فیچرڈ

  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed all federal and provincial authorities to remain on maximum alert and maintain full preparedness to tackle any emergency resulting from the ongoing monsoon rains and the flood situation affecting different parts of the country. The directive was issued during a high-level review meeting held in Islamabad on Tuesday to assess the impact of the current monsoon spell and evaluate the government’s response to flooding and related emergencies. During the meeting, the Prime Minister directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to maintain close coordination with Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and provincial governments. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that weather forecasts and monsoon-related alerts are shared promptly with all relevant federal and provincial institutions to support timely decision-making and emergency response. Shehbaz Sharif also tasked Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal with chairing daily meetings of the Flood Committee to closely monitor the evolving situation, review developments, and recommend appropriate measures to minimize the impact of heavy rainfall and flooding. