Day: July 25, 2026

Islamabad: Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan visited three leading American universities, the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and DePaul University to explore academic partnerships and expand opportunities in higher education, skills development, innovation, healthcare, entrepreneurship and leadership training for Pakistani youth.

During his visit to the University of Chicago, Rana Mashood met Associate Vice President for Global Initiatives and Strategy at UChicago Global Katie Hrinyak to discuss potential collaboration in digital skills, leadership development, entrepreneurship, career readiness and short term training programmes.

The PMYP chairman briefed university officials on the government’s youth empowerment agenda and flagship initiatives aimed at enhancing education, employability and entrepreneurship among young Pakistanis.

Both sides expressed interest in developing future partnerships to support youth development and educational cooperation.

At the University of Illinois Chicago, Rana Mashood held meetings with Interim G. Stephen Irwin Executive Dean of the UIC College of Medicine Dr Enrico Benedetti and Interim Vice Provost for Global Engagement Dr James Hammerschmidt.

He also toured the university’s Robotic Surgery Laboratory and received a briefing on advancements in robotic surgery, transplantation and healthcare technologies.

Discussions focused on collaboration in medical education, digital health, research, innovation and skills development, with both sides showing interest in strengthening academic linkages and capacity building initiatives.

At DePaul University, Rana Mashood met President Dr Robert L. Manuel and discussed cooperation in higher education, digital skills, entrepreneurship, online learning, mentorship programmes, academic exchanges and leadership development.

According to the press release, the PMYP chairman highlighted the growing academic relationship between Pakistan and DePaul University, noting that Pakistan has emerged as the university’s second largest source of international students and the largest source of international undergraduate students.

He said Pakistani student enrolment had increased from 93 students in the 2021-22 academic year to 221 students in 2025-26.

Rana Mashood also interacted with Pakistani students at DePaul University, praising their academic achievements and encouraging them to strengthen educational, professional and cultural ties between Pakistan and the United States.

The press release said the chairman reaffirmed the government’s commitment to forging international academic partnerships that create meaningful opportunities for young Pakistanis.

He said cooperation with leading global institutions in education, healthcare innovation, digital transformation, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies was essential to equipping youth with globally competitive skills.

The visits reflected a shared commitment between PMYP and the three American universities to explore long term partnerships in academic excellence, research collaboration, innovation and youth empowerment, opening new avenues for Pakistani students and young professionals.

Islamabad: Eminent constitutional and international law expert and Advocate Supreme Court, Hafiz Ehsan Ahmad Khokhar has termed the Supreme Court’s decision to transfer appeals in National Accountability Bureau (NAB) cases to the Federal Constitutional Court a historic constitutional ruling, saying it gave practical effect to the new judicial framework introduced through the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments.

In a statement issued on Friday, Khokhar said the judgment delivered by a three-member bench headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar had removed the long-standing legal ambiguity regarding the interpretation of Section 32A of the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999, inserted through the NAB amendments.

He said the Court had made it clear that second appeals against High Court judgments under Section 32 of the Ordinance would now lie before the Federal Constitutional Court.

According to Khokhar, appeals relating to convictions, acquittals, bail, suspension of sentence and other ancillary NAB matters falling within the amended legal framework would henceforth be heard by the Federal Constitutional Court.

He maintained that the right of appeal was not a fundamental constitutional right but a statutory right created by law, which Parliament was competent to establish, regulate, amend or transfer in accordance with the Constitution.

Khokhar said Articles 142 and 191A of the Constitution empower Parliament to designate the Federal Constitutional Court as the appellate forum for second appeals under the National Accountability Ordinance.

He further observed that the Supreme Court’s ruling reaffirmed the constitutional principle that the jurisdiction of every court was derived solely from the Constitution and the law, rather than administrative convenience or judicial preference.

He added that the judgment would strengthen the new constitutional framework established under the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments, promote institutional harmony in the exercise of judicial powers, and serve as an important precedent for the interpretation of appellate and constitutional jurisdiction in the future.

