Month: July 2026

Islamabad: A bogie of the Shalimar Express derailed at Khanewal Junction on Sunday afternoon while traveling from Lahore to Karachi, and services resumed after repairs.

Railway officials said no casualties or damage were reported after a bogie of the Shalimar express derailed at Khanewal Junction on Sunday afternoon while traveling from Lahore to Karachi.

The derailment temporarily suspended rail traffic at the junction as authorities launched repair and restoration work.

After the track was cleared and necessary repairs were completed, train operations resumed, railway officials confirmed.

Islamabad: Pakistan plans to strengthen its weather forecasting, disaster preparedness and climate resilience capabilities through a series of projects and policy initiatives.

According to the Annual Plan 2026-27, a copy of which is available with Wealth Pakistan, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has been allocated Rs1.6 billion to improve forecasting systems and disaster risk management.

The allocation includes Rs344 million for the proposed National Centre for Rainfall Enhancement to support water security, climate adaptation and agricultural productivity. Weather surveillance radar projects in Multan and Sukkur have been earmarked Rs195 million and Rs5 million, respectively, to improve real-time weather monitoring and early warning capabilities.

Another Rs1 billion has been allocated for the modernisation of Hydromet Services in Pakistan project, which aims to upgrade hydrometeorological infrastructure, improve forecasting accuracy and strengthen climate-related data systems.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination is projected to receive Rs2.5 billion, with the bulk of the allocation focused on forestry, biodiversity conservation, afforestation and ecosystem restoration.

Key initiatives include the Pakistan Climate Innovation and Green Growth Initiative to equip youth with green skills and support entrepreneurship through a Green Innovation Fund. A National Forest and Tree Cover Assessment using remote sensing and machine learning technologies is also planned to improve forest monitoring and restoration planning.

The programme will further introduce specialised initiatives under the Upscaling of Green Pakistan Programme, including the Pollution Load Assessment Network for environmental monitoring in Islamabad, a Botanical Garden in the federal capital and conservation efforts in the Margalla Hills National Park.

The government also plans to advance climate-smart agriculture, efficient water management, disaster risk reduction, green industrialization, circular economy initiatives and domestic carbon market mechanisms to support sustainable economic growth.

The focus on resilience reflects Pakistan’s increasing exposure to climate-related disasters. The Annual Plan notes that major floods in 2010, 2011, 2014, 2022 and 2025 caused extensive human and economic losses, damaging infrastructure and livelihoods across the country.

Citing the World Bank’s 2022 report, the plan says Pakistan suffers average annual losses of around $2 billion from floods and earthquakes. These losses could rise to $250 billion by 2030 and $1.2 trillion by 2050, with damage in priority sectors reaching up to 30% of GDP in a peak disaster year, highlighting the urgency of strengthening climate adaptation and disaster preparedness.

Islamabad: Political leaders, eminent religious scholars and people from all walks of life paid glowing tribute to Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider) on his 27th martyrdom anniversary, while social media echoed with heartfelt tributes, sharing his inspiring life and immortal legacy.

Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed, who was born in District Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 1970, embraced martyrdom during the Kargil conflict of 1999 while displaying exceptional bravery and leadership in the defence of the motherland.

He was later awarded the country’s highest military honour, Nishan-e-Haider, for his supreme sacrifice and outstanding gallantry. On his martyrdom anniversary, media reports and social media posts widely paid tribute to the national hero, highlighting his courage, devotion and enduring legacy of valor and sacrifice.

Religious scholars paid heartfelt and rich tribute to Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider) on his anniversary, describing him as a shining symbol of unmatched courage, unwavering faith and supreme sacrifice for the homeland.

They said the martyrs of Pakistan have written history with their blood, and their sacrifices continue to illuminate the path of the nation, adding, Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed’ s legacy stands as an eternal reminder of valor, unity and the unbreakable spirit of defending the motherland.

Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, in his remarks, said Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed wrote history with his blood through unmatched bravery and unwavering commitment to duty.

