Month: July 2026

Islamabad: Scientists at the Potato Research Institute (PRI) Sahiwal have developed four new potato lines with high dry matter content (DMC) to support Pakistan’s growing processed potato industry, particularly the production of French fries and potato chips.

“We have recently developed four new potato lines with a dry matter content exceeding 22%, ” Potato Research Institute Director Dr Rana Aftab Iqbal told Wealth Pakistan. He identified the new lines as L 5-2, FD 74-30, FD 35-36 and FD 74-50.

Dr Aftab Iqbal said the Potato Research Institute, established in 2009, has so far developed 12 table potato varieties. Three of them — Punjab, Sadaf and Ruby — have a dry matter content ranging between 20% and 22%.

He said high dry matter content is one of the most important characteristics for producing processed potato products, as varieties with low DMC are unsuitable for producing quality French fries and potato chips. “Table potato varieties with low dry matter content cannot be effectively processed into value-added products such as chips and French fries, ” he said.

According to Dr Aftab Iqbal, farmers in Punjab have traditionally preferred high-yielding table potato varieties, which generally contain lower dry matter, because they produce better yields per acre. However, he said farmers have recently started cultivating imported high-DMC varieties, mostly of Dutch origin, including Lady Rosetta, Hermes, Alverstone, Venus, Sante and Asterix.

“There is a need to develop more high-DMC varieties locally, as they are better adapted to Pakistan’s climatic conditions, including frost, drought and heat stress, ” he said, adding that farming practices, fertiliser management — particularly the type of potash applied — and harvesting time also influence the dry matter content of potatoes.

Dr Ahmad Din, Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Food Science and Technology, Faisalabad, said Pakistan, despite producing around 10 million tonnes of potatoes annually and ranking among the world’s top 10 potato producers, has yet to fully benefit from the expanding global market for processed potato products. “It is mainly due to the cultivation of low-DMC potato varieties, which are unsuitable for processing into chips and French fries, ” he told Wealth Pakistan.

Dr Ahmad said potato varieties with a dry matter content above 20% are preferred for French fries because they absorb less oil, resulting in a crispier product and better processing quality.

He said processors currently rely mainly on imported high-DMC potato varieties such as Sante, Lady Rosetta, Cardinal and Asterix for producing chips and French fries. He added that expanding local production of high-DMC potato varieties would help utilise surplus potato output through value addition while increasing returns for growers and processors.

Islamabad: The Public Facilitation Centre established at the Supreme Court of Pakistan to facilitate litigants has become fully operational, offering 23 different services, with the number set to increase to 35 by August 2026.

Briefing the media, Supreme Court Public Facilitation and Liaison Officer Shumaila Naz said that the Centre’s services are also accessible through the Supreme Court’s website and mobile application.

She said that since October 2025, around 58, 000 litigants had availed various facilities through the Centre. She added that a dedicated call centre was also being established to further facilitate court users.

According to her, the Centre provides services including case information, case filing, certified copies of court orders and other essential facilities, all of which can also be accessed remotely.

Shumaila Naz said that a legal assistance feature had been added to the Public Facilitation Centre, while an auto-fixation feature was also being introduced as part of its digital services. She said the implementation of the auto-fixation policy would eliminate human intervention in the process of scheduling cases for hearing.

She further said that previously court filing fees had to be deposited at the State Bank of Pakistan, but now challans could be generated and submitted directly at the Public Facilitation Centre. Court fees could also be paid through any online bank or mobile banking application.

On the occasion, Supreme Court Registrar Suhail Laghari said that more than PKR 200 million had been spent on the Public Facilitation Centre, parking facilities and related infrastructure. He added that a separate briefing would be held on the case fixation policy.

Secretary to the Chief Justice Mushtaq Ahmed said that a call centre would soon be established at the Public Facilitation Centre where two lawyers would also be available to provide proper legal guidance to litigants.

He said that litigants who could not afford legal representation would be provided free legal assistance as well as the services of a lawyer.

Supreme Court Registrar Suhail Laghari, Secretary to the Chief Justice Mushtaq Ahmed and Supreme Court Spokesperson Dr. Shahid Kamboh were also present during the briefing.

Islamabad: With the South Korean team’s boots on Pakistani turf for the first bilateral series by a visiting international team in nearly 20 years, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani’s revival mission has produced its most visible dividend yet, a moment built in just five months of relentless work and several difficult decisions.

