Two Myanmar Nationals Killed in Horrific Chiang Rai Highway Crash

ISLAMABAD: A 25-year-old man died while taking part in a physical test for recruitment into the Islamabad Police. The deceased was identified as Ishaq. He had travelled from Sarai Naurang in Lakki Marwat to participate in the recruitment process. According to police, Ishaq was taking part in the running test when he suddenly collapsed. He reportedly became unconscious during the physical activity. Police officials immediately arranged an ambulance to take him to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. Ishaq was shifted to the hospital’s emergency department for medical assistance. However, doctors said that he had already died while being transported to the hospital. The young man could not be revived after reaching the medical facility. The incident occurred during the physical testing stage of the Islamabad Police recruitment process. The test requires candidates to take part in physical activities as part of the selection procedure. The sudden death of the young candidate has raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the incident. However, police have not yet provided further details about the exact cause of death. It was also not immediately clear whether Ishaq had any previous medical condition or whether he had undergone a medical examination before taking part in the physical test. Authorities are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Further information may emerge after the relevant medical and official procedures are completed. The death has brought attention to the physical demands placed on candidates during police recruitment tests. Candidates are required to meet prescribed physical standards before progressing to further stages of the selection process.

ISLAMABAD: Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide arrived in Islamabad on Thursday for an official two-day visit, marking the first visit by a Norwegian foreign minister to Pakistan in a decade and opening a fresh chapter in bilateral engagement. Eide, who is visiting Pakistan on the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, was received at Islamabad International Airport by Additional Foreign Secretary for Europe Ambassador Ayesha Ali. He later held a meeting with Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where the two sides are expected to discuss a broad range of issues concerning Pakistan-Norway relations. According to the Foreign Office, Eide’s visit will continue through August 14 and include delegation-level talks between the two countries. The discussions are expected to focus on areas where Islamabad and Oslo see potential for stronger cooperation. Trade and investment will be among the key subjects, while climate change, renewable energy and education are also expected to feature prominently in the talks. The two sides will additionally explore ways to strengthen people-to-people contacts. The visit comes at a time when Pakistan is seeking to deepen economic and diplomatic partnerships with European countries, particularly in areas linked to investment, clean energy and sustainable development. Beyond bilateral matters, the foreign ministers are also expected to exchange views on important regional and international developments. This could give the two sides an opportunity to discuss shared concerns and assess developments affecting the wider region. The Foreign Office said the visit builds on a series of high-level contacts between Pakistan and Norway in recent months. Dar and Eide held telephone conversations in March and April, while Norwegian State Secretary Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik visited Islamabad in May. The two countries have also maintained engagement through diplomatic channels, with both sides showing interest in expanding cooperation beyond traditional areas. Eide’s arrival therefore carries significance not only because of its timing but also because of the gap since the last visit by a Norwegian foreign minister. The trip provides an opportunity to translate recent diplomatic contacts into practical cooperation. For Islamabad, stronger ties with Norway could bring opportunities in trade, investment, renewable energy and education. For Oslo, deeper engagement with Pakistan offers a chance to strengthen relations with an important South Asian partner. The Foreign Office described the visit as an opportunity to further strengthen the “longstanding and cordial relations” between the two countries and identify new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation. With formal talks now underway, attention will turn to whether the two-day visit produces concrete initiatives that can give Pakistan-Norway relations fresh momentum.

Pakistan’s diplomatic profile has undergone a significant transformation over the past year. Once viewed primarily through the prism of regional security, the country is now increasingly being recognised as a constructive diplomatic actor capable of facilitating dialogue and contributing to regional stability. Against this backdrop, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar’s official visit to the United Kingdom, beginning on Monday, carries considerable strategic and political importance. The visit comes at a time when Pakistan’s international standing has strengthened through an active and confident foreign policy. Islamabad’s recent role in facilitating dialogue and reducing tensions in the Middle East has earned international recognition, while its efforts to promote regional peace have been acknowledged by major global powers. Pakistan’s leadership in supporting diplomacy between the United States and Iran, together with its broader commitment to regional stability, has enhanced its credibility as a reliable international partner. This growing diplomatic influence has also been reflected in the historic Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. The agreement has reinforced Pakistan’s position as an important contributor to collective security, strategic cooperation and peace in the wider Middle East, demonstrating its ability to work closely with key regional partners on issues of shared security. Senator Ishaq Dar’s visit to the United Kingdom is aimed at building upon this diplomatic momentum by further strengthening Pakistan’s relationship with one of its most important international partners. It will be Pakistan’s first high-level engagement with the United Kingdom since Prime Minister Andy Burnham assumed office on 20 July 2026, making the visit particularly significant in establishing an early and comprehensive dialogue with the new British leadership. A central feature of the visit will be Mr Dar’s meeting with United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband. The discussions are expected to cover the full spectrum of Pakistan–United Kingdom relations, including political cooperation, trade and investment, institutional collaboration, education, cultural exchanges and people-to-people links. Particular emphasis is likely to be placed on the invaluable contribution of the British Pakistani community, which continues to serve as a bridge between the two countries. Regional and international developments, particularly the evolving situation in the Middle East, are also expected to feature prominently on the agenda. The Deputy Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet the United Kingdom’s National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell. These talks are expected to focus on regional and global security challenges, with discussions covering counter-terrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing and broader strategic coordination. Such engagement reflects the growing importance both countries attach to security cooperation in an increasingly complex international environment. Another significant engagement will be Mr Dar’s meeting with International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez. The meeting will reaffirm Pakistan’s longstanding cooperation with the IMO and underline Islamabad’s commitment to promoting safe, secure and efficient international shipping. As a maritime nation with expanding regional connectivity ambitions, Pakistan’s engagement with the IMO remains an important component of its international diplomacy. Beyond the scheduled meetings, the visit represents a broader strategic opportunity. It offers both Islamabad and London the chance to redefine and modernise a long-standing partnership that extends beyond traditional diplomacy to encompass trade, investment, technology, education, climate cooperation and regional security. With changing geopolitical dynamics and emerging economic opportunities, both countries have strong incentives to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors. For Pakistan, the visit is also a demonstration of a more proactive and confident foreign policy that seeks engagement rather than isolation. It reflects Islamabad’s determination to cultivate stronger ties with major global powers while simultaneously playing a constructive role in addressing regional and international challenges. If successful, Senator Ishaq Dar’s visit is expected not only to strengthen Pakistan–United Kingdom relations under the new United Kingdom leadership but also to pave the way for further high-level exchanges in the months ahead. More importantly, it will reinforce Pakistan’s growing image as a responsible diplomatic partner whose influence extends beyond South Asia and whose voice is increasingly valued in discussions on international peace, security and strategic cooperation.

