Day: July 26, 2026

Islamabad: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi has said that the wellbeing of judges is fundamental to judicial independence, institutional integrity and public confidence in the rule of law, emphasizing that a strong justice system depends not only on sound laws and institutions but also on the welfare of those entrusted with administering justice.

In a message issued on the International Day for Judicial Wellbeing, the chief justice said judges shoulder immense responsibility, often under demanding circumstances, and must be supported by institutions that promote professional growth, modern working environments, effective administrative systems, and a culture of respect and recognition.

He said the judiciary of Pakistan remained committed to embedding these principles within its ongoing reform agenda. He noted that continued investments in digital transformation, improved court infrastructure, institutional support and judicial education reflected the judiciary’s belief that strengthening judges ultimately strengthens justice itself.

Justice Yahya Afridi paid tribute to the dedication, integrity and resilience of judges across the country for administering justice with courage, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.

He paid special tribute to judges serving in remote and far-flung districts under difficult and challenging circumstances, saying their service exemplified the highest traditions of Pakistan’s judiciary.

The chief justice said the observance of the International Day for Judicial Wellbeing should reaffirm the commitment to a judiciary that values both excellence in adjudication and the human dimension of justice.

He stressed that every judge deserves institutional support to serve with dignity, confidence and excellence, adding that strengthening judges ultimately strengthens justice itself.

Islamabad: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the OIC Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) Saturday launched the first 2026 issue of the Journal of Science Communication and Diplomacy at a ceremony held here, marking two years of the journal’s successful publication.

Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch, who was the chief guest at the ceremony, called for stronger science diplomacy and emphasized that today’s global challenges require collective solutions through enhanced scientific cooperation and evidence-based policymaking.

The ceremony was attended by ambassadors, diplomats, scientists, academics, heads of national organizations, members of the journal’s editorial board, and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and COMSTECH.

Ambassadors from Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Tajikistan and Mauritius, diplomats from Jordan and Azerbaijan, as well as senior officials of the ECO Science Foundation, Higher Education Commission, Pakistan Academy of Sciences and representatives of other leading scientific and academic institutions also attended.

Addressing the ceremony, Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch underscored that today’s global challenges require collective solutions and highlighted the increasingly important role of science diplomacy in bridging science and foreign policy.

She emphasized the need for enhanced scientific cooperation within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and greater participation of developing countries in shaping the governance of emerging technologies. She also appreciated the collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and COMSTECH in publishing the journal, describing it as a significant initiative to strengthen science diplomacy and international cooperation.

Speaking on the occasion, Coordinator General COMSTECH Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary said science diplomacy had become one of the most effective instruments for addressing global challenges through international cooperation, scientific knowledge and innovation.

He said the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), representing 57 member states, possesses enormous scientific and intellectual potential that can be harnessed through stronger collaboration among universities, research institutions, governments and industry.

Prof. Choudhary said the Journal of Science Communication and Diplomacy had emerged as an important platform connecting diplomats, scientists, academics and policymakers to promote evidence-based policymaking and strengthen the interface between science, technology and international relations among OIC member states.

He said COMSTECH continued to advance scientific cooperation across the Muslim world through scholarships, fellowships, research collaborations, capacity-building programmes, academic mobility and science diplomacy initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable development in OIC member states.

The first issue of 2026 features 11 articles, including seven authored by diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reflecting Pakistan’s growing contribution to science diplomacy and international scientific cooperation.

The Journal of Science Communication and Diplomacy serves as a dedicated platform for diplomats, scientists, academics and policy practitioners to exchange ideas and contribute to policy discourse at the intersection of science, technology and international relations while promoting international scientific collaboration.

Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Saturday warned of rising flood risks across several parts of Pakistan as monsoon rains continue to swell rivers and streams, with medium level flooding reported at key points along the Chenab River and flash flood threats looming over northern Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan during the next 24 to 48 hours.

According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), medium level flooding was recorded at Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge on the Chenab River, while the Palkhu Nala at Wazirabad was also flowing at medium flood level.

Low level flooding persists at Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa on the Indus River, Marala and Trimmu on the Chenab River, Balloki and Sidhnai on the Ravi River, and Nowshera on the Kabul River. Low flood conditions were also reported at Nala Aik and Palkhu Nala Cantonment Bridge.

The authority said water flows in the Chenab River are expected to increase further during the next 24 hours at Marala, Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge. Water levels at Trimmu Barrage are also likely to rise to medium flood level during the same period.

NDMA warned of possible flash floods in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, seasonal streams in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and parts of northern Balochistan over the next 24 to 48 hours.

Urban flooding risks have also been forecast for Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Jhang, Multan, Hafizabad and Lahore as heavy monsoon rains continue.

The authority advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel to flood affected areas and urged motorists to check weather forecasts and road conditions before setting out.

