Day: July 18, 2026

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Friday commended the security forces for successfully carrying out an operation against Khawarij in Bannu.

In a post on X, the minister said, “I salute all the personnel who took part in the Bannu operation. I pay tribute to the great martyrs of the nation, whose eternal sacrifices have strengthened the foundations of peace.”

He said the state would continue its efforts until the complete eradication of the scourge of terrorism.

Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the entire nation was proud of the professionalism and bravery displayed by the security forces during the operation against Khawarij in Bannu.

“Our brave personnel are laying down their lives for the peace and stability of our beloved homeland,” he said.

The minister added that the entire Pakistani nation stood shoulder to shoulder with its armed forces in the fight against terrorism.

He said every successful operation against terrorism was a guarantee of a safer and more stable future for Pakistan.

Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the nefarious designs of Khawarij and other terrorist elements would always be defeated.

“Our armed forces and law enforcement agencies are defending the country with full resolve on every front,” he added.

Islamabad: Ambassador Moin ul Haque has assumed charge as Director-General of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), succeeding Ambassador Sohail Mahmood upon completion of his tenure.

Ambassador Moin ul Haque brings nearly 35 years of diplomatic experience, having served in key positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Pakistan’s diplomatic missions abroad, said a press release issued on Friday.

His most recent assignment was as Pakistan’s Ambassador to China from 2020 to 2023. Earlier, he served as Ambassador to France from 2016 to 2020 and as Consul General in Vancouver from 2007 to 2010.

He has also served as Additional Secretary (Administration), Chief of Protocol, Director-General (Europe) and Director (Foreign Secretary’s Office). Earlier in his diplomatic career, he served in Pakistan Embassies in Brussels, Colombo, Ankara and also as a Counsellor at Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.

Islamabad: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman on Friday paid tribute to the security forces for killing 24 terrorists during an operation in Bannu, praising their courage and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation.

In a statement, she said the brave personnel fighting against terrorism were the pride of the entire nation and had rendered remarkable sacrifices for the country’s peace and security.

Sherry Rehman said the people of Pakistan stood shoulder to shoulder with the security forces in the fight against terrorism and would not hesitate to make any sacrifice for its complete eradication.

She reaffirmed that there was no place for terrorists on Pakistan’s soil, adding that their complete elimination was a national resolve.

The PPP leader said the war against terrorism would continue until the menace was completely eradicated, expressing confidence that the nation and the security forces would work together to establish lasting peace across the country.

Islamabad: The Chess Federation of Pakistan concluded the 34th National Men’s Chess Championship and the 10th National Women’s Chess Championship at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad.

Zaman Sohaib of the Higher Education Commission and Punjab’s Fariha Siddiq won the national titles after outperforming 250 players from across Pakistan in the country’s premier chess competition.

Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry attended the closing ceremony as Chief Guest and distributed prizes among the winners, while senior parliamentarians, government officials and sports leaders participated as Guests of Honour.

Zaman Sohaib secured the men’s national title with five points, while Punjab’s M Zarwais Shabkhez finished second with 4.5 points. AR Akhtar of the Higher Education Commission claimed third place on tie break after also scoring 4.5 points.

Fariha Siddiq remained unbeaten throughout the women’s championship to claim the national title with 10.5 points. Zainubia Wasif finished runner up with nine points, while Javeria secured third place with eight points.

The championship showcased some of Pakistan’s finest chess talent and highlighted the growing popularity of the sport across the country.

Addressing the closing ceremony, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said Pakistan’s stature at the international level was steadily rising and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting sports, nurturing talent and creating opportunities for young athletes.

He lauded Chess Federation of Pakistan President Syed Zeeshan Ali Naqvi for his contributions to Pakistani sports and expressed confidence that the federation would further strengthen chess in the country under his leadership.

Federal Secretary for Inter Provincial Coordination Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani congratulated the Chess Federation of Pakistan on successfully organising the championship and assured continued government support for the promotion of chess in Pakistan.

The Guests of Honour included Federal Secretary for Inter Provincial Coordination Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Member of the National Assembly, President of the Young Parliamentarians Forum and Chairperson of the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, Senator Nuzhat Sadiq, Member of the National Assembly and Parliamentary Secretary for National Heritage and Culture Farah Naz Akbar, Parliamentary Secretary for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar, Prime Minister’s Coordinator Rana Ehsan Afzal Khan, Chess Federation of Pakistan President Syed Zeeshan Ali Naqvi, Vice President Rehan Azam and President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists Afzal Butt.

Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar announced a cash award of Rs100,000 for specially abled player Saeeba Shah and Rs25,000 for the oldest participant of the championship.

Senator Nuzhat Sadiq said empowering young talent in line with the Prime Minister’s vision was the need of the hour and expressed confidence that the Chess Federation would create greater opportunities for aspiring players.

MNA Farah Naz Akbar described the championship as an important milestone for the promotion of chess in Pakistan.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, trophies, medals, certificates and prize cheques were distributed among the winners.

Chess Federation of Pakistan President Syed Zeeshan Ali Naqvi thanked the distinguished guests, players, officials, media representatives and organisers and reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to holding more national and international chess events in the future.

Islamabad: The Embassy of Pakistan hosted its highly anticipated annual Mango Festival in Washington DC, a flagship cultural event that drew hundreds of Americans, member of United States administration, law makers and their staffers, diplomats, think tank community, and the Pakistani-American community.

Guests were immersed in the vibrant culture and irresistible flavors of Pakistan, with the majestic aroma of ripe mangoes filling the air and drawing everyone together in celebration, according to a press release received here on Friday by the Pakistan Embassy in Washington DC.

The evening featured an array of Pakistani mango varieties, including Chaunsa, Anwar Ratol, and Sindhri, served in creative forms, condiments, and refreshing drinks, alongside cultural performances, traditional music, and displays showcasing Pakistan’s rich heritage.

Addressing the gathering, Congressman Ryan Zinke of Montana, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and former U.S. Navy SEAL, highlighted the warmth of the relationship between the two nations.

‘The relationship between the United States government and Pakistan, in my opinion, has never been better, ever,’ Congressman Zike said.

‘Our relationship as countries, as people, I don’t think has ever been better,’ Representative Zinke said.

Welcoming the guests to the annual flagship event, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh described Pakistani mangoes as the ‘fruit of passion that symbolizes deepening ties’.

Pakistani mango, the Ambassador said, is unmatched. It stands out in terms of taste by far.

Like an undeniable demonstration of our defense and diplomatic capabilities, the taste of our mangoes was also a testament to our agricultural tradition and prowess, said the Ambassador.

‘Let us today celebrate the best of Pakistan’s taste… the taste of friendship that is deepening between our two countries,’ said the Ambassador

The Ambassador also invited guests to experience the full spectrum of Pakistani culture, from performances to the spirited ‘Dhol’ drum outside, turning the evening into a true festival of culture and cuisine.

A special video with a unique cultural fusion project was also played during the event that reimagines the United States National Anthem in traditional Pakistani musical styles. Produced as a tribute from the Pakistani-American community, it blends American patriotism with the rich melodic heritage of Pakistan to mark two major milestones — the 250th anniversary of American independence and 79 years of U.S.-Pakistan diplomatic friendship.

The Mango Festival underscores the enduring people-to-people bonds and growing economic and strategic partnership between Pakistan and the United States. Attendees left with lasting memories of the vibrant flavors, aromas, and friendship that define this annual celebration.

Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday warned of rising water levels in the Indus River after the spillways of Tarbela Dam were opened due to increased inflows caused by rapid glacier melt and rainfall in upper catchment areas.

The move is expected to increase water discharge downstream, posing risks to low lying areas, particularly in Layyah, Bhakkar and Mianwali, prompting authorities to urge residents and tourists to stay away from the river and water channels.

NDMA said the rise in river flows was driven by increasing temperatures that have accelerated glacier melt, coupled with rainfall in northern parts of the country.

The opening of Tarbela Dam’s spillways is part of efforts to safely manage water levels at the reservoir.

The authority cautioned that water levels and flow in downstream areas of the Indus River may rise significantly.

Residents living near the riverbanks have been advised to remain vigilant and strictly follow instructions issued by local administrations.

Tourists have been urged to avoid recreational activities in and around the Indus River during this period, while the public has been advised to stay away from water channels and river crossings experiencing strong currents.

NDMA said it is continuously monitoring the evolving situation through its National Emergencies Operation Center and ensuring timely dissemination of risk assessments and advisories to relevant institutions and the public to minimise potential hazards.