Day: July 27, 2026

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Investment Qaiser Sheikh on Sunday said India could neither suspend nor terminate the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) unilaterally, describing any such move as illegal and contrary to international law.

Addressing the seminar in Islamabad organised by EMPAK Strategies on the launch of its research report titled “Water, Climate, and Diplomacy: Securing Pakistan’s Indus Basin Future”, the minister warned that continued tensions over water could have serious consequences not only for South Asia but also for global peace and economic stability.

The report argues that Pakistan must move beyond short-term emergency responses and adopt a comprehensive national water security policy to address growing flood risks and an increasingly severe water crisis.

It says the recent surge in water flows in the Chenab River during the monsoon season exposed significant weaknesses in Pakistan’s water management system.

According to the report, extreme rainfall, upstream river flows, inadequate water storage capacity, ageing irrigation infrastructure, weak groundwater governance and limited flood preparedness have increased the country’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters.

The report warns that climate change, rapid glacier melt, population growth, deteriorating irrigation networks, unchecked groundwater extraction and mounting pressure on the Indus Basin have pushed Pakistan into a severe water security crisis.

It says the country must improve domestic water governance while pursuing proactive regional water diplomacy.

It recommends five policy priorities: effective implementation of the 1991 Water Apportionment Accord; expansion of strategic water storage and flood management infrastructure; enhanced hydrological cooperation with China and technical dialogue with Afghanistan; promotion of climate-smart agriculture, digital water accounting and groundwater regulation; and mobilization of international climate finance by placing water security at the centre of Pakistan’s climate, economic and national security agenda.

Speaking at the seminar, EMPAK Strategies Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Younis said the recent increase in Chenab River flows showed that water security should no longer be viewed solely as a seasonal flood management issue.

He said Pakistan required a long-term strategy integrating stronger domestic water governance, climate resilience, expanded water storage and proactive regional water diplomacy.

Younis said water security had become central to Pakistan’s economic stability, food security and national security, adding that strengthening institutions, investing in modern infrastructure and adopting science-based planning were essential to building resilience against future climate- and water-related challenges.

Islamabad: The federal government has completed six of the eight projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) funded by the Sui Special Development Package in Dera Bugti district of Baluchistan.

Whereas the work on the remaining two road schemes was underway, with Rs256. 757 million proposed for FY2026-27 to ensure their completion and further improve road connectivity and electricity infrastructure in the area, according to official documents.

The documents, available with Wealth Pakistan, show that the package carries a total approved cost of Rs4. 698 billion, of which Rs3. 852 billion had been released or spent by June 30, 2026.

All three electrification schemes under the package have been completed. These projects, with a combined cost of Rs1. 83 billion, received Rs1. 625 billion in releases and expenditure. The road sector comprises five schemes with a total cost of Rs2. 868 billion. Three of these projects have been completed at a combined cost of Rs1. 229 billion, with Rs1. 151 billion released or spent.

The completed road projects include the construction of a blacktop road from Doli Check Post to Sighari Road, Bashshapur Link and Kot Jani Bari Road; a blacktopped road linking Dera Bugti with Pirkoh, Habib Rahi, Vedara and Killi Mured; and the improvement of the Sui-Dera Bugti Road along with a blacktopped link road in Dera Bugti.

Two road schemes remain under implementation, carrying a combined cost of Rs1. 639 billion. By June 30, 2026, Rs1. 082 billion had been released or spent on these projects.

The ongoing schemes include the construction of a blacktopped road from Lehri to Sangsila Road (Phase I), with a project cost of Rs841 million and an FY27 allocation of Rs156 million, and the 57-kilometre Sui-Uch Field Road project, costing Rs797. 710 million with an FY27 allocation of Rs100. 757 million.

The completed power sector projects include a 132KV grid station in Sui and a transmission line from Kashmore to Sui, a 132KV grid station in Dera Bugti with a Sui-Dera Bugti transmission line, and the electrification of villages across Dera Bugti district.

