Category: Islamabad

Islamabad:The Civil Service Academy (CSA), Lahore and the Health Services Academy (HAS) have formalized a collaboration through signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

Director General CSA, Lahore Farhan Aziz Khawaja and Vice Chancellor HAS Prof. Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan signed the accord that aims at capacity-building of civil servants to foster innovation, research, sustainable development, healthy aging and preventive care.

The objective of the MoU is to drive an impactful change and advance public health initiatives in the country, said a press release from HSA.

Islamabad:Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected office-bearers of the Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) as a result of their annual elections.

The newly elected office bearers include Tariq Ali Virk (President), Asif Bashir Chaudhry (General Secretary), Bashir Usmani (Senior Vice President), Ammar Barlas (Vice President), Nadeem Chaudhry (Finance Secretary), Raja Bashir Usmani, Afshan Qureshi, Asma Nawaz, Sobia Mushtaq, Aftab Jahan, Ali Akhtar, Tasleem Abbasi, Rana Farhan Aslam, Ghufran Chishti, Nawabzada Shah Ali, and Asad Sheer (Executive Body Members).

In his congratulatory message, Ayaz Sadiq expressed that the success of the newly elected officials is a clear indication of the strong trust reposed in their leadership by the journalist community.

He expressed confidence that the new office-bearers will play a significant role in addressing the challenges faced by the journalist community of Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ).

Ayaz Sadiq has further stated that the contributions of the journalist community towards the restoration and strengthening of democracy are invaluable.

He reaffirmed his commitment that Parliament will continue to play an active role in promoting the welfare of the journalistic community and addressing their concerns.

Ayaz Sadiq also expressed hope that the newly elected office-bearers of RIUJ will continue to serve diligently in promoting democracy in the country and in raising public issues within the corridors of power.

He conveyed his best wishes for the future success and accomplishments of the newly elected officials of Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists.

Islamabad:Pakistan’s solar revolution is rewriting the energy landscape as communities and businesses take control of their power supply. With 22 GW of solar panels imported in just 18 months, the country is undergoing a mass shift towards decentralized solar solutions.

This was discussed at the Great Solar Rush Conference 2025, hosted by Renewables First and the Pakistan Solar Association on Thursday, said a press release.

In her opening remarks, Senator Sherry Rehman emphasized the urgency of policy alignment with this people-led transformation, stating, ‘Pakistan has emerged as a market leader in South Asia for solar adoption. We should not be disabling this revolution; we should be enabling it.’ She warned that failure to integrate solar into national planning would stall Pakistan’s progress on energy security and economic stability.

Zeeshan Ashfaq, CEO of Renewables First, highlighted the economic realities driving this transition. ‘Millions of people are rushing towards installing solar PV panels-not because of climate change but because economics make perfect sense.’

Ali Majid, General Manager of Longi, proposed that public sector projects should be mandated to use ‘Made in Pakistan’ panels to attract international investment in local assembly plants.

Waqas Moosa, Chairman of the Pakistan Solar Association, reinforced that Pakistan’s solar adoption rate is one of the highest globally.

Syed Faizan Ali Shah, Member of the Prime Minister’s Solarization Committee, revealed that Pakistan’s daytime electricity demand has fallen by 10 TWh annually due to the solar surge, creating imbalances for grid operators.

Dr. Fiaz Chaudhary, Chairman of NTDC, said to address the operational challenges, Pakistan’s grid must urgently integrate smart metering and distributed energy controls.

Umer Farooq of LUMS Energy Institute emphasized that Pakistan’s energy planning must shift from a top-down approach to decentralized, smart-grid solutions to balance supply and demand efficiently.

As solar becomes a dominant energy source, market liberalization through the Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market (CTBCM) is essential.

Salman Amin, a Member of the Competition Commission of Pakistan, stated, ‘A competitive electricity market will lead to more efficient resource allocation, increased innovation, better service quality, and stakeholder adoption of cleaner, cost-effective technologies’.

Industry representatives present at the event stressed the need for lowering wheel charges in the CTBCM model to promote market participation.

While commenting on the monopolistic nature of the power sector Usama Mela, Member of the National Assembly and Member of the Energy and Economy Forum, commented that as long as independent power producers are subject to guaranteed returns, they do not represent competitive businesses.

He agreed that greater competition in the power sector is the sensible way forward. However, it must be considered within the larger context of grid issues and capacity payments.

Member of National Assembly Dr. Nafisa Shah emphasized that there is a need to gradually open up the power sector for competitive trade under the CTBCM model while also considering the past contracts and decisions that are clogging the system.

