Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Thursday appreciated the efforts of Capital Development Authority (CDA) and National Assembly officers in improving Parliament's cleanliness and sanitation.

He also directed the enhancement of banking services within the National Assembly, instructing officials to initiate negotiations with other banks to facilitate MNAs and employees better.

The Speaker emphasized that all essential banking services, including credit card facilities, should be made available through renowned banks.

Furthermore, he highlighted the need for separate parking arrangements for different categories of visitors and directed National Assembly security staff to implement stricter security checks at the entrance.

He also urged the CDA to expedite the implementation of improved operational and infrastructural mechanisms for the Parliament.

The Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also approved the establishment of a Parliament Museum, which will serve as a historical and educational centre for visitors.

MNA Bilal Azhar Kayani proposed the establishment of separate entry lines for MNAs, guests, and staff of the National Assembly.

He also suggested that Assembly staff use a dedicated entrance for the National Assembly Secretariat, calling for an official circular to enforce the regulation. Additionally, he stressed the importance of coordination with the Senate Secretariat to improve parking management.

MNA Junaid Anwar Chaudhry called for separate and improved parking spaces within the Parliament House. He also emphasized the necessity of better-regulated entry into Parliament House, urging the National Assembly security staff to strengthen access control measures.

Senior officers of the National Assembly, including Secretary General Tahir Hussain, Advisor Legislation Muhammad Mushtaq, Additional Secretary Administration/Principal Secretary to Speaker Saeed Ahmed Maitala, and Special Secretary Syed Shamoon Hashmi, attended the meeting.

Islamabad: A three-day road safety campaign aimed at educating motorcyclists on traffic rules and safe riding practices concluded in the capital, on Thursday. The initiative, launched by the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) in collaboration with a private organization, focused on raising awareness and ensuring compliance with road safety regulations.

A public relations officer told reporter that traffic police teams engaged with bikers, providing safety tips and highlighting the importance of helmets, side mirrors, and properly functioning indicators.

The campaign was carried out under the direction of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi as part of efforts to establish a well-integrated traffic system and facilitate safe commuting for citizens.

During the first phase, motorcyclists with missing helmets, defective lights, and broken indicators were informed about necessary safety measures. Faulty equipment was also repaired to encourage compliance.

Special squads, supervised by Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Islamabad Captain (R) Zeeshan Haider, were deployed on major city roads to assist and guide bikers. Motorcyclists were advised to replace defective mirrors and lighting systems within two days.

In the next phase, stricter enforcement will be implemented against those failing to comply with safety standards.

Islamabad: Pakistan Railways has auctioned approximately 6,678 acres of land for various purposes through a competitive bidding process, leasing it to government entities and private individuals to generate revenue for the department.

'The department has earned a total revenue of Rs. 7,575 million from leased land over the last two financial years,' an official from the Ministry of Railways told reporter.

The official explained that Pakistan Railways leases out its land through an open auction process in accordance with the Railway Property and Land Rules, 2023, which were duly approved by the federal cabinet.

The department provides land to government institutions for public welfare projects, subject to payment of lease charges and ground rent as per the approved policy.

'Proactive efforts are underway to lease the remaining available land through advertisements across all operational divisions as well as through the Real Estate Development and Marketing Company (REDAMCO),' he added.

As of December 2024, Pakistan Railways has operated 1,450 freight trains since July 2024, generating Rs. 15.214 billion in revenue from freight operations. The department recorded its highest-ever revenue of Rs. 88.8 billion during the fiscal year 2023-24 by implementing measures to optimize revenue generation and reduce costs.

The official said that both passenger and freight trains are being operated at optimal capacity, reducing operational expenses and boosting earnings. Furthermore, the department has shifted from long-term to short-term land leasing to remain competitive and maximize revenue.

Pakistan Railways has made significant progress in train punctuality, improving from 79% in the previous year to 82% in FY 2023-24. The department has also expanded its online booking services through its website and mobile applications (Android and iOS) under the RABTA system, leading to increased customer engagement.

To enhance passenger convenience, the department has installed Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) for faster ticket purchases, set up information counters, introduced real-time departure boards under the RABTA system for up-to-date travel information, and launched premium dining cars on select routes.

Pakistan Railways has entered into public-private partnerships (PPPs) to outsource the commercial management of various passenger trains to private operators, aiming to improve service quality and efficiency.

Islamabad: The Ministry of Law and Justice on Thursday notified the appointment of six judges who were elevated to the Supreme Court of Pakistan from various high courts.

The notification said that in exercise of the power conferred under clause (I) of Article 177 read with clause () of Article 175A of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the President of Pakistan, is pleased to make these appointments in apex court.

The judges including Mr. Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar, Chief Justice High Court of Balochistan, Mr. Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui Chief Justice, High Court Sindh, Mr. Justice Slahuddin Panhwar, Senior Puisne Judge High Court of Sindh, Mr. Justice Shakeel Ahmad, Judge Peshawar High Court, Mr. Justice Aamer Farooq, Chief Justice Islamabad High Court and Mr. Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, Chief Justice Peshawar High Court are elevated to the Supreme Court.

Similarly, the ministry also issued notification regarding appointment of Mr. Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, a judge of Islamabad High Court as acting judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan with effect from the dates he takes his oath of office.

Islamabad: Pakistan and Turkiye on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in religious affairs and promote religious education between the two countries.

The MoU was signed by Pakistan's Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, and Turkiye's Minister of Religious Affairs, Prof. Dr. Ali Erbas.

Under the agreement, both nations will work together to facilitate Hajj and Umrah pilgrims by strengthening mutual coordination. They also pledged to formulate a joint strategy to counter extremism, terrorism, and sectarianism.

To promote modern education, the exchange of scholars and students from religious seminaries (madaris) will be increased. Additionally, training courses and seminars will be organized to enhance the skills of Imams, preachers, and religious leaders, equipping them with scientific, religious, and cultural knowledge.

Pakistan and Turkiye also agreed to expand cooperation with other Muslim countries to foster interfaith harmony, global peace, and address challenges facing the Islamic world. Efforts will be made to promote Islamic culture and the concept of moderation through collective initiatives with Muslim nations.

Furthermore, both countries will collaborate on preserving and promoting Islamic heritage and culture through research and publications.

This agreement marks a significant step in strengthening religious ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, fostering unity, and advancing mutual objectives in the realm of religious education and cultural exchange.

Islamabad: The Saudi Embassy on Thursday marked World Radio Day by sharing a special video on its official X account featuring rare archival images and historical details of Saudi King Faisal bin Abdulaziz's 1955 visit to the Karachi Radio Station and underscoring a significant chapter in Saudi-Pakistani diplomatic ties.

Observed annually on February 13, the day recognizes the power of radio in connecting communities and preserving history. According to the Saudi Embassy's Media Attach©, Dr Naif Al-Otaibi, the content was curated to highlight historic moments that strengthen the bond between the two brotherly nations, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

He said such initiatives are aimed at further reinforcing bilateral relations. He emphasized that the Embassy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in Pakistan remains committed to promoting themes that resonate with Pakistan's historical and cultural significance, connecting them to Saudi Arabia's rich heritage and esteemed leaders.

https: //x.com/KSAembassyPK/status/1889925556596269354?t=7KR0I4I6fIS21KyjwbxGWw and s=19