engaging the Saudi ambassador and a British parliamentarian to reaffirm Pakistan s commitment to regional peace diplomacy and stronger bilateral relations During the telephone call with his Iranian counterpart, both leaders exchanged views on the rapidly evolving regional situation, the Foreign Office (FO) said in a post on X The FO said DPM Dar stressed upon the parties to follow the path of deescalation and show restraint as agreed in the Islamabad MoU in June 2026
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Pakistan on Sunday voiced deep concern over the rapidly escalating situation in the Middle East following a fresh exchange of military strikes between the United States and Iran that also spilled into several Gulf states, urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint, pursue immediate de-escalation and honour their commitments under the Pakistan-mediated Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to preserve regional peace and stability In a statement the Foreign Office (FO) said Pakistan was following with deep concern the recent incidents that are further escalating the regional tensions Pakistan reiterates its strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all brotherly countries in the region and urges all sides to exercise restraint take immediate steps towards de-escalation and uphold respective commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the statement read
CHINA , PAKISTAN L AUNCH L ANDMARK SMART AGRICULTURE L AB TO BOOST INNOVATION, FOOD SECURIT Y
calling at
Marine bunkering the supply of fuel to ships is among the most important commercial services offered at major international ports Until recently Pakistan had limited capability to provide internationally compliant marine fuel to foreign vessels forcing many ships operating in the region to rely on established bunkering hubs outside the country Industry sources also said that the successful operation has
hosted by the USA Considering the sort of insider trading he has done with the Iran War, I would hate what would happen if he was introduced to the Mumbai Match-fixers I suspect that there s little spot betting in football, if any They just stick to the results Imagine what would happen if
drone hangars at a base in US ally Jordan, targeted a US military radar installation in Kuwait, attacked US aircraft carrier support and refuelling platforms in Oman and destroyed a fighter jet maintenance centre and a command-and-control facility in Qatar Against this backdrop Dar underscored during his conversation with Araghchi that dialogue and diplomacy remained the only viable path to resolving disputes and achieving lasting peace and stability in the region, the FO said “DPM/FM reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to continue playing a constructive role in promoting and maintaining regional peace and stability The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact it added D
O N Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy exchanged views on the latest regional developments and underscored the need to strengthen collective efforts aimed at promoting dialogue and diplomacy The Saudi ambassador called on the deputy prime minister the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a separate
Middle East conflic t spirals as US -Iran strikes ignite wider Gulf crisis
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
The Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until "the end of US interference in this region " Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said However the US Central Command (Centcom) maintained that commercial vessels continued to transit through the strategic waterway, which before the war handled nearly one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments Centcom said its forces remained deployed to safeguard freedom of navigation despite what it described as aggression harassment threats and arbitrary declarations by Iran Iran does not control the strait Traffic is flowing it asserted The renewed violence has cast fresh doubt over the future of the interim US-Iran agreement signed on June 18, which aimed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the war following a further 60 days of negotiations
Over the past week US President Donald Trump has declared that he considers the ceasefire to be over while continuing to leave the door open for renewed negotiations
The conflict, which began with US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, has destabilised the Gulf while Iran's effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has driven global energy prices higher fuelling inflation worldwide
Higher fuel prices particularly gasoline have also emerged as a politically sensitive issue for President Trump ahead of the November congressional elections
U A E, M E D I ATO R Q ATA R A M O N G G U L F C O U N T R I E S H I T
Earlier on Sunday Centcom announced that US forces struck 140 Iranian military targets on Saturday and more than 300 targets over three nights of operations this week, saying the campaign was intended to degrade Iran's ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial vessels freely transiting the strait " Iranian state media reported explosions in several
port cities and said an Iranian army officer had been killed in what it described as US-Israeli attacks
In retaliation the IRGC said it had destroyed a command-and-control centre and drone hangars in US ally Jordan, targeted a US military radar site in Kuwait, attacked US aircraft carrier support and refuelling platforms in Oman and destroyed a fighter jet maintenance centre and command facility in Qatar Qatar which has previously maintained it would not continue its mediation role while under attack said three people, including a child, were injured by falling shrapnel and held Iran "fully legally responsible" for the attack