Pakistan has faced more than 400 cyberattacks during the current year, with authorities successfully stopping all reported attacks in time, according to the Director General of the National Cyber Emergency Response Team, Dr Haider Abbas. Dr Abbas said the growing number of cyber threats showed the need for stronger national cybersecurity measures. He called for the establishment of a powerful National Cyber Security Authority to coordinate cybersecurity efforts across the country. Speaking in an interview, he said Pakistan was facing increasingly complex cyber threats. He also warned about the risks posed by cyberattacks allegedly backed by state actors. According to Dr Abbas, Pakistan needs a central institution with sufficient authority to deal with the growing cybersecurity challenges. He proposed placing the National Cyber Security Authority under the prime minister. He said a national authority working under the prime minister could respond more effectively to major cyber threats. It could also improve coordination between government institutions and other organisations responsible for digital security. The official stressed that cybersecurity had become an important national issue. The increasing dependence on digital systems has also increased the potential risks to government institutions, businesses and other critical sectors. More than 400 attacks reported this year highlight the scale of the challenge facing Pakistan. Although the attacks were reportedly prevented, officials believe the country needs stronger systems to detect and respond to future threats. Dr Abbas said the proposed authority should oversee cybersecurity across the country. It should also ensure that different institutions follow effective security measures and remain prepared for emerging digital threats. A central cybersecurity body could help improve coordination during cyber emergencies. It could also allow authorities to respond quickly when sensitive digital systems come under attack. The official’s proposal comes as cyber threats continue to become more sophisticated worldwide. Governments are increasingly focusing on protecting critical infrastructure, public institutions and digital networks from cyberattacks. Pakistan has also expanded its dependence on online systems in government, banking, communications and other sectors. Any major cyberattack on important infrastructure could potentially disrupt essential services. Dr Abbas therefore called for a stronger national framework to protect Pakistan’s digital environment. He said the proposed authority should have a clear mandate and sufficient powers to manage cybersecurity across the country. He also emphasised the importance of a coordinated national response. Different government departments and institutions need to work together to identify threats and prevent attacks before they cause damage. The official said placing the authority under the prime minister would give it greater effectiveness and allow important decisions to be taken quickly. The disclosure of more than 400 cyberattacks this year has renewed attention on Pakistan’s digital security. Authorities are now facing growing pressure to strengthen national cybersecurity systems and improve preparedness against future threats.

British-Pakistani filmmaker Seemab Gul’s award-winning film Ghost School has been denied certification by the Sindh Board of Certification, preventing its theatrical release in the province where the film is set. The decision has sparked discussion about artistic expression, girls’ education and the portrayal of social issues through cinema. Gul has appealed to the Sindh Board to reconsider its decision. She said the film was made from a child’s perspective and aims to encourage audiences to think about education and the challenges faced by children. The filmmaker said she had asked the board to explain the reason for refusing certification but had not received an explanation. Despite the decision in Sindh, Ghost School has already gained recognition at several international film festivals. The film won the Best Director award at the UK Asian Film Festival. It also premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it received a nomination in a major competition category. It was later screened at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah. The film also received an honourable mention at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles and secured a special award at the Asian, African and Latin American Film Festival. The film follows 10-year-old Rabia, who tries to understand why the only school in her rural village has stopped operating. Through the young girl’s journey, the story examines barriers to girls’ education, resilience and problems within publicly funded schools. The film focuses on the issue of so-called “ghost schools”. These are schools that exist officially but are no longer functioning properly as educational institutions. Gul explained that some such schools were never fully completed. They may lack basic facilities such as doors, windows, water, electricity or gas. In other cases, she said, schools were completed and teachers initially worked there, but operations eventually stopped. The filmmaker described the issue as a serious challenge in Pakistan, where millions of children remain outside the formal education system. Gul said the film was not intended simply to highlight a problem. Instead, she wanted to tell the story through a child’s eyes and encourage discussion about access to education. The refusal to certify the film in Sindh has therefore raised broader questions about whether filmmakers should be able to explore sensitive social issues through cinema. Gul has urged the provincial certification authority to review its decision and allow audiences to watch the film.