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Poor man’s court’s outreach to improve further for swift justice to people: Federal Ombudsman

By
Asif Jalal
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0
MULTAN, Jun 26 (APP):Federal Ombudsman Ejaz Ahmed Qureshi on Thursday promised to further improve outreach of the FO Office’s swift-justice-delivery mechanism by opening new offices across Pakistan’s far flung areas, adding that the office remains committed to resolving problems of the people within 60 days and it serves as a testimony to its performance.
Talking to the media after inaugurating new office building of FO Multan regional office, he said that expanding the network of the Poor-Man’s-Court was a priority to make peoples’ access to free-of-cost justice easy and available at their door-step.
Earlier, FO Ejaz Ahmed Qureshi held a meeting with the regional advisors of Multan, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan divisions and also met the heads of the federal departments.
He asked officials of the federal departments to ensure compliance with the orders issued
by the FO, meant to resolve problems of the complainants against the maladministration.
The Federal Ombudsman said that recent development of opening new offices in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, Mirpur Khas, Dera Ghazi Khan and other areas was an initiative meant to improve FO Office’s effectiveness further.
He said, he evaluated performance of Multan, DG Khan, and Bahawalpur and was happy to note 93 per cent of the cases were decided last year. Giving statistics, he said that 226,372 complaints were received last year out of which 223,198 were decided and orders complied with. The FO expressed satisfaction that despite heavy workload and lack of resources, the officials were performing their duties diligently.
The FO Office was keeping pace with the rapid advancements and digitalized all its offices to ensure that important cases were entertained on priority. He said that open courts (Khulli Katcheries) and online complaint mechanisms were introduced for awareness among the people and for easy registration of complaints.
He said that FO officials conducted 126 open courts across the country in 2024 in addition
to 171 visits while inspection teams of FO conducted 79 visits to different departments to recommend reforms with a view to improve services.
He said, separate complaint commissioners have been deputed to entertain complaints of Pakistanis living abroad and their children.

CDA clarifies social media reports on Jinnah Square Interchange

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 26 (APP): The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Thursday issued a clarification regarding viral social media clips showing a damaged slip road near the Jinnah Square Interchange.
The civic body confirmed that all main structures, loops, and operational sections of the interchange remain fully intact and functional.
The minor issue stemmed from water seepage near Sui gas trenches along a small isolated slip road, which was promptly repaired by the contractor following heavy rainfall.
CDA emphasized that the repair work, conducted under the contractor’s two-year defect liability period, was completed at no cost to the authority.
The quick resolution reaffirms compliance with quality standards, ensuring public safety and infrastructure durability.
Officials urged citizens to rely on official statements and avoid misinformation circulating on social media platforms.

NA committee calls for gender reforms amid concerns over global gender gap ranking

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 26 (APP): The Special Committee on Gender Mainstreaming of the National Assembly, chaired by Dr. Nafisa Shah, MNA, has voiced serious concern over Pakistan’s ranking at 148 in the Global Gender Gap Index Report 2025. The Committee stressed that while flaws in data collection and reporting may have influenced the ranking, the underlying gender disparities demand urgent attention and policy action.
During a meeting held in connection with the upcoming International Day of Parliamentarism on June 30, the Committee unanimously passed a resolution highlighting the need for concrete steps to achieve gender equality in the country. The day, celebrated globally in line with a 2018 United Nations General Assembly resolution, honors the role of parliaments in promoting peace, development, and democracy.
The resolution aligns with the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s 2025 campaign titled “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action,” focusing on three core themes:
Promoting parity in parliament and politics
Encouraging gender-sensitive institutions
Combating gender-based violence and discrimination
The Committee expressed dismay over the non-implementation of its earlier recommendations, urging the Federal Government to establish a Cabinet Committee on Gender Mainstreaming. This, it stated, would give political ownership to women’s rights at the federal level and ensure the inclusion of women parliamentarians in budget-making and development planning processes.
To advance legislative reform, the Committee also constituted a Sub-Committee tasked with reviewing family and inheritance laws in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). The members of the Sub-Committee are:
Senator Saadia Abbasi (Convener)
Ms. Munaza Hassan, MNA
Senator Fawzia Arshad
Ms. Shahida Begum, MNA
Terms of Reference (TORs) for the Sub-Committee include reviewing and suggesting amendments to the following laws:
1. Dowry and Bridal Gifts (Restriction) Act, 1976
2. West Pakistan Family Courts Act, 1964
3. Muslim Marriage Act, 1939
4. Guardian and Wards Act, 1880
The Sub-Committee is expected to submit its report within one month.
The meeting was attended by several parliamentarians, including Mr. Aqeel Malik, Ms. Shaista Pervaiz, Ms. Shahida Rehmani, Senator Rubina Qaim Khani, Senator Khalida Ateeb, and officials from relevant ministries and divisions.

