Day: July 22, 2026

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PTA targets 2,000 5G sites per mobile operator by 2028


Islamabad: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has set a target for each cellular mobile operator to deploy 2,000 5G sites by 2028 under the first phase of Pakistan’s commercial 5G rollout, according to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, in a move aimed at expanding next generation connectivity, improving broadband speeds and strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure.



Phase I of the commercial 5G rollout, spanning 2026 to 2028, requires every licensed operator to establish 2,000 5G sites across the country.



The roadmap also mandates that at least 20 percent of existing 4G sites in the federal and provincial capitals be upgraded to 5G technology during the period.



The Authority has further directed operators to increase the Fiber to the Tower ratio to 20 percent to strengthen network capacity and improve the performance of 5G services nationwide.



According to the documents, mobile broadband quality standards have also been significantly enhanced.



The existing average 4G throughput of around 4 Mbps is to be increased to a median speed of 20 Mbps, while a minimum 5G baseline speed of 50 Mbps has been introduced with a phased target of achieving median speeds of 100 Mbps.



The documents reveal that operators have already begun deploying infrastructure under the first phase of the rollout.



In areas where new base transceiver stations and network upgrades have been completed, 5G services are being introduced alongside improved 4G performance.



The initial rollout has involved extensive procurement and import of telecom equipment, integration of newly assigned spectrum bands, network modernization and preparations for compatible 5G handsets.



Pakistan’s commercial 5G rollout will be implemented in four phases, with Phase I currently underway.



The PTA will monitor operators’ compliance with rollout obligations, coverage targets and quality of service requirements throughout the implementation process to ensure the successful deployment of next-generation mobile services across the country.



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CM GB visits NDMA, reviews monsoon preparedness


Islamabad: Chief Minister (CM) Gilgit Baltistan, Advocate Amjad Hussain visited the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Headquarters in Islamabad on Tuesday to review the country’s monsoon preparedness and emergency response mechanisms at the National Emergencies Operations Centre, as authorities intensify efforts to mitigate disaster risks and safeguard vulnerable communities during the ongoing monsoon season.



He was received by Chairman NDMA, Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, who briefed him on the NEOC’s operational capabilities, including its advanced early warning systems, real time hazard monitoring, weather forecasting, risk assessment and coordination mechanisms for disaster preparedness and emergency response.



The Chief Minister was also apprised of the NEOC’s role in monitoring monsoon related hazards across the country, particularly in Gilgit Baltistan, including flash floods, landslides, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods and riverine flooding.



During the meeting, both sides reviewed the prevailing monsoon situation and preparedness measures in Gilgit Baltistan and underscored the importance of timely information sharing and close coordination between federal and provincial institutions to minimize disaster risks and ensure an effective emergency response.



Chief Minister, Amjad Hussain appreciated the technological capabilities and professional preparedness of the NEOC and reaffirmed the Gilgit Baltistan government’s commitment to further strengthening coordination with NDMA for effective disaster risk management and enhanced resilience.



The visit reflected the shared resolve of the federal and Gilgit Baltistan governments to bolster institutional preparedness and build resilience against climate induced disasters during the monsoon season.



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Pakistan will continue role as sincere mediator: PM


Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday, during a call by Interior Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Eskandar Momeni, emphasized that Pakistan would continue to play its role as an honest and sincere mediator and facilitator, and reiterated the country’s strong commitment to regional peace and stability.



The Interior Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who is on an official visit to Pakistan, called on the prime minister here at the Prime Minister House, a PM Office’s news release said.



During the meeting, the prime minister shared his deep concern over the recent escalation in the Gulf region and urged all sides to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could further destabilize the region.



Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the Iranian Interior Minister and his delegation to Pakistan. While recalling his visit to Tehran earlier this month to attend the funeral ceremony of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, the Prime Minister conveyed his respectful regards and good wishes for the Supreme Leader, Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei and President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian.



Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni thanked the Prime Minister for the warm welcome accorded to him and his delegation in Islamabad. He conveyed greetings and best wishes of the Iranian leadership. He stated that he was leading a delegation of senior government officials to enhance bilateral ties.



