Day: July 20, 2026

Rawalpindi: Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi continued its search and rescue operation for a six-year-old boy who was swept away in Nullah Leh in Gulistan Colony, with efforts entering a second consecutive day on Sunday.

According to Rescue 1122, three search sectors have been established for the operation.

Specialized water rescue teams are conducting scuba diving, boat searches, and line searches at multiple locations along the drain in an effort to locate the missing child.

Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi Media Coordinator Muhammad Usman Gujjar said that on the first day of the operation, the body of 36-year-old Mehrban Khan was recovered and shifted to Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH).

However, the search for his six-year-old son, Muhammad Zahid, was underway.

He added that all available resources have been deployed, with rescue teams continuing an intensive search across different sections of Nullah Leh in an attempt to find the missing child.

Gilgit: Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Amjad Hussain Advocate and Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik on Sumday discussed comprehensive measures to strengthen disaster preparedness and mitigate the growing risks posed by climate change, including Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), cloudbursts and flash floods.

During a meeting at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Amjad Hussain stressed the need for the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) to ensure proper protection and maintenance of the installed early warning systems.

He also called for introducing glacier-related academic programmes and faculty in universities across Gilgit-Baltistan, saying vice chancellors would be approached to initiate the process.

The chief minister emphasized that all relevant institutions must take timely and coordinated measures to protect glaciers and reduce the impacts of climate change. Taking notice of the failure to clear streams before the flood season, he directed the concerned departments to formulate a policy for the timely cleaning of flood channels to minimize losses during natural disasters.

He also underscored the need to improve the National Highway Authority’s (NHA) response time for clearing flood-affected sections of highways and directed that coordination be ensured so that the authority remains operational round the clock during the flood season.

Highlighting that Gilgit-Baltistan is home to around 700 glaciers, the chief minister said the provincial government was considering the establishment of a Glacier Protection Authority to safeguard these vital natural resources. He also directed the provincial home secretary to ensure the availability of land in Skardu for the establishment of an NDMA warehouse.

Expressing concern over the Federal Flood Commission’s failure to initiate projects at vulnerable river erosion and flood-hit sites in Gilgit-Baltistan, and its inadequate implementation of projects allocated for the region, the chief minister directed the home secretary to pursue the matter at the highest level to secure Gilgit-Baltistan’s due share.

Speaking on the occasion, NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik said that, on the special directives of the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the NDMA was extending full cooperation to the Gilgit-Baltistan government in disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness.

He assured support for the training of Rescue 1122 personnel and the provision of resources to the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority.

He further said the NDMA would provide technical assistance to provincial departments for glacier drainage and conservation efforts.

Mirpur: Kashmir Accession to Pakistan Day was observed across Mirpur on Sunday with enthusiasm, as government officials, civil society representatives and citizens gathered to reaffirm their commitment to the Kashmir cause and the long-standing demand for the right to self-determination. A special ceremony, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Chaudhry Sajid Aslam, commemorated the adoption of the historic Resolution of Accession to Pakistan by the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference on July 19, 1947.

Addressing the gathering, the deputy commissioner said the occasion honoured the sacrifices of the pioneers of the Kashmir freedom movement and reflected the aspirations expressed in the 1947 resolution adopted in Srinagar. He said the people of Kashmir continued to maintain a close bond with Pakistan and reiterated their commitment to pursuing what he described as the objective of accession to Pakistan through a peaceful struggle.

Chaudhry Sajid Aslam thanked President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the people of Pakistan for their continued support for the Kashmiri cause. He also urged the United Nations to take notice of the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir and to ensure accountability for alleged human rights violations, while reaffirming support for the right to self-determination.

The ceremony was attended by Assistant Commissioner Mian Hissam Sajid, Revenue Officer Raja Ayaz Ahmad, Tehsildar Mirpur Imran Yousaf, Deputy Director Liberation Cell Sardar Azeem Sarwar, representatives of the business community, leaders of the Non-Gazetted Employees Association, political and social figures, journalists and officials from various government departments. The event concluded with special prayers for the success of the Kashmir movement, the martyrs of the cause, and the peace, security and prosperity of Pakistan.

Hyderabad: On the instructions of SSP Hyderabad Shahzeb Chachar, an awareness and practical training session on Artificial Intelligence was organized at the Police Headquarters Hyderabad in collaboration with Hyderabad Police and Urdu AI to align the police force with modern requirements and promote the effective and responsible use of technology.

DSP Cantt Paras Bakrani, PDSP Legal Ilyas Qureshi, SHO Women, IT staff, police officers and lady police personnel participated in the training session.

During the session, practical training was provided to the participants on the safe, responsible and effective use of Artificial Intelligence.

On this occasion, various modern AI tools were also demonstrated and it was stated that with their help, the quality of official correspondence, public awareness campaigns, translation, investigation summaries, data analysis, better organization of records, quick verification of information and effective communication can be further improved.

Wah cantt: Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan on Sunday called for a business-friendly environment, urging the government to facilitate tax-compliant traders instead of subjecting them to unnecessary harassment amid the country’s economic challenges. He made the remarks while addressing the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected office-bearers of the Sarafa (Jewellers’) Union Taxila, where Muhammad Ayub Saraf was sworn in as president and Muhammad Hussain as general secretary, alongside other cabinet members.

The ceremony was attended by a large gathering of traders, political and social leaders, members of the legal fraternity, religious scholars and local residents, who congratulated the newly elected office-bearers. Addressing the participants, the governor said Pakistan was facing significant economic pressures, with inflation and energy-related challenges continuing to affect businesses and the general public.

Saleem Haider said the federal government and the military leadership had taken steps to address national challenges, but issues relating to gas and petroleum supplies still required sustained attention. He noted that rising inflation had placed an increasing burden on low-income households and stressed that both the government and society shared the responsibility of supporting vulnerable segments of the population. He also praised the armed forces for their role in maintaining the country’s security and urged political leaders to avoid politicising issues of national importance.

Highlighting the importance of investment and economic growth, the governor said traders who regularly fulfilled their tax obligations should be encouraged through supportive policies rather than unnecessary official interference. He also endorsed a proposal to establish an industrial estate along the Rawalpindi Ring Road and said he would forward recommendations from the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to help promote industrial development, expand trade and create employment opportunities in the region.

Dera ismail khan: Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Defence, Sardar Fatahullah Khan Miankhel, on Sunday stressed the need to equip young people with modern education and technical skills to meet the challenges of the rapidly changing global landscape.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of a Free IT Training Programme organized by the Superior Professional Computer Institute in Tehsil Prova, he said information technology and digital skills had become essential for securing a brighter future for the country’s youth.

He said collaborative efforts between the government and private educational institutions could help reduce unemployment by providing market-oriented skills and enabling young people to play a productive role in the national economy.

The chairman termed the free IT training initiative a commendable step, saying it would enable participants to acquire expertise in computer technology, digital tools and freelancing, creating opportunities for dignified employment and self-reliance.

Sardar Fatahullah Khan Miankhel said Pakistan’s youth constituted the country’s greatest asset and equipping them with skills relevant to the modern era was the need of the hour.

He appreciated the role of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme in promoting youth empowerment and skill development, adding that greater attention should be given to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly the southern districts, to ensure equitable access to such opportunities.

Teachers, students, social figures and local elders also attended the ceremony.