Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Saturday said the day symbolizes the Kashmiri people’s deep-rooted bond with Pakistan, reflecting their shared history, religion, culture and civilization, as well as their unwavering commitment to achieving their internationally recognized right to self-determination.

In his message on the occasion of ‘Accession to Pakistan Day, he said that the Pakistani nation will always stand shoulder to shoulder with its Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their just struggle and will continue to extend wholehearted support to their legitimate aspirations.

Ayaz Sadiq said that on July 19, 1947, through a resolution passed at the historic session of the All-Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference in Srinagar, the resolve to accede to Pakistan was formally expressed, and it is in commemoration of this momentous occasion that ‘Accession to Pakistan Day’ is observed every year.

He said that this historic resolution was a true reflection of the collective sentiments of the Muslims of the subcontinent, the Two-Nation Theory, and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, and it came to occupy the status of a landmark milestone in the history of the Kashmir cause.

Ayaz Sadiq said that the dispute of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir is a longstanding issue inextricably linked to lasting peace and stability in South Asia, whose just and durable resolution in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people is an absolute necessity.

He said that the international community must take effective cognizance of the grave human rights violations in IIOJK and play its due role in ensuring that the Kashmiri people are accorded their fundamental right to self-determination.

Ayaz Sadiq said that the Parliament of Pakistan has always stood united in its support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

In this context, the Parliament has passed several unanimous resolutions against human rights violations in IIOJK, drawing the attention of the international community to this longstanding dispute, and will continue to raise the Kashmiri people’s voice effectively on every national, regional and international forum.

He said that the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir is playing an active role in highlighting the Kashmir issue effectively at national and international levels and conveying the voice of the Kashmiri people to the global community.

Ayaz Sadiq reiterated the resolve that Pakistan will continue its political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmiri people at every level. He said that the sacrifices rendered by the Kashmiri people for freedom, justice, and the right to self-determination will never go in vain.

On this occasion, Deputy Speaker National Assembly, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah said that ‘Accession to Pakistan Day’ is a symbol of the strong historical bonds, mutual trust and shared values between the Kashmiri people and the Pakistani nation.

He said that the Kashmiri people have rendered unparalleled sacrifices for freedom and the right to self-determination over the past several decades, and the entire nation salutes them.

He said that the Parliament of Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with the Kashmiri people and will continue its political, diplomatic and moral support until the attainment of their just rights.

Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued nationwide alerts for flash floods, urban flooding and landslides from July 18 to 23 in several parts of the country, including Gilgit Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Islamabad and north eastern Balochistan.

Authority urges citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and take precautionary measures, according to an advisory issued by its National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) on Saturday.

The NEOC said the prevailing weather conditions are in line with its earlier forecast and it is continuously monitoring potential hazards while ensuring the timely dissemination of information to all relevant authorities.

Heavy rainfall may trigger flash floods in local streams, seasonal waterways and mountainous regions. Medium to high level flooding is expected in rivers and streams across Gilgit Baltistan.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, upper and central districts face the risk of flash floods and surging flows in hill torrents and seasonal streams.

The NDMA has also issued a landslide alert for Azad Jammu and Kashmir from July 19 to 24.

Continuous rainfall may trigger landslides in Neelum, Haveli, Poonch, Muzaffarabad and Bagh districts. Moderate risks also exist in the hilly areas of Kotli, Sudhnoti, Mirpur and Bhimber.

Roads in Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Kahuta and Bhimber may be affected by falling debris and landslides, disrupting traffic movement.

The authority warned that water levels may rise significantly in the Neelum, Jhelum and Poonch rivers and their tributaries in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Separately, NDMA has issued flood alerts for Punjab and north eastern Balochistan from July 17 to 23.

Heavy rains may cause flash floods in seasonal streams and hill torrents across both regions.

Seasonal waterways in Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Murree and Galliyat are likely to experience high flows. In Balochistan, Zhob, Sherani, Musakhel, Loralai, Harnai, Sibi, Kohlu and Jaffarabad districts may also be affected.

