Category: Islamabad

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: Balochistan coal miners and their families received over Rs260 million in welfare assistance under the death and marriage grant schemes during the seven-year period from 2019 to 26.

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, a total of 641 cases were supported during the period, including 307 death grant cases and 334 marriage grant cases.

The disbursements highlight the continued dependence of mine workers and their families on welfare support in a province where coal mining remains one of the most difficult and hazardous occupations.

According to the data, death grants accounted for the largest share of assistance, with Rs173.24 million disbursed in 307 cases.

For the 2019-20 fiscal year, the document lists two separate entries under death grants: 72 cases totaling Rs 36 million and 64 cases totaling Rs 32 million. Combined, these represent 136 cases and Rs 68 million in disbursements.

In 2020-21, death grant support was provided in 29 cases, with Rs15.3 million released. The number declined to 25 cases in 2021-22, involving Rs15 million. In 2022-23, 27 cases were supported with Rs14.8 million, while 18 cases were covered in 2023-24 with Rs11 million disbursed.

The death grant cases rose again in 2024-25, when 53 cases were provided with Rs33.94 million. During 2025-26, 19 death grant cases were recorded, with Rs15.2 million disbursed.

Marriage grants were provided in 334 cases, totaling Rs 87.7 million during the period. This includes 33 cases receiving Rs 3.3 million in 2019-20, and 58 cases supported with Rs 7.8 million in 2020-21.

In 2021-22, Rs9.6 million was released in 48 marriage grant cases. The number fell to 31 cases in 2022-23, with Rs6.2 million disbursed. However, the amount increased sharply in 2023-24, when 61 cases received Rs23.60 million.

The highest number of marriage grant cases was recorded in 2024-25, with 70 cases receiving Rs24 million. During 2025-26, 33 cases were supported with Rs13.2 million.

Overall, death grants represented about two-thirds of total welfare disbursements, reflecting the financial support extended to families after the loss of life in the mining sector.

Marriage grants made up the remaining share and were aimed at supporting miners’ families in meeting social and household expenses.

The figures indicate that welfare disbursements for Balochistan’s coal miners have continued across successive years, though annual amounts and case numbers varied. The data also underlines the need for stronger safety, monitoring, and social protection mechanisms for coal miners, whose work remains exposed to serious occupational risks.

Islamabad: With young people facing growing challenges ranging from unemployment and climate vulnerability to limited opportunities to participate in public decision-making, a new EUR 1.2 million initiative co-funded by the European Union aimed to equip the next generation with the skills, opportunities and leadership needed to drive inclusive economic growth and sustainable development across Pakistan.

Launched in Lahore and Karachi, the project MANZIL (Youth Leadership Transforming Communities for Inclusive Economic Growth, Climate Action and Good Governance) will directly support approximately 4,000 vulnerable young women and men and strengthen 40 youth-led organizations across Rawalpindi, Lahore, Mirpurkhas and Sanghar.

The initiative is designed to help young people move beyond being beneficiaries of development programmes to becoming entrepreneurs, climate champions, community leaders and active partners in local governance, said a press release.

Pakistan is home to one of the world’s largest youth populations, presenting both a significant opportunity and a pressing development challenge. While young people possess the energy and potential to drive economic growth and social progress, many continue to face barriers to employment, entrepreneurship, civic participation and access to resources.

At the same time, climate change is placing increasing pressure on livelihoods and communities, particularly in vulnerable districts. MANZIL responds to these interconnected challenges by investing in youth as drivers of long-term resilience and inclusive development.

Financially supported by the European Union, the initiative is being implemented by Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) in partnership with Civil Society Support Programme (CSSP) and Shirakat Foundation.

MANZIL will help young people develop market-relevant skills, establish and expand livelihoods, strengthen leadership capacities and design locally led climate solutions that address challenges within their own communities. The programme will also strengthen youth-led organisations so they can deliver sustainable development initiatives, mobilise communities and engage constructively with public institutions long after the project concludes.

Recognising that inclusive development requires inclusive participation, MANZIL places particular emphasis on ensuring opportunities for women and girls, persons with disabilities, transgender persons, faith minorities and young people from historically marginalised communities.

