Day: July 17, 2026

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Sialkot gets modern electric buses


Sialkot: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has officially launched a modern electric bus service for Sialkot as part of a major public transport initiative aimed at improving mobility across the province. The inauguration was conducted via video link from Lahore, where similar services were



simultaneously launched in Murree, Chiniot, Layyah, and Okara. A ceremony was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Sialkot, attended by Minister of State for Planning and Development Armaghan Subhani, Provincial Minister for Labour and Human Resource Muhammad Manshaullah Butt, Provincial Minister for Local Government Mian Zeeshan Rafique, members of the National and Provincial Assemblies, and senior government officers.



Participants joined the main inauguration ceremony in Lahore through a live video link. Following the ceremony, provincial ministers, parliamentarians, and senior officials boarded one of the newly introduced electric buses for its first test ride in Sialkot. Under the first phase of the project, ten electric buses have been allocated for Sialkot. Six buses will operate on the Sialkot-Pasrur route, while four buses will serve the Sialkot-Daska route, providing passengers with modern, comfortable, and environmentally friendly transportation.



In the upcoming phases of the project, the fleet will be expanded to a total of 45 electric buses, which will gradually serve Sialkot city and its surrounding areas. The initiative is expected to significantly improve the city’s public transport network and promote sustainable urban mobility.



Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Minister for Labour and Human Resource Muhammad Manshaullah Butt said the launch as a historic milestone for people of Sialkot, adding that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s development initiatives are focused on public welfare and improving the quality of life for citizens.



He said that the government has introduced a transport revolution across both large and small cities of Punjab, making travel safer, easier, and more convenient.



Provincial Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique said that introducing modern, eco-friendly public transport in smaller cities marks a significant achievement, noting that such a service had never been envisioned in the past.



He said that these electro-buses are being operated under a very sustainable model and a comprehensive and foolproof system has been devised for regular repair, maintenance and servicing of the buses so that this service can continue uninterrupted.



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Pakistan, SCO agree to deepen cultural cooperation ahead of 2027 Chairmanship


Islamabad: Pakistan and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has agreed to deepen cooperation in culture, heritage conservation, tourism and people-to-people exchanges, while reaffirming close coordination for Pakistan’s SCO Chairmanship in 2027 and preparations for a series of major cultural initiatives.



The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi and SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev at the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture.



Welcoming the SCO Secretary-General and his delegation, Khichi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the objectives and principles of the SCO, saying culture served as a bridge for peace, dialogue and mutual understanding.



Highlighting Pakistan’s rich civilizational heritage, including the Indus Valley Civilization, Gandhara Civilization, Buddhist heritage, Islamic architecture and diverse intangible cultural traditions, he said cultural diplomacy remained an effective tool for promoting regional harmony and cooperation.



The minister said Pakistan was ready to expand collaboration with SCO member states in heritage conservation, museums, archaeology, cultural tourism, creative industries, handicrafts, performing arts and youth exchanges.



Referring to Pakistan’s growing role within the organization, he said the country was expected to assume the SCO Chairmanship in 2027 and host the 24th Meeting of the SCO Ministers of Culture.



Khichi also highlighted Pakistan’s proposal to designate Lahore as the SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026-27, saying preparations were under way for a year-long calendar of cultural activities in Lahore alongside major programmes in Islamabad and Karachi.



He said Pakistan planned to organize four flagship cultural events in Lahore, complemented by year-round activities, while embassies and consulates of SCO member states in Pakistan would be invited to participate through cultural performances, exhibitions and artistic troupes.



The minister invited the SCO Secretary-General and member states to participate in the annual Lok Virsa Folk Festival to be held in Islamabad in November 2026, describing it as an ideal platform to showcase the cultural heritage of SCO countries through handicrafts, folk music, performing arts and traditional cultural displays. He also proposed dedicating a segment of the festival to celebrating the Shanghai Spirit and regional cultural cooperation.



To institutionalize cultural collaboration among SCO member states, Khichi proposed establishing an SCO Museum Cooperation Network, an SCO Archaeology Cooperation Programme, an SCO Digital Heritage Platform, an SCO Youth Cultural Exchange Programme and an SCO Heritage Tourism Initiative focusing on Gandhara and Silk Road heritage.



He also stressed joint archaeological research, digital preservation of heritage and stronger collaboration among museums and cultural institutions.



