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Suthra Punjab Incharge expresses satisfaction on cleanliness in Rawalpindi

By
Kamran Muraad
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RAWALPINDI, Jun 16 (APP): Incharge of the ‘Suthra Punjab’ Programme Asim Mehmood on Monday expressed satisfaction over the cleanliness in the Rawalpindi city and the positive public feedback in this regard.
He was on a visit to the city on the special directives of Punjab Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif to have a first-hand account of the cleanliness situation there, an RWMC news release said.
Flanked by Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) Chief Executive Officer Rana Sajid Safdar and other senior officers, and Assistant Commissioner Eman Zafar, Asim Mahmood took round of various areas including Murree Road, Committee Chowk, Liaquat Road, Gawalmandi Bridge, Fawara Chowk, Raja Bazaar, Mochi Bazaar, Bani Chowk and others to inspect the cleanliness situation.
During the visit, he interacted with the public to get their feedback about the cleanliness, especially in the wake of Eidul Azha.
The city residents appreciated the improved cleanliness arrangements made by the RWMC and termed the ‘Suthra Punjab’ Programme a positive and effective initiative of the Punjab Government.
The praised the RWMC particularly for the timely and efficient disposal of animal waste and remains during the Eidul Azha days.
Commending the performance of RWMC’s sanitation staff, Asim Mahmood urged the public to play a positive role and help the authorities in ensuring a clean and healthy environment.
“Maintaining cleanliness is not the responsibility of  government or institutions only but a collective duty of all citizens also,” he said.
Asim Mehmood also met the representatives of traders community and urged them to fully cooperate with RWMC staff in order to further improve the cleanliness system.
He observed that the RWMC was implementing a comprehensive cleanliness plan aimed at providing a clean, green, and pleasant environment in the city.
He emphasized that garbage bins should be installed outside shops so that the waste generated from commercial activities could be collected in an organized manner instead of being dumped on streets, roads or open spaces around markets.
The RWMC staff, he said, would clean those garbage bins during the second shift, which would further improve the overall cleanliness of the city.
The traders also acknowledged the improvement in the cleanliness of the city and markets. The RWMC workers cleaned the markets in two shifts, which had significantly improved the standard of cleanliness, the added.
They assured their full cooperation for maintaining the city’s cleanliness.
Earlier, the Suthra Punjab Programme Incharge also visited the RWMC Control Room, where he was given a detailed briefing.

IHC sends contempt case to CJ regarding meeting of PTI founder

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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ISLAMABAD, Jun 16 (APP):The Islamabad High Court IHC Monday sent the contempt of court petition filed by Patron-in-Chief PTI Focal Person Niazullah Niazi regarding his meeting with the founder PTI to Acting Chief Justice.
The court remarked that the larger bench had announced the verdict in this case on March 24, so this plea would also be heard by it.
The court said that it was sending the case file to the chief justice for an appropriate order.
Earlier, the court reserved the verdict on contempt plea that whether it can be heard by a single member bench or by the larger bench.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, hearing the case, remarked that the larger bench heard the case first, so let’s decide this first, the court will pass an appropriate order in this regard.
Advocate Niazullah Niazi appeared before the court. Advocate Niazullah Niazi said that “you can hear this contempt of court petition.”
The court, subsequently, sent the case file to chief justice and stated that the case would be heard by the larger bench.

