Day: July 17, 2026

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Sufficient petroleum stocks available to meet demand: NCMC


Islamabad: The National Coordination and Management Council (NCMC) on Thursday noted that sufficient petroleum product stocks were available in the country to meet the prevailing demand.



The meeting was convened to comprehensively review the availability of petroleum products across the country. Representatives of the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC), the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Customs Wing, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), and other relevant stakeholders attended the meeting, according to a news release.



During the meeting, the supply-side challenges highlighted by OCAC representatives were discussed and addressed.



The committee observed that the concerns raised by the OCAC primarily stemmed from an abnormal increase in petroleum product sales during the first 15 days of July.



An analysis presented by OGRA also indicated the possibility of hoarding in anticipation of a potential price increase.



The NCMC emphasized that OGRA’s enforcement mechanism should play a more proactive role and urged provincial governments to ensure there is no hoarding and that petroleum products remain readily available to the public without inconvenience.



The committee reaffirmed that petroleum product stocks in the country are sufficient and directed all relevant stakeholders to ensure an uninterrupted supply across the country.



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District Committee on the Status of Women enhances institutional coordination


Dera ismail khan: The District Committee on the Status of Women (DCSW), Dera Ismail Khan, under the leadership of its Chairperson Humera Nawaz, on Thursday held a coordination meeting with the Principal of Government Girls Degree College No. 2 to strengthen institutional collaboration for promoting women’s rights, gender equality and awareness among female students.



During the meeting, both sides discussed measures to enhance cooperation through awareness sessions, workshops and other educational activities aimed at empowering young women and increasing awareness of gender equality and women’s rights.



Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson DCSW, Humera Nawaz said that educational institutions play a vital role in empowering young women by equipping them with knowledge about their rights, responsibilities and opportunities. She said the committee remained committed to working with academic institutions to promote awareness, encourage meaningful participation of women in society and foster an inclusive environment.



The Principal appreciated the role of the DCSW in promoting women’s empowerment and officially designated a focal person to coordinate with the committee for the effective planning and implementation of future awareness programmes, workshops and other collaborative initiatives.



The participants reaffirmed their commitment to sustained coordination and institutional partnership to advance women’s empowerment and create greater awareness among female students across the district.



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National Chess Championships voncludes at PSC


Islamabad: The 34th National Men’s Chess Championship and the 10th National Women’s Chess Championship concluded at the Pakistan Sports Complex, with Zaman Sohail and Fariha Siddiq emerging as the national champions after impressive performances.



The championships, organized by the Chess Federation of Pakistan, featured around 250 male and female players from across the country competing in various categories.



Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry attended the closing ceremony as chief guest and distributed trophies, medals, certificates and cash prizes among the winners.



Speaking on the occasion, the minister said Pakistan’s international standing was steadily improving and its diplomatic stature had strengthened globally. He highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting sports, identifying young talent and providing greater opportunities for athletes.



Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry also praised Chess Federation of Pakistan President Syed Zeeshan Ali Naqvi for his contributions to sports, expressing confidence that the federation would continue to promote chess and enhance Pakistan’s presence in international competitions.



In the men’s championship, Higher Education Commission (HEC) player Zaman Sohail secured the national title with five points. Punjab’s M. Zarwaiz Shabkhaiz finished second with 4.5 points, while HEC’s A.R. Akhtar claimed third place on the basis of a tie-break after also scoring 4.5 points.



In the women’s championship, Punjab’s Fariha Siddiq remained unbeaten throughout the event to win the national title with 10.5 points. Zainobia Wasif finished runner-up with nine points, while Javeria secured third position with eight points.



Federal Secretary for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani congratulated the Chess Federation of Pakistan on successfully organizing the championships and assured continued government support for the promotion of chess.



Member of the National Assembly and Chairperson of the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar announced a cash award of Rs100,000 for special athlete Saeeba Shah and Rs25,000 for the oldest participant of the championship.



Senator Nuzhat Sadiq and MNA Farah Naz Akbar also appreciated the federation’s efforts in promoting chess and encouraging young talent.



The ceremony concluded with the distribution of awards to the winning players, while Chess Federation of Pakistan President Syed Zeeshan Ali Naqvi thanked the distinguished guests, participants, officials and media representatives for contributing to the successful staging of the national championships.



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CM visits injured cops in Lower Dir, reaffirms resolve against terrorism


Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Suhail Afridi on Thursday visited Lower Dir to inquire after police personnel injured in a recent terrorist attack.



Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed accompanied him during the visit.



The chief minister met the injured cops at the hospital, reviewed their medical treatment and directed the hospital authorities to ensure they receive the best possible healthcare without interruption.



Expressing his best wishes for their speedy and full recovery, Afridi praised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police for their unwavering sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, calling their bravery a source of pride for the entire nation.



He assured that the provincial government would provide every possible support to the families of martyrs and injured personnel, utilizing all available resources for their welfare and rehabilitation.



Reaffirming the government’s commitment to eliminating terrorism, the chief minister said the campaign against militants would continue with full force until the threat is completely eradicated. He stressed that cowardly terrorist attacks would never weaken the resolve of the government, police, or the people, adding that counterterrorism operations would be intensified and carried out more effectively.



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DPM Dar arrives in Shanghai on two-day official visit


Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister (DPM/FM), Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, along with the delegation, arrived in Shanghai, China, on Thursday for an official visit from July 16-17.



During his visit, he will attend the signing ceremony for the Agreement on the Establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), and sign the Agreement on behalf of Pakistan as a founding member, a DPM’s Office news release said.



He will also attend the opening ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference on 17 July and hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts.



Upon arrival at the airport, the deputy prime minister was received by Wu Wei, Member of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee and Vice Mayor of Shanghai; Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires to China, Mr. Aizaz Khan; and Consul General of Pakistan in Shanghai, Mr. Shahzad Ahmad Khan.



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Commissioner orders transparent use of Sugarcane Development Cess fund


Sargodha: Commissioner Sargodha Division Hafiz Shoukat Ali has directed all departments to ensure transparent utilisation of Sugarcane Development Cess funds and complete development schemes within the prescribed quality standards and timelines.



He issued these directions while chairing a meeting of the Divisional Sugarcane Development Cess Committee here on Thursday to review the progress of ongoing and proposed development projects being executed under the Sugarcane Development Cess Fund.



The meeting focused on road construction and rehabilitation schemes as well as measures to strengthen agricultural infrastructure aimed at facilitating sugarcane growers across the division.



Deputy Commissioner Sargodha Hussain Ahmad Raza Chaudhry, Director Development and Finance, Superintending Engineer Highways, Executive Engineer Highways, Director Agriculture (Extension), Deputy Director Food, and other relevant officials attended the meeting.



The commissioner said the projects would improve road connectivity and agricultural infrastructure, providing better transportation facilities for sugarcane farmers.



During the meeting, the concerned departments briefed the committee on the progress of ongoing projects, while priority development schemes for the upcoming financial year were also discussed.



The commissioner instructed all relevant departments to maintain close coordination and ensure the timely completion of all approved projects for the benefit of the farming community.