Chairman Senate meets Pakistani professional wrestler Ather Zahid


Islamabad: Chairman Senate of Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, met with internationally acclaimed Pakistani professional wrestler Ather Zahid, the first Saudi-born Pakistani wrestler to represent Pakistan on the international stage.



The Chairman congratulated Ather Zahid on his outstanding achievements and wished him continued success. He praised his dedication and appreciated his efforts in bringing recognition to Pakistan through his performances in international wrestling competitions.



Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that sports promote peace, friendship, and harmony among nations, while athletes serve as ambassadors who inspire people and enhance the country’s image globally.



He emphasized that sports contribute to physical fitness, mental well-being, discipline, and resilience, and stressed the need for collective efforts to encourage young talent, strengthen sports infrastructure, and provide greater opportunities for Pakistani athletes to excel at regional and international levels.



Modern reforms in traffic police: licensing system made absolutely digital


Lahore: Punjab Traffic Police has introduced several digital facilities by accelerating the process of reforms in the traffic system using modern technology. According to the Traffic Police spokesperson, the driving licensing system has been made completely digital through DLIMS 2, under which fast, easy and transparent online licensing facilities are being provided to the citizens.



The online system also includes the facility of issuing new learner permits, license renewals and duplicate licenses, while the facility of online renewal of international driving licenses for overseas Pakistanis has also been introduced.



The spokesperson said that 33 mobile police and licensing units have been activated across the province to provide services at the doorstep of the public, while services are being provided to citizens in their areas through mobile police stations and licensing units.



DIG Traffic Muhammad Waqas Nazir said that merit and transparency in the licensing process have been further strengthened with the modern monitoring system. He said that AI driving test car will prove to be an important milestone in the modern licensing system.



Advisor to CM Sindh Reviews Monsoon Preparations with Deputy Commissioners across Sindh


Karachi: Advisor to the Chief Minister Sindh for Rehabilitation, Gyanchand Essarani, chaired a high-level meeting with Deputy Commissioners from across Sindh to review monsoon preparedness, flood response arrangements, and district-level contingency measures.



The meeting was attended by Secretary Rehabilitation Rafiq Mustafa Shaikh, Director General Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Sindh Syed Salman Shah, Director General Rescue 1122 Sindh Wajid Sibghatullah, and Deputy Commissioners through video link.



During the meeting, Deputy Commissioners briefed the Advisor on precautionary measures, preparedness plans, drainage arrangements, and relief efforts undertaken in their respective districts to effectively respond to the ongoing monsoon spell.



Addressing the participants, Advisor to the Chief Minister Gyanchand Essarani directed all Deputy Commissioners to remain on high alert and ensure timely response to any emergency situation. He emphasized that negligence or complacency in disaster preparedness would not be tolerated.



He instructed district administrations to ensure the cleaning of rainwater drains, keep dewatering machinery fully operational, and maintain close coordination with all relevant departments.



He further directed Deputy Commissioners to upload complete details of relief items provided by PDMA Sindh on the designated online portal to ensure transparency and efficient monitoring.



The Advisor also stressed the importance of maintaining adequate stocks of relief goods in every district to enable immediate response in the event of flooding or any other emergency.



During the briefing, participants were informed that three people, including two men and one child, lost their lives due to lightning strikes in District Tharparkar, while five others sustained injuries. The meeting was further informed that from 3 July to 31 July 2026, monsoon-related incidents across Sindh resulted in five fatalities and seven injuries.



Director General PDMA Sindh Syed Salman Shah informed the meeting that the current weather system is expected to remain active over Sindh until 3 August, with Tharparkar and Umerkot likely to receive comparatively heavier rainfall. Heavy rainfall over Tharparkar and Umerkot may result in localized urban flooding and water accumulation in low-lying areas. Moderate rainfall is expected over Mirpurkhas and Badin, with temporary inundation possible in vulnerable locations. Light to moderate rainfall is likely across central Sindh, while only isolated light showers are expected over Karachi and upper Sindh. Gusty winds and lightning may accompany thunderstorms in affected districts. He stated that PDMA Sindh’s emergency response machinery and dewatering equipment are fully prepared and will be deployed immediately upon requests received from Deputy Commissioners.



The DG PDMA further informed the meeting that 250 tents, 250 Tarpaulin sheets, 250 jerry cans, 250 kitchen sets, 1000 mosquito nets, and other relief items have already been dispatched to the Deputy Commissioner Sanghar to strengthen emergency response capacity in the district.



He directed all Deputy Commissioners to reassess their available relief stocks and assured them that additional supplies would be provided wherever required to ensure uninterrupted emergency response during the ongoing monsoon season.



Rana Sanaullah says Pakistan continues search after Broad Peak avalanche hits 10 climbers, 4 bodies recovered


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.



NA Speaker condoles death of MNA Malik Iqbal


Islamabad: Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Saturday expressed deep sorrow and grief over the passing of Member of the National Assembly Malik Muhammad Iqbal, saying Parliament had lost a sincere, dignified and people-friendly representative.



In a condolence message, the Speaker paid tribute to the late lawmaker’s parliamentary, political and public services, saying his contributions would always be remembered.



He said Malik Iqbal had dedicated his political career to serving the people and made valuable contributions to national politics and the promotion of democratic traditions.



The Speaker also expressed heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar on the demise of his father.



He said the loss of a father was an irreparable tragedy and assured the bereaved family that he shared their grief in this difficult time. Ayaz Sadiq prayed to Allah Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul, elevate his ranks in Jannah, and bless the bereaved family with patience and fortitude to bear the loss.



Comprehensive security, traffic deployment planned for AJK elections


Rawalpindi: District police will enforce zero-tolerance protocols against the display of arms, voter intimidation, and code violations to ensure peaceful polling during the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections.



Senior police leadership reviewed strategic deployment maps to cover polling stations, ballot transportation routes and election infrastructure with dedicated police pickets and mobile patrols, a press release said.



The security apparatus was finalized during an executive review meeting chaired by City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Hassnain Haider at Police Lines Headquarters here on Saturday.



The meeting was attended by the SSP Operations, Chief Traffic Officer (CTO), Divisional SPs, SDPOs and SHOs. CPO Syed Hassnain Haider directed supervisory officers to ensure strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Election Commission, cautioning that any breach of electoral guidelines or failure to maintain public order would attract immediate action.