Sonia Dunlop, CEO of the Global Solar Council, delivered the closing remarks, highlighting Pakistan’s remarkable solar growth on the global stage. ‘Pakistan was the market that surprised so many all over the world,’ she stated, noting that Pakistan is contributing significantly to the 600 GW of solar deployed worldwide in 2023.

The conference reinforced a message: Pakistan’s solar transition is unstoppable.

Islamabad:Delegates of the Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance (CAYA) Summit 2025, currently underway in Islamabad, visited the Pakistan Monument, its adjoining museum, and the iconic Faisal Mosque as part of their cultural immersion program.

The visit provided the young leaders from Commonwealth nations an opportunity to experience Pakistan’s rich history, cultural diversity, and architectural grandeur.

The delegation, led by Layne Robinson from Commonwealth Secretariat, comprising youth advocates, policymakers, and changemakers from across Asia, began their tour at the Pakistan Monument, a national symbol that represents the unity and resilience of the Pakistani people.

The structure, shaped like blooming petals, stands as a tribute to the country’s independence and sacrifices made for its sovereignty.

‘The Pakistan Monument is more than just a structure; it tells a story of a nation’s journey, struggles, and aspirations. Standing here, I feel a deep respect for Pakistan’s rich history,’ remarked a delegate from Sri Lanka.

Adjacent to the monument, the delegates explored the Pakistan Monument Museum, which houses exhibits detailing the country’s struggle for independence, cultural evolution, and historical milestones.

The museum’s interactive displays, archival photographs, and life-size sculptures provided a vivid insight into Pakistan’s past.

‘As someone interested in history, this museum was a treasure trove of knowledge. It was fascinating to learn about the key figures in Pakistan’s independence movement and see historical artifacts up close,’ commented a participant from Bangladesh.

Following the museum visit, the delegation proceeded to the Faisal Mosque, one of the largest and most striking mosques in the world.

Situated against the backdrop of the Margalla Hills, the mosque’s modern yet spiritual architecture captivated the visitors.

‘The Faisal Mosque is simply breathtaking. Its design is unlike any mosque I’ve seen before, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it a place of deep reflection,’ said a delegate from Malaysia.

During their time at the mosque, the delegates learned about its historical significance and unique architectural blend of contemporary and traditional Islamic influences.

Many took the opportunity to soak in the tranquil surroundings and capture memorable moments.

The cultural visit was organized to give CAYA delegates a deeper understanding of Pakistan’s heritage as they engage in the summit’s discussions on pressing global issues, including climate change, youth leadership, and regional cooperation.

‘This visit has allowed us to connect with Pakistan beyond the conference rooms. Experiencing the culture firsthand adds depth to our discussions and fosters stronger ties between young leaders from different nations,’ shared an attendee from Brunei Darussalam.

The CAYA Youth Summit 2025 continues with panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions aimed at empowering young advocates to drive positive change in their communities.

The visit to these landmarks has left a lasting impression on the delegates, reinforcing the importance of cultural exchange in building international cooperation.

App/smd-tsw-hin-kah

Islamabad:The District and Sessions Court in Islamabad on Thursday adjourned the case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Rauf Hassan without a hearing, as the challan was not submitted.

Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah was scheduled to hearing the case.

Hassan faces charges for allegedly propagating against state institutions. The trial will commence once the challan is submitted.

However, the court adjourned the case till February 26, as further legal proceedings depend on the challan’s submission.

Islamabad:President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday paid tribute to the security forces for their bravery in eliminating Fitna-ul-Khawarij terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in North Waziristan District.

The president and prime minister paid homage to Major Hamza Israr and Sepoy Muhammad Naeem who embraced martyrdom while valiantly confronting the Khawarij terrorists during the operation, the President’s and Prime Minister’s Office in separate news releases said.

The president and prime minister praised the bravery and patriotism of Major Hamza Israr Shaheed and Sepoy Muhammad Naeem Shaheed and expressed heartfelt grief over the martyrdom of the two valiant sons of the soil.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed sympathy with the families of martyrs and prayed for patience to bear their loss. “Security forces will continue operations until terrorists are completely eliminated. Our resolve to eliminate terrorist elements and defend the country will remain unwavering,” the president said. The president reiterated the national resolve to completely eliminate Fitna-ul-Khawarij.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif prayed for the high ranks of the martyrs and patience for their bereaved families.

‘We will not let the great sacrifices of the sons of the nation go in vain and will destroy the nefarious intentions of anti-state elements,’ the prime minister said.

The government and security forces were mobilized to completely eradicate terrorism from the country, he added.