Wani took charge of the PHF as ad-hoc president in February 2026 following administrative changes ordered by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif amid reports of mismanagement within the federation. Since then, he has pursued a steady, methodical rebuild that stretches from the national team’s finances to grassroots pathways for boys and girls alike.

The scale of the challenge was, by his own account, daunting. Reflecting on the federation’s finances when he assumed charge, Wani had said the PHF’s account held a meager amount of pkr two million. Through sustained efforts and collaboration with government and private sector sponsors, that figure has since grown to pkr 400 million, funds he has insisted would go entirely toward player training and travel. He has repeatedly stressed that no foreign tours for federation officials, including himself, would be funded from this money.

Central to his approach has been handing technical control back to the men who once wore the national colours. “Look, it is time to move forward and hand over responsibilities to former Olympians who are eager to contribute, ” Wani said, noting that never before in the country’s hockey history had so many former Olympians been simultaneously engaged in key roles.

“These stalwarts have now been given full authority to rebuild the national team and make it competitive against the best sides in the world, ” he added. That trust has been reciprocated by a roster of former greats now embedded in the federation’s setup: Islahuddin Siddiqui and Hasan Sardar, who co-chair the PHF’s Development and Professional Advisory Committee; Samiullah Khan, appointed chief selector; Manzoorul Hasan, head coach of the senior national team; Khawaja Junaid, also on the coaching side; Ayaz Mahmood, head coach of the junior team; and Qamar Ibrahim, in charge of the Under-18 side.

Hasan Sardar and Islahuddin expressed confidence that Pakistan hockey could be put back on track within two years of the ad hoc committee’s reform agenda taking hold. “If all goes according to plan, our national team can return to the elite group of top six teams in the world within two years, ” Hasan Sardar said, “but this requires resources and proper patronage. ”

That local expertise has now been paired with international know-how. Earlier this month, the PHF roped in a foreign coaching panel to lead the technical side of the revival programme, headed by Dutch coach Herman Kruis as Overall National Hockey Coaching Advisor and Head Coach, alongside David Dwyer as Fitness and High-Performance Coach, Adnan Zakir as Junior Talent Identification Coach, Bob Johan Veldhof as Goalkeeping Coach, and Chris Bowen as Sports Psychologist.

Wani described the appointments as the beginning of a new era for Pakistan hockey. “We are bringing together international expertise to rebuild every aspect of the game, from player development and sports science to coaching education and high-performance systems, ” he said.

“Alongside preparing our national teams, these experts will mentor our local coaches and help establish a sustainable coaching infrastructure that will benefit Pakistan hockey for generations. ”

The panel is assigned to work across the senior, junior, Under-18, youth and women’s national programmes.

The efforts are yielding results. In March, Wani paid tribute to the national team for qualifying for the Hockey World Cup after an eight-year gap, calling it a remarkable achievement.

“If the players continue to demonstrate this level of performance and commitment, the national team will soon regain its lost glory, ” he said.

Women’s hockey has not been left behind. “Women’s hockey has remained dormant for far too long, even at the domestic level. We are making a fresh start and are committed to creating regular competitions that will eventually help us rebuild a strong national women’s team, ” Wani said, as the federation staged the Prime Minister National Women’s Under-21 Hockey Championship in Islamabad in early July. The tournament, contested by 16 teams from across the country, doubled as a talent hunt, with selected players recently getting chance to represent Pakistan in the Under-18 Women’s Asia Cup and the Under-18 Five-a-Side Asia Cup in Oman.

Wani said efforts were also under way to build a strong senior women’s national team, with qualified coaches to be appointed to nurture emerging talent.

Grassroots development has run in parallel across the board. In May, Wani announced that 60, 000 to 70, 000 youngsters were expected to take up hockey nationwide under a school and college outreach programme, distributing free kits to encourage participation among under-14 and under-16 age groups.

Corporate sponsors have also been drawn in: the PHF signed MoUs with Alaska Batteries and Sky 47 in May, with Wani telling the gathering, “This is not a one-day task, but we are taking steps and we will continue supporting hockey at every level. ”

Former Olympian Tauqeer Dar, present at the ceremony, termed the initiative encouraging.

Wani described 2026 as a year of international exposure for Pakistan hockey, with six major assignments on the calendar: the Hockey World Cup, the Asian Games, the Johor Cup, the Junior Asia Cup, the Under-18 Five-a-Side Asia Cup, and the Under-18 Asia Cup, alongside a visit by China’s regional team to Pakistan in December.

