Month: August 2026

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.

Islamabad: The prices of gold witnessed a sharp decline in the local market on Saturday, with the price of 24-karat gold per tola falling by Rs3, 700 to settle at Rs426, 736, according to rates issued by the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association.

Similarly, the price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold decreased by Rs3, 202 to Rs365, 857, whereas 10 grams of 22-karat gold dropped by Rs2, 907 to Rs335, 381. In the international market, the price of gold declined by $37 to $4, 043 per ounce, the association reported.

Meanwhile, the price of silver per tola decreased by Rs57 to Rs6, 237, while the price of 10 grams of silver fell by Rs49 to Rs5, 347. The price of silver in the international market also declined by $0. 57 to $57. 58 per ounce, the association added.

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari Saturday paid tribute to the security forces for the successful operation against seven Indian sponsored terrorists active in Noshki district of Balochistan.

In a statement, the President appreciated the professional capabilities of the security forces for successfully destroying the terrorists’ hideout and killing seven terrorists including a suicide bomber.

“The nefarious intentions of the terrorist elements active under Indian patronage will never succeed, ” he said adding, “The entire nation stands with its security forces to defend the homeland and maintain peace. ”

Islamabad: Pakistan produced a spirited second-half comeback to defeat South Korea 3-1 in the second Test of the Pakistan-South Korea hockey series at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium here on Saturday.

After a closely contested first half, South Korea took the lead in the 30th minute when Son Dain scored a field goal to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.

Pakistan responded strongly after the break. Abdul Rehman restored parity in the 33rd minute with a well-taken field goal before captain Abu Bakar Mahmood converted a penalty corner in the 52nd minute to put the hosts ahead 2-1.

The Pakistan skipper struck again in the final minute, converting another penalty corner to seal a convincing 3-1 victory for the national side.

Abu Bakar Mahmood, who scored twice, was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi attended the match as the chief guest and witnessed the thrilling contest.

Speaking on the occasion, he welcomed the revival of international hockey activities in Pakistan and termed the successful hosting of the series a positive development for the country’s hockey.

At the post-match ceremony, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani presented a commemorative shield to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.

Islamabad: Pakistan Romania Business Council (PRBC), Advisor and Chief Operating Officer Atif Farooqi, and Chairman Sohail Shamim Firpo called on DIG Mazhar Nawaz Shaikh at the Sindh Police Central Police Office to discuss matters of mutual interest, with a particular focus on Pakistan’s investment climate, institutional stability, and the importance of coordinated engagement between the business and law enforcement communities.

During the meeting, the PRBC representatives underscored that sustained dialogue with senior law enforcement officials remains essential for promoting bilateral trade and building confidence among international investors, said a press release issued here.

They noted that in an increasingly complex and often confusing environment for foreign direct investment in Pakistan, constructive interaction with public institutions helps reinforce transparency, predictability, and trust.

DIG Mazhar Nawaz Shaikh, a senior outstanding officer of Police Service of Pakistan with over 25 years of experience in policing, revenue administration, magistracy, and banking, was recognized for his distinguished career in counter-terrorism operations, inter-provincial crime control, and institutional reform. His reputation for integrity, inter-agency coordination, and results-oriented leadership was acknowledged as reflective of Pakistan’s broader commitment to rule of law and a secure business environment.

According to Atif Farooqi, Advisor and Chief Operating Officer of the Pakistan Romania Business Council, the Council continues to engage senior law enforcement and administrative officials as part of its broader efforts to promote bilateral trade, strengthen investor confidence, and contribute to a clearer, more stable environment for foreign direct investment in Pakistan.

PRBC reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining regular engagement with senior officials across relevant state institutions to advance bilateral trade objectives, support investor confidence, and contribute positively to Pakistan’s economic outreach efforts. The Council emphasized that a stable, secure, and well-coordinated institutional framework is vital for attracting and retaining foreign direct investment.