PAKISTAN REAFFIRMS ‘UNWAVERING SOLIDARIT Y’ WITH KUWAIT, STEPS UP PEACE DIPLOMACY
g PM SHEHBAZ STRONGLY CONDEMNS ATTACKS ON KUWAIT AND GULF STATES REITERATING PAKISTAN ’S ROLE A S AN HONEST MEDIATOR
g KUWAIT COMMENDS DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS OF PM SHEHBAZ, DPM DAR AND FIELD MARSHAL MUNIR IN PROMOTING DIALOGUE AMID REGIONAL CRISIS
PRIME MINISTER Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with Kuwait, strongly condemning the recent attacks targeting Kuwait and other Gulf countries amid the ongoing regional conflict while reiterating that Islamabad would continue to play the role of an
honest and sincere mediator and facilitator in efforts aimed at restoring regional peace and stability
The prime minister expressed these views during a meeting with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber AlAhmad Al-Sabah, who called on him at the Prime Minister s Office, according to a statement issued by the PM Office
g PREMIER, KUWAITI FM PLEDGE TO DEEPEN COOPERATION IN TRADE INVESTMENT, ENERGY, IT AND OTHERS
g FIELD MARSHAL A SIM MUNIR REAFFIRMS PAKISTAN ’S COMMITMENT TO KUWAIT A S VISITING MINISTER PRAISES ISLAMABAD ’S CONTRIBUTION TO REGIONAL STABILITY
Bilawal demands re-polling in A JK , escalates rift with PML-N over 'rigged
further strengthen the longstanding defence partnership and institutional security ties between the two brotherly countries Responding to media queries Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Tahir Andrabi said the agreement reflected the shared commitment of Pakistan and Kuwait to expand bilateral defence cooperation and elevate their strategic security partnership He noted that the defence relationship between the two countries dates back to the early 1980s and has continued to grow on the basis of mutual trust, shared interests and close institutional cooperation According to the Foreign Office the agreement provides a comprehensive framework for enhancing defence collaboration in key areas including military training, joint exercises, exchange of expertise and other mutually agreed fields of cooperation It is expected to further strengthen institutional linkages between the armed forces of both countries and broaden the scope of bilateral defence engagement The spokesperson said Pakistan and Kuwait would work closely to implement the agreement in accordance with its provisions, with the objective of reinforcing their enduring defence partnership while contributing to regional peace security and stability The development coincided with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar ’s meeting with his Kuwaiti counterpart, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in Islamabad During the talks Dar welcomed Kuwait s ratification of the agreement terming it an important milestone in bilateral defence relations that would deepen military-to-military cooperation and further institutionalise security collaboration between the two countries
Pakistan, Egypt step up diplomatic push for Palestine, call for immediate end to Gaza hostilities
ISLAMABAD S ta f f r e p o r t
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Wednesday agreed to intensify diplomatic coordination among Arab and Islamic countries in support of the Palestinian people, expressing grave concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation in Gaza, the Occupied West Bank and the repeated violations at Jerusalem s Al-Aqsa Mosque compound amid escalating regional tensions
According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO), the two foreign ministers held a telephone conversation during which they stressed the urgent need for an immediate end to all hostilities, the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance and full adherence to international law
The two Foreign Ministers expressed grave concern over the deteriorating situation in Palestine condemning the continued Israeli military actions in Gaza and the Occupied West Bank, escalating settler violence, and repeated violations at the Al-Aqsa
Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem the FO said During the conversation, Dar and Abdelatty also discussed Jordan s proposal to convene a meeting of a group of Arab and Islamic countries to coordinate diplomatic efforts aimed at supporting the Palestinian people and advancing a unified regional response to the ongoing crisis
The high-level consultation comes less than a week after Israel s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, a move that drew widespread condemnation from Arab and Muslim countries
The discussions also took place against the backdrop of continued Israeli military operations in Gaza where the humanitarian situation has continued to worsen, heightening international concern over civilian suffering and regional instability
The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on broader regional developments and underscored the imperative of restraint dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further escalation and preserve peace and stability in the region, the Foreign Office added
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
