Day: July 20, 2026

Islamabad: Football fans will be able to watch the FIFA World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina on Pakistan’s largest public screen at D-Chowk tonight.

The live screening will begin at 11 pm, while authorities have also announced a traffic and parking plan to facilitate visitors attending the event.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA), Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), and the Islamabad district administration have jointly arranged a public screening of the FIFA World Cup Final at D-Chowk. The initiative aims to provide residents and visitors with an opportunity to watch the match between Spain and Argentina in a public setting.

According to officials, a giant screen has been installed at D-Chowk, also referred to as Express Chowk, where football supporters will gather to watch the final live. The screening is expected to attract a large number of spectators from Islamabad and nearby areas.

Authorities said arrangements are being made to ensure visitors can enjoy the event comfortably. Food stalls and other facilities will be available at the venue. Organizers expect the event to create a gathering point for football fans who wish to watch the final together.

The live transmission of the match will begin at 11 pm. Residents have been advised to reach the venue in time and follow the instructions issued by traffic authorities.

Islamabad Police spokesperson said a special traffic diversion plan has been implemented due to the installation of the large screen and the expected turnout of spectators.

Visitors have been directed to park their vehicles at designated locations to avoid congestion around the venue. Parking will be available on the Blue Area service road from China Chowk to Express Chowk. Additional parking arrangements have also been made on the Nazimuddin Road service road between China Chowk and Express Chowk.

Under the traffic management plan, the road from China Chowk towards Express Chowk will remain closed to regular traffic.

In addition, roads leading to Express Chowk from all four directions will remain closed during the event.

Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes, including Ninth Avenue. Citizens can also travel through Nazimuddin Road and Fazal-e-Haq Road to reach their destinations.

Traffic police have urged the public to follow the announced routes and parking arrangements to avoid delays and ensure smooth movement around the area.

Authorities further stated that traffic updates and guidance will be shared throughout the event through ITP Radio 92.4 FM and official social media channels to assist commuters and visitors.

The public screening marks one of the largest football-viewing events arranged in the federal capital, bringing together fans to watch the World Cup Final on a single screen in the heart of Islamabad.

Islamabad: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) introduced a Merit-Based Fully Funded PhD Scholarship Program to promote a vibrant research culture in Pakistan and support talented young researchers. The initiative is aimed at enabling deserving and high-achieving students to pursue quality research without financial constraints.

Under the scholarship program, selected PhD scholars will receive a monthly stipend, full tuition fee coverage and financial assistance for other approved academic and research expenses in accordance with the University’s policy. The support is designed to help scholars focus entirely on their research and academic activities.

The program will also provide scholars with opportunities to participate in teaching, research and other academic engagements, allowing them to gain valuable teaching experience, strengthen their research capabilities and enhance their professional skills.

Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof. Dr Nasir Mahmood said that fostering a strong research culture remains one of the University’s top priorities. He noted that a solid research foundation is essential for sustainable national development, innovation and the growth of a knowledge-based economy.

He added that AIOU is committed to providing young researchers with the facilities and supportive environment needed to produce high-quality research.

He further stated that the fully funded PhD Scholarship Program will nurture the potential of emerging researchers and enable them to make meaningful contributions to national development, scientific advancement, innovation and the resolution of societal challenges.

He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to raising research standards to the international level and equipping young scholars to earn recognition within the global academic community.

VC encouraged aspiring students to take full advantage of this opportunity by applying for the scholarship program and contributing to the country’s progress through impactful research.

Further details regarding the scholarship program, eligibility criteria and application process are available on the official platform of the university.

Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday warned of medium to high flood risks across several parts of the country from July 20 to 23 as a strong monsoon system coupled with an approaching westerly wave is expected to trigger widespread rainfall, flash floods, rising river flows and urban flooding, according to a hydrological situation alert issued by the authority.

The alert said isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over Gilgit Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and upper Punjab, increasing the risk of flash flooding in hill torrents, seasonal streams and low lying urban areas.

The NDMA warned that river flows across all major river systems are expected to rise significantly during the period.

Medium to high flood levels are likely in the River Chenab at Marala and the River Jhelum upstream of Mangla, while associated nullahs of the Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi rivers may also witness sharp increases in water levels.

