Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Speaker of National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has paid rich tribute to the Security Forces for successfully carrying out an Intelligence-Based Operation (IBO) in Bannu, during which 24 terrorists belonging to Fitna Al Khawarij were exterminated.

Ayaz Sadiq commended the security forces for their exceptional professionalism, courage and unwavering commitment in thwarting the nefarious designs of the Indian proxy terrorist group, Fitna Al Khawarij.

He said that the timely and effective operations conducted against Indian-sponsored terrorists reflect the high level of professionalism, preparedness and resolve of Pakistan’s Security Forces.

Ayaz Sadiq said that the successful operation is a manifestation of the nation’s firm resolve to eradicate the menace of terrorism.

He emphasized that Pakistan’s security forces have consistently demonstrated extraordinary courage, professional excellence and an unflinching commitment to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and security.

Reaffirming the nation’s collective resolve against terrorism, Ayaz Sadiq said that the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its brave forces in the fight against the scourge of terrorism.

He said that the sacrifices rendered by the martyrs in defence of the homeland are a source of immense pride for the nation and will always be remembered with the highest respect and gratitude.

Ayaz Sadiq further said that every conspiracy aimed at undermining Pakistan’s peace and stability will be decisively defeated.

He expressed confidence that under Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, security forces will continue their operations until the complete elimination of terrorism, ensuring lasting peace, stability and security.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb here on Friday chaired a meeting to review the implementation roadmap and operational readiness of the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) National Faceless Centre, a key initiative under the new Tax Operating Model aimed at establishing a technology-enabled, centralized, and transparent framework for tax administration.

The meeting received a detailed briefing on the implementation roadmap, including the establishment of the Project Management Unit (PMU), governance arrangements, technology development, operational preparedness, and the phased rollout strategy.

Participants also outlined the key milestones identified for the pre-pilot, pilot, and implementation phases to ensure timely execution of the project, said a press release issued by finance ministry.

Aurangzeb appreciated the progress made in establishing the Project Management Unit and emphasized that effective coordination between operational and technology teams would be critical for successful implementation.

He noted that the National Faceless Centre represents an important reform initiative to modernize tax administration through greater digitalization, standardization, and transparency.

The meeting reviewed the governance framework supporting the new operating model, including institutional arrangements for project oversight, risk management, and implementation monitoring.

Participants also briefed the meeting on the development of the risk engine and the progress made in defining rules-based case selection for the faceless system.

The finance minister emphasized the importance of a carefully designed pilot phase to validate the new operating model before its nationwide rollout.

He underscored the need to ensure operational readiness, identify implementation challenges at an early stage, and incorporate lessons learned to support a smooth transition to the new system.

Participants also discussed progress on technology development, business requirements, digital infrastructure, and system integration required for the National Faceless Centre. The meeting was informed that an agile implementation approach is being adopted to enable continuous collaboration between business and technology teams throughout the development process.

Recognizing the importance of protecting digital infrastructure, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized that information security and data governance should remain integral to the implementation process.

He underscored the need for continued investment in cybersecurity capabilities and secure digital infrastructure to safeguard taxpayer information and support the long-term sustainability of the new operating model.

The finance minister also called for regular progress reviews to closely monitor implementation milestones, address emerging challenges in a timely manner, and ensure that the project remains on schedule.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting the successful implementation of this important tax administration reform.

Islamabad: Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, called for an inclusive and equitable Artificial Intelligence ecosystem at a United Nations Development Programme event in New York. He urged the global community to harness emerging technologies to advance sustainable development, innovation, and youth empowerment, ensuring that no young person is left behind in the digital age.

Addressing global policymakers, development experts and youth leaders, Rana Mashhood said Artificial Intelligence must serve as a bridge to opportunity rather than a source of inequality, according to a press release received here on Friday.

He stressed that equitable access to emerging technologies has become imperative for building resilient and inclusive societies.

Highlighting Pakistan’s demographic strength, he said nearly 70% of the country’s population is under the age of 30, representing a powerful force for innovation, entrepreneurship and national development.

Chief PMYP noted that Pakistan’s youth are not merely beneficiaries of technological change but are poised to become its architects, provided they are equipped with the right skills, opportunities and platforms.

The PMYP chairman highlighted the Government of Pakistan’s investments in youth centred initiatives aimed at preparing the next generation for the digital economy.

These include digital skills training programmes, technical and vocational education, Artificial Intelligence capacity building and the Digital Youth Hub.

He said empowering young people with future ready skills was central to achieving sustainable development goals and unlocking Pakistan’s economic potential in an increasingly technology driven world.

Rana Mashhood reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fostering innovation led growth and building an inclusive digital future where every young person has the opportunity to learn, lead and contribute meaningfully at both the national and global levels.

Islamabad: As temperatures continue to soar during the peak summer season, people across Pakistan are increasingly turning to traditional beverages to stay cool and hydrated.

Among them, Sardai remains one of the most popular and refreshing drinks, offering relief from the scorching heat while providing a rich blend of nutrients.

Prepared from a mixture of almonds, pistachios, melon seeds, fennel seeds, poppy seeds, black pepper, cardamom, rose petals and milk, Sardai has been a cherished part of South Asian culinary traditions for generations. Served chilled, it is especially popular during the hottest months of the year and on festive occasions.

Street vendors, beverage shops and dry fruit stores across the country witness a significant increase in Sardai sales during heatwaves. In Islamabad, long queues can be seen at well-known stalls serving freshly prepared Sardai, reflecting its enduring popularity despite the widespread availability of carbonated soft drinks and energy beverages.