Islamabad: Pakistan and Sri Lanka have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties by expanding youth cooperation, promoting educational exchanges, and enhancing trade, investment, and economic collaboration during a meeting between Prime Minister’s Youth Programme , Focal Person on trade and investment Shaheryar Memon and Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, H.E. Maj. Gen. (R) Dr. Nayyar Naseer.

The meeting focused on broadening opportunities for young people through student exchange programmes, leadership development initiatives, entrepreneurship support, and skills enhancement, while emphasizing the importance of deeper people-to-people contacts between the two countries.

Both sides also discussed measures to strengthen bilateral trade and investment by encouraging closer engagement between the private sectors of Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

They identified information technology, education, tourism, agriculture, textiles, healthcare, logistics, renewable energy, and maritime cooperation as key sectors with significant untapped potential.

Speaking on the occasion, Shaheryar Memon said that the youth of Pakistan and Sri Lanka can play a transformative role in shaping the future of bilateral relations.

“Pakistan and Sri Lanka share a longstanding relationship built on mutual trust and friendship. Our youth represent the strongest bridge between our two nations, and by investing in educational exchanges, entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership programmes, we are investing in a stronger and more prosperous future for both countries, ” he said.

He emphasized that the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme remains committed to creating international opportunities for Pakistani youth through academic collaboration, skill development, innovation and cross-cultural engagement.

“Young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also the drivers of today’s economic and social progress. Expanding cooperation with friendly countries like Sri Lanka will help create new opportunities for our youth while strengthening regional connectivity and mutual understanding, ” Memon added.

A key area of discussion was the effective implementation of the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (PSFTA), which has been operational since 2005. Both sides agreed that the agreement provides a strong foundation for increasing bilateral trade by reducing tariffs and improving market access.

The two dignitaries observed that despite the existence of the Free Trade Agreement, bilateral trade remains significantly below its potential. They stressed the need to diversify exports, address non-tariff barriers, promote business-to-business engagement, and facilitate greater investment flows between the two countries.

Pakistan currently exports textiles, pharmaceuticals, cement, sports goods, surgical instruments, rice and leather products to Sri Lanka, while Sri Lanka exports tea, coconut-based products, rubber goods, spices, gems and apparel to Pakistan.

According to recent trade estimates, annual bilateral trade stands at approximately US$450-500 million, although experts believe it has the potential to exceed US$1 billion through better utilization of the PSFTA and stronger private-sector collaboration.

Investment cooperation also featured prominently during the meeting, with both sides emphasizing the importance of creating a business-friendly environment to attract investment in manufacturing, logistics, tourism infrastructure, renewable energy and information technology. They agreed that stronger commercial ties would generate employment opportunities and contribute to sustainable economic growth in both countries.

The meeting further highlighted the importance of scholarships, academic partnerships, innovation initiatives and student exchange programmes to equip young people with modern skills and strengthen cultural understanding between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Both sides expressed confidence that enhanced youth engagement, stronger economic cooperation and increased investment would open a new chapter in bilateral relations and unlock the full potential of the Pakistan-Sri Lanka partnership.

Islamabad: A dengue review meeting chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner Headquarters Uzair Ali Khan examined the latest situation in Islamabad and compared case trends in 5 major cities-Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan.

The meeting reviewed surveillance reports, field operations and preventive measures, while directing departments to strengthen public awareness and ensure timely action against mosquito breeding sites.

A key meeting on dengue prevention and control was held under the chairmanship of Additional Deputy Commissioner Headquarters Uzair Ali Khan. Senior officials from the district administration, health department and other relevant institutions attended the session.

Participants carried out a detailed review of the current dengue situation in the federal capital and assessed measures being implemented to prevent the spread of the disease. Officials examined ongoing surveillance activities and discussed strategies to improve coordination among departments involved in dengue control operations.

The meeting also reviewed a comparative analysis of dengue cases reported in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan. Officials assessed trends in reported cases and discussed lessons from ongoing prevention efforts in different cities.

