Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Signaling growing parliamentary concern over the country’s security landscape, the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control on Friday decided to hold a special meeting in Quetta to undertake an on-ground assessment of the law and order situation in Balochistan, marking a significant shift from the proposal to receive a briefing within Parliament House.

The decision came during the committee’s 28th meeting, chaired by Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz, MNA, at Parliament House, where lawmakers also reviewed key legislative proposals, infrastructure delays in Islamabad, the regularization of illegal housing schemes, and longstanding land record disputes affecting residents of the federal capital.

The committee confirmed the minutes of its previous meeting held on June 9, 2026, and expressed satisfaction over the implementation of its earlier recommendations after reviewing the compliance report submitted by the relevant authorities.

Security issues dominated the proceedings as members deliberated on the prevailing law and order situation in both Balochistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. While some lawmakers suggested an in-camera security briefing in Islamabad, the committee ultimately agreed that a visit to Quetta would provide members with firsthand insight into the situation and enable them to formulate informed recommendations for the government.

On the legislative front, the committee considered three government-sponsored measures: the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the West Pakistan Motor Vehicles Taxation (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

Following detailed discussions, the committee deferred consideration of both the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and the ICT Local Government (Amendment) Bill for further examination.

Officials from the ICT Excise and Taxation Department informed members that the Ministry of Law and Justice had advised that the objectives of the West Pakistan Motor Vehicles Taxation (Amendment) Bill had already been incorporated into the Finance Act, 2026-27, making separate legislation unnecessary. Consequently, the committee recommended that the bill be treated as withdrawn.

The committee also expressed serious concern over the prolonged delay in the construction of Sher Dhamial Road and Sigga Bintrar Road in Islamabad. Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) attributed the delay to inadequate budgetary allocations but assured lawmakers that additional funds would be provided subject to resource availability.

Directing the CDA to prioritize completion of ongoing road projects rather than launching new development schemes, the committee stressed that public convenience should take precedence over expansion plans. Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Talal Chaudhry informed members that the CDA would present a detailed account of available funding for the projects at the committee’s next meeting.

Urban planning and unauthorized housing developments also came under scrutiny. Discussing the proposed engagement of consultants for preparing a feasibility study on the regularization and upgradation of illegal housing schemes and settlements in Islamabad, Committee Chairman Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz observed that the CDA Board already possessed the authority to engage consultants where necessary.

He emphasized that Islamabad’s zoning regulations, building by-laws and planning framework require comprehensive revision to reflect present-day realities. The chairman noted that legally feasible regularization of existing settlements would not only improve civic service delivery but also strengthen the CDA’s financial position through the collection of regularization fees and other statutory charges.

The committee urged the government to evolve a practical regulatory framework for existing settlements while simultaneously introducing effective safeguards against future illegal developments. The CDA chairman assured members that the authority remained committed to the objective but required an appropriate policy framework and formal approvals before implementation.

Another issue drawing strong criticism from lawmakers was the continuing ban on registry and mutation (Inteqal) of land in Khanna Dak, Khanna Kak and Shakrial. Members voiced frustration over the persistent delay in transferring land records from Rawalpindi to the Islamabad administration, describing the issue as a source of prolonged hardship for affected residents.

Observing that the matter had repeatedly surfaced before the committee without tangible progress, lawmakers directed the Senior Member of the Punjab Board of Revenue, the Commissioner Rawalpindi and other concerned officials to appear before the next meeting with a definitive timeline for completing the transfer of the remaining land records.

The committee maintained that the prolonged delay could no longer be justified and called for immediate administrative action to resolve the issue.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Talal Chaudhry, MNAs Anjum Aqeel Khan, Chaudhary Naseer Ahmed Abbas (via video link), Malik Shakir Bashir Awan, Chaudhary Muhammad Shahbaz Babar, Syed Rafiullah, Sardar Nabeel Ahmed Gabol, Abdul Qadir Patel (via video link), Nawabzada Mir Jamal Khan Raisani, Rana Ansar, Muhammad Ijaz-ul-Haq and Khushal Khan Kakar.

Senior officials from the Ministries of Interior and Narcotics Control and Law and Justice, the Capital Development Authority, the Federal Investigation Agency, as well as the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad and the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue), Rawalpindi, also participated in the proceedings.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Board of Investment (BOI), Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Regulatory Reforms (CCoRR) to review regulatory challenges and propose reforms in the dairy and beverage sector.

The meeting was attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, along with senior officials from BOI and relevant federal and provincial departments, as well as key private sector stakeholders, said a release issued here on Friday.

The meeting followed deliberations from the previous session, which focused on the fisheries sector, while today’s agenda centered on the dairy and beverage sector-one of Pakistan’s most critical economic segments.

The sector contributes approximately 14.04% to the national GDP and supports the livelihoods of nearly 8 million rural families. Pakistan ranks as the 4th largest dairy producer globally.

The reforms team presented a comprehensive regulatory mapping, identifying 40 regulatory requirements across 25 departments, including 17 federal requirements (9 departments), 17 provincial requirements (10 departments), and 4 requirements at the local government level.

