Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, held a meeting with the Vice Chairman of the People’s Government of the Xizang Autonomous Region, Xu Zitao, on the sidelines of the 5th China Xizang Trans-Himalaya Forum.

The Vice Chairman warmly welcomed the Federal Minister and briefed the Pakistani delegation on the history, geography, political development, economic progress, and rich cultural heritage of the Xizang Autonomous Region.

He also highlighted the region’s development model, which places strong emphasis on ecological conservation and environmental protection.

During the meeting, the Vice Chairman noted that Xizang has undergone significant socio-economic transformation over the past several decades, underscoring the improvements in public welfare, infrastructure, and socio-economic development across the region.

The Vice Chairman informed the Minister that environmental protection remains a central component of Xizang’s development strategy.

He stated that the region is home to 47 national parks and that development initiatives are being pursued while preserving its unique ecological and environmental characteristics.

He also highlighted Xizang’s rich cultural and religious diversity and noted the historical presence of a small Muslim community of Kashmiri origin in the region.

Dr. Musadik Malik thanked the Vice Chairman for his warm hospitality.

He reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Pakistan and China and noted that both countries continue to enjoy close cooperation across a wide range of sectors.

The two sides discussed opportunities to further strengthen collaboration in environmental protection, climate change, scientific research, innovation, mountain ecosystem conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development.

The minister emphasized that both Pakistan and Xizang share similar ecological and mountain environments and can benefit greatly from enhanced knowledge-sharing,
and institutional partnerships.

The meeting also touched upon the importance of traditional knowledge systems, including Tibetan medicine.

It was noted that several traditional medicinal practices associated with the region are also familiar in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region, presenting further opportunities for academic and research collaboration.

Dr. Musadik Malik reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with China and expressed confidence that closer collaboration in climate action and scientific research would further deepen the enduring friendship between the two countries.

Islamabad: The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFEPT) today hosted a signing ceremony for two Letters of Understanding (LoUs) between Nestl© Pakistan and the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), and between Nestl© Pakistan and the Directorate General of Special Education (DGSE), to advance nutrition education and promote healthier lifestyles among children.

The ceremony was attended by the Secretary, Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Mr. Nadeem Mahbub, senior officials from the Ministry, Mr. Sheikh Waqar Ahmad, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Ms. Zaira Ahmed, Manager Corporate Affairs and members of the Nestl© Pakistan team.

Under the Nestl© for Healthier Kids initiative, the partnerships will promote nutrition awareness, healthy eating, hydration, hygiene, physical activity, and responsible waste management.

The collaboration with FDE aims to train up to 300 teachers and benefit approximately 10,000 students across federal government schools.

The partnership with DGSE will train up to 200 faculty members, therapists, and multidisciplinary professionals, reaching approximately 2,000 children with special needs. It also includes the development of inclusive learning materials and the establishment of dedicated resource rooms.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Nadeem Mahbub appreciated the collaboration and emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in improving children’s health, well-being, and learning outcomes.

Mr. Sheikh Waqar Ahmad, Head of Corporate Affairs, Nestl© Pakistan, remarked that these partnerships reflect our shared commitment to improving children’s health and well-being through education. By working alongside public institutions, we can empower teachers, inspire healthier choices, and create a lasting positive impact for future generations.

Islamabad: Hurriyat Leader and Vice Chairman, Tehreek Shabab-ul-Muslimeen, Jammu and Kashmir Mushtaq Ahmad Butt has said that July 19, 1947 ‘Resolution for the Accession to Pakistan’ remains a defining milestone in the political history of Jammu and Kashmir and continues to symbolize the aspirations of many Kashmiris.

In a statement marking the anniversary of the resolution, Butt described the historic decision as an expression of the collective political will of the state’s representative Muslim leadership before the creation of Pakistan.

The resolution was adopted during a meeting held at the residence of Ghazi-e-Millat late Sardar Mohammed Ibrahim Khan, where participants unanimously endorsed accession to Pakistan.

Butt said the resolution reflected what its supporters viewed as the natural political choice for Jammu and Kashmir, based on shared religious, cultural, historical, geographical, and economic ties with Pakistan.

He emphasized that the decision was taken nearly a month before Pakistan’s independence, arguing that it demonstrated political foresight rather than a reaction to subsequent developments.

