Month: July 2026

Islamabad: Superintendent of Police (SP) City Zone Dr Ayaz Hussain on Sunday visited churches and Imambargahs in the federal capital to review security arrangements and ensure effective deployment of police personnel at sensitive places of worship.

An official told reporter that the SP Ayaz inspected security measures at various churches and Imambargahs and reviewed the overall security preparedness on the ground.

Ayaz checked the deployment of police personnel and assessed security arrangements to ensure the safety of worshippers and visitors.

The SP Ayaz directed officers on duty to remain alert, maintain a high level of vigilance and ensure the effective implementation of all security measures.

He emphasized that police officers should perform their duties with professionalism and respond promptly to any security-related situation.

Islamabad: Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, highlighting religious coexistence, communal peace, and mutual understanding among faiths, stated that safeguarding places of worship is a core duty of the state and stressed that any attempt to change their legal status will not be tolerated.

In his interaction with the media channels, he reiterated that safeguarding places of worship is a national and moral responsibility of the state and warned firmly against any attempt to modify their legal status.

He said that people should respect each other’ s religions and work towards strengthening social unity, tolerance, and patience in society, adding mutual respect among all faiths is essential for peaceful coexistence and national harmony.

He further stated that promoting understanding between different religious communities can help reduce tensions and build a more stable and inclusive society.

Ulema further said patience and respect are key values needed to maintain long-term peace.

He added that collective efforts are required from all segments of society to uphold these values and ensure that unity and harmony remain strong in the country.

He noted that Pakistan has ensured full religious freedom for all faiths and is working to expand religious tourism while providing a safe and peaceful atmosphere for Sikh and other minority communities, adding, authorities are taking steps to support pilgrims during their visits.

He added that maintaining interfaith harmony and respect among all communities remains a priority, adding,

improved arrangements at religious places are part of ongoing efforts to promote tourism and tolerance.

Islamabad: Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police conducted 41 large-scale combing and search operations across the federal capital during the past seven days, checking more than 3,100 individuals as part of enhanced security measures aimed at maintaining law and order.

An official told reporter on Sunday that the week-long operations were launched on the directions of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi and carried out under the supervision of zonal SPs in different areas of the city.

The official said lady police personnel also participated in the operations to ensure comprehensive checking.

During the operations, police checked 3,104 individuals and 1,438 households, besides inspecting 246 hotels, 312 shops, 1,588 motorcycles and 616 vehicles.

According to the official, 84 suspicious persons and 139 motorcycles were shifted to the respective police stations for further verification and legal action where required.

The official said special checking points had been established at the entry and exit points of the capital, while all patrolling units and special squads remained active across the city to strengthen security.

Citizens were urged to cooperate with police during checking and immediately report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or the Pucar-15 emergency helpline.

Islamabad: Reinforcing its commitment to making quality education accessible across borders, Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has announced admissions for the Fall 2026 Semester for overseas Pakistanis and international students. Through its advanced online education system, students from around the world can enroll in a wide range of academic programs and complete their studies without leaving their home countries.

The University is offering fully online Matriculation, Intermediate, Associate Degree, BS, B.Ed. and Postgraduate Diploma programs. Comprehensive information regarding all academic offerings is available on the University’s official website.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Nasir Mahmood said that AIOU is proud to provide modern, high-quality and accessible education to learners across the globe.

He noted that the University’s online learning system has been specifically designed to meet the educational needs of overseas Pakistanis and international students enabling them to pursue internationally recognized qualifications while residing in their own countries.

He further said that the Directorate of International Collaboration provides continuous guidance and support to students throughout the admission process and their academic journey. Currently students from 40 countries are enrolled at AIOU, while international admissions have increased by 30 percent compared to the previous semester, reflecting the growing global confidence in the University’s online education system.

All academic activities, including admissions, assignments, workshops and examinations, are conducted through the University’s Learning Management System (LMS), ensuring a seamless and fully online learning experience.

