Day: August 1, 2026

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DPM/FM Dar welcomes JWC’s decision to remove Pakistan from war-risk list


Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Friday said that Pakistan welcomed the decision of the Lloyd’s Market Association’s Joint War Committee (JWC) to remove Pakistan from its Listed Areas for war risk insurance.

“This important milestone, achieved through the concerted efforts of the Government of Pakistan, ably coordinated by our High Commission in London, reflects growing international confidence in Pakistan,” the deputy prime minister wrote on his official X handle.

He also appreciated Lloyd’s for its constructive engagement throughout the process.

“This decision is expected to lower shipping and insurance costs, facilitate trade, and support our economic growth. Alhamdulillah,” the DPM/FM added.

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PM reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to reforms, sets up high-level committee to review WB’s fiscal federalism report


Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said Pakistan’s constitutional federal structure, provincial autonomy, and cooperation and consultation between the federation and the provinces were of fundamental importance for the country’s development and stability.



The prime minister made these remarks while talking to a World Bank delegation led by its Country Director for Pakistan, Bolormaa Amgaabazar, who called on him here, a PM’s Office news release said.



Welcoming the delegation, the prime minister lauded Pakistan’s longstanding partnership with the World Bank and appreciated the institution’s role in the country’s socio-economic development. He thanked the World Bank for its continued support to Pakistan’s development journey.



The prime minister said the government was vigorously pursuing implementation of its reforms agenda to put the economy on the path of stability and sustainable growth.



The prime minister termed the World Bank’s analysis, along with the comparative review in light of international experiences, commendable, and said such studies played a key role in providing useful guidance for the policymaking process.



He directed the constitution of a high-level committee to comprehensively review the report. The committee will examine the recommendations presented in the World Bank report in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the provinces, keeping in view Pakistan’s constitutional and federal structure, so that workable proposals could be considered in the public interest.



During the meeting, the World Bank Country Director presented the report titled “Strengthening Fiscal Federalism in Pakistan” and briefed the prime minister on its contents.



The World Bank delegation shared key findings of the report, highlighting the evolution of fiscal federalism in Pakistan following the 18th Constitutional Amendment and the 7th National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, along with its analysis and observations on revenues, expenditures, federal-provincial fiscal relations, institutional coordination, and utilisation of public resources.



The delegation also presented a number of policy recommendations aimed at promoting fiscal discipline, effective utilisation of resources, improved service delivery, and enhanced coordination between federal and provincial institutions.



Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, federal ministers Ahad Khan Cheema and Ahsan Iqbal, Prime Minister’s Adviser Dr Syed Tauqir Shah, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, and senior government officials also attended the meeting.



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Balochistan govt taking steps to provide quality sports facilities to youth: Meena Majeed


Quetta: Advisor to Chief Minister for Sports Meena Majeed Baloch on Friday said that the Balochistan government is taking practical steps to provide quality sports facilities to the youth.

She said this while inaugurating, Sports Board Cricket Academy after renovation and upgradation by the Sports Department of the Government of Balochistan at the Ayub Sports Complex.

On this occasion Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs Dura Baloch was also present.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Additional Secretary Sports Sajjad Aslam, District Sports Officer Quetta Arsalan Khan, Academy Coach Bashir Magsi, Academy Coach Arbab Shakir and other officials, along with players of the academy.

Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Adviser for Sports Meena Majeed Baloch said that we have continuously visited the Cricket Academy and reviewed the problems faced and the existing facilities in detail, after which it was decided to improve and upgrade the academy.

She said that earlier there were only two cricket pit
ches in the academy, the number of which has been increased to ten, while high-quality nets have also been installed on all the pitches.

In addition, the dressing rooms and washrooms have been completely renovated and made functional, tuff tiles have been installed on the floor, a water filtration system has been installed for clean drinking water and the problem of electricity has also been resolved.

Addressing the ceremony, Secretary Sports Dura Baloch said that Balochistan cricketers have demonstrated their best abilities at every level.

He said that the main objective of the sports department is to provide modern training facilities to young players so that they could achieve significant successes in national and international competitions in the future.

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CM Balochistan strongly condemns terrorist attack on FC personnel in Dera Bugti


Quetta: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti on Friday strongly condemned the terrorist attack on FC Balochistan in Dera Bugti and said that the cowardly acts of terrorists could not shake the resolve of the state.



In a message on the social networking site, the Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of two brave FC Balochistan soldiers in the attack.