Speaking at the launch, representatives highlighted that investing in youth is essential to Pakistan’s future prosperity and resilience.

Dr. Sebastien Lorion, Acting Head of Cooperation, the European Union Delegation in Pakistan said, ‘European Union proudly supports MANZIL. When young people have a voice, opportunities and recognition, societies become more innovative, more resilient and more just. And in Pakistan, this matters enormously. This is a country with extraordinary youth potential.’

Stephen Kent, County Director, Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) said, “MANZIL is built on the belief that young people are not simply beneficiaries of development, they are leaders, innovators and partners in creating lasting change. By strengthening their skills, organizations and connections with public institutions, we are investing in solutions that will continue benefiting communities well beyond the life of this project.”

The initiative adopts an integrated approach that combines entrepreneurship development, leadership and management training, climate resilience, organisational strengthening and youth-led community action. It will also facilitate stronger collaboration between young people, civil society organisations and relevant government institutions to improve dialogue, encourage inclusive decision-making and create an enabling environment for youth leadership.

Building on partnerships and community engagement structures established through previous initiatives, MANZIL seeks to strengthen local ownership and institutional capacity, ensuring that youth-led organisations continue contributing to inclusive governance, climate resilience and local economic development after the project ends.

By investing in young people’s ideas, leadership and potential today, MANZIL aims to create stronger local institutions, more resilient communities and greater economic opportunities for the next generation, demonstrating that empowering youth is not only a social investment, but a strategic investment in Pakistan’s future.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Saturday said the digital capabilities and technical skills of young people were the guarantee of Pakistan’s bright future.

In her message on World Population Day, the minister said efforts were underway to equip the country’s youth with modern technology and world-class digital facilities.

Shaza Fatima said empowering women economically through digital education and IT training was among the government’s top priorities.

She said Pakistani women were playing a positive role globally, with support from the IT sector.

In line with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s vision, she said the government was working to improve internet connectivity and build a Digital Pakistan.

Islamabad: The government is set to further expand cellular services in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan with a proposed allocation of Rs298.875 million for the financial year 2026-27.

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the initiative titled ‘Expansion of Cellular Services in AJK and GB Phase-IV’ began in 2024 and is scheduled to be completed in 2027. The project’s total cost is Rs1.997 billion.

The project has achieved 90% physical progress and 85% financial progress. So far, Rs1.698 billion has been spent, and the expected throw-forward of Rs298.875 million has been proposed for allocation in FY2026-27.

Under the initiative, the government plans to install 28 essential cellular sites in AJK and GB along with the required civil infrastructure. The project is designed to improve mobile connectivity, extend 4G services, and strengthen communication facilities in these difficult terrains where people often face limited access to reliable telecom services.

According to the progress report, civil work on 23 sites has been completed, while power has also been extended to all 23 locations. In addition, 4G cellular equipment has been commissioned at 23 sites, improving mobile broadband services in targeted areas.

Work on digging and laying 50 kilometres of optical fibre cable is also in progress, which will help improve network reliability and support stronger backhaul connectivity for cellular services.

The initiative is expected to benefit local communities, students, businesses, tourists, emergency services, and public sector institutions by improving access to digital communication. Better cellular coverage in AJK and GB can also support online education, telemedicine, e-commerce, tourism promotion, and disaster response.

The project reflects the government’s efforts to bridge the digital divide by extending modern telecom infrastructure to geographically challenging and less-connected regions. Once completed, the initiative is expected to provide more reliable cellular and broadband services to the remote communities across AJK and GB.

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Saturday, reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring the uninterrupted supply of sugar at affordable prices.

Chairing a high-level meeting to take stock of the availability of sugar across the country and ensure price stability for consumers, he stressed that the government would adopt a zero-tolerance policy against hoarding, speculation, and artificial price hikes.

The Ministry of National Food Security and Research, in coordination with provincial food departments, briefed the Committee on current sugar stocks, production projections, and market price trends.

The meeting was attended by Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, SAPM Tariq Bajwa, Secretary, Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Member FBR, and senior federal and provincial officials.

After a thorough review of the data presented on provincial and national sugar reserves, the committee expressed satisfaction over the overall availability and supply position.