Rain continues across Islamabad: Teams monitor low-lying areas, roads


Islamabad: Rainfall continued in various parts of the federal capital, with conditions ranging from heavy to light showers. Assistant Commissioners, along with sanitation teams, remained in the field to oversee drainage operations, while authorities monitored roads, low-lying areas, and stormwater channels to maintain normal conditions across the city.



According to the spokesman of Islamabad Capital Territory administration, intermittent rain continued across different sectors of the federal capital on Friday, prompting district administration officials to stay on alert.



Assistant Commissioners visited several areas with sanitation teams to review the situation and ensure that rainwater was cleared without delay. Dewatering pumps were deployed at key locations to remove accumulated water and support the drainage process.



According to the district administration, teams remained active throughout the affected areas to prevent water buildup and respond to any developing situation. Officials said drainage operations were being carried out continuously where needed.



Traffic flow on major roads and highways remained normal despite the ongoing rainfall. Authorities reported no major disruptions to vehicle movement, while field staff monitored road conditions to address any issues that could affect commuters.



The administration also continued close monitoring of low-lying areas and stormwater channels across the city. Teams were instructed to keep a watch on locations that were usually vulnerable during periods of rain.



Officials said coordination among field teams would continue until weather conditions improve. Residents have been advised to remain cautious during rainfall and follow updates issued by the district administration and relevant departments.



The district administration stated that all available resources remained in place to ensure smooth drainage, maintain traffic movement, and monitor areas that may face water accumulation during the ongoing spell of rain.



ACWA welcomes Ansarullah Khilji’s appointment as DG Information


Peshawar: President Abasin Columnists Association (ACWA) and prominent senior columnist, Ziaul Haq Sarhadi (Sitara Imtiaz) has termed the appointment of Ansarullah Khilji as Director General Public Information Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a good move.



In a statement, he said that Ansarullah Khilji is a senior and experienced officer of the Information Department who has served in important positions not only in the Information Department but also in national and international organizations. He graduated with distinction in Journalism from the University of Peshawar.



Zia said Ansar Khilji is a well-known Pashto language poet and author of several books. His appointment is being welcomed by journalists, columnists, intellectuals, newspaper owners, business community and officials of the Information Department.



Pakistan climb to 12th in latest FIH world rankings


Islamabad: Pakistan have moved up one place to 12th in the latest International Hockey Federation (FIH) world rankings, earning 2,544.54 ranking points.



According to a spokesman for the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), the improvement reflects the national team’s impressive performances and consistent efforts in recent international tournaments. As a result of Pakistan’s rise, South Africa have slipped to 13th place, while Malaysia are now ranked 14th.



The PHF spokesman said the national team’s immediate target is to break back into the world’s top 10. “With the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 approaching, where Pakistan have been placed in Pool D alongside India, England and Wales, the nation expects strong performances from the team.



The players are working tirelessly, and this improvement in the world rankings will further boost their confidence ahead of the World Cup,” the spokesman added.



President approves conferment of Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) upon Gen Syed Aamer Raza


Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday approved the conferment of Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) upon Commander National Strategic Command General Syed Aamer Raza, according to a President House statement.



The military honor comes following his elevation to the four-star rank and his appointment as Commander of Strategic Command. Prior to his new role, Aamer Raza served as the Chief of the General Staff of the Pakistan Army.



On July 24, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif promoted him to the rank of Four-Star General, besides appointing him as the Commander National Strategic Command.



IFMP Board approves relocation to Islamabad to drive national financial literacy initiative


Islamabad: The Board of Directors of the Institute of Financial Markets of Pakistan (IFMP) has approved the relocation of the Institute’s head office to Islamabad as part of a major strategic transformation.



The move is aimed at for making IFMP the country’s premier institution for financial market education, continues professional training, and capacity building. The Institute will, however, maintain a regional office in Karachi, said a press releas issued by the SECP on Friday.



The Board unanimously elected Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), as Chairperson of the IFMP Board, while Muhammad Ali Farid Khawaja, Commissioner, Securities Market Division (SMD), SECP, joined the Board as SECP’s nominee member.



The meeting was attended by Dr. Mubbashar Sadiq, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), IFMP; Jawad Hashmi, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX); Shariq Jaffrani, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Central Depository Company (CDC); Dr. Ahmed Junaid, Dean, Karachi School of Business and Leadership (KSBL); Shahrukh Usmani, Company Secretary, IFMP; and Mr. Ahmad Javed, Manager Finance, IFMP.



Addressing the meeting, Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu said that with 64-67% of Pakistan’s population under 30, the country has immense potential to expand financial inclusion, retail investment, entrepreneurship, and employment.



He said SECP has set a target of increasing Pakistan’s capital market investor base from around 500,000 to 2.5 million, emphasizing that financial literacy and skills development will be fundamental to achieving this objective.



He said IFMP will lead a nationwide financial literacy initiative by taking financial education to schools, universities, and professional communities across Pakistan.



The Institute will equip youth and professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in the formal financial sector, strengthen investor confidence, and impart professional courses to develop qualified human capital for the capital market and insurance industries.



Commissioner SECP Mr. Muhammad Ali Farid Khawaja said the Pakistan Stock Exchange must expand its reach across Pakistan, noting that a growing number of new investors are emerging from Punjab and other regions of the country.



He said IFMP will significantly expand its mandate by introducing free online financial literacy courses, continuous professional development programmes, certification courses for capital market and insurance intermediaries, and specialized industry training to build a skilled financial services workforce.



The Board also placed on record its appreciation for the valuable contributions of outgoing SECP nominee directors Mr. Osman Syed and Dr. Yasir Mahmood, and acknowledged the dedicated leadership of Mr. Shoaib Javed Hussain during his tenure as Chairperson of the IFMP Board.



Shaza lauds Kazakhstan envoy’s role in strengthening Pakistan-Kazakhstan tech ties


Islamabad: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Friday appreciated Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin, for his role in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.



During a farewell meeting, the two sides discussed cooperation in the information technology and telecommunications sectors and explored ways to further expand collaboration.



Shaza Fatima praised Ambassador Kistafin’s efforts to promote Pakistan-Kazakhstan ties, particularly in the field of technology. She said he had played an important role in enhancing cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations during his tenure.



The minister acknowledged the ambassador’s contributions and wished him success in his future assignments.



She also presented the Ambassador with a commemorative shield in recognition of his services and contributions to strengthening ties between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.