He said that the martyrs sacrificed their lives for the peace, security and safety of the country and the safety of the people, the entire nation would always remember their great sacrifices with respect and honor and could continue to pay tribute to their services.



Expressing heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the families of the martyrs, Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that the Balochistan government stands with the bereaved families in this hour of sorrow.



He also expressed his best wishes and prayers for the speedy and complete recovery of the personnel injured in the attack.



The Chief Minister said that the sacrifices of the security forces, FC, police and all law enforcement agencies in the war against terrorism are unforgettable adding that actions against anti-state elements and their facilitators would continue with full force, determination and in accordance with the law.



He said that every conspiracy to sabotage the peace, development and stability of Balochistan would be foiled and terrorists could never be allowed to succeed in their nefarious intentions.



The Chief Minister of Balochistan prayed that Allah Almighty may elevate the ranks of the martyrs, grant them a high position in Jannatul Firdous, grant patience to their families, grant speedy recovery to the injured personnel and always protect Pakistan from the scourge of terrorism.



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CS vows to implement price control Act 2026


Quetta: Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan on Friday chaired a meeting regarding the Balochistan Price Control and Prevention of Profiteering and Hoarding Act 2026.



In the meeting, the provincial government has prepared a comprehensive legal draft ‘Balochistan Price Control and Prevention of Profiteering and Hoarding Act 2026’ to stabilize prices in the province, prevent illegal profiteering and protect public interests.



On this occasion, the meeting was informed that this proposed law would replace the old federal framework of 1977 and lays down modern and robust administrative structures and procedures for effective implementation at the provincial level.



After the 18th Amendment, price control is a provincial subject; the existing 1977 Act is a relic of the federal era, the proposed 2026 Act has been completely tailored to provincial powers and needs.



The proposed law has a coherent command structure including the Price Control Council, Provincial Controller General and Deputy Commissioners as District Controllers to ensure speedy, coordinated and accountable action, and the draft law would be presented to the current provincial cabinet for consideration and necessary amendments before it is tablet to the provincial assembly.



Relevant stakeholders including the Ministry of Law, Commodity Management Department, District Administration, and trade representatives would be included for consultation.



The Chief Secretary said that the provincial government is keen to implement these legal reforms to provide relief to the public, ensure fair treatment in the market and take effective action against hoarding and profiteering.



He said that the proposed act would ensure price stability, availability of fertilizers, food and essential food items in the province.



Secretary Industries Khalid Sarpara, Secretary Commodity Management Arshad Hussain Bugti, Special Secretary Home Abdul Salam Achakzai and others attended the meeting.



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DIG inspects safe city project, police facilities in DI Khan


Dera ismail khan: Deputy Inspector General (IT) and Safe City Project, Rao Ejaz, on Friday visited key police facilities in Dera Ismail Khan to review the progress of the Safe City Project and assess public service delivery.



He was accompanied by Regional Police Officer, Ghulam Mubashir Mekan, during visits to the under-construction Command and Control Centre, Police Facilitation Centre, Driving Licence Branch and Rescue 15. District Police Officer, Ziauddin Ahmed and Assistant Director (Safe City Project) Sarfraz were also present on the occasion.



During the visit to the Command and Control Centre and Safe City Project, the RPO briefed the DIG on the pace of construction, project implementation, modern surveillance infrastructure and the facilities to be provided upon completion. Rao Ejaz directed the concerned officers to complete the project within the stipulated time-frame while maintaining the required standards and incorporating modern technology to strengthen crime prevention, surveillance and public safety.



The DIG later visited the Police Facilitation Centre, where he interacted with staff and members of the public and reviewed citizen services, complaint registration and grievance redressal procedures. He emphasized that all citizens should receive prompt, transparent and respectful services without discrimination.



At the Driving Licence Branch, he reviewed the licensing and testing system, instructed officials to ensure merit, transparency and efficiency in the issuance of driving licences while minimizing unnecessary delays for applicants.



The delegation also inspected Rescue 15, where the DIG reviewed the emergency call response, monitoring and dispatch system. He directed officers to ensure swift responses to emergency calls, maintain courteous dealings with citizens and make effective use of modern technology to further improve emergency policing services.



At the conclusion of the visit, Rao Ejaz appreciated the efforts of RPO Ghulam Mubashir Mekan and his team in promoting modern policing and public-oriented reforms. He said the Safe City Project and other ongoing initiatives would help strengthen public confidence in the police and further improve law and order in the region.