Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Monday held bilateral meetings with officials from Sri Lanka and Egypt on the sidelines of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Geneva.

During her meeting with Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Adviser to the President of Sri Lanka on the Digital Economy, the two sides discussed promoting the digital economy and e-governance.

The meeting also featured detailed discussions on artificial intelligence (AI) sovereignty.

Pakistan’s IT exports to Sri Lanka stood at US$424,000 in fiscal year 2025.

Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the IT sector and share best practices.

Meanwhile, Shaza Fatima also held a bilateral meeting with Eng. Mahmoud Badawi, Deputy Minister for Digital Transformation of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

During the meeting, the Pakistani and Egyptian delegations agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of information technology, telecommunications, and digital governance, according to a news release.

Shaza Fatima and Mahmoud Badawi also held discussions on the sidelines of the United Nations Global Dialogue on AI Governance.

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar Monday chaired the 4th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Follow-up Committee which reviewed preparations for Pakistan’s upcoming SCO CHS Chairmanship (Sept. 2026-27) and the CHS Summit to be hosted in Islamabad in 2027.

Sub-committees briefed the meeting on progress regarding the venue, accommodation, security, finance, media management, transport and logistics for delegations visiting for the SCO CHS Summit.

The DPM/FM directed the concerned heads of the sub-committees to expedite the work. He further emphasised to the chairmen of the sub-committees the need to actively pursue and implement the decisions of this forum. He reiterated the importance of this event and urged everyone to take it as a national task.

The meeting was attended by SAPM Tariq Bajwa, the Federal Secretaries of Foreign Affairs, Cabinet, Defence and Interior, as well as the Chief Commissioner and IG Islamabad, along with senior officials from the relevant departments.

Islamabad: Former Speaker, National Assembly, Asad Qaisar, on Monday called on Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani at Parliament House.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed a range of issues, with particular focus on matters relating to the tobacco industry in District Swabi. Senator Dilawar Khan was also present in the meeting, said a news release issued here.

Raza Gilani assured the delegation that the matters highlighted during the meeting would be referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Finance for consideration.

He noted that the region was renowned for producing high-quality tobacco and emphasised that every possible effort would be made to address the challenges being faced by tobacco growers and to safeguard their economic interests.

The delegation thanked the Chairman, Senate, for his support, cooperation, and commitment to addressing the concerns of the farming community.

Islamabad: Syed Muhammad Fazil Raza Attari, the supervisor of Faizan Global Relief Foundation (FGRF) for the United Kingdom, Europe and Canada, has been awarded an honorary doctorate during a prestigious ceremony held at the House of Lords in the British Parliament in recognition of his outstanding humanitarian, social and welfare services to British society.

The honorary degree was presented at a ceremony attended by distinguished personalities from various walks of life. Speakers praised Syed Muhammad Fazil Raza Attari’s contributions to social welfare, highlighting his efforts in promoting humanitarian initiatives and community development across the UK, Europe and Canada, said a press release issued here.

Under his leadership, Faizan Global Relief Foundation (FGRF), the welfare wing of Dawat-e-Islami, has carried out extensive relief and development work in the areas of disaster response, emergency assistance, healthcare, education, food distribution and other charitable initiatives.

The organisation has served millions of people without discrimination, with its humanitarian activities extending beyond the UK to Pakistan, Europe, Africa, Asia and other parts of the world.

Over the past several years, Syed Muhammad Fazil Raza Attari has also received numerous certificates of appreciation, shields, trophies and awards from institutions in the United Kingdom, Pakistan and other international organisations in recognition of his social and humanitarian contributions.

Addressing the gathering, speakers emphasised that the spirit of serving humanity is the cornerstone of a progressive society, adding that sincere, honest and dedicated efforts in public service continue to earn recognition at the international level.

Dawat-e-Islami, an international Islamic organisation, has been engaged in religious outreach and welfare activities around the world for decades. Its humanitarian arm, Faizan Global Relief Foundation (FGRF), provides relief and development services regardless of religion, race or ethnicity.

The organisation’s founder, Allama Maulana Muhammad Ilyas Attar Qadri, has long promoted the message: “I must strive for the reformation of myself and the people of the entire world.” Guided by this vision, Dawat-e-Islami and its welfare institutions continue to expand their humanitarian efforts across the globe.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, on Monday held a bilateral meeting with Eng. Mahmoud Badawi, Deputy Minister for Digital Transformation of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

During the meeting, held on the sidelines of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Geneva, the Pakistani and Egyptian delegations agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of information technology, telecommunications, and digital governance, said a news release received here.

Shaza Fatima and Deputy Minister Mahmoud Badawi also held discussions on the sidelines of the United Nations Global Dialogue on AI Governance.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary on Monday said Pakistan’s rights under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) are historic, legitimate, and non-negotiable.

In a post on his X account, he said, “Water is our lifeline, essential for our people, agriculture, and future generations. Any unilateral attempt to undermine this internationally recognised agreement is neither as simple nor as acceptable as India may assume.”

He said international commitments could not be set aside through unilateral decisions or political ambitions.

“Pakistan stands firm and is fully capable of defending its rightful share of water while continuing to uphold the principles of justice, cooperation, and the global vision of ‘One Water-One Vision’,” he added.