prompting the committee to direct that such an audit be conducted The meeting was attended by Senators Mohammed Abdul Qadir and Aimal Wali Khan, while Senator Saleem Mandviwalla and Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti participated virtually Senator Shahadat Awan and Senator Saifullah Abro attended as movers of agenda items while Senator Dr Afnan Ullah Khan and Senator Dost Ali Jeesar attended as special invitees S
Middle East
‘unwavering solidarity ’ with Kuwait, steps up peace diplomac y
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“Pakistan has been playing its role as an honest and sincere mediator and facilitator in ongoing regional peace efforts the prime minister said while appreciating Kuwait s leadership for supporting diplomatic initiatives aimed at de-escalation and dialogue
Welcoming the visiting dignitary, Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed his warm regards and best wishes to the Amir of Kuwait His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak AlSabah Recalling the longstanding brotherly relationship between the two countries, he said Pakistan and Kuwait had consistently stood by each other during challenging times, with their enduring partnership anchored in shared values mutual trust and close people-to-people ties
Expressing satisfaction over the positive momentum in bilateral relations the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan s commitment to further expanding cooperation with Kuwait in trade, investment, energy, agriculture, information technology, maritime affairs and human resource development He also appreciated the Kuwaiti government for hosting a vibrant Pakistani community and acknowledged its valuable contribution to Kuwait’s socio-economic development In his remarks Sheikh Jarrah conveyed greetings from the Kuwaiti leadership to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and reaffirmed Kuwait s strong commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations with Pakistan
The Kuwaiti foreign minister particularly appreciated the diplomatic efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mo-
hammad Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Staff (CDF)
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in promoting dialogue and diplomacy to help resolve the ongoing regional crisis
He also thanked the leadership and people of Pakistan for their steadfast support to Kuwait during the current difficult period Both sides underscored the importance of sustained consultation and close coordination on regional and international issues of mutual interest and agreed to exchange high-level delegations in the near future to advance bilateral cooperation
Prime Minister Shehbaz also reiterated his invitation to the Crown Prince of Kuwait to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually convenient time
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar along with the federal ministers for Defence Commerce National Food Security and Research, Communications, Maritime Affairs and Petroleum, besides the Adviser to the Prime Minister and senior government officials
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) the visiting Kuwaiti foreign minister also met Chief of Defence Staff (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi
The military’s media wing said the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest, the prevailing regional security situation and measures to further strengthen bilateral cooperation The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan s stead-
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Bilawal alleged that the PML-N had historically relied on electoral manipulation rather than public support claiming the party had never secured power through a genuine popular mandate
The Kashmiri people will never allow anyone to steal their mandate," he declared, adding that his party would resist every attempt to manipulate the electoral process
Questioning the results in Kotli Bilawal claimed that veteran PPP leader
Chaudhry Mohammad Yasin s victory had been converted into a defeat through alleged interference at around 30 polling stations
He said his party possessed video evidence of alleged irregularities and claimed voter turnout at those polling stations exceeded 90 percent while turnout elsewhere remained between 40 and 50 percent
"I am prepared to accept defeat, but I cannot accept a mandate stolen through rigging " he maintained vowing to recover every single stolen vote
Bilawal also renewed his proposal for establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address the ongoing political unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir
He said the commission should represent the interests of all Kashmiris rather than either the government or the nowproscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), urging both sides to support the initiative Calling on voters to support the PPP in the second phase of polling scheduled for August 2
Bilawal said the people of Muzaffarabad should send a clear message in favour of democratic accountability and constitutional rights
