Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Several passengers, including women and children, sustained critical injured when a speeding coaster bus rammed into a tree near Gajju Matta in Lahore’ s Nishtar Tehsil early Saturday morning after the driver attempted to avoid a motorcycle.

A passenger coaster crashed into a tree near Gajju Matta in Lahore after the driver reportedly lost control while trying to avoid a motorcycle.

The accident left multiple passengers, including women and children injured, local media channel reported.

Rescue 1122 officials said the coaster was carrying passengers when the driver swerved to avoid a motorcyclist. The sudden maneuver caused the vehicle to veer off course and slam into a roadside tree.

Emergency responders reached the scene shortly after the crash, administered first aid to the injured and shifted them to nearby hospitals.

Several of the victims were reported to be in critical condition.

Police also arrived at the scene and began collecting evidence to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Further details about the victims and the circumstances surrounding the crash are expected as the investigation continues.

Islamabad: The Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (ICT-PEIRA) organized a distribution ceremony for appreciation certificates to honour private educational institutions that achieved 100% compliance with the authority’s key educational initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive, equitable, and quality education across the Islamabad Capital Territory.

The ceremony recognized schools that fully implemented ICT-PEIRA’s flagship initiatives, including the provision of 10% need-based scholarships under the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2012, free-of-cost education for deserving communities, and the enrollment of Out-of-School Children (OOSC) referred by ICT-PEIRA, said a press release.

The event was attended by the Chairman, ICT-PEIRA, Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah, Chairman, Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE), Professor Dr Ikram Ali Malik, senior officers of ICT-PEIRA, representatives of private educational institutions, recipients of appreciation certificates, and other distinguished guests.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman ICT-PEIRA, Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah, congratulated the recipient institutions for their exemplary commitment to educational excellence and social responsibility.

He stated that the remarkable response of private schools demonstrates their dedication to ensuring that every deserving child, regardless of financial background, has access to quality education.

He emphasized that the partnership between ICT-PEIRA and the private education sector has significantly strengthened the implementation of the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2012, expanded educational opportunities for underprivileged children, and supported the national mission of bringing Out-of-School Children into classrooms.

Dr Mallah further expressed his sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training for its continuous guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support in advancing educational reforms and promoting inclusive education in the Islamabad Capital Territory.

He reaffirmed ICT-PEIRA’s commitment to working closely with private educational institutions to further strengthen access, equity, and quality in education.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman FBISE, Professor Dr Ikram Ali Malik, appreciated the invaluable role played by private educational institutions in the development of Pakistan’s education sector.

He paid tribute to teachers serving in private schools who continue to educate and nurture future generations with dedication despite working under limited financial resources and comparatively modest salaries.

He also commended ICT-PEIRA for acknowledging and encouraging institutions that have gone beyond regulatory compliance to make meaningful contributions towards social welfare and educational inclusion.

During the ceremony, appreciation certificates were presented to the participating institutions in recognition of their outstanding performance, commitment to public service, and active support for ICT-PEIRA’s educational initiatives.

The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment by ICT-PEIRA and the private education sector to continue working together for the promotion of inclusive, equitable, and quality education, ensuring that no child is deprived of the opportunity to learn and succeed.

Islamabad: The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) on Friday issued a power suspension programme for Saturday in various areas of its region due to necessary maintenance and routine development work.

According to an IESCO spokesperson, in Islamabad Circle, electricity supply will remain suspended from 5 am to 12 pm, Waheedabad, Khanna Dak, UC-2, Burma, Rehman Enclave, Shareefabad, Sudhran, Waris Valley, Khadhrapur, Khanna East, Ghauri Garden, from 6 am to 10 am, Tramri, Lehtrar Road, ISI, Ali Pur, feeders. In Rawalpindi Cantt Circle, power supply will remain suspended from 5 am to 10 am, Jhata Hatyal, Bhal, Jarrar Camp, from 6 am to 10 am, Chowk Pindori, feeders.

In Rawalpindi City Circle, power supply will remain suspended from 5 am to 12 pm, Al-Noor Colony, AFOSH, feeders.

Similarly, in Attock Circle, electricity supply will remain suspended from 6 am to 10 am Fawara Chowk, feeder. In Jehlum Circle, power supply will remain suspended from 6 am to 10 am, Karyala, Metro City, Grand City, Bolani, Chamala, City Housing, Sanghoi, Safdar Shaheed, Nathwala, F-2 (Chip Board), LangarPur, New cantt. Jhelum, Saeela, Nougran, from 6 am to 11 am, Abdullah Pur, Jalal Pur, Sagharpur, CWO, feeders.

