Month: July 2026

Islamabad: Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday underscored the need for national unity, inclusive development, and sustained security efforts to ensure lasting peace and prosperity in Balochistan.

Addressing participants of the National Workshop Balochistan at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the chairman senate welcomed the participants on behalf of the President Asif Ali Zardari and said the workshop had, since 2016, served as an important platform bringing together parliamentarians, bureaucrats, civil society members, academics, youth, and media representatives from across the country.

He described the initiative as a bridge connecting provinces, perspectives, and ideas to collectively address national challenges.

Emphasizing Balochistan’s strategic importance, the senate chairman said the province was central to Pakistan’s economic future and national security owing to its vast coastline along the Arabian Sea, rich mineral resources, and geographic location linking South Asia with Central Asia and the Middle East.

Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani condemned recent terrorist attacks by the Indian-backed proxies and militant groups for attempting to destabilize Pakistan. He said terrorists had shifted their focus from military targets to civilians in an act of desperation.

Paying tribute to the armed forces, Frontier Corps, police, and other law enforcement agencies, Mr. Gilani praised their professionalism and sacrifices in combating terrorism. He reiterated that the entire nation stood firmly behind the country’s security institutions and honoured those who had laid down their lives in the line of duty.

However, he stressed that military action alone could not guarantee sustainable peace. “The people of Balochistan, particularly its youth, must remain at the centre of the province’s future. Their participation, ownership, and trust are essential for lasting peace and meaningful development, ” he said.

Recalling his tenure as prime minister, Yousuf Raza Gilani highlighted measures taken to address Balochistan’s longstanding concerns. These included the unanimous approval of the Aghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan Package, implementation of the Seventh National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, settlement of outstanding gas development surcharges and royalties, introduction of special quotas for Baloch youth in federal institutions and the armed forces, and efforts aimed at political dialogue and reconciliation.

He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting provincial rights, strengthening the federation, and ensuring equitable development across the country. “Development without security is hollow, security without unity is fragile, and unity without understanding is impossible, ” he remarked.

The senate chairman encouraged them to act as ambassadors of national cohesion by promoting constitutional values, respecting diversity, and strengthening democratic institutions. He said prosperity remained the most sustainable path to peace, noting that education, employment, and improved infrastructure were key to preventing extremism and building resilient communities.

He also expressed confidence in the participants’ ability to contribute positively to Pakistan’s future. He urged them to carry forward a deeper understanding of Balochistan’s challenges and opportunities and to work collectively for a united, peaceful, and prosperous Pakistan.

Islamabad: Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) has reviewed its performance over the past 10 days during a meeting chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner Headquarters Uzair Khan.

Officials reported that four inspection teams carried out 625 inspections, issued 387 improvement notices, fined 59 food businesses Rs1.203 million, sealed 14 food outlets, and destroyed 3, 557 kilograms of unsafe food as part of the city’s food safety enforcement campaign.

The meeting focused on the Food Authority’s recent operations and measures taken to improve food safety standards across the federal capital. Officials briefed the chair on inspections, enforcement actions, and responses to public complaints.

According to the briefing, four inspection teams conducted a total of 625 inspections at restaurants, food outlets, and other food businesses across Islamabad during the last 10 days. During these inspections, the teams identified several violations of food safety and hygiene rules and took action under the relevant regulations.

The Food Authority issued 387 improvement notices to businesses that were required to address shortcomings in hygiene, cleanliness, storage, and food handling practices. In addition, inspectors issued four verbal warnings in cases where minor issues were found and immediate compliance was expected.

Authorities also imposed fines totaling Rs1.203 million on 59 shops for various violations of food safety regulations. Officials said the penalties were imposed after inspectors found breaches of the prescribed standards during routine inspections.

The briefing further revealed that 14 food outlets were sealed because of violations of hygiene and food safety requirements. The closures were carried out to prevent the sale and preparation of food that did not meet the required standards.

The Food Authority also responded to 14 complaints submitted by citizens. Inspection teams visited the reported locations and took action where violations were confirmed, demonstrating the department’s complaint response system.

During the enforcement drive, officials registered one criminal case related to food safety violations. The authority also confiscated and destroyed 3, 557 kilograms of food declared unsafe for human consumption, preventing it from entering the market.

Addressing the meeting, Additional Deputy Commissioner Headquarters Uzair Khan directed officials to ensure that complaints received from citizens are acted upon without delay. He stressed that inspection teams should continue taking action against all restaurants and food businesses without discrimination.

He further instructed inspection teams to strictly follow all standard operating procedures during inspections, including the collection of food samples whenever required for laboratory testing and legal action.

Uzair Khan said there would be no tolerance for violations of food safety standards in Islamabad. He directed officials to maintain regular inspections and continue enforcement measures to ensure that food sold across the city complies with public health and safety regulations.