Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: The Ministry of Law and Justice on Thursday notified the appointment of Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar as Acting Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court till the nomination of regular chief justice.

Besides this, the law ministry also issued separate notifications regarding appointment of acting chief justices of other three high courts of the country.

Justice S.M. Attique Shah is appointment Acting Chief Justice of Peshawar High Court, Justice Junaid Ghaffar as Acting Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court and Justice Muhammad Ejaz Swati is appointed as Acting Chief Justice of High Court of Balochistan.

The notifications issued by the ministry of law and justice said that in exercise of the powers conferred under Article 196 of the constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the President of Pakistan, is pleased to make the appointments of Acting Chief Justices of aforesaid high courts.

Islamabad: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination had kicked off spring tree plantation campaign in Margalla Hills National Park , marking a significant step towards environmental conservation.

Chairperson Islamabad Wildlife Management Board and Secretary Ministry of Climate Change, Ayesha Humera Ch, inaugurated the campaign by planting a sapling at the Trail 5 of the national park.

She was accompanied by the Joint Secretary of the ministry Muhammad Jamil, MoCC and EC Deputy Director Muhammad Saleem, Upscale Green Pakistan Programme and IWMB office-bearers.

The tree plantation launching ceremony was also attended by various segments of the society including students, teachers, government officials, media personnels and members of the civil society organisations.

'Trees are the backbone of our ecosystem, and their conservation is crucial for protecting the environment from pollution,' Secretary Ayesha Humira Moriani emphasised. 'This year, we aim to expand the plantation campaign on a large scale, engaging communities and promoting sustainable practices.'

Addressing the tree plantation ceremony participants, she said that this campaign highlights the importance of plants as the "lungs of our environment" and underscored the need for their community-based conservation and protection of the natural resources of this biodiversity-rich national park.

Recognizing the critical role of future generations, the Ministry has actively involved school children in the plantation drive, she added.

As part of the campaign, school children enthusiastically participated in planting fifty saplings, demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship.

Chairperson Islamabad Wildlife Management Board and Secretary Ministry of Climate Change, Ayesha Humera Moriani also urged all stakeholders including communities, civil society organisations and individuals to join hands with the government in this noble endeavour and contribute to a greener, more sustainable Pakistan.

Islamabad: The National Assembly (NA) on Wednesday paid tribute to the women for their pivotal role in the nation's progress and their steadfast commitment to equality and justice.

A resolution, tabled by Shahida Rehmani, was passed by the National Assembly, stating: "On this historic day, February 12, 2025, as we commemorate National Women's Day, this Parliament pays tribute to the women of Pakistan for their immeasurable contributions to the nation's progress, their resilience in the face of adversity, and their unwavering commitment to achieving equality and justice."

The resolution emphasized that National Women's Day serves as a powerful reminder of the indispensable role of women in shaping society, strengthening families, empowering communities, and driving the socio-economic development of Pakistan.

The Women's Parliamentary Caucus honored Madr-e-Millat Fatima Jinnah, Begum Ra'ana Liaquat Ali Khan, and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, acknowledging their leadership and legacy.

The resolution further reaffirmed the commitment to building a nation where women are not only equal partners but also leaders, innovators, and change-makers, striving for a future where every woman in Pakistan can thrive without fear, discrimination, or inequality.

Islamabad: Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan on Wednesday commended the tireless efforts and sacrifices of security forces in restoring peace and stability in Balochistan.

During a meeting with the Inspector General (IG) of Balochistan Police in Quetta, he said that the sacrifices made by security personnel in safeguarding the people and ensuring stability will be remembered in history.

The meeting focused on the overall security situation, law and order, and measures for public safety in the province.

Syedaal Khan stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to enhance law and order further, calling for effective policies and greater coordination among security institutions to strengthen public trust.

He highlighted Balochistan's crucial role in Pakistan's national stability and progress, asserting that peace in the province is directly linked to the country's overall prosperity.

Acknowledging the hardships faced by the people of Balochistan, he reiterated the importance of addressing their concerns on a priority basis to facilitate the province's development.

The discussion also underscored the need for police reforms, with a focus on modernizing law enforcement, enhancing professional skills, and upgrading training programs for police officers.

Syedaal Khan stressed that equipping law enforcement agencies with modern technology and advanced tools is essential for effective crime prevention and security management.

He reaffirmed that the sacrifices of security personnel would not go in vain and vowed to ensure full government support for efforts aimed at maintaining peace in the region.

IG Balochistan briefed the Deputy Chairman Senate on ongoing security initiatives and police reforms, detailing efforts to train law enforcement personnel and equip them with modern technology to combat crime effectively.

In response, Syedaal Khan appreciated the IG's efforts and assured the government's full cooperation in maintaining peace. He expressed hope that collaborative efforts would help establish lasting stability in Balochistan, creating a conducive environment for the province's development and prosperity.

Islamabad: With a week to go until the first ball is bowled in the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the lineup of Event Ambassadors that will feature to add to the fan experience.

Pakistan's 2017 winning captain Sarfaraz Ahmed features in an all-star cast that also boasts two-time champion, Australia's Shane Watson, Player of the Series in India's 2013 trophy-winning campaign, Shikhar Dhawan and New Zealand's legendary fast bowler, Tim Southee, said a press release.

With a wealth of experience in the Champions Trophy, over the course of the coming weeks, the lineup will provide fans with unrivalled insights into the competition through guest columns and match attendance, sharing their thoughts on what promises to be a thrilling event, where the world's best eight teams will compete for the iconic white jackets.

Sarfaraz Ahmed said, 'I will never forget how special it felt to don the white jackets and lift the trophy aloft as Pakistan captain back in 2017. Seeing the nation get behind us and celebrate that success is also something that's very close to my heart, so I am delighted to see the competition return to the cricket calendar and see my country given the opportunity to host such a special event.

'The format means that every game is so important, and I can't wait to play my part as an Ambassador and witness the tournament first-hand.'

Shikhar Dhawan said, 'It is such a special feeling to be part of a Champions Trophy and to be given the opportunity to enjoy the upcoming edition as an Ambassador is an honour.

'Over the next few weeks, we'll see the best sides in the world competing for the white jackets knowing that one mistake or one loss could spell the end of their hopes. It's the ultimate competition where it's all on the line, and that is what makes it such a thrilling spectacle.'

Tim Southee said, 'I am thrilled to be an Ambassador for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025. It is an event that I always enjoyed playing in and one that always delivers on entertainment and drama.

'As a player, you're aware that every game, every ball and every moment matters in the Champions Trophy format, and with so much at stake, I can't wait to see how the action will unfold.'

Shane Watson said, 'The ICC Men's Champions Trophy is a truly unique event that has provided us with so many unforgettable moments down the years.

'With the top eight teams going head-to-head for the iconic white jackets, we are sure to see some extraordinary do-or-die cricket across three thrilling weeks.'

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain on Wednesday said that the government has no plans to close Utility Stores but intends to restructure them.

Responding to concerns highlighted by Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, he said, "We are not closing Utility Stores; we are restructuring them. Political appointments have been made in these stores."

He said that the future of regular employees of Utility Stores is secure.

The minister said that while Utility Stores were initially established to facilitate the public to provide cheaper daily used items, many were opened in unnecessary locations due to political considerations.

PPP leader Raja Pervaiz Ashraf raised the issue in the National Assembly, recalling that the Minister for Industries and Production had previously assured the House that Utility Stores would not be closed.

He added that the matter was also discussed in the relevant parliamentary committee, where members from all political parties unanimously agreed not to close the Utility Stores.

He said that thousands of employees depend on these stores for their livelihood, making their continued operation crucial.