Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture Attaullah said on Tuesday that Pakistan had made tremendous achievements in the sports arena during past few months.

Delivering his speech at the opening ceremony of Media Cricket League 2025, he said upcoming International Cricket Council’s Champions Trophy being held in Pakistan will proved to be a landmark achievement of the country.

The minister congratulated the organizers and sponsors of this event and thanked them for promotion of positive activities like sports.

He said that Shalimar Cricket Ground was a beautiful and scenic stadium in the foothills of Margallas and the spectators were going to watch good entertainment.

He said that Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will also award the winner and runner up teams of the event.

Tarar said that Shangai Cooperation Organization summit hosted in Islamabad was a manifestation that Pakistan was capable of organizing big events.

He remarked that hosting the Champions Trophy will improve Pakistan’s positive and soft image in the world.

He said that sports were also included in recently launched “Urraan Pakistan program” which was apolitical programme.

He said that economy was stabilised, inflation had fallen to record low, bullish stock exchange had broken many records and foreign remittances had created new record.

He said that sports and politics should not be mingled with each other.

Government was working day and night for the improvement of sports in Pakistan, he maintained.

He opined that there was no harm in criticising politicians, political parties but bashing national institutions and economy was not in the interest of the country as it tarnished its image.

He said now even the political opponents of the government were acknowledging the economic stability of Pakistan He said that political stability was need of the hour and politicians hold negotiations as it was the only way to resolve problems.

Extending congratulations to all the cricket teams participating in the Media Cricket League, he expressed best wishes to them.

Islamabad: Trail 7, which is known for its lush greenery, diverse wildlife and breathtaking views at the Margalla Hills National Park quickly became a favourite spot for hikers and nature enthusiast.

Whether you’re seeking solitude or an adventurous trek, Trail 7 promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of nature.

The trail stretches for 5 km and is fully marked, beginning from Siri Saral C-12, a village located near Dera Dari restaurant in zone-3 of Islamabad.

At the trailhead, a board provides essential details such as the distance and endpoint. Unlike other trails in the park which start from zone-1, Trail 7 is the only regular trail originating from zone-3.

Though the trail is a welcome addition, visitors have noted limited parking availability and a lack of security.

Frequent hiker Adil expressed his fondness for Trail 7, stating, ‘It’s close to my home, so I come here often.’ He advised early morning hikes for safety and convenience, suggesting that visitors park at Dera Dari restaurant, just 100 meters away from the trailhead.

Another hiker, Saad, highlighted the importance of hiking in groups due to the lower number of visitors on Trail 7.

He noted that other trails, such as Trail 3 and Trail 5 are preferred for their safety, thanks to the presence of wildlife department staff and ranger posts.

Saad appreciated the efforts of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for clearly marking the trail with white signs.

He also recommended bringing snacks and water, as there are no shops nearby.

Historically significant, Trail 7 is located near sites associated with Alexander the Great and is just a few kilometers from Taxila.

A freshwater stream can be found within the first 500 meters of the trail, flowing during the summer and monsoon seasons.

Hikers can expect moderate to intense hiking conditions, taking approximately 120 to 150 minutes to complete the 5 km trail.

Beginners are encouraged to hike 2.5 km before returning. The views from the top including sights of Shah Allah Ditta village and Taxila offer breathtaking scenery for those who reach the summit.

Islamabad: Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police, led by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Ali Raza, conducted Khuli Kachehris (open courts) on Tuesday in the Industrial Area and Swan Zone on Tuesday, suspending 3 officers for corruption and non-prosecution while addressing citizens’ grievances.

A public relation officer told reporter that Zonal SPs, SDPOs, SHOs, and other police officers were also present at the Khuli Kachehris, where a large number of citizens participated.

During the Khuli Kachehris, citizens openly expressed their concerns, while DIG Islamabad listened attentively and issued orders for immediate solutions, while three officers were suspended for corruption and non-prosecution and an inquiry was ordered.

DIG Raza said that Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi directed Islamabad police officers to reach citizens through multiple platforms and resolve their concerns efficiently. DIG issued orders for senior police officers to hold Khuli Kachehris across the district.

Additionally, all zonal SP’s are to organize similar open forums in their respective zones, allowing citizens to directly present their concerns to police officials. Citizens can also register their complaints by dialing “IGP Complaint Cell – 1715,” he added.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday expressed confidence in completing analysis and implementation plan of rightsizing 43 ministries and their 400 attached departments by June 30 of the current fiscal year to reduce expenditures and improve efficiency of the government.

‘During course of this fiscal year, before June 30, all of this process will be done, All 42 ministries, (As CAD has already been abolished) and their attached departments, their recommendations and implementation (will be done),’ the minister said at a press conference while sharing the six-month performance of the High-powered Committee on Rightsizing of the Federal Government.

He was accompanied by Convener of the National Parliamentary Task-force on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Bilal Azhar Kayani and Ambassador at Large Dr Salman Ahmad, who is heading the Implementation Committee.

Briefing the journalists, the minister said, it had been decided that 60% vacant regular posts (that have not come in payroll), which stood at 150,000, would be abolished or declared as dying posts, creating a real a real financial impact. ‘All is being done after proper ratification from the federal cabinet.’

The committee, he said, also decided to outsource general non-core services including cleaning, plumbing and gardening to bring efficiency, adding the number of contingency posts would also be reduced.

He said, it has also been decided that the ministry of finance would have live visibility on the cash balances of the all government entities. ‘It cannot happen that at one side we are borrowing and on other government departments have idle cash balances.’

However, he added, it has nothing to do with people, but to improve efficiency, adding it was being implemented in all ministries.

He said, under Wave-1, six ministries including Kashmir Affair and Gilgit Baltistan, SAFRON; Information Technology and Telecom; Industries and Production; National Health Services Regulations and Coordination; Capital Development Authority (CAD) were processed.

The minister said the committee has decided to merge Ministries of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, and States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) whereas CAD was abolished, adding there were 80 entities associated with these ministries, theses have now been reduced to 40.

Minister Aurangzeb said that under Wave 2, the committee considered the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Commerce Division, the Ministry of Housing and Works, and the Ministry of National Food Security and Research. Out of their 60 entities, 25 would be wound-up, 20 reduced and nine merged or shifted.

He said that under the ongoing Wave 3, five ministries have been notified, including the Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training, Information and Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture, Finance Division and Power Division.

Sharing details about the committee, the minister said that in June of last year, the Prime Minister had constituted the committee, headed by the Finance Minister, with ministers, MNAs, representatives from coalition partners, the private sector, and high-level officials as its members.

He said the body’s Terms of Reference (ToRs) were aimed at reducing federal government expenditures and improving its efficiency.He said the committee was tasked with reviewing the performance of different ministries and their entities over the last thirty to forty years to decide whether they should be rolled-back or considered for improved efficiency.

Aurangzeb said that the committee decided to proceed in a phased manner for the efficient implementation of the recommendations, considering 5-6 ministries in batches.

He stated that all the ministries and representatives of attached departments were given a full opportunity to explain their points of view, adding that the discussions on each entity had taken several days.

The minister said that when a decision was made by the committee regarding any ministry/entity, it was forwarded to the Prime Minister to obtain endorsement from the Federal Cabinet. After ratification, it came back for the implementation plan, he added.

In his opening remarks, the minister said that the government had achieved macroeconomic stability, which would now lead the country towards sustainable growth, steering it away from the ‘boom and bust’ cycle.

He said the incumbent government had changed the fundamental DNA of the economy towards export-led growth by engaging the private sector to lead the economy. He also mentioned that the government was making structural reforms, improving taxation, and ensuring end-to-end digitalization.

Aurangzeb said that the Faceless Customs Assessment System (FCAS), under the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) transformation plan, would be formally inaugurated by the Prime Minister on Wednesday, adding its benefits had already started to materialize.

Answering a question, the minister said with a strong conviction that there would be a significant reduction in government expenditures, which would be reflected in the next federal government budget.

To a question he said, Aurangzeb said the government wanted to take things in right direction whether International Monetary Fund (IMF) say says or not. He said, although rightsizing was an IMF structural benchmark; however government was doing it because it is requirement of the country.

To yet another question, the minister said that the rightsizing would be done and implementation would be ensured. All departments and all ministries are under review, he added ‘We have taken that bold step which no administration and no government was able to take.’

Speaking on the occasion, Bilal Kiyani said main aim of rightsizing was not only to reduce expenditure but also improve efficiency and remove duplication. He said, the rightsizing process was being done diligently and comprehensively.

Islamabad: As the cases of Pink Eye, a highly contagious eye infection, continue to rise, health expert Tuesday sounded the alarm, urging parents to exercise extreme caution and take proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease among children.

Talking to a private news channel, Dr. Zubaida Surang, an eye specialist at Agha Khan Hospital revealed that the pink eye outbreak is widespread, with the hospital witnessing a surge in cases during the winter season.

She explained that the highly contagious infection, also known as acute conjunctivitis, is caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens and parasites, with human adenoviruses (HAdVs) responsible for 65-90% of severe conjunctival infections.

Dr. Surang warned that the symptoms of pink eye include redness or irritation, watery discharge, foreign body sensation, blurred vision, photophobia and swelling or edema of the conjunctiva.

She advised that if left untreated, pink eye can lead to severe complications, including corneal ulcers and vision loss.

Regarding treatment, Dr. Surang emphasized that antibiotics are only effective against bacterial conjunctivitis and not viral conjunctivitis.

She recommended that patients with pink eye should apply warm compresses to the affected eye, use artificial tears to lubricate the eye and avoid touching or rubbing the eye to prevent the spread of the infection.

To prevent the spread of pink eye, Dr. Surang advised the public to take precautions, including practicing good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water, avoiding touching the eyes or face, refraining from sharing personal items, such as towels or makeup, staying home from school or work if symptoms persist and avoiding close contact with others to prevent the spread of the infection

Dr. Surang urged parents to be vigilant and keep their children home from school if they exhibit symptoms of pink eye. She also advised the public to seek medical attention immediately if they experience severe symptoms, such as intense eye pain, blurred vision, or increased sensitivity to light.