Chinese defense ministry responds to Pakistan inducting Chinese-made Z-10ME attack helicopter

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Sat, 9 Aug 2025, 2:57 PM

ISLAMABAD, Aug 09 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar Saturday chaired a meeting to review Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ initiatives introduced in the year 2024 under his guidance to reform visa processes at Pakistan missions abroad.

The DPM/FM reviewed progress and directed further measures to streamline procedures, enhance transparency, improve efficiency, and ensure fast-track visa issuance, particularly for the Pakistani diaspora, including investors and the business community, Foreign Office spokesperson said in a press release.

14 more Indian sponsored Khwarij killed in sanitization operation: ISPR

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Sat, 9 Aug 2025, 2:55 PM

RAWALPINDI, Aug 09 (APP): Security Forces hunted down 14 more Indian sponsored Khwarij besides recovering weapons, ammunition and explosives during a sanitization operation in Sambaza (Zhob).

“Following the successful engagements by the security forces in general area Sambaza, Zhob District on 7-8 August 2025, during which thirty three Khwarij were sent to hell; on night 8/9 August 2025, a deliberate sanitization operation was conducted in surrounding areas of Sambaza along Pakistan-Afghanistan Border,” said a news release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) here Saturday.

The number of Khwarij killed in two days anti-inflation operation has risen to forty seven, it further said.

The Security Forces remain committed to secure the nation’s frontiers and thwart attempts at sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Pakistan.

Aurangzeb Khichi, felicitates ASEAN community on its 58th anniversary

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Sat, 9 Aug 2025, 2:52 PM

ISLAMABAD, Aug 09 (APP): Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi on Saturday felicitated the Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN) Community on “58th Anniversary of ASEAN Day”

“On behalf of the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, I extend our heartfelt felicitations to the governments and peoples of ASEAN Member States”, he said.

The minister said that Pakistan remains a credible partner in pursuit of a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated Southeast Asia and let us move forward together toward a future defined by shared progress and purpose, he said.

The federal minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said this while addressing as Chief guest on “58th Anniversary of ASEAN Day” here in a local hotel.

He said that it is a distinct honour to join you in celebrating ASEAN Day.

The minister said that Pakistan is committed to further elevating our engagement with ASEAN and aspires to the status of Full Dialogue Partner.

“We regard ASEAN not merely as a regional grouping but as a community of shared values and vision.”

Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said that economic engagement remains a cornerstone of our partnership and at the end of last year, 2024, bilateral trade between Pakistan and ASEAN reached a record $11.4 billion.

He said that this growth is encouraging, the trade imbalance warrants renewed efforts to identify untapped investment and joint venture opportunities.

Pakistan’s digital economy offers considerable promise and with over 130 million internet users and one of the world’s largest freelance workforces, he said “We are eager to partner with ASEAN in digital innovation and services. Similarly, agricultural research, value addition, and sustainable practices present fertile ground for collaboration.”

“Our diaspora, spread across ASEAN nations, continues to contribute meaningfully to the economic and social fabric of host countries, further reinforcing our people-to-people linkages.”

Aurangzeb Khan said that fifty-eight years since its inception, ASEAN had emerged as a remarkable example of regional transformation and it had evolved into a dynamic, peaceful, and increasingly integrated community; truly a source of inspiration for the developing world.

He said that Pakistan greatly valued ASEAN’s role in advancing peace, mutual understanding, and economic integration across the region.

The successful implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 stands as an example of ASEAN’s institutional strength and collective resolve. As ASEAN moves towards Vision 2045, Pakistan reaffirms its support and stands ready to be a constructive partner in the region’s shared aspirations, he said.

“We also see merit in revitalizing the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) as a result-oriented platform. As the HaNoi Plan of Action II nears completion, it is imperative that the forum evolves to address emerging challenges including cyber security, food security, climate change, and the ethical governance of artificial intelligence.”

He said that Pakistan’s engagement with ASEAN is longstanding and deep-rooted and as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner since 1993, “we have consistently pursued stronger ties under our “Vision East Asia” policy.” Pakistan maintains resident Missions in nine ASEAN capitals and continues to expand bilateral and institutional cooperation and he said the ASEAN–Pakistan Cooperation Fund (APCF), established in 1999, remains a vital instrument for practical collaboration.

The recently adopted Practical Areas of Cooperation (PAC) 2024–2028 outlines 31 initiatives across all three ASEAN pillars. I am pleased to note that nearly 30% of these activities have already been implemented, reflecting Pakistan’s active and sincere engagement, he said.

