Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL), called on the Chief Justice of Pakistan at the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday.

He was accompanied by a high-level delegation of the Muslim World League and Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malkiy, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan. Senior representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also attended the meeting.

Welcoming the delegation, the Chief Justice acknowledged the Muslim World League’s global contributions in fostering dialogue, promoting the true values of Islam, combating extremism and Islamophobia, and advancing humanitarian initiatives across the Muslim world. He commended the visionary leadership of Dr. Al-Issa in strengthening international cooperation based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and shared human values.

The Chief Justice briefed the delegation on the Supreme Court’s ongoing reform agenda, highlighting initiatives aimed at improving access to justice, strengthening institutional transparency, embracing technology-driven judicial services, and enhancing public confidence in the justice system. He emphasized that an independent, efficient, and people-centric judiciary remains fundamental to the rule of law and sustainable development.

The Chief Justice also highlighted the importance of judicial institutions engaging with international partners to exchange knowledge and best practices on issues of common concern, including mediation, access to justice, judicial education, and the protection of fundamental rights.

The two sides also explored avenues for enhancing institutional cooperation through professional exchanges, including the possibility of exchange programmes for officers of the district judiciary and technical officers to facilitate mutual learning, capacity building, and the sharing of best practices in judicial administration and court management.

Dr. Al-Issa appreciated the reform initiatives being undertaken by the Supreme Court of Pakistan and reaffirmed the Muslim World League’s commitment to promoting justice, tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and humanitarian cooperation. Both sides exchanged views on strengthening collaboration in advancing the shared values of justice, human dignity, and social harmony.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to deepening institutional engagement in support of justice, rule of law and human dignity.

Islamabad: Secretary-General of the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8), Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, has called for deeper halal economic integration among member states, proposing a range of initiatives to strengthen trade, investment, innovation and regional cooperation in the rapidly expanding global halal economy.

In a video message at the inaugural D-8 Halal Expo Indonesia (HEI) 2026 in Jakarta, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood congratulated the Government of Indonesia on successfully hosting the first-ever D-8 Halal Expo, and commended its leadership in advancing the halal economy as a key driver of sustainable development, industrial transformation, and regional economic integration, said a press release received here on Thursday.

With the thematic focus on “Strengthening D-8 Halal Economy Through International Collaboration,” the 5-day event brings together Ministers, Senior Officials, business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and halal industry stakeholders from across the D-8 region and beyond to promote trade, investment, innovation, and strategic partnerships throughout the global halal ecosystem.

The opening ceremony for HEI was officiated by H.E. Anis Matta, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, together with senior representatives of the National Committee for Islamic Economy and Finance (KNEKS); the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH); the Hajj Fund Management Agency (BPKH); Ambassadors, senior diplomats and Officials from D-8 Member States; as well as other noted dignitaries.

He particularly welcomed Indonesia’s proposals to institutionalize the D-8 Halal Expo as an annual flagship event and to host the proposed D-8 Halal Economy Cooperation (HEC) Secretariat, describing these as far-reaching initiatives that would further strengthen the Organization’s institutional architecture while fostering enhanced policy coordination, private-sector engagement, research collaboration, capacity-building, and intra-D-8 trade and investment.

The Secretary-General noted that the D-8, representing more than 1.28 billion people and a combined GDP exceeding US$5 trillion, possesses the complementary strengths required to become a globally competitive hub for halal production, trade, investment, and innovation. He observed that although the global halal economy is expanding rapidly across food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, healthcare, tourism, logistics, Islamic finance, and digital commerce, the Muslim-majority countries continue to capture only a limited share of global halal value chains. Addressing this gap, he stressed, requires greater regional integration, innovation, industrial competitiveness, and value addition.

Within the framework of the D-8 Decennial Roadmap 2020-2030, the Secretary-General described the halal economy as another critical enabler for realizing the Organization’s target of US$ 500 billion intra-D-8 trade by 2030. He emphasized that deeper cooperation in the halal sector can contribute significantly to economic diversification, food security, SME development, investment promotion, and sustainable growth across Member States.

To advance this vision, Sohail Mahmood proposed three specific initiatives. First, the establishment of an Integrated D-8 Halal Trade Corridor through the gradual harmonization and mutual recognition of halal standards and certification systems, interoperable digital certification, enhanced customs cooperation, dedicated halal logistics corridors, and simplified trade procedures. Second, the creation of a D-8 Digital Halal Marketplace and Investment Platform to connect manufacturers, exporters, SMEs, investors, Islamic financial institutions, certification authorities, and buyers, thereby facilitating business matchmaking, cross-border e-commerce, investment partnerships, and supply-chain integration. Third, enhanced joint investment in research, innovation, halal industrial parks, biotechnology, food technology, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, blockchain-enabled traceability, sustainable logistics, green manufacturing, and skills development to ensure that D-8 Member States remain competitive in th
e industries of the future.

The Secretary-General reaffirmed the commitment of the D-8 Secretariat to work closely with Indonesia, D-8 Member States, affiliated institutions, private sector, and international partners to transform these initiatives into practical programmes that deliver tangible benefits for businesses and citizens across the D-8 geography.

The Expo also featured remarks by Indonesian officials highlighting the importance of strengthening cooperation in halal standards, certification, trade facilitation, and investment while promoting Indonesia’s role as one of the leading centers of the global halal economy. Over five days, the Expo will host international exhibitions, business matching sessions, investment forums, and thematic discussions covering halal food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, modest fashion, Islamic finance, tourism, digital services, and emerging technologies.