Educated youth pivotal for prosperity, development of country: Ayaz

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Jun 16 (APP): Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Monday said that the youth are the future of the nation and it has great expectations from young generation.
He emphasized that fulfilling these expectations and steering Pakistan towards progress and prosperity requires hard work.
Ayaz Sadiq expressed these views while addressing the inaugural session of the Summer Internship Programme for school and college students at Parliament House.
Addressing the interns participating in the Summer Internship Program, he highlighted the key initiatives undertaken by the National Assembly to promote public welfare and inclusive parliamentary engagement.
He said that the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights, the Parliamentary Task Force on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Young Parliamentarians Forum have been established in the National Assembly.
These platforms aim to address the challenges faced by women, children and youth while contributing to the development of a progressive and prosperous society, he added.
Ayaz Sadiq emphasized that these initiatives are not limited to the National Assembly alone. Similar forums have been established in all four provincial assemblies, the Legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and the Assembly of Gilgit-Baltistan.
He said the objective is to foster coordination among legislative institutions across the country and to work collectively toward resolving shared national issues.
He said the core purpose of the Summer Internship Program is to familiarize youth with the legislative process, parliamentary procedures and democratic values and traditions.
He remarked that today’s youth are fortunate to have access to modern information technology and encouraged them to harness these tools to play an active role in shaping a brighter future for the country.
Ayaz Sadiq urged the young participants to spend their energies for the pursuit of knowledge and intellectual development so that they can effectively confront contemporary challenges and prepare themselves for future leadership roles.
He expressed hope that this internship program would offer students valuable exposure to parliamentary functions, legislative procedures and the broader democratic process.
He further encouraged the interns to contribute to projecting a positive image of Pakistan, to speak in support of national interests, and to uphold the Constitution, laws, and institutions of the country.
Ayaz Sadiq appreciated the efforts of the organizers of the Summer Internship Program, particularly the Special Initiatives Wing of the National Assembly Secretariat.
He expressed confidence that such initiatives would play a vital role in raising awareness among the youth about parliamentary affairs and the legislative process.

PM Shehbaz unveils Maritime Vision at PIMEC 2025; calls Blue Economy ‘Game-Changer’

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 16 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday declared the blue economy as Pakistan’s “new economic frontier,” calling for a unified national effort to unlock its vast potential.
Speaking at the soft launch of the 2nd Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC 2025), the prime minister laid out the vision for transforming Pakistan into a regional maritime powerhouse.
“It is a great pleasure to see the Pakistan Navy, under the patronage of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and in collaboration with key partners, organizing the second edition of PIMEC,” said the prime minister. He lauded the leadership of Naval Chief, Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, for their strategic foresight and dedication in steering this important initiative.
Highlighting the critical role of the Navy in national defense and regional security, he said, “The Pakistan Navy has been a formidable force through all conflicts and remains a strong pillar of our national security.”
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to international peace and maritime law, he cited the AMAN Exercise — featuring participation from over 50 countries as a symbol of Pakistan’s global engagement and cooperative maritime posture.
With over 1,000 kilometers of coastline and a position at the crossroads of vital sea lanes, Pakistan, the Prime Minister said, was uniquely positioned to harness the trillion-dollar global blue economy. “Even tapping a fraction of this economy could be a real game-changer,” he asserted.
“Our coastal trade already brings in nearly $7 billion a year and just imagine the potential if we fully develop this sector,” he said.
He urged the nation to take inspiration from global success stories such as Japan, which rose from limited maritime resources to become a global leader in marine infrastructure and regional trade. “Let there be open competition,” he added, emphasizing the importance of resilience, innovation, and strategic investment.
PM Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need to transform Pakistan’s maritime sector into a driver of inclusive, sustainable economic growth while calling for synergy among public and private sectors. “The time has come to take the lead,”  he said.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry outlined the government’s strategic roadmap for the maritime sector. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to building a vibrant blue economy and introduced the “Maritime at 100” Vision, a long-term plan to grow the sector into a $100 billion economic force by 2047 marking Pakistan’s centennial.
“PIMEC 2025 will be more than an exhibition; it will be a catalyst for investment, innovation, and regional cooperation,” the Minister told a gathering of policymakers, maritime professionals, and international stakeholders.
The minister while underscoring the immense potential of the sector, highlighted key economic drivers such as a Rs88 billion fisheries industry, the Gaddani Ship Recycling Yard, with recovery potential exceeding Rs30 billion, and a strategic location linking global trade routes.
“The oceans are not just water bodies, they are economic lifelines. Pakistan must position itself as a regional maritime hub,” he said.
To guide the sector’s future, the Minister announced that three major policy frameworks National Maritime Policy, National Shipping Policy, and National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy that were nearing completion and would ensure growth aligned with sustainability and innovation.
He also announced the creation of a Maritime Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a centralized Maritime Complaint Cell for transparency and efficiency, federal investment of Rs12 billion in the revival of the Gaddani Ship Recycling Yard, acquisition of four new ships for the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, raising the national fleet to 14 vessels, progress on a major dredging project at Port Qasim, and development of a multi-modal logistics corridor from Gwadar to bolster trade and connectivity.
He also emphasized Pakistan’s push to attract foreign investment and promote eco-friendly maritime practices, expressing optimism over Pakistan’s bid for a seat on the International Maritime Organization’s Council (Category C) in the upcoming elections in December 2025.
In his welcome remarks, the co-organizer of the event, Zohair Naseer, CEO of Badar Expo Solutions, said, “It is a moment of pride for us to collaborate with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Pakistan Navy for the second edition of PIMEC. This event will feature a high-level maritime conference, B2B networking sessions, and a dynamic exhibition attracting global industry leaders, exhibitors, and trade delegations. The upcoming PIMEC 2025 is scheduled to take place from November 3 to 6 at the Karachi Expo Centre.”
He added that today’s soft launch ceremony was aimed at building momentum for what was expected to be Pakistan’s most significant maritime event to date.
Commodore Ahsan Ali Khan, Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff, emphasized the vast economic potential of oceans in his remarks. “Oceans are not only a source of countless marine species and seabed resources  — they also serve as the most cost-effective medium for transportation and global trade,” he said.
He noted that oceans were increasingly being tapped for tourism, renewable energy, aquaculture, and extraction of valuable resources like hydrocarbons and minerals. “With rising global populations, ocean-based economic activity is surging,” he stated.
He highlighted Pakistan’s strategic location, offering the shortest sea access to Central Asian republics, Afghanistan, and western China via Karachi and Gwadar ports. “CPEC is a practical demonstration of Pakistan’s commitment to unlocking the blue economy’s potential and enhancing regional connectivity,” he said, adding that PIMEC represents a key milestone in that direction.

