shehbaz congratulates pmln
| | |

PM Shehbaz congratulates PML-N on AJK election vic…

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on its strong performance in the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections.

In a statement, the prime minister extended his congratulations to PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and all successful party candidates, praising their efforts during the election campaign.

Shehbaz Sharif said he wholeheartedly congratulated every winning PML-N candidate, adding that the party’s continued electoral success was the result of the hard work and dedication of Nawaz Sharif and the entire PML-N team.

He said the party had run a highly successful election campaign in Azad Jammu and Kashmir under Nawaz Sharif’s leadership, describing the victory as a clear expression of the people’s confidence in the PML-N’s policies and vision.

The prime minister reiterated that the development and prosperity of Azad Kashmir, along with the welfare of its people, remain among the federal government’s top priorities.

He also noted that political parties actively participated in the second phase of the AJK elections, describing the electoral process as an important democratic exercise.

Similar Posts

  • | | |

    Weekly inflation rises 0.15%, annual rate reaches …

    ISLAMABAD: Weekly inflation in Pakistan increased by 0.15% during the latest week, taking the overall annual inflation rate to 9.11%, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The statistics agency issued its weekly inflation report, showing mixed price trends for essential commodities. According to the report, prices of 20 essential items increased during the week, while nine items became cheaper. Prices of 22 commodities remained unchanged. Onion recorded the sharpest increase, with its price rising by 24.68% in one week. The price of gram lentils also increased by 3.35%. Chicken became 2.45% more expensive during the week. Prices of several other household essentials, including yogurt, garlic and tea, also recorded increases. The report showed that some major commodities became cheaper. Tomato prices declined by 1.26% during the week. Petroleum prices also decreased. Petrol became 2.35% cheaper, while diesel prices fell by 0.29%. The prices of sugar, eggs and potatoes also recorded declines during the week. The latest figures indicate continued fluctuations in the prices of essential commodities. While several food items became more expensive, reductions in petroleum prices and some food products provided some relief to consumers. The weekly inflation figures are closely monitored as they reflect short-term changes in the prices of goods commonly purchased by households. The annual inflation rate, meanwhile, provides a broader picture of price increases across the economy.

  • | |

    Pakistan Idol announces long-awaited finale date

    Pakistan Idol is set to return to television with its much-awaited finale after a prolonged interruption, giving viewers another chance to see the singing competition reach its conclusion. The Pakistani adaptation of the internationally recognised Idol format attracted considerable attention after its return, introducing audiences to several emerging singers and providing them with a national platform. However, the programme faced a number of setbacks during its run. The show was unexpectedly halted, with financial difficulties and the wider economic situation cited among the reasons for the interruption. Reports of disputes involving payments to vendors also added to the controversy surrounding the production. The unexpected suspension left viewers uncertain about whether the competition would ever receive a proper conclusion. Fans repeatedly called for the remaining episodes to be completed, particularly as the programme had already developed a following. The wait now appears to be over. Pakistan Idol has officially announced that a finale episode will be aired on August 23. Superstar Atif Aslam shared the announcement with his followers, confirming the return of the programme for its concluding episode. Atif Aslam’s involvement has added further excitement to the announcement, as the celebrated singer is among the major names associated with the latest season. The judging panel also features prominent names from Pakistan’s music industry, including Fawad Khan, Zeb Bangash and Bilal Maqsood. The judges had previously hinted that the programme could return, keeping hopes alive among its viewers. The announcement has generated a mixed reaction on social media. While many fans welcomed the news and expressed excitement about finally seeing the finale, others questioned how the competition would conclude after such a lengthy interruption. Some viewers also wondered about the fate of the quarter-final and semi-final stages, asking how the production would move directly toward the finale after the extended break. Despite the questions, the announcement has renewed interest in Pakistan Idol. Fans who had been waiting for the competition to receive a proper ending can now look forward to the scheduled finale on August 23.

