Month: August 2026

Islamabad: A high-level delegation of the Republic of Belarus led by Chief of the General Staff and First Deputy Defence Minister, Major General Pavel Muraveiko, called on Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, at Naval Headquarters, Islamabad.

Upon arrival at Naval Headquarters, the dignitary was received by the Chief of the Naval Staff, said the Directorate General Public Relations (Pakistan Navy) press release.

During the meeting, professional matters of mutual interest, including defence collaboration were discussed. Admiral Naveed Ashraf emphasised that Pakistan greatly values its relations with Belarus and desires to forge a long-term, multi-dimensional cooperation with the country.

The visiting dignitary appreciated and acknowledged Pakistan Navy’s efforts and commitment towards regional maritime security. Both sides agreed to further strengthen and diversify the scope of the existing bilateral defence relationship.

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari, Saturday, extended felicitations to President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin, the Federal Council and the people of Switzerland on their National Day.

‘The President highlighted that Pakistan and Switzerland enjoy warm and cordial relations founded on mutual trust, shared values and constructive cooperation, ‘ President Secretariat Media Wing said in a press release.

The president said that Pakistan attached great importance to its multifaceted relationship with Switzerland, particularly in the spheres of trade, investment, technology, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, mountain tourism, climate resilience and textiles.

He further noted that both nations shared a strong commitment to international peace and maintain productive engagement across various multilateral forums.

President Zardari said Pakistan values the role of Switzerland in promoting global peace and mentioned the country hosting multiple important global bodies including the UN, with Pakistan maintaining its permanent mission at Geneva for decades.

He also expressed confidence that the friendship and collaboration between the two countries would continue to expand and deepen in the years ahead, to the mutual benefit of the people of both nations.

Islamabad: The federal government’s Kohlu Development Package has recorded reported expenditure of Rs7. 915 billion against an approved cost of Rs7. 958 billion across 10 development projects. According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the package comprises projects in the road, education, health, electricity, water supply and irrigation sectors.

Within the Kohlu package, the largest project is the construction of the Sibi-Rakhni Road via Maiwand, covering the Talli-Kohlu section from kilometre 24 to kilometre 164. The project’s approved cost and reported expenditure both stand at Rs6. 545 billion.

Another Rs222. 245 million has been spent on constructing various blacktop roads connecting different villages with the main Kohlu town. The amount equals the project’s approved cost.

The construction of a bypass road at Kohlu has also recorded expenditure of Rs197. 860 million, matching its approved cost.

The education component includes a cadet college and a government inter girls’ college. The establishment of the Cadet College in Kohlu district had an approved cost of Rs218. 754 million, all of which was reported as expenditure.

The Government Inter Girls’ College in Kohlu had an approved cost of Rs125 million, against which expenditure stood at Rs102. 096 million.

In the healthcare sector, the establishment of a 50-bed hospital in Kohlu district carried an approved cost of Rs225. 704 million, with reported expenditure reaching Rs205. 094 million.

The power component includes the construction of a 132-kilovolt grid station at Kohlu, with its approved cost and expenditure both recorded at Rs330. 043 million.

Another Rs10 million was spent on installing an 11-kilovolt Tamboo feeder to Mast Tawalki in Kohlu district, equal to the project’s approved cost.

The package also supported water-supply and irrigation infrastructure. The Kohlu water-supply scheme recorded expenditure of Rs67. 584 million against the same approved cost.

Similarly, expenditure on the Kahan Irrigation Scheme in Kohlu district reached Rs16. 434 million, matching its approved cost.

The document shows that expenditure equalled the approved cost for eight of the 10 projects. The only exceptions were the 50-bed hospital and the Government Inter Girls’ College. Together, these account for the Rs43. 514 million difference between the package’s total approved cost of Rs7. 958 billion and reported expenditure of Rs7. 915 billion.

Islamabad: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has said that voluntary blood donation is not merely an act of charity but a national, humanitarian and moral responsibility that can save countless precious lives.

He emphasized that ensuring the availability of safe blood is essential for strengthening Pakistan’s healthcare system and fostering a compassionate society.

He expressed these views while addressing the Annual Blood Conference 2026, jointly organized by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and Blood Chain Pakistan, said a press release issued on Saturday.

