Category: Islamabad

Islamabad:Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) organized a special flower and candy campaign to promote community policing and educate citizens about traffic laws on Thursday.

According to police spokesman, during the campaign, Chief Traffic Officer Islamabad Muhammad Sarfraz Virk, Citizen Traffic Liaison committee, and Islamabad Traffic Police’s education wing provided special information on driver safety and cautious driving in various neighborhoods.

Additionally, drivers involved in traffic violations were intercepted and instead of fines, they were informed of their mistakes with flowers and candies, aiming to sensitively communicate their errors and encourage adherence to laws in the future.

The purpose of this campaign is to raise awareness among drivers about compliance with traffic laws and promote positive attitudes.

CTO Islamabad, Muhammad Sarfraz Virk, said that through this campaign, Islamabad Traffic Police is fostering positive relationships with citizens and emphasizing the importance of traffic laws.

CTO expressed hope that this initiative would increase drivers’ awareness of law compliance and reduce traffic accidents.

Moreover, this campaign is ongoing in various areas of Islamabad and has received positive feedback from the public. Citizens have appreciated this initiative and hope it will lead to better enforcement of traffic laws.

Islamabad:The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), under the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (HRD), on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a collaborative framework aimed at addressing the issues and complaints of overseas Pakistanis.

The MoU signing ceremony, held at NAB headquarters, marked the creation of a structured mechanism for mutual cooperation and strategic coordination to tackle challenges such as property disputes, financial fraud, misuse of authority, and other matters requiring NAB’s intervention.

The primary objective of the MoU is to develop an efficient and collaborative system where OPF and NAB will jointly address grievances reported by overseas Pakistanis. These grievances may include fraudulent practices in housing schemes, property possession disputes, allotment issues, and financial mismanagement or irregularities by housing developers and private individuals.

Under the agreement, a dedicated facilitation desk or cell for overseas Pakistanis will be established at all NAB offices, including the Head Office and Regional Offices, to receive and process complaints referred by OPF or submitted directly by overseas Pakistanis. Additionally, a helpline will be set up between NAB and OPF to ensure constant communication and efficient resolution of complaints.

During the ceremony, the OPF team provided a detailed briefing on the foundation’s operations and the challenges faced by overseas Pakistanis.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman NAB, Lt. Gen. (Retd) Nazir Ahmed, emphasized that overseas Pakistanis are a valuable asset to the nation. He assured that NAB, in collaboration with OPF, will take all necessary measures to resolve their issues and ensure that those who commit fraud or deceive overseas Pakistanis face appropriate legal consequences.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Director General (Welfare and Services Division) of OPF, Mrs Laeeqa Ambreen, and the Director General (A and P) of NAB, Izhar Ahmed Awan, at NAB Headquarters.

The signing ceremony was attended by Chairman NAB, Lt. Gen. (Retd) Nazir Ahmed, Prosecutor General Accountability, Syed Ihtesham Qadir Shah, Chairman OPF Board of Governors, Syed Qamar Raza, Managing Director OPF, Muhammad Afzal Bhatti, along with other senior officials from both NAB and OPF.

Islamabad:Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiqbhas paid tribute to the security forces following the successful intelligence-based operation in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan, in which six foreign terrorists were eliminated.

He praised the courage and determination of the security forces involved in the operation, highlighting their relentless efforts in safeguarding the nation from the threats posed by terrorists.

He also expressed deep respect for the bravery of Major Hamza Israr and Sepoy Muhammad Naeem, who made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting valiantly against the terrorists during the operation.

Ayaz Sadiq stated, “Our nation’s brave sons laid down their lives in the defence of our homeland, and their sacrifices will forever be etched in our hearts The nation will never forget the invaluable contributions and sacrifices made by these brave martyrs in protecting our sovereignty.”

In his message, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs, stating, “I share in the grief and sorrow of the families of our fallen heroes. Their loss is not just a personal tragedy but a loss for the entire nation. We stand with them in this time of immense sorrow.”

NA Speaker reaffirmed the nation’s collective resolve against terrorism, stating, “Terrorists, with their nefarious intentions, will never succeed in their objectives. The people of Pakistan are united in their fight against terrorism, and our security forces will continue to receive unwavering support from the nation in this battle.”

Ayaz Sadiq reiterated that the sacrifices made by the security forces in the fight against terrorism will always be remembered, stating, “The sacrifices made by our security forces in this ongoing war against terrorism are unparalleled. The nation will always honour their commitment and determination to secure our country’s future.”

Islamabad:In a groundbreaking move to strengthen space technology research and education in Pakistan, RESOLVE and the Space Research Center (SRC) at the University of Central Punjab (UCP) have partnered to foster innovation and bridge the gap between academia and industry.

