Day: July 27, 2026

Islamabad: Workers Welfare Fund (WWF) is committed to developing a skilled workforce, enhancing the technical capabilities of youth, and supporting the country’s industrial growth.

This was stated by Secretary WWF Zulfiqar Ahmed during his visit to the FFC Learning and Development Centre, Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited, at Goth Machhi, Sadiqabad, according to a press release received here on Sunday.

Earlier on his arrival, he was received by Manager FFC Learning and Development Centre, Asif Shafi.

The secretary was briefed on Centre’s training programmes, state-of-the-art facilities, and ongoing initiatives.

It was told that the Centre provides high-quality technical and vocational training not only to participants from Pakistan but also to trainees from other countries.

It was further highlighted that the Centre is also playing a significant role in equipping local youth with modern technical skills through quality vocational training. A number of graduates of the Centre are working as supervisors, engineers, and other key technical professionals in various industrial organisations and manufacturing facilities.

During the visit, the Secretary witnessed the Centre’s various training units, workshops, laboratories, and practical training facilities.

Zulfiqar Ahmed appreciated the FFC Learning and Development Centre for its modern infrastructure, high standards of training, and overall performance.

He commended the management and training staff for their dedication and professional efforts.

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari, Sunday, extended felicitations to the President of the Republic of Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the Government and people on their Independence Day.

The president highlighted the special significance of this year’s Independence Day as it also marked the 61st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the Maldives, President Secretariat Media Wing said in a press release.

He noted that this important milestone reflected more than six decades of enduring friendship, mutual trust and close cooperation between the two countries.

‘President Zardari stated that Pakistan attaches great importance to its fraternal relations with the Maldives, ‘ it was added.

He expressed confidence that the bonds of friendship would continue to grow stronger, further enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation and contributing to the peace, progress and prosperity of the people of both nations.

Islamabad: The Emergency Response Committee (ERC) constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to oversee national preparedness and coordinated response during Monsoon 2026 reviewed the flood situation, response measures and preparedness across the country.

This fifth meeting of ERC was held at the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

Officials were informed that 97 people had died and 297 were injured in rain-related incidents since June 26 while authorities continued monitoring weather systems and vulnerable areas to mitigate risks.

The meeting was chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof Ahsan Iqbal through video link.

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik, Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain and Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja also attended the meeting virtually.

Chairman NDMA Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, senior NDMA officials, representatives of federal and provincial departments and other stakeholders attended the meeting at NDMA headquarters.

The committee reviewed the implementation of preparedness measures undertaken by provincial disaster management authorities and other departments.

Provincial representatives briefed participants on relief supplies, emergency communication systems, evacuation plans, response readiness and inter-agency coordination during the ongoing monsoon season. Participants were informed that the overall river flood situation remained normal, with flows in major rivers within safe limits.

However, authorities were maintaining continuous monitoring of weather systems, river flows and vulnerable areas to ensure timely early warnings and response.

Dr Musadik Malik stressed the importance of district and local administrations in disaster preparedness and response, directing that all available resources be utilised for the timely dissemination of early warnings.

Prof Ahsan Iqbal praised the preparedness efforts of federal and provincial authorities and emphasized close coordination among institutions to ensure swift decision-making and rapid mobilization of resources. He also directed that an audit of flood mitigation projects executed after previous floods be conducted and presented at the committee’s next meeting.

NDMA’s Member Operations informed the meeting that from June 26 to July 25, a total of 97 deaths and 297 injuries had been reported nationwide, with house, roof and wall collapses accounting for most fatalities. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported the highest number of casualties, followed by Punjab.

The meeting was also told that 130 rescue operations had been carried out, 3, 841 people evacuated to safer locations and 219 tons of relief goods coordinated and delivered through NDMA, provincial authorities and partner organizations.

The committee reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national coordination and ensuring an effective response to safeguard lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure during the monsoon season.