He observed that thousands of patients, including victims of road accidents, children suffering from thalassemia, cancer patients and others facing medical emergencies, depend on the timely availability of blood.

“A single blood donation can mean the difference between life and death, ” he remarked, urging citizens, particularly the youth, to actively participate in this noble cause.

Governor Kundi appreciated the organization’s focus on empowering young volunteers, saying that Pakistan’s youth possess the energy and commitment to transform society through organized community service.

He assured the organizers of his full support in expanding voluntary blood donation networks, strengthening awareness campaigns and promoting initiatives aimed at saving lives.

Speaking on the occasion, President ICCI Sardar Tahir Mehmood, said that saving one human life is equivalent to saving the whole of humanity, adding that regular voluntary blood donation is a social responsibility that every healthy citizen should embrace.

He recalled that during his student days, he and his friends remained readily available whenever blood was needed, emphasizing that blood donation is a safe practice that never weakens a healthy individual.

Sardar Tahir Mehmood paid rich tribute to Blood Chain Pakistan and its volunteers for their selfless efforts in supporting patients and families battling thalassemia, cancer and other blood-related diseases.

He stressed that such organizations represent hope for thousands of families facing medical emergencies.

Reaffirming ICCI’s commitment to public welfare, he announced that the Chamber would continue extending its full support to Blood Chain Pakistan by facilitating awareness campaigns, encouraging its members to participate in voluntary blood donation drives and providing its platform for future conferences and community initiatives.

The Governor, along with the ICCI President, SVP, VP and other also planted a sapling at the ICCI lawn.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Saturday expressed deep grief and sorrow over the death of Malik Iqbal Channar, father of Pakistan Muslim League-N senior leader and Deputy Speaker of Punjab Assembly Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar.

In a condolence message, the minister said the late Malik Iqbal Channar as an ideological, sincere and dignified political worker who had devoted his life to public service.

He said the passing of Malik Iqbal Channar was a significant loss to politics, adding that he had been a longtime companion and a loyal friend whose absence would always be felt.

Hanif Abbasi extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to Deputy Speaker Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar, the bereaved family and all mourners.

He prayed to Allah Almighty to bless the departed soul with eternal peace, grant him the highest place in Jannah, forgive his shortcomings, elevate his ranks and give courage and patience to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.

Islamabad: Prime Minister’s Adviser on Inter-Provincial Coordination Senator Rana Sanaullah has expressed grief over the Broad Peak avalanche that struck an international mountaineering expedition in the Karakoram range.

Referring to the incident involving 10 climbers from five countries, including six from Nepal, he said Pakistan shares the sorrow of the Nepali people. He also confirmed that four bodies have been recovered so far, while search efforts for the remaining missing climbers are continuing.

In a statement issued here on Saturday, Rana Sanaullah said the avalanche hit an international climbing team on Broad Peak, one of Pakistan’s well-known peaks in the Karakoram mountain range. The expedition consisted of 10 climbers from Nepal, Pakistan, the United States, China and Oman.

The adviser said the Government of Pakistan moved quickly after the incident and placed the search and rescue operation among its top priorities. Relevant authorities were mobilized to support efforts aimed at locating the missing climbers and assisting those affected by the tragedy.

Rana Sanaullah said four climbers have been confirmed dead, including Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja. Rescue teams continue to search for other members of the expedition who remain unaccounted for.

He said the Pakistan Army and government departments are taking part in the operation with the support of helicopters, drones and other available resources. Search teams are conducting aerial and ground operations in the affected area.

Rana Sanaullah noted that rescue work is continuing despite weather-related challenges and the difficult terrain of the high-altitude region. Authorities are using GPS tracking, aerial monitoring and ground-based searches to locate the missing climbers.

The adviser said Nepali climbers and other members of the international mountaineering community are respected in Pakistan for their contributions to the sport and their experience in high-altitude climbing.

Expressing solidarity with the families of the victims and the people of Nepal, Rana Sanaullah said Pakistan remains committed to continuing the operation. He added that all available resources will remain engaged until the search is completed and every possible effort has been made to locate the missing climbers.