The UAE said missile threats had been detected outside its borders Bahrain reported intercepting several Iranian aerial attacks Jordan confirmed missile strikes on its territory while Oman said it had come under drone attacks Oman also announced that it had summoned Iran s ambassador to protest the drone strikes in two regions, while the US Embassy in Oman advised American nationals in Duqm and Musandam to shelter in place
The latest escalation came a day after talks in Oman between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi
Iran said the discussions focused on coordinating future arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz and would continue with the participation of Qatar
Araghchi later discussed the evolving regional situation in a telephone conversation with Pakistan s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar who urged all parties to exercise restraint and pursue de-escalation "There can only be mutual compliance," Araghchi wrote on X on Friday
On Tuesday, the United States revoked the licence authorising the sale of Iranian crude after Qatari and Saudi commercial tankers came under fire
Iran has not claimed responsibility for the earlier attacks on commercial shipping
13 k illed, over 1,500 injured in Punjab road crashes in a day
LAHORE
The data showed that motor-
forcement of traffic laws and bet-
At least 13 people lost their lives and 1 513 others were injured in 1,312 road traffic crashes (RTCs) reported across all 37 districts of Punjab during the last 24 hours, according to the Emergency Services Department (ESD) The ESD said 688 critically injured victims were shifted to various hospitals for treatment while 825 people with minor injuries received on-the-spot medical assistance from Rescue Medical Teams helping ease the burden on hospital emergency departments
across the province
The analysis further revealed that 866 drivers, 59 underage drivers 181 pedestrians and 479 passengers were among those affected in the crashes Among the districts, Lahore recorded the highest number of accidents, with 215 RTCs injuring 261 people It was followed by Multan where 95 crashes left 115 people injured while Gujranwala ranked third with 69 RTCs affecting 74 victims
COMMENT
Going back to talks
The USA and Iran seem
IR A N as the party worst offended decided that it would not break off or suspend its peace talks with the USA because of the latter ’s bombing of its territory, while the USA seemed also to have decided to continue with the talks, even though its President, Donald Trump, insisted that the ceasefire agreement of June 17 was over The world seemed relieved, though the Strait of Hormuz was not yet opened The current crisis was more narrowly focused on the Strait than ever before as it started with Iran firing on a tanker trying to transit the Strait on a route Iran did not allow This was followed by US bombardment of Iranian shore installations, which it claimed were sites for missiles and drones However, there had been no bombing by either side since Friday, which indicated that the warlike rhetoric on both sides was meant to appease domestic audiences rather than to threaten the other It is to be regretted that those threats are becoming more specific more personal with Mr Trump going so far as to lay out a relatively detailed plan of what would happen if an assassination attempt was made on him Meanwhile Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to take revenge for his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which Mr Trump could well interpret as a threat It is going to work against the peace effort that the USA allowed Israel to pursue its own agenda and assassinated the Supreme Leader, but mediators like Pakistan continued to advocate restraint Continuing the focus on reopening the Strait Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi went to Oman to discuss the respective rights and responsibilities of Iran and Oman over the Strait It should be remembered that Oman lies on the side of the Strait opposite Iran and its cooperation was essential to the alternate route the USA tried to set up The passage of the Strait was seen as a virtually settled issue, and by trying to be over-clever, the USA has not only failed to bypass the Iranian position, but it may well have made the negotiations over the Iranian nuclear programme and enriched uranium that much more difficult It might be difficult for the USA to realize that it cannot get its way by bullying and bluster but it should recognize that a firm opponent like Iran can resist
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
Global economic growth under stress
THE
is
(WEO)
cated The impact varies widely based on countries exposure to the war and position in the technology value chain Energy exporters outside the conflict zone benefit from favorable terms of trade whereas economies plugged into the technology-led upturn experience stronger activity even if they are energy importers In contrast activity weakens for energy importers with limited participation in the technology value chain a group that includes many low-income countries yet by indicating the overall impact on growth globally to be in the modest range– IMF estimated a downward revision of economic growth for 2026 by one percent from its April edition of WEO report to stand at 3 percent in the July WEO– the Report over-simplified the economic consequences of Middle East conflict by not highlighting the disaggregated impact of economic growth This is because overall global growth being indicated to receive
