Day: July 18, 2026

Islamabad: Speaker of National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has paid rich tribute to the Security Forces for successfully carrying out an Intelligence-Based Operation (IBO) in Bannu, during which 24 terrorists belonging to Fitna Al Khawarij were exterminated.

Ayaz Sadiq commended the security forces for their exceptional professionalism, courage and unwavering commitment in thwarting the nefarious designs of the Indian proxy terrorist group, Fitna Al Khawarij.

He said that the timely and effective operations conducted against Indian-sponsored terrorists reflect the high level of professionalism, preparedness and resolve of Pakistan’s Security Forces.

Ayaz Sadiq said that the successful operation is a manifestation of the nation’s firm resolve to eradicate the menace of terrorism.

He emphasized that Pakistan’s security forces have consistently demonstrated extraordinary courage, professional excellence and an unflinching commitment to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and security.

Reaffirming the nation’s collective resolve against terrorism, Ayaz Sadiq said that the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its brave forces in the fight against the scourge of terrorism.

He said that the sacrifices rendered by the martyrs in defence of the homeland are a source of immense pride for the nation and will always be remembered with the highest respect and gratitude.

Ayaz Sadiq further said that every conspiracy aimed at undermining Pakistan’s peace and stability will be decisively defeated.

He expressed confidence that under Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, security forces will continue their operations until the complete elimination of terrorism, ensuring lasting peace, stability and security.

Islamabad: Deputy Chairman of the Senate, Syedaal Khan Nasir, has said that the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are built on a solid foundation of faith, mutual trust, and shared progress.

Addressing the Saudi Company Formation and Business Expansion Summit 2026, organized by Al Raee Group in Islamabad, he said Saudi Vision 2030 has opened new avenues for global investment and private sector growth, offering immense opportunities for the Pakistani business community.

Congratulating Al Raee Group and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on organizing the timely summit, the Deputy Chairman Senate described the event as a significant initiative to strengthen economic connectivity and add a new dimension to bilateral trade and investment.

He assured participants that the Senate of Pakistan and the government would continue to extend all possible support to initiatives that promote economic growth, employment, and technology transfer.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of Al Raee Group Bilal M. Zubair welcomed the distinguished guests and highlighted Saudi Arabia’s business-friendly policies.

He said that under Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom offers 100% foreign ownership, simplified banking procedures, and has removed the minimum capital requirement for various business activities, creating an ideal corporate environment.

He explained that any Pakistani private limited company or partnership firm that has been operating for at least one year can seamlessly expand into the rapidly growing Saudi economy by submitting key documents, including the Certificate of Incorporation and an audited financial report.

President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Atif Ikram Sheikh, stressed the need to strengthen private-sector linkages and lauded Al Raee Group’s constructive role in serving as an effective bridge for Pak-Saudi trade relations.

The summit was attended by foreign diplomats, leading investors, and senior corporate executives representing national and international companies.

A major highlight of the summit was the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Al Raee Group and representatives of 12 prominent

Pakistani companies from various sectors.

Under the agreements, these companies will establish operations and undertake large-scale investments in Saudi Arabia.

The summit marked a significant milestone in bilateral investment cooperation and laid a strong foundation for a long-term, resilient economic partnership between the two brotherly nations.

Islamabad: Pakistan and China have agreed to significantly expand cooperation on immigration, border management and institutional coordination, reaffirming their shared commitment to combating illegal immigration, arms smuggling and cross-border crime through closer collaboration.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and a Chinese delegation led by Qi Jingyang, Director General of China’s National Immigration Administration.

The two sides agreed to accelerate the finalisation of a bilateral agreement aimed at streamlining immigration procedures and facilitating faster processing. They also decided to establish a Pakistan-China Joint Working Group on border management and security to strengthen coordination and improve operational effectiveness.

Speaking on the occasion, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan and China would further enhance cooperation in land border management, seaport security and immigration administration. He reiterated that the Government of Pakistan was implementing a zero-tolerance policy against illegal immigration, unlawful border crossings and smuggling, adding that indiscriminate action was being taken against all those involved in such activities.

The minister also announced that a Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts checkpoint was being established at the Khunjerab Pass to further strengthen security along the strategically important border crossing.

Minister of State Talal Chaudhry said Pakistan and China would work together to effectively curb illegal immigration and other cross-border crimes through enhanced bilateral cooperation.

Chinese delegation commended Pakistan’s efforts to prevent illegal border crossings and smuggling, describing the country’s measures as effective and encouraging.

Director General Qi Jingyang said China and Pakistan were strategic partners and that Beijing remained committed to strengthening cooperation with Islamabad. He added that China would continue supporting the capacity-building of Pakistani institutions in areas related to immigration and border security.

During the meeting, the Chinese delegation delivered an invitation from China’s Minister of Public Security to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to participate in the upcoming Public Security Forum. The delegation also invited a team from Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to attend the forum.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan said Pakistani police officers would travel to China later this month for specialised training. He also noted that Chinese language instructors were currently providing language training to personnel of Pakistan’s Special Protection Unit to enhance communication and operational coordination.

The meeting was also attended by the Chinese Ambassador, the Interior Secretary, the Director General of the FIA, the Director General of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad and the Inspector General of Islamabad Police.

Islamabad: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday forecast widespread rain, windstorms and thundershowers across most parts of the country from July 18 to 25, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides and urban flooding in vulnerable areas.

According to the PMD, monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea are continuously penetrating the upper and central parts of the country and are likely to strengthen over the weekend, while a western disturbance is expected to approach the upper parts of the country on Monday, enhancing rainfall activity.

The Met Office said Kashmir is likely to receive rain, windstorms and thundershowers, with scattered heavy to very heavy falls, from the evening of July 18 to July 25 with occasional gaps. Areas expected to be affected include Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain, windstorms and thundershowers with scattered heavy to very heavy falls are expected from the evening of July 19 to July 23 in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Nowshera, Charsadda, Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Kurram, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, North and South Waziristan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan and Hangu.

The PMD said Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Faisalabad, Khushab, Sargodha, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot and Okara are likely to receive rain, windstorms and thundershowers with scattered heavy to very heavy falls from the evening of July 19 to July 23. Southern and western districts, including Noorpur Thal, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Layyah, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur, are expected to receive rainfall from July 20 to 24.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, moderate to heavy rain, windstorms and thunderstorms are expected in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar from the evening of July 18 to July 25.

Balochistan is likely to receive rain, windstorms and thundershowers with isolated heavy falls in Zhob, Sherani, Loralai, Kohlu, Sibi, Naseerabad, Jhal Magsi, Jaffarabad, Barkhan, Dera Bugti and Khuzdar from the evening of July 19 to July 23.

The Met Office said most parts of Sindh would remain hot and very humid; however, isolated rain and thundershowers are expected in Tharparkar, Mithi, Sukkur, Larkana, Shikarpur, Dadu and Jacobabad from the evening of July 20 to July 24.

The PMD warned that windstorms and lightning could damage vulnerable structures, including solar panels, electric poles and billboards. It also cautioned that landslides may occur in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat and Kashmir between July 20 and 25.

The department further warned of possible flash flooding in local streams and nullahs of Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, northeastern Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and northeastern Balochistan during the wet spell.

Heavy rainfall may also trigger urban flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Multan and Faisalabad from July 20 to 23.

The PMD advised tourists and travellers to avoid unnecessary journeys during the forecast period, while farmers were urged to manage crop activities according to the weather conditions and ensure proper care of livestock.

The department said the prevailing hot and humid weather is likely to subside during the forecast period and advised all concerned authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautionary measures to avoid any untoward situation.