The NDMA warned of rising water levels in the Chenab and Ravi rivers and their tributaries, advising residents living in low lying areas to remain vigilant.

Urban flood alerts have also been issued for July 18 to 23 in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad and Sheikhupura due to the forecast of heavy rainfall.

Low lying areas in Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan and Charsadda may also face inundation.

The NDMA has directed all relevant authorities to keep emergency machinery and rescue teams on high alert and ensure preparedness for any emergency situation.

Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from rivers, seasonal streams, flooded roads and vulnerable mountain slopes.

Tourists are urged to exercise extreme caution when travelling through landslide prone areas.

The NDMA has urged the public to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App for timely weather updates and safety advisories.

Islamabad: IRM has hosted the ‘Alumni Success Stories Showcase: The Power of Possibility’ under the IRM Smart STEP (Social Transformation and Empowerment Programme) and Southern Punjab Poverty Alleviation Project (SPPAP), bringing together development leaders, partners especially IFAD, and stakeholders to celebrate the remarkable achievements of young entrepreneurs from across Pakistan.

The event recognized young women and men graduates who successfully completed specialized training in Technical and Vocational Skills, Digital Marketing, and E-Commerce and have gone on to establish thriving businesses, secure sustainable livelihoods, and contribute actively to Pakistan’s evolving economy.

Many of these successful entrepreneurs hailed from remote and underserved areas, demonstrating that access to quality skills training and opportunities can unlock extraordinary potential regardless of geography, said a press release issued here on Saturday.

The showcase featured inspiring stories of resilience, determination, and innovation, highlighting how young men and women have transformed their lives through market-relevant skills and entrepreneurship.

Participants shared their journeys of overcoming challenges, building enterprises, generating income, and creating opportunities for others within their communities.

IRM was honored to welcome distinguished guests and representatives from leading development and partner organizations, including Dr. Roomi S. Hayat – CEO IRM, Dr. Rashid Bajwa – CEO National Rural Support Program (NRSP), Dr. Allah Nawaz – CEO Thardeep Rural Development Program (TRDP), Sahibzada G. Mohyuddin – CEO Trust For Voluntary Organizations (TVO), Robeela Bangash – CEO Human Resource Development Network (HRDN), Asghar Nassar – Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA), Ayesha Quresh from International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Rabia Razzaque from International Labour Organization (ILO), Najaf Khan from Asian Development Bank (ADB), Farva Minhas from The Asia Foundation (TAF), Jarahmeel Jalal and Solomon Cornelius from Tearfund, Sarmad Iqbal from Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), Adnan Imran from the State Bank of Pakistan, Khurram Shehzad from Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) and representatives from Kindernothilfe (KNH) and others.

Their presence reflected a collective commitment to youth empowerment, skills development, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth.

The audience, comprising development practitioners, partners, stakeholders, and community representatives, expressed great appreciation for the accomplishments of the alumni. Many attendees shared that the success stories were both inspiring and encouraging, demonstrating the transformative impact of skills development programmes in creating sustainable livelihoods, particularly in remote and marginalized regions of the country.

Speaking on the occasion, IRM’s CEO, Dr. Roomi S. Hayat reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to empowering youth through demand-driven skills development and entrepreneurship initiatives. Through these initiatives and projects, IRM continues to equip young people with the technical, vocational, and digital competencies needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven economy.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from partners and stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that create pathways for economic empowerment, social inclusion, and sustainable development. The achievements of the alumni stand as a powerful reminder that with the right opportunities, training, and support, young people can transform not only their own futures but also the future of their communities.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, Engr Amir Muqam, on Friday addressed a large Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) public gathering in Khari Sharif, Mirpur, and urged voters to support the party’s candidate for LA-4, Chaudhry Rukhsar Ahmad, in the upcoming by-election.

The rally, held as part of the PML-N’s election campaign, drew a large number of party workers and supporters. Addressing the gathering, Muqam praised the enthusiasm of participants and commended the party’s election campaign team for its efforts, said a statement issued here.

“I congratulate you in advance. We will win this seat,” the minister said, assuring supporters that the party would continue to stand by the people and would not disappoint them.

