Month: July 2026

Islamabad: The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Secretariat called on Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and briefed him on key regional initiatives aimed at strengthening trade, connectivity, investment and economic integration among CAREC member countries.

During the meeting, the delegation informed the Minister that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is expected to approve a Border Connectivity and Logistics Upgrade Facility in the coming weeks to support the modernization of Pakistan’s border infrastructure and enhance regional trade and connectivity, said a release issued here on Wednesday.

The delegation also informed the Minister that Pakistan remains an active participant in implementing the Regional Trade and Investment Facilitation Partnership (CARIF) framework, which is entering its operational phase to promote trade facilitation, logistics cooperation and investment across the CAREC region.

The meeting reviewed preparations for the upcoming CAREC Ministerial Conference and Business Forum, to be held in Mongolia on 29-30 September 2026. During the meeting, the CAREC Secretariat formally invited the Federal Minister to participate in the conference, which will bring together ministers, senior government officials, development partners, international investors and private sector representatives from across the CAREC region.

The delegation informed the Minister that the Business Forum will focus on logistics, energy security, critical minerals, digital connectivity, investment opportunities and private sector collaboration.

It also shared plans to establish a Regional Chambers Alliance to strengthen business-to-business cooperation among Chambers of Commerce and Industry across the CAREC region with support from the Asian Development Bank.

The CAREC Secretariat also briefed the Minister on the ADB-supported Digital Corridor Study involving Pakistan and other CAREC member countries to enhance regional digital connectivity.

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan appreciated the continued support of CAREC and the Asian Development Bank in promoting regional economic integration and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening regional trade, connectivity and investment cooperation.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf on Wednesday unveiled Pakistan’s first four-year Hajj Policy (2027-2030), aimed at ensuring transparent and digital governance, accountability, merit and improved logistical facilities for pilgrims.

‘This is not only a policy but the beginning of fundamental and lasting reforms in Hajj arrangements,’ the minister said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad.

He announced that, for the first time, pilgrims will be able to choose their preferred Hajj year in advance under a four-year Hajj registration and waiting list system.

The minister said three to four-year contracts could be signed for accommodation, transport, catering, air travel and cargo services, which would improve the quality of facilities while reducing costs.

Sardar Yousuf said that all stages of the Hajj process-from registration to grievance redressal and post-Hajj review-would be carried out through a completely digital system.

Sharing details of the quota system, he said the quota for the government and private Hajj schemes would remain at 60 per cent and 40 per cent, respectively, from 2027 to 2030, unless revised by the federal cabinet.

He said the government would gradually transition to the role of regulator, monitor and quality assurer, rather than directly managing Hajj arrangements, while the involvement of the private sector would increase.

The minister said pilgrims would be able to register for the Hajj year of their choice by depositing an estimated 10 per cent of the Hajj expenses at the time of registration.

Regarding the selection process, he said pilgrims would be selected on a ‘first come, first served’ basis through a fully transparent digital waiting list.

He added that multiple Hajj packages of varying durations would be introduced under the Government Hajj Scheme, enabling pilgrims to choose according to their needs and convenience.

Sardar Yousuf said all procurement and contracts would be awarded transparently in accordance with government procurement rules in both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

He further said that if any amount remained from the Hajj dues collected after the completion of Hajj operations, it would be refunded to the pilgrims.

The minister said both public and private Hajj arrangements would be reviewed impartially by an independent third party to further improve the quality of services.

He added that the registration and monitoring of private Hajj companies would be based on their performance and compliance with prescribed service standards rather than quota allocation alone.

Sardar Yousuf announced that all private Hajj companies would be required to use the Private Hajj Management Portal (PHMP), through which bookings, payments, monitoring and auditing would be conducted entirely through digital means.

He noted that all Hajj payments would be made only through government-designated banking channels to ensure transparency and financial security.

Sharing details of the complaint mechanism, the minister said a modern digital complaint management system, effective monitoring and a formal appeals process were being introduced to ensure the prompt resolution of pilgrims’ complaints.

He also said that a comprehensive merit-based criterion would be formulated by the Cabinet Committee for the selection of Hajj assistants to ensure that the most qualified individuals were appointed.

The minister said the training of Hajj pilgrims would be further enhanced and would include awareness of Hajj rituals, mobile applications, health, emergency management and Saudi laws.

He added that the Hajj Protector Scheme would continue under the new policy, providing financial assistance in cases of death, accidents or emergency evacuation during Hajj.

Highlighting emergency preparedness, Sardar Yousuf said an emergency management system and a dedicated emergency response team would be established to deal effectively with any emergencies.

He said the new Hajj Policy had been aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and international standards to ensure transparency, digital governance, accountability and the provision of the best possible facilities to pilgrims.

Sardar Muhammad Yousuf expressed special gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying the new Hajj Policy had been formulated under his guidance and support.

He also commended the National IT Board, the Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and their teams, saying they had worked tirelessly to lay the foundation of a modern, transparent and efficient Hajj management system.

