SIALKOT
A vendor decorates and displays children’s soft toys to attract customers at his roadside setup
SIALKOT
Students hoist the national flag during the TMC Korangi rally passing through Korangi area in connection with the Marka Haq celebration
Karachi
Speakers at joint Pakistan Mission-Consulate event renew support to Kashmiris’ self-determination
NEW YORK, Aug 06 (APP): Speakers at a gathering held to mark the sixth anniversary of ‘Youm-e-Istehsal’ Kashmir (Day of Exploitation) expressed solidarity with the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir, underscoring that peace in South Asia was not possible without the resolution of the decades-old Kashmir dispute in line with the UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of Kashmiris.
Held under the theme of “Unresolved Jammu and Kashmir Dispute: A Threat to Regional Peace and Security”, the event was organized by the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations and the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York.
Attending were people from different walks of life including academia, media, civil society and Pakistani-American community.
Those who spoke on the occasion included Dr. Asif-ur-Rehman, a Kashmiri leader, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Secretary General of the World Kashmir Awareness Forum, Dr Abdelhamid Siyam, an academic and senior journalist, Ambassador Hameed Opeloyeru, Permanent Observer of the OIC to the UN as well as Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN.
Consul General Aamer Ahmad Ataozi delivered the welcome address.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad pointed out alarming parallels between the policies of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu — both uprooting indigenous populations, whether in Kashmir or in Palestine, in a blatant attempt to alter demographic realities and suppress legitimate aspirations.
At the same time, he said that such oppressive designs have never succeeded, nor will they now, noting that India continues to deny its people their inalienable right to self-determination — which is enshrined in numerous UN Security Council resolutions — through demographic engineering, granting domiciles to non-Kashmiris, and manipulating electoral constituencies.
Pakistan, he said, remains resolute in its political, legal, and moral support for the Kashmiri people. “Our diplomacy at the United Nations has focused on safeguarding their rights through three key dimensions: political advocacy, legal support, and human rights monitoring.
In the face of a recent military provocation and the victory in May, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar chose diplomacy over escalation — a decision that reaffirms Pakistan’s status as a responsible member of the international community. While India suffered not only a military setback and reputational damage, Pakistan secured a major diplomatic achievement with the unanimous adoption of its resolution on the peaceful settlement of disputes — a significant outcome at a time when the Security Council remains polarized, he said.
The Pakistani envoy said that the resolution drew international attention to he unresolved questions of Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine, and reminded all member states of their obligations under the UN Charter to settle disputes peacefully without the threat or use of force.
He said that Pakistan’s second signature event at the UN, focusing on cooperation between the UN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), further underscored the consistent support of the OIC — the second largest multilateral body — for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination as well as for peaceful settlement of disputes.
The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres’ reaffirmation of the UN’s longstanding position on Jammu and Kashmir as a disputed territory, following India’s illegal actions of August 5, 2019, was significant, he said, noting that the UN’s position is fully aligned with Pakistan’s — grounded in the Charter’s principles and the will of the Kashmiri people.
He said that India’s strategy — to malign Pakistan, suppress Kashmir’s freedom movement, and manipulate domestic political gains — has failed miserably.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar said that the Kashmiri people had displayed extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and commitment in their struggle for the UN-promised right to self-determination.
“Kashmiris are not alone. Pakistan stands firmly with them and will continue to extend its moral, political and diplomatic support until justice is served, and their legitimate aspirations are fulfilled.”
In his opening statement, Consul General Atoazi paid tributes to Kashmiris for their heroic struggle against the Indian occupation forces. Despite repression by India, the courage of the Kashmiri people remains undiminished.
He said that their resilience and their unyielding demand for dignity, justice, and freedom continues to inspire. The world should know that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is not an internal matter of India; rather it is an internationally-recognized dispute that remains on the agenda of the United Nations.
57-member
Ambassador Hameed Opeloyeru, Permanent Observer of the OIC to the UN, stated that the 57-member organization stands in unwavering solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their just struggle for self-determination. The OIC, he said, has consistently called upon the international community to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions, and the will of the Kashmiri people.
He said that the recent OIC-UN cooperation event hosted by Pakistan as President of the UN Security Council served as a significant platform to reinforce the importance of the peaceful settlement of disputes. The OIC firmly believes that Kashmir remains the root cause of enduring tensions in South Asia. He referred to the recent Council of Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Istanbul, and stated that the adoption of three key resolutions — including the categorical rejected India’s unilateral and illegal actions — reaffirmed the OIC’s principled position on the issue.
Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Secretary General of World Kashmir Awareness Forum, described August 5, 2019 as constituting the darkest chapter in the history of Kashmir. India’s attempts to equate this indigenous freedom movement with terrorism, and to lay blame on Pakistan, have failed to gain international traction, adding that not a single country accepted India’s narrative following the Pahlgam incident.
Dr. Fai pointed out that the global discourse on Jammu and Kashmir had shifted, with US President Donald Trump repeatedly offering to mediate the dispute.
The Jammu and Kashmir issue is once again at the forefront of international concern — much to India’s dismay, he said, adding it has not only reemerged as a global issue, but also as a recognized nuclear flashpoint in South Asia, he said, while calling for a meaningful dialogue on Kashmir’s future that includes the Kashmiri people themselves — the principal party to the dispute.
Dr. Siyam, a senior journalist, said that the freedom struggles of Kashmiris and Palestinians are deeply intertwined — both rooted in the fundamental right to self-determination and resistance against foreign occupation and domination. Today, Prime Ministers Modi and Netanyahu are executing almost identical policies of repression: denying all basic rights, asserting ownership over occupied lands, using disproportionate force, and facilitating state-backed settler expansion.
He said that while Israel occupies 78% of historic Palestine and India controls 58% of Jammu and Kashmir, the pattern remains the same — demographic engineering under the guise of security. He said that in Gaza, over two million people remain trapped like hostages under a brutal blockade, while in Indian Occupied Kashmir, non-Kashmiris are being incentivized to displace the native population — all under the express sanction of state authorities.
Dr. Asif-ur-Rehman stated that Jammu and Kashmir remains an unresolved legacy of partition. He said that after decades of hoping for international support and attention for fulfillment of their rights, Kashmiris have been forced since 1989 to resist India’s brutal occupation marked by extrajudicial killings, rape, and pellet gun attacks.
He said that President Trump’s recent pronouncements offer a rare opportunity for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute, adding that the UN Charter’s principles, especially self-determination and peaceful dispute resolution, remain the most relevant path forward in this regard.
Earlier, special messages from President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sahrif and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar were read out on the occasion.
Rabia Ijaz, a second secretary at the Pakistan Mission, conducted the proceedings.
Kamal reviews 2D barcode system execution
ISLAMABAD, Aug 06 (APP): Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal, has chaired a high-level review meeting focused on the implementation of the 2D barcode system to eradicate counterfeit medicines across Pakistan.
The meeting was attended by the CEO of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), senior officials from the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, as well as chief executive officers and representatives from the Pharma Bureau and Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (PPMA).
According to a spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, detailed deliberations were held on the execution of the 2D barcode system, with stakeholders presenting valuable suggestions to ensure its effective rollout.
A comprehensive implementation plan for the system was presented during the meeting, and stakeholders’ input was incorporated, he added.
Mustafa Kamal appreciated the pharmaceutical industry’s assurance of full cooperation for the initiative.
He announced that a follow-up meeting to assess further progress on the project would be held on August 20, 2025.
Highlighting the importance of this initiative, the Minister said, “With the digitization of DRAP, eliminating counterfeit medicines has become inevitable. “This is a revolutionary step that will significantly boost the pharmaceutical industry’s credibility and performance.”
He noted that the initiative will not only enhance patient safety but also improve the global image of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical exports.
“Counterfeit drugs damage the reputation of the pharmaceutical industry. This system will restore confidence and ensure that quality medicines are in reach of every patient,” he said.
Representatives of the pharmaceutical industry lauded the Health Minister’s efforts, terming the initiative historic and transformative.
They reaffirmed their strong commitment to working collaboratively with the government to eradicate counterfeit medicines from the market.
Kamal reaffirms commitment to protect BF practice
ISLAMABAD, Aug 06 (APP): Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal, has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding practices for ensuring better health of child.
In a message on the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week, the minister termed it a vital investment in Pakistan’s health, economy, and gender equality.
He emphasized that breastfeeding is not only nature’s best start in life for a child, but also a powerful equalizer that ensures every child has an equal chance of survival, growth, and development—regardless of background.
“Breastfeeding is the first vaccine a child receives, providing essential antibodies and nutrients that protect against infections and chronic illnesses,” he stated.
“It strengthens cognitive development, emotional bonding, and significantly lowers the risk of stunting, wasting, and undernutrition.”
Highlighting findings from the latest National Nutrition Survey, the Minister expressed concern that only 48 percent of children in Pakistan are exclusively breastfed during the first six months—well below the global target of 60 percent by 2030.
“While we have made progress in early initiation and continued breastfeeding, much more needs to be done to ensure every child and mother receives the support they need,” he added.
