Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) has officially launched the NTC Solar Infrastructure Deployment Program (SIDP), a landmark initiative that marks a significant milestone in the Corporation’s commitment to energy efficiency, operational resilience, and environmental sustainability.

The SIDP aims to harness renewable solar energy to power NTC’s offices, telecommunications exchanges, data centres, and operational facilities across Pakistan. By transitioning to clean energy, NTC seeks to substantially reduce electricity costs, enhance energy reliability, and support the Government of Pakistan’s national renewable energy objectives, said a press release issued here.

To formalize the initiative, an official Contract Signing Ceremony was held in Islamabad between NTC and a consortium comprising Kasib Builders and Developers (Pvt.) Ltd., Zeeruk International (Pvt.) Ltd., and Zeeruk Energy Development (Pvt.) Ltd.

The SIDP will be implemented under the Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) framework. Under this model, the Joint Venture will fully finance, design, install, operate, and maintain advanced solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at designated NTC sites. Upon completion of the concession period, ownership of the entire solar infrastructure will be transferred to NTC.

Beyond reducing recurring operational expenditures, the transition to solar energy will significantly lower NTC’s carbon footprint while reinforcing the Corporation’s commitment to environmentally responsible and sustainable operations.

Speaking at the ceremony, NTC Management emphasized the strategic importance of the project:

‘The SIDP represents a transformative step towards reducing our dependence on conventional energy sources while delivering long-term financial and operational benefits. By investing in innovative and sustainable technologies, NTC is strengthening a modern, resilient, and energy-efficient telecommunications infrastructure that supports Pakistan’s transition towards a greener and more sustainable future.’

Islamabad: Federal Ombudsman Naveed Kamran Baloch on Saturday said his institution is harnessing digital and AI-powered reforms to elevate public service delivery, broaden awareness and capacity-building initiatives for government employees, and ensure Ombudsman decisions are implemented well within the prescribed 60-day time frame.

While appearing on a PTV News programme, Federal Ombudsman Naveed Kamran Baloch highlighted the Ombudsman institution’s role, sharing his personal experiences and thanking the government leadership for strengthening the system through technology and AI-driven solutions to provide speedy, transparent and accessible justice.

Kamran Baloch said the institution is focused on supporting the underprivileged segment of society, with nearly 90 percent of complainants seeking relief against issues faced at government departments and public offices.

He added that AI technology is helping take justice services to citizens’ doorsteps, with implementation of Ombudsman decisions ensured within 60 days, while efforts are underway to further reduce the time-frame.

He emphasised that public awareness is essential for ensuring access to justice and said the Federal Ombudsman is actively working to strengthen complaint resolution mechanisms. The institution is establishing monitoring cells and appointing focal persons in public dealing departments, including NADRA, airports, BISP, power sector and other organizations to improve service delivery and ensure timely redressal of citizens’ grievances.

He further said the Federal Ombudsman is ensuring coordinated efforts to resolve issues faced by overseas Pakistanis, with the Foreign Secretary supporting effective coordination among relevant institutions. These initiatives are aimed at making public services more responsive, transparent and accessible for all citizens.

Responding to a query, he stressed the need for capacity building, training and specialized courses for employees involved in public dealing to improve service delivery.

He said the Federal Ombudsman provides justice to citizens while ensuring accountability, transparency and credibility across institutions, with regular feedback reflecting public confidence in the system.

To another query, he also elaborated on the complaint filing process and legal procedures, stating that applicants can approach the Federal Ombudsman not only through physical applications but also via telephone and social media platforms.

He said dedicated teams and researchers are working to ensure quick responses and efficient guidance for complainants.

Replying to a question about complaints, he said over 256,000 cases were received by the Federal Ombudsman last year, while he personally reviews around 920 to 1,000 complaints on a daily basis.

He said a forensic digitalised system with AI-based tools is being utilized to analyze cases, enhance efficiency and ensure speedy resolution.

On the nature of complaints, he said most grievances arise from departments involved in direct public dealing.

He added that the Federal Ombudsman is actively engaged with 12 to 14 key public service organizations and is working continuously to introduce reforms for improved performance and greater public satisfaction.

In his concluding remarks, Naveed Kamran Baloch stressed the importance of public awareness, dignity and compassion in service delivery.

He said the Federal Ombudsman is committed to making justice more accessible and ensuring citizens receive fair and respectful treatment.

