Month: July 2026

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.

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to work vigorously on an effective and comprehensive strategy to create employment opportunities under the Prime Minister’s Youth Program.

The prime minister, in a meeting with Chairman of Prime Minister’s Youth Program Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, who called on him here, highlighted that providing top-class education and vocational training to the youth remained among the government’s priorities.

During the meeting, Rana Mashhood briefed the prime minister on the progress of ongoing projects being executed under the Youth Program.

Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized that equipping young people with modern technology, artificial intelligence (AI), digital skills, and entrepreneurial abilities was an urgent need of the hour.

He said that the government was utilizing all available resources to provide youth with equal opportunities in employment, business, education, and skills.

Calling the educated and skilled youth the guarantors of the nation’s bright future, the prime minister highlighted that a skilled workforce played a pivotal role in the country’s economy, industry, and social diversity.

Islamabad: The Emergency Response Committee (ERC) on Wednesday reviewed Pakistan’s monsoon preparedness and ongoing response efforts at its sixth meeting in Islamabad, warning that a fresh weather system from July 29 to August 5 could trigger heavy rains, urban flooding and rising river flows across the country, as the nationwide death toll from monsoon related incidents climbed to 109 and injuries reached 362.

The meeting, held at the National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC) at NDMA headquarters, was chaired via video link by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof Ahsan Iqbal. It was attended by Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr Musadik Malik, Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Federal Minister for Water Resources Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik and senior officials from relevant ministries and departments.

The committee was informed that a new monsoon system is expected to affect Gilgit Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh, bringing widespread rainfall with isolated heavy downpours.

Officials warned that the weather system could cause rapid rises in river flows, medium to high flows in the Chenab River and its associated nullahs, flash floods in hill torrents and seasonal streams, and urban flooding in vulnerable cities.

According to the latest situation report, 109 people lost their lives and 362 were injured nationwide between June 26 and July 28. House, roof and wall collapses remained the leading cause of fatalities, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported the highest number of deaths, followed by Punjab.

The committee was also informed that 148 rescue operations had been carried out across the country, resulting in the evacuation of 4,111 people to safer locations through coordinated efforts of the NDMA, provincial disaster management authorities and partner agencies.

Participants stressed the need for close coordination among federal ministries, provincial governments, district administrations and emergency response agencies to ensure timely implementation of preparedness measures.

The meeting emphasized continuous monitoring of vulnerable areas, effective dissemination of early warning alerts and proactive public awareness campaigns to reduce risks from monsoon related hazards.

The ERC directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert and ensure the availability of emergency resources, rescue equipment, relief supplies and uninterrupted essential services in high risk areas.

Chairing the meeting, Prof Ahsan Iqbal directed that chief secretaries of all provinces, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir attend future ERC meetings to strengthen coordination, accelerate decision making and improve implementation of preparedness and response measures.

The committee reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure through coordinated action and timely response throughout the ongoing monsoon season. NDMA said it would continue monitoring the evolving situation through the NEOC and maintain close coordination with all stakeholders to ensure a unified national response.

Islamabad: The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration teams have detained 11 touts during an operation outside the Excise Department office, as officials stepped up efforts to curb unauthorized agents and improve access to public services.

The action was carried out by the Assistant Commissioner Industrial Area, who urged citizens to use official service channels and report individuals involved in illegal facilitation activities.

According to the district administration, the operation targeted people allegedly acting as unauthorized intermediaries outside the Excise Department office. During the drive, 11 individuals were taken into custody and shifted to the lock-up for further legal proceedings.

Officials said the Excise Department has introduced additional service counters to facilitate citizens and reduce waiting times. The department has also expanded access to online services, allowing people to complete various procedures and obtain services from their homes without relying on agents.

The administration appealed to residents to avoid dealing with unauthorized individuals who claim to offer faster processing or special access to government services. Citizens were encouraged to use official counters and digital platforms for registration, tax-related matters, and other Excise Department services.

Authorities further requested the public to help identify and report agents operating outside government offices. Officials said public cooperation is essential to ensuring transparent service delivery and preventing exploitation of citizens seeking assistance.

The district administration reiterated its commitment to maintaining orderly service environments at public offices and said similar operations will continue against unauthorized agents involved in misleading or charging citizens for services that are available through official channels.