Dar warns against fake news, highlights Pakistan’s role in Iran-Israel de-escalation

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 16 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday expressed deep concern in the Senate over the spread of false information and AI-generated content on social media after the June 13 events, warning that such misinformation could threaten national security and undermine diplomatic efforts.
Ishaq Dar said that a widely circulated interview of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, purported to be recent, was in fact from 2011. “Such deceptive content is causing confusion and is being monitored closely by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he told the House.
He pointed to a fabricated news graphic that falsely claimed Pakistan could have 70% of its debt written off by rolling back its nuclear program. “This is a blatant lie and a product of artificial intelligence,” he said, also flagging a manipulated video involving  Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and U.S. President Donald Trump as another example of digital misinformation.
He urged the public and media to exercise caution. “This is a sensitive time; spreading fake content can be disastrous,” he emphasized.
Regarding Pakistan’s role in de-escalating tensions between Iran and the U.S., Dar revealed that the foreign ministers of Iran and Oman kept Pakistan in the loop during the negotiations. “Four rounds of talks were held in Muscat and Rome,” he said.
Dar noted that because Iran is not a member of the United Nations, Pakistan facilitated a UN Security Council meeting. “Iran formally thanked Pakistan, Russia, China, and Algeria for standing with them diplomatically,” he added.
He said that Iran had conveyed its intention to retaliate after the attack but also expressed willingness to resume dialogue if Israel refrained from further aggression.
In response to the Iran-Israel conflict, Dar said Pakistan had taken swift steps to assist its nationals. “We established a Crisis Management Unit in the Foreign Office and activated a 24/7 hotline at our embassy in Tehran,” he said, adding that 251 Pakistani students in Iran are being brought back to Quetta.
He said over 500 Pakistani pilgrims in Iraq were also being assisted, including 209 who had traveled by road, and arrangements were being made for their safe return.
Dar shared that Iran requested Pakistan’s help in repatriating around 20,000 Iranian Hajj pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia. “We assured them that these pilgrims would be received in Karachi and sent back with full honor—they are our guests,” he stated.
Saudi Arabia has also announced that these Iranian pilgrims would remain as guests until conditions stabilize, he added.
Dar strongly refuted a fake video being circulated on social media that falsely quoted an Iranian general as saying Pakistan would attack Israel if Iran was targeted. “This is completely false and artificial; even the Daily Mail picked it up. It’s dangerous and irresponsible,” he warned.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s nuclear history, he reminded the House of the 1998 nuclear tests. “At the time, regional peace and security made it necessary. It was a bold decision taken by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif,” he said
Dar said India later requested a ceasefire in recent years, underscoring Pakistan’s position of strength. “We are neither signatories to the NPT, nor are India and Israel. National defense is our sovereign right,” he declared.
He also cautioned against any attack on nuclear facilities, warning that targeting the nuclear assets of any country would not only violate Article 51 of the United Nations Charter but would also amount to a serious international crime. “Such an act could result in catastrophic consequences for regional and global peace,” he said.
In reply to a question from Opposition Leader of Senate, Senator Shibli Faraz, Dar said: “We do not take any news or situation lightly. The nation is united, and if anyone casts an evil eye on Pakistan, we will respond with full force. Our nuclear assets are national assets—built through great sacrifice—and we will safeguard them at all costs.”