Secretary-General Yermekbayev briefed the minister on the SCO’s evolving agenda and highlighted the organization’s expanding cooperation in culture, tourism, trade and people-to-people exchanges. He reaffirmed the SCO Secretariat’s full support for Pakistan’s Chairmanship and encouraged the country to introduce innovative initiatives to further strengthen regional cooperation.



He welcomed Pakistan’s preparations for cultural programmes in Lahore and appreciated its proactive approach to cultural diplomacy. He suggested organizing film festivals, handicrafts exhibitions, music festivals and cultural forums under the SCO framework and invited Pakistan to participate in the Special SCO Cultural Exhibition to be held in China from October 18 to 22, 2026.



The SCO Secretary-General also emphasized expanding regional tourism cooperation by connecting tourism stakeholders and travel agencies across SCO member states and dialogue partners, saying enhanced cultural exchanges would contribute to regional peace, mutual understanding and sustainable development.



Secretary, National Heritage and Culture Division, assured the SCO Secretary-General of the division’s full cooperation in implementing the proposed initiatives and informed the meeting that preparations for SCO-related cultural activities had already begun. He said an inter-ministerial coordination meeting would soon be convened to finalize arrangements.



Both sides agreed to strengthen institutional linkages, expand people-to-people contacts and enhance practical cooperation in culture, museums, archaeology, heritage conservation, tourism and creative industries while maintaining close coordination for the successful implementation of SCO cultural initiatives during Pakistan’s forthcoming Chairmanship.



The meeting was attended by SCO Deputy Secretary-General Sohail Khan, Secretariat official Margulan Ibrahimov, Protocol Officer Bekhruz Sodikov, National Coordinator (SCO) Dr. Mohammad Faisal, Director (SCO) and Assistant Director (SCO-I) Aisha Shahid.



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JUI leader among six family members killed in Peshawar house fire


Peshawar: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) leader Siraj Munir, his wife, and their four children were killed after a fire engulfed their house in the Tehkal Payan area here on Thursday.



Rescue 1122 officials said emergency teams recovered all six bodies during a search operation after extinguishing the blaze. Preliminary investigations suggest the victims died from smoke inhalation and extreme heat.



The fire reportedly broke out in a section of the house where furniture and other household items were stored. The exact cause of the fire has yet to be determined, and authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident.



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DPM departs for China to attend signing for establishment of world AI cooperation body


Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Thursday departed for Shanghai, China for a two-day visit to attend the signing ceremony for the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO).



As Pakistan joins the WAICO as a founding member, the deputy prime minister will sign the agreement, participate in the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance.



On the sidelines of the conference, he will hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi besides meeting with other counterparts to discuss matters of mutual interest.



During his engagements, Deputy Prime Minister Dar will share Pakistan’s perspective on strengthening international cooperation in artificial intelligence, with particular emphasis on the priorities and development needs of the Global South.



He will underscore the importance of bridging the global AI divide, promoting equitable access to AI technologies, enhancing capacity-building, and ensuring that the benefits of AI contribute to sustainable development and shared prosperity for all.



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CM makes surprise visit to police station, stresses citizen-friendly policing


Peshawar: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Thursday made an unannounced visit to the University Town Police Station in Peshawar, where he reviewed police operations and emphasized the importance of improving public service and accountability.



During the visit, the CM inspected various sections of the police station, met police officials, and reviewed the working environment.



He also visited the lock-up, interacted with detainees, and sought information about their treatment and the facilities being provided.



Addressing police personnel, Afridi said police stations serve as the first point of contact for citizens seeking justice and protection and should ensure respectful treatment, prompt response to complaints, and equal access to services for all.



He directed officials to safeguard the legal and constitutional rights of detainees and ensure that they are treated with dignity and in accordance with the law. He also instructed police officers to adopt a courteous approach toward the public and ensure swift action on complaints.



The CM reiterated that the provincial government remained committed to strengthening transparent, accountable, and people-centric policing to enhance public confidence in law enforcement institutions across KP.



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President approves conferment of Hilal-i-Pakistan on UN envoy on Islamophobia


Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday approved the conferment of civil award, Hilal-e-Pakistan, upon Miguel ngel Moratinos, the United Nations Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.



The president approved the summary for conferment of the award, on recommendation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to a President House press release.



Approving another summary, the president accepted the resignation of Fazal-e-Haq Abbasi, a member of the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan.



He also approved the appointment of Zafar Hasan as a member of the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), as recommended by the prime minister.