The South Korean series in Islamabad is only the first leg of a renewed hockey exchange between the two countries. Pakistan is also scheduled to travel to South Korea in September for a return four-match series, giving the national side back-to-back international exposure within a matter of months.

As Pakistan hockey takes its first confident steps back onto the world stage, the hope among players, Olympians and fans alike is that Wani’s reforms, spanning finances, coaching, and the women’s game, are not a passing moment but the foundation of a lasting revival.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday said an efficient, integrated and technology-driven logistics system was indispensable for achieving export-led growth, industrial competitiveness and regional connectivity under the government’s URAAN Pakistan initiative.

He also directed the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) to expand the Sost Dry Port and strengthen logistics infrastructure, while chairing the 68th meeting of the National Logistics Board (NLB), the apex body overseeing the country’s logistics sector, attended by its members.

During the meeting, the Quartermaster General Pakistan Army, Officer In-Charge NLC and Director General NLC briefed the board on the organization’s operational, administrative and financial affairs.

The board was informed about NLC’s achievements in advancing regional connectivity, particularly through the establishment of Forward Transit Trade Hubs at Serhatabat in Turkmenistan, Termez in Uzbekistan and Kashgar in China, aimed at diversifying export routes for Pakistani products. Members were also briefed on new initiatives to strengthen logistics infrastructure and promote value addition in agricultural exports.

Highlighting the strategic importance of logistics, Ahsan Iqbal directed NLC to focus on expanding the Sost Dry Port as a key gateway for boosting Pakistan’s exports and enhancing regional trade connectivity.

He also instructed the corporation to establish a state-of-the-art driving academy in line with international standards to develop a skilled workforce capable of serving global logistics markets.

He stressed that trainees should also receive foreign language training to facilitate effective communication in cross-border trade, particularly under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The minister said logistics had evolved beyond the transportation of goods and had become the backbone of a competitive economy, the foundation of resilient supply chains and a strategic enabler of national security and sustainable development.

“For Pakistan, improving logistics is not simply a sectoral reform; it is a national economic imperative. As we pursue the goals of URAAN Pakistan, particularly export-led growth, industrial competitiveness and regional connectivity, an efficient, integrated and technology-driven logistics ecosystem will be indispensable, ” Ahsan Iqbal said.

He said the country’s logistics reforms should focus on reducing the cost and time of doing business through efficient transport networks, multimodal connectivity, digital logistics and seamless trade facilitation to attract investment and position Pakistan as a regional connectivity hub linking South Asia, Central Asia, China and the Middle East.

The minister also commended NLC’s performance and acknowledged its leading role in the modernization and transformation of Pakistan’s logistics sector.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Tuesday said improved coordination between the federal and provincial governments, coupled with strengthened early warning systems, had made this year’s response to monsoon rains more effective and helped reduce loss of life and property compared with previous years.

The minister expressed these views during a visit to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), accompanied by Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Musadik Malik, Mian Muhammad Moeen Wattoo and Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb.

Describing the response to the ongoing monsoon season as very effective, the minister said valuable lessons had been learnt from last year and that the whole-of-the-government approach had never been stronger.

He expressed heartfelt gratitude to NDMA Chairman Lt. General Inam Haider Malik, for the authority’s role in coordinating disaster management efforts.

Attaullah Tarar said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had initiated timely meetings attended by NDMA officials, members of the federal cabinet and representatives of the provincial governments, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, to ensure coordinated preparedness and response.

He said the NDMA had worked closely with all relevant departments and provincial governments to strengthen early warning mechanisms and ensure timely dissemination of information to the public.

Highlighting the role of the National Emergency Operations Centre, the minister said such facilities were found in very few countries and described the centre as a valuable national asset for implementing the whole-of-the-government approach and issuing timely early warnings.

He said delegations from across the world visited the NDMA to observe the centre and its technological capabilities.

The minister said the technology deployed at the facility enabled authorities to provide timely information to the public, helping minimise loss of life and property.

He added that these efforts had contributed to reducing losses during this year’s monsoon season.

Tarar said public awareness had been promoted not only through traditional media but also through the Pak NDMA Alert App, which provided subscribers with real-time information on their devices.