The Iranian Minister expressed deep appreciation for the prime minister, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their untiring mediation efforts that led to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. He also expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s visit to Tehran to attend the funeral ceremony of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei.



Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sen. Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar, Advisor to the Prime Minister Dr. Syed Tauqir Shah, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and other senior government officials were also present.



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Al-Shifa doctors perform rare life-saving surgery on three-day-old infant


Rawalpindi: Doctors at Al-Shifa Trust (AST) Eye Hospital have successfully performed a rare life-saving operation on a three-day-old newborn suffering from an aggressive congenital eye tumor, in what hospital officials described as the first documented case in Pakistan involving the successful treatment of a 285-gram congenital eye tumor in an infant of that age.



The infant, from a village in Jhelum district, was brought to the hospital shortly after birth with a rapidly growing tumor affecting one eye. Following an emergency assessment, specialists determined that immediate surgery was the only option to prevent life-threatening complications.



The procedure was performed by a team comprising Dr Tayyab Afghani, Dr Faizan Tahir, Dr Ali Raza Syed and Dr Aiman, assisted by anesthetists, nurses and other clinical staff.



Owing to the advanced stage of the disease, surgeons removed the affected eye to completely excise the tumor and save the infant’s life.



According to the treating team, a normal newborn eyeball weighs about three grams, whereas the tumor removed from the infant weighed 285 grams-approximately 95 times the normal weight of a newborn eyeball.



Consultant ophthalmologist Dr Tayyab Afghani said the operation had been successful and the infant was recovering well under close medical supervision. He said the baby’s condition had stabilized and the medical team was satisfied with the post-operative progress.



Dr Afghani said congenital eye tumors in newborns were rare but could progress rapidly if not diagnosed and treated without delay. Early referral to a specialized eye care facility, he added, could significantly improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of serious complications.



He appreciated the parents for seeking immediate medical attention, saying their timely decision enabled doctors to intervene before the disease advanced further.



He advised parents to seek prompt medical evaluation if a newborn developed an unusually enlarged eye, persistent swelling, an abnormal appearance of the eye or any other unusual changes, as early diagnosis could be critical.



Dr Afghani said the child would remain under regular follow-up to monitor recovery. Once healing is complete, the hospital plans to fit the infant with a custom-made artificial eye to support normal facial growth, improve appearance and aid healthy development.



The hospital said the case highlighted the importance of specialized pediatric eye care and timely intervention in managing rare congenital eye conditions, particularly during the first few days of life, when prompt treatment can be lifesaving.



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Government Girls Degree College Qasimabad to hold Independence Day events from August 1


Hyderabad: Government Girls Degree College Qasimabad Hyderabad would organize a series of multiple events starting from August 1 to commemorate the Independence Day in a befitting manner.



The Principal of College, Husna Qadri informed here on Tuesday that the events would start from August 1 and continue till 14th August in the premises of College.



The events included Poster, Art and Painting Exhibition, speech and debate competition, Cultural Programmes, Quiz Competition and tree plantation while the main event of flag hoisting ceremony and other major activities would be held on August 14.



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2 men die days after gas cylinder explosion at sweet shop


Burewala: Two men died from severe burn injuries sustained in a gas cylinder explosion at a sweet shop here, four days after the blast, the police said on Tuesday.



The victims were identified as Habibur Rehman 40 years old and Hassan Ali 25-year old .



They died while receiving treatment at the Burn Unit, Nishtar Hospital, Multan.



The explosion occurred at a sweet shop near Chungi No. 5 and was caused by a leaking gas cylinder, according to police. Thirteen people, including two children, were injured in the blast. All of the injured were initially taken to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Burewala. Those with more serious injuries were later transferred to Nishtar Hospital for specialized treatment, they added.



The hospital sources said three other patients remained in critical condition, with many victims suffering severe burns to their faces and other parts of their bodies. The police said an investigation into the cause and circumstances of the explosion was ongoing.