Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Islamabad district administration has strengthened support for overseas Pakistanis through a dedicated land complaint helpline, 0300-4024255, aimed at addressing property-related disputes and illegal occupation cases.

During a meeting with overseas Pakistanis, Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon said complaints received through the helpline and email are reviewed immediately, while participants acknowledged the quick response provided by the administration.

The meeting focused on measures taken by the district administration to assist overseas Pakistanis facing land and property issues in the federal capital.

Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon informed participants about the special mechanisms established to receive and process complaints related to land disputes, illegal occupation, and other property matters. He said the dedicated helpline is fully operational and serves as a direct channel for overseas Pakistanis seeking assistance.

During the discussion, overseas Pakistanis appreciated the administration’s response system and said the helpline has helped identify issues that may otherwise have remained unreported. Participants noted that the availability of a dedicated complaint platform has improved communication between citizens living abroad and local authorities.

The deputy commissioner explained that every complaint received through the helpline or email is examined without delay. He said relevant departments are directed to investigate reported issues and take action where required.

Irfan Memon urged overseas Pakistanis to report all land-related concerns, particularly cases involving illegal occupation or disputes over ownership and possession. He emphasized that timely reporting helps authorities take action and prevents matters from becoming more complicated.

He appealed to citizens living abroad to register complaints through the helpline 0300-4024255 whenever they encounter problems related to land, encroachment, or other property matters in Islamabad. He said complaints submitted through official channels allow the administration to maintain records and monitor progress on each case.

The deputy commissioner reiterated that the district administration maintains a clear policy against illegal occupation of land in the federal capital. He stated that action against individuals or groups involved in unlawful possession of property is being carried out without discrimination.

Islamabad: Acting President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Tahir Ayub, on Thursday emphasized that digital commerce has emerged as one of the most powerful drivers of business growth, export diversification and global competitiveness.

He urged that Pakistani entrepreneurs and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to embrace e-commerce platforms to access international markets and accelerate the country’s export-led economic growth.

He expressed these views while addressing a “Sellers Onboarding Session in Collaboration with Alibaba.com Pakistan” organized by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday.

Tahir Ayub said that the overwhelming response to the session reflected the growing awareness among the business community that the future of international trade lies in digital connectivity and online marketplaces.

He noted that businesses that successfully adopt digital technologies would be better positioned to compete in the rapidly evolving global economy.

He added that adopting e-commerce, investing in digital capabilities and embracing innovation would not only diversify export destinations but also enhance productivity, encourage entrepreneurship, generate employment and contribute to sustainable economic development.

He said the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been consistently working to equip its members with the knowledge, skills and market linkages required to succeed in the digital age.

Through strategic collaborations, awareness programmes and capacity-building initiatives, ICCI is helping businesses adapt to emerging global trade trends and capitalize on new opportunities created by digital commerce.

Representatives of Alibaba.com Pakistan Muhammad Sadiq, Khawaja Arsalan, and Muhammad Maaz digitally highlighted the growing significance of digital B2B e-commerce platforms in today’s global trading environment.

They provided participants with a comprehensive overview of Alibaba.com’s ecosystem, explained the seller onboarding process, and shared practical insights on creating a strong digital presence, reaching international buyers, generating export leads, and building sustainable global business through the platform.

Reaffirming ICCI’s commitment to promoting exports and digital transformation, ICCI Vice President Irfan Chaudhry said that the Chamber would continue collaborating with leading national and international organizations to facilitate businesses, strengthen Pakistan’s export ecosystem and create new avenues for economic growth.

Islamabad: Pakistan Railways has launched an extensive programme to upgrade aging rail infrastructure, expand the network and restore long-neglected sections, with the objective of improving safety, reducing travel time and strengthening national connectivity.

‘The department owns a total of 11,881 track kilometers and 7,791 route kilometers across the country, adding that nearly 67 percent of the existing track has become over-aged,’ an official in the Ministry of Railways.

Despite limited investment in railway infrastructure for more than seven decades, the official said, Pakistan Railways has continued to maintain operations to ensure sustainable service delivery.

The official said the Ministry has recognized the deteriorating condition of railway tracks and is making substantial efforts to improve infrastructure through revenue generation and funding under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).

At the planning stage, the official said Pakistan Railways has proposed large-scale upgradation of branch lines with financial support from the provincial governments of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan.

In Punjab, the official said seven sections spanning over 1,400 kilometers are planned for upgradation, including the Shahdara-Narowal-Sialkot, Raiwind-Kasur-Pakpatan-Lodhran and Kot Adu-Dera Ghazi Khan-Kasmor Colony routes.

In Sindh, six sections covering nearly 1,000 kilometers-such as Karachi-Hyderabad, Hyderabad-Rohri and Kotri-Dadu-have been proposed for improvement. While in Balochistan, the Sariab-Quetta-Kuchlak section is also included in the upgradation plan, he added.

To further enhance regional and international connectivity, the official said Pakistan Railways has initiated feasibility studies for new rail links, including a possible connection with Afghanistan via Kohat-Thal-Parachinar-Kharlachi, as well as a 680-kilometer rail link from Gwadar to Nok Kundi.