pointed out Risks to the outlook are more balanced than in April but still tilted to the downside The possibility of renewed Middle East conflict looms large and could extend commodity price volatility further threaten supply chains raise prices and weigh on financial conditions Trade fragmentation could accelerate possibly hurting output and increasing prices Restart of the ME conflict during the last few days in turn left a lot wanting in the Report in terms of highlighting these concerns in a more emphasized way when indicating the likely impact on global economic growth Here it would have made sense to present more than one growth scenario on the lines IMF indicated in its April edition of WEO where that Report had indicated given the fluidity of the situation the report complements the global reference forecast with scenarios in which the conflict lasts longer or expands The likelihood of these scenarios materializing rises progressively as hostilities and associated disruptions continue Under the reference forecast global growth is
likely suffer given it will take time for the Middle East conflict s impact to be clearer in the coming months since it has not been long since the conflict stopped This is all the more important given the Report is rightfully mindful of a restarting of the conflict where the WEO report
I t i s s t r a n g e t h a t t h e Ju ly e d i t i o n o f W E O h a s n o ch a n g e i n t e r m s o f
e c o n o m i c g row t h e s t i m a t e s fo r Pa k i s t a n , f ro m i t s A p r i l W E O r e p o r t , w h e r e by e c o n o m i c g row t h e s t i m a t e s s t aye d t h e s a m e fo r F Y 2 0 2 5 -
2 6 a t 3 6 p e rc e n t , a n d fo r F Y 2 0 2 6 - 2 7 a t 3 5 p e rc e n t r e s p e c t i v e ly T h i s
i s b e c a u s e o f f a c t o rs l i k e Pa k i s t a n b e i n g a n e i g h b o u r o f I r a n , a n e t
o i l i m p o r t i n g c o u n t r y, a n d a l s o l i k e ly g r e a t e r i m p a c t b e i n g
w i t n e s s e d by t h e e c o n o my s i n c e t h e A p r i l r e p o r t .
Healing family ties
Nuclear past repeats
u n c e r t a i n t y by k e e p i n g t h e s av i n g s l ow u n t i l Pa k i s t a n i s a bl e t o i n s t i l l a c u l t u r e o f r ew a rd i n g p a t i e n c e ov e r p u n i s h i n g i t
The next battlefield is cyber, not conventional
public services, or erode people s trust in their own governments, all while keeping plausible deniability The recent cyber activity linked to the Russia–Ukraine conflict, plus the ongoing digital contest between Israel and Iran, are good examples of how cyberspace has turned into a living arena for strategic rivalry Taken together, these developments underline a simple but uncomfortable point: tomorrow s fights will likely be waged through digital networks, just as much as they ll happen on conventional fields of battle Pakistan s fast digital shift has opened new economic chances, and it has also helped improve public service delivery, but at the same time it makes the country more fragile than before Banking, online payment systems, government databases, telecoms, healthcare services, and energy networks are being tied together through digital infrastructure In that setup, places like the National Database and Registration Authority keep highly sensitive personal details, and that stuff clearly needs sturdy defence against cyber threats So when Pakistan pushes further into the digital economy and e-governance, the real exposure to cyber risks basically grows too, even if no one wants to say it out loud But there’s more: with digitisation comes a widening range of cyber hazards Cybercriminals tend to hit financial organizations using ransomware attacks and scams that look ordinary, even friendly, until money disappears Meanwhile, statebacked actors often go for intelligence, strategic insight, and technical advantages If there’s a data breach, public confidence in government bodies can erode quickly, and cyber espionage can damage national security quietly, without any obvious military clash On top of that, misinformation operations are rising; they use social media to push false storylines, stir up political fractures, and slowly reduce trust in democratic institutions These dangers don’t stay inside the computer screens; they reach into
economic stability, governance routines, and social unity, sometimes all at once, and kinda unevenly The future battlefield goes way beyond government computer systems; it now touches critical infrastructure Think electricity grids, airports, ports, water supply systems, hospitals, telecom networks, and also financial institutions; these are
strategic
military force Then there’s information warfare, which has become sort of another layer in modern conflict Misinformation, deep fakes, edited or manipulated media, and synchronized online propaganda can steer public opinion, erode democratic procedures, reduce faith in institutions, and sharpen social division In the digital age, controlling the storylines often feels as important as controlling territory Artificial intelligence is speeding up all of this AI helps with quicker vulnerability spotting, it can automate cyberattacks, and it
but because it tends to be relatively cheap, hard to point to a single culprit, and able to create outsized strategic outcomes without stepping into the fully declared zone of conventional war Both states and non-state groups can slip into networks, lift sensitive material, mess with
PakistanÊs national security will rest not only on how strong the armed forces are , but also on how tough its digital institutions really are , plus its technological capabilities, and a public that is cyber-aware Traditional defence is still indispensable , sure , but tomorrowÊs security really needs an equally firm dedication to safeguarding cyberspace . Getting ready for the next battlefield means investing today in cyber resilience .
