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Senate body deliberates on increasing number of Pakistanis prisoners abroad

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP):The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development on Friday deliberated on the increasing number of Pakistani prisoners abroad.
The meeting was chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada and revealed shocking details regarding Pakistani prisoners abroad and criticized the officials for providing inadequate information concerning these individuals, said a press release.
According to data from the ministry, approximately 417 prisoners are serving sentences in China, 598 in Greece, 463 in Malaysia, 738 in India, 578 in Oman, 422 in Qatar, 10,432 in Saudi Arabia, and 5,297 in the UAE, Senator Zeeshan Khanzada highlighted. He remarked that the data reflects the ministry’s efforts toward the repatriation of prisoners.
Officials apprised the committee that Prisoner Repatriation Agreements have been finalized with 11 countries, while discussions are ongoing with 15 others.
The committee recommended that the ministry provide detailed profiling of the prisoners to understand the nature of the crimes committed. It also inquired from the Community Welfare Attachés (CWAs) about how frequently they meet with the prisoners.
Senator Kazim Ali Shah pointed out that no welfare services have been extended to prisoners from the Sindh province. The committee decided to review the quarterly performance of the Community Welfare Attachés and recommended allowing them to hire local diaspora members to more effectively expand welfare services to Pakistani prisoners abroad.
Discussing the performance of Special Courts established to facilitate Overseas Pakistanis, the ministry informed the committee that Punjab has enacted the relevant legislation.
However, Senator Shahadat Awan pointed out that although the Act was passed in 2024, no data has yet been provided regarding the number of cases processed in Punjab or in any other province. He further noted that, despite the claim, no facility for recording evidence has been finalized yet.
The committee recommended that the ministry provide the details of cases related to Overseas Pakistanis pending in the court within one month.
Furthermore, the committee was briefed on the initiatives taken to facilitate Overseas Pakistanis. Officials informed that the ministry, in consultation with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and other educational institutions, has implemented a 5 percent quota in educational institutions.
Officials also highlighted that, in cooperation with the Punjab Land Record Authority, the ministry is launching a pilot project at the London Embassy to help resolve property disputes of Overseas Pakistanis. The committee recommended to extend the same facility to ICT.
In attendance were; Senators Zamir Hussain Ghumro, Syed Kazim Ali Shah, Gurdeep Singh, Shahadat Awan, Khalida Ateeb, Secretary Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry along with senior officials from the concerned departments.

