Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Javedullah Mehsood was injured in the firing on a convoy of government vehicles in Bagan Bazaar of Kurram district on Saturday.

According to a private news channel, the incident happened when the first convoy left after many days to restore the movement of people between Kurram.

When the convoy left and reached Irfan Kali in Alizai tehsil, the convoy was fired upon, in which DC Kurram Javedullah and a security official were reported to have been injured.

The DC has been shifted to the Alizai government hospital in an injured condition.

Islamabad: The Jammu and Kashmir National Front (JKNF) has called the UN-proposed road map the most viable solution to the Kashmir dispute, urging the United Nations to implement the January 5, 1949 resolution, which emphasizes resolving the issue through the right to self-determination.

In a statement issued here on the eve of Right to Self-Determination Day, JKNF spokesperson Muhammad Haseeb Wani said that India's belligerent military occupation and its policy of deceit, deception serve as stumbling block in the way of peaceful settlement to the long-running conflict.

Referring to the devastating effects of the dispute on Kashmiri society, the JKNF spokesman said, "Now is the time for the UN to take effective cognizance of the India's brutal occupation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and its devastating impacts and play its due role in the implementation of the historic resolution, which guarantees right to self-determination to the people of Kashmir'.

Given the extremely volatile situation in the restive region, Wani said that it was imperative that the global community should exert pressure on the government of India to resolve the dispute peacefully.

Reiterating his party's stand on the Kashmir dispute, he said, 'Allowing the people of Jammu and Kashmir to decide their future through a free, fair and impartial referendum under the auspices of the United Nations was the only way to resolve the issue peacefully'.

Islamabad: A boy working as a house servant in Lahore's Ghalib Market area was killed due to alleged violence.

According to a private news channel and police, the victim, identified as Sunni, worked at the residence of Sajid, a citizen of Main Market.

According to police, the child's body bore signs of violence, including injuries to sensitive areas.

Two suspects have been arrested, and a case has been registered on the statement of the victim's father at the Ghalib Market police station.

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) had decided a total of 10,571 cases during the year 2024.

Chief Justice Aamer Farooq delivered the highest 2,525 verdicts during last year, said a report

of IHC. According to the report, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani delivered 1,616 cases, while Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan decided 1,490 cases.

Similarly, Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb decided 1,021 cases throughout the year, while Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri disposed of 925 cases in 2024. The report said that Justice Babar Sattar decided 964, Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir 1,195 cases and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz disposed of 835 cases throughout the year.

Islamabad: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) conducted a two-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop to enhance gender diversity in Non-Banking Microfinance Companies (NBMFCs).

Representative of all NBMFCs regulated by SECP had attended this session. The initiative prioritized promoting gender inclusivity within organizations and enhancing services tailored to women, who constitute over 70 percent of the sector’s clientele, said a press release issued here on Friday.

The workshop trained participants to identify gender biases, implement inclusive policies and tailor financial products for women, encouraging a customer-centric approach. SECP’s Executive Director, Khalida Habib, highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating, ‘This workshop is a step forward in promoting gender diversity in Pakistan’s financial ecosystem, equipping companies to address gender-related challenges and contribute to national goals of inclusion and equity.’

ADB’s Deputy Country Director, Asad Aleem underscored ADB’s commitment to gender equity, adding, ‘Gender diversity is vital for sustainable development. This collaboration reflects our shared vision of inclusive financial systems that empower women and drive economic resilience in Pakistan.’

In addition, an exclusive session on consumer protection was held on Dec 23, 2024, focusing on Consumer Protection Framework for NBMFCs and its link to the Women Equality in Finance Policy for NBMFC approved by SECP. This reinforced SECP’s commitment to balancing gender equity with robust consumer safeguards.

The ToT model ensures long-term impact by enabling participants to train other colleagues at NBMFC, amplifying the reach of this initiative. This collaboration demonstrates ADB’s and SECP’s dedication to empowering women and fostering inclusive growth in Pakistan’s financial landscape.

Islamabad: The Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) has announced the launch of the Young Engineers National Forum (YENF), a platform aimed at creating a unified network of young engineers' associations, societies, and groups nationwide.

According to a PEC, YENF is designed to empower young engineers by providing leadership opportunities, technical training, professional development, and capacity-building initiatives.

The forum will prepare engineers to excel in both national and international job markets.

Serving as the representative body for young engineers, YENF aims to foster unity within the engineering profession while promoting national integration and fraternity among its members.

The PEC has called on engineers to register for the platform by January 20 through an online form available at the PEC website.

The additional details can be obtained from the PEC office in Islamabad or through the website www.pec.org.pk.

The forum is expected to play a critical role in harnessing the potential of young engineers to contribute significantly to the country's technical advancement and professional excellence.