Day: July 15, 2026

Islamabad: COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) has formally entered a strategic partnership with Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABM) to spearhead the digital transformation of medical examination systems in Pakistan.

This collaboration reinforces CUI’s position as a national leader in higher education, recognized for its excellence in information technology, computer sciences, engineering, management sciences, and research

Leveraging its profound technical capacity to design, develop, implement, and maintain secure digital examination management systems and associated infrastructure, CUI aims to modernize the evaluation framework for SZABM. Under this landmark agreement, CUI will provide comprehensive end-to-end services, starting with the provision of fully functional digital examination centres at its campuses, which can handle a diverse range of assessments.

The university will also oversee the deployment and operation of a robust Digital Examination Management System (DEMS) to ensure real-time monitoring, data security, and operational efficiency throughout the testing cycle. Furthermore, CUI is committed to the implementation of standardized, transparent, and accountable assessment processes designed to eliminate bias and ensure the highest levels of academic integrity. To support these operations, the university will provide expert technical staff, IT support, and invigilation management, while maintaining a robust infrastructure that includes power backup and secure network connectivity.

The agreement was signed by the leadership of both institutions to formalize this commitment. Representing SZABM were Prof. Tanwir Khaliq, Vice Chancellor, and Dr. Afsheen Mansoor, Controller of Examinations. Representing COMSATS University Islamabad were Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar, Rector, and Dr. Fahim Ashraf Qureshi, Registrar.

Through this collaboration, CUI is dedicated to supporting SZABM in achieving standardized assessment processes that align with both national and international standards in the healthcare sector. By integrating advanced digital solutions into medical assessments, CUI continues its mission to contribute to national progress through education, innovation, and technological excellence.

Islamabad: Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, on Tuesday emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation with Spain in the field of modern agricultural technologies to enhance Pakistan’s agricultural productivity and climate resilience.

The minister held a meeting with the Ambassador of Spain to Pakistan, Carlos Arag³n Gil de la Serna and discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in agriculture, food security, trade, and multilateral engagement.

The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, reflecting the longstanding and friendly relations between Pakistan and Spain, said a press release.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in the agricultural sector and exploring new avenues of mutually beneficial trade and investment.

The Spanish Ambassador congratulated Pakistan on becoming a full member of the International Olive Council (IOC) and appreciated the country’s growing role in the global olive sector.

Rana Tanveer Hussain expressed his sincere gratitude to the Government of Spain, particularly the Spanish Minister of Agriculture, for extending unwavering support to Pakistan’s successful bid for full membership of the IOC.

He noted that Spain’s valuable support had further strengthened the enduring partnership between the two countries.

The Spanish Ambassador highly appreciated the positive contribution of nearly 150,000 Pakistanis residing in Spain, acknowledging their important role in strengthening economic ties and promoting trade between the two countries.

He also noted that Pakistan enjoys a favourable trade balance with Spain, with textiles remaining one of Pakistan’s major exports to the Spanish market.

Highlighting Spain’s global expertise in precision farming, efficient irrigation systems, olive cultivation, greenhouse farming, mechanization, and water management, the minister invited Spanish companies and institutions to collaborate with Pakistan through technology transfer, research partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives.

He stated that the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies would help modernize Pakistan’s farming sector, improve crop yields and quality, conserve water resources, strengthen food security, and increase the competitiveness of Pakistani agricultural products in international markets.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating mutually beneficial partnerships that promote innovation and sustainable agricultural development.

To institutionalize bilateral engagement,Hussain proposed the establishment of a Pakistan-Spain Joint Working Group on Agriculture, which would serve as a dedicated mechanism to promote cooperation in agricultural research, technology transfer, investment, food security, and trade.

The Spanish side welcomed the proposal and agreed to explore its early establishment.

Highlighting Pakistan’s vast agricultural potential, the minister invited Spain to enhance agricultural trade and informed the Ambassador that Pakistan is ready to increase exports of rice, ethanol, potatoes, and maize to the Spanish market.

