Month: July 2026

Tehran: President of Iran Dr Masoud Pezeshkian has said that expansion of bilateral collaboration between Pakistan and Iran, ranging from economic and trade sectors to security, must be pursued with greater urgency as current bilateral cooperation did not yet reflect the full potential of both nations.

Accepting the diplomatic credentials of new Pakistani Ambassador to Tehran Imran Ahmed Siddiqui held on Wednesday, the Iranian president described ties between the two nations as much deeper than a conventional neighborly relationship.

He said that the bilateral partnership was anchored in profound historical, cultural, religious, and fraternal bonds, reaffirming that Iran viewed Pakistan as a trusted partner and a brotherly nation-calling it a second home for all Iranians.

He expressed confidence that Pakistan-Iran relations would continue to strengthen in the years ahead.

President Pezeshkian commended the Pakistani leadership for their active role in recent regional developments, specifically praising efforts by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States which demonstrated Pakistan’s genuine commitment to peace and regional stability.

He said that such initiatives and the ongoing consultations between Tehran and Islamabad were highly valued by the government and people of Iran.

The Iranian President also conveyed his warm regards and best wishes to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi, while assuring Ambassador Siddiqui of full official support during his diplomatic tenure.

In his remarks, Ambassador Imran Ahmed Siddiqui described the Iran-Pakistan relationship as an exemplary model of historic solidarity, noting that both nations have consistently supported one another through challenging times.

He reaffirmed his commitment to unlocking vast opportunities in trade, investment, and infrastructure projects.

Ambassador Imran Ahmed Siddiqui thanked President Pezeshkian for the warm welcome and conveyed the good wishes of Pakistan’s leadership to the president and the people of Iran.

The ambassador also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with Iran for regional peace and security and for promoting unity among the Muslim Ummah.

Noshera virkan: Assistant Commissioner (AC) Saadia Jamal on Thursday supervised o clearance work at rainwater drains to prevent flooding and crop damage in several areas including Alipur Road Nokhar, Bopra Kalan, Chak Chattha, Budha Chando, Abidabad, Kot Nidhan and Kot Ladha, following reports that blocked drainage channels had caused water to overflow into surrounding areas.

The operation was carried out under the directives of Gujranwala Deputy Commissioner, Naveed Ahmed, who instructed assistant commissioners across the district to remain on high alert as a persistent monsoon weather system continued to affect central Punjab for a third consecutive day.

The heavy machinery was used to remove obstructions from the drainage channels, restoring the normal flow of water and reducing the risk of flooding in nearby fields, the official sources said.

Rawalpindi: Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar emphasized that Pakistan’s economic stability relies on expanding industrial capacity, bolstering local manufacturing, and reducing dependence on imported commodities.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of a new beverage facility at Murree Brewery, the minister highlighted that increasing domestic production is essential to curtailing the national import bill and fulfilling the market demand of a growing population.

‘We will see improvement in our economy as our industrial output increases. With such a large market, how can we cater to our public without industrialization,’ the minister said.

Commending Isphanyar M. Bhandara, MNA for investing in modern, automated production lines for soft drinks, juices, and bottled water, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar noted that the facility successfully maintained workforce levels despite introducing advanced machinery.

‘I saw how, in a small space, mechanical processes enable high-volume production. What is also very positive is that even with the installation of such modern machinery, employment has not been eliminated. This, I believe, is the balance we need to maintain,’ he said.

He added that industrial growth generates an extensive trickle-down economic chain, spanning transportation, logistics, retail, and supply networks that strengthen the broader economy.

‘Look at the market here. They are producing juices and cold drinks, and then you have the people who take it to market, the carriage, the retailer and those who supply it further, is a whole chain of activity that increases employment and strengthens the economy,’ he said.

He congratulated Bhandara on the new facility and expressed hope that hundreds of similar units would be established across the country to generate employment and contribute to national development.

Speaking at the event, Isphanyar M. Bhandara said the installation of the new beverage plant would boost local production and create new jobs.

‘With the installation of this new plant, around 100 jobs have been added to our company. It is very encouraging to see new machinery being installed and production taking place locally,’ Bhandara said.

He further said that there is no need to look outside the country.

“We have a beautiful country with a huge market, and Pakistan has excellent potential in food and beverages,’ he added.

He expressed confidence that the plant would scale up production capacity and support ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing.

Peshawar: At least 22 people have lost their lives and 23 others have been injured in rain-related incidents and flash floods across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since July 19, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) informed on Thursday.

The ongoing monsoon spell has caused widespread damage across the province. The PDMA reported that the deceased include nine men, three women and ten children, while the injured comprise 11 men, five women and seven children.

The authority said 37 houses were damaged by heavy rains and flash floods, including 29 partially damaged and eight completely destroyed homes.

The affected districts include Peshawar, Nowshera, Khyber, Mardan, Buner, Bajaur, Shangla, Swabi, Upper and Lower Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Tank, Torghar, Kurram and North and South Waziristan.

Rescue 1122, district administrations and relevant institutions remain on high alert and are continuing relief and rescue operations in the affected areas. Authorities have directed local administrations to ensure the prompt delivery of relief supplies and accelerate assistance for affected families.

According to officials, water levels in the province’s rivers and streams are currently within the normal range. However, intermittent rainfall is expected to continue and all district administrations have been instructed to remain vigilant.

The Director General of the PDMA has urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from flood-prone and sensitive tourist areas and strictly follow official weather advisories and safety instructions.