He pledged to secure stronger representation for AJK at national forums, including the National Finance Commission (NFC) and the Council of Common Interests (CCI) while promising greater employment opportunities and improved governance through democratic means Meanwhile, the AJK Election Commission officially notified the victory of all 13 successful candidates elected from Mirpur Division According to the official notification the PML-N won nine seats while the PPP secured four The latest exchange has further exposed widening differences between the two coalition partners at the Centre, with both parties continuing to trade allegations over the conduct of the AJK elections even as the remaining phases of polling are yet to be held
A JK elections kick off
R if t bet ween coalition par tners becomes visible
THE effect of having elections spread over several days has become visible as the trading of allegations between the PPP and PML(N) who are in a sort of coalition at the centre has begun over the first phase thus poisoning the atmosphere for the second and third stages, which are still ahead
Though the PTI was still forbidden from taking part in the poll, its presence could still be sensed, though rather indirectly, as this absence allowed the two parties to go for each other without the sort of competitor which would provide the sort of moderation that kept them together in Islamabad The next phase of the election on August 2 will also throw a focus on the subject of the recent agitation by the Joint Action Committee (which resulted in several injuries in clashes with the law enforcement agencies in Rawalakot) as all 12 refugee seats are going to the polls all over Pakistan as well as nine constituencies of Muzaffarabad Division The poll will conclude with polls in Poonch division where 11 seats are at stake
It may be seen that the logic of a same-day poll has been sacrificed The results of the polls in Mirpur Division may well influence the succeeding elections, because an impression of a PML (N) victory has been created The PPP allegations of rigging, certainly, are meant to counter this narrative of PML (N) superiority The results do indicate that the PML (N) has continued the tradition of the government in Islamabad winning the election in AJK, but the PPP has been claiming a share because it supports the Islamabad government from outside having no participation in the Cabinet and freedom to criticize the government while providing it support on the floor of the House Polls have been split to allow polling staff and security staff to conduct more than one poll, but the UK abandoned this practice centuries ago, mainly because early results were seen as influencing later polls India conducts polls on this basis, but also has a strict rule about carrying out the counting in one place on the day of the last poll As it is, the AJK elections has just started, and the two major parties are at daggers drawn This was perhaps inevitable, for they had gone into the elections as competitors, which had nothing to do with whether the polls were same-day or split
R JOHN ESPOSITO the preeminent scholar of Islamic Studies in the USA passed away on July 15 When my oldest son learned of John s death, his immediate reaction was, Oh no! He was so great I first learned about Islam from reading his books that were assigned to me as a student He made it so understandable ” One of my grandchildren had much the same reaction What struck me was not just the impact John had on two generations of my offspring but the larger story conveyed by their reactions For decades now, through the classes he taught, the books he wrote, the lectures he gave, and the institutions he created, John educated millions of Americans about the realities and complexities of the Middle East and the broader Muslim World Although the USA had long been invested in that region we knew so little about the more than one billion souls who populated the expanse from North Africa to Southeast Asia, and the millions of immigrants from these regions and their descendants who had become Americans Too often what we thought we knew about these countries and their peoples had been shaped by myths and negative stereotypes While this had long been the case after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 antiArab and anti-Muslim propaganda spawned an industry of hate that worked overtime to weaponize the stereotypes generating bigotry and division It took a heavy toll There was violence threats of violence and acts of discrimination in employment housing and public spaces The US Civil Rights Commission invited me to testify on this backlash For my testimony, I documented hundreds of frightening examples (including death threats against me and my family) that occurred in just the first few weeks after 9/11 John entered into this harrowing divide as an educator a calming voice and a healer A tireless lecturer an institution builder and a prolific writer he built a body of literature and founded centers of learning that helped replace ignorance, prejudice, and hate with understanding John and I had been together at Temple University where we both received our doctoral degrees studying under the Islamic scholar Ismail al Faruqi After
M A Niazi Editor
economics of foreign aid
