Month: August 2026

Islamabad: The once-crowded Shimla Pahari NADRA Registration Centre, long associated with overflowing queues and hours of waiting, has undergone a remarkable transformation, offering citizens faster, more efficient, and dignified public service.

The dramatic improvement was witnessed during an unannounced visit by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to the 24/7 NADRA Centre at Shimla Pahari, where he expressed pleasant surprise after observing the upgraded facilities and smooth operations firsthand.

Instead of the lengthy queues that previously defined the centre, visitors were seen receiving services within minutes in a comfortable, fully air-conditioned environment. Citizens arriving to national identity cards and other official documents reported significantly reduced waiting times and praised the professionalism of the staff.

During the visit, the Interior Minister interacted directly with citizens, asking about the registration process, the time taken to complete formalities, and any difficulties they had encountered. He also toured various service counters, met with employees, and personally reviewed operational efficiency.

Many visitors shared positive experiences. One citizen remarked that it took only five minutes before their turn arrived and that they faced no inconvenience whatsoever. An elderly visitor appreciated the staff’s cooperation, saying the entire process was completed within a few minutes. Another elderly woman offered prayers for the minister and the NADRA staff, expressing gratitude for the respectful treatment and improved service.

The minister also responded immediately to the concerns of two citizens seeking Family Registration Certificates (FRCs), issuing on-the-spot instructions for the prompt resolution of their cases. He directed officials to ensure that visitors are properly guided regarding the documents required for various services so that unnecessary delays can be avoided.

While the overall feedback was overwhelmingly positive, some citizens complained that parking attendants outside the centre were charging fees higher than the officially prescribed rates. The minister took notice of the complaints, indicating that such issues would also be addressed.

Mohsin Naqvi announced that the system for accessing Family Registration Certificate (FRC) records would be streamlined further to make the process even more convenient for the public.

Reflecting on the transformation, the minister noted that he had visited the Shimla Pahari NADRA Centre in the past and was delighted to witness the significant improvement in public service. He said the positive feedback from citizens demonstrated that reforms were delivering tangible results.

He emphasized that the trust and satisfaction of citizens remain the true measure of any public institution’s success and commended the Chairman of NADRA and the entire team for their dedication, hard work, and improved performance in delivering efficient public services.

Islamabad: Federal Minister and senior Leader Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Engr Amir Muqam on Sunday urged all parties to allow the democratic process to proceed peacefully and let voters decide the outcome through the ballot box.

Addressing media in Islamabad, Engr Amir Muqam said political parties should focus on winning public confidence instead of making allegations that could undermine the electoral process before polling has taken place.

He maintained that election results could not be altered through accusations and called on political stakeholders to accept the people’s verdict with maturity.

“Making allegations without evidence does not change election results, ” Amir Muqam said. “Instead of blaming others, political parties should ask the people why they failed to secure their votes. The public’s decision should be accepted with an open heart”, he added.

Amir Muqam said the PML-N had accepted the results of the Gilgit-Baltistan elections despite political differences and expected other parties to demonstrate the same democratic spirit.

“Initially, they raised objections over four constituencies, and now they have reduced those claims to two, ” he said. “An inquiry committee has already been formed to examine the complaints, but nothing substantial has emerged from those allegations so far, ” he added.

Defending his party’s electoral strength in Azad Kashmir, Amir Muqam said the people of Mirpur Division had supported the PML-N because of its governance and development record.

“The people voted for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz on the basis of its performance, ” he said.

“We have worked systematically across constituencies, resolved differences and united people on a common platform, ” he said, adding that meetings with PPP leaders had taken place but did not violate any agreed political framework.

“We have witnessed arbitrary transfers and administrative decisions that appear discriminatory, ” Amir Muqam alleged. “Such actions create an uneven playing field for political parties. ”

“The solution lies in the general elections. Let the people decide whom they want to lead, and everyone should accept that verdict, ” he said, adding that the PML-N would respect the outcome of legitimate elections.

Concluding his remarks, Amir Muqam expressed confidence that the people of Azad Kashmir would once again place their trust in the PML-N leadership.

“If the people of Kashmir want real change and sustainable development, it can only be achieved under the leadership of their Quaid Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, ” he said.

Amir Muqam’s remarks came in response to the PPP’s allegations regarding the electoral process.

Islamabad: PIYASS International has urged the government to launch countrywide measures against organized begging, saying the issue has grown beyond a social concern and is now linked to several forms of crime.

The organization called for stronger enforcement, accountability of relevant departments, and rehabilitation programs for people affected by the problem.

In a press release issued here on Sunday, PIYASS International said it has been raising concerns about organized begging in Pakistan for many years and has repeatedly asked authorities to take action. The organization stated that a lack of effective measures has allowed such networks to expand across different parts of the country.

According to PIYASS, organized begging has become connected with crimes including theft, pickpocketing, human trafficking, child exploitation and fraud. The organization said these networks often take advantage of vulnerable groups, including women, children, senior citizens and people with disabilities.

The statement noted that charitable donations intended for people in need are often diverted through organized groups, reducing support for deserving individuals. It added that the continued presence of such networks has created social challenges and raised concerns about Pakistan’s image abroad.

PIYASS International called on the government to review the performance of departments responsible for addressing the problem and ensure accountability where action has been lacking.

The organization also stressed the need for a broader approach that goes beyond enforcement. It recommended educational opportunities, vocational training and employment programs for individuals who can be rehabilitated and integrated into society.

PIYASS Chairman Rana Imran Latif said coordinated efforts are needed to dismantle organized begging networks and prevent their involvement in criminal activities. He emphasized that action should be taken at the national level to address the issue and provide support to those who require assistance.

The organization concluded that timely intervention can help reduce exploitation, improve public confidence and ensure that welfare support reaches those who need it most.

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Adviser on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, on Sunday said the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections was completed in a peaceful manner, with voting concluded at nearly 95 to 96 percent of polling stations and vote counting underway.

Addressing a joint news conference with Federal Minister Engr Amir Muqam, Rana Sanaullah said polling remained orderly throughout the day across AJK and on refugee seats in Pakistan. He noted that voting hours were extended by one hour in some areas due to weather conditions and difficult access routes. Voters who had already reached polling stations before the closing time were also allowed to cast their ballots.

He said initial reports showed that the election process had largely concluded without major disturbances. Polling and counting procedures were proceeding under the supervision of the Election Commission.

Rana Sanaullah criticized the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for raising allegations of rigging during polling hours. He said PPP leaders began making such claims from the morning despite what he described as a calm voting process. He argued that similar allegations were not raised during the Mirpur election until vote counting started and results became clearer.

Referring to previous complaints, he said the number of constituencies where rigging was alleged changed over time. He maintained that some concerns were linked to unusually high voter turnout in certain villages, but said local conditions, including small and closely connected communities, could naturally result in turnout rates exceeding 90 percent. He added that any objections could be addressed through legal and electoral channels, including petitions before the Election Commission.

Discussing incidents reported on election day, Rana Sanaullah said only three notable events occurred. The first involved a verbal dispute at a polling station where AJK President Latif Akbar had gone to vote. He rejected claims that the incident amounted to an attack, saying no physical violence or firing took place.

The second incident concerned the death of an elderly man, Mushtaq Shah. Sanaullah said reports suggested a disagreement among local residents, after which the man later suffered a medical emergency. He said authorities should wait for official findings before drawing conclusions about the cause of death.

The third incident occurred in the LA-31 constituency, where he alleged that Sindh MNA Salahuddin Junejo entered polling stations accompanied by security personnel. Sanaullah claimed resistance from local people led to an exchange of fire. He said authorities should investigate the matter and determine the facts.

The adviser said polling remained peaceful across most constituencies and estimated voter turnout at around 50 percent. He also noted that polling in one constituency had been postponed until August 4 after delays in the arrival of election staff at several polling stations.

Speaking at the same news conference, Federal Minister Engr Amir Muqam said the election process was monitored at every stage and that the Election Commission ensured its smooth conduct. He said any party with concerns should use the available legal forums instead of making allegations that could undermine confidence in the electoral process.

Both leaders expressed confidence in the election arrangements and urged political parties to respect institutional mechanisms for resolving disputes.

Islamabad: Spices imports into the country increased by 13. 56 percent during the fiscal year 2025-26 compared to the corresponding period of the previous financial year, reflecting a notable rise in the country’s demand for imported spices.

During the period from July-June 2025-26, the country imported 221, 271 metric tons of spices worth $260. 155 million, compared with 211, 262 metric tons valued at $229. 096 million in the same period of the previous fiscal year, according to the data of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

During the period under review, about 97, 521 metric tons of soya bean oil costing $108. 683 million were imported as compared to the imports of 321, 211 metric tons valued at $344. 026 million of the same period of the last year.

Meanwhile, 3. 482 million metric tons of palm oil valued at $3. 785 billion were also imported during the period under review as compared to the imports of 3. 21million metric tons worth of $3. 394 billion of the same period of the last year.

The food group imports into the country during the last financial year grew by 11. 66 percent as different food commodities worth of $9. 150 billion were imported as compared to the imports of $8. 195 billion of the year 2024-25.

On the other hand, the food group exports from the country during the financial year 2025-26 were recorded at $5. 017 billion as compared to the exports of $7. 116 billion of the same period of the last financial year.

Islamabad: Central Spokesperson for Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) Shazia Marri Sunday strongly condemned the firing incident targeting PPP Member of the National Assembly Salahuddin Junejo during the Kashmir elections.

In a statement, she said the attack on the PPP lawmaker as highly condemnable and said that Salahuddin Junejo sustained injuries after coming under fire during the election process.

Marri prayed for the early and complete recovery of the injured MNA and expressed solidarity with him and his family.

Rejecting the politics of violence and use of weapons, she demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in the attack and called for strict legal action against the perpetrators.

She emphasized that political differences should be resolved through democratic means and urged the authorities to ensure the safety of political workers and representatives during the electoral process.