Day: July 24, 2026

Tehran: President of Iran Dr Masoud Pezeshkian has said that expansion of bilateral collaboration between Pakistan and Iran, ranging from economic and trade sectors to security, must be pursued with greater urgency as current bilateral cooperation did not yet reflect the full potential of both nations.

Accepting the diplomatic credentials of new Pakistani Ambassador to Tehran Imran Ahmed Siddiqui held on Wednesday, the Iranian president described ties between the two nations as much deeper than a conventional neighborly relationship.

He said that the bilateral partnership was anchored in profound historical, cultural, religious, and fraternal bonds, reaffirming that Iran viewed Pakistan as a trusted partner and a brotherly nation-calling it a second home for all Iranians.

He expressed confidence that Pakistan-Iran relations would continue to strengthen in the years ahead.

President Pezeshkian commended the Pakistani leadership for their active role in recent regional developments, specifically praising efforts by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States which demonstrated Pakistan’s genuine commitment to peace and regional stability.

He said that such initiatives and the ongoing consultations between Tehran and Islamabad were highly valued by the government and people of Iran.

The Iranian President also conveyed his warm regards and best wishes to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi, while assuring Ambassador Siddiqui of full official support during his diplomatic tenure.

In his remarks, Ambassador Imran Ahmed Siddiqui described the Iran-Pakistan relationship as an exemplary model of historic solidarity, noting that both nations have consistently supported one another through challenging times.

He reaffirmed his commitment to unlocking vast opportunities in trade, investment, and infrastructure projects.

Ambassador Imran Ahmed Siddiqui thanked President Pezeshkian for the warm welcome and conveyed the good wishes of Pakistan’s leadership to the president and the people of Iran.

The ambassador also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with Iran for regional peace and security and for promoting unity among the Muslim Ummah.

Noshera virkan: Assistant Commissioner (AC) Saadia Jamal on Thursday supervised o clearance work at rainwater drains to prevent flooding and crop damage in several areas including Alipur Road Nokhar, Bopra Kalan, Chak Chattha, Budha Chando, Abidabad, Kot Nidhan and Kot Ladha, following reports that blocked drainage channels had caused water to overflow into surrounding areas.

The operation was carried out under the directives of Gujranwala Deputy Commissioner, Naveed Ahmed, who instructed assistant commissioners across the district to remain on high alert as a persistent monsoon weather system continued to affect central Punjab for a third consecutive day.

The heavy machinery was used to remove obstructions from the drainage channels, restoring the normal flow of water and reducing the risk of flooding in nearby fields, the official sources said.

Rawalpindi: Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar emphasized that Pakistan’s economic stability relies on expanding industrial capacity, bolstering local manufacturing, and reducing dependence on imported commodities.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of a new beverage facility at Murree Brewery, the minister highlighted that increasing domestic production is essential to curtailing the national import bill and fulfilling the market demand of a growing population.

‘We will see improvement in our economy as our industrial output increases. With such a large market, how can we cater to our public without industrialization,’ the minister said.

Commending Isphanyar M. Bhandara, MNA for investing in modern, automated production lines for soft drinks, juices, and bottled water, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar noted that the facility successfully maintained workforce levels despite introducing advanced machinery.

‘I saw how, in a small space, mechanical processes enable high-volume production. What is also very positive is that even with the installation of such modern machinery, employment has not been eliminated. This, I believe, is the balance we need to maintain,’ he said.

He added that industrial growth generates an extensive trickle-down economic chain, spanning transportation, logistics, retail, and supply networks that strengthen the broader economy.

‘Look at the market here. They are producing juices and cold drinks, and then you have the people who take it to market, the carriage, the retailer and those who supply it further, is a whole chain of activity that increases employment and strengthens the economy,’ he said.

He congratulated Bhandara on the new facility and expressed hope that hundreds of similar units would be established across the country to generate employment and contribute to national development.

Speaking at the event, Isphanyar M. Bhandara said the installation of the new beverage plant would boost local production and create new jobs.

