Day: July 30, 2026

Islamabad: Government of China, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), on Wednesday handed over reproductive health and family planning supplies and equipment worth $2 million to Pakistan.

These equipment were handed over in order to improve maternal and newborn healthcare services and expanding family planning access in 10 underserved districts across the country.

The reproductive health and family planning supplies and equipment were handed over to the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (MoNHSRandC) during a ceremony held at the Rural Health Center (RHC) Tarlai in Islamabad.

Minister of State for National Health Services Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharat received the supplies from Zhang Datuo, Second Secretary at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, in the presence of UNFPA Pakistan Deputy Representative Dr. Gulnara Kadyrkulova, Director General of the Population Programme Wing Dr. Shabana Saleem, and District Health Officer Islamabad Dr. Syeda Rashida Batool.

The donated assistance includes reproductive health and midwifery kits, two-rod contraceptive implants, clean delivery kits, and newborn baby kits designed to strengthen maternal, newborn and reproductive healthcare services.

The supplies will enhance the quality of obstetric and newborn care while expanding family planning choices in ten underserved districts including Kech, Loralai and Khuzdar in Balochistan, Hyderabad in Sindh; Rahim Yar Khan and Kasur in Punjab, Charsadda in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit in Gilgit-Baltistan and Kotli in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

More than 300,000 women and girls of reproductive age are expected to benefit from the initiative.

In addition to the provision of essential supplies, healthcare providers will receive specialized training to ensure the delivery of high-quality reproductive health and family planning services.

Speaking on the occasion, Zhang Datuo reaffirmed China’s commitment to improving maternal health and expanding access to family planning services in Pakistan through the Global Development Initiative and the South-South Cooperation Programme.

He said the partnership reflects China’s continued support for women, families and vulnerable communities in underserved areas of Pakistan.

Islamabad: Kazakhstan’s Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin and Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry discussed ways to expand bilateral trade through Pakistani ports, enhance regional connectivity and strengthen maritime ties at a farewell meeting.

The minister appreciated Mr Kistafin’s contribution to strengthening Pakistan-Kazakhstan relations during his tenure and expressed hope that cooperation in the maritime sector would continue to grow.

Junaid Chaudhry said Pakistan was keen to enhance engagement with Kazakhstan in ports, shipping, trade facilitation and regional connectivity, adding that stronger maritime links could create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

He said Pakistan was ready to provide port infrastructure and support for Kazakh cargo through Karachi, Port Qasim and Gwadar, including potential joint ventures in free zones.

‘Pakistani seaports can act as transit hubs for Kazakhstan and the wider Central Asian region, offering access to markets in the Persian Gulf, Africa and Southeast Asia,’ the minister said.

Mr Kistafin highlighted the potential for expanding bilateral trade and said closer engagement in the maritime and port sectors could open new avenues for commerce.

The two sides also discussed strengthening institutional linkages and exploring practical measures to facilitate Kazakh trade through Pakistani ports.

Islamabad: Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar chaired a meeting of Pakistani member universities of the CPEC Consortium of Universities to review progress and identify future priorities for strengthening Pakistan-China academic collaboration.

The meeting was attended by the Executive Director of HEC, senior HEC management , Vice Chancellors/Rectors from universities across Pakistan.

During the meeting, Director General (Global Engagement/CPEC Unit) HEC Ms. Aayesha Ikram presented the achievements of the Consortium, highlighting that it has grown from its inception in 2017 to include 93 Pakistani and 40 Chinese universities.

She highlighted that the key achievements include the establishment of six China Study Centres, collaborative research grants, faculty and student exchanges, training and talent development programmes and enhanced institutional linkages between Pakistan and China.

Chairman HEC Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar emphasised that Pakistani universities must adopt a more proactive, results-oriented approach in their engagement with Chinese counterparts. Referring to feedback received during his recent visit to China, he noted that while a significant number of MOUs have been signed over the years, greater efforts are required to convert these agreements into tangible outcomes. He urged universities to focus on measurable deliverables such as joint and dual degree programmes, collaborative research projects, faculty and student exchanges, innovation partnerships, co-publications and Transnational Education (TNE) initiatives.

Sharing insights from meetings held with Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU), Fudan University and the China Association of Higher Education (CAHE), the Chairman highlighted new avenues for collaboration in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, integrated circuits, biotechnology, public health, cybersecurity, agriculture, green technologies and emerging industries. He stressed that China’s remarkable progress in technology, higher education, infrastructure and innovation offers valuable lessons for Pakistan and encouraged universities to maximize opportunities available through academic engagement with leading Chinese institutions.

