Month: July 2026

Islamabad: The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the Federation and other respondents on a petition seeking suspension of the sentences awarded to Iman Mazari and Barrister Hadi, and adjourned further hearing until July 21.

During the proceedings, the Court observed that the Islamabad High Court should fix the case for hearing and decide the application for suspension of sentence.

A three-member bench headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, and comprising Justice Musarrat Hilali and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan, heard the matter.

Counsel for Iman Mazari, Faisal Siddiqi, submitted that the Supreme Court had earlier directed the Islamabad High Court to decide the sentence suspension application within two weeks, but the order had not been complied with.

He informed the bench that the High Court had initially fixed the matter for May 20 and later adjourned it to June 4. However, the cause list for that day was cancelled, and the case had not been fixed for hearing since then.

The counsel further stat
ed that an application seeking an early hearing had also been filed but was returned without being entertained.

“Our only request is that the High Court fix the case and decide it, even if the decision goes against us. The matter should at least be heard,” Siddiqi argued.

Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar observed that the Supreme Court generally does not interfere even in the interim orders of the High Court, whereas in the present case, the High Court had not yet even issued notices to the prosecution.

Accepting the request made by the petitioner’s counsel, the Supreme Court adjourned the hearing until July 21 and issued notices to the Additional Attorney General as well as the other parties.

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari will undertake a four-day official visit to the Kyrgyz Republic from July 6-9, 2026, leading a high-level delegation, at the invitation of President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov.

This is the first visit by a President of Pakistan to the Kyrgyz Republic in 21 years, marking a historic milestone in the bilateral relationship. It follows the successful visit of the Kyrgyz President to Pakistan in December 2025 and reflects the sustained upward trajectory of high-level engagement between the two brotherly countries, according to a Foreign Office press release.

During the visit, President Zardari will hold a one-on-one meeting and delegation-level talks with President Sadyr Zhaparov.

The two leaders will review the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan relations and exchange views on regional and international developments of mutual interest. During the discussions, both leaders will focus on deepening cooperation across trade and investment, energy, mining, agriculture, textiles, the halal industry, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, the digital economy, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

During his visit, the president will also receive the Speaker of the Kyrgyz Parliament for a courtesy call.

Pakistan and the Kyrgyz Republic enjoy warm and fraternal relations, anchored in shared history, faith, culture and common aspirations for peace, connectivity and prosperity in Central and South Asia.

In 1995, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto became the first Pakistani Prime Minister to visit Kyrgyzstan. President Zardari’s visit to the Kyrgyz Republic will open a new chapter in the enduring friendship between the two countries.

In December 2025, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov paid a visit to Pakistan when both countries signed multiple accords to strengthen bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including energy, mining, commerce, agriculture, culture, health, tourism, and regional connectivity.

President Zhaparov’s maiden visit to Pakistan was the first one by a Kyrgyz head of state in two decades.

Islamabad: The 24th Meeting of National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training was held under the Acting Chairmanship of Member National Assembly (MNA) Mahtab Akbar Rashdi, here at Parliament House on Monday.

The Committee sought an explanation regarding the selection of the International Center for Skills (ICS) as the implementing partner for the NCLEX Nursing Training Programme. While informed that the programme aims to prepare Pakistani registered nurses for international licensure and employment, the Committee expressed serious concerns over the selection of 500 participants, noting that the opportunity had not been publicly advertised and that candidates had been nominated by the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC).

Highlighting that approximately Rs 300,000 is being spent on each trainee from the public exchequer, the Committee questioned the transparency and merit of the selection process. Seeking further clarity, the Committee directed the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) to provide comprehensive details regarding the selection of the implementing partner, the nomination criteria, and the overall implementation framework of the programme.

The Committee expressed serious concern over the persistent administrative and faculty-related issues at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology, observing that the prolonged failure to address these matters has adversely affected the University’s governance and functioning.

During the briefing, the Committee was informed that financial constraints had resulted in delays in the payment of salaries and pensions to faculty members, employees, and retired staff, giving rise to significant administrative challenges and employee grievances.

The Committee emphasized that it is the responsibility of the University’s leadership to proactively address these issues by engaging the relevant authorities and pursuing the necessary financial support.

Members criticized the apparent lack of urgency in resolving the longstanding problems, warning that continued inaction on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of the University would further aggravate institutional instability and undermine the welfare of the University’s employees.

To thoroughly examine the matter, the Committee decided to seek a comprehensive response from the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training through a detailed questionnaire covering the University’s financial, administrative, and governance issues.

The committee was briefed on the overview of the Inter Board Coordination Commission’s (IBCC) equivalence system for Cambridge qualifications and its regulatory framework for foreign Qualification Awarding Bodies (QABs) operating in Pakistan.

The committee was informed that the process for converting Cambridge O and A Level grades into Pakistani SSC and HSSC equivalence, outlines mandatory subject requirements, grade conversion criteria, and application procedures, and highlights IBCC’s statutory authority under the IBCC Act, 2023 to regulate foreign examination boards.

The presentation further details the 15 regulatory standards governing foreign QABs, covering governance, curriculum alignment, quality assurance, legal compliance, accessibility, and examination integrity. It also notes that the Regulatory Committee has recommended the registration of Cambridge International Education as a Qualification Awarding Body in Pakistan for its Cambridge IGCSE, O Level, AS and A Level, and AICE Diploma qualifications, subject to compliance with IBCC regulations, prior approval for institutional expansion, and alignment of compulsory subjects with Pakistan’s National Curriculum.