  • |

    Rawalpindi division marks Independence Day with fe…

    RAWALPINDI: The 79th Independence Day of Pakistan was celebrated across Rawalpindi Division with patriotic zeal, as citizens from different walks of life renewed their commitment to the country’s progress, peace and prosperity. Government offices, educational institutions, hospitals and public organisations held flag-hoisting ceremonies and other activities. Officials, parliamentarians, students, teachers, lawyers, journalists, workers and civil society members took part in the celebrations. At Benazir Bhutto Hospital, MNA Tahira Aurangzeb and Punjab Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Culture Shazia Rizwan hoisted the national flag. Medical Superintendent Dr Sharjeel, doctors and hospital staff welcomed the guests and presented them with bouquets. Rawalpindi Women University organised a ceremony featuring a Guard of Honour, flag hoisting, the national anthem, prayers and cake cutting. The university also launched its new anthem. Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Tayyaba Zarif paid tribute to the sacrifices behind Pakistan’s creation and stressed the importance of education, discipline, character and responsible citizenship. She also highlighted women’s education as a key factor in the country’s development. Faculty members and students later planted trees as part of the celebrations. The Suthra Punjab Agency Head Office also hosted an Independence Day ceremony attended by Senator Nasir Mahmood Butt, Rawalpindi Waste Management Company Board members Hafiz Abdullah Butt and Tanveer Akhtar Sheikh, MD Suthra Punjab Agency Rawalpindi Rana Sajid Safdar, officers and employees. The main flag-hoisting ceremony for Rawalpindi District took place at a local hotel, where Rawalpindi Division Commissioner Salman Ghani and Deputy Commissioner Captain (Retd.) Nadeem Nasir hoisted the national flag. A Punjab Police contingent presented a Guard of Honour, while participants offered prayers for Pakistan’s security, stability and prosperity. Students performed national songs and expressed their patriotism. At the Rawalpindi Arts Council, Punjab Parliamentary Secretary Shazia Rizwan led another flag-hoisting ceremony and urged citizens to play their role in the country’s development. Independence Day events also took place at press clubs, political party offices and other public institutions across the city, reflecting the people’s shared resolve to build a peaceful, prosperous and progressive Pakistan. Meanwhile, Attock also marked Independence Day with patriotic enthusiasm. On the directions of Deputy Commissioner Dr Mudassar Ahmed Shah, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Municipal Services) Aneel Saeed attended a ceremony in Mehria Town, where he hoisted the national flag and cut a cake. Aneel Saeed later visited District Jail Attock, distributed sweets among prisoners and inspected cleanliness, food and medical arrangements. He directed the jail administration to ensure prisoners received all basic facilities. He also watched a kabaddi match organised for inmates and distributed prizes among the top-performing players. He said sports activities help promote positive thinking, discipline and healthy competition among prisoners.

  • |

    Justin Greaves’ unbeaten fifty lifts West Indies to 239-5 against Pakistan

    PORT OF SPAIN: Justin Greaves produced a composed unbeaten half-century to guide the West Indies to 239-5 at stumps on the opening day of the second Test against Pakistan, putting the hosts in a strong position after rain and fading light curtailed play. Greaves remained unbeaten on 64, while experienced all-rounder Roston Chase was solid on 36 not out, with the pair steering the Caribbean side through the closing stages after Pakistan struck at regular intervals. Earlier, Brandon King laid the foundation for the innings with an impressive 46, helping the West Indies recover from early setbacks before narrowly missing out on a well-deserved half-century. Pakistan’s bowlers worked hard on a surface that offered occasional assistance but struggled to build sustained pressure as partnerships frustrated the visitors throughout the day. Fast bowler Mohammad Ali emerged as Pakistan’s most successful bowler, claiming two wickets with disciplined line and length. Ubaid Shah, Ali Usman, and veteran spinner Sajid Khan picked up one wicket each, ensuring Pakistan stayed in the contest despite West Indies’ steady progress. The opening day’s play was interrupted by rain and poor light, limiting action to just 74 overs instead of a full day’s schedule. The frequent stoppages disrupted the rhythm of both teams and prevented Pakistan from fully capitalising whenever they gained momentum. With five wickets still in hand, the West Indies will look to extend their first-innings total beyond 350 when play resumes on Tuesday. Greaves and Chase will be aiming to convert their unbeaten partnership into a match-defining stand. Pakistan, meanwhile, will target an early breakthrough on the second morning to expose the lower order and prevent the hosts from taking complete control of the contest. The second day’s opening session is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the direction of the Test, with both teams aware that a strong first-innings performance could prove decisive in the battle for series momentum.