In GSO Circle, power supply will remain suspended from 06:30 am to 05:00 pm, 132KV T/Line MES- S/Town ckt, 132KV T/Line MES-KTK Ckt, 06:30 am to 02:00 pm, Millatabad, Charing Cross, Askari-XI, from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm, 132KV GSS RAWAT-II power Transformer T-2, 132KV GSS RAWAT-II power Transformer T-1, from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm, 132kv AWC HMC Taxila and 132KV Sangjani-Burhan, from 08:00 am to 06:00 pm, 132KV Kahuta City- Palandri, 132KV New Wah-Bahtermore along with related earth switch, and surrounding areas.

IESCO apologized to consumers for the temporary inconvenience and said electricity supply would be restored before the scheduled time if the maintenance work was completed earlier than expected.

Islamabad: China’s renowned Tsinghua University held its 2026 Graduate Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, awarding master’s and doctoral degrees to thousands of postgraduate students from around the world, including Pakistan.

University leaders encouraged graduates to contribute to national development and the progress of humanity through innovation, integrity, and public service, said a press release here on Saturday.

The ceremony was presided over by Vice President and Provost Peng Gang, who officially announced the graduation of the Class of 2026 postgraduate students and the conferral of master’s and doctoral degrees.

Qiu Yong, Secretary of the CPC Tsinghua University Committee, congratulated the graduates and announced awards for outstanding PhD and master’s students. In his address, he urged graduates to cultivate independent thinking, strong moral values, and responsible decision-making in the rapidly evolving era of artificial intelligence, encouraging them to play an active role in China’s national development.

Tsinghua University President Li Luming called on graduates to pursue lofty aspirations, face challenges with resilience, embrace innovation, and dedicate their knowledge and talents to serving their country, society, and humanity.

The ceremony also featured remarks from distinguished alumnus Zhao Rui, Chief Engineer at the China Institute for Radiation Protection. He encouraged graduates to remain confident, patient, and persistent, emphasizing that perseverance is the foundation of great achievements.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Zhu Zihan, a student from the School of Software, said that her research experience at Tsinghua had strengthened her commitment to serving her country. She pledged to devote her expertise to fields where the nation needs it most.

Among the graduates was Muhammad Zameer Asadi from Pakistan, a Research Fellow at the China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC), who also received his degree during the ceremony.

The commencement was livestreamed in both Chinese and English through the university’s “Rain Classroom” platform, while the formal degree-conferring ceremony was later held at the university gymnasium.

Islamabad: Sufi and folk singer Allan Faqir was paid rich tribute on his 26th death anniversary as fans admirers media reflected on his extraordinary vocal artistry spiritual influence that enriched Pakistan’s musical heritage while his unforgettable performances continue to inspire lovers of Sufi music across the world

Allan Faqir was born in 1932 in the Jamshoro district of Sindh, where his early life laid the foundation for a remarkable journey in Sufi and folk music. From humble beginnings, he rose to become one of Pakistan’s most distinctive and beloved musical voices.

According to media reports , he was widely admired for his unique vocal style, expressive delivery and signature Sufi dance performances that set him apart from other artists of his time. His artistry blended devotion with rhythm, creating a spiritual experience for audiences across generations.

Among his many memorable contributions, his iconic song ‘Humma Humma’ gained immense popularity and remains one of his most recognized works, reflecting his deep connection with Sufi tradition and folk expression.

In recognition of his outstanding services to music, he was honored with the Pride of Performance Award in 1980, one of Pakistan’s highest civil awards, celebrating his lasting impact on the cultural and musical landscape.

Allan Faqir passed away in Karachi in 2000 after suffering from paralysis, leaving behind a rich legacy of spiritual music that continues to inspire admirers and keep his memory alive in the hearts of fans.

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Saturday, said that late Supreme Leader Shaheed Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei’s wisdom, leadership and profound influence on Iran and the wider region would be remembered for generations.

‘Paid my respects and conveyed deepest condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, to the Government and brotherly people of Iran at the funeral ceremony of the late Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Shaheed Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei,’ the prime minister posted a message on X handle.

He further said to demonstrate solidarity with the Iranian people, he was accompanied by a high powered delegation including DPM Ishaq Dar, CDF and COAS Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, senior Parliamentarians, including Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, as well as senior Ministers and government officials.

‘As a brotherly neighbor, Pakistan stands with Iran in this time of grief,’ he added.