He said the government would continue working collectively with all relevant ministries, divisions and provincial governments to address the challenges posed by the monsoon season, adding that a comprehensive briefing on preparedness and response measures had already been presented.

The minister stressed that disaster response was the responsibility of every citizen and the wider community.

He urged the public to actively participate in relief efforts wherever loss and damage had occurred and remain vigilant in areas facing the risk of cloudbursts, flooding in rivers and streams, and exceptionally heavy rainfall.

He noted that several cities had received within a few days an amount of rainfall that would normally be expected over several months, reiterating that the overall response had nevertheless remained effective.

Attaullah Tarar said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting remained fully committed to enhancing public awareness and ensuring timely dissemination of information in coordination with the NDMA and all relevant ministries and divisions in line with the prime minister’s directions.

He also appreciated Pakistan’s media for supporting awareness campaigns on climate-related challenges, early warning systems and disaster preparedness through news bulletins, talk shows and social media platforms.

“We will continue to play our role to make the people aware of this challenge, ” the minister said, expressing hope that the response would become even more effective in the coming days and that all stakeholders would continue working together to assist the affected people.

Islamabad: Pakistan have stormed into the final of the Zong 5G Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) Men’s Volleyball Championship here at the Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex on Tuesday.

The Men’s Volleyball Championship 2026 entered its decisive knockout stage, where volleyball fans witnessed three exciting matches, including two high-quality semifinals.

Hosts Pakistan continued their unbeaten run with another commanding straight-set victory over Sri Lanka to secure a place in the championship final, while Bangladesh produced another impressive performance by defeating Uzbekistan to book its place in the title match.

The day’s action began with the 5th Place Classification Match between Kazakhstan and Nepal. Kazakhstan displayed excellent teamwork, consistent serving, and disciplined attacking play to dominate the match. Nepal fought hard, particularly during the closely contested second set, but Kazakhstan maintained composure during the crucial moments to complete a straight-set victory. Kazakhstan defeated Nepal 3-0 (25-16, 26-24, 25-20). With this victory, Kazakhstan finished fifth, while Nepal concluded the championship in sixth place.

The first semifinal featured an exciting contest between Bangladesh and Uzbekistan. Bangladesh produced one of its finest performances of the tournament, controlling the match with aggressive serving, disciplined blocking, and outstanding teamwork. Uzbekistan attempted to fight back in each set, but Bangladesh remained composed throughout and never allowed its opponents to build momentum. Bangladesh defeated Uzbekistan 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-19). The convincing victory secured Bangladesh’s first appearance in the championship final, while Uzbekistan will now compete for the bronze medal.

The second semifinal witnessed another outstanding performance by the host nation as Pakistan comfortably defeated Sri Lanka in straight sets to advance to the final.

Backed by a packed home crowd, Pakistan played with tremendous confidence and intensity from the opening whistle. The Green Shirts dominated every aspect of the match through powerful serving, exceptional blocking, quick attacks, and disciplined defensive play.

Pakistan took complete control after winning the opening set and produced its most dominant volleyball of the tournament in the second set, allowing Sri Lanka only ten points.

Although Sri Lanka offered improved resistance in the third set, Pakistan remained calm under pressure and completed another comprehensive victory. Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 (25-18, 25-10, 25-21). The victory extends Pakistan’s remarkable unbeaten record to six consecutive victories, all achieved in straight sets, and secures a deserved place in the championship final.

Chairman PVF Ch. Muhammad Yaqoob Congratulates the National Team Chairman Pakistan Volleyball Federation, Ch. Muhammad Yaqoob, congratulated the players, coaching staff, and management on reaching the final.

He said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our players, coaches, and officials on reaching the final with another outstanding performance. Winning six consecutive matches without dropping a single set reflects the team’s exceptional preparation, discipline, and determination. The players have made the entire nation proud. ”

He further added, “I also congratulate Bangladesh on reaching the final and appreciate all participating teams for displaying outstanding volleyball and excellent sportsmanship throughout the championship. We look forward to an exciting final between the two best teams of the tournament. ”

President Pakistan Volleyball Federation, Sohail Khawar Mir, praised the team’s consistency and focus. He stated, “The national team has performed brilliantly from the opening match to the semifinal. Every player has contributed to this remarkable success, while the coaching staff deserves immense credit for preparing the team so professionally. ”

He further said, “Reaching the final without losing a single set is a historic achievement. We hope the team will maintain the same momentum and bring the championship trophy home for Pakistan. ”