According to the documents, the package was launched to strengthen road connectivity and electricity infrastructure in Dera Bugti. With only two road projects left to complete, the initiative has entered its final phase.

Islamabad: Advisor to the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, on Sunday, outlined Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic outlook, the government’s structural reform agenda, key priorities of the FY2026-27 Budget, and the rollout of the country’s New Tax Operating Model (NTOM).

The advisor was addressing the four-day National Tax Seminar, jointly organized by the Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) and the Lahore Tax Bar Association (LTBA) at Murree.

Schehzad said Pakistan had made significant progress in restoring macroeconomic stability through prudent fiscal management and the implementation of difficult but necessary structural reforms.

He noted that improving fiscal discipline, rebuilding external buffers, strengthening debt management and restoring investor confidence have enabled the country to transition from stabilization towards sustainable, private sector-led economic growth.

He said these reforms are increasingly being recognized through improved sovereign credit ratings, successful IMF programme reviews, renewed access to international capital markets, growing investor confidence and positive assessments by international financial institutions, reflecting the strengthening fundamentals of Pakistan’s economy.

The advisor said the budget for fiscal year 2026-27 was a balanced, responsible and pro-growth budget that supports investment, exports, industrial development and employment while maintaining fiscal discipline.

He noted that the budget provides meaningful relief to the salaried class, introduces measures to enhance business competitiveness and support exporters, advances tariff reforms, encourages documentation of the economy and reinforces the government’s commitment to broadening the tax base rather than placing additional burden on existing compliant taxpayers.

He also highlighted the reform agenda encompassing tax administration, public debt management, privatization, state-owned enterprises, pension reforms, energy sector reforms, Digital Pakistan initiatives, capital market development and improved access to finance, noting that these reforms are strengthening institutions, improving governance, enhancing productivity and creating a more competitive and investment-friendly economy.

He said also spoke about the New Tax Operating Model, which represents a structural shift from an officer-driven system towards a data-led, technology-enabled, faceless and accountable tax administration.

He explained that the reform separates audit, assessment and field operations into specialized functions while leveraging digital technologies, centralized data analytics and risk-based compliance to reduce discretion, minimize physical interaction, strengthen taxpayer rights and improve transparency, consistency and efficiency in tax administration.

Dr. Nadeem Ul Haque delivered the keynote address on tax policy reforms, while FCA Muhammad Rehan Siddiqui presented on faceless jurisdiction and the digitalization of tax administration. n

Speaking on the occasion, President, Pakistan Tax Bar Association, Ehsan-ul-Haq Sheikh; President, Lahore Tax Bar Association, Rana Saqib Munir; and Patron, Pakistan Tax Bar Association and Chairman, Pakistan Tax Bar Academy, Abdul Qadir Memon, appreciated the government’s continued engagement with the tax community and reaffirmed their commitment to constructive dialogue for developing a simpler, more transparent, technology-driven and business-friendly tax system.

Islamabad: The Islamabad district administration has reported continued delivery of public services through its Citizen Facilitation Center, where 2, 226 documents and certificates were issued over the past week.

The weekly performance report showed that the center processed 604 international driving permits, 859 domiciles, 204 character certificates, 149 birth certificates, and 207 MRCs and DRCs, reflecting the range of services available to residents under one roof.

According to the district administration, the Citizen Facilitation Center has been established to provide multiple public services at a single location, reducing the need for residents to visit different offices for routine documentation and certification requirements.

The weekly report revealed that 604 international driving permits were issued during the reporting period. In addition, 204 character certificates were provided to applicants, while 859 domicile certificates were processed and delivered.

The center also issued 149 birth certificates during the week. Another 207 cases related to Marriage Registration Certificates (MRCs) and Death Registration Certificates (DRCs) were completed and handed over to citizens.

