Day: July 15, 2026

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FPCCI for enhanced economic cooperation, banking connectivity among D-8 states


Lahore: Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh Tuesday emphasized the need to further strengthen economic cooperation, trade, investment, and institutional linkages among the member countries of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation.



While appreciating the meeting between FPCCI Vice President Quratul Ain and the D-8 Organization’s Secretary General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood at D-8 Secretariat in Istanbul, he added that D-8 region possesses enormous economic potential. Closer collaboration among member states would significantly contribute to regional prosperity, trade expansion, and sustainable economic growth, he observed.



During the meeting, both sides discussed a wide range of issues relating to strengthening Pakistan’s engagement with D-8 member countries and explored new opportunities for enhancing bilateral and multilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation. Special emphasis was laid on improving banking connectivity among D-8 member states to facilitate smoother financial transactions, reduce barriers to trade, and promote greater business-to-business collaboration within the region.



Quratul Ain highlighted FPCCI’s commitment to promoting stronger economic partnerships with D-8 member countries and reiterated its resolve to create new opportunities for Pakistani businesses through enhanced regional cooperation. She also emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional interaction between FPCCI, the D-8 Secretariat, and the national chambers of commerce of D-8 member countries.



Ambassador Sohail Mahmood appreciated FPCCI’s proactive role in promoting regional economic cooperation and expressed the D-8 Secretariat’s commitment to working closely with the private sector to advance the objectives of the Organization and deepen economic integration among its member states.



The FPCCI remains committed to playing an active role in strengthening economic diplomacy and expanding trade and investment relations with D-8 member countries through sustained engagement with the D-8 Secretariat and its member chambers.



As part of these efforts, the FPCCI will organize an Interactive Session of its National Committee on D-8 CCI at the Federation House, Karachi, on July 23, 2026.



Diplomats from the Embassies and Consulates of all D-8 member countries, representatives of the business community, and members of the FPCCI National Committee on D-8 CCI will be invited to discuss measures for promoting trade, investment, banking connectivity, and greater private-sector cooperation among D-8 member countries.



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PPSC announces written, final results for multiple departments


Lahore: The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) on Tuesday announced the written and final results for various posts in the Punjab Food Authority (PFA), Local Government and Community Development (LGandCD) Department, Industries, Commerce and Investment Department, Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) and Higher Education Department.



PPSC Secretary Afzal Ahmad issued notifications for the successful candidates, according to a commission spokesperson.



The commission announced written results for five categories of posts and final results for three categories. In the Punjab Food Authority, 10 candidates qualified in the written examination for two posts of Senior Auditor, while 20 candidates qualified for the next stage for one post of Public Relations Officer.



In the Local Government and Community Development Department, 175 candidates passed the written examination for 38 posts of Municipal Officer (Finance), DMO (Finance), AMO and Assistant Director, PLGB.



For the Industries, Commerce and Investment Department, six candidates qualified for one post of Assistant Director (Electrical Engineer). In the Punjab Food Authority, five candidates passed the written examination for one post of Assistant Director (Budget and Accounts), while 10 candidates qualified for two posts of Assistant Director (Audit).



The PPSC also announced the final results for eight posts of Programme Officer (IT) in the Punjab Revenue Authority, declaring all eight candidates successful. Similarly, one candidate was declared finally successful for the post of Research Associate in the Planning, Information and Reform Unit of the Higher Education Department.



The spokesperson said call letters for interviews and subsequent stages would soon be uploaded to the PPSC website, while candidates would also be informed through SMS and email.



Candidates have been advised to bring their original educational certificates and other relevant documents at the time of interview. The lists of successful candidates are available on the PPSC website.



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PU VC stresses collective action against drug menace


Lahore: Punjab University Centre for Clinical Psychology (CCP), in collaboration with the Phoenix Foundation, on Tuesday organized a stakeholders’ consultative meeting to formulate reformative strategies for drug demand reduction, bringing together senior government officials, health experts, academicians and researchers to discuss practical measures for tackling substance abuse in Pakistan.



Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali chaired the meeting, which was attended by Lahore Garrison University Vice Chancellor Maj. Gen. (R) Muhammad Khalil Dar, Director General Health Punjab Dr. Khalid Mahmood, Director Public Instructions (Colleges) Dr. Syed Ansar Azhar, Director Punjab Counter Narcotics Force Lt. Col. (R) Mehr Faisal Liaqat Lak, Executive Director Punjab Institute of Mental Health Prof. Dr. Ayesha Rashid, DCO Punjab Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism Dr. Ahmad Khawar Shahzad, Director CCP Prof Dr Saima Dawood, representatives of the Higher Education and Home departments, as well as eminent academicians, clinicians and researchers from across the country.



Addressing the participants, Prof Dr Muhammad Ali thanked the stakeholders for highlighting the growing challenge of drug abuse and presenting practical proposals to protect society from what he termed a serious social menace.



Prof Dr Saima Dawood briefed the participants on the Centre’s ongoing initiatives aimed at achieving drug demand reduction targets and appreciated the support of the university administration and collaborating institutions. She also thanked the participants for their commitment to addressing one of the country’s most pressing social and mental health challenges.



Phoenix Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr. Noor Zaman Rafique and Rashida Saif Niazi outlined the objectives of the consultation, saying the meeting was convened to deliberate on practical and sustainable strategies for reducing drug demand in Pakistan.



The participants exchanged views, shared professional experiences and offered recommendations for developing coordinated and reform-oriented policies to strengthen drug demand reduction efforts across the country.



