NA body urges provincials govt to establish uniform legal marriage age of 18

By

-

Thu, 17 Jul 2025, 11:16 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 17 (APP):The committee on Gender Mainstream urged the provincial governments to establish a uniform legal marriage age of 18 years for both men and women, helping reduce health risks associated with early marriage, promote-gender equality, and enhance educational and economic opportunities for young women.

The committee held on Thursday in Committee Room of Ministry of Human Rights, which was chaired by Dr Nafisa Shah commended the passing of Child Marriage Restraint Act 2025 referring to it as a milestone.

Reporting on progress in the provinces the Secretary Human Rights reported that Punjab has constituted a committee to review the Child Marriage Restraint Bill, the Government of Balochistan reported that the Bill has been approved by the Cabinet and is currently pending, while the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stated that the bill has been forwarded to the Council of Islamic Ideology for comments and all provincial governments have been urged to expedite the legislative process.

The Special Committee also expressed concern on Pakistans ranking on the Global Gender Gap Index at 148 and called upon the government to notify a cabinet committee on gender mainstreaming that would take practical steps towards Gender Parity.

The Committee urged that Pakistan’s low ranking in the gender parity index can be attributed to its weak performance in economic participation and opportunities for women, as well as the persistent under representation of women in politics and decision-making roles, both of which significantly hinder progress toward achieving gender equality.

The Acting Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) informed the Committee that the NCSW had conducted extensive consultations with parliamentarians, youth groups, civil society organizations, and legal experts regarding Child Marriage Restraint Act.

She reiterated the Commission’s support for setting 18 years as the minimum legal age for marriage. Further that the National Dialogue on Gender Gap has been conducted on 26th June, 2025 by NCSW and one of the key recommendations from the dialogue was the establishment of a National Task Force on Gender Data Synchronization.

The meeting was attended by members of national assembly including Aqeel Malik, Shahida Rehmani, Khawaja Izhar Ul Hassan, Sher Ali Arbab, Senator Fawzia Arshad, and Officers of the concerned Ministries/Divisions.

DPM, Afghan, Uzbek FMs agree to enhance regional cooperation

By

Shahzad Ahmad

-

Thu, 17 Jul 2025, 11:06 PM

0

KABUL, Jul 17 (APP):Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Thursday along with the Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, held a trilateral meeting in Kabul ahead of the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Joint Feasibility Study for Uzbek-Afghan-Pak (UAP) Railway project.

The meeting reaffirmed strong ties and a shared commitment to peace, connectivity, trade, and regional development.

The three sides emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation to unlock the region’s economic potential and ensure long-term prosperity for their peoples.

6500 students from 150 universities participating in internship programmes

By

Muhammad Zubair

-

Thu, 17 Jul 2025, 11:05 PM

0

LAHORE, Jul 17 (APP):The Higher Education Commission said on Thursday the ISPR Summer Internship is successfully ongoing simultaneously in 33 cities of Pakistan and 6,500 students from more than 150 universities are participating in the programme from all over Pakistan.

HECP local chapter sources told APP that students were being provided with rich training through academic, creative and practical activities. The internship will be conducted over a six-week duration starting July 7, 2025, and ending August 15, 2025.

During the internship programme, eminent personalities of the country will provide guidance to the students on important topics. Students were exposed to important topics for the development of academic progress and leadership skills.

The Summer Internship Program is a platform to provide new thinking, new vision and practical training to the youth. Summer Internship is an effective initiative by the Pakistan Army to make the young generation talented.

The internship program is being conducted simultaneously in over 30 locations across major cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Quetta, Peshawar, Multan, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit, Skardu, and others.

Meanwhile on this occasion, the students here expressed their feelings and determination, saying that the young generation has to play an important role in taking Pakistan on the path of development. The students expressed their determination that we should all be proud of being Pakistanis and serve the country together

DPM, Afghan Interior Minister reaffirm resolve to remove threats to regional countries

By

Shahzad Ahmad

-

Thu, 17 Jul 2025, 11:03 PM

0

KABUL, Jul 17 (APP):A meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Sirajuddin Haqqani, Acting Interior Minister of Afghanistan took place on the sidelines of the signing ceremony for the Framework Agreement on Joint Feasibility Study of the Uzbek-Afghan-Pak (UAP) Rail Corridor.

Both sides held in-depth discussions on security matters and reaffirmed the importance of eradicating the threats to regional countries.

DPM/FM underlined the importance of addressing all issues of concern, in particular security and border management, to harness the full potential of economic cooperation and regional connectivity.