NDMA directed all relevant departments to maintain continuous monitoring of vulnerable locations, keep emergency response teams on standby and ensure immediate restoration of roads in case of closures.

The authority also cautioned that landslides, debris flows and sudden flash floods remain a major threat in mountainous regions during the monsoon season.

Citizens were advised not to stop near riverbanks, steep slopes or narrow mountain passages vulnerable to rockfalls and landslides.

People were urged not to cross flooded roads, streams or fast moving water on foot or in vehicles, warning that even shallow flowing water can sweep away people and vehicles.

NDMA has placed all provincial and district authorities on alert and advised citizens to stay updated through the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application for timely warnings and emergency information.

Islamabad: A major facilitator involved in spreading false news and anti-Pakistan propaganda funded by the Indian intelligence agency has been arrested, according to media reports.

According to details, the facilitator operated under the guise of digital marketing and services, where fake social media accounts and followers were purchased to promote an anti-state agenda.

The primary objective of this organized propaganda network was to target the strong bond between the Pakistan Army and the public, creating misunderstandings among the citizens against the state.

To promote a specific and misleading narrative regarding Kashmir, this network generated millions of views through fabricated accounts.

The most concerning aspect of the entire network is that the arrested Indian facilitator’s links have been directly traced to the ‘Joint Action Committee. ‘

Under this agenda, foreign clients placed regular orders detailing how much the reach of specific fake accounts should be artificially inflated to run campaigns against state institutions.

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Foreign Minister of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Saturday, reaffirmed the longstanding, brotherly and close ties between Pakistan and Tajikistan.

They also expressed their shared commitment to further expanding cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, energy, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

The DPM/FM met with the Tajik foreign minister on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.

They underscored the importance of sustained high-level exchanges to further strengthen the bilateral partnership.

Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin reaffirmed Tajikistan’s support for Pakistan’s continued efforts to promote peace, stability, and the peaceful resolution of regional issues.

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments and emphasized the importance of cooperation at multilateral forums to advance peace, stability, and prosperity.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan reviewed the performance of the Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) and directed the organization to accelerate value-addition, modern processing technologies and export-oriented interventions to strengthen Pakistan’s horticulture sector.

The directions were issued during a meeting with PHDEC Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Naseer, who briefed the Minister on the organization’s achievements, ongoing projects and future roadmap aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s horticultural exports and improving farmers’ incomes , said a release issued here on Satuday.

The Minister highly appreciated PHDEC’s successful fruit bagging initiative, describing it as a transformative intervention that has significantly improved the quality, appearance and export competitiveness of Pakistani fruits.

He directed PHDEC to expand the initiative beyond mangoes, bananas and guavas to commercially important crops, particularly dates, while also extending it to grapes and peaches.

To ensure long-term sustainability, Jam Kamal Khan instructed PHDEC to work with Pakistan’s paper manufacturing industry, private-sector partners and provincial governments to explore local production of fruit bagging materials, reducing reliance on imports and making the technology affordable for growers across the country.

The PHDEC CEO informed the Minister that the fruit bagging programme has received encouraging feedback from premium international markets, including Japan, South Korea, China and the European Union, where it has enhanced the quality and marketability of Pakistani produce.

The Minister also lauded PHDEC’s initiatives promoting freeze-drying, spray-drying and fruit dehydration technologies, calling them game-changing opportunities for producing premium-quality, value-added products with longer shelf life while preserving nutritional value and taste.

He emphasized that these technologies could drive the growth of cottage industries and small-scale agro-processing enterprises, create employment opportunities and generate sustainable export earnings.

He directed PHDEC to expand freeze-drying initiatives to Northern Pakistan and Balochistan and strengthen collaboration with Chinese-supported value-addition projects in the province.

The meeting was informed that PHDEC is also distributing solar tunnel dryers among chilli growers to reduce aflatoxin contamination, improve product quality and enhance the export potential of Pakistani chillies.

Reviewing PHDEC’s future roadmap, the Minister endorsed plans to organize provincial Horticulture Expos, launch a subsidized certification support programme for around 100 horticulture stakeholders, facilitate business-to-business engagements, generate market intelligence and undertake cluster and product mapping to strengthen Pakistan’s horticultural value chains.

Jam Kamal Khan further emphasized that institutions such as the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of Pakistan should provide greater financial support to clusters of cottage industries and small-scale processors, enabling them to adopt modern technologies and expand export-oriented businesses.

The Minister also directed that PHDEC-supported enterprises and exhibitors be given greater participation in upcoming FoodAg exhibitions to enhance market access, business networking and export opportunities.

Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to export-led growth, Jam Kamal Khan assured PHDEC of full support and called for stronger coordination with provincial governments, research institutions and the private sector to develop efficient horticulture clusters, strengthen supply chains and unlock the full export potential of Pakistan’s horticulture sector.