Pakistan on track to become regional digital hub: Shaza Fatima

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP):Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, on Friday credited the achievement of $3.8 billion in IT exports during the 2024-25 financial year to a unified national strategy led by the government and supported by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and allied institutions.
Speaking to the media, the minister said, “This success is the result of close coordination between the civilian and military leadership, along with contributions from PTA, Ministry of Finance, Planning Commission, USF, Ignite, and PSEB, all working together to support the IT sector.”
Reflecting on Pakistan’s economic turnaround, she recalled the uncertainty of 2022 when fears of default loomed. “Under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, we stabilized the economy and put it on a sustainable growth path,” she said, noting improvements in business sentiment, alongside a drop in the policy rate from 23% to 11% and declining inflation.
The minister highlighted the government’s focus on developing human capital, with over 350,000 youth trained through joint programs with PSEB, Ignite, NAVTTC, HEC, and global tech leaders like Google, Huawei, and Microsoft. “Our goal is productive employment — turning every IT graduate into a job holder or entrepreneur,” she said, announcing the relaunch of the DigiSkills program to expand digital training nationwide.
Detailing infrastructure progress, Shaza Fatima said the IT Ministry has launched 43 new co-working spaces and 23 Special Technology Zones in the last year, taking the total number of tech parks to 44—these facilities now house over 18,000 professionals engaged in freelancing, remote work, and tech startups.
She also announced government-backed incentives to expand these spaces into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities through interest-free loans. “We’ve already seen a major investor enter the co-working space sector,” she added.
On international outreach, she said the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), in collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), participated in over 20 global tech expos, boosting the visibility of Pakistani startups. “Every dollar spent returned $50 in business commitments,” she added, citing branding campaigns in Toronto, Dublin, London, Riyadh, and Dubai under banners like Think Tech and Think Pakistan.
She emphasized Pakistan’s active diplomacy in easing IT business visas and international registration for companies. “Wherever our leadership goes, they advocate for Pakistan’s IT industry,” she affirmed, pointing to recent examples like
Menzies Aviation and Etihad Airways relocating backend operations to Pakistan.
A major achievement, she noted, was the successful hosting of Pakistan’s first-ever Digital Foreign Direct Investment Forum, which attracted delegates from over 40 countries and secured investment commitments worth $700 million.
Quoting the latest AT Kearney report, the minister said Pakistan ranks among the top offshoring destinations due to its cost-effectiveness and skilled workforce. “We’re rapidly emerging as a regional digital and data hub,” she stated.
Highlighting growth in connectivity, she said Pakistan now has over 200 million mobile subscribers, with 150 million active mobile broadband users. Data usage jumped by 24% in the last year and is expected to grow further, signaling deepening digital penetration.
She said the Universal Service Fund (USF) connected over 550 villages to the internet in the past year and aims to double that number in the current fiscal year. “We’re bridging the digital divide in areas the market doesn’t serve,” she said.
Shaza Fatima also announced that regulatory groundwork for licensing Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet providers is nearly complete. “Licenses will be issued this year,” she confirmed.
In terms of global connectivity, the minister said two of the world’s largest submarine cables — 2Africa and Africa-1 — landed in Pakistan this year, with a third expected soon. These cables will increase internet bandwidth and lower latency. Pakistan also began routing Chinese data through Karachi under what she termed “CPEC 2.0,” aimed at expanding connectivity to Central Asia and making Pakistan a central data corridor.
Speaking about the government’s $25 billion digital vision, she explained that $15 billion is targeted through IT exports and $10 billion through national digitization. “We’re well on track to achieve this goal,” she asserted.
One of the key pillars, she said, is the Digital Pakistan Act, which paves the way for the Pakistan Digital Authority. A national master plan for data interoperability and the Pakistan Stack is also being finalized to drive transformation in key sectors like health, education, agriculture, and finance.
Pakistan’s digital payment system, Raast, developed by the State Bank of Pakistan, is now fully operational. Efforts are underway to integrate it with government data platforms to digitize public payments. “We’ve already digitized G2G transactions, and departments like FBR, AGPR, and CGA are moving toward full digitization,” she said.
She also emphasized the government’s commitment to digital inclusion, citing a significant drop in the gender gap in mobile internet usage from 38% to 25%, as per the GSMA Gender Report. “Our target is complete parity. National development is not possible without empowering women equally,” she added.
Shaza Fatima further shared that Pakistan has moved up 14 positions in the UN’s E-Government Development Index. “All 40 federal ministries now use e-office systems. Paper use is almost eliminated except in highly confidential files,” she said, noting that over 50% of attached departments have also adopted digitized operations.

PDMA Balochistan mobilizes emergency response ahead of monsoon threats: DG

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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QUETTA, Jul 18 (APP):Director General of Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Jahanzaib Khan, on Friday announced that comprehensive preparations were underway to mitigate potential disasters during the ongoing monsoon season.
Talking to APP, Jahanzaib Khan emphasized that the Balochistan government was fully committed to ensuring swift and effective emergency response across all vulnerable districts.
In light of recent heavy rainfall and changing weather patterns, the PDMA has activated district-level emergency teams chaired by Deputy Commissioners (DCs), with participation from key line departments, he said and added that these teams were tasked with leading rescue and rehabilitation efforts during flooding or other emergencies.
“The government has allocated funds to district administrations for handling rescue and relief operations, in several vulnerable districts ” Khan stated.
“The DCs, who also head District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) will the authority to utilize the funds in emergency  during a crisis,” he added.
He said the DG confirmed that DCs have been authorized to hire private machinery for rescue operations, while PDMA’s own equipment will also be dispatched to flood-prone areas to ensure readiness.
Jahanzaib Khan highlighted that the Balochistan government has approved a comprehensive contingency plan on June 12, reflecting its proactive stance on disaster preparedness.
“The chief minister has been directed all district administrations to complete emergency preparations based on local weather forecasts,” he added.
“Relevant departments including District administration, Health, Irrigation, Police, Livestock and others have been instructed to remain on high alert to avoid any untoward situation. The PDMA has advised DDMAs to coordinate closely with these agencies to ensure the availability of emergency personnel, inventory and essential supplies at vulnerable locations. To bolster readiness, the PDMA has stockpiled relief items for over 300 families in each district. These include tents, blankets, groceries, fuel, and machinery, ensuring rapid deployment when needed”.
Jahanzaib Khan told the recent monsoon rains and floods have claimed 16 lives across Balochistan, including 5 men, 4 women and 7 children. Eight individuals have been injured, he said adding that additionally, 66 homes were either partially damaged or destroyed, and four public infrastructure sites sustained damage.
The DG confirmed he will personally oversee rescue and relief operations in affected districts. He also stated that food supplies will be provided on an emergency basis wherever needed.
District Commissioners have been directed to return any unused funds from relief operations and submit machinery back to PDMA offices for inventory and audit purposes. Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has also  commended the performance of PDMA during previous rains and floods, urged continued vigilance and efficiency. Protecting lives and property is our top priority. The government will provide all necessary resources to ensure effective disaster response, he affirmed.