For further information and guidance, prospective students may contact the University via email at [email protected] or by phone at +92-51-9250175 and +92-51-9572495.

Islamabad: Fear of failure has become a major obstacle for many young people in Pakistan. Whether in education, careers or personal life, many believe that one wrong decision or a poor exam result will determine their entire future. This mindset creates stress, lowers self-confidence and makes it difficult to stay motivated. Instead of viewing mistakes as opportunities to learn, many see them as proof that they are incapable.

Experts have long warned about the consequences of unrealistic expectations. Dr. Zainab, a psychiatrist practicing in Islamabad, talking to reporter said, “When young people are taught that their value rests solely on success, failure becomes terrifying, not educational.” He said that when fear of failure becomes overwhelming, it can contribute to anxiety, depression and emotional distress, making timely psychological support essential.

Dr. Kazmi, a Clinical Psychologist, in response to an reporter query explained, “Societies that stigmatize failure often discourage young people from taking healthy risks, trying new opportunities and developing creative thinking. According to her, viewing failure as a learning experience instead of a personal defeat is essential for building resilience and emotional well-being.”

Many young people have experienced this firsthand. Samra Batool, a COMSATS University student living in a hostel, shared, “The fear of failing examinations often keeps me awake at night because delaying my degree is not an option. Studying away from my parents and native home is already expensive, and extending my education would place an additional financial burden on my family.” However, she believes that fear is not always negative. “A reasonable fear of failure creates a sense of responsibility and motivates us to work harder, as long as it does not damage our mental health.”

Employers, however, often value resilience over perfection. “Not everyone needs to have a perfect record. Those who have experienced setbacks and overcome them by learning and progressing are appreciated,” said the human resource manager of a prominent firm in Pakistan. His perspective highlights that adaptability and perseverance can be more valuable than an uninterrupted record of success.

Society also tends to judge individuals by their achievements, careers and financial status. As a result, many young people fear criticism, disappointment and embarrassment if they fail to meet these expectations.

Social media has intensified this pressure. Every day, young people are exposed to posts highlighting scholarships, promotions, successful businesses and outstanding exam results. These carefully curated success stories encourage unhealthy comparisons, making many believe that everyone else is succeeding while they are falling behind.

Fear of failure is not limited to academics alone. Many young people also experience it in career choices, job interviews, entrepreneurship, relationships and even social interactions. The pressure to ‘succeed early’ in life makes them hesitant to take risks such as changing career paths, starting a business, or expressing themselves freely, as failure in any of these areas is often seen as permanent rather than temporary

Students, recent graduates and young job seekers are particularly vulnerable. Those preparing for MDCAT, engineering entrance tests and university admissions often face intense pressure. According to a study by the Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning (PILL), many Pakistani students experience significant stress and anxiety related to academic and career concerns. Mental health professionals also identify academic pressure as one of the biggest challenges facing young people in Pakistan, leading to psychological health issues.

Responsibility for this issue is shared by parents, educational institutions, society and the media. Parents may unintentionally increase pressure by demanding outstanding results or comparing their children with siblings, relatives or classmates. Educational institutions often prioritize grades over creativity, critical thinking and emotional well-being. Society frequently treats failure as a disgrace rather than an inevitable part of growth. Meanwhile, the media often celebrates success without acknowledging the struggles and setbacks behind it.

Pakistan has witnessed several tragic incidents linked to excessive academic pressure. In 2015, Abdul Basit, a final-year dental student at Hamdard University Karachi, became emotionally distressed after being denied permission to sit an examination because he arrived late. The incident sparked a nationwide debate on student stress and academic pressure. Similarly, in 2018, multiple student suicides following Intermediate examination results in Chitral highlighted the immense pressure students face to perform academically and socially.

Fear of failure has become a significant challenge for Pakistan’s youth, fuelled by academic pressure, family expectations, social judgment and unrealistic comparisons.Young people need to understand that failure does not define their worth; it prepares them for greater challenges and stronger successes. Every setback is an opportunity to learn, grow and move one step closer to a brighter destination.

