Day: July 18, 2026

Islamabad: Prominent political and media figure Kazi Asad Abid visited the office of Freedom Gate Prosperity (FGP) on Friday and held detailed discussions on media and policy collaboration for sustainable development.

The meeting was attended by FGP Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Anwar, former Managing Director of Daily Pakistan Islamabad and noted businessman Pervaiz Zulfiqar, Strategic Policy Advisor at FGP Shafqat Aziz, and Head of Economy at FGP Dr. Shahbaz Tariq.

The participants exchanged views on governance, economic reforms, climate resilience, the media’s role in national development, and opportunities for collaborative initiatives.

Speaking on the occasion, Kazi Asad Abid said the media must move beyond event-based reporting and play a more effective role in shaping informed national discourse on key issues. He emphasized that meaningful progress depends on sustained dialogue, institutional cooperation, and informed public participation.

Welcoming the visiting delegation, Muhammad Anwar highlighted FGP’s commitment to promoting evidence-based policy dialogue and multi-stakeholder partnerships. He said sustainable development could only be achieved through stronger collaboration among public institutions, academia, the private sector, the media, and development organizations.

Pervaiz Zulfiqar stressed that responsible journalism and constructive public engagement are essential for strengthening democratic institutions and fostering informed debate on national priorities.

Shafqat Aziz highlighted the growing importance of strategic communication in advancing national development objectives. He said stronger collaboration between development organizations and media institutions could enhance public understanding of climate change, economic empowerment, governance reforms, and environmental sustainability.

Dr. Shahbaz Tariq emphasized that research-driven policy dialogue and informed economic discourse are essential for developing practical solutions that promote inclusive growth and create greater opportunities for Pakistan’s youth.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration in policy dialogue, development communication, capacity-building, and public awareness initiatives aimed at promoting Pakistan’s sustainable and inclusive development.

Islamabad: Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Security Rana Umar Farooq visited the Red Zone to review security arrangements and inspect the performance of police personnel deployed at key security points.

An official told reporter on Friday that the DIG Umar inspected security deployment at various locations and assessed the operational preparedness of officers performing duties in the high-security zone.

During the visit, Rana Umar directed the officers to maintain the highest standards of security, remain alert at all times and discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, discipline and dedication.

He emphasized that effective vigilance, prompt response and strict adherence to security protocols were essential to ensuring the safety of important government installations, diplomatic missions and the public.

The official said Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police continued to strengthen security arrangements across the Red Zone to maintain law and order and effectively respond to any potential security challenges.

Islamabad: Pakistan’s information and communication technology (ICT) export earnings reached a record $4.6 billion during the fiscal year 2025-26, registering a 20.6 per cent year-on-year increase.

The sector also recorded a trade surplus of $3.9 billion, the highest ever among Pakistan’s services sectors.

The latest figures highlight the ICT sector’s growing contribution to the country’s exports and its expanding role in driving economic growth, innovation, and digital transformation.

Islamabad: Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has intensified its campaign against lane discipline violations, taking legal action against more than 5,000 motorists during the past week as part of efforts to improve road safety, ensure smooth traffic flow and reduce accidents in the federal capital.

An official told reporter on Friday that challan tickets were issued to over 5,000 drivers found violating lane discipline, while the ITP Education Wing simultaneously launched an extensive awareness campaign across major roads, educational institutions and public places, reaching more than 100,000 citizens with messages on road safety and compliance with traffic laws.

To further strengthen public awareness, Islamabad Traffic Police organized a road safety walk from Jinnah Avenue to Express Chowk. The walk was attended by Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Kainat Azhar Khan, Director ITP FM Ayesha Jamil, members of civil society, journalists, students and a large number of citizens, who pledged support for promoting responsible road behaviour.

Speaking to the media after the walk, CTO Kainat said lane discipline violations, wrong-way driving, riding motorcycles without helmets, the use of non-standard number plates, illegal parking and overloading were not merely traffic violations but serious threats to human life.

She said Islamabad Traffic Police would continue indiscriminate legal action against serious traffic offenders and would not allow anyone to endanger the lives and property of road users.

The CTO Kainat said road safety workshops, awareness walks and educational campaigns were aimed at creating greater public awareness and fostering a culture of responsible driving.

She urged citizens to observe lane discipline, avoid wrong-way driving, wear helmets and seat belts, refrain from using non-standard number plates, illegal parking and overloading, and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to help make Islamabad a safe, orderly and accident-free capital.