Senate hosts high-level dialogue on AI’s role in democratic governance

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 16 (APP): In a significant move toward technological modernisation, the Senate of Pakistan on Monday hosted a high-level session on the strategic role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in democratic governance and institutional innovation.
The event was organised under the European Union-funded Mustehkam Parlimaan Project. The session, titled “Digital Transformation: Strategic Opportunities and Challenges for Lawmakers,” was held at Parliament House and brought together lawmakers, diplomats, AI experts, and media professionals to explore how AI can transform legislative work in ethical, transparent, and impactful ways.
Speaking at the session, Ambassador of the EU to Pakistan, Dr. Riina Kionka highlighted the EU’s leadership in setting global standards for responsible AI governance.
“Artificial Intelligence is already reshaping our societies— but values must guide its development. The European Union has adopted the world’s first comprehensive AI legislation to ensure this transformation is not only innovative but also ethical, inclusive, and safe. We believe parliaments have a vital role to play in setting the course for AI governance. That’s why the EU is proud to support Pakistan’s Senate through the Mustehkam Parlimaan Project—to ensure this journey is human-centred, collaborative, and grounded in democratic principles.”
In her opening remarks, Rida Qazi, Advisor to the Chairman Senate, highlighted the importance of building AI literacy among lawmakers and aligning innovation with institutional purpose. “We are moving from exploration to integration,” she said.
“With tools like the Parliamentary ChatBot, we are laying the groundwork for faster, smarter, and more responsive legislative service.” She appreciated the support of development partners and asked the private sector to partner with the Senate of Pakistan in the development and integration of AI tools to further enhance institutional efficiency and innovation.
In his welcome remarks, Secretary Senate Syed Hasnain Haider highlighted the Senate’s ongoing commitment to institutional modernisation and public service excellence.
The session featured an insightful AI literacy segment introducing Senators to the fundamentals of AI and its real-world applications in legislative environments, including a proof of concept of an AI-powered agent geared towards automating document management, streamlining workflows, and improving multilingual accessibility. Participants were also introduced to the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act, setting a global benchmark for responsible AI deployment.
Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani extended his gratitude to the EU Mission in Pakistan for its steadfast cooperation in strengthening parliamentary performance in Pakistan, including supporting the establishment of the Parliamentary Budget Office and facilitating the AI Workshop today.
In his keynote address, the Chairman Senate termed digital transformation a national imperative.
“Embracing digital governance and integrating artificial intelligence into legislative work is no longer a question of if, but of how and when.” He said the Senate is proud to take the lead as the first parliamentary chamber in the region to commission an indigenous AI-powered chatbot. This will support Members by enabling faster access to legislative records, debates, and policy resources, ultimately enhancing the quality of lawmaking, oversight, and public service.
The Chairman said AI holds immense promise for parliaments, helping them to strengthen citizen engagement, detect disinformation, and promote more transparent and efficient governance.
“Our aim is to integrate these tools in a way that reflects democratic values and institutional integrity.” He added that continued collaboration with the European Union and the broader tech community would shape this transformation responsibly and inclusively.
He outlined the importance of the AI workshop for providing insights on how artificial intelligence can strengthen our role as lawmakers. He said that AI literacy will equip members with a better understanding of this technology and its practical use in legislative work. He also emphasised that one of the sessions on disinformation is equally vital, as false narratives continue to spread through digital platforms, AI can play a key role in detecting fake news and preserving public trust.
A panel discussion led by renowned journalist  Talat Hussain,  Amir Ghauri, and Ms. Aisha Nawaz Choudhry outlined the growing impact of AI in media management, disinformation, and legislative ethics. The session stressed that while AI presents new opportunities, it also raises critical questions around transparency, bias, and accountability—issues that Pakistan’s Parliament must confront proactively. Mr. Dr. Najeeb Ullah Marwat, Member Planning Commission, also addressed the participants.
Earlier, Dr. Basit Riaz Sheikh expert on artificial intelligence and senior consultant MuP, informed the participant about the growing importance of artificial intelligence within parliamentary contexts. The participants were briefed about the model legislation on AI in the European Union. He highlighted various aspects of AI for improving institutional growth and effective service delivery.
Organised by the Office of the Advisor to the Chairman Senate on Special Initiatives and the Parliamentary Development Unit (PDU), the session was held under a 15 million euros EU funding to the Mustehkam Parlimaan project, which is implemented jointly by GIZ and the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS)
With the participation of 60 participants, including Senators and parliamentary staff, the session marks a continued effort under the EU-funded Mustehkam Parlimaan Project to build institutional capacity, foster innovation, and ensure that democratic institutions in Pakistan are not left behind in the global digital transition.

