Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday expressed profound grief over the loss of lives and widespread property damage caused by torrential rains and subsequent flooding in China.

The acting president, in a statement, extended Pakistan’s solidarity, saying that the nation stood firmly with its Chinese brethren during this challenging natural calamity.

He said that the time-tested friendship between Pakistan and China grew stronger in the face of adversity.

Islamabad: Federal Tax Ombudsman, Zafar Hijazi, has ruled that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) cannot lawfully retain money recovered under an assessment order once that order has been set aside by the appellate authority.

The FTO held that once an assessment order is annulled in appeal, it ceases to exist in the eyes of law. Consequently, the legal basis for recovery also disappears and the recovered amount cannot be withheld merely because reassessment proceedings are pending, said a press release issued by the FTO on Wednesday.

Rejecting the department’s objection regarding jurisdiction, the FTO observed that the complaint related to maladministration arising from failure to implement the appellate order, continued attachment of the taxpayer’s bank account, and delay in deciding the pending refund application. These issues fall squarely within the jurisdiction of the FTO.

The FTO directed FBR to immediately implement the appellate order by lifting the bank attachment, decide the refund application strictly in accordance with law, and submit a compliance report within 45 days.

The decision reaffirms that while tax authorities are free to complete reassessment proceedings in accordance with law, they cannot deny taxpayers the relief flowing from a valid appellate order or retain amounts without lawful authority. It reinforces the principles of lawful administration, prompt implementation of appellate decisions, and protection of taxpayers against arbitrary recovery measures.

Islamabad: In a landmark initiative to promote research culture and recognize outstanding scholarly contributions, Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) through its Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) has organized the Research Awards 2026 Ceremony during which 171 research awards were distributed among faculty members and researchers.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood graced the ceremony as the chief guest and congratulated the award recipients for their outstanding academic achievements. Addressing the gathering, he reaffirmed the University’s commitment to strengthening research and innovation, describing research as the foundation of sustainable national development and academic excellence.

The Vice Chancellor announced a significant increase in the University’s internal research grant, raising it from Rs. 250,000 to Rs. 1 million per project. He said the decision reflects AIOU’s determination to encourage high-quality, impactful research capable of addressing national challenges and contributing to global knowledge.

Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood emphasized that universities must move beyond traditional teaching and become centers of innovation, research and knowledge creation. He urged faculty members and young researchers to undertake interdisciplinary and solution-oriented research that directly benefits society and supports national development.

He appreciated the role of ORIC in promoting research activities and creating opportunities for researchers to excel. He also stressed the importance of commercializing research outcomes and strengthening collaboration between academia, industry and public institutions to maximize the impact of university research.

Director ORIC highlighted the University’s remarkable progress in research during the past year and said that AIOU has witnessed a substantial increase in research publications, funded projects, patents, and collaborative initiatives. He added that the Research Awards are intended to acknowledge excellence, motivate researchers, and cultivate a competitive research environment within the University.

The ceremony was attended by deans, faculty members, researchers, administrative officers, and a large number of students, who appreciated the University’s continued efforts to promote research, innovation, and academic excellence.

The event concluded with the distribution of 171 research awards, recognizing distinguished contributions in research publications, funded projects, innovation, and other scholarly achievements.

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by devastating storms, tornadoes, landslides and heavy rains in China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, as well as Hubei and Gansu provinces.

‘Deeply saddened by the devastating floods and heavy rains affecting our Chinese brothers and sisters. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and express Pakistan’s full solidarity with the people of China during this difficult time. Our ironclad friendship remains steadfast’, President Asif Zardari said in a statement.

The prime minister, in a separate statement extended, on behalf of the people of Pakistan, heartfelt condolences to President Xi Jinping, the Government and the people of China, especially the bereaved families.

“We stand in solidarity with our Chinese brothers and sisters during this difficult time and pray for the swift recovery of the injured and the success of ongoing rescue efforts,” the prime minister added.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Syed Mustafa Kamal, on Tuesday showed optimism regarding the upcoming Pakistan-China Business-to-Business (B2B) Pharmaceutical Conference that would mark an important step towards strengthening bilateral cooperation in the health sector.

The minister expressed these views during a meeting with the Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy to review preparations for the Pakistan-China B2B Pharmaceutical Conference scheduled to be held in Karachi from July 16 to 19.

During the meeting, both sides discussed arrangements for the conference and measures to ensure its successful organization.

The minister said representatives of leading pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers and traditional Chinese medicine enterprises from both Pakistan and China would participate in the conference, creating new opportunities for investment, technology transfer and industrial partnership.

“Conference would provide a platform to promote investment, facilitate technology transfer and expand partnerships in Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector,” he underlined.

Mustafa Kamal emphasized the need for active cooperation and effective coordination among all relevant institutions to make the event productive and outcome-oriented.

He added that representatives from government institutions, regulatory authorities, industry bodies and the private sector would also attend the event.

Mustafa Kamal said the government was committed to promoting Pakistan’s local pharmaceutical industry and acquiring advanced medical technologies to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.

He said Pakistan would continue to expand its strategic cooperation with China to improve public access to quality healthcare services and promote sustainable development in the health sector.

Islamabad: At the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister (DPM/FM) Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Dr. Gordan Grlic Radman, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, will undertake an official visit to Pakistan on Thursday.

This will be the first-ever visit by a Croatian foreign minister to Pakistan.

‘The DPM/FM and the visiting Foreign Minister will hold talks on the entire range of bilateral ties. They would discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest including trade, investment, visa facilitation, education, defence, IT and maritime cooperation. The two Ministers will also exchange views on regional and global developments of interest,’ the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a press release

During the visit, Dr. Gordan Grlic Radman is scheduled to call on the leadership including the Prime Minister and Chairman Senate.

This high-level visit from Croatia to Pakistan will help boost bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation in the fields of mutual benefit.