PA session convened for oath-taking on reserved seat

By

Muhammad Zubair

-

Thu, 17 Jul 2025, 11:01 PM

0

PESHAWAR, Jul 17 (APP):A session of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Assembly has been scheduled for July 20 at 9:00 a.m. to administer oath to the members elected on reserved seats.

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Kareem, approved the summary sent by the Chief Minister in this regard.

The session has been specifically called to fulfill the constitutional requirement of swearing in the newly nominated members on reserved seats.

According to official sources on Thursday, the Governor Secretariat had earlier instructed the Chief Minister to send a summary for convening the assembly session, based on the directions issued by the Supreme Court and a formal letter from the Election Commission.

The move marks an important step toward completing the constitutional formation of the provincial legislature.

CDA approves Rs. 275 million Christian Graveyard Project in Islamabad

By

Shahzad Ahmad

-

Thu, 17 Jul 2025, 11:01 PM

0

ISLAMABAD, Jul 17 (APP):Capital Development Authority (CDA), in a landmark move to promote inclusivity and interfaith harmony, has approved the development of a dedicated Christian graveyard in Sector H-8/1 at an estimated cost of Rs. 275 million.

The decision was taken during the 76th meeting of the CDA Development Working Party (CDA-DWP), chaired by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa on Thursday.

Senior officials from the Planning Commission, Ministry of Interior, Finance Division, CDA Board Members, and project consultants were in attendance.

The graveyard project, which aligns with the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR)’s efforts to uphold equal rights and dignity for all communities, aims to ensure a long-awaited facility for Islamabad’s Christian residents.

It also reflects the government’s broader commitment to reducing social discrimination, improving public health infrastructure, and strengthening interfaith relations.

“Infrastructure development and human rights go hand in hand,” said Chairman Randhawa. “This project is not only about land allocation—it’s about dignity, equality, and social justice.”

In addition to the graveyard initiative, the CDA-DWP also approved two major road infrastructure projects aimed at resolving chronic traffic bottlenecks in the capital.

A PC-I for addressing traffic congestion at Shaheen Chowk — the intersection of 9th Avenue and Khayaban-e-Iqbal — was approved at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.899 billion.

Designed by M/s NESPAK, the project includes the construction of a 2+2 lane underpass for through traffic on Khayaban-e-Iqbal, along with a redesigned at-grade roundabout for turning traffic.

Once completed, the project is expected to improve the Present Serviceability Index (PSI) from E to A. The construction is expected to be completed within six months.

Similarly, another key project approved during the meeting was the construction of a two-lane flyover at Rawat T-Chowk — the junction of G.T. Road and Islamabad Highway.

Also designed by M/s NESPAK, the Rs. 1.803 billion project aims to streamline traffic flow from N-5 (Gujar Khan side) onto Islamabad Highway.

Upon completion in 12 months, the project is expected to eliminate signal-based delays on this critical stretch and facilitate uninterrupted travel on Islamabad Highway.

The CDA noted that both road projects are part of broader efforts to modernize urban mobility, reduce commute times, and enhance road safety in the capital region.

Commissioner orders strict implementation of sugar prices

By

Muhammad Zubair

-

Thu, 17 Jul 2025, 10:53 PM

0

SARGODHA, Jul 17 (APP):Commissioner Sargodha Jahanzeb Awan on Thursday directed all deputy commissioners to ensure strict implementation of the sugar price control notification, issued by the Punjab government.

According to a notification, the prices of sugar have been fixed by the Punjab Food Department from July 15, the ex-mill price would be Rs. 165/kg and retail price would be Rs. 173/kg, from August 15, the ex-mill price would be Rs. 167/kg and retail price Rs 175/kg, from September 15, the ex-mill price would be Rs 169/kg and retail price Rs 177/kg and from October 15, the ex-mill price would Rs 171/kg and retail price Rs 179/kg respectively.

The commissioner directed the district administration, price control magistrates, and relevant officials to ensure the sale of sugar at these fixed prices and take strict action against violators.

He emphasized that artificial price hikes and hoarding will not be tolerated, and the government’s directives would be implemented to provide relief to the public.

DPM discuss regional issues with Afghan PM

By

Shahzad Ahmad

-

Thu, 17 Jul 2025, 10:52 PM

0

KABUL, Jul 17 (APP):On the sidelines of the signing ceremony for the Framework Agreement on Joint Feasibility Study of the Uzbek-Afghan-Pak (UAP) Railway Corridor, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar called on Afghan Prime Minister, Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund.

The two leaders exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including peace and security, trade and transit cooperation and regional connectivity.

Recalling their earlier meeting on 19 April 2025, they reaffirmed commitment to continued engagement and agreed to maintain high-level contacts to promote bilateral relations.