The report further stated that 47 surety bond cases were processed during the same period. Meanwhile, officials handled 156 document attestation cases, enabling applicants to obtain verification of important records through the facility.

District administration officials said the center continues to provide a broad range of services under one roof, helping residents complete official procedures through a centralized system. The administration noted that the facility has been equipped with modern service infrastructure to support efficient public service delivery.

In this regard, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad, Irfan Nawaz Memon said that citizens visiting the center are being provided access to various government services at a single location. He added that efforts are continuing to improve service standards and ensure timely processing of applications.

The deputy commissioner also highlighted the role of the Citizen Complaint Box, stating that feedback received from visitors is reviewed and acted upon on a daily basis. The mechanism is being used to identify areas where service delivery can be improved and to address concerns raised by members of the public.

A district administration spokesperson said that the performance of the Citizen Facilitation Center is being monitored through real-time statistical tracking, allowing officials to review service trends and operational efficiency on an ongoing basis.

The spokesperson added that continuous monitoring helps the administration assess workloads, track public demand for different services, and maintain smooth operations at the center.

The Citizen Facilitation Center remains one of the key public service platforms of the Islamabad district administration, providing documentation, certification, registration, and attestation services to residents through a centralized facility.

Islamabad: A cup of tea, a mountain trail or a plate of chapli kebab may seem ordinary to Pakistanis. Yet through the lens of travel vloggers and digital creators, these everyday moments are reaching millions worldwide, quietly challenging decades of stereotypes and reshaping how Pakistan is seen beyond its borders.

A 2025 research study based on interviews with foreign vloggers found that many visitors arrived with negative perceptions shaped by international media but changed their views after interacting with local communities. The study concluded that personal storytelling is a powerful tool for replacing stereotypes with authentic human experiences.

The strength of this digital storytelling lies in credibility. While governments promote destinations through campaigns, independent creators share what they genuinely experience, making their content more persuasive for global audiences.

Among the best-known examples is Polish travel vlogger Eva zu Beck. She has spoken about arriving in Pakistan with doubts created by years of negative international coverage, only to discover extraordinary hospitality, breathtaking scenery and remarkable cultural diversity. Her videos introduced millions of viewers to places they had never imagined visiting.

British creators Kieran Brown and Luke Damant have also helped broaden Pakistan’s appeal by documenting its streets, cuisine and everyday life, encouraging audiences to see the country beyond old stereotypes.

Sometimes, ordinary people become ambassadors without intending to. In 2016, Islamabad tea seller Arshad Khan became an international internet sensation after his photograph went viral, opening unexpected opportunities in modelling. More recently, Ahmad Shehzad, a young boy helping at his father’s snack cart in Peshawar’s historic Qissa Khwani Bazaar, won global admiration after a video captured his kindness toward a customer, earning recognition from Pakistan Super League franchise Peshawar Zalmi.

Cuisine has become another powerful cultural bridge. Food creators are introducing international audiences to regional specialties such as Peshawar’s chapli kebab and Balochistan’s traditional sajji, highlighting the country’s rich culinary diversity while encouraging tourism and cultural curiosity.

Pakistan’s own creators are equally important. Rather than offering occasional glimpses, they provide continuous, authentic stories from within the country. Irfan Junejo documents landscapes, cities and everyday experiences, Mooroo blends storytelling with culture and society, Junaid Akram explores modern Pakistani life through conversations, while Food Fusion has attracted millions by showcasing the country’s diverse cuisine. Together, they present Pakistan through local voices rather than outside perceptions.

The impact extends beyond image-building. Peshawar walnut seller Gul Wali Khan said his business grew significantly after videos featuring his stall went viral, attracting visitors from the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Switzerland. Similar success stories have emerged among roadside food vendors, family businesses and small entrepreneurs who found global audiences through social media rather than expensive advertising.

