Day: July 23, 2026

Islamabad: In a historic achievement for Pakistan’s mountaineering community, 14-year-old student Malaika Khilji from Balochistan has become the first woman from the province to summit Khosar Gang Peak.

The expedition, organized under the auspices of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, marks a significant milestone in the country’s climbing history, said a statement issued here.

After successfully reaching the summit, Malaika Khilji hoisted Pakistan’s green and white flag, a gesture symbolizing her love for the country and the determination of Pakistani youth.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan congratulated Balochistan’s ‘proud daughter’ Malaika Khilji and her family on this historic accomplishment.

Malaika Khilji’s success sends a powerful message to the world that the true identity of Balochistan lies in its talented, courageous, and hopeful young people.

‘Malaika Khilji’s achievement is not just a feat of mountaineering, but also a strong message of hope, perseverance, and patriotism,’ the statement added.

Islamabad: Pakistan women’s junior Hockey Team has qualified for the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2026, marking its return to the continental event after a gap of 14 years.

The qualification was officially confirmed by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) through a formal letter sent to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).

In a congratulatory letter, AHF President Fumio Ogura informed the PHF that Pakistan secured qualification on the basis of its impressive performance and final ranking in the Women’s Junior AHF Cup 2026.

Congratulating the players, team officials and coaching staff on the achievement, PHF officials described the qualification as a significant milestone in the revival of women’s hockey in Pakistan and an encouraging step towards a brighter future for the sport in the country.

Islamabad: Pakistan on Wednesday strongly condemned continued threats by Houthi militia against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, warning that it reserved the right under international law to use necessary force to protect its maritime interests from any hostile acts.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, in a statement, reaffirmed that any hostile act against Pakistani-flagged vessels or Pakistani maritime interests would be regarded as a grave threat to Pakistan’s national security and sovereign interests.

“Consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and international law, Pakistan reserves its right to take all necessary measures, including lawful use of force, in the exercise of self-defence to protect its maritime assets and national interests,” he remarked.

He highlighted Pakistan’s unequivocal condemnation of the continued threats issued by the Houthis militia against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Such actions threaten regional security, undermine freedom of navigation, challenge the rules-based maritime order and jeopardise uninterrupted flow of global commerce, he added.

“Threats against commercial shipping and trading with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are unacceptable and violate established principles of international law. Pakistan is particularly concerned by reports of threats directed against vessels engaged in lawful commercial trade with the Kingdom,” the spokesperson remarked.

He said that Pakistan was deeply concerned over attempts to drag the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into the conflict in the Middle East and reiterated its unwavering support for the security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity of the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“While remaining steadfast in its commitment to dialogue, diplomacy and regional de-escalation, Pakistan calls upon all parties to respect international law and ensure the safety and security of international maritime shipping,” Spokesperson Andrabi added.

Islamabad: The prices of gold witnessed a significant increase in the local market on Wednesday, with 24-karat gold per tola gaining Rs4,600 to settle at Rs433,836, according to rates issued by the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association.

Similarly, the price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold increased by Rs3,944 to Rs371,944, whereas 10 grams of 22-karat gold rose by Rs3,615 to Rs340,961.

In the international market, the price of gold increased by $46 to $4,114 per ounce.

Meanwhile, the price of silver per tola increased by Rs7 to Rs6,403, while the price of 10 grams of silver rose by Rs6 to Rs5,489.

The price of silver in the international market also increased by $0.07 to $59.24 per ounce, the association reported.

Islamabad: Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) Central Spokesperson Shazia Marri on Wednesday criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government over its handling of the aftermath of recent heavy rains, calling for immediate relief and compensation for affected families.

In a statement, Marri said the recent rainfall had exposed shortcomings in the province’s infrastructure, including roads, drainage systems and other civic facilities, causing hardship for residents.

She said despite being in power for an extended period, the provincial government had failed to improve basic public infrastructure and services, blaming the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government of prioritising political rhetoric over public welfare.

The PPPP spokesperson also criticised the PTI’s performance on governance and institutional matters, stating the party had failed to meet public expectations and had focused on political confrontation instead of addressing citizens’ concerns.

Expressing grief over the loss of lives in Peshawar and other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to the recent rains, Marri extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the recovery of those injured.

She also expressed sympathy with families that suffered financial losses, saying the PPP stood with those affected during the difficult period.

While acknowledging that natural disasters could not be prevented, Marri said their impact could be minimised through effective planning and timely response.

She termed the provincial government’s emergency preparedness “disappointing” and said providing prompt relief to affected citizens was the responsibility of every government.

She called for immediate rescue and relief operations, a transparent assessment of damages and adequate compensation for victims.

She also urged the provincial government to strengthen its emergency response system and prioritise the protection of lives and property.

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Nauman Khan will face top seed and defending champion Muhammad Zakria of Egypt in the pre-quarterfinals of the World Squash Junior Individual Championships 2026 after emerging as the country’s sole survivor in the boys’ individual event at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada.

According to information made available here by Pakistan Squash Federation, Nauman secured his place in the last 16 with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over England’s Gabriel Chak in the Round of 32. After winning the opening game 11-9 and dropping the second 9-11, the Pakistani player regained control to claim the next two games 11-6 and 13-11.

Muhammad Umair Arif, seeded 25/32, exited the championship after suffering a 3-0 defeat to France’s Amir Khaled Jousselin. The French player won 11-1, 11-3 and 11-2. Yahya Khan also bowed out after losing 3-0 to Egypt’s Seifeldin Rafaay. Despite a spirited effort in the third game, he went down with game scores of 11-3, 11-2 and 11-3.

Meanwhile, Abdullah Nawaz, seeded 13/16, was eliminated by the United States’ Barendan Tagliarini in a 3-1 contest. Abdullah won the opening game 11-5 before his opponent fought back to take the next three games 11-3, 11-8 and 11-6.

Nauman will now take on Egypt’s Muhammad Zakria, the tournament’s top seed and defending world junior champion in the pre-quarterfinal scheduled for Thursday. The match will be played on the Glass Court at White Oaks Resort.

Pakistan’s hopes in the boys’ individual event now rest on Nauman Khan as he looks to upset the defending champion and book a place in the quarterfinals.