Traditional content pushing Gen Z toward isolation, Psychiatrist demands urgent reform


Islamabad: A psychiatrist on Sunday called for quality, youth-oriented content in media and education systems, warning that disconnecting young people from their current digital reality may contribute to loneliness and anxiety in the era of social media.



While interacting with PTV News channel, psychiatrist Dr Ayesha Durrani urged reforms in education and social media, saying traditional and outdated content is fueling growing isolation among Gen Z, adding, young people need modern, engaging, and time-relevant material instead of old-style approaches, warning that the current mismatch is increasing boredom and loneliness.



She also stressed the need to introduce age limits for social media use, similar to practices in countries like Japan and the United States, adding, digital platforms should be regulated according to age groups to protect young users from harmful psychological effects.



She emphasized that media and educational systems should shift towards time-centered and youth-focused programs instead of relying on outdated or ‘boring’ content designed for older generations.



Gen Z requires modern, engaging, and relevant material that aligns with their digital lifestyle and learning patterns, she stressed.



Dr Durrani further highlighted that excessive and unstructured use of social media is contributing to growing feelings of loneliness among individuals, adding, while people remain constantly active on social media apps, meaningful real-life interactions and relationships are gradually declining.



She added that many individuals appear socially connected online but are practically isolated in real life, leading to emotional distance and weak personal relationships, adding, this imbalance between virtual engagement and real-world interaction is becoming a serious mental health concern.



She urged families, educators and policymakers to encourage balanced digital usage and promote real-life social bonding, stressing that healthier routines and meaningful human connections are essential for emotional well-being in the modern age.



She mentioned that excessive use of social media and prolonged screen exposure is also contributing to rising biological and physical health issues among young people.



According to her, irregular sleep patterns, reduced physical activity, eye strain and stress-related hormonal imbalances are becoming increasingly common due to continuous digital engagement.



She further explained that such biological impacts are not limited to physical fatigue but are also linked to declining concentration levels, mood disturbances and weakened overall well-being.



She stressed that these issues are especially affecting the younger generation, who spend a significant portion of their time on digital platforms.



In conclusion, she urged the need for balanced social media use, healthier routines, and greater awareness among families and institutions to protect both the mental and physical health of youth, emphasizing that timely action is essential to prevent long-term consequences.



Fake magistrate arrested as ICT admin tightens net around fraudsters


Islamabad: A woman posing as a magistrate was arrested in Tarnol, while the Islamabad district administration intensified action against individuals accused of deceiving citizens in the name of government authorities.



The arrest followed a tip-off from a local trader and was carried out by a special surveillance team working under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner.



According to officials, the district administration received information from a trader who reported suspicious activity by individuals claiming to represent government authorities. Acting on the complaint, the Deputy Commissioner’s surveillance team launched an immediate operation within the jurisdiction of Tarnol Police Station.



During the action, a woman allegedly impersonating a magistrate was taken into custody.



Authorities said she was presenting herself as a government official and was suspected of misleading citizens under the cover of official duties.



Following her arrest, a criminal case was registered and further investigations were initiated to determine whether other individuals were involved in the alleged fraud.



Officials stated that surveillance operations are being conducted daily across Islamabad to identify and stop people who misuse the names of government departments and public offices for personal gain.



The district administration said monitoring efforts have been expanded in different parts of the city to prevent similar incidents.



The Deputy Commissioner urged citizens and members of the business community to remain vigilant and report any person claiming official authority without proper identification or documentation. He said public cooperation plays a key role in helping authorities take timely action against such activities.



The district administration also appealed to residents to immediately inform the official helpline about any suspicious activity or individuals claiming to represent government departments.



Officials said prompt reporting can help prevent fraud and support law enforcement efforts.



Authorities reiterated that action against those involved in impersonation, fraud, or misuse of government authority will continue, and legal proceedings will be pursued in accordance with the law.



President pays tribute to Captain Karnal Sher Shaheed


Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed Nishan-e-Haider on his 27th martyrdom anniversary.