Rana Tanveer explores strategic agricultural partnership with Sudan

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP):Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain on Friday held a high-level bilateral meeting with  Salih Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Siddig, Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan to Pakistan, to deepen Pakistan-Sudan cooperation in the agriculture sector.
The meeting underscored minister’s vision to forge new international agricultural alliances that align with Pakistan’s strategic objectives of enhancing food security, boosting investment, and promoting South-South cooperation, said a press release.
During the meeting, the minister emphasized the deep-rooted cultural, religious, and historical ties between Pakistan and Sudan, describing them as a solid foundation for stronger collaboration in agricultural trade, education, and technology.
The minister highlighted Pakistan’s advanced research institutions and technical expertise in crop production, irrigation, and livestock health as ideal resources for Sudan’s agricultural development ambitions.
The Sudanese Ambassador informed the minister about Sudan’s demographic composition, stating that over 98% of its population practices Islam, and reaffirmed the goodwill and trust that exists between the two nations.
Rana Tanveer Hussain took note of the current geopolitical situation in Sudan and appreciated the country’s efforts to maintain peace in the post-secession era. He reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to cooperate in humanitarian and development domains through sustainable agriculture-based solutions.
The minister welcomed Sudan’s keen interest in educational collaboration, particularly in securing additional seats for Sudanese students at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. He assured the Ambassador that the ministry would coordinate with relevant educational bodies to support Sudan’s human resource development in agri-sciences.
The minister acknowledged the potential for a tri-party collaboration involving Sudan, Pakistan, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He termed the proposal of launching joint agricultural ventures using Sudan’s fertile lands, Pakistani expertise, and Saudi investment as “a visionary step toward regional food security.”
He expressed particular interest in Sudan’s sugar industry and meat exports, encouraging Pakistani private sector stakeholders to explore investment in sugar processing, technology transfer, and slaughterhouse infrastructure.
Rana Tanveer further noted the health standards upheld by Sudan in its livestock exports to Gulf markets and recognized the country’s strength in producing disease-free meat. He encouraged closer cooperation in veterinary science, breeding, and poultry management, ensuring Pakistan’s support in providing technical assistance where needed.
The minister also appreciated the contribution of the Pakistani diaspora in Sudan, especially in skilled trades and technical services. He said their presence is a living example of the mutual trust and benefit shared between the two brotherly nations.
Reaffirming his commitment to transforming Pakistan into a hub of international agricultural cooperation, Rana Tanveer stated that such partnerships will not only contribute to regional prosperity but also align with Pakistan’s broader agenda of achieving sustainable development through strategic diplomacy and innovation in agriculture.

Pakistan reaffirms zero tolerance for terrorism, warns against Indian propaganda

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP):Pakistan on Friday strongly reiterated its unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, calling for objective and collective global action against the menace, while rejecting politically motivated narratives aimed at maligning the country.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan emphasized that zero tolerance for terrorism and robust international cooperation remain central to its counter-terrorism (CT) policy. “Pakistan has been, and continues to be, a frontline state in the fight against terrorism,” the statement read, highlighting the country’s significant contributions to global peace, including the recent apprehension of Sharifullah — the terrorist mastermind behind the deadly Abbey Gate bombing.
Commenting on the ongoing investigations into the Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJ&K), the Ministry noted that the inquiry remains inconclusive. It categorically rejected any links to the banned outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), asserting that such claims do not align with ground realities.
“Pakistan has effectively dismantled such defunct organizations, arrested and prosecuted their leadership, and undertaken extensive deradicalization efforts,” the statement clarified.
The Foreign Office also criticized India for its repeated attempts to misuse international designations to propagate anti-Pakistan narratives. “India has a track record of exploiting such matters to divert global attention from its own irresponsible and rogue conduct, particularly its grave human rights violations in IIOJ&K,” the spokesperson stated.
Underscoring the need for an impartial and inclusive international approach to counter-terrorism, Pakistan urged the global community to adopt non-discriminatory policies. It also called for the inclusion of groups like the Majeed Brigade under global terrorist designations, noting its affiliation with the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
The statement concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s role as a counter-terrorism bulwark, achieved through unmatched sacrifices and operational successes, and reiterated the country’s commitment to a peaceful and secure world through shared efforts.

