Day: July 19, 2026

Islamabad: Hurriyat Leader and Vice Chairman, Tehreek Shabab-ul-Muslimeen, Jammu and Kashmir Mushtaq Ahmad Butt has said that July 19, 1947 ‘Resolution for the Accession to Pakistan’ remains a defining milestone in the political history of Jammu and Kashmir and continues to symbolize the aspirations of many Kashmiris.

In a statement marking the anniversary of the resolution, Butt described the historic decision as an expression of the collective political will of the state’s representative Muslim leadership before the creation of Pakistan.

The resolution was adopted during a meeting held at the residence of Ghazi-e-Millat late Sardar Mohammed Ibrahim Khan, where participants unanimously endorsed accession to Pakistan.

Butt said the resolution reflected what its supporters viewed as the natural political choice for Jammu and Kashmir, based on shared religious, cultural, historical, geographical, and economic ties with Pakistan.

He emphasized that the decision was taken nearly a month before Pakistan’s independence, arguing that it demonstrated political foresight rather than a reaction to subsequent developments.

Referring to the partition of British India in 1947, Butt said Jammu and Kashmir’s Muslim-majority population, combined with its trade routes, river systems, and cultural links with territories that became Pakistan, formed the basis for the resolution.

He also highlighted the principle of self-determination under international law, citing Article 1(2) of the United Nations Charter and UN Security Council Resolution 47 (1948), which calls for the future status of Jammu and Kashmir to be determined in accordance with the will of its people.

According to Butt, the July 19 resolution represents an early political expression of those aspirations. The Hurriyat leader further argued that developments following October 27, 1947, transformed the Kashmir issue into an international dispute. He alleged that decades of conflict, political repression, human rights violations, detentions, and demographic changes have reinforced demands among many Kashmiris for the right to determine their political future.

Describing the anniversary as more than a historical commemoration, Butt said July 19 serves as a day to renew commitment to the political cause, honor those who have lost their lives during the conflict, and reaffirm what he called the enduring national consciousness of the Kashmiri people.

Butt said the resolution continues to hold political and historical significance for its supporters, who regard it as a lasting declaration of identity, collective will, and the aspiration for self-determination.

Islamabad: The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFEPT) today hosted a signing ceremony for two Letters of Understanding (LoUs) between Nestl© Pakistan and the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), and between Nestl© Pakistan and the Directorate General of Special Education (DGSE), to advance nutrition education and promote healthier lifestyles among children.

The ceremony was attended by the Secretary, Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Mr. Nadeem Mahbub, senior officials from the Ministry, Mr. Sheikh Waqar Ahmad, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Ms. Zaira Ahmed, Manager Corporate Affairs and members of the Nestl© Pakistan team.

Under the Nestl© for Healthier Kids initiative, the partnerships will promote nutrition awareness, healthy eating, hydration, hygiene, physical activity, and responsible waste management.

The collaboration with FDE aims to train up to 300 teachers and benefit approximately 10,000 students across federal government schools.

The partnership with DGSE will train up to 200 faculty members, therapists, and multidisciplinary professionals, reaching approximately 2,000 children with special needs. It also includes the development of inclusive learning materials and the establishment of dedicated resource rooms.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Nadeem Mahbub appreciated the collaboration and emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in improving children’s health, well-being, and learning outcomes.

Mr. Sheikh Waqar Ahmad, Head of Corporate Affairs, Nestl© Pakistan, remarked that these partnerships reflect our shared commitment to improving children’s health and well-being through education. By working alongside public institutions, we can empower teachers, inspire healthier choices, and create a lasting positive impact for future generations.

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Saturday, underlined the importance of upholding ceasefire commitments under the Islamabad MoU and avoiding any actions that could further escalate tensions.

The DPM/FM received a telephone call from Foreign Minister of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Kuwaiti, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.

The two foreign ministers discussed the latest developments in the region.

Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah shared Kuwait’s serious concerns regarding the continued attacks on its territory and expressed hope that restraint would be exercised by all sides and that the Islamabad MoU would be fully implemented.

He also appreciated Pakistan’s constructive and mediatory role in promoting dialogue and regional stability.

The deputy prime minister/foreign minister underscored the urgent need for de-escalation, stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, and emphasized that maintaining regional peace and security must remain the foremost priority.

The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact on matters of mutual interest.

Islamabad: Chairman Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar, on Saturday urged Pakistan’s young scientists to become creators of technology rather than mere consumers of innovations developed elsewhere, stressing that sustained investment in science, research and human resource development is essential for securing the country’s future competitiveness.

He was addressing the closing ceremony of the 51st International Nathiagali Summer College (INSC) on Physics and Contemporary Needs.