The collaboration will focus on submitting joint research proposals to the Pakistan Science Foundation, particularly on developing a Satellite Weather Station and CanSAT prototypes.

These projects aim to promote hands-on learning and equip students with practical expertise in space technology. SRC-UCP researchers will also have access to RESOLVE’s workspace and advanced equipment, enhancing their research capabilities and facilitating groundbreaking discoveries.

RESOLVE, an initiative of SUPARCO, operates as a high-tech R and D lab at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore.

According to the SUPARCO, it plays a crucial role in advancing Pakistan’s space research by providing state-of-the-art facilities and fostering collaboration between academia and industry.

The initiative is setting up research labs across northern, central, and southern Pakistan to create a dynamic platform for tackling complex space-related challenges.

The RESOLVE Central Lab at UET Lahore focuses on critical areas such as satellite technology, advanced antenna systems, secure satellite communications, space-based sensors, structural mechanisms, space materials research, and RF payloads.

Through RESOLVE, SUPARCO aims to establish a strong Research and Development culture by outsourcing space-oriented projects to universities and industry experts.

Faculty-led initiatives will enable researchers to contribute to Pakistan’s socio-economic and strategic goals, aligning with the country’s vision for the global space sector.

Additionally, RESOLVE is organizing lectures, seminars, and specialized workshops on space technology to encourage knowledge-sharing and innovation nationwide.

SUPARCO is also formalizing partnerships through Memorandam of Understanding (MoUs) with multiple institutions to drive technological advancements.

This collaboration between RESOLVE and SRC-UCP marks a significant step toward strengthening Pakistan’s presence in the space research domain, paving the way for innovation and future advancements in the sector.

Islamabad:Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed grief over the loss of lives caused by a mid-air accident between a passenger plane and a military helicopter in Washington DC.

On his X timeline, the prime minister conveyed his condolences to US President Donald Trump and the American people at this difficult time.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic news of a mid-air accident between a passenger plane and a military helicopter in Washington D.C. Our thoughts and prayers are with US President Donald Trump and the American people at this difficult time,” he wrote.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also conveyed his sympathies to the families of those who lost their loved ones and prayed for the safety of the survivors.

According to reports, an American Airlines flight collided in mid-air with a helicopter in Washington DC. The plane crashed into the Potomac River. The jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, and three US Army soldiers were on board the military helicopter.

Islamabad:Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, highlighted China’s remarkable economic and social progress, emphasizing its role as a model for development, during his speech at the Chinese Spring Festival New Year Celebrations organized by China Media Group (CMG).

The minister praised China for uplifting its people through a strong welfare system, eliminating economic disparities, and significantly improving living standards.

He stated that China has successfully removed the gap between the rich and poor and has become a global example of sustainable development.

He shed light on China’s economic transformation, citing its $3.5 trillion in exports, achieved through high-quality, affordable products and a business-friendly environment.

He emphasized that a strong focus on education and technical training has been key to China’s industrial and technological advancement, along with ease of doing business, enabling rapid economic growth and global competitiveness.

He noted that Pakistan, despite its potential, faces economic challenges. Pakistan has a 9-10% share in global poverty, but the government is taking initiatives to improve living standards and has successfully reduced the rising pace of inflation. He also highlighted that the government has set a $35 billion target for remittances to boost economic stability.

Reflecting on Pakistan’s economic journey, the minister pointed out that from 1947 to 1990, Pakistan was on a strong growth trajectory despite limited resources.

During that period, Pakistan’s GDP was 50% higher than India’s. He recalled that Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh once sought advice from Dr. Mahbub ul Haq regarding Pakistan’s economic policies. However, post-1990, India’s economy surged, growing 12 times faster than Pakistan’s due to policy consistency and economic reforms.

Highlighting his own contributions to Pakistan’s education sector, the minister mentioned his 35-year tenure as a Board Member of FAST University and his role in establishing its fifth campus in Chiniot. He stated that he has learned from China’s education model, which prioritizes technical skills and innovation.

The minister reaffirmed the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China, stressing that China’s unwavering support has been instrumental in Pakistan’s infrastructure and economic development.

He credited CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) for revolutionizing Pakistan’s connectivity, trade, and energy sectors.

He said that China’s investment through CPEC has not only enhanced Pakistan’s transportation network but also created thousands of jobs and boosted industrial growth.

He also emphasized Pakistan’s strategic advantage due to its deep-sea ports, particularly Gwadar, which holds immense potential for regional trade.

The minister concluded by reiterating the need for policy consistency, investment in education, and industrial growth to follow China’s path of progress. He asserted that China is a true model for development, and Pakistan can achieve similar success by adopting its strategic policies.