Islamabad to host International Industrial Expo in October
DPM Dar stresses fast-tracking Pak–Türkiye projects to deepen strategic partnership
ISLAMABAD, Aug 8 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (DPM/FM), Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Friday called for fast-tracking the implementation of already agreed-upon proposals and development projects, emphasizing the need for timely action and coordination across relevant ministries under Pakistan-Turkiye partnership.
The deputy prime minister chaired a high-level meeting of the Committee on Enhancing Pakistan–Türkiye Bilateral Engagement, a DPM’s Office news release said.
During the meeting, the Committee was briefed on progress in multiple areas of bilateral collaboration, including economy, trade, industry, education, health, energy, defence, infrastructure, and connectivity.
Highlighting the significance of the Pakistan–Türkiye partnership, DPM Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong resolve to advance strategic cooperation with Türkiye across a wide range of sectors.
“It is imperative that we move swiftly to translate our commitments into tangible outcomes. Pakistan remains fully committed to expanding multifaceted cooperation with Türkiye for the mutual benefit of our two brotherly nations,” said Senator Dar.
The meeting was attended by the Foreign Secretary, as well as Secretaries of the Economic Affairs Division, Health, Water Resources, Petroleum, and Power, along with senior officials from relevant departments.
Governor KP lauds Forces for killing 33 terrorists in Zhob
PESHAWAR, Aug 08 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi Friday praised the security forces for killing 33 militants belonging to the outlawed group “Khawarij” who attempted a major infiltration from the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Zhob district of Balochistan.
Commending the effective operation, the Governor hailed the bravery and professional skills of the armed forces, saying that Pakistan’s military remains fully vigilant in safeguarding the country’s frontiers.
He said the unwavering resolve of the security forces to eliminate terrorism in all its forms is commendable.
Governor Kundi reaffirmed that the nation’s commitment to eradicating terrorist elements and defending the homeland will remain steadfast.
Hajj applications to continue on Saturday as designated banks remain open
By Rehan Khan
ISLAMABAD, August 08 (APP): The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Friday announced that all designated banks will remain open on Saturday, August 9, to facilitate the submission of Hajj applications.
Ministry Spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt said on the ministry’s request, the State Bank of Pakistan has directed 14 nominated banks to continue receiving applications from registered Hajj pilgrims over the weekend.
“So far, more than 58,000 Hajj applications have been received,” the spokesperson confirmed, adding that intending pilgrims can conveniently submit their applications either online or through any of the designated bank branches.
World’s largest Quranic contest set to begin in Makkah with record global participation
By Rehan Khan
MAKKAH, August 08 (APP): The 45th King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorizing, Reciting, and Interpreting the Holy Quran will commence on Saturday under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Organized and overseen by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, the prestigious event will be hosted at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, drawing contestants from a record 128 countries – the highest number of participating nations since the competition’s launch in 1399 AH.
This milestone underscores the contest’s global stature and leadership in the realm of Quranic excellence.
Recognized as one of the world’s most esteemed Quranic competitions, the event reflects Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to fostering Quranic programs, strengthening its international role in serving the Holy Quran, and advancing its civilizational mission of promoting goodness, tolerance, and moderation.
FPAHS issues Roll No. Slips for Diploma Exams
PESHAWAR, Aug 08 (APP): The Faculty of Paramedical and Allied Health Sciences (FPAHS) has announced that roll number slips for the Diploma Course Examination August 2025 have been uploaded to the FPAHS Web Portal and can be downloaded by respective institutes.
All students have been advised to collect their slips directly from their institutions.
According to details, over 37,000 students from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will appear in the examinations, scheduled to be held from August 21 to 29 in 23 different categories.
The examination will be conducted in 49 halls throughout the province under the supervision of Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Rehman Afridi.
Around 400 staff members will be deployed for smooth conduct of the exams, while police will be stationed at all examination halls to ensure security.
Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Rehman Afridi said that a Control Room has been set up in the Faculty, adding that there will be zero tolerance for any form of chatting during the examinations.
He said strict monitoring teams will be present in all halls to ensure discipline.
“Shaam-e-Moseeqi” echoes with patriotism and culture at PNCA

Chairman PPP Bilawal condoles with PM Shehbaz on cousin’s demise
ISLAMABAD, Aug 8 (APP): Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday to offer condolences on the passing of the Prime Minister’s cousin, Mian Shahid Shafi.
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed heartfelt condolences to the prime minister, prayed for the departed soul’s elevation in ranks, and for patience and strength for the bereaved family, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said.
Senator Sherry Rehman and Member of the National Assembly Asifa Bhutto-Zardari accompanied Chairman Bilawal during the meeting.
In a separate gesture, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also contacted the elder brother of the deceased, Javed Shafi, via telephone to extend his condolences.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Public Affairs Unit Rana Mubashir Iqbal, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Minister of State for National Food Security & Research Malik Rasheed Ahmad Siddiqui, Minister of State for Power Division Abdur Rehman Kanju, MNA Saira Afzal Tarar, Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmad Khan, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Talha Burki.