High flows are expected in the River Kabul and its tributaries, particularly around Nowshera.

Water levels are also likely to rise rapidly in the Swat, Panjkora and Chitral rivers and other tributaries of the Kabul River basin.

Tributaries of the Jhelum basin in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and transboundary nullahs originating from the Pir Panjal range may experience sudden surges.

The authority cautioned that flash flooding is likely in vulnerable valleys and streams of Gilgit Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and northern Balochistan.

The hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur and the Nari, Bolan and Lehri river systems in Balochistan are among the areas facing heightened risks.

Urban flooding may occur in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Lahore and Sheikhupura in Punjab, and in Peshawar, Nowshera, Charsadda and Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to heavy downpours and inadequate drainage capacity.

The NDMA advised provincial and district authorities to remain vigilant and ensure timely implementation of contingency plans.

Citizens living near rivers, nullahs and hill torrents have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall and follow official advisories and early warnings.

The authority said flows in the Ravi and Sutlej rivers will also depend on upstream water releases from Indian reservoirs and will continue to be monitored closely during the forecast period.

Islamabad: Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, on Sunday inaugurated a Mobile Registration Van (MRV) in Mansehra to facilitate the registration of deserving families in remote and underserved areas.

She also creates awareness among women beneficiaries about the Programme’s new Digital Wallet System and reviewed the Benazir Mobile SIM distribution process.

Member of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Meher Sultana Advocate and other women leaders accompanied the BISP chairperson during the visit, according to a press release.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Rubina Khalid said the Mobile Registration Van would extend BISP registration services to deserving people living in areas where access to BISP offices was limited.

She said the initiative would help ensure the timely registration of more eligible beneficiaries and further strengthen the delivery of social protection services.

During her visit to the BISP office, the chairperson met women beneficiaries, listened to their concerns and directed the relevant officials to address their issues on a priority basis.

She also briefed the beneficiaries about the Programme’s new Digital Wallet System, the free Benazir Mobile SIM, wallet activation process and the revised payment mechanism. She reviewed the ongoing process of Benazir Mobile SIM distribution and digital wallet activation.

Rubina Khalid informed the beneficiaries that under the new Digital Wallet System, financial assistance would be transferred directly into the digital accounts of eligible women.

The funds would remain securely available in their digital wallets, enabling beneficiaries to withdraw their payments at any time from authorised retailers at their convenience.

She urged beneficiaries to obtain the free Benazir Mobile SIM only from BISP offices and advised them to bring their original Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) and personal mobile phone to facilitate immediate SIM activation and digital wallet registration.

The BISP chairperson also advised women beneficiaries not to hand over their mobile phones to any agent or retailer while receiving payments. She urged them to protect their SIM cards and immediately report any deduction, irregularity or complaint to the nearest BISP office or through the Programme’s grievance redressal mechanism to ensure prompt action.

Islamabad: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid glowing tribute to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on Pakistan’s Kashmir Accession Day, saluting the sacrifices of Kashmiri martyrs and the steadfast leadership of the freedom movement while reiterating Pakistan’s continued support for their right to self-determination.

In a message issued on the occasion, the interior minister honored all Kashmiri martyrs and Hurriyat leaders who, he said, had kept the “flame of freedom” alive through decades of struggle and sacrifice.

Naqvi described the historic resolution of July 19, 1947, as a true reflection of the collective aspirations of the Kashmiri people and a significant milestone in their freedom movement. He said the resolution symbolized the unwavering commitment of the people of Kashmir to accede to Pakistan.

He noted that the Kashmiri leadership had linked its future with Pakistan even before the country’s creation, adding that the relationship between Pakistan and Kashmir was founded on shared history, faith, and geography.

The minister reaffirmed that the Pakistani nation stood shoulder to shoulder with its Kashmiri brothers and sisters, praising their patience, resilience, and extraordinary courage in the face of what he described as Indian oppression.

Naqvi stressed that the people of Jammu and Kashmir should be allowed to exercise what he termed their inherent right to determine their own future. He said a lasting and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, was essential for durable peace and stability in South Asia.