He said the Wafaqi Mohtasib has emerged as a strong pillar of administrative accountability by addressing public grievances, improving governance standards and promoting transparency, responsibility and efficiency in government services.

Islamabad: Secretary, Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Muhammad Aslam Ghauri, on Saturday highlighted that population dynamics are closely linked with health, education, economic development, and social well-being.

In his message on the occasion of World Population Day on 11 th July, 2026, he underlined that realizing the aspirations of young people requires not only investments in their education and skills but also ensuring access to quality healthcare services, informed choices, and opportunities that enable them to contribute meaningfully to society.

This Day provides an important opportunity to reflect on the collective responsibility of ensuring that every individual, particularly young people, women, and children, has the opportunity to lead a healthy, productive, and dignified life, he said.This year’s theme, “Realizing the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People – Today and for the Future,” underscores the need to place people at the center of development and to create an enabling environment where future generations can thrive, he added.

This Ministry remains committed to strengthening the country’s health system and supporting national efforts aimed at improving the well-being of families and communities, he said.

He added that in close collaboration with provincial and regional governments, the Ministry continues to facilitate policy implementation, strengthen institutional coordination, and promote evidence-based approaches that improve access to essential health services across the country.

The Secretary focused that effective partnerships are central to achieving these objectives. The Ministry values its collaboration with provincial health and population departments, development partners, United Nations, agencies, non-governmental organizations, international non-governmental organizations, professional bodies, academia, and the private sector.

Through coordinated action, we can ensure that national priorities are translated into practical interventions that reach communities and improve people’s lives, he said.

Special attention must be given to the health and empowerment of women and adolescents. When women are healthy, educated, and empowered, families prosper and communities become more resilient, Aslam said.

Similarly, when young people are equipped with knowledge, opportunities, and support, they become agents of positive change and contribute to national development, he added

As the federal coordinating body for health, the Ministry will continue to promote collaboration,strengthen health systems, support innovation, and facilitate the implementation of policies and programmes that improve health outcomes and advance sustainable development, he added.

On this World Population Day, I urge all stakeholders to continue working together in fostering a healthier, more informed, and more prosperous society. Through partnership, commitment, and collective action, we can create a future where the hopes and aspirations of every young person are realized and where every family has the opportunity to flourish.

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Saturday, reaffirming the importance of Pakistan’s enduring partnership with the World Bank, stressed that sustained collaboration on ongoing and future projects would be key to delivering meaningful development outcomes.

The ambassador met with World Bank President Ajay Banga. During the meeting, Ambassador Sheikh presented President Banga with ‘Triunda’ the official football produced in Pakistan for the FIFA World Cup 2026, as a commemorative gift, a press release, Saturday, said.

President Banga commended the quality of Pakistan’s sporting goods, particularly the ‘Triunda’ football.

Ambassador Sheikh said Pakistan continued to promote global unity through sports and described the selection of a Pakistan-made football as the official match ball for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as a landmark achievement and a source of national pride.

He noted that Sialkot, the country’s hub for sporting goods manufacturing, enjoys a global reputation for producing premium-quality sports goods.

The ambassador said the international community’s confidence in Pakistan’s sports manufacturing sector is a significant encouragement for the industry and reflects its commitment to maintaining world-class quality standards.

Islamabad: The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) provided timely assistance to more than 876,625 road users, reunited 115 missing children with their families and arrested 54 wanted criminals during the first half of 2026.

According to the NHMP’s performance report for the period from January 1 to June 30, 2026, NHMP continued its commitment to ensuring safe travel, providing timely public assistance, enforcing traffic laws, promoting road safety, and combating smuggling across the country’s motorways and national highways.

The force promptly responded to 26 medical emergencies, helping save precious lives. NHMP officers also extinguished 39 vehicle fires, preventing casualties and minimizing property losses, it added.

Through its 130 Toll-Free Helpline, the NHMP provided guidance to 179,408 citizens, extended various forms of assistance to 123,256 road users, delivered emergency support to 9,823 citizens, and resolved 42,111 public complaints in a timely manner.

During the reporting period, the NHMP issued 15,679 driving licences, 43 Category CE driving licences, and 528 International Driving Permits. To promote road safety nationwide, the NHMP organized 1,327 road safety awareness programmes.