Gilani welcomes students, faculty of Greenland Public School to Senate

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 16 (APP): Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Monday welcomed the students and faculty members of Greenland Public School System, Rawat, Bhurban, and Murree during the proceedings of the Upper House.
 The students visited the Parliament House and witnessed the Senate proceedings from the visitors’ gallery. Chairman Gilani formally acknowledged their presence and extended his warm greetings.

Zeb, Asif discuss development plan for tribal districts

By
Ali Ali
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ISLAMABAD, Jun 16 (APP):Member of the National Assembly (MNA) and Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Tribal Affairs, Mubarak Zeb Khan, met with Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif at the National Assembly on Monday to discuss various issues related to tribal districts including Bajaur and others.
In a post on his official X account, Mubarak Zeb said the meeting focused not only on current regional challenges but also on outlining a future action plan for the uplift and development of the tribal area.
The Defence Minister assured him full support for the efforts being made for the prosperity of the tribal area.

268 Pakistani nationals return from Iraq: FO

By
Irfan Khan
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ISLAMABAD, June 16 (APP): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in close coordination with the Iraqi Airways, successfully facilitated the repatriation of 268 Pakistani nationals earlier Monday through two special flights from Basra to Karachi and Islamabad.

Both flights safely reached Pakistan.

“The Ministry remains actively engaged with Iraqi Airways and all other relevant Iraqi authorities to ensure the safe and timely return of the remaining Pakistani zaireen in Iraq,” Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.

All Pakistani zaireen currently in Iraq were advised to remain in close contact with the Pakistan Embassy in Baghdad, designated mandoobs, and their respective airlines for timely updates regarding their travel arrangements.

Iraqi Airways is presently operating daily flights on the Basra–Dubai route. Today, some Pakistani nationals availed themselves of this option. Those interested in travelling via this route were encouraged to contact the nearest Iraqi Airways office for booking and assistance.

“All zaireen are further advised to remain prepared for travel at short notice. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to monitor the situation closely and remains fully committed to facilitating the safe and orderly return of all Pakistani zaireen,” it was added.

51 more assistive devices given to special persons

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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0
FAISALABAD, Jun 16 (APP):In line with the instructions of Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the provision of assistive devices for special persons is ongoing in the district.
The Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Mal Department distributed 51 more assistive devices, 45 wheelchairs, 2 walkers, a hearing aid and 3 white canes among special persons.
In this regard, a ceremony was held at the Municipal Corporation Hall here on Monday. Former MPA Mian Tahir Jamil was the chief guest, while Divisional Director Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Mal Khalida Rafique, Coordinator Rana Waris and others were also present.
Addressing the ceremony, Mian Tahir Jamil said that special persons are the responsibility of the state and it is our duty to take care of them. Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif is trying to make special persons productive members of the society.
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