The meeting was attended by MNA’s including Anjum Aqeel Khan, Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, Ms. Zeb Jaffar, Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Ms. Musarrat Asif Khawaja, Syeda Amnah Batool, Abdul Hakeem Baloch, Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Ms. Mahtab Akbar Rashdi, Ms. Mussarat Rafique Mahesar, Abdul Aleem Khan, Ms. Sabheen Ghoury and Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar. The meeting was also attended by the Secretary and officials of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, officials of Higher Education Commission HEC and other officers concerned.

Islamabad: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday forecast scattered rain, windstorms and thundershowers, with isolated heavy falls, in the upper and central parts of the country during the next two days under the influence of moist currents from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, coupled with an approaching westerly wave.

According to the PMD, moist currents from the Arabian Sea are continuously penetrating the upper parts of the country, while moist currents from the Bay of Bengal are expected to enter the northeastern parts from Monday evening/night.

Meanwhile, a westerly wave is likely to approach the upper parts of the country within the next 12 hours, while the seasonal low lies over northwestern Balochistan.

The Met Office said scattered rain, windstorms and thundershowers, with isolated heavy falls, are expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur in Azad Jammu and Kashmir from the night of July 06-08 with occasional gaps.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, scattered rain, windstorms and thundershowers with isolated heavy falls are likely in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Nowshera, Charsadda, Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan and Hangu from the night of July 06 to July 08, while Waziristan, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan are expected to receive rain on July 07 and 08.

In Islamabad and Punjab, scattered rain, windstorms and thundershowers with isolated heavy falls are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Faisalabad, Khushab, Sargodha, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Okara and Kasur from the evening/night of July 06 to July 08, while Noor Pur Thal, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Layyah, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur are likely to receive rain on July 07 and 08.

The PMD said rain, windstorms and thunderstorms are expected in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar in Gilgit-Baltistan on July 07 and 08.

It said isolated rain, windstorms and thundershowers are likely in the north and northeastern districts of Balochistan, including Zhob, Sherani, Kohlu, Musakhel, Naseerabad, Harnai, Sibbi, Barkhan, Dera Bugti and Khuzdar, on the night of July 07 and July 08.

In Sindh, mainly hot and very humid weather is expected in most parts of the province.

However, isolated rain, windstorms and thundershowers are likely in Tharparkar, Sukkur, Shikarpur, Larkana, Dadu, Jacobabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Qambar Shahdadkot and Naushahro Feroze on July 07 and 08.

The Met Office warned that windstorms and lightning may damage weak structures, including solar panels, electric poles and billboards, during the forecast period.

It said landslides may occur in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir on July 07 and 08, while water flow may increase in local streams and nullahs of Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan.

It warned that heavy rains may cause localized urban flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Nowshera, Gujranwala, Lahore and Faisalabad on July 07 and 08.

The PMD advised tourists and travelers to remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period.

The farmers were advised to manage crop activities in view of the weather conditions and ensure proper care of their livestock.

The department said the prevailing hot and humid conditions are likely to subside during the forecast period and advised all concerned authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation.

Islamabad: Syed Muhammad Fazil Raza Attari, the supervisor of Faizan Global Relief Foundation (FGRF) for the United Kingdom, Europe and Canada, has been awarded an honorary doctorate during a prestigious ceremony held at the House of Lords in the British Parliament in recognition of his outstanding humanitarian, social and welfare services to British society.

The honorary degree was presented at a ceremony attended by distinguished personalities from various walks of life. Speakers praised Syed Muhammad Fazil Raza Attari’s contributions to social welfare, highlighting his efforts in promoting humanitarian initiatives and community development across the UK, Europe and Canada, said a press release issued here.

Under his leadership, Faizan Global Relief Foundation (FGRF), the welfare wing of Dawat-e-Islami, has carried out extensive relief and development work in the areas of disaster response, emergency assistance, healthcare, education, food distribution and other charitable initiatives.

The organisation has served millions of people without discrimination, with its humanitarian activities extending beyond the UK to Pakistan, Europe, Africa, Asia and other parts of the world.

Over the past several years, Syed Muhammad Fazil Raza Attari has also received numerous certificates of appreciation, shields, trophies and awards from institutions in the United Kingdom, Pakistan and other international organisations in recognition of his social and humanitarian contributions.

Addressing the gathering, speakers emphasised that the spirit of serving humanity is the cornerstone of a progressive society, adding that sincere, honest and dedicated efforts in public service continue to earn recognition at the international level.

Dawat-e-Islami, an international Islamic organisation, has been engaged in religious outreach and welfare activities around the world for decades. Its humanitarian arm, Faizan Global Relief Foundation (FGRF), provides relief and development services regardless of religion, race or ethnicity.

The organisation’s founder, Allama Maulana Muhammad Ilyas Attar Qadri, has long promoted the message: “I must strive for the reformation of myself and the people of the entire world.” Guided by this vision, Dawat-e-Islami and its welfare institutions continue to expand their humanitarian efforts across the globe.

Islamabad: Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Security Islamabad Rana Umar Farooq chaired a high-level meeting with the Safe City technical team and officers of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) to review security arrangements for Chinese nationals residing in the federal capital.

An official told reporter on Monday that the meeting was briefed on the security measures being implemented through modern technology to ensure the safety and protection of Chinese nationals in Islamabad.

The Safe City technical team presented an overview of the surveillance and monitoring mechanisms being used to strengthen security, while SPU officers shared updates on operational preparedness and protection arrangements.

Rana Umar directed the officers concerned to further enhance security measures by making effective use of modern technology and ensuring close coordination among all relevant units.

He emphasized that the safety of Chinese nationals remained a top priority and instructed officers to maintain the highest level of vigilance and operational readiness to effectively respond to any security challenge.