Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed the relevant authorities that the implementation of the government’s policy initiatives and the Ease of Doing Business Act, 2025 be expedited.

Chairing a review meeting regarding ease of doing business, the prime minister instructed that third-party validation by international organizations be ensured to assess the effectiveness and implementation of the ease of doing business measures.

He said that fully utilizing Pakistan’s vast potential for both domestic and foreign investment remained one of the government’s top priorities.

He also directed that a comprehensive report on the implementation of ease of doing business policy measures be prepared and submitted at the earliest.

The prime minister appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Law and Justice, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the Board of Investment, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Industries and Production, and all other relevant institutions for their work on legislation and policymaking to facilitate business.

The meeting was briefed on the progress made in implementing the reforms and on the future course of action.

Participants were informed that work had been completed on 558 reforms aimed at reducing regulatory requirements, paperwork, and approval procedures for businesses. Of these, 71 policy measures have already been implemented, while implementation of 272 measures is progressing rapidly. The reforms are being introduced across various sectors in seven phases. It was stated that these measures are expected to generate estimated savings of Rs468.7 billion for the business community by reducing compliance costs associated with regulatory requirements.

The meeting was further informed that eliminating unnecessary and complex paperwork and regulations would help boost exports, attract greater foreign direct investment, and create new employment opportunities.

The prime minister directed that the implementation of ease of doing business measures and the employment opportunities generated as a result should be treated as key performance indicators in the evaluation of officials of the relevant institutions.

The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Jam Kamal Khan, Ahad Khan Cheema, Syed Mustafa Kamal; Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani; Adviser to the Prime Minister Muhammad Ali; Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar; Attorney General Mansoor Awan; and senior officials from the relevant departments.

Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan Jameel Ahmad, the chief secretaries of all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, as well as internationally renowned experts in the field, participated in the meeting via video link.

Islamabad: Ambassador Moin ul Haque has assumed charge as Director-General of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), succeeding Ambassador Sohail Mahmood upon completion of his tenure.

Ambassador Moin ul Haque brings nearly 35 years of diplomatic experience, having served in key positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Pakistan’s diplomatic missions abroad, said a press release issued on Friday.

His most recent assignment was as Pakistan’s Ambassador to China from 2020 to 2023. Earlier, he served as Ambassador to France from 2016 to 2020 and as Consul General in Vancouver from 2007 to 2010.

He has also served as Additional Secretary (Administration), Chief of Protocol, Director-General (Europe) and Director (Foreign Secretary’s Office). Earlier in his diplomatic career, he served in Pakistan Embassies in Brussels, Colombo, Ankara and also as a Counsellor at Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.

Islamabad: The Inter-Islamic Network on Space Sciences and Technology (ISNET), in collaboration with the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), has announced a two-day online training course titled “Environmental Monitoring, Dispersion Modeling and Climate Change” to be held on August 11-12, 2026 via Zoom.

According to ISNET, the training aims to provide a comprehensive overview of environmental monitoring and dispersion modeling techniques, while offering participants practical experience in the acquisition and processing of environmental and climate datasets used in scientific research and decision-making.

The course will focus on modeling inputs including satellite imagery, Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), surface roughness data, meteorological information, and Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGL).

Participants will also receive hands-on training in internationally used air dispersion models, including AERMOD and CHARM, enabling them to understand pollutant dispersion, air quality assessment and climate-related environmental analysis.

The programme will further familiarize participants with various climate and environmental datasets and equip them with tools and techniques for climate data handling and environmental monitoring.

The organizers said the course has been designed at an intermediate-to-advanced level for students, researchers and professionals working in the fields of space sciences, remote sensing, geography, geology, environmental sciences and climate change.

The training will be conducted by Shaikh Abdullah, General Manager, SUPARCO, and Akhtar Ali, Manager, SUPARCO, who will share their expertise in environmental modeling and climate applications using geospatial technologies.

The interested candidates can register through the online application portal by August 6, 2026. The course will be delivered virtually through Zoom, enabling participants from across the OIC member states and other regions to attend remotely.

ISNET, a specialized network working to promote cooperation in space sciences and technology among Islamic countries, is organizing the programme in partnership with SUPARCO as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen capacity building in the application of space technology for environmental monitoring, climate change studies and sustainable development.

Islamabad: Zong, Pakistan’s leading technology services enterprise, has commenced the deployment of its exclusive 5G-ready Indoor Building Solution (IBS) as the only telecom operator at Islamabad International Airport.

The company has also established a Customer Facilitation Desk, marking a significant milestone in advancing next-generation digital infrastructure.

The initiative will provide seamless, high-speed indoor network coverage across the airport while enabling travellers to access instant SIM activation, data services, and dedicated on-ground customer support.

As Pakistan advances toward a digitally connected future, the initiative lays the foundation for intelligent services and next-generation travel experiences powered by 5G.

With the deployment of its 5G-ready IBS, Zong will significantly enhance customer experience across key airport facilities, ensuring uninterrupted high-speed connectivity throughout passenger terminals.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior leadership from Zong, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), and Huawei Global, reaffirming their collective commitment to advancing Pakistan’s digital transformation through 5G-ready infrastructure and strategic collaboration across the aviation ecosystem.