American Jews identify as Jewish ethnically, culturally, or through family background, even though they describe themselves as agnostic, atheist, or religiously unaffiliated Unsurprisingly, they are also far less connected to Israel
The survey confirmed something that many have long sensed: the more engaged American Jews are in Jewish religious life – whether Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform – the stronger their attachment to Israel
Many Israelis first heard about this poll through interviews that former Chicago mayor and apparent presidential hopeful Rahm Emanuel gave this week during a visit to Israel, where he delivered a blistering indictment of the government in a speech at Tel Aviv University In an interview with this newspaper, he waved this poll, somewhat disingenuously, as evidence that Israel has lost (not is losing, but has lost) not only the Democratic Party but America itself
ISRAEL HAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM: His message was unmistakable: when even Jews prefer Mamdani to Netanyahu – though the poll never framed the question as a choice between the two, merely asking respondents for favourability ratings of various public figures – Israel has a serious problem
or
Why is that disingenuous? Because it is Jews such as Emanuel, though he is by no means the worst offender, who have spent the better part of the last three decades demonizing the settlement movement, the Israeli Right, and Netanyahu for not being willing to drink Oslo s two-state Kool-Aid You re losing America and American Jews, they repeatedly tell the Israeli public No wonder, should come the reply, because you – as Jews – are helping to sour Israel in their eyes None of this is meant to absolve Israeli policy, military actions, or the inflammatory rhetoric of some government ministers of responsibility for the erosion of American public support Netanyahu himself was disingenuous when, in a CNN interview this week, he seemed to place most of the blame for the decline in support on TikTok But those like Emanuel, who hyperbolically declare that Israel is completely isolated economically, militarily, and diplomatically, and has become an international pariah, bear no small share of
for
MuhAMMAd hAsnAin RAZA KhAn
formance-based
75 D ays to Transform Punjab
opportunities while improving overall quality of life
What distinguishes the Local Roads Programme is not only its scale but also the speed and efficiency with which it has been implemented From the outset, the C&W Department adopted a results-driven approach based on meticulous planning rigorous project management and continuous field monitoring Engineers field formations and supervisory teams worked in close coordination to ensure that construction progressed according to schedule while maintaining strict quality standards
into visible measurable outcomes that directly benefit citizens
The success of the programme reflects the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to accelerate development through transparent governance, efficient public administration and people-centric infrastructure Under the supervision of Minister Sohaib Bharth and the administrative oversight of the Secretary the C&W Department has transformed policy objectives into tangible progress on the ground within a record timeframe
formations have now been assigned photo-finishing targets ensuring comprehensive documentation of completed works through geo-tagged photographic evidence This initiative strengthens transparency, supports performance evaluation and creates a permanent digital record of project delivery reinforcing the Department s commitment to accountability and evidence-based governance
Backed by an investment of Rs 79 billion, the programme encompasses 1,530 road rehabilitation schemes across Punjab aimed at improving connectivity between villages towns and urban centres These roads form the lifeline of local economies linking communities to schools, hospitals, markets, industrial zones and government institutions Their rehabilitation is not merely an infrastructure upgrade; it is a strategic investment in Punjab's social and economic future
The provincial government s objective extends beyond constructing better roads The programme seeks to create safer, faster and more reliable transportation networks that enhance access to public services, reduce travel time and transportation costs and stimulate economic activity across the province For farmers improved roads mean quicker access to markets with reduced post-harvest losses For businesses, they translate into more efficient supply chains and lower logistics costs For ordinary citizens they provide easier access to healthcare education and employment
Regular inspections by senior officers enabled timely resolution of operational challenges and ensured that every stage of implementation complied with approved engineering specifications This culture of accountability and performance has become a defining feature of the Department s execution strategy
The programme reached a significant milestone at the close of June 2026
Against an ambitious target of completing 1,000 road rehabilitation schemes within just 75 days, the Department successfully completed 1,134 schemes, exceeding the target by 134 and achieving 113 per cent of its planned objective This exceptional performance reflects the growing institutional capacity of the C&W Department to execute large-scale infrastructure projects within compressed timelines without compromising construction quality
The achievement also demonstrates the effectiveness of a governance model built on clear targets regular monitoring and timely decision-making It underscores the Punjab Government s commitment to translating development plans
