Day: July 23, 2026

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Commissioner inspects Bus Terminals, warns against overcharging


Bahawalpur: Commissioner Bahawalpur Division Irfan Ali Kathia visited the General Bus Stand and AC Bus Stand to review arrangements aimed at improving travel facilities for passengers and directed the concerned authorities to ensure cleanliness, fair fare collection and better management at both terminals.



During the inspection, the Commissioner reviewed sanitation arrangements at the General Bus Stand and instructed officials to maintain a clean, safe and welcoming environment for passengers. He emphasized that no compromise would be tolerated on cleanliness standards and directed the relevant departments to ensure proper sanitation and maintenance at all times.



Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia also directed transport operators to strictly adhere to officially notified fare schedules and warned that overcharging passengers would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He said strict legal action would be taken without discrimination against transporters found charging fares in excess of the prescribed rates. He further instructed the concerned departments to ensure effective implementation of cleanliness measures, discipline, passenger facilitation and compliance with approved fare lists at bus terminals so that citizens can benefit from safe, comfortable and quality transport services.



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Torrential rains trigger flooding, disruptions across AJK, SDMA issues safety warning


Mirpur (ajk): The torrential monsoon rains triggered flash flooding in rivers, streams and seasonal waterways across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Wednesday, disrupting transport, power and telecommunications in several areas, while the authorities urged the residents to stay away from swollen water channels.



The Azad Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) warned people living near seasonal nullahs and streams to avoid visiting flooded rivers, streams and ponds as heavy monsoon rains continued across the region.



The upper reaches of Neelum Valley and Bagh districts were among the worst-affected areas, while heavy rainfall also lashed Mirpur district and other parts of Mirpur division, which includes Kotli and Bhimber.



In Mirpur, one of the heaviest downpours in recent months inundated low-lying neighbourhoods, turning roads into waterlogged stretches and disrupting traffic.



The rainfall, accompanied by strong winds, uprooted trees and advertising hoardings in several locations, according to official sources.



The power supply, road links and telecommunications were partially disrupted in parts of Mirpur division, while floodwaters entered roadside buildings in low-lying residential areas, including Sangoat, Mian Muhammad Town and settlements near Mangla Lake.



The authorities also reported incidents of landslides in Mirpur’s New City, a residential area developed for families displaced by the Mangla Dam project.



The residents said the landslides caused cracks in several houses and disrupted road traffic in parts of the township.



The weather forecasts indicated intermittent heavy rain is likely to continue across both the plains and upper regions of Azad Jammu and Kashmir over the coming days, raising the risk of further flooding and landslides.



The authorities advised the residents to avoid unnecessary travel near rivers, streams and flood-prone areas.



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Universities must produce research-oriented and responsible future leaders: Sardar Yousaf


Mansehra: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Wednesday said universities must go beyond awarding degrees and focus on producing research-oriented, ethical, and responsible future leaders capable of steering Pakistan’s progress.



He made these remarks while addressing a ceremony during the visit of the Rector of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Professor Dr. Ahmad Saad Al-Ahmad, to Hazara University Mansehra.



The IIUI Rector, who was accompanied by the federal minister, met Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Ikramullah Khan and discussed matters of mutual interest. The delegation was also shown a documentary highlighting Hazara University’s history, development projects, infrastructure, and achievements in academics and research.



Addressing the ceremony, Professor Dr. Ahmad Saad Al-Ahmad praised Hazara University’s transformation, saying the institution had overcome numerous challenges to emerge as a leading center of higher education through the dedication of its faculty and staff. He said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoyed deep-rooted brotherly relations based on mutual trust, shared Islamic values, and cooperation, expressing confidence that both countries would continue to work together to address regional challenges.



The rector also expressed hope that stronger institutional links between the International Islamic University Islamabad and Hazara University would further enhance cooperation in education and research.



Federal Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said universities could play a vital role in providing intellectual, scientific, and moral foundations to young people, stressing that institutions of higher learning should nurture research, innovation, character building, and a spirit of public service alongside academic excellence.



He commended Hazara University for its steady progress in higher education and research, noting that it was providing quality education to thousands of students from across the country. The minister also appreciated the Government of Saudi Arabia for establishing Jamia Al-Imam Malik Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud at Hazara University, calling it a lasting gift that would continue to benefit future generations.



He further urged the IIUI Rector to strengthen academic, research, and creative collaboration between the two universities. Earlier, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Ikramullah Khan briefed the visiting delegation on the university’s ongoing academic activities and development projects. The ceremony was attended by deans, professors, and heads of academic and administrative departments.



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Pakistan achieves historic success at IMO 2026


Islamabad: Pakistan has achieved a landmark success at the 67th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) 2026, held in Shanghai, China, by securing two Bronze Medals and two Honorable Mentions.