Ayaz lauds NAB’s historic Rs. 5311 bln recoveries in 2023-24

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 26 (APP): Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has commended the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for its unprecedented performance during the fiscal year 2023-24, highlighting record-breaking direct and indirect recoveries amounting to Rs. 5311 billion (approximately USD 18.6 billion) between October and December 2023.
During a meeting with NAB Chairman Lt. Gen (R) Nazir Ahmed Butt at the Parliament House, the Speaker praised NAB’s transformation into a fair, efficient, apolitical, and credible institution.
He said that no other anti-corruption agency in the world has achieved recoveries of such magnitude, describing it as a testament to NAB’s strengthened institutional integrity and operational reforms.
Ayaz Sadiq also expressed satisfaction over the significant structural and technological reforms undertaken by NAB.
He appreciated the agency’s austerity measures, complete digitalization through AI-driven systems, and the establishment of Special Accountability Facilitation Desks across all provinces to support a business-friendly environment.
Ayaz Sadiq lauded NAB’s efforts to streamline its complaint handling process, modernize its investigation regime, and contribute positively to the country’s economic stability.
Nazir Ahmed thanked the National Assembly Speaker for his encouraging remarks and reaffirmed his commitment to transforming NAB into a model anti-corruption body.
Deputy Chairman NAB, Sohail Nasir was also present during the meeting.

PSX turns bearish, loses 715 points

By
Asif Jalal
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0
PSX
ISLAMABAD, Jun 26 (APP): The 100-Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) turned around to bearish trend on Thursday, losing 715.18, a negative change of 0.58 percent, closing at 122,046.46 points as compared to 122,761.64 points on the last trading day.
A total of 758,542,306 shares were traded during the day as compared to 749,799,164  shares the previous trading day, whereas the price of shares stood at Rs 29.934 billion against Rs 28.030 billion on the last trading day.
As many as 473 companies transacted their shares in the stock market, 200 of them recorded gains and 237 sustained losses, whereas the share price of 36 companies remained unchanged.
The three top trading companies were Pak Int. Bulk with 37,503,501 shares at Rs 8.52 per share, WorldCall Telecom with 33,285,442 shares at Rs 1.45 per share and Pervez Ahmed Co with 32,962,174 shares at Rs 3.29 per share.
PIA Holding Company LimitedB witnessed a maximum increase of Rs1,214.65 per share closing at Rs13,361.18 whereas runner-up was S.S.Oil Mills Limited with Rs71.57 rise in its share price to close at Rs787.28.
Ismail Industries Limited witnessed a maximum decrease of Rs 125.74 per share price, closing at Rs 1,804.26, whereas the runner-up was Pakistan Services Limited with Rs 77.38 decline in its per share price to Rs 849.03.

Govt secures  Rs10bn green financing deal to support eco-friendly startups

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 26 (APP): Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination has inked a Rs 10 billion green financing agreement with the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGCL) to promote sustainable development.
The deal was finalized during a high-level meeting between Federal Minister Dr. Musadik Malik and NCGCL CEO Ammar Habib on Thursday.
The partnership aims to bolster green entrepreneurship, particularly for young innovators and women-led startups, by providing financial guarantees for eco-friendly projects.
NCGCL, recently awarded a AAA rating by PACRA, will offer credit guarantees for convertible bonds, hybrid financial structures, loans, and equity investments to de-risk green ventures.
This initiative is expected to accelerate Pakistan’s transition toward a low-carbon economy while encouraging private sector participation in climate resilience efforts.
Dr. Malik hailed the agreement as a crucial step in advancing green finance and supporting Pakistan’s climate goals.
The collaboration underscores the government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for sustainable businesses.

Naqvi chairs high-level meeting on Muharram security

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 26 (APP): Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired a High-Level meeting on Nationwide Muharram Security Plan at Ministry of Interior. During the meeting, security plan for all provinces, including Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad was reviewed in detail.
It was decided in the meeting to launch a crackdown against elements spreading religious hatred on social media during Muharram and strict legal action will be taken against them. Moreover, it was decided to send clear recommendations to PEMRA to curb hate content on electronic and social media.
Furthermore, it was also decided that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure peace and order during Muharram. It was also agreed that any decision to suspend internet or mobile phone services will be made in consultation with relevant provinces, keeping in view the  security concerns.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed authorities that decisions regarding internet and mobile service suspensions must be made  on the basis of ground realities and the security situation. He emphasized that all necessary measures and decisions will be taken through mutual consultation. He added that the Federal Government will extend full support to all provinces, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan for maintaining law and order.
Mohsin Naqvi stressed that no one will be allowed to incite violence or disrupt peace. He stated that  strict enforcement of the code of conduct during Muharram will be ensured. He added that modern technology will be used to monitor processions and gatherings.
The IGPs and Home Secretaries of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad briefed the Interior Minister on their respective security plans for Muharram. The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry, Federal Secretary Interior, Acting Chairman CDA, Commandant Frontier Constabulary, DC Islamabad, DIG Islamabad Police, senior officials of the Ministry of Interior, and law enforcement agencies.
IGPs, Home Secretaries, DG Rangers Punjab, DG Rangers Sindh, and senior officers from law enforcement agencies of all provinces, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan also participated in the meeting via video link.