No mass disappearance of pilgrims: Sardar Yousaf clarifies, unveils digital tracking system for Zaireen

By
NNPS Desk
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0

By Rehan Khan

ISLAMABAD, July 18 (APP): Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Friday addressed recent misunderstandings stemming from his earlier remarks about Pakistani pilgrims, clarifying that there was no indication of thousands of Zaireen being missing abroad.

He emphasized that his previous comments were misinterpreted and stressed that the issue at hand relates to outdated manual records that have yet to be fully digitized – not to any mass disappearance of pilgrims.

In a statement issued to clear the air, the minister said his earlier reference to ‘40,000 Zaireen’ was not meant to imply mass disappearances. “The reality is that older, paper-based records have not yet been fully integrated into our central digital registry,” he explained.

To ensure the safety and facilitation of pilgrims, the ministry has introduced a modern online registration and monitoring system, which issues QR code-based e-cards to pilgrims and group organizers.

“This system will provide immediate access to verified information for both families and the government,” he said, noting that lists of pilgrims will now be shared in real-time with the authorities in Iran, Iraq, and Syria – the primary destinations for Zaireen.

The minister urged all tour operators and pilgrims to register their complete details on the official portal by August 31, 2025, to avoid being placed in an “incomplete list.”

“This step will eliminate confusion and misinformation, allowing us to better serve citizens and maintain full transparency,” he added, calling on the media and civil society to help dispel unfounded speculations.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Sardar Yousaf said: “The well-being of Pakistani citizens travelling abroad remains our top priority. Let’s work together to ensure the success of this digital system and demonstrate to the world that Pakistan is responsibly using modern technology for transparent, secure pilgrim management.”

Community policing initiative gains momentum in Chiniot

By
Muhammad Zubair
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0
CHINIOT, Jul 18 (APP):District Police Officer Chiniot, Abdullah Ahmed on Friday organized an open court at Jamia Masjid Sardar Iqbal on the occasion of Jumma Mubarak, as part of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision to promote community
policing.
The event was attended by SHO City Police Station, In-charge Complaint Cell, and other police officers, along with a large number of worshippers. During the open court, DPO Ahmed listened to citizens’ problems and assured them of prompt resolution.
On this occasion, the DPO directed the concerned officers to ensure the redressal of the requests and instructed the Complaint Cell to submit follow-up reports.
Abdullah Ahmed emphasized the importance of community policing, highlighting that organizing open courts in mosques.
The DPO also briefed participants on various services offered by Punjab Police.
During the session, DPO Ahmed reaffirmed the police department’s commitment to ensuring the safety of people’s lives and property, establishing law and order, and improving public service delivery. Citizens can reach out to the DPO directly on 0323-7543444 to report issues or provide information about criminal elements.