Lcountries with specific purposes; Project loans and grants for Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) are received for various projects being executed by Federal Government, Provincial Governments and various Autonomous Bodies such as WAPDA PEPCO NHA etc; there are certain projects which are kept out of the PSDP and executed by Federal and Provincial Governments and Autonomous Bodies by receiving project loans and grants; programme loans are provided for budgetary support and are linked/tied with achievement of specific targets and goals, and; other loans comprise loans from Islamic Development Bank Sovereign Bonds Sukuk Bonds etc raised from non-traditional sources Bilateral sources included China Denmark ,France,Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the USA Multilateral sources included Asian Development Bank (ADB) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) EIB International Bank for Reconstruction & Development (IBRD) International Development Association (IDA) International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD),IsDB, PEC Fund and the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) There was no Saudi Arabia Time Deposit and no SAFE China Deposit commitments for the financial year 2026-27
World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB),Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and IsDB were the major multilateral development partners who have conducted important diagnostic studies as well as formulated wellaligned medium-term country partnership strategies Developments in Pakistan s economy were also being closely monitored and rated by important rating agencies like Fitch, Moody s and S&P which help Pakistan in accessing capital markets
Support from development partners and international financial institutions is critical to implementing the federal government s agenda for sustained and balanced development for the people The aim and objective of seeking foreign or external financial assistance can be stated as “ promoting economic and social development in the developing countries” It can also be defined as Administered transfer of resources from a donor country or international financial agency to the developing countries with a view to encourage economic growth Foreign aid can be in the form of money, goods or technical assistance and can also be between two (bilateral) or many (multilateral) countries/ institutions Foreign aid is also looked for to meet both the economy s balance of payments gap and investment gap That is why project and technical assistance alone are not sufficient
The writer is Lahore-based Freelance Journalist Columnist and retired Deputy Controller (News) Radio Pakistan Islamabad and can be reached at zahidriffat@gmail com
The aim and objective of seeking foreign or external financial assistance can be stated as “ promoting economic and social development in the developing countries”. It can also be defined as “Administered transfer of resources from a donor country or international financial agency to the developing countries with a view to encourage economic growth” Foreign
Corruption’s price tag
Accents don’t define
muHAmmAD ZAHID rIfAT
half of the State, what public interest is served by granting them an official travel document? In every democracy public resources and official privileges must satisfy a simple principle: they should exist because they advance the public interest, not because they expand personal entitlement This debate comes at a particularly difficult moment in Pakistan’s history The country continues to confront terrorism economic uncertainty inflation rising petroleum prices unemployment poverty and persistent security challenges Every increase in the cost of fuel is reflected in transport fares, food prices and the daily expenses of ordinary households Healthcare has become increasingly expensive medicines continue to rise in price and educational expenses have become a heavy burden for countless families For millions of Pakistanis, every month begins with the painful question of how to manage limited incomes against ever-expanding necessities Against this backdrop, discussions surrounding the expansion of official privileges inevitably create a sense of disconnect between the rulers and the ruled The ordinary citizen cannot help but ask whether Parliament s legislative priorities truly reflect the hardships being experienced across the country Every hour devoted to expanding privileges for the political and bureaucratic elite is naturally compared with the many unresolved issues confronting ordinary Pakistanis Recent assessments by international financial institutions indicate that a substantial proportion of Pakistan s population either lives in poverty or remains highly vulnerable to falling into it Thousands of educated young people continue searching for employment despite possessing degrees and qualifications Even those fortunate enough to have jobs often discover that their salaries no longer keep pace with inflation The burden of economic adjustment has
