaquat Memorial Library complex.
Officials briefed the meeting that the National Library had complained about the disconnection of water supply to its regional office. The CM directed Commissioner karachi to resolve the water supply issue of the library.
The participants were informed that historical records indicate that Liaquat Memorial Library was transferred to the Government of Sindh in 1986 and declared the provincial library of Sindh, while the basement portion housing the National Library’s Regional Office remained under the administrative control of the Federal Government.
The meeting also reviewed concerns raised by the National Library regarding the vacation of certain premises for the establishment of a Regional Copyright Depository and the expansion of its Karachi office. Federal a
uthorities maintained that additional space was required to strengthen library services and develop a modern regional knowledge hub, while provincial officials highlighted the growing demand for reading facilities at Liaquat Memorial Library, which receives thousands of visitors, students and researchers daily. The CM directed the Secretary Culture to settle and report to him.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said that Mazar-e-Quaid and the country’s public libraries were national assets that must be protected and developed through cooperation between the federal and provincial governments.
‘The Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum is a symbol of our national identity and heritage. The Government of Sindh will continue to extend full support for its protection, maintenance, beautification and security,’ the chief minister said.
Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said the National Heritage and Culture Division was committed to preserving Pakistan’s cultural institutions and improving acces
s to knowledge resources. ‘The National Library of Pakistan is undertaking important reforms to expand its services. We seek the cooperation of the Sindh government so that these initiatives can benefit scholars, researchers and the people of Sindh,’ he said.
The federal minister emphasised that Mazar-e-Quaid remained one of Pakistan’s most important national monuments and required coordinated efforts to address encroachments, environmental concerns and security challenges around its precincts.
‘Our shared responsibility is to preserve the sanctity, dignity and historic significance of Mazar-e-Quaid while ensuring that our national cultural institutions continue to grow and serve future generations,’ Khichi said.
The meeting concluded with an understanding that the provincial and federal authorities would maintain close coordination to address the issues concerning the Quaid-e-Azam Mazar Management Board and the National Library of Pakistan, and develop mutually agreed solutions in accordance with legal an
d administrative requirements.
Karachi: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi organized “Niaz-e-Imam Hussain r.a” in connection with the holy month of Muharram at the Jaun Elia Lawn, drawing a large gathering of Arts Council members, writers, poets, artists, journalists, and prominent social and political figures.
President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Mohammad Ahmed Shah, Secretary Ejaz Farooqi, members of the Governing Body, and Executive Director Daniyal Umar warmly welcomed the guests and members. The ceremony was graced by Governor Sindh Nihal Hashmi as the chief guest.
Among the distinguished attendees were Deputy Mayor Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad, Inspector General of Police Sindh Javed Alam Odho, political leader Waqar Mehdi, Provincial Minister Saeed Ghani, journalists Fazil Jamili, Mazhar Abbas, Owais Tohid, Imtiaz Khan Faran, A.H. Khanzada, renowned poet Javed Saba, Shehzad Raza Naqvi, Iqbal Latif, Akhlaq Ahmed, poet Dr. Ambreen Haseeb Amber, and many other notable personalities from different walks of life.
Karachi: Pakistan Stock Exchange organized a gong ceremony to mark the first listing of the new fiscal year 2026-27 on Monday as Select Technologies Limited has successfully completed its Initial Public Offering (“IPO”), raising Rs 3.02 billion.
Select Technologies Limited (“SELECT”), a leading Pakistani technology company engaged in the manufacturing and assembly of smartphones and consumer appliances, received a strong response from investors during both the Book Building and General Public Subscription phases, said a statement issued here.
The IPO comprised 88.9 million ordinary shares, representing 10% of SELECT’s post-issue paid-up capital and raised Rs 3.02 billion. The IPO floor price was set at Rs 28.00 per share but following healthy demand during the Book Building process, the strike price was discovered at Rs 34.00 per share, representing a 21% premium over the floor price.
The IPO attracted participation from a diverse range of investors, including commercial banks, mutual funds, insurance companies, investment banks, pension and employees’ funds, brokerage houses, high-net-worth individuals, corporate investors, and retail investors.
Managing Director and CEO of PSX, Farrukh H. Sabzwari, welcomed Select Technologies Limited to the Pakistan Stock Exchange, saying that Select’s listing follows a landmark year for the Exchange which delivered 11 IPOs and raised US$ 66 million while average daily traded value reached an all-time high of US$ 205 million across 537 listed companies.
Market capitalization reached a market cap of Rs 20.20 trillion at close of FY26 while the investor base reached an all-time high of 583,052 accounts, with around 16,000 new accounts opened each month at an average, he noted.
Commissioner Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Zeeshan Rehman Khattak stated that IPOs are a true growth path for companies and the SECP was committed to make the listing process seamless. We continue to balance regulatory requirements with investor protection, while encouraging forward-looking sectors to access the capital markets, he vowed.
Chairman, AirLink Communication Limited, Aslam H. Piracha termed the successful listing a reflection of strong investor confidence in the company’s strategy and capabilities and expressed commitment to the highest standards of governance and transparency.
Chief Executive Officer, Select Technologies Limited, Adnan Aftab, calling the listing of Select on PSX as a proud moment for his entire team, said that they aimed to deliver sustainable long-term value to the shareholders with focus on innovation, quality, and customer trust.
Chief Executive Officer of Arif Habib Limited, Shahid Ali Habib, stated that the strong response from both institutional and retail investors resulted in a 3.23 times oversubscription and the IPO witnessed participation from around 13,000 investors.