Referring to the partition of British India in 1947, Butt said Jammu and Kashmir’s Muslim-majority population, combined with its trade routes, river systems, and cultural links with territories that became Pakistan, formed the basis for the resolution.

He also highlighted the principle of self-determination under international law, citing Article 1(2) of the United Nations Charter and UN Security Council Resolution 47 (1948), which calls for the future status of Jammu and Kashmir to be determined in accordance with the will of its people.

According to Butt, the July 19 resolution represents an early political expression of those aspirations. The Hurriyat leader further argued that developments following October 27, 1947, transformed the Kashmir issue into an international dispute. He alleged that decades of conflict, political repression, human rights violations, detentions, and demographic changes have reinforced demands among many Kashmiris for the right to determine their political future.

Describing the anniversary as more than a historical commemoration, Butt said July 19 serves as a day to renew commitment to the political cause, honor those who have lost their lives during the conflict, and reaffirm what he called the enduring national consciousness of the Kashmiri people.

Butt said the resolution continues to hold political and historical significance for its supporters, who regard it as a lasting declaration of identity, collective will, and the aspiration for self-determination.

Islamabad: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday paid tribute to Pakistan’s security forces for foiling a major terrorist plot in Wana through a timely intelligence-based operation, saying the successful action averted a potentially devastating attack on the local population.

In a statement, the minister said the security forces saved Wana and its surrounding areas from possible destruction by acting on credible intelligence before the planned attack could be carried out.

Naqvi said the forces demonstrated exceptional professionalism by destroying an explosives-laden vehicle and a motorcycle before they could be used in the attack, effectively neutralising the threat.

He commended the personnel for their high level of skill and vigilance, saying they ensured the protection of the lives and property of innocent citizens through the successful operation.

The interior minister also saluted the security forces for thwarting the “sinister plan” of a suicide attack in advance through intelligence-based action, describing the operation as a major success against terrorism.

“The brave personnel of the security forces have crushed the enemy’s nefarious designs,” Naqvi said, praising their courage and commitment to safeguarding the country.

Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday warned of rising water levels in the Indus River after the spillways of Tarbela Dam were opened due to increased inflows caused by rapid glacier melt and rainfall in upper catchment areas.

The move is expected to increase water discharge downstream, posing risks to low lying areas, particularly in Layyah, Bhakkar and Mianwali, prompting authorities to urge residents and tourists to stay away from the river and water channels.

NDMA said the rise in river flows was driven by increasing temperatures that have accelerated glacier melt, coupled with rainfall in northern parts of the country.

The opening of Tarbela Dam’s spillways is part of efforts to safely manage water levels at the reservoir.

The authority cautioned that water levels and flow in downstream areas of the Indus River may rise significantly.

Residents living near the riverbanks have been advised to remain vigilant and strictly follow instructions issued by local administrations.

Tourists have been urged to avoid recreational activities in and around the Indus River during this period, while the public has been advised to stay away from water channels and river crossings experiencing strong currents.

NDMA said it is continuously monitoring the evolving situation through its National Emergencies Operation Center and ensuring timely dissemination of risk assessments and advisories to relevant institutions and the public to minimise potential hazards.

Islamabad: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) directed universities across the country to review their degree programs and curricula to promote higher education in line with the requirements of Industrial Revolution 5.0.

According to a statement issued by the HEC, the aim of this move is to make the higher education system compatible with future needs, equip students with modern skills and support Pakistan in its transition towards a green, digital and inclusive economy.

The statement said that universities should align their curricula according to the needs of the future workforce, make artificial intelligence, digital skills and emerging technologies a part of educational programs, strengthen linkages between industry and universities and increase opportunities for practical education.

It added that special attention will be paid to the development of critical thinking, innovation and entrepreneurship skills.

According to HEC, these activities are being carried out under the guidance of a national task force to support national transformation process.

It further said that universities have also been directed to identify new and emerging academic fields, develop existing programs on modern lines and produce graduates who have the required knowledge and skills to take full advantage of the opportunities of Industrial Revolution 5.0.

HEC says that this initiative is a significant step towards aligning Pakistan’s higher education sector with global trends and making the role of universities more effective in national economic development.