Month: July 2026

Islamabad: Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police have arrested three members of an organized motorcycle theft gang and recovered six stolen motorcycles worth millions of rupees during a successful operation by the Anti Motorcycle Lifting Unit.

An official told reporter on Saturday that the Anti Motorcycle Lifting Unit conducted an intelligence-based operation and apprehended three suspects involved in motorcycle theft incidents in different parts of the federal capital.

The official said the arrested suspects were identified as Salamat Ali, Bilal Ahmed and Afrad Shah.

According to the official, police recovered six stolen motorcycles worth millions of rupees from the possession of the accused, while further investigation was underway to trace additional theft cases and recover more stolen property.

SSP Security/Operations Suleman Zafar said all legal requirements would be fulfilled to ensure exemplary punishment for the arrested suspects.

He said Islamabad Police would continue indiscriminate action against criminals depriving citizens of their valuable property.

The SSP added that large-scale operations against organized and active motorcycle theft gangs were continuing to curb vehicle theft and strengthen public safety in the federal capital.

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari, Saturday, extended felicitations to the President of the United States of America Donald Trump and the American people on the momentous occasion of the United States’ 250 years since the Declaration of Independence.

In his letter to the US President, he said that the United States continued to build upon its enduring legacy of strength, innovation and commitment to the ideals of freedom, democracy and opportunity.

He noted that the remarkable achievements of the American people over the past two and a half centuries have contributed significantly to global progress and prosperity, President Secretariat Media Wing said in a press release

President Zardari said that Pakistan and the United States shared a long-standing relationship based on mutual respect, shared interests and a common commitment to advancing peace, security and prosperity.

He emphasised that these enduring ties have been further strengthened by the vibrant Pakistani-American community, whose achievements and contributions continue to enrich both societies while serving as a lasting bridge of friendship and understanding.

‘Describing the bilateral relationship as being on an ascendant trajectory, characterised by renewed engagement and a shared determination to build a stronger, future-oriented partnership, the President stressed the importance of sustaining this momentum through structured engagement in energy security, trade and investment, defence and counter-terrorism, and other areas of mutual interest,’ it was added.

Underscoring that a strong Pakistan-US partnership directly contributes to regional peace and security, the president noted that its inherent value was validated last year in May, when President Trump led the successful brokering of a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed states.

He further said that with an evolving global landscape, this partnership strengthens, expressing appreciation for the trust and confidence placed by the US in Pakistan’s mediatory role for negotiations with Iran.

The president expressed his firm conviction that a sustainable solution could only be achieved through dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation.

President Zardari conveyed that the people of Pakistan would be honoured to host President Trump in Islamabad at his earliest convenience.

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Saturday, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining a transparent, predictable and investment-friendly business environment, supported by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), to facilitate strategic investments in high-value sectors, particularly information and communication technologies.

The prime minister expressed these views during a meeting with Chief Executive Officer of Turkcell, Ali Taha Koc, who called on him in Istanbul, Turkiye.

During the meeting, the prime minister underscored the importance of deepening Pakistan-Turkiye cooperation in the digital and technology sectors.

He shared the government’s vision of establishing a Pakistan-Turkiye Digital Corridor to strengthen regional digital connectivity, facilitate secure cross-border data flows, and advance the integration of digital infrastructure, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

Highlighting Pakistan’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the prime minister invited Turkcell to explore long-term collaboration with Pakistani institutions in areas including 5G deployment, network optimization, spectrum management, digital infrastructure and technology transfer.

He also encouraged the company to consider partnerships in the local manufacturing of telecommunications equipment, software development, digital skills development and capacity building, noting that such cooperation would strengthen Pakistan’s technology ecosystem while generating opportunities for innovation, employment and sustainable growth.

Ali Taha Koc appreciated the Government of Pakistan’s forward-looking digital transformation agenda and expressed Turkcell’s keen interest in exploring opportunities for collaboration in telecommunications, digital infrastructure and emerging technologies.

He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working closely with the relevant Pakistani stakeholders to develop mutually beneficial partnerships that contribute to the shared economic and technological aspirations of Pakistan and Turkiye.

Islamabad: Barrister Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Law, said on Saturday that transparent and timely elections are the only way forward for resolving Azad Kashmir’s challenges, stressing that the elections will be conducted strictly under the constitution with no delay or postponement and reaffirmed confidence in the PML-N’s performance.

Speaking to a local media outlet, he said the PML-N remains committed to addressing Azad Kashmir’s issues on priority and ensuring development and prosperity.

Aqeel Malik said that preparations for the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections are in full swing as political activity intensifies.

He further said that the elections will be held in a peaceful and transparent manner under the legal and constitutional framework.

Responding to a question, he said PTI needs to demonstrate political maturity instead of making baseless allegations regarding the facilities being provided to its founder in jail.

He clarified that all basic and required facilities, including exercise, breakfast and a healthy routine are being provided in accordance with prison rules. He added that arrangements for communication with family members are also in place under legal procedures.

He further said that meetings have also been facilitated within the permitted framework, including interactions with family members and emphasized that all arrangements are being ensured in line with safety and security requirements.

To another question, he said that all prisoners are equal before the law and are treated in accordance with established legal and prison regulations.

He added that the Punjab government is taking commendable steps for prison reforms, aimed at improving facilities and ensuring better management of correctional institutions.

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Saturday, said that late Supreme Leader Shaheed Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei’s wisdom, leadership and profound influence on Iran and the wider region would be remembered for generations.

‘Paid my respects and conveyed deepest condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, to the Government and brotherly people of Iran at the funeral ceremony of the late Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Shaheed Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei,’ the prime minister posted a message on X handle.

He further said to demonstrate solidarity with the Iranian people, he was accompanied by a high powered delegation including DPM Ishaq Dar, CDF and COAS Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, senior Parliamentarians, including Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, as well as senior Ministers and government officials.

‘As a brotherly neighbor, Pakistan stands with Iran in this time of grief,’ he added.

Islamabad: China’s renowned Tsinghua University held its 2026 Graduate Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, awarding master’s and doctoral degrees to thousands of postgraduate students from around the world, including Pakistan.

University leaders encouraged graduates to contribute to national development and the progress of humanity through innovation, integrity, and public service, said a press release here on Saturday.

The ceremony was presided over by Vice President and Provost Peng Gang, who officially announced the graduation of the Class of 2026 postgraduate students and the conferral of master’s and doctoral degrees.

Qiu Yong, Secretary of the CPC Tsinghua University Committee, congratulated the graduates and announced awards for outstanding PhD and master’s students. In his address, he urged graduates to cultivate independent thinking, strong moral values, and responsible decision-making in the rapidly evolving era of artificial intelligence, encouraging them to play an active role in China’s national development.

Tsinghua University President Li Luming called on graduates to pursue lofty aspirations, face challenges with resilience, embrace innovation, and dedicate their knowledge and talents to serving their country, society, and humanity.

The ceremony also featured remarks from distinguished alumnus Zhao Rui, Chief Engineer at the China Institute for Radiation Protection. He encouraged graduates to remain confident, patient, and persistent, emphasizing that perseverance is the foundation of great achievements.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Zhu Zihan, a student from the School of Software, said that her research experience at Tsinghua had strengthened her commitment to serving her country. She pledged to devote her expertise to fields where the nation needs it most.

Among the graduates was Muhammad Zameer Asadi from Pakistan, a Research Fellow at the China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC), who also received his degree during the ceremony.

The commencement was livestreamed in both Chinese and English through the university’s “Rain Classroom” platform, while the formal degree-conferring ceremony was later held at the university gymnasium.