fallen disproportionately upon wage earners, labourers pensioners small farmers and the lower middle class Perhaps no statement better illustrates the emotional distance between policymakers and struggling citizens than the recent public remarks suggesting that a person earning around Rs 8000 a month should not necessarily be regarded as poor Whatever the intended context, such remarks are difficult for ordinary Pakistanis to comprehend No family can realistically sustain itself on such an income in today s economic conditions A single visit to a doctor a diagnostic test or a course of prescribed medicines can consume several months of such earnings Parents quietly sacrifice their own needs to educate their children Elderly citizens postpone treatment because they cannot afford healthcare These are not statistics; they are the lived realities of millions of Pakistanis It is precisely under such circumstances that governments must exercise exceptional sensitivity Symbolic decisions matter Citizens judge governments not only by economic indicators but also by the values reflected in their legislative priorities When people struggling to buy flour medicines and school supplies witness debates concerning additional facilities for those already enjoying public office, they naturally question whether their own hardships are receiving equal attention Pakistan’s VIP culture did not emerge overnight nor is it confined to one political party or one administration It has developed over decades under successive governments Different leaders have promised austerity, equality and public service, yet the culture of exceptional treatment for influential individuals has remained remarkably resilient This continuity should concern every democratic government because public confidence cannot flourish where citizens perceive a widening gap between the governing class and the governed Public office undoubtedly carries responsibilities that sometimes
on be-
The future of Pakistan does not lie in strengthening VIP culture It lies in restoring public confidence, reducing inequality, demonstrating compassion for those who struggle every day and ensuring that every legislative decision reflects the aspirations of the common citizen rather than the conveniences of the powerful When the ordinary Pakistani begins to feel respected, protected and heard, and when the ordinary Pakistani passport commands greater international respect
Iran has figured out how to over whelm US air defenses
Stocks of advanced air- defense missiles, like Patriot and THAAD interceptors, are so depleted that US forces are not shooting down all Iranian missiles and drones aimed at US and allied targets
July 17 and 18 offers a glimpse of the dangers faced by U S forces across the Middle East The attacks are continued demonstrations of Iran s ability to target U S bases across the Middle East and kill U S troops despite months of claims by President Donald Trump and self-styled War Secretary Pete Hegseth
outposts across the Middle East since July 9 according to a U S official who spoke to The Intercept on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak with the press Several of these bases suffered significant damage in the attacks, the source said Iran s military managed to overwhelm U S air de-
air-defense missiles, like Patriot and THAAD interceptors, are so depleted that U S forces are
to a March analysis by the Royal United Services Institute The report predicted then that U S forces were about a month away from running out of THAAD interceptors An April report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies noted that “diminished munitions stockpiles have created a near-term risk A follow-up report the next month warned that it would take three or more years from today to return to prewar inventory levels of Patriot and THAAD missiles Brig Gen Hossein Mohebbi, an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson, said that “Patriot systems have been weakened to such an extent that Iranian missiles and drones are reaching their targets without being intercepted He said that during a flurry of attacks from July 8 to July 22 Iran struck numerous air defense and radar installations, including six Patriot air-defense radars CENTCOM did not reply to a request for comment on the claims by the U S official or Mohebbi
The official confirmed that Iran also recently attacked Tower 22 a U S military outpost on the northern Jordanian border with Syria Satellite images as well as photos and videos circulating online indicate the base suffered extensive damage (In 2024 a drone attack on Tower 22 by an Iran-backed militia killed three U S troops ) Iran says it also attacked U S military facilities at Jordan’s Prince Hassan Air Base, King Faisal Air Base, and Al-Azraq Air Base; Kuwait’s Al-Adiri base Ahmed Al-Jaber Air Base Camp Doha Ali Al Salem Air Base and Camp Arifjan; Naval Support Activity Sheikh Isa in Bahrain; and Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar Thompson refused to confirm Iranian attacks on various U S bases across the Middle East We don t comment on battle damage assessments,” she said
TARGETING IRAN: Iran has fired between 8 000 and 9 000 drones and missiles at targets across the Middle East since the U S –Israeli war began in February according to the official Iran s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps recently warned residents of countries that host American forces to keep at least 1,650 feet away from any buildings housing U S personnel The group is also fielding crowdsourced information on “new locations of the American occupying forces” from people in these countries