He emphasized that stronger trade partnerships would benefit both countries and contribute to sustainable agricultural growth.

Concluding the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen bilateral relations, deepen agricultural cooperation, expand trade, and maintain close collaboration in regional and international forums for mutual benefit.

Islamabad: The educated segment of Pakistan’s population has shown keen interest in Hajj 2027, with around 3,500 PhD holders, 53,000 master’s degree holders, and 71,000 bachelor’s degree holders registering so far through the online Hajj registration system.

According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the number of registrations for Hajj 2027 has surpassed 308,000.

A total of 222,000 applicants have registered under the government Hajj scheme, while 86,000 have registered under the private Hajj scheme. The registered pilgrims include 181,000 men and 127,000 women.

According to the data, people aged 33 to 44 have shown the greatest interest, accounting for 119,000 registrations, while around 40,000 people aged over 61 have also registered.

The spokesperson said that the ministry is considering introducing an online payment system for Hajj fees in the next phase.

He added that the Hajj Management System, developed by the National IT Board, has become an effective and user-friendly means of communication between the ministry and Hajj pilgrims.

Islamabad: The benchmark KSE-100 Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued with a sharp bearish trend on Tuesday, losing 6,408.23 points, a negative change of 3.56 percent, to close at 173,518.82 points against 179,927.05 points on the previous trading day.

During the session, the ready market recorded a trading volume of 912.614 million shares with a traded value of Rs45.614 billion, compared to 845.279 million shares valuing Rs35.551 billion in the previous session. The market capitalization declined to Rs19.584 trillion from Rs20.290 trillion a day earlier.

Out of 498 active companies in the ready market, 40 advanced, 439 declined, and 19 remained unchanged.

Cnergyico PK led the volume chart with 84.545 million shares, followed by K-Electric Ltd. with 43.532 million shares and WorldCall Telecom with 43.316 million shares.

The top gainers included Khairpur Sugar Mills Limited, which surged by Rs158.59 to close at Rs2,441.48, and Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited, which gained Rs92.00 to settle at Rs25,360.00.

On the losing side, PIA Holding Company LimitedB declined by Rs195.01 to close at Rs17,606.00, while Ghandhara Industries Limited fell by Rs107.81 to settle at Rs1,125.91.

In the futures (DFC) market, turnover stood at 223.550 million shares with a traded value of Rs11.398 billion, compared to 189.239 million shares worth Rs8.530 billion in the previous session.

Out of 302 futures-market companies, four advanced, 297 declined, and one remained unchanged.

Islamabad: Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif strongly denounced the statement made by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, terming it highly irresponsible and an insult to the immense sacrifices of the martyrs.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman is a seasoned politician and a respected religious leader, and that greater responsibility is expected of him in the choice of his words, he wrote on his social media platform, X.

The Defence Minister said linking the sacrifices of soldiers to their salaries is not only unfair but also hurts the sentiments of the martyrs and their families.

He said nobody lays down their life merely for a salary. The sacrifice of life, he said, is driven by ideology, faith, a sense of duty, and deep devotion to the homeland.

Asif said the war against terrorism is ongoing, and personnel of the Armed Forces, along with members of other institutions and civilians, continue to embrace martyrdom.

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Tuesday underscored the need for a revitalized SAARC, guided by the principles of its Charter, to advance regional connectivity, sustainable development, and the collective well-being of the peoples of South Asia.

The deputy prime minister highlighted the region’s immense demographic and economic potential and reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to the SAARC process.

Talking to Secretary General of SAARC, Md. Golam Sarwar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the DPM/FM commended the Secretary General’s efforts to promote regional cooperation.

The Secretary General expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s consistent support for SAARC and its institutions. He thanked DPM/FM for Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional and global peace.

DPM/FM wished the Secretary General success towards the conclusion of his tenure and conveyed his best wishes for his future endeavors.