He stressed the importance of supportive policies, strong healthcare systems, family engagement, and active community involvement to ensure breastfeeding is facilitated at every level.
He announced that the government is actively working to strengthen national legislation by implementing and enforcing the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes in line with the World Health Assembly (WHA) 2016 recommendations.
Mustafa Kamal also highlighted the vital role of Lady Health Workers, community health workers, and peer counselors in spreading awareness and supporting breastfeeding practices, especially in underserved areas.
He advocated for stronger linkages between facility-based and home-based care to ensure continuity for mothers.
Addressing workplace challenges, the Minister underscored the need for both public and private sectors to adopt family-friendly policies, including breastfeeding breaks, lactation spaces, and flexible work schedules, enabling mothers to return to work without compromising their child’s health.
“Breastfeeding is not just a health issue—it’s a gender equality issue,” he noted. “It reflects the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work that women bear. We must move towards a system that empowers women with informed choices and the necessary support to breastfeed if they wish to.”
He called on all segments of society—policymakers, healthcare professionals, employers, media, civil society, and families—to play their part in building an enabling environment for mothers.
“Breastfeeding is more than a feeding method. It is a lifeline, an act of care and protection, and a right that must be upheld,” the Minister said.
He said, “Let us come together to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding—for our children’s health, our women’s empowerment, and the strength of our nation.”
Pakistan ryes castor cultivation as high-value export crop: Rana Tanveer
ISLAMABAD, Aug 06 (APP): Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting with the International Multi Group of Companies, led by its Chairman Amjad Rashid, to explore collaborative ventures in Pakistan’s agricultural sector.
The meeting focused on the potential of diversifying crops, with a particular emphasis on the promotion of castor cultivation, which holds significant promise for both economic growth and export development.
The delegation offered proposals for the introduction of multiple high-value crops in Pakistan, but castor emerged as the most viable and economically attractive option.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Tanveer Hussain underlined the strategic importance of castor, describing it as a low-input, high-yield crop ideally suited for Pakistan’s arid and semi-arid regions.
He stated that castor can be grown in barren areas where traditional crops struggle, making it an ideal solution for land optimization and income generation for farmers.
Highlighting the market dynamics, the minister noted that castor currently fetches a price of Rs. 7,000 per 40 kg in the local market—higher than most conventional crops.
Moreover, the Chinese not-for-profit organization partnering in this initiative has offered to provide high-quality hybrid seed, which will potentially double the current production from 50 to 100 maunds per acre.
The visiting company expressed readiness to sign formal agreements with local farmers, ensuring that all harvested castor will be procured at pre-agreed terms, giving financial security to the growers.
The Ministry of National Food Security and Research will actively support this initiative by launching awareness campaigns and facilitating seed distribution in collaboration with provincial agriculture departments.
The minister said that Pakistan has an opportunity to emerge as a competitive player in the global castor oil market, which has high demand in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, lubricant, and biofuel industries.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting non-traditional, high-value crops as part of its broader strategy to enhance agricultural productivity, boost exports, and improve farmer livelihoods.
The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to initiate pilot projects, finalize farmer contracts, and jointly work on developing a sustainable and export-oriented castor value chain in Pakistan.
RDA removes 35 illegal constructions along Nullah Lai
RAWALPINDI, Aug 06 (APP): The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), in its ongoing drive against encroachments, removed 35 illegally constructed structures on the banks of Nullah Lai here on Wednesday.
According to the RDA spokesperson, the enforcement squad carried out the anti-encroachment drive in multiple areas of Nullah Lai and demolished washrooms, kitchen garages, and storage units.
He said RDA is actively continuing its operations to remove encroachments and reclaim public spaces in Rawalpindi.
These operations, often involving anti-encroachment drives, aim to maintain urban order, improve accessibility, and restore the city’s planned infrastructure.
The operation was supervised by Director Land RDA, Malik Ghazanfar Ali Awan, in coordination with the Municipal Corporation of Rawalpindi and other concerned officials.
The RDA emphasized that the crackdown follows clear instructions from Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who has mandated a zero-tolerance policy on illegal developments, encroachments, and unauthorized commercial activities.
FIRs will also be lodged against those found in violation, and enforcement will be carried out without discrimination, he added.
WASA disconnects water connections of 22 defaulters
RAWALPINDI, Aug 06 (APP): The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Rawalpindi, during its special drive launched on the instructions of Managing Director Muhammad Saleem Ashraf, have disconnected connections of 22 consumers for not depositing their water bills.
Five water motors of consumers and four illegal connections were removed while a total of over Rs 1 million outstanding amounts were recovered during the operation led by Director Finance and Revenue Rana Shams-ur-Rehman, a WASA spokesman said on Wednesday.