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HEC approves additional grant of Rs. 507.6 million for FUUAST


Karachi: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has approved an additional grant of Rs. 507.6 million for the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST) by increasing its annual allocation.

According to a press release issued by the spokesperson of the FUUAT here, the additional funding was aimed at easing the University’s financial burden, ensuring the continuity of academic and administrative activities, and facilitating the timely payment of salaries and other essential operational expenses.

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CM invites Indonesian investors to explore Sindh’s emerging opportunities at Pakistan-Indonesia Business Forum


Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday invited Indonesian businesses to invest in Sindh’s rapidly expanding economy, highlighting major upcoming initiatives including the development of Keti Bandar Port, the establishment of a Sindh International Facilitation Centre in Karachi, and the creation of AI-enabled data centres powered by affordable energy.



Addressing the media after participating in the Indonesian-Pakistan Investment and Business Forum, the Chief Minister said Sindh offered immense opportunities for foreign investors across infrastructure, logistics, renewable energy, information technology, manufacturing and agribusiness sectors.



He expressed confidence that the forum would pave the way for stronger economic cooperation and tangible business partnerships between Pakistan and Indonesia. At the same time, the Chief Minister condemned the murder of young doctor Akash Kumar and the Karachi University incident, reaffirming his government’s commitment to combating terrorism and crime. He also addressed the ongoing wheat and flour situation, saying the crisis was not limited to Sindh but affected the entire country, and announced strict action against hoarders and profiteers.



Speaking at the forum, CM thanked Indonesian Consul General Mu.dzakir and the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) for organising the event and bringing together business leaders from both countries.



He said Pakistan and Indonesia enjoyed a historic relationship based on mutual respect, shared values and longstanding cooperation, adding that stronger economic engagement could further deepen bilateral ties.



The Chief Minister described Sindh as the economic engine of Pakistan, noting that Karachi remained the country’s financial and commercial hub with world-class ports, industrial zones, financial institutions and a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.



Highlighting Sindh’s investment agenda, he said the provincial government was working on the development of a new deep-sea port at Keti Bandar that would create significant opportunities in trade, logistics and maritime commerce. He added that a Sindh International Facilitation Centre would be established in Karachi to provide investors with streamlined services and support for business operations.



Shah also announced plans to develop advanced data centres equipped with artificial intelligence capabilities, supported by affordable and sustainable energy solutions. He pointed out that Sindh offered attractive prospects in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power, as well as agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, information technology and value-added industries.



Referring to discussions on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Pakistan and Indonesia, the Chief Minister said such an agreement could significantly boost bilateral trade, encourage investment flows and reduce barriers to economic cooperation.



Inviting Indonesian companies to explore opportunities in Sindh, he assured them that the provincial government would provide full support and facilitation for investment projects and long-term partnerships.



Later, responding to questions from journalists, the Chief Minister strongly condemned the murder of Dr Akash Kumar and expressed condolences to the victim’s family. He said those involved would not escape the law and that police were actively pursuing the case.



Referring to the broader security situation, Murad Shah said Pakistan, particularly Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was facing renewed terrorist threats from elements seeking to destabilise the country.



‘We are closely monitoring terrorist networks and criminal elements,’ he said, adding that law-enforcement and intelligence agencies were working in close coordination to eliminate threats to public safety.



The Chief Minister said an inquiry had been ordered into the Karachi University incident and assured that anyone found responsible would be held accountable. He also stated that all suspects involved in the recent attack on Rangers Headquarters had been arrested.



On the wheat situation, the Chief Minister acknowledged that a flour crisis had emerged and said the provincial government’s primary objective was to ensure that growers received fair compensation for their produce.



Shah explained that during discussions on wheat procurement, the federal government had proposed a coordinated national approach so that all provinces could maintain a uniform procurement price.



The Chief Minister said there was growing support for deregulating wheat pricing and establishing a proper wheat exchange mechanism to ensure transparency. The objective, he said, was to guarantee fair returns for farmers while allowing reasonable profits for traders without permitting excessive profiteering.



‘Sindh government is actively working on a comprehensive solution that protects both growers and consumers,’ he said.



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Atta Chakki Association assured flour would be sold at prices reduced by Rs8 per kilogram


Karachi: Commissioner Karachi, Syed Hassan Naqvi, chaired a meeting with office-bearers of the Jodia Bazaar Traders Association and the Karachi Atta Chakki (Grinding Mill) Association on tuesday at his office.



.It was decided in the meeting that traders of Jodia Bazaar and owners of Atta chakis (grinding mills) would also implement the decision taken in a meeting jointly by the commissioner Karachi and flour mill owners to reduce the ex-mill price of flour by Rs. 8 per kilogram.



The Secretary of the Jodia Bazaar Traders Association, Abdul Qadir Noorani, and the General Secretary of the Karachi Atta Chakki Association, Anees Shahid, assured the meeting that, in line with the decision of the administration and flour mill owners, Dhai Number Atta( 2.5 number), fine flour, and chakk’s flour would all be sold at prices reduced by Rs8 per kilogram. Meanwhile, representatives of superstores also assured the Karachi administration that they would implement the administration’s decision.



The meeting was attended, among others by the Assistant Commissioner of Headquarters. Iqra Jannat, deputy director of the food department, and Maryam Haq, deputy commissioner, participated via video link.



The commissioner directed all deputy commissioners to strictly ensure strict enforcement of the reduced flour prices in their respective districts.