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HEC successfully concludes Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship test drive in Sri Lanka


Islamabad: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has successfully concluded a series of on-ground scholarship tests across Sri Lanka under Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship for Sri Lankan nationals.



Held from July 28 to July 31, 2026, the four-day assessment drive reaffirms the Government of Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to providing accessible, transparent, and high-quality higher education opportunities to Sri Lankan students.



To ensure widespread accessibility and convenience for applicants across different regions, HEC established test centres at five major locations across Sri Lanka and one in Pakistan: Anuradhapura, Ampara, Kandy, Matara, Colombo and Islamabad (Pakistan).



His Excellency Maj Gen (R) Dr Nayyar Naseer, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, visited the University of Colombo test centre to review the arrangements and interact with candidates.



Each test centre witnessed a significant turnout, with enthusiastic participation from students and heartfelt appreciation from parents. Students and their families expressed gratitude for the well-organized local exam venues, describing the effort as a genuine and transparent outreach by the Higher Education Commission, Pakistan.



They acknowledged that this facilitation builds trust in the selection process and reflects the dedication of Government of Pakistan to fostering regional academic cooperation.



The Higher Education Commission (HEC) remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting merit, transparency, and equal opportunities for all ethnic communities in Sri Lanka through its scholarship programs, thereby enabling talented Sri Lankan students to pursue quality higher education in Pakistan.



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Minister inaugurates construction of Kalpani-Takhta Band road


Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Excise, Syed Fakhar Jehan, on Saturday formally inaugurated Kalpani to Takhta Band Chowk Road construction project in Tehsil Gagra, Buner.



The project costing Rs. 30 million would provide the local population with improved, safer and more efficient transportation facilities upon its completion.



Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that the provincial government remains committed to its vision of public service and sustainable development adding that provision of basic infrastructure in remote and underdeveloped areas is among the government’s top priorities.



He said that the completion of this project would significantly reduce the travel difficulties faced by the local population. He also directed concerned authorities to ensure quality construction, transparency and timely completion of the project.



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PRBC delegation calls on DIG Sindh to strengthen trade-security dialogue


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.



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District administration held Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (A. S. ) and martyrs of Karbala, review the security arrangement


Larkana: An important meeting was held in the office of the Deputy Commissioner Shikarpur regarding the Chehlum of the martyrs of Karbala, including Hazrat Imam Hussain (A. S. ). The meeting was chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner – I Shikarpur, Muhammad Faizan Cheema.



The meeting was attended by Assistant Commissioner Shikarpur Arifa Batool Rai, police officials, and representatives from various departments, including Information, Local Government, SEPCO (Sukkur Electric Power Company), Health, and Public Health, as well as scholars from different sects.



During the meeting, Additional Deputy Commissioner – I Shikarpur Muhammad Faizan Cheema stated that the Code of Conduct will be enforced strictly during the Chehlum of the martyrs of Karbala, while special attention will also be paid to cleanliness and sanitation during this period.



On this occasion, he further said that full security should be provided to processions (Juloos) and gatherings (Majalis) by Police and Rangers. The Additional Deputy Commissioner – I instructed that the best traffic management system should be arranged during the Chehlum of Imam Hussain (A. S. ), the roads for processions, venues for gatherings, and drainage crossings near Imam Bargahs should be repaired, and the Loudspeaker Act should be strictly enforced.



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Abbasi explores Turkish technology partnership to modernise Pakistan Railways


Islamabad: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi Saturday visited TÜRASAS, Sakarya and ASELSAN, where he explored opportunities for technology transfer, joint manufacturing and digital transformation aimed at modernising Pakistan Railways.

Accompanied by a high-level delegation, the minister reviewed advanced railway technologies, manufacturing facilities and digital systems being used by the two Turkish organisations, said a news release.

During the visit, Turkish Deputy Minister of Transport Osman Boyraz, TÜRASAS Director General Selim Koçbay, TCDD Tasimacilik Director General Ufuk Yalçin, the Deputy Governor of Sakarya and senior ASELSAN officials welcomed the Pakistani delegation and briefed them on the latest developments in railway manufacturing, signalling, communications and smart transportation technologies.

The delegation inspected modern passenger coaches, locomotives, Electric Multiple Units (EMUs), Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs), freight wagons and advanced production systems.

It
also visited research and development centres, quality control facilities and modern railway infrastructure units.

The two sides discussed cooperation in technology transfer, joint manufacturing and the modernisation of Pakistan Railways’ rolling stock.

They also explored collaboration in advanced signalling, telecommunications, cybersecurity, automated train control systems and intelligent railway technologies.