Quality assurance has remained central throughout implementation Every rehabilitation scheme has been executed in accordance with approved engineering standards, incorporating pavement strengthening, resurfacing, drainage improvements and road safety interventions designed to enhance durability and ensure long-term serviceability These improvements will not only extend the lifespan of the road network but also reduce future maintenance costs while providing safer travel for millions of road users
Beyond improving mobility, the upgraded road network is expected to generate broad-based economic and social benefits Better roads facilitate trade encourage private investment strengthen regional integration and improve emergency response capabilities Enhanced connectivity also contributes to balanced regional development by ensuring that remote and underserved communities are better connected to economic opportunities and essential public services
With the June target successfully surpassed, the C&W Department has entered the final phase of implementation Field
Work on the remaining rehabilitation schemes is progressing steadily, and the Department remains fully committed to completing all 1,530 projects with the same level of efficiency professionalism and engineering excellence that has characterised the programme since its inception
The completion of 1 134 road rehabilitation schemes within just 75 days is far more than an impressive statistic It represents a landmark achievement in Punjab s infrastructure development and demonstrates what can be accomplished through visionary leadership effective governance and the dedicated efforts of engineers technical professionals and field teams working toward a common goal
As the Local Roads Programme moves towards completion it is laying the foundation for a more connected competitive and resilient Punjab By strengthening transport infrastructure facilitating economic growth and improving access to essential services, the initiative is enhancing the daily lives of millions of citizens and creating lasting assets that will support the province's development for years to come
The writer is Lahore-based public policy analyst and can be reached at mrnmaqbool21@gmail com
War-shattered G aza’s search for dead brings hear tbreak amid heav y machiner y shor tage: UN
UNITED NATIONS A G E N C I E S After thousands of buildings were destroyed in the Gaza Strip during two years of Israeli strikes local teams and civil defense personnel continue the arduous and delicate mission to remove rubble and search for the remains of missing persons believed to still be buried under the debris of homes destroyed by Israeli airstrikes, according to the United Nations
my uncle and his wife Nabhan says that the lack of heavy equipment and fuel during the first months of the war prevented the timely recovery of many victims
“There was no equipment to extract bodies, no fuel or necessary resources were available and the conditions were not safe for rescue teams to operate he said We waited a long time and today we face a new ordeal: recovering the remains and then burying them
in
ers,
fective
of
said
Iraq s armed forces would also be
the issues discussed in Washington Relations between Iraq and the US have at times been strained over the presence of US troops in Iraq, Baghdad s ties with Iran, and US pressure on Iraq to curb the influence of armed groups However after being nominated for the premiership in April Ali alZaidi received congratulations from US President Donald Trump who said he hoped for closer cooperation between Baghdad and Washington
The passage of time and a severe shortage of heavy equipment have made the search and recovery operations increasingly difficult and complex those working on this mission told UN News an international media website Meanwhile civil defence personnel and local teams continue digging and combing through debris for the remains of victims believed to still be buried under the rubble for more than two years This building was believed to contain the remains of 44 victims,” a locally based team member Asaad Shreim told UN News “So far we have only been able to recover 13 of them while the residents and civil defence teams were able to recover the largest number during the first hours following the bombing
The UN said that the removal of millions of tonnes of rubble is hampered by Israeli restrictions on the entry of heavy equipment as well as the risks posed by unexploded ordnance scattered among the rubble, which slows down the process of reaching and recovering the remains of victims While he watches the excavation work Ramez Nabhan is waiting to find the remains of his family members who were killed in a bombing that targeted the building where they were staying in the early days of the war I was a father of three children, and I had a wife, and I lost them all at the beginning of the war,” Nabhan said “Several mis-
siles fell on this building and the residents and civil defence teams were able to recover some bodies including my son
During the search operations, local teams were able to recover a number of his family members, and their remains were placed in designated bags in preparation for identification and completion of burial procedures
For thousands of families in Gaza according to the UN the tragedy doesn t end with the loss of loved ones but extends to the long wait to recover and bury their remains With each exhumation, the pain of loss is renewed, and the challenges of identifying the victims become ever more apparent
“It is extremely difficult for the wound to reopen,” Nabhan said “We live between the pain of reliving the loss and the funeral rites
These are my children and there are no words that can describe what I feel inside