Significant structural inefficiencies were highlighted, particularly in Sindh, where establishing a food processing unit requires 235 documents, with 57% duplication and an estimated processing time of 2040 days. The reforms team proposed eliminating 5 regulations, simplifying 9, digitizing and streamlining 18, and retaining 8.

Implementation of these reforms is expected to reduce documentation requirements from 235 to 83, generate economic savings of Rs. 58.4 billion, and reduce processing time to 634 days.

Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh emphasized that the ultimate objective of these reforms is to enhance investment in Pakistan and promote ease of doing business. He noted that while regulatory domains are largely provincial, collective efforts are required to remove barriers.

He expressed concern over resistance from provinces and stressed the need for greater representation and input from provincial governments and private sector stakeholders.

SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan highlighted that excessive and overlapping regulations are a major impediment to foreign direct investment (FDI). He remarked that provinces should compete to facilitate businesses; however, the current trend reflects an increase in regulatory burdens. He emphasized the need for a shift in mindset to prioritize economic growth.

Dr. Zeelaf Munir, Chairperson of the Pakistan Business Council (PBC), cited the example of neighboring India, where provinces compete to offer minimal regulations to attract investment through a single regulatory authority. She also pointed out that despite being the 4th largest dairy producer, Pakistan has limited exports to major markets such as the European Union.

Representatives from FPCCI Karachi endorsed the importance of the dairy sector and supported the reform agenda. Dr. Shehzad Amin, a dairy expert from FPCCI, highlighted that despite excessive regulations, product quality remains questionable.

He noted that Pakistan produces approximately 72 billion litres of milk annually, yet 40% of children under five suffer from stunted growth. He emphasized the absence of a safe milk law and supported reforms focused on quality assurance rather than excessive compliance.

Several key regulatory issues were discussed where consensus with departments remains pending. These included Sindh Food Authority’s food business licensing and product registration requirements. The reforms team proposed eliminating certain requirements or extending renewal periods from annual to three or five years.

The Committee was informed by Additional Secretary BOI, Zulfiqar Ali that the matter of harmonizing food standards has already been taken up at the Council of Common Interests (CCI). The CCI had mandated provinces to adopt national standards set by the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) to ensure uniformity; however, implementation remains pending. Both the Federal Minister and SAPM emphasized the need for immediate enforcement of the CCI decision.

Discussions also covered regulatory issues related to boiler and vessel permits, where concerns were raised regarding revenue dependence. The leadership reiterated that the primary objective of regulation should be facilitation rather than revenue generation, which can instead be achieved through increased business activity.

Reforms related to the Sindh Building Control Authority were also reviewed, including completion certificates and building plan approvals. The reforms team proposed integration with the Sindh Business One Stop Shop (SBOSS), introduction of time-bound approvals (e.g., within two weeks), and improved tracking systems.

SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan stressed the importance of accountability in certifications, particularly in safety incidents such as fires.

Additional areas discussed included environmental approvals, labour and HR department processes, warehouse registration, and supply chain regulations. The reforms team proposed digitization, elimination of annual renewals, and better inter-departmental coordination.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the urgent need for digitization, harmonization across federal and provincial levels, and improved data sharing mechanisms. Both Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh and SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan underscored that increasing investment and facilitating businesses must remain the central focus of all regulatory frameworks.

The Board of Investment reaffirmed its commitment to advancing regulatory reforms aimed at improving Pakistan’s business environment and attracting both domestic and foreign investment.

Islamabad: The prices of gold witnessed a significant decrease in the local market on Friday, with the price of 24-karat gold per tola decreased by Rs1,400 to settle at Rs432,436, according to rates issued by the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association.

Similarly, the price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold decreased by Rs1,200 to Rs370,744, while the price of 10 grams of 22-karat gold went down by Rs1,100 to Rs339,861.

In the international market, the price of gold decreased by $14 to settle at $4,100 per ounce.

Meanwhile, the price of silver per tola increased by Rs11 to Rs6,432, while the price of 10 grams of silver also went up by Rs10 to Rs5,514.

The price of silver in the international market increased by $0.11 to at $59.53 per ounce, the association reported.

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has urged all stakeholders including the federal and provincial governments, members of parliament, development partners, civil society, academia, the private sector, religious scholars, the media, and local communities, to recognize the urgency of the population rise as a national issue and fulfill their shared responsibility by promoting informed decision-making, responsible parenthood, gender equality, and sustainable development.

The prime minister, in his message on the World Population Day, said that the day provides an important opportunity to highlight the significance of population issues at the global level.

He added that this year’s theme, “Realizing the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People, Today and for the Future,” underscores the pivotal role of young people in shaping a prosperous future. Creating an enabling environment for the younger generation is our collective responsibility.

“Today, Pakistan joins the international community in observing World Population Day and reaffirms its commitment to responsible population planning as a cornerstone of sustainable development and national prosperity,” the prime minister said.