‘With the installation of this new plant, around 100 jobs have been added to our company. It is very encouraging to see new machinery being installed and production taking place locally,’ Bhandara said.

He further said that there is no need to look outside the country.

“We have a beautiful country with a huge market, and Pakistan has excellent potential in food and beverages,’ he added.

He expressed confidence that the plant would scale up production capacity and support ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing.

Peshawar: At least 22 people have lost their lives and 23 others have been injured in rain-related incidents and flash floods across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since July 19, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) informed on Thursday.

The ongoing monsoon spell has caused widespread damage across the province. The PDMA reported that the deceased include nine men, three women and ten children, while the injured comprise 11 men, five women and seven children.

The authority said 37 houses were damaged by heavy rains and flash floods, including 29 partially damaged and eight completely destroyed homes.

The affected districts include Peshawar, Nowshera, Khyber, Mardan, Buner, Bajaur, Shangla, Swabi, Upper and Lower Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Tank, Torghar, Kurram and North and South Waziristan.

Rescue 1122, district administrations and relevant institutions remain on high alert and are continuing relief and rescue operations in the affected areas. Authorities have directed local administrations to ensure the prompt delivery of relief supplies and accelerate assistance for affected families.

According to officials, water levels in the province’s rivers and streams are currently within the normal range. However, intermittent rainfall is expected to continue and all district administrations have been instructed to remain vigilant.

The Director General of the PDMA has urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from flood-prone and sensitive tourist areas and strictly follow official weather advisories and safety instructions.

Sukkur: The Sindh government has suspended five officials of the Food Department on charges of negligence, misconduct and alleged connivance with wheat hoarders, in a major step to ensure transparency in its province wide anti hoarding drive.

The action was taken on the directives of Provincial Minister for Food, Makhdoom Mehboob-uz-Zaman, after a detailed report was submitted by the Commissioner, Sukkur Division regarding anti hoarding operations in District Khairpur.

According to handout issued here on Thursday, the Minister has adopted a zero tolerance policy against corruption and collusion with hoarders.

He said the campaign against illegal wheat stockpiling aims to protect consumers, ensure uninterrupted supply of wheat and flour, and maintain price stability.

The Commissioner’s report revealed serious irregularities during recent raids. It stated that substantial quantities of wheat were shifted in the last two days from identified premises at Abul Wah Chowk, Gambat to properties owned by influential individuals to evade enforcement action.

The report further alleged that confidential information about planned raids was leaked in advance, enabling traders to conceal or relocate hoarded stocks. It termed the act, if proved, as gross misconduct and active facilitation of illegal hoarding.

It also alleged that an official disclosed the identity of Intelligence Branch personnel involved in the operation to traders in Kot Diji, compromising sensitive government operations.

The report pointed out poor coordination during the campaign, noting that despite repeated requests, administrative support for shifting confiscated wheat to government warehouses was not provided, affecting the momentum of the drive. It added that in several cases, traders locked their warehouses and fled, while officials only sealed the premises without taking legal measures like search, inventory and seizure as permissible under law.

Taking serious notice, the Food Department suspended Mr. Shafaat Baloch, Food Supervisor, Nara Taluka, Nadeem Ahmed Shaikh, Food Supervisor, Gambat, Khalil Ahmed Memon, Food Supervisor, Gambat, Naseer Ahmed Memon, Food Supervisor, Gambat, and Waheed Ahmed Shaikh, Food Inspector, Kot Diji. During suspension, their headquarters have been fixed at the office of Director Food Sindh, Karachi.

Minister Makhdoom Mehboob-uz-Zaman said the suspensions send a clear message that no official will be allowed to undermine public interest.

He warned that any official found leaking information, facilitating hoarders or obstructing operations would face strict disciplinary action without discrimination.

He directed all Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners and Food Department officers to ensure transparency and coordination in the anti hoarding operations, adding that a fair and merit based inquiry will be conducted and those found guilty will be dealt with strictly in accordance with law.