Islamabad: Rwanda’s 32nd Liberation Day (Kwibohora) was celebrated in Islamabad with patriotic fervor as Federal ministers, diplomats, parliamentarians, business leaders and members of the diplomatic community gathered to commemorate the country’s remarkable journey from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to becoming one of Africa’s fastest-growing and most resilient economies.

The commemorative ceremony, organized by the Embassy of Rwanda in Islamabad, highlighted Rwanda’s transformation through national unity, visionary leadership, innovation and strong governance while reaffirming the growing bilateral partnership between Rwanda and Pakistan.

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik said Rwanda’s Liberation Day symbolizes the courage, resilience and determination of the Rwandan people.

He noted that Kwibohora marks not only the end of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi but also the beginning of Rwanda’s journey towards peace, reconciliation, unity and sustainable development.

He praised Rwanda’s extraordinary achievements in governance, healthcare, education, innovation and economic development over the past three decades, describing the country as a model of recovery and prosperity in Africa.

Barrister Aqeel Malik also highlighted the strong and friendly relations between Pakistan and Rwanda, saying both countries continue to expand cooperation in trade, defence, education and multilateral diplomacy while working together to promote peace and sustainable development at international forums.

Speaking on the occasion, High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda to Pakistan H.E. Fatou Harerimana said the nation was commemorating 32 years since its liberation from the tragedy of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

She paid tribute to the brave soldiers of the Rwanda Patriotic Army who sacrificed their lives to stop the genocide and restore peace, saying their courage and devotion would never be forgotten.

The High Commissioner said that under the visionary leadership of President Paul Kagame and the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), Rwanda has undergone a historic transformation, emerging as a gateway to Africa driven by resilience, innovation and determination.

Highlighting Rwanda’s achievements, she said the country has made remarkable progress in economic development, tourism, infrastructure, healthcare, education, information technology, artificial intelligence and sports.

She noted that Rwanda has become a continental leader in digital innovation, having launched 5G technology and advancing preparations for future 6G deployment.

The country has also established the Africa Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation and the Coding College Academy to equip young Africans with advanced technological skills.

Harerimana said Rwanda is the first country in Africa to embark on nuclear energy development and continues to rank among the continent’s top performers in the World Bank’s Business Ready (B-READY) report.

She also highlighted Rwanda’s growing reputation as a premier destination for tourism and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), supported by world-class infrastructure, luxury hotels, national parks and the ongoing construction of a new Kigali International Airport, which is expected to become one of Africa’s largest aviation hubs.

In sports, she said Rwanda has successfully hosted major international events, including the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) World Championships, while preparing to host Formula One racing in Kigali. The country has also hosted Basketball Africa League competitions and international volleyball championships.

The envoy further emphasized Rwanda’s achievements in healthcare, noting that more than 90 percent of its population enjoys health insurance coverage. She said Rwanda has become a global leader in mRNA vaccine manufacturing and will soon host the headquarters of the African Medicines Agency (AMA), supporting the African Union’s goal of producing 60 percent of Africa’s vaccine requirements by 2040.

On gender equality, she pointed out that Rwanda leads the world with women occupying nearly 64 percent of parliamentary seats, making it the global leader in female parliamentary representation.

The High Commissioner also reaffirmed the growing diplomatic relationship between Rwanda and Pakistan, describing it as a partnership built on mutual respect, shared historical experiences and cooperation in defence, health, education, parliamentary exchanges, trade, gender equality and human rights.

She said both countries continue to work closely at the United Nations, in peacekeeping missions, the Commonwealth and other international platforms on issues including climate change, green energy and global peace.

Harerimana also acknowledged the valuable contribution of the Pakistani diaspora in Rwanda in strengthening cultural, diplomatic, business and people-to-people relations between the two countries.

She thanked the distinguished guests, members of the diplomatic corps and media representatives for joining the celebrations and helping make the event a meaningful tribute to Rwanda’s journey of liberation, resilience and national transformation.