The WASA MD, in his directive, warned the officials that no negligence would be tolerated in revenue recovery as the Agency was a self-funded organization, which met all its expenses from its own resources.
He ordered the Revenue Director and deputy directors to recover 100% of the outstanding dues from all defaulters and or disconnect their connections.
The WASA MD warned the defaulters that they were being given a last chance to clear their arrears as later they would not be able to pay the bills with late fees or in installments.
The non-payment of WASA bills might result into attachment of property, arrest, and disconnection of water and sewerage facilities, he added.
He urged the WASA customers to prove that they were responsible citizens by paying their dues, warning that the crackdown would continue till the last defaulter.
Planning minister reviews progress of ICT Governance Reforms Committee
ISLAMABAD, Aug 06 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, on Wednesday, chaired a meeting to review the progress of the ICT Governance Reforms Committee, constituted by the Prime Minister to address pressing governance challenges in the Federal capital.
The meeting was attended by Senator Barrister Zafarullah Khan, MNA Raja Khurram Nawaz, MNA Anjum Aqeel, Member Governance Dr Adnan Rafiqe and senior officials from the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) and the Ministry of Planning, a news release said.
Senator Barrister Zafarullah Khan briefed participants on the recommendations of the subcommittee and outlined the administrative and legislative hurdles affecting the effective functioning of Islamabad’s governance system.
The discussion focused on the structural issues that have emerged due to the lack of a coherent governance model and the absence of legislative authority, resulting in inefficiencies in public service delivery.
Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that citizens’ right to representation and good governance must be at the heart of all reforms.
He said that people must have a voice in decisions that impact their daily lives and that governance should be rooted in democratic values, participation and transparency.
He added that Islamabad’s residents deserve a modern and responsive system that ensures efficient delivery of services and meets their expectations.
The Minister reiterated that the government is committed to providing the citizens of Islamabad with a governance model that could serve as a role model for other parts of the country.
Ahsan Iqbal said that the lack of a clear governance structure and legislation has caused confusion and inefficiency.
He added that Islamabad’s small size makes it ideal for piloting governance reforms that can later be applied in other cities.
Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed that the government remains committed in its mission to build a citizen-centric governance system that is inclusive, efficient and accountable.
The ongoing reforms aim to transform Islamabad into a model city with improved service delivery and better quality of life for all residents.
The committee also emphasized the urgent need to democratize the 1980 Presidential Order No.18, a legacy of the martial law era under which Islamabad continues to operate.
It was noted that updating this framework is essential to ensure effective public representation and align governance with democratic principles.
FIA unearths evidence of Rs 1.12bln money laundering by Malik Riaz & Bharia Town: Atta Tarar
ISLAMABAD, Aug 06 (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Wednesday said the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has recovered “irrefutable evidence” during its raid at the Safari Hospital which was being used as a front office to stash the complete record of Rs 1.12 billion money laundering by Malik Riaz and Bahria Town.
Sharing a latest development regarding the investigation into the Bahria Town corruption case, the minister told the media that the FIA had discovered important document during the raid which undertaken in accordance with the law.
“Those documents are irrefutable evidence of Malik Riaz and Bahria Town corruption. These evidence exposed involvement of Malik Riaz and the staff of Bahria Town in a massive money laundering,” the minister stressed.
He said the Safari Hospital was used as a front office to hide the evidence, regretting the transportation of the record through the ambulances.
Tarar said the FIA team found Bahria Town staff burning the entire record, but a significant portion has been recovered. He questioned why the record needed to be burned if there was nothing illegal.
The minister confirmed that Khalil, a frontman who managed these affairs for Bahria Town, is now in custody. The evidence establishes links between Bahria Town CFO Amir Rashid, Head of Bahria Town Shahid Qureshi, and a racket of Hawala and Hundi operated by Imran and Qaiser.
He said this discovery points to a major money laundering network through which funds were sent out of Pakistan. “This is just the start of the investigation, and more than this Rs 1.12 billion will come to the fore with further investigation into the case.”
“More details will be shared with the people of Pakistan on further investigation,” he added.
The FIA is further investigating the case and has traced the absconders associated with this issue, he said, urging them to surrender to the law.
He described it as a “mega corruption scandal” involving Malik Riaz and Bahria Town. The minister noted that forensic analysis of the burnt records would be conducted, which he expects will further expose the operation.
Tarar also remarked that while some involved have tried to play the victim, they have caused billions of rupees in damage to the country.
He assured that the rights of residents of Bahria Town will be protected at all costs and that this action is solely against Malik Riaz and those involved in the money laundering.