The Summer College concluded after two weeks of scientific deliberations on emerging frontiers of science and technology. Organized by PAEC from July 6 to 18, the prestigious event brought together leading scientists, researchers and young scholars from Pakistan and around the world to exchange knowledge and explore emerging technologies shaping the future.

Addressing the participants, the Chairman said the world is undergoing a defining technological transformation driven by artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology and clean energy technologies, where nations increasingly compete through ideas, innovation, talent and technology rather than natural resources.

He said Pakistan possesses the talent, institutions and determination to emerge as a knowledge-producing nation capable of developing indigenous technologies and contributing solutions to global challenges.

Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar said the International Nathiagali Summer College has, for more than five decades, played a vital role in nurturing a scientific culture by connecting young researchers with world-renowned scientists and promoting innovation, collaboration and critical thinking. He noted that many former participants now serve in leading research institutions, universities, industries and strategic organizations, reflecting the College’s enduring contribution to Pakistan’s scientific development.

The Chairman said this year’s academic programme focused on technologies that are directly relevant to Pakistan’s future, including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Advanced Manufacturing Techniques, Nuclear Techniques in Agriculture and Biotechnology, Nuclear Techniques in Health and Environment, and Advances in Plasma Science and Fusion Technology. He said these emerging fields will strengthen industrial competitiveness, enhance food security, improve healthcare, protect the environment and support future energy solutions.

He said the themes of the Summer College closely complement the Government of Pakistan’s Uraan Pakistan initiative, which envisions sustainable economic growth through innovation, digital transformation, industrial modernization and investment in human capital. He added that platforms such as INSC directly contribute to this national mission by developing highly skilled scientists and strengthening Pakistan’s innovation ecosystem.

Highlighting the international dimension of the programme, the Chairman said the Summer College generated meaningful outcomes beyond the lecture hall by opening new avenues for prospective collaboration with the Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China, in agriculture and biotechnology. Technical meetings with distinguished international faculty also explored opportunities for joint research, technology development and long-term institutional cooperation, further strengthening Pakistan’s scientific diplomacy and international partnerships.

This year’s Summer College brought together 45 distinguished scientists from 20 countries, while around 300 selected participants attended the programme in person and hundreds more joined virtually through live streaming facilitated by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

Reaffirming PAEC’s commitment to the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology, Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar said the Commission continues to contribute to Pakistan’s socio-economic development through clean nuclear power generation, comprehensive cancer care delivered by its nationwide network of 21 Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals, development of improved crop varieties for enhanced food security, and advanced research in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced materials and semiconductor sciences.

Addressing the young scientists, the Chairman urged them to view the knowledge gained during the Summer College as the beginning of a lifelong journey of discovery and innovation. He said Pakistan’s future would be shaped by those who possess the vision and determination to create new knowledge, develop indigenous technologies and transform innovative ideas into practical solutions.

Congratulating the organizing committee, international faculty, partner institutions and participants on the successful conclusion of the Summer College, the Chairman expressed confidence that continued investment in scientific research, innovation and human resource development would enable Pakistan to play an increasingly important role in shaping future technological advancements.

In his address, Member Science PAEC, Dr. Shakeel Abbas Rofi said that by organising this event we wanted to explore the emerging needs of Pakistan and to the same end, new courses related to health and environment were added besides emerging technologies, Artificial Intelligence and use of nuclear techniques in agriculture to achieve food security.

“Lively discussions over tea, technical meetings, curiosity of the participants and generosity of the faculty in answering those curiosities remained the signature note of the INSC-2026. We were successful in transforming scientific meetings into scientific communities and long lasting partnerships,” Dr. Shakeel Rofi said and especially thanked Chinese and Malaysian experts for their remarkable contribution for opening up new avenues of cooperation with Pakistan in the fields of agriculture, environment, isotopic hydrology and fuel cell technology.

He also thanked Dr. Gerd Helmer from Medical University Vienna for extending complimentary access to Pakistani research institutes to his AI lab on radiotherapy.

Earlier, Scientific Secretary INSC, Dr. Rahat Ullah briefed about key themes of the College and remarkable achievements gained during the two weeks of interactive sessions.

A poster competition was also held which was evaluated by the experts panel comprising foreign faculty. The first prize of the poster competition was won by Ms. Salka Javed from Islamic International University Islamabad for her poster on water quality. The second prize was won by Ms. Rubab Mansoor from Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad for her work on the effects of microplastics on the environment in Northern areas. The third prize was bagged by Ms. Amina Zakaullah from COMSATS University Lahore.

