Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Assistant Director Safe City Abbas Mehdi chaired a meeting with officers of the Capital Patrol Unit (CPU) to review the use of Islamabad Police’s digital systems for crime prevention and effective patrol management.

An official told reporter on Sunday that Abbas Mehdi reviewed the operational use of Islamabad Police software for monitoring suspicious activities and preventing crime during routine patrols.

He directed officers to make effective use of technology to improve surveillance, incident response and field operations.

Special emphasis was laid on the Security Duty Management System (SDMS) to ensure real-time monitoring of officers’ attendance, deployment and patrolling activities.

The meeting also focused on strengthening coordination between Safe City and the Capital Patrol Unit through technology-driven policing.

The official said officers were instructed to fully utilize available digital tools to enhance operational efficiency and ensure timely response to emergencies.

Islamabad: Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights Ms. Saba Sadiq Sunday said the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women will serve as a platform to formulate an action plan for empowering women socially, politically and digitally, ensuring their inclusion in the digital age and thanked the OIC for allowing Pakistan to host the historic gathering for the first time.

While appearing on PTV News, Parliamentary Secretary Saba Sadiq said Pakistan is honoured to host the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women for the first time, describing it as a historic opportunity for the country to highlight its commitment toward women’s empowerment, inclusion and equal opportunities.

She expressed hope that Pakistan will utilize this important platform to promote women’s advancement, strengthen their role in decision-making, and encourage their participation in the digital era through access to technology, skills, and new opportunities.

She added that the conference will help develop a comprehensive action plan for women’s social, political and economic empowerment.

She said Pakistan has made significant progress in providing opportunities for women, adding that women are now actively contributing and achieving success across various fields.

Secretary emphasized that the conference’s plan of action will further explore ways to expand opportunities for women in areas including technology, beyond political participation, relief efforts, justice and other important sectors.

She said the focus will remain on ensuring women’s meaningful inclusion, with women being encouraged to take leading positions and occupy decision-making platforms.

Saba Sadiq added that empowering women through equal access to opportunities is essential for sustainable development and national progress.

She also appreciated the efforts of Punjab Chief Minister for supporting initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment and creating an enabling environment for women to advance in different fields.

In her concluding remarks, Ms. Saba Sadiq thanked the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for providing Pakistan the opportunity to host the historic conference, saying the platform has opened new doors of progress, empowerment and opportunities for future generations of women.

She said the outcomes of the conference will help build a stronger pathway for women’s inclusion, development, and leadership while creating a more promising future for coming generations.

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Sunday, while expressing his deep grief over the passing away of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former amir of the State of Qatar, conveyed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the people and the Government of Pakistan, as well as on his own behalf

The prime minister, on his X handle, extended heartfelt condolences to ‘Dear Brother the Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the distinguished members of the Al Thani family, the Government, as well as the brotherly people of Qatar on this solemn occasion.’

He further said the Father Amir, late Sheikh Hamad was a great leader and statesman whose wisdom, foresight and dedication to public service, transformed Qatar into a modern, prosperous and globally respected nation.

His enduring contributions to the welfare of his nation and its people, as well as to regional peace, development and international cooperation, will be remembered for generations to come.

‘We stand in solidarity with them in this moment of profound grief. We will always cherish the Father Amir’s warmth, kindness and deep affection for Pakistan, as well as the fond memories of his many visits to our country,’ he added.

The prime minister prayed to Allah Almighty to grant the departed Father Amir, the highest place in Jannat ul Firdaus, and shower His blessings upon the Royal Family and their Qatari brothers and sisters to bear this irreparable loss with strength, patience and fortitude.

Islamabad: The growing dominance of social media platforms, brand-focused choices has transformed modern lifestyles into a race for appearances, where many individuals feel pressured to project a flawless image, chase digital popularity, follow ever-changing trends, creating a silent burden that is increasingly affecting psychological health and emotional well-being.

Social media vloggers, digital creators and the drama industry are increasingly shaping modern lifestyles by presenting idealized images of success, luxury and daily routines where experts believe such content can create unrealistic expectations, pushing people toward comparison and affecting practical lifestyle choices.

According to mental health experts from various cities, during media conversations highlighted that excessive focus on social media trends, brand culture and unrealistic online lifestyles is increasing comparison, social pressure and emotional challenges among people.

Mental health expert Qasim Ovais said excessive use of social media, growing influence of online trends, and increasing brand obsession are affecting the thinking patterns of youth, as many young people are becoming more focused on digital approval, appearances, branded lifestyles and comparisons rather than practical achievements and personal development.