The ready-to-make Sardai mix is also witnessing growing demand in the federal capital. Dry fruit shops are reporting increased sales of the traditional blend, while online stores are making it more accessible to consumers seeking a convenient way to prepare the drink at home.

Ahmad, a shopkeeper at Aabpara Market, told reporter that social media has played a major role in boosting Sardai’s popularity, with many people opting for ready-made mixes available in the market.

“People are becoming more health-conscious and prefer Sardai because it is packed with nutritious ingredients while providing a natural cooling effect. It has become one of the most sought-after drinks during the summer season,” he said.

He added that the rising demand has made Sardai a profitable seasonal business and encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to consider selling the traditional beverage during the peak summer months.

Ayesha, a nutrition expert at a private hospital in Blue Area, said Sardai provided instant energy while helping the body remain hydrated. She explained that the nuts and seeds used in its preparation are rich in healthy fats, protein, vitamins and essential minerals, while fennel and cardamom are known for their cooling and digestive properties. The drink also contains natural antioxidants that contribute to overall health and well-being.

However, she advised moderation, noting that Sardai was often prepared with sugar and full-fat milk, which may increase calorie intake, particularly for people with diabetes or those trying to manage their weight.

She recommended preparing the drink with less sugar and low-fat milk to make it a healthier option without compromising its nutritional value.

Beyond its refreshing taste, Sardai represented Pakistan’s rich culinary heritage. Unlike artificially flavoured beverages, it was prepared from natural ingredients and continues to be valued for both its nutritional benefits and cultural significance.

As climate change contributed to longer and more intense summers, health experts advise people to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and consuming natural beverages such as Sardai alongside seasonal fruits. Combined with a balanced diet and proper precautions against heat exposure, this traditional drink remains a wholesome and refreshing way to beat the summer heat.

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Islamabad: The Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI)-based weekly inflation increased by 1.40 percent during the week ended on July 16, 2026, for the combined consumption group, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported on Friday.

According to PBS data, the SPI for the week under review rose to 357.61 points from 352.66 points recorded in the previous week. On a year-on-year basis, the SPI increased by 13.09 percent.

The weekly SPI, with base year 2015-16=100, covers 17 urban centres and 51 essential items for all expenditure groups.

The SPI for the lowest consumption group (up to Rs 17,732) increased by 1.11 percent to 346.78 points from 342.98 points.

Likewise, the SPI for consumption groups of Rs 17,733-22,888, Rs 22,889-29,517, Rs 29,518-44,175 and above Rs 44,175 increased by 1.18 percent, 1.17 percent, 1.28 percent and 1.58 percent, respectively.

During the week, out of 51 items, prices of 27 items (52.94 percent) increased, four items (7.84 percent) decreased, while 20 items (39.22 percent) remained unchanged.

On a week-on-week basis, the prices of tomatoes witnessed the sharpest increase of 22.79 percent, followed by chicken 14.66 percent, LPG 12.46 percent, diesel 4.41 percent, petrol 4.40 percent, garlic 3.72 percent, eggs 2.15 percent, Tea Lipton 1.56 percent, onions 1.53 percent, potatoes 0.85 percent, tea prepared 0.42 percent and firewood 0.18 percent.

On the other hand, prices of bananas declined by 0.80 percent, followed by pulse moong 0.70 percent, sugar 0.36 percent and pulse masoor 0.10 percent.

On a year-on-year basis, prices of potatoes declined by 36.28 percent, followed by pulse gram 21.71 percent, sugar 21.10 percent, chicken 16.71 percent, salt powder 14.09 percent, pulse masoor 13.19 percent, eggs 12.42 percent and pulse moong 8.08 percent over the corresponding week of last year.

Major annual increases were recorded in the prices of tomatoes by 210.18 percent, followed by onions 75.93 percent, wheat flour 71.81 percent, electricity charges for Q1 49.14 percent, LPG 42.50 percent, gas charges for Q1 29.85 percent, gents sponge chappal 16.69 percent, mutton 16.02 percent, chilies powder 15.20 percent, beef 13.60 percent, bananas 10.82 percent and bread 9.69 percent, according to the PBS.

Islamabad: The literary and cultural organization Zawiya, in collaboration with the Akhuwat Foundation, hosted the launching ceremony of Moloo Musalli, a new book by renowned social worker, humanitarian, author and founder of the Akhuwat Foundation, Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib, at the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) on Friday.

The ceremony was held at the Conference Hall of the PAL and was attended by prominent literary figures, scholars, writers and book lovers from Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Renowned poet and literary icon Iftikhar Arif presided over the event, while PAL Chairperson Dr. Najeeba Arif and eminent poet and columnist Muhammad Izhar-ul-Haq attended as chief guests.

Director General of the National Language Promotion Department (NLPD), Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar, was the guest of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, noted poet Harris Khalique and literary scholar Dr. Humaira Ashfaq highlighted the literary and social significance of Moloo Musalli. They described the book as a moving portrayal of the lives of people affected by poverty, deprivation and injustice, while emphasizing its powerful message of humanity, compassion and social responsibility.

The speakers lauded Dr. Amjad Saqib’s contribution not only as a humanitarian and social reformer but also as a writer whose work reflects the struggles, resilience and dignity of marginalized communities.

They termed Moloo Musalli a valuable addition to contemporary Urdu literature, saying it reflects human values and social realities while encouraging readers to develop empathy and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the underprivileged.