Day: July 14, 2026

Peshawar: Chairman, Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao on Monday said that the country was passing through a critical phase of its history, therefore, all the political forces should join hands and rise above political divide to addressing the present-day challenges.

Addressing a convention of party workers in Abbattabad, he expressed concern over the renewed hostilities between the United States (US) and Iran and said that this would threaten regional peace and stability.

QWP central general secretary Ahmad Nawaz Khan Jadoon, central vice-chairman Sardar Ahmad Nawaz Khan, provincial chairman Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao, provincial vice-chairperson Dr Faiza Rasheed and office-bearers of Abbottabad chapter were also present on the occasion.

He said that though the US and Israel had started this work, they badly failed to achieve their objectives. He said that Iran remained steadfast and weathered the storm by forming unity in its ranks.

The QWP leader lauded the civil and military leadership of the country for helping the warring sides reach the memorandum of understanding, adding that playing the role of the mediator added to Pakistan’s prestige at the international level.

Commenting on the issues being faced by the country, he said that Pakistan faced a host of problems, including the resurgence of terrorism. He said that acts of terror were taking place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

He said that India was hurting Pakistan by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, urging the federal government to raise this issue at the international level to secure the country’s water resources.

He asked the Afghan government to make sure the soil of Afghanistan was not used for terrorism against Pakistan.

He said that under the Doha Agreement, the Afghan Taliban had promised that they would make sure that the Afghan soil would not use against its neighbors for terrorism.

Sargodha: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) and Private Health Association (PHA) Sargodha chapters on Monday organized a joint condolence meeting to express profound grief over the passing of the father of Professor Sohail Mushtaq Bubak, a prominent eye specialist.

Presided over by Dr Sikandar Hayat Warraich, the participants offered prayers for the departed soul and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family.

The meeting saw a significant turnout from the medical fraternity, including Dr Ghulam Hussain Faizi, Dr Tahir Munir Chaudhry, Dr Rana Muhammad Abdullah, Dr Basharat Javed, and Dr Amanullah Qazi. Other attendees included Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Malik, Dr Fawad Hussain, Dr Abid Khan, Dr Captain Umar Hayat Bucha, Professor Dr Khalid Rehan, Professor Dr Saifullah Goraya, Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Cheema, Dr Muhammad Asad Aslam, and Dr. Nazar Malik.

During the meeting, the doctors lauded the services of Professor Sohail Mushtaq and prayed that Allah Almighty grant the deceased a high place in Jannah and give courage to the family to bear this irreparable loss.

Peshawar: At least 38 undocumented Afghan nationals have been detained in Swabi district during a joint operation conducted by the district administration and relevant agencies on Monday.

Following the completion of legal formalities, the individuals were repatriated to Afghanistan. Officials said the operation was carried out in accordance with government directives and national laws targeting illegal residency. Several undocumented Afghans were identified and taken into custody during the crackdown.

The district administration stated that similar operations will continue to ensure compliance with immigration laws and to address the presence of persons residing in the country without valid legal documentation.

Peshawar: A two-day training on ‘Diversion and Child-Friendly Justice’ for members of the Juvenile Justice Committees (JJCs) from 13 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa concluded in Peshawar, with participants reaffirming their commitment to protecting the rights of children in conflict with the law through rehabilitation and restorative justice.

The training was organized by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Commission (KPCPWC), and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Pakistan as part of the Reimagining Justice for Children Program to strengthen the capacity of JJC members to effectively implement the Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018, with particular emphasis on diversion as the preferred approach for children in conflict with the law.

The sessions focused on ensuring that children were diverted away from unnecessary formal judicial proceedings wherever appropriate and were instead provided opportunities for rehabilitation, reintegration, and restorative justice in line with national legislation and international child rights standards.

Sharif Hussain, Secretary Social Welfare Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was the chief guest of the concluding ceremony while Ijaz Muhammad Khan, Chief KPCPWC, Sohail Khan of UNICEF Pakistan were also present on the occasion.

Judicial Magistrates, Senior Civil Judges, District Public Prosecutors, Probation Officers, and representatives of the Bar from Peshawar, Charsadda, Swabi, Mardan, Nowshera, Bannu, Kohat, Abbottabad, Battagram, Lower Dir, Swat, Lower Chitral, and Upper Chitral attended the training. Juvenile Justice Committees have been notified by the Ministry of Human Rights Pakistan under the Juvenile Justice System Act (JJSA), 2018.

Addressing the participants, Sohail Khan, Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Peshawar, reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in strengthening child protection and juvenile justice systems.

He shared UNICEF’s vision of ensuring that every child, particularly those at risk and those in contact with the justice system, receives protection, care, and opportunities to reach their full potential.

