Day: July 18, 2026

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday urged participants of the URAAN Overseas Pakistan Summer Scholars Program to utilize their education, research, and global experience for the country’s development and prosperity.

The prime minister met with the scholars here. The participants are currently undergoing a six-week internship under the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives to research issues facing Pakistan

The prime minister welcomed the Pakistani students studying in leading universities of the world to avail internships in the country, and underlined that the youth plays a key role in national development as they are bringing laurels to the country all over the world.

The prime minister briefed the scholars on the government’s reform agenda and responded to their questions. “In the past, when the country was on the verge of default, economic stability was achieved through emergency economic reforms. The comprehensive reforms include digitization of the FBR and increasing revenue, ease of doing business, increasing productivity, development of the agricultural sector, empowerment of youth, promotion of renewable energy and sustainable economic development reforms,” he said.

PM Shehbaz Sharif added that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) collected more than Rs 800 billion in additional revenue during the last fiscal year as a result of effective enforcement measures. The government’s economic reforms aimed to lay the foundation for a strong, self-sufficient and export-oriented economy, he said.

The prime minister also paid tribute to the Field Marshal Asim Munir for his leadership and strong support of the nation that helped Pakistan defeat India in May 2025 conflict. He added that Pakistan’s role in mediating in stopping the ongoing war between the US and Iran is a prominent chapter in Pakistan’s diplomatic history.

PM Shehbaz said Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts resulted in the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (Islamabad MoU), which is a significant step forward for world peace.

In the meeting, students expressed their views on improvements in various fields.

The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Attaullah Tarar, Ali Pervez Malik, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Minister of State for National Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar and senior officers of relevant institutions.

Islamabad: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) directed universities across the country to review their degree programs and curricula to promote higher education in line with the requirements of Industrial Revolution 5.0.

According to a statement issued by the HEC, the aim of this move is to make the higher education system compatible with future needs, equip students with modern skills and support Pakistan in its transition towards a green, digital and inclusive economy.

The statement said that universities should align their curricula according to the needs of the future workforce, make artificial intelligence, digital skills and emerging technologies a part of educational programs, strengthen linkages between industry and universities and increase opportunities for practical education.

It added that special attention will be paid to the development of critical thinking, innovation and entrepreneurship skills.

According to HEC, these activities are being carried out under the guidance of a national task force to support national transformation process.

It further said that universities have also been directed to identify new and emerging academic fields, develop existing programs on modern lines and produce graduates who have the required knowledge and skills to take full advantage of the opportunities of Industrial Revolution 5.0.

HEC says that this initiative is a significant step towards aligning Pakistan’s higher education sector with global trends and making the role of universities more effective in national economic development.

Islamabad: Director General Safe City/Deputy Inspector General (Traffic) Muhammad Haroon Joiya chaired an important meeting to review plans for the installation of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered traffic signals in Islamabad under the Safe City Expansion Project.

An official told reporter on Friday that representatives of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Safe City technical team attended the meeting and discussed various technical and operational aspects of the project.

The meeting reviewed the proposed installation of modern AI-enabled traffic signals aimed at improving traffic management, reducing congestion and enhancing the overall flow of vehicles on the capital’s road network.

DG Haroon Joiya directed the concerned authorities to ensure timely implementation of the project and maintain close coordination among all stakeholders for its successful execution.

He said the installation of intelligent traffic signals would help improve traffic discipline, enhance road safety and provide smoother and more efficient travel facilities to commuters across Islamabad.

The official said the initiative forms part of the Safe City Expansion Project, which seeks to utilize advanced technology and artificial intelligence to modernize traffic management and strengthen smart policing in the federal capital.

Islamabad: In recent years, Chengdu has stepped up efforts to develop its artificial intelligence and robotics industries, strengthening industrial clustering and fostering a comprehensive robotics ecosystem.

To better meet industry needs, a robot training technology and innovation center of Tianfu Jiangxi Laboratory in Chengdu has built a robot training base featuring full-scale simulations of real life. The center has also developed a data platform that continuously generates datasets for different scenarios, helping robots to apply what they learn to real-world applications.

After sufficient training, robots are ready for commercial use. Earlier this month, the ROBO+ intelligent robot store opened in Chengdu. The store integrates retail and experience, showcasing AI and robotics innovations from across China and bringing new technologies closer to the public.