As time passes identifying remains becomes increasingly complicated due to natural decomposition and the limited capabilities of forensic science and DNA testing, prolonging the suffering of families still waiting to learn the fate of their loved ones the UN said
The war resulted in the deaths of more than 71 000 Palestinians and injuries to more than 171 000 others according to the latest joint damage and needs assessment report issued by the UN and its partners in April 2026
The UN indicates that thousands of people remain missing, and many are believed to still be buried under the rubble of destroyed buildings amid widespread destruction of infrastructure and residential areas throughout Gaza
119 structures rebuilt in Punjab to minimize future flood devastation: PDMA
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has reconstructed and rehabilitated 119 flood protection structures and reinforced 394 kms of flood embankments in the province strengthening defences against future floods and safeguarding vulnerable communities According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan the ADB-funded US$124 5 million Flood Emergency Reconstruction and Resilience Project was launched to support reconstruction after severe flood damage The project focuses on rehabilitating roads, bridges, flood protection structures embankments and disaster management systems A key feature of the project was the introduction of sheet piling technology in critical flood protection structures which increased their lifespan from around 25 years to 150 years, making them more durable and reducing long-term maintenance costs Major upgrades to the province’s road infrastructure were carried out significantly improving connectivity and resilience Around 2 587 kilometres of provincial highways and district roads were
As the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project (NJHPP) remains shut following a tunnel collapse in April
in low-cost renewable energy to ease inflationary pressures and revive industrial competitiveness The BMP Chairman and former FPCCI President Mian Anjum Nisar said the prolonged outage of the Rs500-billion-plus project has deprived the country of nearly 1,000
Nisar said the Neelum-Jhelum project is a reminder that Pakistan's economic stability is closely linked with the availability of affordable electricity He observed that every delay in restoring low-cost hydropower adds pressure on industries already struggling with high energy prices, elevated financing costs and declining competitiveNHMP assists over 876,625 road users, reunites 115 missing children in 2026 ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P
CM MARYAM HAILS MAL AL A’S GLOBAL LEGACY, VOWS BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR GIRLS IN PUNJAB
said that Malala Yousafzai s determination demonstrates that the power of education can bring about positive change in society She said that Malala’s efforts for the promotion of education would not go in vain The chief minister further stated that Malala Yousafzai has conveyed to the world that girls
PHA tells new agencies to increase own-source revenue
LAHORE
The Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) has directed its newly-established district horticulture agencies to develop revenue mobilisation strategies and boost own-source revenue collection for fiscal stability The directive was issued by Additional Director General Mirza Waleed Baig during a marathon visit to the new agencies, which joined the PHA fold last year following the umbrella body's establishment Director General Raja Mansoor Ahmad had ordered the visit
Mr Baig s visit formed part of PHA s efforts to strengthen the institutional capacity of the new agencies and ensure the implementation of uniform administrative financial and operational standards across Punjab During the tour he held detailed meetings with managing directors of the agencies, reviewed their operational performance, and assessed progress on various organisational and developmental matters
Mr Baig emphasised that financial self-reliance was essential for the sustainable functioning of the
district agencies He directed all agencies to identify local revenue generation opportunities and prepare district-specific strategies to enhance own-source revenue while ensuring compliance with the applicable legal framework Established horticulture agencies generate ownsource revenue through several streams the primary one being the regulation of commercial outdoor advertisements Agencies such as Lahore collect fees on roadside billboards, shop signboards, digital displays and other forms of commercial outdoor advertising
In addition to advertisementrelated income revenue is also generated through the Directorate of Coordination, which manages the auctioning and leasing of PHAowned properties and commercial assets Likewise the Planning and Development (P&D) Directorate contributes to revenue generation through the processing of right-ofaccess permissions, no-objection certificates (NOCs), and other regulatory approvals associated with development projects
Mr Baig also reviewed proposals relating to public-private partner-
Pakistan legend former cricketer Shahid Afridi said that It Was a Great Honor and Privilege for me to Attend the Prestigious Inauguration Ceremony of the National Institute of Leather Technology (NILT) at the Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) Upon the kind Invitation of Dr Danish Aman, Chairman (SZ) and Mr Zahid Hameed, Senior Vice President KATI He said this Remarkable Initiative marks an Important Step toward Empowering the Youth of Pakistan Through Technical Education Professional Training and Skill Development During the Ceremony, a Technical Training Center was Officially Inaugurated with the Valuable Support of the Shahid Afridi Foundation, Reflecting a Shared Commitment to Creating Opportunities for Future Generations Afridi said the Event Brought Together some of the Most Respected Figures from Pakistan s Business Community Industrial sector Government Institutions, Healthcare Organizations, Social Welfare Circles, and media Fraternity It was Inspiring to Witness the Collective Efforts of Leaders and Philanthropists who Generously Contributed towards Fundraising and Supporting this Noble Cause Shahid Afridi appreciation to Dr Danish Aman Chairman of Pakistan Tanners Association whose Visionary Leadership, Dedication, and Commitment to Social Development Continue to Inspire many He is not Only a Successful Entrepreneur but also a Com-