The official said that land acquisition is underway for future rail connectivity from Gwadar to Mastung and Jacobabad through various routes in Balochistan.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Railways has successfully restored the Sibi-Harnai section, measuring 93.41 kilometers, which had remained closed since 2006 and was reopened for rail traffic in October 2023. The restoration work on the Samasatta-Bahawal Nagar section has also been awarded to Frontier Works Organization (FWO), with completion expected following the revision of the PC-I, he added.

He said these initiatives will significantly improve passenger convenience, enhance safety and reduce travel time between major railway stations, marking a key step toward the modernization of Pakistan Railways.

Islamabad: The Large Scale Manufacturing Industries(LSMI) in the country during the first eleven months of the financial year ended on June 30, 2026, grew by 5.77 percent as compared to the corresponding period of the last year.

According to the Provisional Quantum Index Numbers of Large Scale Manufacturing Industries (QIM) for May 2026, the overall large-scale manufacturing sector has indicated a growth of 5.77 percent during the period from July-May 2025-26, when compared with the same period of the last year.

The provisional quantum indices of LSMI for May 2026, with base year 2015-16 has been developed on the basis of the latest data supplied by the source agencies. The QIM estimated for the period under review was registered at 121.65.

Meanwhile, the LSMI output decreased by 0.98 percent during the month of May, 2028, when it was compared with the same month of the last financial year. On a month-on-month basis, the LSMI grew by 1.21 percent in April 2026.

During the period from July-May 2025-26, the sector which posted growth in their respective output included food, beverages, tobacco, wearing apparel, paper and board, coke and petroleum products, rubber products, non metallic mineral products, fabricated metal, computer, electronics and optical products, electrical equipment, machinery and equipments, automobiles, other transport equipment, furniture. The other manufacturing, which indicated a decline, included textile, leather products, wood products, chemical products, pharmaceuticals and iron and steel products.

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday directed all parties to file para-wise comments before the next hearing in a case concerning the regularization of 43 contract employees of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Grade 16 and above.

Justice Muhammad Azam Khan issued a two-page written order following the hearing. The court allowed the petitioners’ miscellaneous application seeking to place additional documents on record.

The order noted that despite the passage of considerable time, the respondents had failed to submit their para-wise comments. Counsel for the federation, other respondents and the Additional Director of the NCCIA sought further time to file their replies.

The court directed all respondents to submit their para-wise comments before the next hearing and fixed July 24, for further proceedings.

The court’s earlier interim order restraining the NCCIA from taking disciplinary action against the petitioners will remain in force.

Islamabad: Pakistan called for inclusive, human-centered, and equitable artificial intelligence governance at a high-level discussion held at the United Nations Headquarters on Thursday, jointly organised by the Permanent Missions of Pakistan and Tajikistan and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme.

The event brought together diplomats, UN officials, technology experts, academics, and youth representatives to explore how AI can advance sustainable development through innovation, inclusion, and resilience while ensuring that no country or community is left behind.

Speakers warned that unequal access to digital infrastructure, financing, technology, and skilled human resources could widen existing global inequalities, particularly for developing countries.

They stressed that AI must become a tool for shared progress by expanding access to technology, investing in capacity building, and placing young people at the centre of sustainable development efforts.

Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to prepare its youth for an AI-powered future.

He said the government has allocated Rs 40.58 billion to the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme for 2026-27, reflecting its commitment to building a skilled and digitally empowered generation.

He said more than 600,000 laptops have been distributed, while 73,000 young people have received training in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data science.

More than 217,000 technical skills scholarships have also been awarded across 8,000 courses.

He added that the Digital Youth Hub has registered over 804,000 users, created access to 114,000 employment opportunities, and partnered with more than 3,180 organisations.

Mashhood said Pakistan’s National Artificial Intelligence Policy aims to train one million AI professionals and 10,000 AI trainers by 2030 while expanding AI education, research, and innovation across the country.

He called for stronger international cooperation to bridge the global AI divide through investments in digital infrastructure, skills development, and responsible AI practices.

Tajikistan’s Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Abdurahmon Abdurahmonzoda, highlighted his country’s leadership in the field of artificial intelligence.

He said Tajikistan has adopted Central Asia’s first National Artificial Intelligence Strategy until 2040, declared 2025 to 2030 as the Years of the Development of the Digital Economy and Innovation, and established the Regional Artificial Intelligence Centre to strengthen regional cooperation and digital skills development.

The discussion featured Jennifer Louie of the United Nations Development Programme, Google AI expert Hashim Syed and Youth Delegate Bisma Qamar, alongside representatives from China, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

The panel stressed that AI governance frameworks must evolve alongside technological advances to address emerging risks, including cybersecurity challenges.

The participants underscored that young people must be recognised not only as beneficiaries of technology but also as innovators, partners and decision makers.

They called for expanding initiatives such as the Digital Youth Hub, the National Youth Council, and innovation programmes to widen opportunities for young people.

In his closing remarks, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said humanity must shape the future of artificial intelligence and not the other way around.

The ambassador warned that without equitable access, AI could deepen the digital divide between developed and developing countries.

Ambassador called for greater coherence in global AI governance and outlined four priorities, including bridging the AI divide, ensuring equitable development outcomes, empowering youth as leaders of technological change, and promoting ethical, transparent, safe, and accountable AI systems.

Ambassador Asim said the collective goal must be to build strong international partnerships that ensure the benefits of artificial intelligence contribute to greater inclusion, resilience, and sustainable development for all.