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IRS, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh panel eyes new era of South Asian cooperation
The Institute of Regional Studies organized a panel examining China-Pakistan-Bangladesh partnerships focused on regional development. Ambassadors and academics discussed how this trilateral cooperation could revitalize South Asian collaboration beyond traditional geopolitical constraints. Institute President Ambassador Jauhar Saleem noted that South Asia maintains the world's lowest intra-regional trade at five percent. He emphasized that this new framework would complement rather than replace existing regional organizations like SAARC. Former Ambassador Moin ul Haque highlighted successful pandemic-era initiatives such as emergency supply reserves and poverty reduction programs. Bangladeshi expert Lt. Gen. Dr. Aminul Karim stressed...
Rubina Khalid, Munir Ahmed chart a climate-smart future for BISP in Islamabad
Senator Rubina Khalid received congratulations from Development Communications Network Executive Director Munir Ahmed during their recent meeting. The Benazir Income Support Programme leader discussed expanding services to climate-vulnerable regions through enhanced transparency and innovation. Ahmed praised the program's grassroots effectiveness while emphasizing social protection's evolution alongside environmental challenges. Both officials recognized strong connections between community safety measures and climate adaptation strategies. Their conversation centered on integrating environmental sustainability within Pakistan's social protection framework. Ahmed proposed partnership initiatives featuring nature-based solutions and...
Hasnat Qureshi, World Bank, drives digital reforms for procurement in Islamabad
Public Procurement Regulatory Authority Managing Director Hasnat Ahmed Qureshi met with World Bank officials to discuss procurement system reforms. Regional Procurement Manager Majed El-Bayya led the delegation from the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan region. The meeting focused on regulatory updates, institutional improvements, and digital platform expansion across Pakistan. Qureshi explained amendments to the 2002 PPRA Ordinance and the development of the new 2025 Public Procurement Rules. These changes emphasize independent complaint processes, third-party monitoring, and clear official responsibilities. The EPADS digital platform serves 8,480 procurement agencies with 34,500 registered vendors. Last year, the...
Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Jane Marriott advance UK-Pakistan ties at Karachi talks
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott visited Aseefa Bhutto Zardari at Bilawal House in Karachi for diplomatic discussions. The First Lady and Member of National Assembly engaged in conversations covering education, healthcare, women's empowerment, and youth development programs. Aseefa expressed appreciation for the United Kingdom Prime Minister's position regarding Gaza while stressing the need for worldwide peace initiatives. Both representatives demonstrated strong commitment to advancing social development and strengthening bilateral cooperation between their nations. The meeting featured participation from British Deputy High Commissioner Lance Domb and Political Advisor Huda Ikram alongside Pakistani officials. Sindh Health...
Shehbaz Sharif, the cabinet approves Hajj digitization, AI policy breakthroughs in Islamabad
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif led Tuesday's federal cabinet session that endorsed two major policy frameworks. The government approved the Hajj Policy 2026 and National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025 during this significant meeting. Cabinet members received comprehensive briefings on both initiatives before granting unanimous approval. The session also confirmed previous decisions from cabinet committees on privatization and legislation. These policy adoptions represent substantial governmental commitments to modernization and technological advancement. The Hajj Policy 2026 emphasizes complete digitalization of pilgrimage operations and enhanced transparency measures. Pakistan will allocate its Hajj quota through a 70-30...
Riffat Mukhtar Raja, FIA lead charge on human trafficking at the Islamabad summit
Pakistan hosted a major gathering in Islamabad to observe World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The event emphasized the nation's determination to eliminate human trafficking as an organized criminal activity. Government officials and international representatives assembled to enhance cooperation against this global threat. The conference adopted a theme that focuses on ending exploitation through coordinated action. Federal Investigation Agency Director General Riffat Mukhtar Raja addressed attendees about national anti-trafficking measures. Raja highlighted Pakistan's comprehensive legislation from 2018 and stressed treating trafficking survivors as victims rather than offenders. The FIA leader committed to safeguarding victim...
Haroon Akhtar Khan, German firms team up to power EV skills in Islamabad
Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar Khan conducted a senior meeting addressing electric vehicle technical training requirements. The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission joined German companies Lukas Nülle and the Institute of Motor Industry alongside Engineering Development Board representatives. Pakistan faces significant workforce gaps within its emerging electric vehicle market that demand immediate attention. German enterprises expressed a strong commitment to establishing local training programs supporting the country's electric transportation shift. Khan emphasized Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's commitment to successful electric vehicle policy implementation through skilled labor development. Electric vehicle...
Pakistan rebukes India's claims on Operation Sindoor, calls for respect of treaties
Pakistan's Foreign Affairs Ministry dismissed Indian Parliament discussions about Operation Sindoor as factually incorrect and deliberately misleading. Officials accused Indian leaders of distorting events for political advantage while failing to provide evidence supporting their military claims. The ministry spokesman characterized India's narrative as dangerous glorification of armed conflict that threatens regional stability. Pakistani authorities rejected assertions made during recent Lok Sabha proceedings as provocative attempts to justify aggressive actions. The statement emphasized India's inability to achieve stated military objectives through cross-border operations. Government representatives maintained that Indian forces...
Mustafa Kamal accelerates telemedicine rollout in Karachi, Islamabad pilot programs
Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal led a senior-level review session examining Pakistan's national Telemedicine Project advancement. The Joint Secretary of Health, Director General of Development, and Special Consultant on Telemedicine participated in discussions about implementation progress. Officials presented comprehensive updates while identifying primary obstacles encountered during development phases. The initiative targets medical consultation delivery alongside essential medicine distribution to citizens across Pakistan. Remote and underserved communities represent the primary beneficiaries of this healthcare modernization effort. Kamal emphasized the project's urgent implementation timeline to maximize citizen...

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