He highlighted UNICEF’s ongoing programmes focused on vulnerable children and emphasized that Juvenile Justice Committee members play a critical role in ensuring diversion, protecting children’s rights, and promoting child-friendly procedures throughout the justice process.

He encouraged participants to uphold the best interests of the child in every decision and contribute towards building a more compassionate and responsive juvenile justice system.

Ijaz Muhammad Khan, Additional Chief, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Commission, highlighted the significant progress made by the Commission in strengthening child protection systems and institutional mechanisms across the province.

He shared that, since its establishment, KPCPWC has introduced several key reforms, including the draft Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection Policy, the development of the Child Protection Management Information System (CPMIS), the establishment of the Centre for Continuing Professional Development, and the drafting of guidelines for Child Protection Institutions and the guardianship of abandoned children.

He also highlighted the Commission’s partnerships with the University of Peshawar, the Pakistan Paediatric Association, and other institutions to strengthen child protection services through research, training, and professional collaboration.

Emphasizing the significance of the Juvenile Justice Committees as a cornerstone of the Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018, he encouraged participants to strengthen coordination among all relevant institutions to promote diversion, rehabilitation, and the successful reintegration of children into society.

The orientation concluded with a closing remark by Sharif Hussain, Secretary Social Welfare, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Congratulating the participants on successfully completing the orientation, he appreciated the commitment of the Juvenile Justice Committee members towards protecting the rights and best interests of children.

He commended the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Commission and UNICEF for organizing this important initiative. The Secretary, reaffirmed the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s commitment to strengthening child protection systems and ensuring the effective implementation of the Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018.

He emphasized that diversion was a progressive and child-centered approach that provides children with opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration rather than exposing them to unnecessary formal judicial processes.

He encouraged the participants to apply the knowledge and practical skills acquired during the orientation in their respective districts and to strengthen the functioning of the Juvenile Justice Committees for the benefit of children across the province.

Astore: Chief Minister, Gilgit-Baltistan, Advocate Amjad Hussain on Monday assured the representatives of ‘All Line Department Employees Association Gilgit-Baltistan’ that the provincial government would approve all legitimate demands included in the association’s Charter of Demands in a phased manner, reaffirming its commitment to addressing the issues faced by government employees.

The assurance was given during a meeting between the CM and a delegation of the All Line Department Employees Association led by its President, Nasir Hussain and Senior Vice President, Jamshed Ali. During the meeting, the association presented its Charter of Demands, which was discussed in detail.

The Chief Minister stated that the provincial government was taking serious measures to resolve employees’ issues and assured the delegation that all genuine demands would be considered and implemented gradually.

He further announced that the Gilgit-Baltistan government’s budget for the current fiscal year would be presented in August and would be both employee-friendly and public-friendly.

Advocate Amjad Hussain also assured that all benefits and incentives approved by the federal government for government employees would be implemented in Gilgit-Baltistan uniformly. He pledged to grant the Hard and Cold Allowance, resolve the House Hiring issue, and approve the Disparity Allowance (DA) for police personnel.

The Chief Minister further announced that employees recruited on contract, contingent basis, and under the Human Resource (HR) provisions of the Act 2020, whose cases were currently pending before the courts, would also be regularized after fulfilling all legal requirements.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Association President Nasir Hussain and Senior Vice President Jamshed Ali thanked the Chief Minister for his positive approach, commitment to resolving employees’ issues, and the assurances extended during the meeting. They reaffirmed that government employees would continue extending full cooperation to the provincial government.

Sialkot: The Department of Law, University of Sialkot (USKT), organized a Law Cultural Event and Fruit Gala, creating a dynamic platform for academic enrichment, professional networking, and cultural celebration.

The event was graced by Prof Dr Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rahman, Vice Chancellor, University of Sialkot, whose presence added significance to the occasion.

Distinguished members of the legal fraternity, including Ch Ahsin Ismail, former secretary, District Bar Association Sialkot; Salman Riaz Sandhu, former secretary, Bar Association Daska; and Ch Farhan Bashir Ghuman, former secretary, Bar Association Sambrial, honored the event with their presence as esteemed guests.

During their interactive sessions, the legal experts shared valuable insights into legal practice, courtroom procedures, professional ethics, and emerging opportunities in the legal field. Their inspiring addresses motivated students to pursue their careers with dedication, integrity, and a strong commitment.

A major highlight of the event was the vibrant display of traditional provincial cuisines and the colorful Fruit Gala, showcasing Pakistan’s rich cultural diversity and heritage. Students enthusiastically participated in the festivities, promoting cultural awareness, teamwork, and community engagement.