Reiterating Pakistan’s longstanding position, the interior minister said the country would continue to extend its unconditional and principled support to the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

Islamabad: Pakistan and China signed investment and business agreements worth approximately US$1.4 billion at the conclusion of the two-day Pakistan-China Business Conference held in Islamabad, marking another significant step towards strengthening bilateral economic and industrial cooperation.

On the final day of the conference, participants signed 42 agreements valued at approximately US$850 million, covering a wide range of sectors, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, vaccine production, healthcare technology, and industrial manufacturing.

The conference, held on July 17-18th, brought together more than 250 Chinese companies and a large number of Pakistani businesses, creating a platform for business-to-business (B2B) engagements aimed at expanding trade, investment, technology transfer, and industrial collaboration.

One of the major highlights of the event was the signing of final investment agreements for local manufacturing of pharmaceutical products, medical equipment, and vaccines in Pakistan.

These agreements are expected to promote technology transfer, strengthen Pakistan’s healthcare industry, reduce dependence on imports, and create new employment opportunities.

The conference concluded with total investment commitments reaching US$1.4 billion, reflecting the growing confidence of Chinese investors in Pakistan’s economic potential and business environment.

The participating Chinese companies held extensive business-to-business (B2B) meetings with their Pakistani counterparts, exploring opportunities for joint ventures, industrial partnerships, and long-term investment projects across multiple sectors.

The discussions focused on enhancing industrial cooperation, improving supply chains, and increasing local production capacity.

Officials and business leaders described the conference as a milestone in Pakistan-China economic relations, noting that the agreements would contribute to industrial modernization, export promotion, and sustainable economic growth.

The pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors emerged as major beneficiaries of the investment commitments.

The agreements are expected to facilitate the establishment of modern production facilities for medicines, vaccines, and medical equipment, enabling Pakistan to improve domestic manufacturing capabilities while expanding export opportunities to regional and international markets.

Industry representatives said collaboration with Chinese companies would introduce advanced manufacturing technologies, improve product quality, and strengthen research and development in Pakistan’s healthcare sector.

The participation of over 250 Chinese investor companies, underscored the strong interest of China’s private sector in expanding its footprint in Pakistan. Throughout the conference, hundreds of B2B meetings resulted in numerous commercial partnerships and investment understandings between enterprises from both countries.

The event also highlighted the growing importance of private-sector cooperation in complementing the broader strategic partnership between Pakistan and China.

Business leaders expressed optimism that the agreements signed during the conference would translate into concrete investment projects over the coming months.

Talking to reporter here on Sunday, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Atif Ikram Sheikh, has hailed the signing of $1.4 billion worth of agreements during the Pakistan-China Business-to-Business (B2B) Conference, describing them as a major milestone for strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.

President FPCCI said the agreements, covering pharmaceuticals, vaccine manufacturing, industrial collaboration, and other key sectors, would attract foreign investment, promote technology transfer, and create employment opportunities in Pakistan.

Sheikh noted that the conference reflected the strong confidence of Chinese investors in Pakistan’s economic potential and would help boost exports, industrialization, and sustainable economic growth while further deepening the longstanding strategic partnership between Pakistan and China.

President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), Usman Shaukat in interview with reporter, has hailed the successful Pakistan-China Business-to-Business (B2B) Conference, calling it a significant step toward enhancing bilateral trade, investment, and industrial cooperation.

President RCCI said the signing of $1.4 billion worth of agreements reflected growing confidence among Chinese investors in Pakistan’s business environment. He noted that collaboration in pharmaceuticals, vaccine manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, and other sectors would promote technology transfer, strengthen local industries, generate employment, and expand export opportunities.

Usman Shaukat emphasized that stronger business-to-business engagement would further reinforce the Pakistan-China strategic economic partnership and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

Experts believe the investment commitments will help boost Pakistan’s industrial output, attract foreign direct investment (FDI), generate employment, and deepen economic integration under the framework of the Pakistan-China strategic partnership.

The successful conclusion of the two-day conference reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to expanding mutually beneficial economic cooperation and opening new avenues for investment, innovation, and industrial development.