Tourism has been one of the biggest beneficiaries. Destinations such as Hunza, Skardu and Gilgit now attract travellers who first encountered them through online videos. Research shows community-based tourism can increase local incomes while encouraging environmental protection. However, experts also warn that unmanaged tourism can strain natural resources, generate waste and leave local communities with limited economic benefits.

Digital storytelling also contributes to Pakistan’s wider economic appeal. Political scientist Joseph Nye describes soft power as the ability to influence through attraction rather than coercion. In Pakistan’s case, creators are showcasing the country’s people, culture and landscapes in ways that strengthen tourism, business confidence and international engagement.

Yet challenges remain. Critics argue that some foreign vloggers present carefully curated experiences that may not reflect what ordinary visitors encounter. Growing commercial sponsorships also make authenticity increasingly important, while misinformation and environmental pressures require responsible content creation.

Pakistan has introduced visa reforms and promoted tourism through the “Salam Pakistan” initiative, but experts say sustained progress will depend on stronger implementation, better tourism infrastructure and closer collaboration with digital creators.

Ultimately, Pakistan’s most convincing ambassadors are often those carrying cameras instead of diplomatic passports. Every authentic video, shared meal and genuine encounter offers the world a more complete picture of the country. But with that influence comes a profound responsibility. In today’s digital age, a single misleading post or negative viral story can damage a nation’s image far more swiftly than countless positive stories can rebuild it. As social media influencers continue to shape global perceptions, their greatest asset must remain credibility, authenticity and a commitment to responsible storytelling. In a nut shell, every click, every post and every story has the power either to reinforce old stereotypes or to build lasting bridges of understanding between Pakistan and the world.

Islamabad: The Celebrities Cricket League (CCL) is pleased to announce the appointment of renowned content creator and digital entrepreneur Safeer Afridi as the official Brand Ambassador of the league for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The appointment marks an important step in CCL’s mission to connect with young audiences and promote grassroots cricket through the growing influence of Pakistan’s digital creator community. With more than eight years of experience in content creation and digital entrepreneurship, Safeer Afridi has established himself as a respected voice in the online space by producing educational and engaging content focused on technology, entrepreneurship, digital opportunities, and personal development.

Based in Islamabad, the 26-year-old creator has built an online community of more than 100, 000 followers across various social media platforms. His commitment to meaningful digital engagement and responsible communication aligns closely with the vision of the Celebrities Cricket League, which aims to inspire young people through sport, entertainment, and community participation.

The Celebrities Cricket League is a youth-focused cricket initiative designed to promote grassroots cricket in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while creating opportunities for emerging talent. The proposed tournament is expected to feature six teams comprising celebrities, digital creators, influencers, and local cricket players. Subject to official approvals, the event is expected to be held at Imran Khan Cricket Stadium around October or November.

The league is being spearheaded by entrepreneur and digital creator Muhammad Anas, whose vision is to create a platform that blends cricket with the influence of Pakistan’s expanding digital ecosystem. Through this initiative, CCL seeks to encourage sports development, youth empowerment, community engagement, and talent discovery across the province.

As Brand Ambassador, Safeer Afridi will support the league’s public awareness campaigns and engage with audiences through digital platforms to promote the objectives of the tournament. His experience in building online communities and communicating with young audiences is expected to strengthen the league’s outreach and encourage greater participation among aspiring cricketers and sports enthusiasts.

Speaking on the appointment, the CCL management said the league is committed to working with individuals who positively influence young people and share its vision of creating meaningful opportunities through sport.

Safeer Afridi welcomed the opportunity to join the initiative and expressed his enthusiasm for supporting a platform that encourages youth participation, promotes local cricket talent, and brings communities together through the game.

The Celebrities Cricket League believes that partnerships between sports, entrepreneurship, and digital media can create new opportunities for emerging athletes while inspiring the next generation to pursue their ambitions with confidence and dedication.

As preparations continue for the inaugural edition of the tournament, CCL remains focused on building a platform that celebrates cricket, empowers young talent, and strengthens community engagement across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.