He advised parents to maintain open communication with children, guide them about responsible social media use, and help them develop a balanced approach toward digital platforms.

He stressed that awareness about brand pressure, family support and healthy online habits are important to protect young people from unnecessary stress, unrealistic expectations and emotional challenges.

Mental health professional Dr Ayesha Malik also highlighted the influence of daily vloggers, social media content, and the drama industry on public perceptions and lifestyle choices, saying constant exposure to idealized portrayals can create unrealistic expectations and increase mental stress among viewers.

She emphasized the need for awareness and a balanced approach toward digital content, adding that people should differentiate between online portrayals and real-life experiences to maintain healthy emotional well-being.

Youngsters also believe that increasing influence of social media, vloggers and entertainment content is shaping minds toward unrealistic lifestyles, where appearances often take priority over reality.

They said many online trends promote a culture of display and comparison, creating distance from genuine relationships and encouraging a focus on showing off rather than meaningful connections.

A youngster Hassan Aftab said social media trends, influencer culture, and brand obsession are changing the way young people view success and lifestyle.

He observed that many individuals are now more concerned with creating a perfect image and gaining public attention, while real-life connections, simplicity, and genuine experiences are gradually being affected.

On the other side parents also expressed concern that the growing influence of vloggers, social media trends and online lifestyles is shaping children’s choices and increasing demands for branded products and luxury items.

They said many youngsters want to own things they see on digital platforms, while managing these expectations has become challenging, as refusal can sometimes affect their emotions and behaviour.

A parent, who is a professional teacher, said the influence of social media trends and branded lifestyles is also visible among students, including those studying in private schools.

She explained that many children compare their belongings, fashion choices, and lifestyles with peers, creating pressure on families and affecting young minds.

In concluding remarks, the changing landscape of modern society requires collective efforts from families, educators, and digital platforms to promote healthier online habits.

Experts believe awareness, guidance and responsible use of technology are essential to protect young minds from unrealistic expectations.

Encouraging youth to focus on skills, creativity, meaningful relationships and personal growth can help reduce the pressure of comparison while creating a more balanced connection between digital trends and real-life values.

Islamabad: The ninth Ministerial Conference on Women of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) opened in Islamabad on Sunday with technical-level meetings, setting the stage for ministerial deliberations on women’s empowerment across the Muslim world.

The two-day conference has brought together around 190 delegates, including ministers, senior government officials and representatives from the OIC’s 57 member states, to discuss ways to enhance women’s social, economic and political participation and strengthen cooperation among member countries.

Held under the theme, “The Social, Economic and Political Empowerment of Women in OIC Countries: Challenges and the Way Forward,” the conference will focus on expanding women’s access to education, healthcare, employment, entrepreneurship, financial services, technology and digital opportunities, while addressing barriers to their full participation in public life.

Technical experts and senior officials are holding preparatory sessions on the opening day to finalize recommendations for consideration by ministers, who will meet on Monday.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to inaugurate the ministerial session, while Pakistan will formally assume the chairmanship of the OIC Ministerial Conference on Women from Egypt for the next two years.

Several senior Pakistani leaders are expected to address the conference, including Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Members of the National Assembly Wajeeha Qamar and Saba Sadiq.

They are expected to highlight Pakistan’s initiatives aimed at promoting women’s empowerment, education, economic inclusion and leadership.

The conference is expected to conclude with the adoption of the Islamabad Declaration, outlining a common framework for advancing women’s empowerment and promoting inclusive and sustainable development across OIC member states.

The Islamabad meeting builds on the outcomes of the previous ministerial conference held in Cairo in 2021 and is expected to provide fresh momentum for greater collaboration among OIC countries to expand opportunities for women and strengthen their role in social, economic and political development.

Islamabad: Superintendent of Police (SP) Aiwan-e-Sadr/Parliament House Tahir Mehmood Khan on Sunday visited Serena Hotel to review security arrangements for the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, as Islamabad hosts delegates from across the Muslim world.

An official told reporter that Pakistan is hosting the conference at the Jinnah Convention Centre on July 12-13, bringing together more than 190 delegates from 57 OIC member states to discuss the theme, ‘Socio-Economic and Political Empowerment of Women in OIC Countries.’

SP Tahir met officers and personnel deployed on security duty at Serena Hotel and reviewed the overall security arrangements.

Tahir briefed officers on the nature and sensitivity of their duties and issued necessary instructions to ensure foolproof security throughout the event.

He directed all personnel to remain vigilant, maintain strict monitoring and perform their duties with professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility.

SP Tahir also stressed effective coordination among all security personnel and instructed them to respond promptly to any emergency situation.