Category: Islamabad

Islamabad:Islamabad Capital Police, in a major crackdown against car theft on Saturday, recovered 20 stolen vehicles worth Rs 90 million and returned them to their rightful owners.

A public relation officer told reporter that the Anti-Vehicle Lifting Unit arrested 12 members of four criminal gangs involved in vehicle theft. The stolen vehicles were traced back to Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Sindh.

In a news conference at Police Lines Headquarters, SSP Operations Muhammad Shoaib Khan stated that the suspects primarily targeted older models of Corolla, Mehran, Khyber, Bolan, and Cultus cars. He said the criminals used master keys and broke window glasses to steal vehicles.

SSP Shoaib emphasized that the recovered vehicles were handed over to the owners, and strict legal action would be taken against the arrested individuals. "The suspects will be challaned with solid evidence to ensure they receive due punishment," he said.

SSP Shoaib Khan, while expressing his commitment and determination, reaffirmed that Islamabad Police will not tolerate land grabbing or criminal activities in the city.

Islamabad:The 20th International Cholistan Desert Rally continued in Bahawalpur, turning the Cholistan Desert into a high-octane arena with 79 cars speeding across the dunes and captivating audiences with their agility, including separate rallies for men and women in the stock category.

The Cholistan Desert Rally, organized by the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP), is South Asia's flagship motorsport event which held annually in Pakistan's vast Cholistan Desert since 2005 and boosting tourism, according to a report by a private news channel.

Competitors are racing in various vehicle categories, catering to different levels of expertise and technical specifications.

"This event showcases Pakistan's natural beauty and hospitality, promoting tourism and economic growth," said an official from the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP).

Another official added, "We are thrilled to see women participating in the rally, highlighting their skills and empowerment."

CEO of Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), added, "We are proud to support this event, which aligns with our vision to promote business and tourism in Punjab, creating opportunities for economic growth and development."

A female participant exclaimed, "It is exhilarating to be part of this rally! the thrill of racing through the desert, combined with the scenic beauty, is an unforgettable experience."

Another female driver shared, "This event is a great platform for women to showcase their driving skills and challenge stereotypes. I am proud to be part of this empowering experience."

Islamabad:Thousands gathered at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) on Saturday to celebrate EU-Pakistan Dosti at EuroVillage 2025.

The festival, organized by the Delegation of the European Union in collaboration with EU Member States, offered a unique opportunity for residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi to immerse themselves in European culture and heritage.

European Union Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Riina Kionka emphasized the importance of celebrating diverse cultures and identities that enrich Europe and form the foundation of shared values and relations with the world, including Pakistan.

She reiterated the EU's commitment to its partnership with Pakistan, highlighting their collaboration in development, trade, and political engagement.

The sixth edition of EuroVillage featured an array of engaging activities, including:

Information Displays showcasing EU and Member States' collaboration with Pakistan live performances featuring European and Pakistani artists, including Farhan Saeed Fun games and food, offering a taste of European cuisine and culture. These highlight the positive impact of EU initiatives on Pakistani communities.

The festival was co-organized by the diplomatic missions of the European Union and 24 EU Member States. By celebrating their partnership and cultural exchange, EuroVillage 2025 reinforced the bond between Europe and Pakistan, demonstrating their commitment to mutual development and cooperation under the spirit of "Stronger Together".

Islamabad:The Ambassador of Myanmar to Pakistan, Wunna Han, shared his vision for a stronger, mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries during an interactive session at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).

He emphasized the vast potential for foreign investments, trade, and economic cooperation between Myanmar and Pakistan.

In particular, he highlighted key sectors such as tourism, Information Technology (IT), and pharmaceuticals where both nations could foster joint ventures and business-to-business (B2B) cooperation, said a press release issued here on Saturday.

The Ambassador expressed his belief that greater ease of doing business, along with enhanced people-to-people exchanges, could drive significant economic growth.

He also pointed out that both Pakistan and Myanmar offer unique cultural and historical assets-Pakistan with its Gandhara Civilization sites and Myanmar with its religious landmarks-which could serve as a foundation for expanding tourism, especially religious tourism.

The Ambassador expressed optimism that these efforts would pave the way for increased trade and economic collaboration between the two countries.

He committed to facilitating deeper ties between the two nations' Chambers of Commerce and trade bodies, which could significantly benefit both sides.

The President of ICCI highlighted Pakistan's diverse export potential, including sectors such as furniture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, marble, and agriculture.

He emphasized the need for Pakistan and Myanmar to address the trade imbalance, encouraging joint ventures that would foster a "win-win" position for both countries.

He also stressed the importance of improving connectivity through direct flights, enhancing cultural exchanges, and promoting medical tourism to strengthen bilateral ties.

The Senior Vice President of ICCI emphasized the importance of holding a business forum between the two countries to facilitate better communication and collaboration.

He noted that ICCI, as the premier chamber of the capital, is actively working to support business growth and the economic well-being of both Pakistan and Myanmar.

Executive Member Fatima Azeem discussed the historic relations between Pakistan and Myanmar and emphasized the need for more exchanges of women entrepreneurs between the two countries.

She stressed the importance of these exchanges in empowering women financially and supporting their entrepreneurial growth on both sides.

Executive Member Chaudhry Nadeem Ahmed highlighted the potential for joint ventures in the marble industry, underscoring its significant promise for collaboration between the two nations.

Senior Advisor to ICCI President Naeem Siddiqui emphasized the need for medical exhibitions, symposiums, and seminars, along with virtual meetings, to further enhance trade and cooperation between Pakistan and Myanmar.

The session concluded with a commitment from all parties to continue strengthening ties between Pakistan and Myanmar through ongoing dialogue and strategic collaboration.

The discussions have set a positive tone for future cooperation, and there is widespread optimism about the potential for increased trade, cultural exchanges, and joint ventures that will contribute to the long-term economic success of both countries.

Those prominent among the attendees included Vice President Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry, Executive Members Malik Mohsin Khalid, Zulqurnain Abbasi, Naveed Satti and Waseem Chaudhry.

Islamabad:In a heart-wrenching incident, a passenger coach carrying pilgrims from Punjab met with a fatal accident on the National Highway near Khairpur's Ranipur area, claiming the lives of at least two people and injuring several others on Saturday.

According to police sources, the accident was caused by over-speeding, resulting in the instant deaths of two people, a private news channel reported.

Rescue teams rushed to the scene soon after the incident, providing aid to the injured and transporting them to nearby medical facilities.

The police have launched an investigation into the accident, with officials collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the crash.

Islamabad:Renowned poet and writer Dr. Akash Ansari lost his life in a fire that engulfed his residence in Bhitai Nagar, Hyderabad Citizen Colony, on Saturday morning, while his son was left critically injured with the incident reported at the local Bhitai Nagar police station.

According to details, the fire was caused by a short circuit and quickly spread throughout the house, trapping the victims inside, despite rescue efforts, Dr. Ansari could not be saved, private news channels reported.

Dr Ansari' s son is currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital, where his condition is reported to is critical.

The literary community is in shock over the sudden and tragic loss of Dr. Ansari, who was known for his profound contributions to literature.

His works were widely acclaimed and earned him a reputation as one of the most influential poets of his generation.

Provincial Minister for Culture and Tourism, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah expressed deep condolences and grief over the tragic incident.

In his statement, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah said, "The loss of Dr Akash Ansari is a heartbreaking event, as he held a significant position in the world of literature and poetry."

The provincial minister also called on the police to thoroughly investigate the incident from all angles to determine the cause of the fire.