Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Tuesday paid tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces for their sacrifices in defending the country, saying the armed forces remained the strongest symbol of Pakistan’s security, stability and defense.

In a special message issued here, the minister lauded the services and sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces and national institutions, saying the nation would always remember the bravery and supreme sacrifices of the soldiers who laid down their lives in defence of the country’s borders.

Commencing his message with the famous poetic couplet of Allama Iqbal: “Shahadat hai matloob-o-maqsood-e-momin Na maal-e-ghaneemat na kishwar kushayi” (Martyrdom is the ultimate desire and goal of a believer, Neither the spoils of war, nor territorial conquest).

Strongly criticizing the elements targeting national institutions, Abdul Aleem Khan made it clear that provocative statements against national institutions and any conduct that strengthens enemy propaganda are entirely condemnable.

He emphasized that while national politics has its own place, respecting the guarding institutions of the country and the nation is a fundamental duty binding upon every citizen and political force. The minister further added that the Armed Forces of Pakistan are standing firm on the borders day and night to protect our country.

Whether it is the war against terrorism or combating natural disasters like floods and earthquakes, the Pakistan Army and security institutions have always played the role of a vanguard, standing by the nation and rendering countless sacrifices.

He reassured that the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its brave armed forces and vehemently condemns and rejects any kind of negative propaganda against the defenders of the homeland.

At the conclusion of his message, Abdul Aleem Khan saluted the greatness of the Pakistan Armed Forces and paid a profound tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country.

Islamabad: The 10th Space Summer School (SSS-2026) kicked off at the Institute of Space Technology (IST) today, bringing together more than 70 students from over 30 schools across Pakistan for a week-long programme aimed at promoting space science, technology and innovation among young learners.

Organized by the Space Education Research Lab (SERL) under the National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA), the programme is designed for students from Grades 6 to 12 and seeks to cultivate scientific curiosity, critical thinking and practical STEM skills through expert lectures, laboratory sessions, interactive demonstrations and hands-on engineering activities.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Chairman of the National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA) and Programme Director of the Space Summer School, Dr. Najam Abbas Naqvi, emphasized the importance of introducing space science and emerging technologies at the school level. He said empowering young learners through quality STEM education is essential for developing the scientific talent needed to drive Pakistan’s future space ambitions and technological progress.

He said initiatives such as the Space Summer School not only inspire curiosity but also equip students with the knowledge, skills and innovative mindset required to address national and global challenges through space science and technology.

The academic programme is structured around five thematic pathways-Astronomy and Astrophysics, Earth and Atmosphere, Aviation, Rocketry, and Satellite Technology-offering participants a comprehensive introduction to modern space sciences and their practical applications.

During the five-day programme, students will attend lectures on the creation of the Universe and the Solar System, telescopy and astronomical observations, solar observation, astronomical instruments, radio astronomy, Earth observation from space, solar physics, satellite imagery, climate science, principles of flight, helicopter aerodynamics, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), RC aircraft design and flight, life in space, planetary habitability, principles of rocketry, satellite technology, satellite navigation, AI-driven urban aerial mobility and AI-based satellite tasking.

The programme also includes a wide range of practical learning activities, including solar observation, RC aircraft design and flight, Aqua Rocket design, development and launch, CanSat design, development and launch, and a screening of Jahan Aur Bhi Hain, Pakistan’s first space-themed telefilm.

Participants will also visit the IST Astronomical Observatory and the Propulsion Engineering, Research and Launch Laboratory (PEARL) to gain firsthand exposure to advanced space research and engineering facilities.

Since its launch in 2017, the Space Summer School has grown into one of Pakistan’s leading space education initiatives. Over the past decade, it has conducted 59 programme days, engaged more than 2,750 students from over 546 schools and colleges, delivered 173 interactive teaching hours and 117 learning hours, organized 94 space-based STEM activities comprising 195 hands-on activity hours, and brought together more than 228 national and international experts.

The initiative also contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Climate Action (SDG 13), Life on Land (SDG 15), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17), by promoting STEM education, technological innovation, environmental awareness and collaboration among academia, industry, government organizations and international experts.

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday extended felicitations to the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and the people of France on their National Day.

President Zardari, in his message, conveyed that Pakistan highly values its long-standing friendship and multifaceted partnership with France, founded on mutual respect, shared values and a steadfast commitment to peace, sustainable development and international law.

He expressed confidence that the close cooperation between the two countries will continue to grow and expand in areas of mutual interest, further strengthening the bonds of friendship and advancing the shared prosperity and well-being of the people of both nations.

The president reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation in multilateral forums on issues of mutual interest.

Islamabad: Acting President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Tahir Ayub, has called for translating the time-tested fraternal relations between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into a vibrant economic partnership by harnessing the immense opportunities created under Saudi Vision 2030.

He said enhanced commercial diplomacy, stronger private-sector collaboration, and increased investment would open a new chapter of shared prosperity for the two brotherly nations.