As the first event of its kind under the D-8 framework, the D-8 Halal Expo Indonesia 2026 represents a major landmark towards building integrated halal value chains, expanding South-South cooperation, strengthening regional competitiveness, and positioning the D-8 as a prominent player in efforts to promote a more innovative, resilient, and sustainable global halal economy.

Islamabad: PML-N leader Ali Gohar Baloch Thursday called on PTI leadership to adopt a mature political approach and focus on using Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s resources for the welfare of the people rather than pursuing political conflicts and personal interests.

While speaking exclusively to PTV News, Gohar Baloch said that the resources and authority of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly should be utilized for the betterment and progress of the province instead of focusing on political criticism and personal agendas.

He said PTI leadership should focus on improving governance, addressing public issues and using provincial resources for the welfare of the people rather than criticizing other provinces.

Gohar stressed the need for practical steps to improve the living conditions of citizens and ensure development across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Ali Gohar Baloch emphasized that attention should be given to making Peshawar a safe city, improving healthcare and education facilities, establishing modern forensic laboratories and adopting an effective strategy to counter terrorism and maintain peace in the province.

The PML-N leader also criticized PTI founder, alleging corruption during his tenure and said that PTI leadership should move beyond personal interests and focus on the national interest and welfare of the people.

He urged political leaders to demonstrate seriousness, responsibility and political maturity by prioritizing public service, development, and stability over political disputes and personal agendas.

Concluding his remarks, Ali Gohar Baloch said that the progress of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa requires a mature and serious political approach, with all stakeholders working together for the betterment of the province and its people.

Islamabad: Indian troops have martyred 2,108 Kashmiris, including 46 women, in a relentless campaign since the extrajudicial killing of popular youth leader Burhan Muzaffar Wani in 2016 till date in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

According to a report released by the Research Section of reporter, those martyred Kashmiris, 364 were killed in fake encounters or in custody during the period.

The report stated that at least 30,318 people have sustained injuries in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) due to the use of force, including the firing of bullets, pellets, and teargas shells on demonstrators and mourners by Indian military, paramilitary, and police personnel.

According to the report, at least 9,500 people were injured by pellet guns, including at least 115 individuals who lost their eyesight completely. It further stated that at least 1,800 Kashmiris, mostly youth, children, girls, and women, suffered partial loss of eyesight due to pellet injuries.

The report highlighted that the use of excessive force has resulted in widespread injuries among civilians in IIOJK, with thousands affected by the use of live ammunition, pellet guns, and teargas shells during protests and mourning gatherings.

Burhan Muzaffar Wani was killed along with two associates by Indian troops in what the report described as a fake encounter in the Kokernag area of Islamabad district on this day in 2016.

The report stated that Burhan Wani’s killing triggered widespread protests in IIOJK, during which, in the following months, more than 150 Kashmiris were reportedly killed by Indian troops through the use of bullets, pellets, and teargas shells against protesters.

Islamabad: Chief Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court has approved the summer vacation schedule for the court’s officers and staff, allowing leave in two separate phases of three weeks each while directing that judicial and administrative functions continue without interruption.

According to the schedule, the first phase of summer vacations will run from July 13 to August 2, while the second phase will be observed from August 4 to August 24.

Under the order, heads of all departments have been directed to make the necessary arrangements to ensure the smooth continuation of the court’s administrative and judicial work during the vacation period so that no official business is disrupted.

The order further instructs all officers and staff to clear pending files, complete case-related office work and finalize other official assignments before proceeding on leave to ensure that the court’s functioning remains unaffected.

It also stipulates that throughout the summer vacations, all officers and employees must keep their registered mobile phone numbers active at all times so they can be contacted immediately if required.

Islamabad: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Thursday stressed the need for timely completion of key highway projects in the province, saying modern road infrastructure was vital for economic growth, tourism promotion and regional connectivity.

He expressed these views during a meeting with National Highway Authority (NHA) Chairman Capt (Retd) Asadullah here, where they reviewed progress on ongoing and proposed highway projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The meeting discussed the Hazara Expressway, Chakdara-Dir-Chitral Road, the Paniala Interchange under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the Dera Ismail Khan-Tibbi Qaisrani-Dera Ghazi Khan road project.

Matters relating to timely completion of the projects, availability of funds and provision of improved travel facilities to the public also came under discussion.

The Governor said projects such as the Hazara Expressway and Chakdara-Dir-Chitral Road would not only improve connectivity for people in northern districts but also create new opportunities for tourism, trade and investment.

Describing the Paniala Interchange as an important project on the western route of CPEC, Kundi said its early completion would boost commercial activities in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly Dera Ismail Khan, and strengthen links with the national highway network.

He urged NHA authorities to accelerate work on all development schemes so that people could benefit from them at the earliest.

The meeting also reviewed progress on the dualisation of the Dera Ismail Khan-Dera Ghazi Khan Road.

The Governor proposed inclusion of the Naiwela and Parova bypass roads in the project, calling them a longstanding demand of the local population.

The NHA chairman informed the meeting that work on the Sherwan Interchange on the Hazara Expressway in Abbottabad would begin after the release of Rs 3.36 million in funds.

He said work on the Lowari Tunnel was in progress, while development regarding the Shah Isa Interchange was also underway.

Governor Kundi directed the NHA to take action over the substandard work on the Mastung-Chitral Road project and ensure its early completion. He was also briefed on the planned repair work on the Hakla-Dera Ismail Khan section of the CPEC route.