Overseas Pakistanis’ welfare a top government priority: Imran Ahmad Shah


Islamabad: Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah Friday said the welfare of overseas Pakistanis and the provision of quality public services remained among the government’s top priorities, stressing that Pakistani missions abroad must provide efficient, accessible, timely and people-centric consular services.



He made these remarks while addressing a gathering during his visit to the Consulate General of Pakistan in Chicago, where he inaugurated a photo exhibition highlighting the rights and struggle of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).



The minister was received by Consul General Zaman Mehdi along with officers and staff of the Consulate. Members of the Pakistani-American community also attended the event.



Syed Imran Ahmad Shah said 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, adding that public service delivery should be guided by the principles of humanity, justice and Islamic values.



According to a news release, the minister appreciated the invaluable contribution of overseas Pakistanis to Pakistan’s economy, national development and the country’s positive image around the world.



He said consular services could be further improved by addressing the concerns and suggestions of overseas Pakistanis, strengthening institutional engagement, enhancing public communication and making greater use of modern technology.



During the visit, Consul General Zaman Mehdi briefed the federal minister on the Consulate’s initiatives to facilitate the Pakistani community across the American Midwest.



He highlighted efforts including organizing consular camps in different cities, maintaining regular engagement with the community, ensuring 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 living within its jurisdiction.



Later, the federal minister interacted with members of the Pakistani-American community, who welcomed him and shared their views and suggestions regarding the welfare of overseas Pakistanis and further improvement of consular services.



Gilani expresses deep grief over demise of MNA Malik Muhammad Iqbal


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.



BISE employees to donate one day salary


Bahawalpur: The employees of the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Bahawalpur will donate their one day salary to the family of a man who lost his life during the construction of the mosque at the BISE premises.



According to a press release issued here, employees will contribute one day’s salary to support the bereaved family.



Employers Welfare Association BISE President Akram Daha, said the financial assistance was also arranged through the joint efforts of BISE Chairman and other officials.



Govt determined to provide modern and timely medical facilities to people: Secretary Health


Quetta: Balochistan Health Secretary Mujeeb-ur-Rehman on Saturday said that Balochistan government is determined to provide modern, quality and timely medical facilities to the people.

He said this while chairing an important coordination meeting of the administration and faculty of Bolan Medical Complex Hospital (BMCH) here.

The meeting was attended by Principal Bolan Medical College Dr. Raz Muhammad, Medical Superintendent Dr. Fahim Khan, Heads of Departments and Heads of Units.

The meeting reviewed the implementation of previous decisions, improvement of medical facilities, and teaching matters in the new Trauma Center as per the rules of PMDC and CPSP.

During the meeting, Dr. Raz Muhammad, representing the committee, presented recommendations regarding the medical teaching process of the Trauma Center and provision of quality facilities to patients, while various suggestions were made regarding the effective implementation of the Balochistan Health Institutions Reforms Act 2025.

Health Secretary Muj
eeb-ur-Rehman said that the government of Balochistan is determined to provide modern, quality and timely medical facilities to the people.

He directed the faculty and concerned officers to ensure the provision of the best medical services to patients while performing their professional responsibilities more effectively.

Registration for Hifz and Qirat competition opens


Bahawalpur: Students aged eight to 35 years have been invited to get them registered for participating in Hifz and Qirat competition. According to an offical press release issued here, they are eligible to participate in the competition. Contestants securing first position at the district level will qualify to compete in the provincial-level contests.



‘The Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC), Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV), and the Punjab Auqaf Department are jointly organizing Hifz and Husn-e-Qirat Competition, ‘ it said. The competition will be held



in various categories covering Hifz and Husn-e-Qirat.



Registration for the Husn-e-Qirat Competition will be conducted at the offices of the respective District Managers of Auqaf during official working hours from August 3 to August 4, 2026. Interested candidates in Bahawalpur have been advised to contact the District Manager Auqaf Office to complete their registration within the specified date.



Security Forces kill five terrorists: ISPR


Rawalpindi: Security Forces conducted an intelligence based operation in general area Razmak, North Waziristan District, on reported presence of Khwarij belonging to Indian Proxy, Fitna Al Khwarij.



During the conduct of operation, due to effective engagement by own troops, five Indian sponsored khwarij were sent to hell.



However, during the intense fire exchange, Major Hafiz Ihsan Elahi (age: 34 years, resident of District Mianwali), a brave officer who was leading his troops from the front, having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat.



Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies as well as killing of innocent civilians.



Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored kharji found in the area, as the relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ (as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further reinforce our unwavering commitment of safeguarding our nation at all costs.