He expressed these views while addressing a Business Session on “KSA Vision 2030 and Saudi-Pakistan Investment Opportunities” organized by ICCI.

Welcoming the delegation, Tahir Ayub said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy an enduring relationship founded on shared faith, mutual trust, and unwavering friendship.

He observed that Saudi Vision 2030 has emerged as one of the world’s most ambitious economic transformation programmes, creating unprecedented opportunities in infrastructure, tourism, logistics, manufacturing, information technology, healthcare, renewable energy, mining, financial services, and other high-growth sectors.

He said Pakistan offers an attractive investment destination owing to its strategic location, competitive workforce, expanding digital economy, rich natural resources, and significant potential in agriculture, mining, information technology, tourism, manufacturing, and renewable energy.

The Acting President reaffirmed ICCI’s commitment to serving as a strong bridge between the business communities of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia by facilitating business-to-business networking, identifying reliable local partners, organizing trade and investment exchanges, and supporting joint ventures.

He urged the private sectors of both countries to transform today’s dialogue into practical business partnerships that contribute to sustainable economic growth.

Speaking on the occasion, Bilal Mohammad Zubair, Chairman of Al Raee Group, highlighted the Group’s role as one of Saudi Arabia’s leading business setup and investment facilitation firms, providing comprehensive solutions for international investors seeking to establish and expand their businesses in the Kingdom.

He said the Group offers end-to-end services including company formation, investment licensing, commercial registration, regulatory compliance, PRO and government liaison services, corporate structuring, banking facilitation, accounting and tax advisory, office setup, and business consultancy.

He said Al Raee Group is committed to helping Pakistani entrepreneurs, exporters, manufacturers, and investors successfully enter the Saudi market by providing professional guidance and seamless facilitation in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.

Ms. Zohra Hotiana, Country Head of Al Raee Group Pakistan, said the establishment of the Group’s Pakistan office reflects its commitment to building a strong institutional bridge between the business communities of the two countries.

She said the office will serve as a dedicated platform for Pakistani businesses by providing market-entry support, investment advisory, business matchmaking, regulatory guidance, and corporate facilitation services.

In his vote of thanks, Vice President Irfan Chaudhry said that Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry is committed to working closely with Al Raee Group and the Saudi partners to facilitate business-to-business collaboration, promote investment, and create new opportunities for our entrepreneurs.

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing the objectives and principles of the UN Charter, and respect for international law and international treaties.

He was talking to Michelle Bachelet Jeria, Candidate for UN Secretary-General, who called on him.

While emphasizing the vital role of the UN in advancing the global development agenda, he stressed that the UN must remain responsive to the needs of the developing nations.

DPM/FM also underscored the need for the peaceful resolution of international disputes through the faithful implementation of UN Security Council resolutions for sustainable global peace.

He especially underscored the need for addressing the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and the Palestine issue in this regard.

Ms. Bachelet commended Pakistan’s ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability, and appreciated its invaluable contributions to the UN over the years.

Islamabad: The Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department (FSCandRD) has issued more than 505 variety names for the enlistment of new crop varieties, a significant step aimed at increasing the production and availability of certified, high-yielding seeds across the country.

The initiative was part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen the national seed system, promote agricultural productivity, and ensure farmers have access to quality seed of improved crop varieties, said an official of FSCandDA.

Talking to reporter on Tuesday, the official said that the department received 289 challans under the account head C03139 for the enlistment of new varieties. In addition, the department’s Central Seed Testing Laboratory tested 267 seed lots covering a wide range of crops, including cereals, fodders, pulses, vegetables, and oilseeds, to ensure compliance with prescribed quality standards.

The department also updated and circulated the National Register of Enlisted Varieties, which now contains 7,814 entries, he said adding that the updated register serves as an important reference document for seed producers, researchers, regulatory authorities, and farmers, facilitating the availability and commercialization of approved crop varieties while strengthening quality assurance mechanisms in the seed sector.

He further informed that 221 seed lots and samples were tested for various quality parameters, including vegetables, pulses, cereals, fodders, grasses, pistachio, and oilseed crops. These laboratory evaluations focused on seed purity, germination, and other quality characteristics essential for maintaining national and international seed standards.

The department also introduced several technical improvements in seed testing procedures. Specialized protocols were optimized for ferula, chilgoza, and pistachio seeds to improve the accuracy of purity and germination assessments, he added.

In another notable achievement, he said that the commercial samples of card-embedded seeds and seed tapes were tested for the first time, reflecting the department’s efforts to accommodate emerging seed technologies and innovative planting materials.

On the human resource development front, the FSCandRD organized training and capacity-building programmes for 213 agriculture students, providing practical exposure to seed certification, testing methodologies, varietal registration procedures, and quality control systems.

Furthermore, the department conducted 215 Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) trials on different crop varieties, he said adding that these trials were a prerequisite for the registration and protection of new plant varieties.