Expressing confidence in the new policy, the minister said the four-year framework would not only facilitate better planning for the coming years but would also strengthen the confidence of millions of pilgrims by bringing Pakistan’s Hajj arrangements in line with global standards.

Islamabad: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has paid glowing tribute to DSP Murid Bugti, who embraced martyrdom while proceeding on an operational mission in the Rakhni area of Barkhan, describing his sacrifice as a symbol of extraordinary courage, unwavering devotion to duty, and selfless service to the nation.

In a statement, the Interior Minister said that DSP Murid Bugti attained the highest honor of martyrdom while carrying out his professional responsibilities in the line of duty. He praised the fallen police officer as an enduring example of bravery, commitment, and sacrifice, adding that his services would be remembered with pride and respect.

Mohsin Naqvi said the courageous officer stood at the forefront of efforts to maintain peace in Barkhan and that his dedication to protecting the lives of citizens reflected the finest traditions of the Balochistan Police. He remarked that the nation salutes the supreme sacrifice of DSP Murid Bugti, whose courage has become a source of inspiration for law enforcement personnel across the country.

The Interior Minister emphasized that the people of Pakistan would always remember the sacrifice made by the brave son of the Balochistan Police in the fight for lasting peace and security.

Expressing his heartfelt condolences, Mohsin Naqvi extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved family of the martyred officer and prayed for strength and patience for them in bearing this irreparable loss.

Islamabad: Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Wednesday departed for a two-day official visit to Trkiye aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the railways, transport and infrastructure sectors.

During the visit, the minister will hold an important meeting with Trkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure to discuss avenues for enhancing collaboration in railway development, transport connectivity and infrastructure projects between the two countries.

The two ministers will also co-chair a high-level meeting of their respective delegations to review prospects for joint projects, strategic partnerships and expanded technical cooperation.

As part of the visit, Abbasi will inspect Trkiye’s advanced railway monitoring, operational control and safety systems, besides visiting modern railway technology centres and coach and locomotive manufacturing facilities.

The discussions will focus on cooperation in modern railway technology, signalling, digitalisation and infrastructure development, with the objective of incorporating international best practices into Pakistan Railways.

The visit is also expected to explore opportunities for technology transfer, investment by Turkish companies in Pakistan Railways’ development projects, and collaboration in coach manufacturing, locomotive production and railway engineering to enhance Pakistan’s local manufacturing capacity.

The minister will review Trkiye’s modern urban and high-speed rail systems to assess their potential applicability in Pakistan as part of the government’s drive to modernise the country’s railway network.

Officials said the visit would further support the government’s vision of transforming Pakistan Railways into a modern, safe, efficient and passenger-friendly transport system in line with international standards through greater cooperation with Trkiye.

Islamabad: A fire broke out at a restaurant in Islamabad’s I-8 Markaz on Wednesday.

According to a private news channel, rescue teams and firefighters responded immediately to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings.

The restaurant was evacuated as precautionary measure while firefighting operation was underway.

Islamabad: The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), in collaboration with UNICEF and the Lead Exposure Elimination Project (LEEP), on Wednesday agreed to strengthen national safety standards and regulatory enforcement to eliminate lead from consumer products, including turmeric, paints, traditional eye liners (surma), and other commonly used items.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi, UNICEF Officer-in-Charge Representative Sharmeela Rasool, and LEEP Country Head Abid Hasan.

Federal Secretary for Science and Technology Shahid Iqbal Baloch and Chairman of the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) Dr. Syed Hussain Abidi also attended the meeting.

The participants discussed the health risks posed by lead exposure, particularly for children and pregnant women, and stressed the need for stringent national safety standards and stronger regulatory mechanisms to ensure lead-free consumer products.

The minister announced that these products would be brought under the mandatory certification regime of the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), saying the move would strengthen regulatory oversight, improve market surveillance, and ensure that only safe and quality-assured products reach consumers.

UNICEF and LEEP reaffirmed their commitment to providing technical assistance to the ministry and its affiliated organisations in developing and implementing national standards, building institutional capacity, training technical and regulatory personnel, upgrading laboratory infrastructure, improving testing facilities, and enhancing quality assurance and regulatory enforcement.

Khalid Hussain Magsi appreciated the continued support of UNICEF and LEEP in strengthening Pakistan’s quality infrastructure, saying robust standards, effective regulatory systems, and modern laboratories were essential to protecting public health and ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens.

Both sides agreed to translate the commitments into practical actions through coordinated technical cooperation, institutional strengthening, and regulatory reforms aimed at reducing lead exposure, improving consumer product safety, reinforcing national testing and certification systems, and protecting children and other vulnerable groups.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Ministry of Science and Technology, PSQCA, PCSIR, UNICEF, and LEEP to advancing product safety, strengthening Pakistan’s quality infrastructure, and ensuring a healthier and safer future for all.