Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Pakistan will host the 9th Ministerial Conference on Women of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) here, to be held from July 12-13, bringing together around 190 delegates from 57 OIC member states, including ministers, senior government officials and prominent women leaders.

The two-day conference aims to strengthen cooperation among OIC member states for the empowerment of women by promoting their social, economic, political and professional participation while advancing inclusive and sustainable development across the Muslim world.

According to official details, delegates will deliberate on measures to expand women’s access to economic opportunities, financial systems, entrepreneurship, technology and digital platforms, besides addressing the digital gender gap and enhancing financial inclusion.

The conference will also discuss strategies to improve women’s participation in decision-making processes and review progress made on commitments adopted at previous OIC ministerial conferences. Participants are expected to exchange experiences and best practices while exploring new avenues for promoting women’s rights and socio-economic development within member states.

The meeting will further focus on expanding women’s access to quality education and healthcare and promoting policies aimed at achieving inclusive growth and sustainable development across the Muslim world.

The conference builds on the outcomes of previous OIC ministerial meetings on women, particularly the eighth session held in Cairo in 2021, which focused on women’s empowerment, protection frameworks and enhancing their socio-economic participation.

Pakistan, as the host country, is expected to use the conference as a platform to reaffirm its commitment to strengthening cooperation among OIC member states for promoting gender-inclusive development and creating greater opportunities for women across diverse sectors.

Islamabad: The prices of gold witnessed an increase in the local market on Saturday, with 24-karat gold per tola gaining Rs1,100 to settle at Rs433,536, according to rates issued by the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association.

Similarly, the price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold increased by Rs943 to Rs371,687, whereas 10 grams of 22-karat gold rose by Rs864 to Rs340,725.

In the international market, the price of gold increased by $11 to $4,111 per ounce.

Meanwhile, the price of silver per tola increased by Rs30 to Rs6,462, while the price of 10 grams of silver rose by Rs26 to Rs5,540.

The price of silver in the international market also increased by $0.30 to $59.83 per ounce, the association reported.

Islamabad: The negotiations on the Pakistan-United States Agreement on Reciprocal Trade were held in Washington, D.C. with a view to its early conclusion.

‘The talks were conducted in a cordial atmosphere, with both sides ironing out differences and building convergence, with a view to the early conclusion of the Agreement,’ Tahir Andrabi, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.

Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul, who led the Pakistan delegation, characterised the talks as positive and appreciated the significant progress made during the negotiations.

Islamabad: The 25th death anniversary of legendary Urdu poet Qateel Shifai was observed on Saturday with tributes paid from the literary circles who honoured his unforgettable contribution to poetry and his enduring place in Urdu literature.

According to media reports, he rose to prominence under the pen name Qateel Shifai and became a symbol of literary excellence.

With his unique style, emotional depth and powerful expression, Qateel Shifai captivated generations of poetry lovers.

His poetic verses reflected human emotions, love and social realities, thus leaving an unforgettable mark on Urdu poetry.

Throughout his illustrious career, he authored more than 20 collections of poetry and penned over 900 songs for more than 200 films, making him one of the most influential lyricists in the history of Urdu literature and cinema.

In recognition of his outstanding literary services, Qateel Shifai was honoured with the Pride of Performance award in 1994.

Qateel Shifai’ s poetic journey remains an enduring chapter in Urdu literature, with his verses continuing to inspire readers and artists across generations.

His unmatched contribution to poetry and film songwriting has secured him place among the most respected literary figures of the Urdu world.

He passed away in Lahore on this day in 2001, but his poetic legacy continues to live on.

Islamabad: Senior leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) Altaf Hussain Wani on Saturday said Pakistan’s armed forces, government and people remain united in support of the Kashmir cause, describing it as a vital national issue and urged the BJP-led Indian government to restore statehood to the territory while addressing alleged human rights violations in accordance with relevant UN resolutions.

While speaking with PTV News, APHC leader Altaf Hussain Wani said the Kashmir dispute should be settled in line with United Nations resolutions (UN), adding, a just and peaceful resolution is necessary for sustainable peace and stability in the region.

He said the Kashmir issue resonates with people across Pakistan, with citizens from every segment of society expressing solidarity with the cause, adding, national institutions, including the government and armed forces, continue to reflect this collective support.

Talking about the 276th Corps Commanders’ Conference, APHC leader Altaf Hussain Wani appreciated the Pakistan Army’s reaffirmation of support for the Kashmir cause, describing the issue as a matter of national importance.

He welcomed the forum’s stance against unilateral demographic changes in Indian-administered Kashmir and its reaffirmation of political, diplomatic and moral support for the Kashmiri people.

He said such commitments reflect the continued significance of the Kashmir issue and the need for a peaceful resolution in accordance with international commitments.

He appreciated Pakistan’s continued diplomatic, political and moral support for the Kashmir cause, saying such efforts reflect a firm commitment to the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

He said lasting regional peace and stability are linked with a just resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.

He added that granting the Kashmiri people their right to self-determination is essential for achieving durable peace in the region.

He alleged that the Indian government’s actions aimed at altering the demographic character of Kashmir are continuing, along with human rights concerns and the detention of political leadership in jails.

He called for an end to such measures and stressed the importance of protecting the rights of the Kashmiri people.

He demanded that the rights and freedoms of Kashmiris be safeguarded and urged the international community to play its role in addressing the situation in accordance with relevant international commitments.

Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Saturday issued a flood and landslide alert ahead of a fresh spell of monsoon rains expected to affect large parts of the country from July 10 to 13, advising residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel to mountainous areas and follow safety instructions.

Through special awareness messages and coordination with media channels, NDMA officials urged the public to remain alert and take precautionary measures during the ongoing monsoon spell. The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of NDMA warned of possible flash floods, landslides and overflowing streams in northern regions due to expected heavy rainfall.

The NDMA stated that northern areas would remain at risk of landslides from July 11 to 13, while flood threats in high-altitude regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir could persist from July 10 to 14. The authority cautioned that rising temperatures along with heavy rainfall may accelerate glacial melting, increasing the possibility of debris flows, flash floods and overflowing water channels.

The authority identified several vulnerable locations, including parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, Murree, Mansehra and Abbottabad. It also highlighted risks along the Karakoram Highway, Jaglot-Skardu Road, Hunza-Gojal Road, as well as areas such as Ghizer, Naltar, Bagrote and Haramosh due to possible landslides and rockfalls.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has forecast strong winds, thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in parts of Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. Most districts of Punjab are also expected to receive intermittent rainfall on Saturday, bringing a slight drop in temperatures, while humid conditions may continue.

The PDMA has also alerted risky district administrations to remain prepared and adopt precautionary measures against possible rain-related incidents. WASA has also mobilized teams across Lahore for timely drainage of rainwater from low-lying areas. Authorities warned that intense rainfall could lead to urban flooding, rising water levels in rivers and streams, and landslides in mountainous regions.