Day: July 14, 2026

Islamabad: The online registration campaign for Hajj 2027-2030 has continued successfully, with the number of intending pilgrims registering from home surpassing 308,000. According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, 222,000 applicants have opted for the government Hajj scheme, while 86,000 have registered under the private Hajj scheme.

Among the registered pilgrims, 181,000 are men and 127,000 are women. The educational profile of the applicants includes 3,500 PhD holders, 53,000 Master’s degree holders, and 71,000 Bachelor’s degree holders.

The largest number of applicants belongs to the 33-44 years age group, with 119,000 registrations, while around 40,000 registered pilgrims are over 61 years of age. The spokesperson said the Ministry of Religious Affairs is considering the introduction of an online Hajj fee payment system in the next phase.

He added that the Hajj Management System, developed by the National IT Board, has become an effective and convenient platform for communication between intending pilgrims and the ministry.

The registration process has been made simple and convenient through the Hajj Portal and the “Pak Hajj” mobile application, reflecting the Prime Minister’s vision of Digital Pakistan.

The online registration process for Hajj 2027-2030 through the Hajj Portal and the “Pak Hajj” mobile application continues.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh on Monday said the government is taking all possible measures to promote exports and attract both local and foreign investment across various sectors as part of its strategy to strengthen Pakistan’s economy.

Speaking to a private television channel, the minister said the government is focusing on export-led growth and the development of the industrial sector to ensure sustainable economic progress.

He said discussions have been held with foreign companies to encourage investment in different sectors, adding that creating a business-friendly environment remains one of the government’s top priorities.

Responding to a question, Qaiser Sheikh said the country’s foreign exchange reserves and remittances have witnessed an increase due to the policies and efforts of the incumbent government. Commenting on energy prices, he said the government has taken all possible measures to reduce the cost of energy for industries, enabling them to enhance production and improve competitiveness.

The minister expressed confidence that continued efforts to promote exports and strengthen the industrial sector would contribute significantly to Pakistan’s economic growth and stability.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Engineer Amir Muqam, on Monday paid rich tribute to the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, asserting that the martyrs of Jammu and Kashmir made eternal sacrifices for the love of Pakistan and the freedom movement, which will always be remembered.

“The role of the martyrs in the Kashmir freedom movement is unforgettable. Their sacrifices are a symbol of the determination and resilience of the Kashmiri nation,” the minister said in his message issued by his office on the Martyr Day of Jammu and Kashmir.

He said that the Indian Army, along with the Dogra Army and the RSS, martyred 300,000 Kashmiris, adding that these sacrifices are a part of history. The blood of the Kashmiri martyrs will not go in vain, and the Kashmiris will attain freedom, he said.

Pakistan will stand by its Kashmiri brothers and sisters in every situation and will continue to provide them with political, diplomatic, and moral support, he added.

Islamabad: The National University of Modern Languages held its 3rd Special Convocation 2026 to confer the prestigious Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree upon H.E. Dr Mohammad AbdulKarim Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to humanity, global peace, interfaith harmony, moderation, and the promotion of knowledge.

The distinguished ceremony was attended by H.E. Nawaf Bin Said Al-Malki, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan; Dr Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training; Rector NUML, Major General Shahid Mahmood Kayani HI(M) (Retd); Director General NUML, Brigadier Muhammad Rafiq Khan; Pro-Rector Research and Strategic Initiatives, Dr Safeer Awan; deans, faculty members, eminent scholars, students, and a large number of distinguished guests, said a press release on Monday.

Addressing the convocation after receiving the honorary degree, Dr Mohammad AbdulKarim Al-Issa expressed his profound gratitude to NUML, stating that the conferment of the honorary doctorate was both a great honour and a profound responsibility. He said he was delighted to visit Pakistan and appreciated the warmth and hospitality extended by the university and the people of Pakistan.

Dr Al-Issa lauded Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional and global peace, describing it as a source of pride not only for Pakistan but for the entire Muslim world. He also appreciated the leadership of Pakistan, including the Field Marshal and the country’s political leadership, for their efforts towards peace, stability, and unity. Thanking NUML for the distinguished honour, he prayed for Pakistan’s continued peace, progress, and prosperity.