China is a friend and brother, says Defense Minister at SCO Defense Ministers’ Meeting

By
Asif Jalal
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0
BEIJING, Jun 26 (APP): The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) can help promote peace and serve as an important tool for safeguarding the development of countries in the region, said Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif when attending the SCO Defense Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao, East China’s Shandong Province.
Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun met with Asif on the same day. Asif praised China’s efforts in preventing the escalation of regional tensions, noting that recent months have seen rising instability and conflict across the region.
He said Pakistan highly values its ironclad friendship with China and is willing to work closely with Beijing to implement the three major global initiatives, deepen practical defense cooperation, and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability.
In a media interview later on, he described the meeting with Dong as “very fruitful,” adding, “We are friends, we are brothers. We discussed matters of mutual interest.”
He said that SCO member states would unite to confront regional terrorism and work collectively for the region’s stability.
“We hope the SCO members will get together to fight this menace in this region and work for the stability of the countries of our region and the region as a whole,” Asif said.
“SCO can be an alternate platform for cooperation within this region and also beyond,” Asif told the Global Times among a group of reporters. “This platform can be a very important vehicle to further the peace in this region and protect the countries of this region so they can live in harmony and work for the economic development of our citizens.”
Previously, the accession of Belarus was formalized at the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO in 2024. Since its inception in Shanghai in 2001, the SCO has so far expanded from a regional organization with six members into a trans-regional organization with 10 full members, two observer countries, and 14 dialogue partners.

Higher education guarantee for country’s bright future: Chairman Senate

By
Ali Ali
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0
SWABI, Jun 26 (APP):Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani here Thursday said that higher education was imperative for fast track development and guarantee of our country’s bright future.
Addressing convocation at Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Science and Technology (GIKI), the Chairman Senate said that a skilled workforce was essential for sustainable progress and development.
While paying tribute to GIKI for its overall performance and exemplary services in various fields, the Chairman Senate said that institutions like GIKI are striving to enhance the skills of such a workforce.
He said that the technology sector plays a vital role in accelerating the pace of development and significant improvements observed in Pakistan’s digital economy.
Yousaf Raza Gillani said that Pakistan ranks fourth globally in the freelancing sector and students of GIKI should use their acquired skills and expertise to serve the nation and contribute significantly in the country’s development process.
“Through research and innovation, we can address local and global challenges like climate change, food security, and sustainable energy.” He said that students should use their knowledge and abilities for the betterment of humanity and to ensure a bright and sustainable future for coming generations.
“Transformation is also taking place in the education sector,” he said, adding “we must increase our reliance on technology.”
The Chairman Senate said the goal of establishing a Digital Nation Pakistan and Special Technology Zones is to promote growth and investment in this vital sector.
He said a convocation marks the beginning of a new journey in students’ lives.
The Chairman Senate thanked President of the Society for Promotion of Engineering Sciences and Technology and Board of Governors, Engineer Saleem Saifullah Khan,
Executive Director Shakeel Durrani and other organizers. He also paid tribute for their contributions to science education, research, and development.
Chairman Senate distributed degrees among students. President of SOPREST, Engineer Saleem Saifullah Khan while thanking the Chairman Senate said that Pakistan must adopt a self-reliance strategy for sustainable economic progress.
He said that Ghulam Ishaq Khan founded this institution with a mission and students bear a great responsibility, adding efforts of faculty are commendable.
Saleem Saifullah Khan said that students from diverse cultures of the country are studying at the institute. He said parents of graduating students deserve heartfelt congratulations upon successful completion of studies of their loved ones.

Rupee gains 06 paisa against US Dollar

By
Ali Ali
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0
Dollar
ISLAMABAD, Jun 26 (APP):The Rupee on Thursday appreciated by 06 paisa against the US Dollar in the interbank trading and closed at Rs 283.66 against the previous day’s closing of Rs 283.72.
However, according to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the dollar in the open market stood at Rs 284.85 and Rs 285.95 respectively.
The price of the Euro increased by Rs3.69 to close at Rs 332.67 against the last day’s closing of Rs 328.98, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The Japanese yen went up by 02 pasia and closed at Rs1.97, whereas an increase of Rs3.67 was witnessed in the exchange rate of the British Pound, which was traded at Rs 390.04 as compared to the last day’s closing of Rs 386.37.
The exchange rates of the Emirates Dirham and the Saudi Riyal came down by 02 and 01 paisa to close at Rs 77.23 and Rs 75.63.
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