Day: August 2, 2026

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, visited the Consulate General of Pakistan in Chicago, where he was warmly received by Consul General Zaman Mehdi, along with officers and staff of the Consulate.

During the visit, the Federal Minister inaugurated a photo exhibition highlighting the rights and struggle of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Members of the Pakistani-American community also attended the event.

Addressing the gathering, Syed Imran Ahmed Shah said that the welfare of overseas Pakistanis and the provision of quality public services to them remain among the Government of Pakistan’s key priorities. He stated that, in line with the vision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Pakistani missions abroad should ensure the delivery of efficient, accessible, timely and people-centric consular services.

The Federal Minister emphasized that overseas Pakistanis should be treated with dignity, respect, compassion and sincerity. He stressed the need to further simplify consular procedures, eliminate unnecessary delays and ensure timely assistance to applicants. He added that the delivery of public services should be guided by the principles of humanity, justice and Islamic values.

He also appreciated the invaluable contribution of overseas Pakistanis to Pakistan’s economy, national development and the country’s positive image around the world.

He noted that consular services could be further improved by giving due attention to the concerns and suggestions of overseas Pakistanis, strengthening institutional engagement, enhancing public communication and making greater use of modern technology.

On the occasion, Consul General Zaman Mehdi briefed the Federal Minister on the Consulate’s initiatives aimed at facilitating the Pakistani community across the American Midwest. These include organizing consular camps in different cities, maintaining regular engagement with the community, ensuring the timely dissemination of information and improving access to consular services for Pakistanis residing in areas distant from Chicago.

The Consul General reaffirmed the Consulate’s commitment to providing transparent, timely and community-oriented services while maintaining close engagement with Pakistanis residing within its jurisdiction.

At the conclusion of the visit, the Federal Minister met members of the Pakistani community. Participants welcomed him and shared their views and suggestions regarding the welfare of overseas Pakistanis and the further improvement of consular services.

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Under-21 hockey team delivered an impressive performance to defeat Oman’s senior national team 4-3 in the third match of the five-match test series, securing a 3-0 lead and clinching the series with two matches to spare.

PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani congratulated the national junior team on their outstanding series victory, said a press release.

The match was fiercely contested by both sides. Pakistan Juniors maintained excellent form, applying pressure on the Oman senior team through solid defense and aggressive attacking play.

For Pakistan, Mustafa was outstanding, scoring two field goals. Abdullah converted a penalty stroke while Ahmed added a field goal to play key roles in the team’s victory.

For Oman, Al Burhan scored twice from penalty strokes and Omar bin Hamad netted one field goal.

With their third consecutive win, the Pakistan U-21 team has now won the series. The remaining two matches will provide the junior players with valuable international exposure and serve as important preparation for upcoming events.

Islamabad: As part of the ongoing Hepatitis C screening campaign in the federal capital launched on the directions of Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal, a three-day free mobile health screening camp for Security Division personnel deployed in the Diplomatic Enclave concluded successfully.

According to a Ministry spokesperson on Saturday, the camp, held from July 29 to 31 under the national Hepatitis C programme, provided free screening for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV and dengue.

In addition, police personnel and field teams received free blood sugar testing, eye, dental and cardiac check-ups, as well as general medical consultations.

SSP Security Division visited the camp and described the initiative as an important step towards safeguarding public health.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to eliminating hepatitis from Pakistan, Kamal urged people to take advantage of the nationwide programme by getting themselves screened free of charge for Hepatitis C.

He said more than 10 million people in Pakistan are living with hepatitis, stressing that early diagnosis is essential to prevent serious complications.

“If hepatitis is not treated in time, the risk of liver cancer increases, ” the minister said.

Kamal said people aged 12 years and above will be screened for Hepatitis C in phases across the country, adding that free treatment is being provided to those who test positive during the screening process.

He emphasized that eliminating Hepatitis C requires a collective effort by both the government and the public, describing a hepatitis-free Pakistan as a national priority.

The minister reaffirmed that the federal government is utilizing all available resources to eradicate hepatitis, adding that success against the disease depends on public cooperation, timely screening and access to free treatment.

Islamabad: Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Saturday expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of Member of the National Assembly Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar, paying rich tribute to his parliamentary, political, and public services.

In his condolence message, the Chairman Senate said that with the passing of Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar, the country has lost a sincere, dedicated, and people-centric public representative.

He remarked that the late parliamentarian rendered valuable services for the promotion of democratic values and remained committed to serving the people throughout his political and parliamentary career.

Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar on the demise of his father and extended his sympathies to the bereaved family.

He assured them of his solidarity during this difficult time.

The Chairman Senate prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace, and bless the bereaved family with patience and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

Islamabad: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has successfully concluded a series of on-ground scholarship tests across Sri Lanka under Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship for Sri Lankan nationals.

Held from July 28 to July 31, 2026, the four-day assessment drive reaffirms the Government of Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to providing accessible, transparent, and high-quality higher education opportunities to Sri Lankan students.

To ensure widespread accessibility and convenience for applicants across different regions, HEC established test centres at five major locations across Sri Lanka and one in Pakistan: Anuradhapura, Ampara, Kandy, Matara, Colombo and Islamabad (Pakistan).

His Excellency Maj Gen (R) Dr Nayyar Naseer, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, visited the University of Colombo test centre to review the arrangements and interact with candidates.

Each test centre witnessed a significant turnout, with enthusiastic participation from students and heartfelt appreciation from parents. Students and their families expressed gratitude for the well-organized local exam venues, describing the effort as a genuine and transparent outreach by the Higher Education Commission, Pakistan.

They acknowledged that this facilitation builds trust in the selection process and reflects the dedication of Government of Pakistan to fostering regional academic cooperation.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting merit, transparency, and equal opportunities for all ethnic communities in Sri Lanka through its scholarship programs, thereby enabling talented Sri Lankan students to pursue quality higher education in Pakistan.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Commerce , Jam Kamal Khan has emphasized that reforming and restructuring the governance model is essential to meet the challenges of the modern digital age.

In a post on X, the Minister stated that’Reform and Restructure in the governance model is the only way forward. And, its needed more in this new era of digital speed then before. ‘

The Minister shared the statement alongside one of his earlier posts from August 5, 2018, in which he highlighted structural weaknesses in governance and stressed the need for a service-oriented public administration.

In the earlier post, he said that

‘I agree, our governance structure has collapsed in Balochistan and it is not interested in anything. If it would have been a proper service oriented provincial govt then all wud have been fine. The biggest task first is to make it a fully functional as a public service delivery. ‘

By revisiting his earlier remarks, Jam Kamal Khan reiterated that effective governance requires continuous institutional reform, restructuring, and a stronger focus on efficient public service delivery, particularly in an era driven by rapid digital transformation.