Speaking at the ceremony, Zong Chief Technical Officer Mao Weiliang said, “Connectivity is no longer just about communication; it is the backbone of intelligent travel, digital services, and economic growth. Through our collaboration with our partners, we are building a future-ready 5G digital ecosystem at Islamabad International Airport that enhances today’s passenger experience while preparing Pakistan for the next era of smart aviation. This initiative reflects the enduring technology partnership between China and Pakistan and our shared vision of delivering the ultimate technology experience to the people of Pakistan. As we move toward full-scale 5G services at Islamabad International Airport, we remain committed to accelerating Pakistan’s digital transformation through innovation, collaboration, and trusted technology.”

Zong Executive Director Sales and Distribution Faheem Durrani added, “At Zong, every customer touchpoint is an opportunity to deliver a better digital experience. By bringing our Customer Facilitation Desk together with 5G-ready infrastructure at Islamabad International Airport, we are making it easier for travellers to stay connected while strengthening our commitment to seamless service delivery. As Pakistan’s digital ecosystem continues to evolve, we remain focused on expanding customer access to innovative technology solutions that create meaningful value wherever our customers are.”

On the occasion, Islamabad International Airport Manager Aftab Gillani said, “Today’s travellers expect airports to provide seamless digital experiences alongside world-class physical infrastructure. The deployment of Zong’s 5G-ready Indoor Building Solution and Customer Facilitation Desk strengthens our ability to deliver reliable connectivity, enhance passenger convenience, and support the evolving needs of modern aviation. We value this collaboration as an important step toward creating a smarter and more digitally enabled airport.”

The initiative forms part of Zong’s long-term strategy to build intelligent digital infrastructure across Pakistan’s major transit hubs. By combining trusted 5G connectivity with AI enablement, diversified products and services, and an unwavering focus on delivering the ultimate customer experience, Zong continues to accelerate the Digital Pakistan agenda while creating smarter, more connected travel experiences for millions of passengers.

By expanding 5G-ready infrastructure and instant customer facilitation at Islamabad International Airport, the partnership will help shape a more connected, inclusive, and future-ready Pakistan.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Friday commended the security forces for successfully carrying out an operation against Khawarij in Bannu.

In a post on X, the minister said, “I salute all the personnel who took part in the Bannu operation. I pay tribute to the great martyrs of the nation, whose eternal sacrifices have strengthened the foundations of peace.”

He said the state would continue its efforts until the complete eradication of the scourge of terrorism.

Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the entire nation was proud of the professionalism and bravery displayed by the security forces during the operation against Khawarij in Bannu.

“Our brave personnel are laying down their lives for the peace and stability of our beloved homeland,” he said.

The minister added that the entire Pakistani nation stood shoulder to shoulder with its armed forces in the fight against terrorism.

He said every successful operation against terrorism was a guarantee of a safer and more stable future for Pakistan.

Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the nefarious designs of Khawarij and other terrorist elements would always be defeated.

“Our armed forces and law enforcement agencies are defending the country with full resolve on every front,” he added.

Islamabad: The Emergency Response Committee, constituted on the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to oversee national preparedness and coordinated response during Monsoon 2026, on Friday directed all federal and provincial stakeholders to maintain a high state of operational readiness as it reviewed monsoon preparedness, emergency response plans and inter agency coordination at the National Emergencies Operation Centre of the National Disaster Management Authority Headquarters in Islamabad.

The Committee’s third meeting was chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal and attended by Chairman NDMA Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, HI(M), senior NDMA officials, representatives of federal ministries, departments and other key stakeholders.

The Committee undertook a comprehensive review of preparedness measures put in place across the country.

It assessed contingency plans, deployment of emergency response resources, coordination with district administrations, public awareness initiatives and arrangements for timely response to emerging emergencies during the monsoon season.

The status of relief supplies, emergency communication mechanisms, evacuation plans and inter agency coordination was also reviewed to ensure swift and effective response capabilities.

Chairman NDMA Inam Haider briefed the participants on the round the clock operational activities of the National Emergencies Operation Centre.

Haider informed the Committee that the Centre continues to monitor weather developments through its integrated multi hazard monitoring system and is issuing timely impact based forecasts, advisories and early warnings to all stakeholders.

The Committee directed all concerned departments to remain on high alert throughout the monsoon season.

It laid particular emphasis on strengthening institutional coordination, ensuring uninterrupted communication among response agencies, protecting vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure, and maintaining the operational readiness of rescue and relief resources.

Preparedness and contingency plans presented by the Ministry of Communications, Ministry of Power and WAPDA also came under review during the meeting.

Addressing the participants, Professor Ahsan Iqbal underscored the need for seamless coordination among all response agencies to enable timely decision making and rapid mobilization of resources whenever required.

The meeting reaffirmed the Emergency Response Committee’s commitment to strengthening national coordination and ensuring a unified response mechanism to safeguard lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure throughout Monsoon 2026.