Responsible and prudent population planning and management, he said form the foundation of a welfare-oriented society, adding that a population that remains commensurate with available resources ensures equitable access to public services and contributes to the well-being and prosperity of all citizens.

“Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world and ranks among the countries with a significant youth population. More than 65 % of our population is under the age of 30, this no doubt represents a tremendous national asset and a powerful driver of economic and social progress,” PM Shehbaz said.

At the same time, he added that an annual population growth rate of 2.55 per cent, presents significant challenges for a country with regards to economic planning, employment generation, education, healthcare, housing, food security, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability.

He mentioned that to fully harness the demographic potential of our youth and realize the benefits of this demographic dividend, sustained investment in our national resources and a comprehensive strategy are indispensable. Human development and the ultimate nurturing of people’s capabilities must remain at the heart of our national development agenda, he added.

He highlighted that the federal government has recently established the National Population Council for formulation of a comprehensive and an effective national strategy on population and development. This high-level national forum, he said will ensure policy coordination between the federal and provincial governments, strengthen institutional collaboration, and provide strategic policy guidance for the implementation of the National Population Programme and will also facilitate timely and effective decision making in line with national priorities.

“Furthermore, the Council will duly accord priority to integrating population related issues into the national development agenda, promoting women’s empowerment, advancing human resource development, and formulating evidence based policies that support long term social and economic prosperity,” he said.

To achieve the overarching objective of developing capable, responsible, and empowered citizens, the government is also implementing the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and several other important national initiatives, he added.

The prime minister emphasised that every citizen, irrespective of race, ethnicity, or background, particularly the most vulnerable segments of society, deserves equal access to essential services and due consideration in future planning.

The education, healthcare, economic inclusion, and equal opportunities for women and girls remain among the Government’s foremost priorities, he said.

“Insha’Allah! through collective resolve and coordinated action, we can create an environment in which every citizen enjoys equal opportunities to lead a healthy, dignified, and productive life.

Together, we can transform Pakistan’s demographic potential into enduring national strength and secure a stable, prosperous, developed, and resilient future for both of our present and future generations,” the prime minister concluded.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Friday said providing basic healthcare facilities at people’s doorsteps was the government’s foremost priority.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of a digitalised health centre in Phulgran, he said nearly 50 per cent of Islamabad’s population lived in rural areas.

Patients from these areas had to travel to major hospitals in the city for treatment, while Islamabad’s hospitals also catered to patients from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Jhelum, Murree and Kotli Sattian.

He said the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) previously received around 400 to 500 patients daily, but the number had now increased to between 8,000 and 10,000 patients a day.

The minister said the federal government had allocated Rs 1,163 billion for the health sector.

He added that Islamabad had 22 Basic Health Units (BHUs), many of which were not fully functional, adding that making these facilities operational was the need of the hour.

He said Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal was doing commendable work to improve the health sector.

“If the commitment he has expressed is implemented, we will be able to provide healthcare services to our population at less than half the current cost without any difficulty,” he said.

Dr Tariq said Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif believed the country’s challenges could be overcome through reforms and effective policymaking, adding that providing quality healthcare was one of the government’s fundamental responsibilities.

Recalling an official visit to the United States in 2009, he said he had witnessed robotic surgery at a hospital.

He added that technology had advanced to the point where doctors could now perform surgeries while sitting in another country.

Describing the establishment of the digitalised health unit in Phulgran as a welcome initiative, he said there was a need to create public awareness about this model Basic Health Unit.

He added that women from the area, particularly mothers and sisters, would be able to visit the facility to receive quality medical treatment.

The minister said modern warfare had become a battle of intellect and technology.

Referring to the recent conflict with India, he said Pakistan had demonstrated the effective use of technology without crossing the border and had achieved remarkable success.

He added that nations investing in technology were advancing faster than others.

He announced that telemedicine facilities would be introduced in all Basic Health Units across Islamabad.

He said the government’s priority was to ensure Pakistan excelled in every sector under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

Dr Tariq further said Pakistan’s diplomacy, under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, was being appreciated around the world.

He said the situation in Balochistan was no longer a struggle for rights but a proxy war imposed by India. He added that the entire nation was determined to play its role in ensuring peace and prosperity in Pakistan. He said more than 40 security personnel had laid down their lives in the line of duty.

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism and reiterated its strong and unwavering support for the central role of the United Nations in global affairs.

The prime minister, in a meeting with candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations Macky Sall, who called on him here, expressed the hope that the incoming UN leadership would continue to advance the three pillars of the United Nations-peace and security, development, and human rights-in a balanced and effective manner.

While welcoming Macky Sall, he reiterated Pakistan’s abiding commitment to upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, ensuring the faithful implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions, and promoting respect for international law and international treaties as the foundation for global peace, security, and prosperity.

Macky Sall expressed his deep appreciation for Pakistan’s longstanding contributions to the United Nations and commended the country’s leadership for playing a constructive role in ongoing international peace efforts.