Month: July 2026

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Imran Shah to address International session on poverty alleviation in Chicago


Islamabad: Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah will participate in the two-day Turkish Festival, being held in Chicago on August 1-2 under the auspices of the Zakat Foundation of America.



The festival will bring together members of the Turkish, Pakistani, Arab and wider Muslim communities, providing a platform for dialogue on issues of shared social and humanitarian importance.



During the festival, the federal minister will address an international session titled “Poverty: A Global Threat.”



He will highlight Pakistan’s efforts in poverty alleviation, outline the government’s social protection initiatives, and discuss the role of the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety in supporting vulnerable communities.



He will also share Pakistan’s experience and recommendations for addressing poverty through international cooperation.



On the second day of the festival, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah will participate in a special session on the life and teachings of Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi His remarks will focus on Rumi’s enduring message of love, peace, spirituality and humanity, while highlighting the shared cultural and spiritual heritage between Pakistan and Trkiye.



As part of the programme, the federal minister will visit the headquarters of the Zakat Foundation of America, where he is scheduled to meet the Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Halil Demir. He will also interact with members of the Pakistani-American community.



During the visit, he will be briefed on the Foundation’s humanitarian and development initiatives in Pakistan and its global relief efforts, with discussions focusing on opportunities for continued cooperation in poverty alleviation and social welfare.



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FBISE announces SSC annual examination result 2026; pass percentage stands 59.77 in part I and 91.33 in part II


Islamabad: Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE), Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui on Wednesday announced the results of the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) Part I and Part II First Annual Examination 2026, with an overall pass percentage of 59.77 per cent in SSC-I and 91.33 per cent in SSC-II.



The results were officially declared during a ceremony attended by Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training as the chief guest alongwith academicians, position holders, their parents, principals and Board officials.



The Board Chairman Prof Dr Ikram Ali Malik briefed participants on the key features of the examination and the Board’s performance.



Addressing the ceremony, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui congratulated the successful candidates and urged them to continue striving for excellence and contribute to the country’s progress through hard work and dedication.



According to the Board, overall 150,077 including regular and Ex/private candidates were enrolled in SSC-I, of whom 88,646 passed, resulting in an overall pass percentage of 59.77.



Whereas overall 141,653 candidates appeared in SSC-II of whom 128,070 passed the exam with percentage stands at 91.33.



The FBISE said the results are available on its official website, through SMS and have also been communicated to candidates through SMS.



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Haroon, Farooq Sattar discuss measures to strengthen MSME sector


Islamabad: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan and Member of the National Assembly Farooq Sattar on Wednesday discussed measures to promote Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with a focus on boosting industrial productivity, employment and sustainable economic growth.



During a meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on strengthening the MSME sector through policy support, enhanced industrial competitiveness and entrepreneurship, a news release said.



Haroon Akhtar Khan said the MSME sector was the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, playing a pivotal role in employment generation, industrial development, entrepreneurship and export growth.



He said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, was implementing comprehensive reforms and policy measures to promote MSMEs and create a business-friendly environment across the country.



The SAPM said a stronger MSME sector would generate more employment opportunities, increase exports and enhance industrial production, thereby contributing to long-term economic prosperity.



He said the government remained committed to facilitating the business community, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises, through business-friendly policies, improved access to finance, adoption of modern technologies and enhanced institutional support.



Haroon Akhtar Khan said empowering MSMEs was among the government’s key priorities, adding that a vibrant MSME sector was essential for sustainable economic growth, industrial competitiveness and inclusive national development.



Farooq Sattar appreciated the government’s initiatives to promote the MSME sector and assured his full support for policies aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship, industrial development and economic growth in the country.



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Sindh inister for Auqaf pays tribute to Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai on his 283rd Urs


Karachi: Sindh Minister for Auqaf, Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr, Syed Riaz Hussain Shah Shirazi, has paid rich tribute to the great Sufi saint, poet and philosopher, Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (R.A.), on the occasion of his 283rd Urs Mubarak, describing his teachings as a lasting source of peace, love, tolerance, national unity and spiritual enlightenment.



In his message issued on Tuesday, the Provincial Minister said Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (R.A) was one of the greatest Sufi poets and intellectuals of the subcontinent whose timeless poetry continues to inspire humanity with the universal values of peace, compassion, brotherhood, patience, selflessness and mutual respect.



He said the revered saint devoted his life to spreading the teachings of Almighty Allah and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), while promoting harmony, coexistence and service to humanity.