PRCS provides cash assistance to 200 AJK’s families

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP): In a significant display of solidarity and humanitarian commitment, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), in collaboration with the Turkish Red Crescent, distributed PKR 15,000 in cash assistance to each of 200 families impacted by recent cross-border hostilities along the Line of Control (LoC) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The cash distribution ceremony was held at the President’s Secretariat in Muzaffarabad on Friday, attended by national and international dignitaries, including the Chairperson PRCS Ms. Farzhana Naek, Secretary General PRCS Mr. Muhammad Abaid Ullah Khan, IFRC Head of Delegation in Pakistan Mr. Farid Abdul Kadir, Acting Head of Delegation Turkish Red Crescent Society Mr. Erkan Avci, Presidential Advisor Sardar Imtiaz Ahmed Khan, Chairman PRCS AJK Sardar Shafiq Ahmed Khan, Secretary PRCS AJK Ms. Gulzar Fatima, Director General State Disaster Management Authority and Director General Civil Defence PRCS AJK branch.
The honorable Chairperson PRCS, Mrs Farzhana Naek, expressed deep sympathy for the affected families and said, “I extend my heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones, injured, displaced, or deprived of livelihoods due to firing at the Line of Control.” She said that PRCS, with the support of the International Committee of the Red Cross, has also provided assistance to the AJK Branch in strengthening First Aid services during the crisis management situation along the Line of Control (LoC). She further added, the PRCS in close coordination with the government, promptly mobilized their teams and delivered the essential food assistance and first aid to 140 affected families. She emphasized the significance of the cash assistance, adding, the cash support will enable the families to meet their immediate needs. She also expressed gratitude to the Turkish Red Crescent for their partnership and solidarity with PRCS in supporting the people of AJK.
Mr. Erkan Avci, Acting Head of Delegation for the Turkish Red Crescent in Pakistan, reaffirmed their commitment, stating, “We feel proud to support the people of Azad Jammu Kashmir during these challenging times. Today, we are delivering assistance as part of our joint humanitarian mission with PRCS.”
The IFRC Head of Delegation in Pakistan, Farid Abdul Qadir praised the resilience of the people of AJK, noting their strength in the face of adversity.
Sardar Shafiq Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the PRCS AJK Branch, appreciated the efforts of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and said, “We are deeply grateful to the PRCS National Headquarters, the Turkish Red Crescent, and all our partners for their invaluable support in reaching the most vulnerable communities.”
The PRCS and its partners remain dedicated to providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by the ongoing challenges in AJK, ensuring support reaches the most vulnerable communities.

President Zardari congratulates U-16 Volleyball Team on historic victory over India

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP):President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday extended heartfelt congratulations to Pakistan’s Under-16 national volleyball team on their thrilling victory against India in the semi-final of the Asian U-16 Volleyball Championship.
In a statement issued by the Presidency, President Zardari lauded the young athletes for their “exceptional skill, discipline, and unshakable determination,” which led to a memorable triumph and brought pride to the nation.
“Our youth have lifted the nation’s spirit with this glorious win. They have proven that dedication and passion can overcome any challenge,” the President said.
Commending the entire squad, President Zardari emphasized that the achievement was not just a result of the players’ performance on the court, but also a reflection of the hard work and strategic guidance of the coaching staff and support team.
“This victory is a testament to the team’s collective effort, strong discipline, and national spirit. I hope they carry the same zeal into the final and return home as champions,” he added.
The President expressed confidence that this historic win would serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country and further boost the development of youth sports in Pakistan.

Agriculture university recommends Rs. 2.025bn budget for 2025-26

By
Muhammad Zubair
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0
MULTAN, Jul 18 (APP):Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture (MNSUA) Multan on Friday recommended Rs 2.025 billion annual budget detailing running expenses and development needs for the fiscal year 2025-26.
The approval to recommendations was given in the 17th meeting of MNSUA’s Finance and Planning Committee held under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali. The committee approved the revised budget for the fiscal year 2024–25 amounting to Rs. 1.015 billion and the proposed budget for 2025–26 totaling Rs. 1.275 billion, says an official release.
In addition, the committee also recommended revised development budgets of Rs. 350 million for 2024–25  and Rs. 750 million for 2025–26. The minutes of the 16th meeting were also endorsed. Treasurer Muhammad Rafiq Farooqi told APP that the budget recommendations of the finance and planning committee would be finally approved by the university syndicate that is likely to meet within or after a fortnight.
Committee members appreciated the university’s ongoing development and financial transparency. Notable participants included Ms. Sadia from the Agriculture Department, Muhammad Arif from the Finance Department, Suhail Humayun from the Higher Education Commission, and senior faculty members including Prof. Dr. Shafqat Saeed, Prof. Dr. Asif Raza, Prof. Dr. Umar Farooq, Prof. Dr. Irfan Ahmed Baig, and Prof. Dr. Nasir Nadeem.
Registrar Samia Ambreen, Treasurer Muhammad Rafiq Farooqi, Additional Treasurer Muhammad Asif Nawaz, Deputy Treasurers Shakeel Ahmad, Rana Ali Zia, Rana Inaamullah, Assistant Treasurers Sher Zaman and Adnan Nabi also attended.
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