  • | | |

    Pakistan Hockey captain Abu Bakar confident of str…

      Pakistan hockey team captain Abu Bakar has expressed confidence that the national side can deliver a strong performance at the upcoming Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands. Speaking to the media before the team’s departure for the Netherlands, the newly appointed captain said he was not feeling any pressure because of the responsibility of leading the national team. He added that all the players were united and fully focused on achieving their objectives in the tournament. Abu Bakar said the team had discussed its targets with senior players and that everyone was on the same page regarding the World Cup campaign. According to him, players including Imad Butt, Hannan Shahid and Sufyan Khan had made it clear that the team’s first objective was to qualify for the top four. “Our first target is to reach the top four, and after that, we want to stand on the victory podium,” Abu Bakar said, highlighting the team’s ambition to compete for a medal rather than simply participate in the tournament. The captain also spoke about Pakistan’s highly anticipated clash with arch-rivals India. He said the World Cup encounter would be completely different from the matches played between the two sides in the FIH Pro League. While the players are familiar with each other from previous international competitions, Abu Bakar believes the pressure and significance of a World Cup match will make the contest much more challenging. “Compared to the Pro League, the World Cup match against India will be completely different,” he said. Despite the intensity surrounding the Pakistan-India rivalry, Abu Bakar remained confident about his team’s chances. He said Pakistan would make every possible effort to defeat India and secure an important victory in the tournament. The captain also praised the support and unity within the national squad. He said the senior players were playing an important role in supporting one another and helping the younger members of the team deal with the demands of international hockey. According to Abu Bakar, the team’s positive environment has helped the players remain focused on their goals. He stressed that captaincy was not an individual responsibility and that success would depend on the collective efforts of the entire squad. Pakistan will enter the World Cup with high expectations as the team looks to restore its position among the world’s leading hockey nations. The players are expected to face strong competition from some of the best teams in international hockey, making every match crucial to their campaign. For Abu Bakar, the tournament will also be an important test of his leadership as he takes charge of the national side. However, his comments suggest that he is confident in both his teammates and their preparations. With the squad united around the goal of reaching the top four, Pakistan will hope to produce consistent performances throughout the competition. The team will aim to go beyond the initial target and finish the tournament on the victory podium. As the players leave for the Netherlands, Abu Bakar’s message is clear: there is no room for fear or pressure. The team wants to compete strongly, support one another and give its best against every opponent, particularly India. Pakistan hockey fans will now be hoping that the captain and his teammates can turn their confidence and determination into results on the field and make a deep run in the World Cup.

  • |

    Pakistani mountaineers successfully cross historic phargam An Pass 

      A team of Pakistani mountaineers has successfully crossed the historic Phargam An Pass in the Hindu Kush mountain range for the first time in 27 years, marking a significant milestone in the country’s mountaineering history. Standing at an altitude of 5,100 meters (16,732 feet), the challenging pass was successfully summited by the expedition team after navigating some of the region’s most demanding terrain. The expedition also made history by becoming the first to include female mountaineers who successfully reached the summit of Phargam An Pass. Their achievement represents a major step forward for women’s participation in Pakistan’s adventure tourism and mountaineering community, highlighting the growing presence of female athletes in high-altitude expeditions. The expedition was organized with the support of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority and took place in Upper Chitral, an area renowned for its spectacular mountains, glaciers, and remote landscapes. The mission aimed not only to revive a historic route but also to promote adventure tourism in the region while showcasing Pakistan’s rich natural beauty. During the expedition, the team made another remarkable discovery by locating the memorial of Austrian mountaineer George Kronberger, who tragically lost his life in the area in 1975. Finding the memorial added historical significance to the expedition, connecting the modern-day climbers with an important chapter in the history of mountaineering in the Hindu Kush. The journey to Phargam An Pass was far from easy. Team members crossed vast glaciers, climbed steep snow-covered slopes, traversed rocky mountain trails, and carefully navigated areas threatened by avalanches. Despite these hazardous conditions, the climbers successfully completed the expedition through careful planning, teamwork, and determination. Expedition guide Zamrud Khan noted that climate change has significantly altered the route to Phargam An Pass over the years. According to him, melting glaciers, changing snow conditions, and shifting mountain landscapes have made the route considerably different and more challenging compared to previous decades. His observations underline the visible impact of global climate change on Pakistan’s high-altitude regions and the increasing challenges faced by mountaineers. A particularly inspiring aspect of the expedition was the participation of three sisters from Chitral—Mahrosh Akhtar, Ismeel Roz, and Madhu Shala Akhtar—who became part of this historic journey and set a new example for aspiring female adventurers across Pakistan. Their achievement demonstrates that women are increasingly breaking barriers in fields traditionally dominated by men and encouraging future generations to pursue outdoor sports and exploration. The expedition team included Kamran Khan, Mahrosh Akhtar, Samar Khan, Nauman Khan, Noorul Rahman, Zohaib Khan, Umar Khattab Sherani, Sahnia Babar, Amina Shabbir, and Madiha Syed. Their successful completion of this demanding mission not only revived a historic mountain pass after nearly three decades but also highlighted Pakistan’s immense potential for adventure tourism. The expedition serves as a testament to the resilience, courage, and teamwork of Pakistani mountaineers while drawing attention to the need for preserving the fragile mountain environment in the face of climate change.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *