KARACHI
KARACHI
KARACHI
KARACHI
Despite the scorching heat, a family enjoys a horseback ride along the breezy coast of Seaview to enjoy a summer vacation by the sea
KARACHI
KARACHI
KARACHI
KARACHI
Chairman Senate, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani addressing the participants of a knowledge-sharing session “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in senate; digital transformation, strategic opportunities & challenges for lawmakers organized by the office of the advisor on special initiatives / pdu in collaboration with European union and Mustehkam Parliamaan at parliament house
ISLAMABAD
A firefighter extinguishes a fire that erupted in the Saddar Electronic Market
KARACHI
Chairman Senate, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani addressing the participants of a knowledge-sharing session “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in senate; digital transformation, strategic opportunities & challenges for lawmakers organized by the office of the advisor on special initiatives / pdu in collaboration with European union and Mustehkam Parliamaan at parliament house
ISLAMABAD
Govt striving to develop religious, cultural sites of minorities: CM Bugti
QUETTA, Jun 16 (APP): Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Monday said that the incumbent provincial government is taking practical steps to protect and develop the religious and cultural sites of minorities,
He said that special funds are also being allocated in the upcoming budget for the renovation and improvement of the infrastructure of Hinglaj Mata Temple.
He said this while holding a meeting with Senator Danish Kumar here,
During the meeting, the Balochistan government has decided to declare the ancient and historically important Hinglaj Mata Temple located in Lasbela district as a world tourism site.
Hinglaj Mata Temple is an ancient and spiritual place of the Hindu community in Pakistan and especially in Balochistan where millions of pilgrims from all over the world including Pakistan visit every year.
Considering the religious, cultural and tourism importance of this place, the Balochistan government has decided to give it the status of a world tourism site so that not only minority religious tourism could be promoted but also the positive identity of Balochistan would be highlighted at the global level.
Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that Balochistan is a safe haven for all nationalities and cultures saying that Hinglaj Mata Temple is a symbol of Balochistan’s civilization, history and tolerance.
Granting this place a global tourist status is not only a manifestation of the confidence of the minority community, but it is
also an important effort to bring the peaceful and bright face of Balochistan to the world, he said.
Senator Dinesh Kumar thanked Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti for this decision and said that this step would strengthen the confidence of the minority citizens of Pakistan and promote interfaith harmony.
He said that this decision is a source of pride and courage for the Hindu community.
Punjab budget reflects CM’s people friendly vision: Danyal Ch
RAWALPINDI, Jun 16 (APP): Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Barrister Danyal Chaudhry has termed the Punjab Budget 2025-26 as balanced and people’s friendly, reflecting CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s visionary leadership.
In an interaction with APP, he said the budget ensures relief for all segments of society while guaranteeing provincial development.
“Education receives special focus with Rs. 4.5 billion for scholarships and a Rs. 15 billion “Scholarship Program” for meritorious students”, adding that 112,000 laptops will be distributed to facilitate digital education, while all government schools/colleges will shift to solar energy.
He highlighted the health sector sees a 41% increased allocation, including comprehensive solarization of tehsil hospitals and free medicine provisions for underprivileged patients. Rs. 89.0 billion “Easy Business Program” aims to promote SMEs and youth entrepreneurship.
It is noteworthy that Agriculture receives 24% enhanced funding, including the Green Tractor Scheme for modernized farming.
Danyal said that transport budget increases by a record 359% for affordable travel, while police allocation rises 132% for technological upgrades and training. Environmental protection sees 50% more funding, with 130% increased budget for local governments. Multiple initiatives ensure clean water access across Punjab.
Barrister Danyal Chaudhry called this budget a milestone for economic stability, employment generation and public welfare, expressing confidence it will exceed public expectations and steer national progress.
High-Level meeting reviews government’s electric bike incentive campaign
ISLAMABAD, Jun 16 (APP): A high-level meeting was chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, to review the government’s campaign regarding incentives on electric bikes.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production, Saif Anjum; the Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ms. Ambreen Jan; and Principal Information Officer, Mobashir Hassan, said a press release issued here on Monday.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the campaign aimed at providing subsidies on 116,000 electric bikes under the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Haroon Akhtar Khan stated that, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision, the government is committed to providing incentives on electric bikes to the public. He emphasized that electric vehicles are not only environmentally friendly but also help save fuel costs significantly.
He further added that 25% of the allocated electric bikes will be reserved for women, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.
The campaign will mark a major step toward promoting sustainable transport and reducing Pakistan’s carbon footprint.
ISSI hosts high-level delegation from IDCPC
ISLAMABAD, Jun 16 (APP):The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) on Monday hosted roundtable with Chinese delegation comprising senior officials from the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC).
The participants from Pakistan side included eminent practitioners and academics, said a press release.
The discussion focused on the evolving global order, regional developments, China’s role in the Global South, and ways to advance China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and further strengthen the Pakistan-China ‘All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership’. It also highlighted the importance of forging robust people-to-people ties through enhanced engagement with the youth, media, and academia, and the optimal utilisation of social media platforms.
The Chinese delegation was led by Mr. Hu Zhaoming, Spokesperson of the IDCPC & Director General of the Information and Communication Bureau of the IDCPC. He was accompanied by Mr. Hu Xiaodong, Division Director of the Information and Communication Bureau of the IDCPC, Mr. Fan Shilian, Third Secretary of the Information and Communication Bureau of the IDCPC, Mr. Li Zishuo, Attache of the Information and Communication Bureau of the IDCPC, Mr. Wang Shengjie, Political Counselor, Chinese Embassy in Islamabad and Mr. Zhang Duo, Attache, Chinese Emassy in Islamabad.
On the ISSI side, participants included: Ambassador Zamir Akram, Ambassador Masood Khalid, Ambassador Babar Amin, Dr. Hassan Daud Butt, Mr. Farrukh Pitafi, Dr. Salma Malik, Ms. Nabila Jaffar, Dr. Tahir Mumtaz Awan, and Faizan Taimoor Saqib.
In his welcome remarks, Director General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood warmly welcomed the Chinese delegation and appreciated the role of IDCPC Minister Liu Jianchao in fortifying bilateral cooperation. Highlighting the unmatched nature of Pakistan-China relations, he reaffirmed that the relationship—rooted in strategic mutual trust and mutual support on all issues of core interest—remains the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood underscored CPEC’s transformative impact and lauded China’s peaceful rise under President Xi Jinping’s visionary leadership. Emphasizing the importance of strategic stability, enhanced coordination, and people-to-people exchanges, he called for stronger media collaboration and continued support for shared goals.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment that no third-party factor would affect this all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.
In his remarks, Mr. Hu Zhaoming shared deep insights into the evolving trajectory of China’s foreign policy. He emphasized high-quality development and Chinese-style modernization. Highlighting the importance of President Xi Jinping’s key thoughts, including foreign policy and cultural rejuvenation, he underscored China’s commitment to peace, cooperation, and shared progress.
Mr. Hu noted that today’s global transformations—described by President Xi as “great changes unseen in a century”—are largely influenced by China’s peaceful rise. He reaffirmed that China remains firmly aligned with the ‘Global South’ and is determined to deepen partnerships, especially with Pakistan.
During the in-depth discussion, participants exchanged views and perspectives on a wide range of topics, including China’s role in promoting regional stability, enhancing CPEC, people-to-people exchanges, and China’s growing role in the Global South. It was agreed that both countries must work together to counter any motivated misperceptions, deepen strategic communication, and expand opportunities for collaboration at all levels—governmental, academic, and societal.
The discussions also reflected a strong mutual desire to ensure that the next phase of Pakistan-China cooperation is also dynamic, inclusive, and future-oriented.
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BoG, ISSI, emphasized the importance of enhancing cultural and people-to-people ties to further enrich the Pakistan China friendship. He reaffirmed that China-Pakistan relationship is a valuable legacy to be preserved and passed on to future generations.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom day observed at Gurdwara Dera Sahib
LAHORE, Jun 16 (APP):A spiritual and dignified central religious ceremony was held at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore, on the martyrdom day of the fifth Sikh Guru, Baba Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
A large number of Sikh pilgrims from Pakistan and abroad, along with the local Sikh Sangat, attended the event.
The ceremony was graced by Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs and President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, Dr. Sajid Mehmood Chauhan, members of PSGPC and Sikh community.
During the ceremony, religious rites including Kirtan, Ardas, and other spiritual practices were performed with great devotion and participation.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Ramesh Singh Arora said that Baba Guru Arjan Dev Ji preached truth, religious harmony, peace, tolerance, and humanity. His martyrdom stands as a timeless symbol of sacrifice for religious freedom and truth. He emphasised that religious minorities in Pakistan enjoy full freedom, and the government is taking serious steps for the upkeep and restoration of their sacred sites. He announced that the Punjab government has allocated a budget for the restoration of 15 Gurdwaras.
Ramesh Singh Arora criticised the Indian government for not allowing Sikh pilgrims to visit Pakistan, saying this decision has hurt the sentiments of Sikhs worldwide. He affirmed that Pakistan is like a second home for the Sikh community. The Kartarpur Corridor remains open from Pakistan’s side, and the Pakistani government has imposed no restrictions on visas for Indian Sikh pilgrims, added Arora. He expressed hope that Indian Sikhs would be able to visit Pakistan on the upcoming death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, Dr. Sajid Mehmood Chauhan, stated that Pakistan had made comprehensive arrangements for Sikh pilgrims, including red carpet welcome, accommodation, medical facilities, and security. He reiterated that Pakistan has always kept its doors of goodwill open and the Kartarpur Corridor remains operational. He assured that the government of Pakistan is always ready to welcome Sikh pilgrims, and the protection and promotion of their sacred sites will remain a top priority.
The ceremony concluded with a communal meal (Langar), in which all participants took part collectively.
Rs 41.3b to be spent on PFA, price control and enforcement
LAHORE, Jun 16 (APP):In the next fiscal year, the Punjab government has allocated Rs 11.3 billion for development and Rs 30 billion for non-development expenditures of Punjab Food Authority (PFA), price control and its enforcement.
In his budget speech on the floor of the Punjab Assembly here Monday, Provincial Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said that establishment of Punjab Enforcement Regulatory Authority (PERA) is also among the important achievements of the present government, which aims to strengthen the government budget through district and tehsil activities to ensure Anti-Encroachment and Price Control. “We have recently allocated a budget for this newly established authority in the non-development budget of the next fiscal year to maintain the continuity of our most successful Anti-Encroachment and Price Control campaign throughout the province. We have allocated Rs 22 billion for the PERA,” he added. Furthermore, the estimate for the financial year 2025-26 also includes a plan for the second phase of establishing PERA Enforcement Stations at a cost of Rs 5 billion.
He said, the government has done a lot of work in one year to provide quality goods at affordable prices to the citizens under Price Control & Commodities Management. The Punjab government has also established a separate department to curb overselling, hoarding and protect the rights of the common citizen, for which a total of Rs. 18 billion has been set aside. Under this initiative, government plans to establish Flagship Facilitation Bazaars in 100 tehsils across Punjab during the next financial year, for which a fund of Rs. 10 billion has been allocated.
The role of Punjab Food Authority (PFA), he said, in ensuring the supply of world-class food items is commendable, and the government is going to establish PFA House at a cost of Rs. 1.2 billion to enhance the capacity of this authority. In the next financial year, a modern and quality Food Testing Laboratory and Testing School would be built in Rawalpindi under the PFA at a cost of Rs. 400 million, he added.