“We also value our role within the ARF and have submitted two initiatives for the Inter-Sessional Year 2026–2027.”

The minister said that looking ahead, Pakistan sought deeper collaboration in critical sectors such as climate resilience, public health, poverty reduction and gender equality. We are equally committed to strengthening cultural exchanges and preserving our shared civilizational heritage, he added.

He said that Pakistan also looks forward to the official visit of H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, to Pakistan, an occasion that will deepen our institutional and strategic ties.

Meanwhile addressing on the occasion of “58th ASEAN day, Acting Chairman of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI) and Ambassador of Ambassador of Myanmar, Wunna Han said that ASEAN was founded in 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, so, today is exactly the 58th Birthday of the ASEAN.

“Every commemoration is to reflect what we have achieved so far and we pay our tribute to the founding fathers and successive leadership of this successful regional organization. Their dreams and their visions.”

He said that “ASEAN-Pakistan relations, we value our partnership with Pakistan and Pakistan is 1st and foremost, and longest Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.

Under the ASEAN-Pakistan Sectoral Dialogue relations, ”We would like to work closely with Pakistan to tap the full potential of the partnership for mutual benefit. I would like to encourage Pakistan to support our ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its strategic plans.”

The ASEAN vibrant celebrations were held in collaboration with the Niftysphere Institute of Arts and Design, where talented students of the institute took center stage with mesmerizing performances rooted in traditional art and culture.

Meanwhile, talking to APP, Mr. Usman Shah, CEO of Niftysphere, said the institute is committed to promoting Pakistan’s diverse cultural identity globally. “We are making every effort to project Pakistan’s culture at the international level through our creative platforms and youth talent,” he added.

Progress, prosperity of Balochistan, among govt’s top priorities: PM

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Sat, 9 Aug 2025, 2:46 PM

WhatsApp Image 2025-08-09 at 2.24.36 PM — President National Party Dr Abdul Malik Baloch calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

ISLAMABAD, Aug 09 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said that progress and prosperity of Balochistan province and its natives had been among the government’s top priorities.

He said the government was committed to provision of equal opportunities of education and jobs to the youth of Balochistan.

The prime minister expressed these views during a meeting with President National Party Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, who called on him, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

Dr Abdul Malik Baloch thanked the prime minister for making special efforts for the progress and prosperity of the province.

During the meeting, PM’s Advisor Dr Touqeer Shah was also present.

Pakistan can harvest over 7 Trillion gallons of rainwater annually, say experts

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Sat, 9 Aug 2025, 2:35 PM

By Samina Chaudhary

ISLAMABAD, Aug 9 (APP): With the right infrastructure and strict enforcement of the Green Building Code, Pakistan could capture over 30 trillion liters (7.9 trillion gallons) of rainwater annually, enough to significantly reduce urban water stress, recharge groundwater, and build resilience against worsening climate impacts.

Experts say the solution is simple, scalable, and already falling from the sky. A modest 1,000 sq. ft. rooftop can collect around 60,000 liters (15,850 gallons) per year with moderate rainfall, sufficient to meet a small household’s basic water needs for several months. Scaled across Pakistan’s vast rooftops, farmlands, and catchment areas, the national rainwater harvesting potential is nothing short of transformative.

Rainwater harvesting has long been a lifeline in Pakistan’s arid regions. In Cholistan, a network of 110 small reservoirs captures 440 million gallons annually, preventing mass migration, livestock losses, and water trucking expenses, saving the national economy nearly Rs. 6 billion per year. In Tharparkar, where water shortages have historically caused high infant mortality and seasonal displacement, rainwater systems, along with saline agriculture and deep wells, are already reshaping local livelihoods.

Now, this traditional rural practice is being transformed into a national policy imperative.

In a landmark move, the federal cabinet has officially approved the Green Building Code of Pakistan (GBCP-2023) along with its Rainwater Harvesting Provisions, making it mandatory for all new residential, commercial, and industrial constructions to install rainwater collection systems.

Integrated into the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) Bye-Laws, the policy reflects a shift from voluntary eco-practices to legally enforceable building standards.

From private homes and apartment blocks to shopping malls and factories, all new developments must now include:

Rooftop rainwater harvesting systems

Filtration and underground storage tanks

Green roofs and solar panel integration

Use of eco-friendly, water-efficient construction materials

Design planning with Building Information Modeling (BIM) for water and energy efficiency.