Islamabad: A meeting of Ulema and Mashaikh, chaired by Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Friday announced support for the state’s positive steps aimed at promoting peace, religious harmony, social stability and national security in the country.

Addressing the meeting, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said Pakistan gained immense respect after the “Marka-e-Haq” and that the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Hafiz Syed Asim Munir for establishing peace were appreciated around the world.

He said India’s false propaganda was defeated.

The minister said the Pakistani armed forces were presenting testimonies in defence of the country and that the gathering of Ulema was held to acknowledge their sacrifices.

He added that the Ulema had always remained at the forefront in protecting the ideological borders of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

The meeting resolved to continue full cooperation with the Government of Pakistan in every positive initiative and reaffirmed commitment to the supremacy of the Constitution and the stability of state institutions.

The participants appreciated the efforts of the Pakistani armed forces for peace, stability and national unity and expressed their unwavering support.

The Ulema and Mashaikh also expressed complete solidarity with the government and security forces against terrorism, extremism and destructive activities.

They paid tribute to the sacrifices of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and security forces for maintaining peace and stability in Pakistan.

According to the declaration, the entire Pakistani nation is indebted to the great sacrifices of the martyrs and ghazis.

It stated that terrorism, extremism, sectarianism and violence have no place in Islam, describing Islam as a religion of peace, moderation, tolerance and respect for human life.

The declaration said every act that harms the peace of the state, society and the people is condemnable.

The scholars appealed to religious leaders of all schools of thought to promote national unity and religious harmony, saying the national narrative against terrorism would be highlighted through sermons, lessons and religious gatherings.

The declaration also stressed the need for joint academic, religious and social efforts to protect the younger generation from extremist ideologies, hateful content and misleading propaganda.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Sajjad Qamar, Qari Mehboob-ur-Rehman, Maulana Zulfiqar, Maulana Abdul Qadir Sikandri, Maulana Ayub Ansari, Maulana Iqbal Abbasi, Maulana Dr. Munir Ahmed, Maulana Dr. Muhammad Saleem Saeedi, Maulana Syed Jahangir Shah Saeedi, Maulana Dr. Saeed-ur-Rehman, Maulana Abu Bakr Siddique, Maulana Dr. Hafeez-ur-Rehman, Allama Sajjad Naqvi, Allama Akhtar Abbas, Maulana Waqas Majeed, Maulana Mujeeb-ur-Rehman, Maulana Anis-ur-Rehman, Qari Muhammad Siddique and Maulana Hassan Farooq.

While Acting Secretary Religious Affairs Dr. Mirza Ali Mehsud, Director Misbah-ur-Rehman, Deputy Director Quran Dr. Shahid-ur-Rehman, Muhammad Khaliq, Dr. Mehboob Usman and other officers attended.

The participants also prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs, the speedy recovery of the injured and the protection of Pakistan from all internal and external threats.

Islamabad: Former Afghan Army Chief Lieutenant General Sami Sadat has validated Pakistan’s long-standing stance on cross-border terrorism, revealing that the Taliban use Indian financial backing to sponsor militant operations against Pakistan.

In a media interview, General Sadat addressed the specific financial nexus driving this instability, stating, ‘And it is also true that the Taliban have very close relations with India, the money they take here, and then they give that money to TTP and give it to Balochistan to carry out operations in Pakistan’.

The former commander asserted that the Taliban facilitate militant organizations while leveraging financial assistance for strategic objectives.

General Sadat said that the current Afghan authorities provide operational support to anti-Pakistan militant groups, effectively enabling these outfits to carry out attacks within Pakistani territory.

He said that external funding is being redirected to sustain the militant networks and that Indian financial assistance specifically reaches groups such as Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan to execute terrorist attacks inside Pakistan.

According to the analysts, General Sadat’s remarks closely align with concerns frequently raised by Pakistani regarding the use of Afghan soil for militant activities.

At his weekly press briefing on Thursday, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, responding to a question about ice breaking with Afghanistan, said, “The ice has not broken. The ice will not break until Afghanistan renounces its support for terrorism against Pakistan. The Afghan Taliban regime must renounce terrorism against Pakistan and give verifiable written assurances that its territory will not be used to foment, engineer, sponsor, or execute terrorist attacks against Pakistan. Until those assurances are provided backed by concrete actions, the ice will not break.”