He added that the sacrifices of Pakistan’s martyrs are the nation’s greatest pride and an everlasting beacon of honour, resilience, and devotion to the country.

PPP leader and Senator Sherry Rehman also paid tribute, saying that Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed is remembered as a national hero whose courage and sacrifice represent the highest traditions of valour.

She said the nation remains united in honoring its martyrs, whose sacrifices continue to uphold Pakistan’s dignity, security and sovereignty.

PPP leader Sharmila Farooqui also paid tribute, saying that Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed is remembered as a national hero whose courage and sacrifice reflect the highest ideals of patriotism and valour. She said the nation stands united in honoring its martyrs, whose sacrifices continue to safeguard the country’s dignity, peace and sovereignty.

Citizens also paid tribute to Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider), saying his courage and sacrifice remain a source of national pride. They said his legacy continues to inspire love for the homeland and respect for the armed forces.

They added that the martyrs of Pakistan are the true heroes of the nation, whose sacrifices will always be remembered with honour and gratitude.

Islamabad: The Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH) has opened registration for its Biodiversity Challenge Badge 2026, a month-long educational programme aimed at engaging young students in biodiversity conservation through interactive learning and hands-on activities.

According to the PMNH, the programme has been designed for students aged 11 to 15 years and will consist of four weekly sessions, beginning from July 15, at the museum premises.

The programme will introduce participants to land, air and water biodiversity, as well as the biodiversity of Pakistan, through a series of educational activities including nature walks, food chain exercises, leaf printing art, bird beak adaptation games, tree biodiversity hunts, air pollution experiments, water ecosystem exploration, water pollution activities, ocean biodiversity gallery exploration, clay modelling of native animals and conservation pledge activities.

The initiative aims to enhance environmental awareness among young learners by providing practical exposure to Pakistan’s diverse ecosystems, wildlife and conservation efforts.

The participants who complete the programme will receive a Biodiversity Challenge Badge, a participation certificate, hands-on learning experience and environmental awareness skills. The participation fee has been fixed at Rs4,000 per participant for the complete programme.

The interested students and parents can register online at: https: //docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSduoPGNto7_i-Zmf9nZu9nbkwrGhZ-X7Ov-VWBPX1_HLxzlZg/viewform?usp=sharing and ouid=118007981006038800584.

The registration will remain open until the available seats are filled, urging interested participants to apply at their earliest.

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Islamabad: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Islamabad Zone has recovered Rs2 million in cash from a suspect involved in a visa fraud case and handed over the entire amount to the complainant.

An official told reporter on Sunday that the recovery was made during the investigation of a visa fraud case, and the recovered cash was returned to the complainant after completing the necessary legal formalities.

The official said the action reflected the FIA’s commitment not only to prosecuting those involved in visa fraud but also to safeguarding the rights and financial interests of victims.

According to the official, investigations into the case were continuing to trace other individuals who might be involved in the fraud.

The official said the FIA Islamabad Zone remained committed to protecting citizens’ rights and eliminating visa fraud and other financial crimes through effective legal action.

Islamabad: A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) officer, Group Captain Asim Tariq, was martyred after being shot while trying to intervene in an alleged attempt to force a young woman into a vehicle at Shaheen Chowk in the jurisdiction of Margalla Police Station.

An official told reporter on Sunday that , an unidentified man was allegedly trying to force a woman into a vehicle near Air University and Bahria University when Group Captain Asim Tariq, who was passing through the area, stepped in to help.

During the intervention, the armed suspect opened fire with a pistol, critically injuring the PAF officer, who embraced martyrdom at the scene.

Police shifted the body of the martyred officer to Pakistan Air Force Hospital Unit-II, while Additional SHO Siddique and Duty Officer Naveed reached the crime scene, collected forensic evidence and launched an investigation.

Police took the woman, identified as Nimra, into protective custody for questioning to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The armed suspect and his accomplices fled the scene in a vehicle immediately after the firing. Police have launched a search operation to trace and arrest the fleeing suspects.

Investigators are examining all aspects of the incident, and further legal proceedings are underway.