Pakistan ranks among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change and water scarcity. Major cities like Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, and Rawalpindi are losing over 3 feet of groundwater every year.

Just 1 inch of rain on a 1,000 sq. ft. roof can yield 600 gallons of water.

In Islamabad’s 30-inch rainfall, that’s 18,000 gallons a year, per rooftop.

Scale it up to buildings and housing societies, and you’re saving hundreds of thousands of gallons annually.

Across Pakistan’s urban infrastructure, the total national rainwater harvesting potential exceeds 7 trillion gallons annually.

“Rainwater harvesting is not new. What’s new is our urgency,” said Dr. Bashir Ahmed, Director at the Climate Energy & Water Research Institute (CEWRI) talking to APP. “The cabinet’s recent approval gives this practice legal backing, it’s now a matter of implementation at scale”,he suggested its strict enforcement.

Dr. Ejaz Ahmed, an environmental policy expert, speaking to App said, “Urban groundwater is in crisis. The Green Building Code is a blueprint for cities that want to survive the next decade. This policy initiative could become a frontline tool in Pakistan’s fight against worsening climate challenges and growing water scarcity.”

While cabinet approval is a breakthrough, experts emphasize that enforcement, community engagement, and local capacity building are essential for lasting impact. Key next steps include:

Incentives for retrofitting old buildings with rainwater systems

Public education campaigns on water use and system maintenance

Training for architects and engineers on eco-compliant designs

Municipal monitoring to ensure compliance and system upkeep

The newly approved Green Building Code represents more than a change in construction law—it’s a national climate resilience strategy. Pakistan is no longer waiting for solutions from abroad. By investing in homegrown, nature-based solutions like rainwater harvesting, the country is creating a future where every drop is valued, every building contributes, and every citizen plays a role.

Around the world, rainwater harvesting has emerged as a proven solution to water scarcity and climate resilience. In Australia, it is legally required in many new buildings and has helped cities manage prolonged droughts. India’s mandatory rainwater systems in urban areas like Tamil Nadu led to a remarkable rise in groundwater levels within just a few years. Singapore, despite limited land and no natural freshwater sources, captures rain from over two-thirds of its surface area to supplement its national supply. Germany and parts of the United States encourage harvesting through financial incentives, reducing pressure on stormwater systems and lowering water bills.

Because in the face of climate volatility, every drop truly counts

President, PM commend security forces for eliminating 47 Khwarij

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Sat, 9 Aug 2025, 2:34 PM

ISLAMABAD, Aug 09 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday appreciated the security forces for eliminating 47 elements of Fitna al Khwarij during the last two days, after they made infiltration attempt at Pakistan-Afghanistan border area near District Zhob.

The president observed that neutralizing 47 Indian sponsored Khwarij during the last two-day was the biggest success of the security forces, President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.

He reaffirmed the determination to completely root out the cancer of terrorism, adding the nation was standing shoulder to shoulder with their security forces in the fight against terrorism.

The prime minister said that security forces valiantly foiled the nefarious designs of terrorists to infiltrate.

“The entire nation is standing with the security forces in the fight against terrorism,” PM Office Media Wing, in a press release quoted the prime minister as saying.

He further reiterated the resolve of complete eradication of terrorism of all forms from the country.

How social media fuels and glorifies youth migration dreams in Pakistan

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Sat, 9 Aug 2025, 2:28 PM

By Asia Bashir

ISLAMABAD, Aug 9 (APP): Every day, young Pakistanis scroll through social media feeds filled with idealized portrayals of life abroad, carefree college days, dream jobs, and urban skylines. With nearly 111 million internet users, almost half the population is connected online, making social media a powerful lens through which future possibilities are imagined. Platforms like YouTube (71.7 million users), TikTok (54.4 million), Facebook (60.4 million), and Instagram (17.3 million) dominate digital consumption in Pakistan, especially among youth. The allure crafted by these platforms, whether through influencers, diaspora stories, or aspirational content, reaches everywhere, influencing whether to leave home or stay.

Sheikh Ahmed a leading consultancy provider speaking to APP agrees on the impact social media has over youth’s migration decisions, saying, “Social media offers a window into the lifestyles, job opportunities, and education systems of other countries. Influencers, migrants, and international media share curated narratives that paint an attractive picture of life overseas. For many youths from rural Pakistan, where facilities are scarce and challenges like unemployment, inflation, political instability, and financial insecurity loom large, these images can be compelling.”

Shamas Abbas, an economic journalist in a reputed media organization, however, sees poverty and limited job opportunities at home as the dominating force instead of social media’s glorification.