The national team also recorded Pakistan’s highest-ever aggregate score in the history of its participation at the International Mathematical Olympiad, marking the country’s most successful performance at the world’s most prestigious mathematics competition.



Before competing at the IMO, the Pakistan team participated in a Chinese Mathematics Competition organized by the Beijing Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Applications (BIMSA) in Beijing, where the students delivered another impressive performance by securing two third-place positions.



The competition provided valuable international exposure and strengthened the team’s preparation ahead of the Olympiad.



The selection and preparation of Pakistan’s IMO team is undertaken through a collaborative national framework.



The STEM Careers Program, a joint initiative of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), conducts the initial screening of talented students through the Pakistan National Science Talent Contest (NSTC).



Following the national selection process, the Department of Mathematics at COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Lahore Campus serves as the National Training Center for Pakistan’s International Mathematical Olympiad Team. Selected students undergo a rigorous year-long training programme comprising four intensive residential training camps.



Two consecutive camps were organized during August and September 2025, followed by a third camp in December 2025, while the final preparatory camp was held in June 2026 immediately before the team’s departure to China.



In addition to the residential camps, faculty members of the Department of Mathematics at COMSATS University Islamabad-Lahore Campus provided continuous online mentoring, advanced problem-solving sessions, regular assignments, and academic guidance throughout the year to ensure the students remained fully engaged in their preparation.



Prof. Dr. Sarfraz Ahmad, Chairman, Department of Mathematics, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, while talking to media persons said that this historic performance demonstrates that Pakistani students possess exceptional mathematical ability and can compete globally with the world’s finest young mathematicians when provided with systematic training. Recording Pakistan’s highest-ever team score at the IMO is a proud milestone for all partner institutions of COMSATS University.”



Rector COMSATS University, Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar said that CUI remains committed to promoting excellence in mathematics education, strengthening STEM education, and nurturing the next generation of scientists, researchers, and innovators who will contribute to Pakistan’s scientific and technological advancement. COMSATS University has consistently ranked among the Top institutions in Mathematics in Pakistan and we are proud of our dedicated faculty.



Earlier, Chairman Higher Education Commission, Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar also praised the performance of the Pakistan contingent through a congratulatory message on social media.



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DPM, EU High Rep underscore diplomacy for peace at ASEAN Forum


Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, during a meeting on Wednesday underscored that sustained diplomacy remained the only viable and durable path to peace and stability, particularly in the context of the United States-Iran situation.



The deputy prime minister and foreign minister met the European Union’s High Representative (HR) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President (VP) of the European Commission, on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Manila, a DPM’s Office news release said.



HR/VP Kaja Kallas warmly recalled her recent bilateral visit to Islamabad for the 8th round of the Pakistan-European Union (EU) Strategic Dialogue. The two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing cooperation under the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan, a DPM’s Office news release said.



Exchanging views on regional developments, they also discussed its broader implications for regional security, global energy markets, maritime security, and trade and supply chains, emphasizing the importance of continued dialogue and adherence to international law.



DPM/FM Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the effective implementation of all international conventions underpinning the GSP+ framework and underscored the importance that Pakistan attaches to its economic partnership with the European Union.



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Pakistan, Egypt agree to strengthen diversify cooperation in multiple sectors, promoting greater people-to-people exchanges


Islamabad: Pakistan and Egypt on Wednesday agreed to further strengthen and diversify bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, education, culture, science, information technology and other areas of mutual interest, while promoting greater people-to-people exchanges.



The outcome was achieved after the 10th Round of Pakistan-Egypt Annual Bilateral Consultations (ABC) held virtually, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs news release said.



The consultations provided an opportunity for a comprehensive review of bilateral relations. The two sides underscored the close coordination between the leadership of Pakistan and Egypt on important regional and international issues, which continued to provide impetus to the growing bilateral partnership.



The two sides discussed the full spectrum of Pakistan-Egypt cooperation and reviewed progress under existing bilateral mechanisms. Both delegations also emphasised the importance of maintaining the momentum of high-level exchanges. They reaffirmed their commitment to close cooperation and mutual support at multilateral fora, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.



The consultations reflected the warm and fraternal relations between Pakistan and Egypt. Expressing satisfaction with the positive trajectory of bilateral ties, both sides agreed to maintain regular engagement and hold the next round of the Annual Bilateral Consultations in Cairo on mutually convenient dates.



The Pakistan side was led by Additional Secretary (Middle East), Zahid Hussain, while the Egyptian delegation was headed by Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Ambassador Amr Hamza. Senior officials from the two Foreign Ministries participated in the consultations, including Ambassador of Pakistan to Egypt, Aamir Shouket, and Ambassador of Egypt to Pakistan, Ihab Mohamed Abdelhamid Hassan.