At the end of the ceremony, Chairman PAEC Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar distributed prizes among the winners of the poster competition and gave away commemorative shields to the national and international faculty members.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, Engr Amir Muqam, on Friday addressed a large Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) public gathering in Khari Sharif, Mirpur, and urged voters to support the party’s candidate for LA-4, Chaudhry Rukhsar Ahmad, in the upcoming by-election.

The rally, held as part of the PML-N’s election campaign, drew a large number of party workers and supporters. Addressing the gathering, Muqam praised the enthusiasm of participants and commended the party’s election campaign team for its efforts, said a statement issued here.

“I congratulate you in advance. We will win this seat,” the minister said, assuring supporters that the party would continue to stand by the people and would not disappoint them.

Highlighting the PML-N government’s development agenda, Muqam said former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had made significant contributions to the development of Azad Jammu and Kashmir through investments in roads, hospitals, colleges and other public infrastructure projects.

He said the federal government had approved five Danish Schools for AJK and continued to provide subsidised wheat and sugar.

Muqam also expressed the government’s desire to advance the proposed Mansehra-Muzaffarabad-Mirpur Expressway project and noted that work on the Haryam Bridge had been resumed with an allocation of Rs10 billion. He added that extending natural gas facilities to the region also remained a priority.

Referring to national issues, the minister stressed that the Kashmir cause should remain above political differences. He said refugees who migrated from Jammu and Kashmir had made immense sacrifices and their legacy should be respected. He also referred to the government’s agreement with the Action Committee, saying efforts were continuing to address public concerns.

Speaking on the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Muqam alleged that despite hardships faced by Kashmiris, they continued to express support for Pakistan.

He also paid tribute to what he described as the success of “Marka-e-Haq” under the leadership of Prime Minister and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, adding that he had witnessed the commitment of Pakistani forces during visits to the Line of Control (LoC).

The minister announced that PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz are expected to address a public gathering in Mirpur on July 24, which he described as a historic event. He urged voters to elect the PML-N candidate with a decisive mandate.

During the event, Ch. Banaras Azam Advocate, a member of the District Council, announced his joining of the PML-N along with supporters and family members.

The gathering was also attended by Ch. Shehbaz Munir Advocate, Ch. Riaz Azam, District President Javed Qadir, Raja Waqas Anwar, Tariq Butt, Haji Maroof, Ch. Imtiaz, Ch. Naeem-ur-Rehman, Shakeel and Sardar Tariq.

Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued nationwide alerts for flash floods, urban flooding and landslides from July 18 to 23 in several parts of the country, including Gilgit Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Islamabad and north eastern Balochistan.

Authority urges citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and take precautionary measures, according to an advisory issued by its National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) on Saturday.

The NEOC said the prevailing weather conditions are in line with its earlier forecast and it is continuously monitoring potential hazards while ensuring the timely dissemination of information to all relevant authorities.

Heavy rainfall may trigger flash floods in local streams, seasonal waterways and mountainous regions. Medium to high level flooding is expected in rivers and streams across Gilgit Baltistan.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, upper and central districts face the risk of flash floods and surging flows in hill torrents and seasonal streams.

The NDMA has also issued a landslide alert for Azad Jammu and Kashmir from July 19 to 24.

Continuous rainfall may trigger landslides in Neelum, Haveli, Poonch, Muzaffarabad and Bagh districts. Moderate risks also exist in the hilly areas of Kotli, Sudhnoti, Mirpur and Bhimber.

Roads in Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Kahuta and Bhimber may be affected by falling debris and landslides, disrupting traffic movement.

The authority warned that water levels may rise significantly in the Neelum, Jhelum and Poonch rivers and their tributaries in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Separately, NDMA has issued flood alerts for Punjab and north eastern Balochistan from July 17 to 23.

Heavy rains may cause flash floods in seasonal streams and hill torrents across both regions.

Seasonal waterways in Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Murree and Galliyat are likely to experience high flows. In Balochistan, Zhob, Sherani, Musakhel, Loralai, Harnai, Sibi, Kohlu and Jaffarabad districts may also be affected.

The NDMA warned of rising water levels in the Chenab and Ravi rivers and their tributaries, advising residents living in low lying areas to remain vigilant.

Urban flood alerts have also been issued for July 18 to 23 in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad and Sheikhupura due to the forecast of heavy rainfall.

Low lying areas in Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan and Charsadda may also face inundation.

The NDMA has directed all relevant authorities to keep emergency machinery and rescue teams on high alert and ensure preparedness for any emergency situation.

Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from rivers, seasonal streams, flooded roads and vulnerable mountain slopes.

Tourists are urged to exercise extreme caution when travelling through landslide prone areas.

The NDMA has urged the public to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App for timely weather updates and safety advisories.