Between 1970 and 2000, Pakistan sent around 12.7 million migrants worldwide, and migration continues to rise. In 2023 alone, 859,846 Pakistanis migrated, including over 100,000 skilled professionals. Urban youth, with greater social media access, show higher migration intent compared to their rural counterparts. Social media reduces the cost and risks associated with migration by providing valuable information, making the decision easier. Yet, this trend accelerates the brain drain, depriving Pakistan of essential human capital crucial for national development.

Ms. Nisa, who returned from the UK in 2008 after completing her studies and is now serving as a faculty member at a university, observed that most young people she meets aspire to leave Pakistan due to the “death of merit, corruption, nepotism, and poverty,” which undermine talent and opportunities.

Nasir Mirza, a consultant working between Australia and Pakistan while talking to APP, highlights the brain drain fueled by students who pursue education abroad and stay for better career prospects. These students view foreign degrees as investments yielding higher-paying jobs, access to global markets, and immigration pathways. Scholarships and post-study work visas make this financially attractive despite initial costs.

A known legal expert Waseem Bahadar, sharing his experience with APP, notes that migration among Pakistani students reflects broader national challenges. Domestic shortcomings in education, research, and job markets push young talent abroad, while social media glamorizes overseas life without exposing legal and cultural hardships migrants face. Without reforms in education and legal frameworks, Pakistan risks becoming a permanent supplier of skilled labor rather than a beneficiary.

Sikander Panezai, an education consultant, points to deep-rooted issues fueling migration. The “death of merit” and prevalence of “Sifarish” (connections) leave talented youth disillusioned, as favoritism blocks access to jobs and education. Economic struggles, rising inflation, and insecure employment further erode hope. Corruption and unethical practices reward manipulation over effort, fostering despair. Poor infrastructure, declining education standards, and political instability add to the sense of no future at home.

Addressing these challenges requires merit-based recruitment, transparent hiring, strong governance, and a unified national vision. Investing in education, skills, and anti-corruption can inspire youth to stay and thrive.

Sarmad Ali, a postgraduate and father of two, earns just 60,000 rupees. Unable to meet basic needs, he made a heartbreaking decision and sold his family’s only car to finance his move overseas, saying, “My children deserve better life.”

Migration’s impact on Pakistan is multifaceted. While remittances boost household incomes and national reserves, the departure of skilled professionals weakens key sectors. It also strains families, alters cultural dynamics, and leaves aging populations behind. Politically, migrants influence both their home and host countries, while personally facing discrimination and adaptation hurdles abroad.

Experts unanimously agree and warn that Pakistan faces a clear choice: keep losing its brightest minds to other nations or take bold, coordinated steps to reform, innovate, and give youth reasons to stay. The youth are not the problem, they are the solution. With strategic action, Pakistan can turn brain drain into brain gain, retaining and reclaiming the talent crucial to its future.

PM’s promise over 100MW solar plant for GB fulfilled

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Sat, 9 Aug 2025, 2:21 PM

ISLAMABAD, Aug 09 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s another promise made with the residents of Gilgit-Baltistan, regarding the provision of a 100-megawatt solar photovoltaic power plant, was fulfilled.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved a 100-megawatt solar photovoltaic power plant project for various locations in Gilgit-Baltistan, two days after the prime minister’s announcement.

Following the ECNEC’s approval, formal work on the project would now kick-start. The project will be completed within three years and cost a total of Rs24.957 billion, PM Office Media Wing, on Saturday, said in a press release.

During his recent visit to Gilgit, the prime minister had announced that ECNEC would soon approve 100-megawatt solar power plant project for Gilgit-Baltistan.

The CDWP (Central Development Working Party) had already approved the project earlier.

The districts of Astore, Daryal, Tangir Diamer, Ghanche, Ghizer, Gilgit, Hunza, Ishkoman, Nagar, Rondu, Skardu, and Shigar will benefit from the functioning of the project.

In the first phase, the district of Skardu will be provided with 18.958 megawatts of electricity.

In the second phase, the districts of Hunza, Gilgit, and Diamer will get 6.005 MW, 28.013 MW, and 13.126 MW of electricity respectively.

While in the third phase, the remaining districts will receive 16.096 megawatts of electricity.

The project will also provide 18.162 megawatts off-grid electricity to the hospitals and government offices.

Section 144 imposed in Kohat, Hungu, Bannu

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Sat, 9 Aug 2025, 1:11 PM