Highlighting the PML-N government’s development agenda, Muqam said former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had made significant contributions to the development of Azad Jammu and Kashmir through investments in roads, hospitals, colleges and other public infrastructure projects.

He said the federal government had approved five Danish Schools for AJK and continued to provide subsidised wheat and sugar.

Muqam also expressed the government’s desire to advance the proposed Mansehra-Muzaffarabad-Mirpur Expressway project and noted that work on the Haryam Bridge had been resumed with an allocation of Rs10 billion. He added that extending natural gas facilities to the region also remained a priority.

Referring to national issues, the minister stressed that the Kashmir cause should remain above political differences. He said refugees who migrated from Jammu and Kashmir had made immense sacrifices and their legacy should be respected. He also referred to the government’s agreement with the Action Committee, saying efforts were continuing to address public concerns.

Speaking on the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Muqam alleged that despite hardships faced by Kashmiris, they continued to express support for Pakistan.

He also paid tribute to what he described as the success of “Marka-e-Haq” under the leadership of Prime Minister and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, adding that he had witnessed the commitment of Pakistani forces during visits to the Line of Control (LoC).

The minister announced that PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz are expected to address a public gathering in Mirpur on July 24, which he described as a historic event. He urged voters to elect the PML-N candidate with a decisive mandate.

During the event, Ch. Banaras Azam Advocate, a member of the District Council, announced his joining of the PML-N along with supporters and family members.

The gathering was also attended by Ch. Shehbaz Munir Advocate, Ch. Riaz Azam, District President Javed Qadir, Raja Waqas Anwar, Tariq Butt, Haji Maroof, Ch. Imtiaz, Ch. Naeem-ur-Rehman, Shakeel and Sardar Tariq.

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan has consistently advocated a peaceful and just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

In a message on Kashmir’s Accession to Pakistan Day (Youm-e-Ilhaq-e-Pakistan), 19th July 2026, the President said, “We urge the international community, particularly the United Nations, to fulfil its responsibility by supporting efforts aimed at ensuring the realisation of the Kashmiri people’s inalienable right to self-determination.

“??Today, we pay tribute to the historic resolution adopted by the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference on 19 July 1947, which reflected the political aspirations of the Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir at a defining moment in the history of the subcontinent,” he added.

?He said, “The observance of this day reminds us of the deep-rooted historical, cultural and spiritual bonds between the people of Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir. It also reaffirms the enduring significance of respecting the freely expressed will of the Kashmiri people in determining their future.”

“?For nearly eight decades, the Jammu and Kashmir dispute has remained unresolved despite the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions recognising the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to self-determination. The continued denial of this fundamental right, coupled with persistent human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), remains a matter of serious concern for the international community,” he added.

He saluted the courage, resilience and steadfastness of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who have made immense sacrifices in pursuit of their legitimate rights.

“Pakistan will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters and extend unwavering diplomatic, political and moral support until they are able to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination.May this day renew our collective resolve to work for a peaceful, just and lasting settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, leading to enduring peace, security and prosperity in South Asia,” he concluded.

Islamabad: Chairman Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar, on Saturday urged Pakistan’s young scientists to become creators of technology rather than mere consumers of innovations developed elsewhere, stressing that sustained investment in science, research and human resource development is essential for securing the country’s future competitiveness.

He was addressing the closing ceremony of the 51st International Nathiagali Summer College (INSC) on Physics and Contemporary Needs.

The Summer College concluded after two weeks of scientific deliberations on emerging frontiers of science and technology. Organized by PAEC from July 6 to 18, the prestigious event brought together leading scientists, researchers and young scholars from Pakistan and around the world to exchange knowledge and explore emerging technologies shaping the future.

Addressing the participants, the Chairman said the world is undergoing a defining technological transformation driven by artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology and clean energy technologies, where nations increasingly compete through ideas, innovation, talent and technology rather than natural resources.

He said Pakistan possesses the talent, institutions and determination to emerge as a knowledge-producing nation capable of developing indigenous technologies and contributing solutions to global challenges.

Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar said the International Nathiagali Summer College has, for more than five decades, played a vital role in nurturing a scientific culture by connecting young researchers with world-renowned scientists and promoting innovation, collaboration and critical thinking. He noted that many former participants now serve in leading research institutions, universities, industries and strategic organizations, reflecting the College’s enduring contribution to Pakistan’s scientific development.

The Chairman said this year’s academic programme focused on technologies that are directly relevant to Pakistan’s future, including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Advanced Manufacturing Techniques, Nuclear Techniques in Agriculture and Biotechnology, Nuclear Techniques in Health and Environment, and Advances in Plasma Science and Fusion Technology. He said these emerging fields will strengthen industrial competitiveness, enhance food security, improve healthcare, protect the environment and support future energy solutions.

He said the themes of the Summer College closely complement the Government of Pakistan’s Uraan Pakistan initiative, which envisions sustainable economic growth through innovation, digital transformation, industrial modernization and investment in human capital. He added that platforms such as INSC directly contribute to this national mission by developing highly skilled scientists and strengthening Pakistan’s innovation ecosystem.

Highlighting the international dimension of the programme, the Chairman said the Summer College generated meaningful outcomes beyond the lecture hall by opening new avenues for prospective collaboration with the Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China, in agriculture and biotechnology. Technical meetings with distinguished international faculty also explored opportunities for joint research, technology development and long-term institutional cooperation, further strengthening Pakistan’s scientific diplomacy and international partnerships.

This year’s Summer College brought together 45 distinguished scientists from 20 countries, while around 300 selected participants attended the programme in person and hundreds more joined virtually through live streaming facilitated by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

Reaffirming PAEC’s commitment to the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology, Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar said the Commission continues to contribute to Pakistan’s socio-economic development through clean nuclear power generation, comprehensive cancer care delivered by its nationwide network of 21 Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals, development of improved crop varieties for enhanced food security, and advanced research in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced materials and semiconductor sciences.

Addressing the young scientists, the Chairman urged them to view the knowledge gained during the Summer College as the beginning of a lifelong journey of discovery and innovation. He said Pakistan’s future would be shaped by those who possess the vision and determination to create new knowledge, develop indigenous technologies and transform innovative ideas into practical solutions.

Congratulating the organizing committee, international faculty, partner institutions and participants on the successful conclusion of the Summer College, the Chairman expressed confidence that continued investment in scientific research, innovation and human resource development would enable Pakistan to play an increasingly important role in shaping future technological advancements.

In his address, Member Science PAEC, Dr. Shakeel Abbas Rofi said that by organising this event we wanted to explore the emerging needs of Pakistan and to the same end, new courses related to health and environment were added besides emerging technologies, Artificial Intelligence and use of nuclear techniques in agriculture to achieve food security.

“Lively discussions over tea, technical meetings, curiosity of the participants and generosity of the faculty in answering those curiosities remained the signature note of the INSC-2026. We were successful in transforming scientific meetings into scientific communities and long lasting partnerships,” Dr. Shakeel Rofi said and especially thanked Chinese and Malaysian experts for their remarkable contribution for opening up new avenues of cooperation with Pakistan in the fields of agriculture, environment, isotopic hydrology and fuel cell technology.

He also thanked Dr. Gerd Helmer from Medical University Vienna for extending complimentary access to Pakistani research institutes to his AI lab on radiotherapy.

Earlier, Scientific Secretary INSC, Dr. Rahat Ullah briefed about key themes of the College and remarkable achievements gained during the two weeks of interactive sessions.

A poster competition was also held which was evaluated by the experts panel comprising foreign faculty. The first prize of the poster competition was won by Ms. Salka Javed from Islamic International University Islamabad for her poster on water quality. The second prize was won by Ms. Rubab Mansoor from Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad for her work on the effects of microplastics on the environment in Northern areas. The third prize was bagged by Ms. Amina Zakaullah from COMSATS University Lahore.

At the end of the ceremony, Chairman PAEC Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar distributed prizes among the winners of the poster competition and gave away commemorative shields to the national and international faculty members.