Day: July 22, 2026

Peshawar: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Tuesday said Pakistan’s role on the global stage had become more significant than ever, urging stronger economic diplomacy, sustainable peace and an investment-friendly environment to unlock the country’s economic potential.

Addressing a conference titled “From Marka-e-Haq to Global Mediation, Diplomacy and Economic Opportunities” at the Governor House, he said the recent regional and international developments had demonstrated Pakistan’s responsible conduct, diplomatic maturity and balanced approach.

The conference was organized by the International Research Council for Religious Affairs in collaboration with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF).

The Governor said Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had played an effective role in advancing Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement at the international level.

He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa served as a historic gateway connecting South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East, adding that with effective planning the province could emerge as a major hub of regional trade, investment and connectivity.

Kundi said the province possessed vast reserves of minerals, oil, gas, hydropower resources, precious stones and immense tourism potential. Establishment of oil refineries in the province, he added, would promote industrialization, create employment opportunities and help reduce unemployment.

He termed economic diplomacy a key pillar of Pakistan’s development, saying tourism, education, technology, cultural exchanges and trade could further strengthen the country’s economy and international image.

The Governor said overseas Pakistanis were the country’s best ambassadors and could play a vital role in economic stability. He stressed the need to facilitate overseas Pakistanis, industrialists, businessmen and farmers, saying effective economic reforms could also reduce dependence on international financial institutions.

He said the country’s youth were its greatest asset and emphasized providing them with quality education, modern technology, technical skills and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Kundi called for organizing similar academic and diplomatic forums in major world capitals, including Washington, Beijing, Brussels, Geneva, Vienna, Moscow and London, to project Pakistan’s positive narrative more effectively.

He also underscored the importance of providing one-window facilities and a conducive environment for investors, saying the prevailing law and order situation in the Dera Ismail Khan Daraban Economic Zone remained a major hurdle to investment.

The Governor urged the provincial government to ensure effective coordination with the federal government for resolving issues relating to economic zones, adding that sustainable peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was essential for investment, industrial growth and public prosperity.

Earlier, policy experts, diplomats, parliamentarians, religious leaders, educationists, business representatives and overseas Pakistanis also addressed the conference, emphasizing the promotion of Pakistan’s positive image and the exploration of new economic opportunities through diplomacy and regional cooperation.

A resolution adopted on the occasion supported Pakistan’s appeal for a ceasefire between the United States and Iran and called for effective implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. It also paid tribute to the prime minister, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the negotiating team, media, political and religious parties, and civil society for their contributions during Marka-e-Haq.

Chiniot: Deputy Commissioner, Chiniot , Ayesha Rizwan Tuesday inspected public services, development projects and emergency preparedness in Bhuwana and directed to accelerate infrastructure works, improve healthcare facilities and maintain monsoon response measures.

Accompanied by Assistant Commissioner, Sheena Azam, the deputy commissioner began her visit at the Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital, Bhuwana and reviewed medical and administrative operations, sanitation standards and patient care.

She met patients to inquire about the availability of medicines and the quality of treatment before instructing hospital authorities to enhance cleanliness, maintain green spaces, ensure medical equipment remains operational and strengthen patient care.

The deputy commissioner later inspected MC Karoriya Park and ordered municipal authorities to expedite its restoration, improve landscaping and upgrade public amenities.

During a visit to the under-construction Para Office in Bhuwana, the deputy commissioner expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work and directed the building department to accelerate construction to complete the project as soon as possible.

She also reviewed arrangements at a monsoon emergency relief camp established by the Municipal Committee on Main Jhang Road and instructed officials to keep the facility fully operational throughout the rainy season, with staff and machinery on standby to respond promptly to emergencies.

At the Green Bus terminal at Bhuwana’s Lorry Adda, the DC inspected passenger facilities and sought feedback from commuters on the provincial public transport service launched by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. According to officials, the passengers welcomed the service and described it as a significant improvement in public transport.

The visit concluded with an inspection of ongoing urban beautification projects, where the deputy commissioner directed municipal and district council officials to further improve civic infrastructure and public spaces across the tehsil.

Faisalabad: The police have rescued a kidnapped girl and arrested an abductor during prompt operation in Jaranwala.

Police spokesman said here on Tuesday that accused Naveed Akhtar along with an accomplice Sanwal Zia abducted a 16-year-old girl at gunpoint on a motorcycle on July 17, 2026 and took her to a nearby house where they allegedly administered an intoxicating substance to the victim, rendering her unconscious before unlawfully confining her.

Receiving complaint, Station House Officer (SHO) City Jaranwala police station Muzaffar Khokhar led a police team in a targeted operation and successfully rescued the girl in addition to arresting the prime accused Naveed Akhtar resident of Mohallah Municipal Colony Jaranwala.

The girl was safely reunited with her family after completing necessary formalities while further investigation was under progress, spokesman added.

Rawalpindi: Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Captain (Retd) Nadeem Nasir on Tuesday paid a surprise visit to Holy Family Hospital to review the quality of healthcare services and evaluate administrative standards.

During the detailed inspection, he examined the operational readiness of the Emergency Department, inpatient wards, the central hospital pharmacy, and overall sanitation arrangements.

He interacted directly with admitted patients and their attendants to gather feedback regarding the free availability of essential medicines, promptness of medical care, and the overall behavior of the duty staff.

Deputy Commissioner directed the hospital administration to maintain an uninterrupted supply of medicines and ensure the delivery of efficient healthcare services to every visitor, warning that any negligence toward patient care would draw immediate administrative action.

Captain (Retd) Nadeem Nasir paid special attention to sanitary arrangements, particularly the cleanliness of washrooms and public rest facilities across the hospital complex. He instructed the management to deploy cleaning personnel round-the-clock to maintain hygienic standards for patients, visitors, and hospital staff.

He highlighted that providing accessible, quality medical treatment in public sector hospitals remains a cornerstone of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision.

The Deputy Commissioner concluded that the district administration would continue conducting surprise inspections of public healthcare facilities across Rawalpindi to uphold service standards and ensure strict compliance with public health protocols.

Muzaffargarh: Two persons on Tuesday were injured after a speeding motorcycle struck a pedestrian crossing a road in the busy Qanoon Chowk area , the Rescue 1122 sources said.

According to Rescue 1122, the motorcycle collided with the pedestrian in the city’s commercial area, leaving both individuals injured.

The Rescue 1122 team responded to the scene, provided first aid and shifted the injured to Indus Hospital. The injured were identified as Abdullah 22-year old and Dilawar Hussain 20 years old. The source said both the injured sustained serious head injuries and received prompt emergency medical assistance.

The police registered a case and started a prob.

Dera ismail khan: The district administration has intensified monitoring of the under-construction road project in Barakhel to ensure quality workmanship and timely completion.

According to the administration, acting on the special directives of Deputy Commissioner Tank, Jamshed Khan, Additional Assistant Commissioner Malik Sajid Ali Khan, accompanied by Civil Defence In-charge Muhammad Shoaib Khan, visited the project site to inspect the ongoing development work.

During the visit, the officials reviewed the quality of construction, pace of work, and overall progress of the project.

The inspection covered various sections of the road, and the concerned authorities and contractor were directed to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe while strictly adhering to approved quality standards.

The district administration says that the timely and high-quality completion of public welfare development projects remains a top government priority.

It added that continuous monitoring of ongoing schemes is being carried out to ensure transparency in the use of public funds and to provide citizens with safe, durable, and improved road infrastructure at the earliest.