Category: Islamabad

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.

Islamabad: Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan Nasir has said that the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are built on a solid foundation of faith, mutual trust, and shared progress.

He emphasized that Saudi Vision 2030 has opened new horizons for global investment and private sector growth, offering immense opportunities for the Pakistani business community to benefit from.

He expressed these views while addressing as the Chief Guest at the “Saudi Company Formation and Business Expansion Summit 2026” organized by Al Raee Group in Islamabad.

Extending his congratulations to Al Raee Group and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on hosting the timely summit, the Deputy Chairman Senate termed the event a vital initiative to bolster economic connectivity and give a new dimension to bilateral trade and investment.

He assured that the Senate of Pakistan and the government would continue to extend all possible support to initiatives that foster economic growth, employment, and technology transfer.

Addressing the gathering, Bilal M. Zubair, Chairman of Al Raee Group, welcomed the distinguished guests and highlighted Saudi Arabia’s business-friendly policies. He stated that under Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom offers 100% foreign ownership, simplified banking channels, and has removed the minimum capital requirement for various business activities to ensure an ideal corporate environment.

He clarified that any private limited company or partnership firm from Pakistan operating for at least one year can seamlessly expand into the fast-growing Saudi economy by submitting key documents, including the Certificate of Incorporation and an Audited Financial Report.

President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Atif Ikram Sheikh, stressed the need to strengthen private-sector linkages and lauded Al Raee Group’s constructive role as an effective bridge in Pak-Saudi trade relations.

The summit was highly attended by foreign diplomats, leading investors, and top corporate executives from various national and international companies.

The major highlight of the summit was the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Al Raee Group and heads of 12 prominent Pakistani companies from various sectors.

Under these agreements, these enterprises will launch their operations and execute large-scale investments in Saudi Arabia.

Marking a significant milestone in investment cooperation, the summit laid down a solid foundation for long-term and resilient economic partnership between the two brotherly nations.

Islamabad: Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has intensified its campaign against lane discipline violations, taking legal action against more than 5,000 motorists during the past week as part of efforts to improve road safety, ensure smooth traffic flow and reduce accidents in the federal capital.

An official told reporter on Friday that challan tickets were issued to over 5,000 drivers found violating lane discipline, while the ITP Education Wing simultaneously launched an extensive awareness campaign across major roads, educational institutions and public places, reaching more than 100,000 citizens with messages on road safety and compliance with traffic laws.

To further strengthen public awareness, Islamabad Traffic Police organized a road safety walk from Jinnah Avenue to Express Chowk. The walk was attended by Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Kainat Azhar Khan, Director ITP FM Ayesha Jamil, members of civil society, journalists, students and a large number of citizens, who pledged support for promoting responsible road behaviour.

Speaking to the media after the walk, CTO Kainat said lane discipline violations, wrong-way driving, riding motorcycles without helmets, the use of non-standard number plates, illegal parking and overloading were not merely traffic violations but serious threats to human life.

She said Islamabad Traffic Police would continue indiscriminate legal action against serious traffic offenders and would not allow anyone to endanger the lives and property of road users.

The CTO Kainat said road safety workshops, awareness walks and educational campaigns were aimed at creating greater public awareness and fostering a culture of responsible driving.

She urged citizens to observe lane discipline, avoid wrong-way driving, wear helmets and seat belts, refrain from using non-standard number plates, illegal parking and overloading, and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to help make Islamabad a safe, orderly and accident-free capital.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, chaired a meeting of the Capital Market Development Council (CMDC) to review progress on capital market reforms, with particular focus on accelerating the development of Pakistan’s corporate debt market and strengthening capital markets as an important source of long-term financing for the private sector.

According to press release issued by finance ministry, the meeting reviewed the current state of Pakistan’s capital markets, with particular focus on accelerating the development of the corporate debt market and broadening access to diversified financing sources.

The finance minister observed that while the equity market has demonstrated encouraging progress, the corporate debt market continues to remain underdeveloped relative to the financing needs of the economy.

Further efforts are required to deepen the debt capital market, reduce reliance on bank financing, promote diversified market-based financing, and create a more balanced and resilient financial ecosystem capable of meeting the evolving financing needs of the private sector, particularly, the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The participants discussed the scope and terms of reference (TORs) of a detailed external study on the development of Pakistan’s local currency-linked bond market, which is underway.

The study will encompass key reform priorities across sovereign financing, non-bank financial institutions, primary dealer arrangements, secondary market development, market infrastructure, development of hedging and derivatives markets, and the broader capital market ecosystem.

The finance minister emphasized that the study should provide practical, evidence-based recommendations supported by international benchmarking to guide future reforms.

The meeting also took stock of findings from the awareness and experience surveys and stakeholder consultations undertaken by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) to assess the challenges faced by the top-100 listed companies in accessing the corporate debt market in Pakistan.

Appreciating the initiatives already undertaken, the minister highlighted the need to expand engagement beyond the largest listed companies to include a broader segment of medium-sized enterprises and other growth-oriented businesses that could benefit from capital market financing.

Aurangzeb underscored the need for dedicated institutional capacity to accelerate debt market reforms and advised the SECP and the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) to establish dedicated Debt Desks at the senior management level with clearly defined mandates, measurable performance indicators, and responsibility for driving implementation and reporting progress.

He also emphasized the need to foster a more competitive and efficient capital market ecosystem by encouraging greater institutional capacity and competition among market intermediaries and market infrastructure providers, with a view to improving market efficiency, enhancing service quality, and reducing transaction costs for both issuers and investors.

Participants also deliberated on simplifying the corporate debt issuance process through greater coordination among the SECP, PSX, and Central Depository Company (CDC).

In this regard, the finance minister called for the development of a streamlined one-window listing framework supported by standardized procedures, end-to-end process mapping, greater digital integration, and enhanced digital facilitation to improve transparency and ease of access for prospective issuers, while publishing a simplified corporate debt listing workflow on their respective websites.

Discussions further covered the continued development of Pakistan’s Islamic capital market, including measures to deepen the domestic Sukuk market, strengthen secondary market liquidity and trading, and facilitate greater issuance of green and sustainable financial instruments.

The participants also reviewed policy proposals relating to taxation, SME preparedness, financial literacy, digital distribution platforms to broaden investor participation, and institutional support aimed at enabling a broader range of businesses to access capital market financing.

Emphasizing the need to move from discussion to implementation, Aurangzeb underscored that the Council’s future work should be organized around thematic reform areas supported by dedicated working groups to accelerate decision-making and execution.

He stressed that recommendations emerging from stakeholder consultations, technical studies and international best practices should be translated into time-bound and actionable reform measures with clearly defined ownership, milestones, and periodic progress reviews.

The meeting was attended by Chairman SECP, representatives of the State Bank of Pakistan, PSX, CDC, National Clearing Company of Pakistan Limited, Pakistan Banks’ Association, Pakistan Business Council, Tax Policy Office along with senior officials of the Finance Division.