The discussions included proposals to upgrade the Islamabad Carriage Factory and Pakistan Railways’ workshops with modern technologies and to promote local manufacturing and production of electronic railway equipment.

Speaking on the occasion, Hanif Abbasi said the digital transformation of Pakistan Railways, modern traffic management, fibre-optic communication systems and safe railway operations were among the government’s top priorities.

He said Pakistan Railways was being transformed into a more efficient, secure and competitive organisation through the adoption of modern technologies.

The mi
nister said advanced railway technology was essential for the successful implementation of the ML-1 and ML-3 projects as well as the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) freight corridor.

He said that internationally recognised signalling and communication systems would strengthen regional connectivity and improve freight operations.

Both sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in engineers’ training, exchange of technical expertise, research, cybersecurity and human resource development, expressing confidence that the partnership would significantly strengthen the technical and institutional capacity of Pakistan Railways.

Hanif Abbasi said Trkiye as an important strategic technology partner in the modernisation and industrial development of Pakistan Railways and reaffirmed the commitment of both brotherly countries to expand long-term cooperation in railway technology, investment and regional connectivity.

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FDA sells 284 plots to FESCO for 2. 3476 billion


Faisalabad: The Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA) has achieved a significant milestone in strengthening its financial position and institutional resources by selling a total of 284 residential plots comprising 10-marla and one-kanal areas in various blocks of FDA City to Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) for Rs. 2. 3476 billion.



An FDA spokesman said here on Saturday that under the agreement, the first installment cheque of Rs. 586 million was presented to Director General FDA Muhammad Asif Chaudhary by FESCO Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Amir during a formal ceremony held in the presence of Divisional Commissioner Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh.



The ceremony was attended by Additional Director General FDA Qaiser Abbas Rind, Chief Engineer Mehr Ayub, Directors Suhail Maqsood Pannu, Junaid Hassan Manj, Yasir Ejaz Chattha, Afnan Saeed Sandhu, and other senior officers of FDA and FESCO.



Speaking on the occasion, Divisional Commissioner Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh lauded FDA’s innovative and effective initiative aimed at achieving financial sustainability.



He said that modern public institutions can only become stronger, self-reliant, and sustainable by creating new revenue streams.



He appreciated FDA’s strategic planning, transparency, and foresight, stating that the authority had introduced a model that could serve as an example for other development agencies.



Divisional Commissioner said that the agreement would not only significantly strengthen FDA’s financial resources but also accelerate urban development projects, improve civic amenities and facilitate the timely completion of ongoing development schemes.



He also appreciated FESCO’s decision to provide its employees with a secure, modern, and high-quality residential environment, saying the initiative would positively impact employee welfare and institutional performance.



He expressed hope that cooperation between the two organizations would continue to grow, creating more opportunities for public service.



Briefing the Divisional Commissioner, Director General FDA Muhammad Asif Chaudhary said the authority had explored various business models to enhance financial resources and institutional self-reliance, with the sale of FDA City plots to FESCO emerging as the most effective strategy.



He said that the project received formal approval from the FDA Board of Governors, while all legal, financial, and administrative requirements were fulfilled with complete transparency.



He explained that the selected plots were initially proposed for sale to the general public on easy four-year installment plans. However, FESCO’s offer for a bulk purchase proved to be more beneficial for the authority, and after completing all legal and procedural formalities, the agreement was successfully finalized.



DG FDA said that immediate financial resources generated through the agreement would be utilized for development projects, improvement of civic facilities, and enhancement of public services.



He reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to pursuing innovative, effective, and sustainable planning initiatives to ensure long-term financial self-sufficiency.



Muhammad Asif Chaudhary thanked Divisional Commissioner Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, FESCO CEO Muhammad Amir, officers of both organizations, and all participants for their support, emphasizing that such landmark projects could only be accomplished through strong inter-institutional collaboration.



FESCO Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Amir said the company was developing a modern, secure, and high-quality housing scheme for its employees and FDA City had emerged as the most suitable choice due to its prime location, well-planned infrastructure, and availability of all essential civic facilities.



He said that the project would provide FESCO employees and their families with a better standard of living and a safe residential environment.



He further appreciated FDA’s professional competence, transparent working practices, and the administration’s wholehearted cooperation, stating that these factors ensured the successful completion of the agreement.



He thanked Director General FDA Muhammad Asif Chaudhary, his team, and Divisional Commissioner Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh for their valuable support and expressed confidence that cooperation between FESCO and FDA would continue to expand, leading to the successful execution of more public welfare projects in the future.