Key dacoit from home burglary gang nabbed

Islamabad: Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police's Lohi Bher team on Wednesday apprehended a key suspect involved in multiple home burglaries on Wednesday.

A public relation officer told reporter that the accused, identified as Muhammad Asif, was found in possession of stolen cash, a motorcycle, a laptop, and ammunition worth approximately Rs. 9.8 million.

He said that during initial investigations, the suspect confessed to committing multiple home burglaries, shedding light on the gang's illicit activities.

DIG Syed Ali Raza commended the police team for their efforts and assured citizens that the Islamabad Police will continue its operations against criminals depriving residents of their valuable assets.

PM’s aide Romina Khurshid inaugurates Pakistan’s first green road initiative


Islamabad: Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam launched first green road initiative at the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) on Wednesday.



In her address, Khurshid reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating climate change under Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s leadership.



She highlighted the country’s focus on both short-term and long-term solutions, including renewable energy projects and the development of climate-resilient infrastructure.



She commended the climate initiatives spearheaded by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, emphasizing their significance within Pakistan’s broader climate strategy. ‘These initiatives are key to reducing our carbon footprint,’ she said.



Khurshid stressed the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to build a more sustainable future. She described the green road as a symbol of Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to environmental preservation and climate action. ‘This marks a major step forward in creating cities that are not only economically prosperous but also environmentally responsible,’ she stated.



The green road, she explained, serves as an example of how green technologies and practices can be seamlessly integrated into urban infrastructure. It offers solutions to urgent environmental issues while enhancing the quality of life for citizens.



Ms. Khurshid outlined how this initiative aligns with Pakistan’s broader climate goals, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding renewable energy use, and promoting sustainable urban development.



She also recognized the role of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry in launching the project, noting the business community’s vital contribution to fostering a green economy. ‘The private sector’s participation in sustainability efforts is essential to driving the economic transformation we need,’ she emphasized. ‘I encourage businesses of all sizes to adopt green practices, invest in clean technologies, and help build a more sustainable and resilient economy.’



Ms. Romina noted this pioneering green road project, designed to address climate change and promote eco-friendly practices, showcases innovative solutions to urban environmental challenges.



“The initiative aims to create an eco-conscious, energy-efficient, and sustainable model for roads and urban spaces, setting an example that can be replicated nationwide”, she added.



The event, attended by distinguished diplomats, environmental experts, and business leaders, marked a significant milestone in city’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable infrastructure development.



Ahsan for effective implementation of ‘Quality Assurance Framework’ to improve higher education standards

Islamabad: Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday stressed the need for the effective implementation of the 'Quality Assurance Framework,' developed in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the British Council in 2023, to improve the standards of higher education in the country.

He expressed these views during a meeting with Pakistani-American Professor Mudassar Wyne, who called on him and discussed matters related to quality assurance and the improvement of education standards, according to a news release.

Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, the Director of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), and the Member of the Planning Commission for Science and Technology also attended the meeting.

Professor Mudassar Wyne, a quality assurance expert in California who holds a PhD in Computer Science, highlighted the principles of quality assurance recognized by the American Board of Engineering and Technology.

Ahsan Iqbal appreciated the contribution of Pakistani experts residing abroad to national development under the 'Uraan Pakistan' program.

He proposed forming a 'Premier League Group' consisting of the top 10 universities to transform Pakistani universities in line with global standards, which would establish linkages with leading universities worldwide.

The Planning minister said the Quality Assurance Framework, developed for Pakistani universities in collaboration with HEC and the British Council in 2023, was not only ideal for improving educational standards but also catered to the unique needs of the country's education system.

Political parties must prioritize national interest: Khawaja Asif

Islamabad: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said on Wednesday that political dialogue is essential for resolving the country's political and social tensions.

Speaking to a private news channel, he said that political negotiations remained a pathway to de-escalate tensions, even in challenging circumstances. "No political leader or party in our coalition opposes dialogue," adding that political conversations were the cornerstone of resolving disputes in a democratic societies.

Minister criticized the inflammatory rhetoric often used by PTI's leadership, calling it counterproductive.

He said that his party was committed to fostering dialogue, stating that "doors for negotiation should never be closed."

Answering a question, he said that founder PTI's confrontational stance against state institutions was condemnable.

He stated that PTI's actions had damaged the political fabric of the country. He urged political parties to prioritize the national interest over personal or party gains, stressing the need to rebuild trust in institutions.

PM’s aide Romina Khurshid inaugurates Pakistan’s first green road initiative


Islamabad: Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam launched first green road initiative at the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) on Wednesday.



In her address, Khurshid reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating climate change under Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s leadership.



She highlighted the country’s focus on both short-term and long-term solutions, including renewable energy projects and the development of climate-resilient infrastructure.



She commended the climate initiatives spearheaded by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, emphasizing their significance within Pakistan’s broader climate strategy. ‘These initiatives are key to reducing our carbon footprint,’ she said.



Khurshid stressed the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to build a more sustainable future. She described the green road as a symbol of Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to environmental preservation and climate action. ‘This marks a major step forward in creating cities that are not only economically prosperous but also environmentally responsible,’ she stated.



The green road, she explained, serves as an example of how green technologies and practices can be seamlessly integrated into urban infrastructure. It offers solutions to urgent environmental issues while enhancing the quality of life for citizens.



Ms. Khurshid outlined how this initiative aligns with Pakistan’s broader climate goals, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding renewable energy use, and promoting sustainable urban development.



She also recognized the role of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry in launching the project, noting the business community’s vital contribution to fostering a green economy. ‘The private sector’s participation in sustainability efforts is essential to driving the economic transformation we need,’ she emphasized. ‘I encourage businesses of all sizes to adopt green practices, invest in clean technologies, and help build a more sustainable and resilient economy.’



Ms. Romina noted this pioneering green road project, designed to address climate change and promote eco-friendly practices, showcases innovative solutions to urban environmental challenges.



“The initiative aims to create an eco-conscious, energy-efficient, and sustainable model for roads and urban spaces, setting an example that can be replicated nationwide”, she added.



The event, attended by distinguished diplomats, environmental experts, and business leaders, marked a significant milestone in city’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable infrastructure development.



Islamabad to host Global Summit on Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities on Jan 11-12


Islamabad: The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training will host the two-day international conference on girls education in Muslims communities here on January 11-12.



The landmark global summit titled, “International Conference on “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities: Challenges and Opportunities,” aims to address the challenges and opportunities in advancing girls’ education across Muslim communities worldwide; foster dialogue; and find actionable solutions to address the challenges, according to a curtain-raiser issues by the Foreign Office.



The conference will provide an ideal platform for high-level discussions and collaborations.



The event will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, who will deliver the keynote address at the opening session and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to promoting girls’ education and gender equity.



The summit will bring together over 150 international dignitaries, including ministers, ambassadors, scholars and academia from 44 Muslim and friendly countries, representatives from international organizations including UNESCO, UNICEF, and the World Bank.



The speakers and panelists will share transformative success stories, showcasing innovative approaches to advancing education equity.



The conference will conclude by a formal signing ceremony of the Islamabad Declaration, outlining the shared commitment of Muslim community to empower girls through education, paving way for inclusive and sustainable educational reforms, and a brighter future for generations to come.