PM strongly condemns attacks on Saudi Arabia, reaffirms unwavering support for Kingdom’s security


Islamabad: Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday strongly condemned the attacks on Saudi Arabia, describing them as a blatant violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity with the potential to further undermine regional peace and stability.



“Pakistan strongly condemns the blatant attacks carried out against the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia last night,” the prime minister said in a post on X, adding, “Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering support for the Kingdom’s security and stands in complete solidarity with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at this critical time”.



On its part, Pakistan would continue to support all sincere efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability, security, and mutual understanding across the region, the prime minister added.



President Zardari felicitates French leadership on National Day


Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday extended felicitations to the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and the people of France on their National Day.



President Zardari, in his message, conveyed that Pakistan highly values its long-standing friendship and multifaceted partnership with France, founded on mutual respect, shared values and a steadfast commitment to peace, sustainable development and international law.



He expressed confidence that the close cooperation between the two countries will continue to grow and expand in areas of mutual interest, further strengthening the bonds of friendship and advancing the shared prosperity and well-being of the people of both nations.



The president reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation in multilateral forums on issues of mutual interest.



Gold prices fall by Rs5,600 per tola


Islamabad: The prices of gold witnessed a sharp decline in the local market on Tuesday, with the price of 24-karat gold per tola decreasing by Rs 5,600 to settle at Rs 424,136, according to rates issued by the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association.



Similarly, the price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold fell by Rs4,801 to Rs363,628, whereas the price of 10 grams of 22-karat gold declined by Rs4,401 to Rs 333,337.



In the international market, the price of gold decreased by US$ 56 to US$ 4,017 per ounce.



Meanwhile, the price of silver per tola dropped by Rs50 to Rs6,289, while the price of 10 grams of silver decreased by Rs 43 to Rs 5,391.



The price of silver in the international market also declined by US$ 0.50 to US$ 58.10 per ounce, the association reported.



Musadik for protecting Indus Dolphin


Islamabad: Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Malik on Tuesday stressed the need for effective and coordinated measures to address the climate change.



Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Indus Dolphin Ambulance, organized by Zong in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the minister said that the impacts of climate changes are increasingly threatening aquatic life and Pakistan’s natural heritage.



He said the Indus Valley represents one of the world’s oldest living civilizations, and the Indus River is home to the rare Indus blind dolphin, a unique symbol of the country’s natural and cultural heritage.



He said protecting the endangered Indus blind dolphin is a shared responsibility and highlighted the importance of conserving biodiversity and freshwater ecosystems.



He noted that climate change is adversely affecting rivers, wildlife and aquatic species, making coordinated and effective climate action more important than ever.



Dr. Malik appreciated the efforts of the federal and provincial governments in conserving the Indus blind dolphin, saying sustained conservation initiatives have helped protect the species and its habitat.



He also lauded Zong and WWF for launching the Indus Dolphin Ambulance, describing it as an innovative initiative that would strengthen rescue, rehabilitation and conservation efforts for the endangered mammal.



The minister urged all stakeholders to work together to protect nature, rivers and wildlife, emphasizing that safeguarding biodiversity is essential for ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.



ECP Officers Visit FCCP as Part of Service Training Programme


Islamabad: A delegation of newly appointed officers of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), led by the Director General Ms Nighat Siddiqui, visited the Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan (FCCP) as part of their professional capacity building programme aimed at enhancing their understanding of constitutional governance and the functioning of key state institutions.



During the visit, the officers observed judicial proceedings of the Federal Constitutional Court, providing them with valuable insight into the Court’s constitutional jurisdiction, judicial processes, and the administration of constitutional justice.



The delegation was subsequently given a comprehensive briefing by senior officers of the FCCP, who provided an overview of the Court’s organizational structure, its various departments and administrative wings, and the significant milestones achieved since the establishment of the Federal Constitutional Court.



The briefing highlighted the Court’s institutional development, modernization initiatives, administrative reforms, technological advancements, and efforts to strengthen constitutional adjudication and public service delivery.



As part of the programme, the delegation also viewed a documentary showcasing the vision and objectives behind the establishment of the Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan.



The documentary highlighted the Court’s constitutional mandate, its role in strengthening the rule of law and constitutional governance, and its notable achievements and institutional progress since its inception.



The interactive session enabled participants to engage with FCCP officials, exchange views, and gain a deeper appreciation of the constitutional responsibilities entrusted to various state institutions and the importance of institutional coordination in promoting good governance.



The visit concluded with a group photograph, followed by the presentation of souvenirs to the Director General, Ms Nighat Siddiqui, and the Directors of the training programme as a token of appreciation and to commemorate the visit.



Dist admin alert to tackle expected flood like emergency situation


Lodhran: Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ashraf visited the riverine areas along the Sutlej river in Kahroor Pacca Tehsil to review flood preparedness and assess precautionary measures in view of expected flood.



Assistant Commissioner Asghar Iqbal Laghari, Rescue Officer Chaudhry Ghanimat Ali, and officials from relevant departments accompanied the Deputy Commissioner during the inspection.



The DC received a detailed briefing on the preventive arrangements, inspected the availability of emergency resources on-site, and directed the concerned departments to further strengthen preparedness to effectively tackle any potential flood situation.



Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Ashraf said that, in line with the directions of the Punjab government, all possible precautionary measures would be ensured in the riverine areas. He emphasized that coordinated efforts among all departments were essential to effectively respond to natural calamities.



He reaffirmed that the administration was fully prepared to protect the riverine areas.



He said the district and tehsil administrations was on high alert, while all relevant departments have been directed to ensure the protection of lives and property.



During the visit, the DC also met residents of the riverine areas and aware them on precautionary measures and informed them about the administration’s preparedness and emergency response plans.