Shirazi said the message of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (R.A.) remains as relevant today as ever, encouraging people to uphold social harmony, tolerance and public service. He noted that “Shah Jo Risalo”, the immortal literary masterpiece of the saint, is not merely a collection of poetry but a profound intellectual and spiritual legacy that offers guidance on every aspect of human life and reflects the enduring principles of justice, perseverance, sacrifice, love and human dignity.



The Minister said Sindh has long been recognized as the land of Sufi saints, adding that the poetry and philosophy of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (R.A.) represent the true spirit of Sindh’s civilization, culture and spiritual heritage.



He said the saint’s invaluable contribution to promoting Sindh’s rich Sufi traditions across the world would always be remembered with respect and admiration.



Highlighting the arrangements for the annual Urs celebrations, Syed Riaz Hussain Shah Shirazi said the Auqaf Department, Government of Sindh, has finalized all necessary preparations to ensure the successful observance of the 283rd Urs Mubarak.



He said comprehensive arrangements have been made for security, sanitation, medical facilities, accommodation, traffic management and other administrative matters to facilitate devotees and pilgrims.



He further stated that the Auqaf Department, district administration, law enforcement agencies and other relevant institutions are working in close coordination to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the Urs.



He emphasized that providing a safe, secure and well organized environment for pilgrims arriving from across Pakistan remains a top priority of the Government of Sindh.



The Provincial Minister urged the people to draw inspiration from the teachings and Sufi philosophy of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (R.A.) by promoting love, tolerance, unity, public service, national harmony and devotion to the homeland.



Concluding his message, Syed Riaz Hussain Shah Shirazi prayed that Almighty Allah, through the blessings of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (R.A.), may bless Sindh and Pakistan with lasting peace, stability, prosperity and unity, and enable the nation to move forward with harmony, brotherhood and mutual respect.



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LG Minister inaugurates Sindh Master Plan Authority’s advanced GIS technology


Karachi: Sindh Minister for Local Government, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, visited the Sindh Master Plan Authority, and formally inaugurated the Authority’s newly introduced advanced GIS (Geographic Information System) Technology.



During the visit, the Minister was given a live demonstration of the technology. The system will assist in the preparation of smart city plans and facilitate the identification of plots belonging to Sindh’s land management institutions. It will also enable the development of smart city plans through the use of Google imagery.



On the occasion, a balloting ceremony for Hajj 2027 was also held for the officers and employees of the Authority.



The ceremony was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Dr Waseem Shamshad, Senior Director Shakeel Siddiqui, DG KDA Asif Jan Siddiqui, along with senior officers of the Sindh Master Plan Authority and the Karachi Development Authority (KDA).



Speaking on the importance of the advanced GIS technology, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah stated that the use of modern technology would enhance transparency, efficiency, and effective monitoring in institutional affairs, while also ensuring the delivery of improved and quality public services.



Later, the Minister participated in the Hajj 2027 balloting ceremony for the Authority’s officers and employees. He congratulated the successful candidates and extended his best wishes for a safe and blessed pilgrimage. He added that the Government of Sindh remains committed to the welfare of its employees and that such initiatives help boost their morale.



On the occasion, Senior Director Shakeel Siddiqui presented a commemorative shield to Syed Nasir Hussain Shah.



Welcoming the Minister, he thanked the Government of Sindh for introducing the modern system and for its employee welfare initiatives.



He also reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to promoting transparency, good governance, and the adoption of modern technology through all possible measures.



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ACP commemorates 80th birth anniversary of renowned poet


Karachi: Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi organized a special commemorative event titled “In Memory of Fehmida Riaz” to mark the 80th birth anniversary of the celebrated poet, writer, and public intellectual Fehmida Riaz.



Held at the Josh Malihabadi Library, the event brought together leading literary figures, poets, scholars, students, and admirers of her work to celebrate her enduring literary and intellectual legacy.



The ceremony was presided over by Pakistan’s distinguished poetess Zehra Nigah, while Mohammad Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, attended as the chief guest.



Eminent literary personalities, including Dr. Fatima Hasan, Murtaza Solangi, and senior journalist and poet Fazil Jameeli, reflected on Fehmida Riaz’s literary achievements, intellectual contributions, and social activism.



Speakers paid rich tribute to Fehmida Riaz’s poetry, prose, intellectual vision, unwavering commitment to freedom of expression, and her invaluable contributions to Urdu literature. The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate her 80th birth anniversary.