ship initiatives and encouraged the district agencies to explore innovative models for the development maintenance and commercial utilisation of parks and green spaces He directed the newly-established agencies to remain in close liaison with the more experienced horticulture authorities to benefit from their expertise and adopt best practices in revenue generation and institutional management "Every district has its own commercial character, and revenue strategies must reflect that instead of copying a single template Mr Baig told the managing directors A district with heavy commercial traffic may lean on advertisement regulation, while another may find greater potential in leasing underused land or partnering with the private sector for park development
During the meetings he also reviewed horticulture-related affairs, including the maintenance and rehabilitation of public parks,
passionate Humanitarian who Consistently works for the Betterment of Society and the Advancement of Pakistan’s Industrial sector The Ceremony was Graced by the Presence of many Distinguished Personalities Chief Guest Mr Shahid Afridi, Former Pakistani Cricket Captain and Legendary AllRounder and Chairman Shahid Afridi Foundation Mr Muhammed Ikram Rajput Presented (Korangi Association of Trade & Industry), Mr Zahid Hameed (Senior Vice President KATI) Dr Danish Aman (Chairman Pakistan Tanners Association - SZ) Mr Faisal Rasheed (Owner Rasheed & Sons Industries) Mr Aamir Chottani (Owner Chottani Group of Industries), Mr Masood Ahmed Bhutto (Deputy Commissioner Korangi), Dr Abdul Bari Khan (Chairman, Indus Hospital & Health Network), former SSP Crime Branch Asif Razzak Prominent Industrialists Philanthropists
and leadership of District Governor, 202526, Shakeel Kaim Khani, the book caps more than a year of research, archival recovery and storytelling What began as a single idea grew into a sweeping act of preservation surfacing accounts of service that had long lived only in memory and personal collections The title deliberately bridges two milestones: 1927, when the first Rotary club in present-day Pakistan was chartered in Lahore for nearly a decade the only club on the subcontinent besides Calcutta and 2027 the true centenary of that founding This is far more than a historical record,” said PP Syed Kashif Rafi, the book’s anthologist “It is a tribute to every Rotarian who has lived the ideal of Service Above Self and a promise to the generations who will carry that mission forward As we traced Rotary
PAKISTAN MOURNS QATAR’S FATHER EMIR AS TOP LEADERSHIP PAYS GLOWING TRIBUTE
contributions to the welfare of his nation and its people as well as to regional peace development and international cooperation would be remembered for generations to come “We stand in solidarity with them in this moment of profound grief We will always cherish the Father Amir ’s warmth kindness and deep affection for Pakistan as well as the fond memories of his many visits to our country ” the prime minister added He prayed to Allah Almighty to grant the departed Father Amir the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdaus and shower His blessings upon the Royal Family and their Qatari brothers and sisters to bear this irreparable loss
QUETTA/RAWALPINDI
S ta f f r e p o r t
while the attackers fled before security personnel arrived,” he added Deputy Commissioner Washuk Majid Sarparah said the victims belonged to different districts of Punjab and had travelled to Mashkail for work Their bodies were shifted to a nearby hospital for medico-legal formalities before being sent to their native towns “Five laborers were killed in the latest targeted killings,” Washuk Superintendent of Police Javed Zehri told Arab News “They belonged to various districts of Punjab province ” No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but the region has frequently witnessed kidnappings and attacks targeting foreign nationals, infrastructure projects, security forces, police and non-native Pakistanis, whom separatists accuse of spying for the state Police and security forces cordoned off the area soon after the attack and launched a search operation to trace those responsible Investigators are collecting evidence as authorities pursue multiple leads to identify and arrest the perpetrators Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the killings, describing the attack on innocent workers as a cowardly act He expressed grief over the loss of lives, extended condolences to the bereaved families, and directed law enforcement agencies to bring the attackers to justice without delay In a separate post on X, the Balochistan chief minister said: “I strongly condemn in the strongest possible terms the brutal killing of unarmed and innocent workers in Mashkail This was not Baloch targeting Punjabis; it was terrorists targeting Pakistanis This attack is an assault on Pakistan's unity and national solidarity The terrorists, cloaked in the false garb of freedom, have once again been unmasked The state will bring every terrorist and their facilitators to justice Pakistan has never bowed before terrorism and never will ”
