Day: July 16, 2026

Peshawar: A representative delegation of Frontier Mine Owners here on Wednesday met with provincial minister for mines, Arif Ahmadzai and informed him about problems confronted by their community.

Secretary Minerals, Dr. Muhammad Israr, Director General Minerals, and other officials of the department were also present on this occasion.

The delegation highlighted matters including surface rent and cooperation of the district administration, attracting foreign investors, reviewing excise duty and annual rents, coordination in maps with the forest department, ending illegal mining, required amendments to Mining Act 2017 and measures regarding giving industrial status to mineral sector.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that the provincial government was taking practical steps for improvement of the mining sector in the province. He directed that the mining leasing process especially in merged districts be made fully online and transparent to attract investors.

He also emphasized intensifying crackdown against illegal mining and to make royalty collection system more active for efficient.

Rawalpindi: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations, Malik Tariq Mehboob held an open court (Khuli Katchery) at Police Lines Headquarters here on Wednesday and listened to public complaints and issued directives to the relevant officers for their prompt resolution.

During the proceedings, citizens presented their grievances directly to the SSP Operations, who instructed concerned officers to ensure legal action on all marked applications within the prescribed time frame.

Emphasizing accountability, SSP Operations Malik Tariq Mehboob warned that negligence in addressing public complaints would not be tolerated.

He directed officers to provide timely relief to citizens and ensure the highest standards of service delivery at police stations. “The immediate resolution of public issues is our priority, and any delay or negligence in this regard will not be accepted,” he said.

The SSP Operations further stated that, in line with the vision of the Chief Minister Punjab, protecting the lives and property of citizens and provide them with efficient public services remain the Rawalpindi Police’s foremost priorities. He added that all necessary measures were being taken to improve policing and strengthen public confidence in the department.

Sukkur: Aror University of Art, Architecture, Design and Heritage , Sukkur has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) to foster academic and research collaboration.

The agreement was signed by Prof. Dr. Zahid Hussain Khand, Vice Chancellor of Aror University, and Prof. Ts. Dr. Muhammad Hafidz Fazli bin Md Fauadi on behalf of UTeM, here on Wednesday.

Under the MoU, both institutions will collaborate in areas including student, faculty and staff mobility, joint degree and academic programmes, collaborative research and joint research grant opportunities, Winter and Summer Schools, international certification programmes, and other initiatives aimed at promoting knowledge exchange, innovation and capacity building.

The partnership is expected to open new avenues for international exposure and academic excellence for students and faculty of both universities.

Rawalpindi: Police have arrested a man accused of poisoning his son-in-law to death following a domestic dispute in the jurisdiction of Rawat police station.

According to police spokesperson here on Wednesday, the suspect allegedly administered poisonous wheat preservation tablets to his son-in-law, resulting in his death. Before succumbing to the poisoning, the victim identified his father-in-law as the perpetrator in his dying declaration.

Using technical surveillance and human intelligence, Rawat Police traced and arrested the suspect after an investigation.

Police said a murder case was registered at Rawat Police Station in December 2025, and further legal proceedings against the accused are underway.

Khuzdar: Provincial Advisor for Local Government and Rural Development, Nawabzada Amir Hamza Khan Zehri, held detailed meetings in Khuzdar with delegations comprising Pakistan Peoples Party workers, tribal elders, and residents from remote areas.

During the meetings, the delegations highlighted longstanding public grievances and community challenges. Nawabzada Amir Hamza Zehri listened attentively and issued immediate instructions to relevant authorities for resolving several matters on the spot, while directing urgent action on others.

Speaking on the occasion, Zehri emphasized that many citizens from Khuzdar and surrounding areas cannot travel to Quetta to seek solutions, therefore their problems must be addressed at their doorstep. He added that dedicating time to his native areas and working for the welfare of the people brings him personal satisfaction.

He further noted that, under the special guidance of his father, PPP central leader and former Chief Minister Balochistan Nawab Sanaullah Khan Zehri, he regularly allocates time for the people of Khuzdar, Zehri, and Jhalawan to ensure their issues are resolved on a priority basis.

The Provincial Advisor reaffirmed his commitment to public service, declaring that Jhhalawan House will always remain open for all citizens, and that every available resource will be utilized to address public grievances. He stressed that serving the people and resolving their problems remains his foremost priority.

Rawalpindi: President Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), Usman Shaukat, participated in a high-level interactive session at New York University (NYU) along with Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal and Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh.

The event brought together students, distinguished academics, professionals, and members of the Pakistani diaspora for an engaging dialogue on Pakistan’s development vision, higher education, innovation and the vital role of youth in driving sustainable economic growth.

Participants exchanged ideas on strengthening academic excellence, fostering research collaboration, and expanding international partnerships that can contribute to Pakistan’s future.

Speaking on the occasion, Usman Shaukat emphasized that strong academia-industry linkages and international collaborations are essential for building a knowledge-based economy. He noted that Pakistan’s youth possess immense talent and potential, and partnerships with globally renowned institutions such as NYU will help equip future generations with the skills, exposure, and innovation needed to compete in the global marketplace.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also inked between the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Association of NYU.

Both sides reaffirmed commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s international academic partnerships, promoting innovation and creating meaningful opportunities for students and young professionals.