More than 16.36 million (16,361,682) road users received road safety awareness at toll plazas, while over 2.27 million (2,275,043) road safety pamphlets and booklets were distributed across the country.

Demonstrating honesty, professionalism, and public trust, NHMP officers recovered and returned lost valuables to their rightful owners, including gold jewellery in two separate incidents, hundreds of mobile phones worth over Rs. 13.617 million, 23 bags containing important documents, and 31 wallets.

The NHMP also recovered 25 stolen vehicles and 22 non-custom-paid vehicles, handing them over to the relevant authorities and their rightful owners. Furthermore, 115 missing children were safely reunited with their parents, while 54 dangerous criminals wanted in various criminal cases were arrested and handed over to the respective district police.

During enforcement operations on national highways, the NHMP recovered four illegal weapons, 35 rounds of ammunition, three magazines, 21.22 grams of hashish, 26 kilograms of opium, 21 kilograms of cocaine, 2,420 litres of liquor, 400 cans of alcoholic beverages, non-custom-paid cigarettes worth Rs. 60 million, skimmed milk powder worth Rs. 1.5 million, and non-custom-paid cloth worth Rs. 12 million. All recovered items were handed over to the relevant law enforcement agencies for further legal action.

As part of its anti-smuggling operations, the NHMP foiled attempts to smuggle 532 tonnes of wheat and flour, which were subsequently handed over to the relevant Food Department. The force also recovered 2,173 kilograms of unhygienic meat, arrested the suspects, and handed them over to the respective Food Authorities. In addition, 32 smuggling attempts were foiled, with all accused persons handed over to the relevant law enforcement agencies.

The NHMP also recovered over 16,586 metres of stolen roadside fencing and handed the suspects over to the concerned district police.

Under its special campaign against over-speeding, the NHMP registered 817 FIRs against violators.

The report further highlights that the NHMP’s Social Media Team and FM-95 Road Safety Radio continue to keep road users informed about road safety, traffic conditions, and travel advisories.

To strengthen public engagement and ensure prompt resolution of citizens’ concerns, the NHMP also conducts a monthly Open Court (Khuli Katcheri).

The report concludes by reaffirming the National Highways and Motorway Police’s unwavering commitment to impartial enforcement of the law while providing safe, dignified, and high-quality travel services to the public.

The NHMP remains dedicated to serving the nation with professionalism, integrity, and excellence around the clock.

Islamabad: Acting President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Tahir Ayub, on Saturday called for a comprehensive national strategy to transform Pakistan’s rapidly growing population into a productive economic force through sustained investments in education, healthcare, skills development, entrepreneurship, and employment generation.

He said that with prudent planning and human capital development, Pakistan’s youthful population could become the country’s greatest competitive advantage, driving industrial growth, innovation, exports, and long-term economic prosperity.

He expressed these views while talking to different delegations of business leaders on the occasion of World Population Day on Saturday, observing that the day served as an important reminder of the need to strike a balance between population growth and sustainable economic development.

He emphasized that the true strength of a nation lied not merely in the size of its population, but in its ability to educate, empower, and productively engage its people in nation-building.

Tahir Ayub said that Pakistan was blessed with one of the largest youth populations in the region, presenting a historic demographic opportunity that could accelerate economic transformation if supported by forward-looking policies.

However, he cautioned that without timely investments in quality education, vocational and technical training, healthcare, digital literacy, and decent employment opportunities, the demographic advantage could turn into a significant socio-economic challenge.

The ICCI Acting President observed that the private sector has a pivotal role to play in creating employment opportunities, promoting entrepreneurship, investing in workforce development, and supporting innovation.

He urged the government to strengthen collaboration with the business community, academia, and development partners to equip young people with market-driven skills and prepare them for the evolving demands of the global economy.

He further emphasized that policy consistency, economic stability, and a business-friendly environment are indispensable for attracting investment and generating employment on the scale required to absorb Pakistan’s expanding workforce.

He called for greater investment in industrialization, technology, SMEs, and export-oriented sectors to create sustainable livelihoods and improve living standards.

Speaking on the occasion, ICCI Vice President Mohammad Irfan Chaudhry stressed that empowering youth through technical education, vocational training, digital skills, and entrepreneurship is essential for enhancing productivity and reducing unemployment.

He added that a vibrant SME sector, supported by enabling government policies and easier access to finance, can play a transformative role in creating jobs and ensuring inclusive economic growth.