The Chairman HEC also underscored the importance of digital transformation in higher education, strengthening China Studies and Sinology programmes, establishing research and training centres and leveraging existing Confucius Institutes and China Study Centres as catalysts for deeper academic cooperation. He further encouraged universities to take full advantage of HEC’s Joint, Dual and Double Degree Policy and actively promote research placement opportunities being offered by Fudan University for Pakistani MS/MPhil and PhD scholars.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to transforming Pakistan-China academic partnerships into impactful collaborations that contribute to research excellence, innovation, human capital development and national progress.

Islamabad: Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy has been sworn in as Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan. He was among eight newly appointed Saudi ambassadors to different friendly and brotherly countries who took the oath of office before Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Jeddah

According to Saudi Press Agency (SPA) the oath-taking ceremony was held on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, with the Crown Prince witnessing the ceremony.

The newly appointed ambassadors included Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy, who has been appointed as Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan.

Islamabad: The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration teams intensified operations against encroachments and illegal constructions across the capital, resulting in the detention of 33 individuals, the removal of 5 structures, and action against illegal installations in several areas.

The campaign was carried out by assistant commissioners in different zones of the city under directions from the Deputy Commissioner to ensure daily enforcement against encroachments, said the spokesman of the ICT administration here.

According to the district administration, Assistant Commissioner Rural conducted an anti-encroachment operation in Soan Garden with support from relevant teams. During the operation, illegal boards installed as part of encroachments in Naval Anchorage were removed and demolished.

In another operation, Assistant Commissioner Secretariat, along with Capital Territory Administration (CTA) enforcement teams, carried out action in Barakahu. A truck and related materials used in encroachments were confiscated and shifted from the site.

Assistant Commissioner Industrial Area conducted an operation in H-9, where three individuals were taken into custody for setting up encroachments. The district administration said legal action was initiated against those involved.

Assistant Commissioner City also launched enforcement activities against roadside encroachments. During the operation, 14 individuals were detained and shifted to the lock-up for violating regulations.

Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner Shalimar carried out an operation in G-11 and cleared public land occupied along a green belt. Authorities removed two hotels and three structures that had been established in the area.

In Kirpa, Assistant Commissioner Rural led another operation against encroachments. The district administration stated that 14 individuals involved in spreading encroachments were taken into custody and moved to the lock-up.

Action was also taken in Shah Allah Ditta against illegal construction. Two individuals were arrested, while the structure under construction was demolished by the enforcement teams.

The district administration said operations are continuing in different sectors and localities of Islamabad. Officials stated that encroachments on public land, roads, green belts, and other state property will not be allowed.

The Deputy Commissioner has directed all assistant commissioners to ensure daily operations and maintain enforcement measures across their respective areas to keep public spaces free from illegal occupation and construction.

Islamabad: Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening youth cooperation across the Commonwealth while co-chairing a special meeting of the Commonwealth Youth Ministerial Task Force (CYMTF), where member states reviewed the draft Commonwealth Youth Programme Strategic Framework 2026-2030 and discussed measures to expand opportunities for young people through education, entrepreneurship, digital inclusion and skills development.

The virtual meeting was co-chaired by Samoa’s Minister of Family and Social Affairs, Hon. Moefaauouo Julius Ah Kui Tafunai, and attended by representatives of Commonwealth member states and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

The participants reviewed feedback on the draft Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) Strategic Framework 2026-2030 and discussed the future direction of the programme.

The meeting also received updates on preparations for the Commonwealth Youth Forum, the Commonwealth Youth Council and the 11th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting.

In his opening remarks, Rana Mashhood welcomed delegates and appreciated member states for their active participation in the consultation process, saying the discussions reflected a shared commitment to ensuring Commonwealth youth initiatives remain responsive to the changing needs and aspirations of young people.

Speaking on behalf of Pakistan, he commended the Commonwealth Secretariat for conducting an inclusive consultation process in developing the new strategic framework and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the document and its alignment with the Commonwealth Strategic Plan 2025-2030.

Highlighting Pakistan’s youth development vision, the PMYP chairman stressed the need to expand access to quality education, entrepreneurship, innovation, digital transformation, skills training and evidence based policymaking to enable young people to contribute effectively to national and global development.

He welcomed proposed flagship initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive youth participation, increasing entrepreneurship opportunities, improving access to finance and markets, and strengthening digital capabilities through enhanced skills and digital inclusion.

Rana Mashhood said these initiatives would create greater opportunities for youth across the Commonwealth, particularly in small states and vulnerable communities.

He also underscored the importance of preserving the institutional identity of the Commonwealth Youth Programme while strengthening collaboration within the Secretariat, stressing that governance arrangements and dedicated funding mechanisms should remain protected and any future reforms should be undertaken through consensus among member states.

Concluding the meeting, Rana Mashhood reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment, as co-chair of the CYMTF, to working closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat and member countries to finalize a balanced, inclusive and future oriented strategic framework for Commonwealth youth.