In a statement, he said the extraordinary sacrifice of Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed will live forever.



“The martyrs of Pakistan are our national asset; their sacrifices will always be remembered with appreciation and respect,” he said adding, “The nation is indebted to the sacrifices of its martyrs; it is these sacrifices that have made Pakistan’s defence impregnable.”



Govt strengthens educational support for workers’ families


Islamabad: In line with the vision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and the Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and uplift of the working class, the Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, has issued special directives to the Secretary of the Workers Welfare Fund, Zulfiqar Ahmad, to ensure the implementation of a landmark initiative aimed at providing educational facilities to an additional 100,000 children of registered workers across the country, from Grade 1 to 12.



This initiative is not merely an expansion of educational opportunities; it is a reflection of the State’s trust, respect, and commitment to securing a brighter future for the working class and their families, said a press release issued here.



Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain stated that this historic decision is a practical manifestation of the Government’s commitment, under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, to providing equal opportunities for prosperity, and social advancement to every working family in Pakistan.



“Pakistan’s progress is not solely dependent on industries; it is equally linked to the education of the children of those workers whose hard work and dedication keep these industries running. Today, we are not merely providing educational facilities to another 100,000 children; we are giving hope, dignity, and a better future to 100,000 families, he mentioned.



The Federal Minister emphasized that the Government firmly believes that education is a fundamental right of every child and not a privilege reserved for any particular segment of society. The children of workers deserve the same opportunities and access to quality education as those available to all other members of society.



He further stated that this initiative will significantly expand educational access across the country, ensuring that no deserving child is deprived of education due to financial constraints.



Chaudhry Salik Hussain reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to transforming the Workers Welfare Fund into a modern, efficient, transparent, and people-centric institution, where every policy and every initiative revolves around the welfare of workers and their families.



Concluding his message he stated: “The hands that built Pakistan will now see their children write Pakistan’s future.”



DIG Tariq reviews development projects, operational readiness


Islamabad: Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Islamabad Muhammad Jawad Tariq chaired a high-level meeting to review administrative affairs, ongoing development projects, financial management and operational preparedness of Islamabad Police.



An official told reporter on Sunday that SSP Security and Administration Suleman Zafar, accountants of the Operations Division and other relevant officers attended the meeting.



DIG Tariq conducted a detailed review of administrative matters, development schemes, financial affairs, transportation and other official issues to improve the operational efficiency of the force.



Tariq directed the officers concerned to ensure that all ongoing construction and development projects at police stations were completed within the stipulated timeframe and in accordance with high-quality standards to further strengthen police infrastructure.



The DIG Tariq also instructed officials to keep all official vehicles and motorcycles of the Operations Division fully functional and operational at all times to ensure the timely and effective delivery of police services to the public.



He reaffirmed Islamabad Police’s commitment to strengthening administrative efficiency, ensuring transparent utilization of resources and enhancing professional standards to provide modern, efficient and people-friendly policing in the federal capital, the official added.



MD NPF Rizvi reviews housing projects, legal affairs at high-level meeting


Islamabad: Managing Director National Police Foundation (NPF) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi chaired a high-level meeting to review the Foundation’s legal and administrative affairs, progress on housing projects and future development plans.



An official told reporter on Sunday that Director-in-Chief Brigadier (R) Ahmad Nawaz, Director Legal, Deputy Director Housing, Assistant Director Housing and Assistant Director Legal attended the meeting.



The participants conducted a detailed review of ongoing housing projects, pending matters, institutional planning and the overall performance of the National Police Foundation.



The meeting also discussed measures to improve administrative efficiency and ensure the timely resolution of pending issues.



Rizvi directed the relevant officers to complete all projects and official matters with transparency, merit and within the prescribed timelines to ensure better facilities for police employees and other deserving beneficiaries.



MD reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to improving service delivery and ensuring the successful execution of welfare and housing initiatives for the police community.