A report on outdoor and indoor vector surveillance was presented during the meeting. The report covered inspections carried out in residential, commercial and public areas to identify locations where dengue-carrying mosquitoes could breed. Officials reviewed surveillance findings and evaluated the effectiveness of field teams working on dengue prevention.

The meeting further examined the identification of dengue larvae, the monitoring of hotspot areas and the performance of field operations. Participants discussed measures to improve detection and response mechanisms to reduce the risk of mosquito breeding and disease transmission.

Uzair Ali Khan stressed the importance of identifying breeding sites at an early stage and ensuring immediate action wherever dengue larvae are found. He directed all concerned departments to maintain regular inspections and strengthen monitoring activities across the capital.

The Additional Deputy Commissioner also instructed officials to make public awareness campaigns more effective so that residents remain informed about preventive measures. He emphasized the need for greater community participation in eliminating stagnant water and other potential breeding sources.

During the meeting, officials were told that negligence in dengue control activities would not be tolerated. Departments were directed to continue field operations and ensure that preventive measures remain active throughout the season.

Appealing to residents, the Additional Deputy Commissioner urged citizens to follow dengue-related standard operating procedures and cooperate with authorities to support efforts aimed at controlling and eliminating the disease.

Islamabad: The Islamabad Excise and Taxation Department has expanded its digital and public outreach services to make vehicle-related work easier for citizens.

People can now complete several services online through the department’s website and the Pak App, while a 2-day weekend mobile service will operate from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at F-9 Park on Saturdays and Kachnar Park on Sundays, said the spokesman of Excise department here on Friday. The department is also continuing its doorstep service through a dedicated helpline.

The department said the new measures are aimed at reducing visits to government offices by allowing citizens to complete applications and payments from their homes.

Through the Online Services section at www.islamabadexcise.gov.pk, citizens can apply for Transfer of Ownership, generate a Vehicle Physical Inspection ID, check transfer fees, view challan details, and access other Excise services online.

People can also use the Pak App on their mobile phones to access a range of services. The app allows vehicle owners to pay Road Tax and Token Tax online without visiting an Excise office. Government fees for Transfer of Ownership and New Vehicle Registration can also be paid through the app.

To improve access to services, the department has introduced a weekend mobile service. Excise teams will be available at F-9 Park every Saturday and Kachnar Park every Sunday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Citizens will be able to complete vehicle registration, transfer of ownership, post-transfer processing, and other related services at these locations.

The department’s Doorstep Service will also continue. Citizens who wish to receive services at home can book an appointment by calling the helpline 051-111-383-383. An Excise team will visit the applicant’s home at the scheduled time to provide services, including vehicle registration, transfer of ownership, and other related procedures.

Director Excise Bilal Azam said the department is committed to improving public services through online platforms, mobile service units, and doorstep facilities.

He said these initiatives are designed to save citizens’ time, reduce the number of visits to government offices, and make official services easier to access across Islamabad. The department will continue using digital solutions to improve service delivery and provide timely assistance to the public.

Islamabad: Indus River System Authority (IRSA) on Friday released 535, 100 cusecs of water from various rim stations with an inflow of 663, 100 cusecs.

According to the data released by IRSA, the water level in the River Indus at Tarbela Dam stood at 1522.11 feet, which was 120.11 feet higher than the dead level of 1402.00 feet. Water inflow and outflow in the dam were recorded as 340, 000 cusecs and 262, 000 cusecs, respectively.

The water level in the Jhelum River at Mangla Dam was 1185.70 feet, which was 135.70 feet higher than its dead level of 1, 050 feet. The inflow and outflow of water were recorded as 60, 000 cusecs and 10, 000 cusecs, respectively.

The release of water at Kalabagh, Taunsa, Guddu and Sukkur was recorded as 265, 300, 292, 500, 130, 000, and 56, 000 cusecs, respectively. Similarly, from River Kabul, a total of 77, 300 cusecs of water was released at Nowshera, and 170, 700 cusecs were released from River Chenab at Marala.