In his address, Rector NUML Major General Shahid Mahmood Kayani HI(M) (Retd) congratulated Dr Al-Issa on the conferment of the Honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree in recognition of his remarkable services to humanity, peace, and knowledge.

The Rector remarked that ‘Universities are not merely centres where knowledge is transmitted; they are institutions where civilizations preserve their wisdom, societies cultivate their conscience, and future generations discover their purpose.’ He emphasized that academic collaboration, scholarly exchange, language education, and intercultural understanding are powerful instruments for bringing nations closer together. He said Dr Al-Issa’s presence at NUML symbolizes the enduring bonds between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and reflects a shared commitment to knowledge, moderation, dialogue, and constructive engagement with the wider world.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Dr Wajiha Qamar appreciated NUML for recognizing the exceptional services of Dr Mohammad AbdulKarim Al-Issa through the conferment of an Honorary PhD degree. She commended Dr Al-Issa’s tireless efforts in promoting interfaith harmony, fostering unity among Muslim countries, and advocating peace and tolerance across the globe.

The Minister also praised NUML’s significant role in promoting languages, cultures, and intercultural understanding, highlighting the university’s contribution to building bridges between nations through education. She further underscored the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, noting that the two countries continue to work together in promoting peace, stability, and mutual cooperation in the region and beyond.

The Secretary General Muslim World League, Dr Mohammad AbdulKarim Al-Issa also recorded his remarks in the Visitors’ Book, followed by a group photograph.

Islamabad: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast hot and humid weather in most parts of the country on Tuesday, with rain accompanied by wind and thunderstorms expected at isolated places in Kashmir, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northeast Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan.

The Met Office warned that heavy rainfall could trigger landslides and flash flooding in local streams and nullahs in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir during the next 24 hours, advising residents and authorities to remain alert.

In Islamabad and adjoining areas, hot and very humid weather is likely to prevail. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, most districts are expected to remain hot and humid, while isolated rain-wind/thundershowers are likely in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kalam, Malam Jabba, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Parachinar, Buner, Peshawar, Kurram, Kohat and Waziristan.

Punjab is also expected to experience hot and very humid conditions, with chances of isolated rain and thunderstorms in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sahiwal, Sialkot, Narowal and Okara.

In Sindh, hot and humid weather will prevail in most districts, while central and upper parts of the province are likely to remain very hot during the daytime. However, partly cloudy conditions with rain-wind/thundershowers are expected in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mithi, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Karachi and adjoining coastal areas. Balochistan is expected to remain hot and humid in most districts, although isolated rain and thunderstorms may occur in Khuzdar, Zhob and nearby areas.

Partly cloudy weather with isolated rain-wind/thundershowers is also forecast for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. During the past 24 hours, rain-wind/thunderstorms occurred at isolated places in upper Punjab, Balochistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, while hot and humid conditions persisted across the rest of the country.

Okara recorded the highest rainfall of 29 millimetres, followed by Barkhan with 13mm and Babusar with 8mm. The highest maximum temperature recorded in the country on Monday was 46 degrees Celsius in Turbat, followed by Sibbi at 45C. Dadu, Nokkundi, Shaheed Benazirabad and Dalbandin each recorded 43C.

Meanwhile, the maximum temperatures expected on Tuesday include 37C in Islamabad, 36C in Lahore, 33C in Karachi, 39C in Peshawar, 37C in Quetta and 40C in Multan.

Islamabad: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has approved a budget grant of Rs. 507.6 million for the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Sciences and Technology (FUUAST). Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari (SI, TI) welcomed the approval and thanked the Chancellor of FUUAST, President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, for approving the grant. He also thanked HEC and Federal Minister for Education Dr Khalid Maqbool and Secretary Education for their support of higher education.

The Vice Chancellor said this is an important step for the university. He said the grant will help improve the university’s financial position and support the smooth running of academic and administrative work. He said the approval shows the government’s commitment to supporting public sector universities and will help strengthen FUUAST ahead.

The Vice Chancellor also thanked the university’s administration and his team for their continuous hard work and coordination with the concerned authorities.