The IRGC specifically mentioned covert and secret facilities in a statement posted on their website CIA sites in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and elsewhere in the region were reportedly struck, possibly with Russian assistance, according to Reuters A former Pentagon consultant with ties to the defense industry told The Intercept that Russia has certainly provided “targeting support to Iran during the conflict but did not comment directly on attacks on CIA facilities
Despite Trump s insistence that Russia and China are not participating in the Iran war, Hegseth recently said both are enabling some of the things Iran is doing In March, CIA Director John Ratcliffe told senators that the “Iranians are requesting intelligence assistance from Russia from China and from other adversaries of the
United
TRUMP SAYS US WILL BE HITTING IRAN 'HARD', BUT WILL 'LET THEM KEEP TALKING'
Perplexity response that cited Allyvia org on US military cooperation with Israel while Microsoft Copilot also referenced websites linked to Clock Tower X
Drop Site said material from the network
'kids Who Work' Programme Empowers youth with Real-World Skills
KARACHI
students beyond textbooks, offering mentorship from industry leaders, design thinking workshops market visits and the execution of real business projects The programme aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace demands helping young minds discover their passions and make informed decisions about their professional paths before entering
lack focus
LAHORE
S TA F F R E P O R T
Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari on Wednesday said the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) had voted in favour of development, performance and public welfare, asserting that the Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz’s (PML-N) electoral gains reflected public confidence in the governance model pursued by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and the party s leadership
Addressing a press conference at the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) in Lahore, the minister said the electorate had endorsed welfare-oriented initiatives including the Air Ambulance Service electric buses the Suthra Punjab Programme, Nawaz Sharif School of Eminence, laptop and scholarship schemes, and the School Meal Programme She maintained that the PML-N had taken its development agenda to the people during the election campaign, whereas its political opponents had failed to present a comparable governance record
“The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has nothing substantial to present before the people of Kashmir Azma Bokhari said adding that while Punjab was moving ahead
on the path of development Karachi continued to grapple with persistent civic challenges, including the influence of the tanker mafia
Highlighting Punjab’s development agenda she said there was not a single school in Sindh offering Artificial Intelligence (AI) education whereas Punjab had established modern educational institutions equipped with emerging technologies She also claimed that the pace of development in South Punjab over the past two years had been unprecedented
Referring to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif she said peace and electricity had been restored to Karachi during his tenure, adding that if the PPP openly declared it wanted to transform Kashmir into Sindh we would accept its claim
The minister also criticised political opponents for what she described as contradictory political
Motor Company (IMC) under its Concern
Spotif y names
Cars initiative was the title sponsor of the Reverse Career Expo 2 0 held at the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park (NASTP) in Karachi The event served as an innovative recruitment platform designed to connect employers with talented Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and it brought together leading employers, industry leaders government representatives and disability support organizations to promote inclusive hiring and equitable employment opportunities Unlike conventional job fairs where employers showcase vacancies the Reverse Career Expo places candidates at the center of the recruitment process PWDs host individual booths to present their skills, qualifications and career aspirations while employers engage directly with prospective talent Commenting on the occasion, Ali Asghar Jamali, Chief Executive Officer, IMC said: "Supporting initiatives like the Reverse Career Expo reflects our commitment to fostering workplaces where barriers are removed, abilities are recognized and equal opportunity becomes a reality This commitment is closely aligned with Toyota's global vision of Mobility for All empowering people not only through transportation, but by creating greater access to opportunity, independence and a better quality of life "