C' AT TA C K: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the incident describing the attack as a barbaric and cowardly act In a statement issued by the Prime Minister s Office Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed condolences to the families of the victims and said targeting innocent and
Security forces killed another seven terrorists during the ongoing Operation Shaban in Balochistan, raising the total number of terrorist seliminated since the launch of the province-wide operation on July 5 to 109, according to state-run media citing security sources Operation Shaban is being jointly conducted across the province by the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC) and Balochistan Police following the terrorist attack on the Mangi Dam Police Post, in which 27 police personnel were martyred Citing security sources, Radio Pakistan reported that a total of 109 khawarij terrorists have been killed in Operation Shaban and other intelligencebased operations in Balochistan since July 5 The state
of arms and ammunition
from the possession of the
ists The recovered weapons included M4 rifles submachine guns rocket launchers mobile phones and other equipment The sources reaffirmed that Operation Shaban would continue across Balochistan until the last terrorist was eliminated PTV News reported that air and ground operations against Fitna alKhawarij the term used by the state for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were also continuing In the July 7 attack on a police check post terrorists had martyred
and
CM Mar yam puts Punjab on monsoon alert, orders sweeping emergenc y preparedness
LAHORE S ta f f r e p o r t Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Sunday put all provincial line departments on high alert as the monsoon season commenced directing commissioners deputy commissioners and field officers across Punjab to maintain round-the-clock preparedness ensure rapid emergency response and safeguard lives and property through coordinated measures
The chief minister said that with the monsoon season having begun in Punjab all concerned
agement Authority (PDMA) Control Room and District Emergency Operation Centres across the province to remain fully alert The chief minister ordered Rescue 1122, WASA and other emergency services to keep their personnel and machinery on standby She also directed the authorities to ensure the swift drainage of water from low-lying areas and water accumulation at identified choking points Punjab CM ordered continuous monitoring of stormwater drains and nullahs, directing officials to ensure that rainwater did not remain stagnant in urban areas
who embraced martyrdom in 1931 while facing indiscriminate firing by Dogra forces reaffirming Pakistan s unwavering political diplomatic and moral support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and reiterating that lasting peace in South Asia hinges on the peaceful resolution of the longstanding dispute in accor-
She instructed the Irrigation Department to keep its teams on high alert and continuously monitor water flow in canals She also ordered that all manholes in urban and rural areas must remain properly covered and directed the authorities to ensure all necessary safety measures during the monsoon season
] There is no place for terrorist elements in Pakistan he was quoted as saying by his ministry He added that the nation stood shoulder to shoulder with the security forces and reaffirmed that operations against terrorists would continue until the menace was eradicated On Thursday Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the country s civil and military leadership had taken a mutual and singular decision to eliminate terrorism following a series of major terrorist incidents in Balochistan He made the remarks while chairing a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee on the National Action Plan in Quetta attended by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir Addressing the meeting the prime minister said One thing is decided: it is a mutual and singular decision of the civil and military leadership that we must end terrorism collectively Pakistan renews
dance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions In his message on the occasion of Kashmir Martyrs' Day observed on July 13 2026 the prime minister said: "We stand in complete solidarity with their just struggle for the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination as enshrined in the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions " "Lasting peace and stability in South Asia remain contingent upon the peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant
United Nations Security Council resolu-
tions " he added He said "Youm-eShuhada-e-Kashmir (Kashmir Martyrs Day) is observed every year on 13 July to pay tribute to the 22 Kashmiris who embraced martyrdom when the Dogra administration opened fire on peaceful demonstrators in Srinagar in 1931 " "Their sacrifice marked a defining moment in the political awakening of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and their struggle for dignity fundamental rights and identity " he noted He said "Kashmir Martyrs Day also symbolizes the resilience
courage and unwavering determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir which have inspired generations to continue their just struggle for justice and the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination The readiness of the people to make the ultimate sacrifice for this fundamental right continues to shape and define the historical struggle of Jammu and Kashmir " "Despite heavy militarization continued repression and persistent human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) the resolve of the Kashmiri people remains unshaken