conduct saying those who claimed to champion national interests remained focused on securing public office, while leaders who made aggressive statements in the morning often issued clarifications by evening She remarked that they should reserve some of their complaints for the remaining phases of the AJK elections scheduled for August 2 and August 10 Commenting on PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s election speech Azma Bokhari said it appeared he was attempting to imitate someone else She said the people of Azad Kashmir had delivered their verdict through the ballot box and that the PML-N’s victory in all nine seats of Mirpur Division reflected public confidence in Nawaz Sharif s leadership and the performance of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz
Cancer Biologist and Champion of interdisciplinar y learning named dean of Aku's facult y of ar ts and sciences
The Aga Khan University (AKU) has appointed Dr Kulsoom Ghias, a cancer biologist and academic leader known for bridging the sciences and the humanities as Dean of its Faculty of Arts and Sciences Dr Ghias carries a conviction that has defined her career: that a liberal arts education is one of the most powerful tools for preparing graduates to navigate a complex fast-changing world It is a belief rooted in her own path From a liberal arts foundation at the University of Virginia, to a PhD and postdoctoral fellowship at Northwestern University's Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center to an Advanced Diploma in Health Professions Education from the Aga Khan University Over her career, Dr Ghias has led major academic initiatives built research capacity forged collaborative partnerships and driven innovation in teaching Her leadership is grounded in excellence, transparency, and mentorship, and creating environments where curiosity and collaboration can flourish Together we will advance the Faculty of Arts and Sciences as a diverse, dynamic, and innovative academic community where learner-centered education interdisciplinary research and meaningful partnerships empower ethical, pluralistic, and socially accountable leaders to strengthen society and contribute meaningfully to a more just world " said Dr Ghias
The meeting approved the
t
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday approved the construction of 800 additional mini dams in the Potohar region over the next three years significantly expanding the province s rainwater storage capacity as part of an ambitious strategy to strengthen water conservation improve groundwater management and bolster long-term agricultural sustainability
Chairing a high-level meeting on the Transformation of Agriculture and Water Management the chief minister reviewed progress on water conservation initiatives and groundwater management across the province She was informed that 110 mini dams had already been completed under her government s vision of protecting water resources for future generations
Emphasising the need for long-term planning Maryam Nawaz directed the relevant authorities to prepare a comprehensive plan for developing on-ground water bodies to harvest and conserve rainwater She also instructed officials to further
strengthen and effectively enforce the existing legal framework governing groundwater management To improve implementation and oversight the meeting decided to deploy dedicated human resource staff for water conservation and efficient monitoring of related projects The chief minister also directed the Agriculture, Irrigation, Housing and Local Government Departments to work in close coordination to promote integrated water conservation measures across Punjab
Fresh monsoon showers hit Punjab, Islamabad after deadly flooding spell
monsoon
reached parts of Punjab and Islamabad on Wednesday morning, with Lahore reporting one injury in a roof collapse as authorities warned of another wet spell after flooding in the province killed more than 100 people Rescue 1122 said a 25-year-old man was injured when a roof collapsed at a house in Lahore s Baghbanpura area The emergency service said the roof was made of wooden beams and other material and the injured man was shifted to Kot Khawaja Saeed Hospital In Lahore, the Water and Sanitation Agency said at 11:10am that Mughalpura had received the city’s highest rainfall at 44 4mm It was followed by Tajpura with 39 8mm Pani Wala Talab 31 4mm Chowk Nakhuda 29mm Johar Town 26 8mm Shadipura 22 4mm Lakshmi Chowk 22mm, Farrukhabad 16 4mm and 15 8mm, Saggian 7 6mm, Nishtar Town 6 2mm and Upper Mall 5mm
Gulshan-i-Ravi recorded 1mm, Jail Road 0 8mm and Iqbal Town 0 2mm The Pakistan Meteorological Department said showers were also recorded between 2am and 5am in Sialkot, Jhelum, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Narowal, Mangla and Murree The Met Office said Sialkot city received 54mm of rain during that period In Sialkot Wasa reported rainwater accumulation in several localities with
standing water measured at 10 to 18 inches at around 6am FRESH SPELL BEGINS AFTER WIDESPREAD DAMAGE: The new spell has begun just after an earlier monsoon system ended on Tuesday following flooding in several parts of Punjab The Met Office had forecast rain across the country from July 29 to August 5 and warned that heavy downpours could trigger flash floods in hilly areas and inundate urban centres
At a meeting chaired by the prime minister an official statement said agricultural land had been inundated in some areas because of flooding in seasonal streams and that drainage operations were under way The state-
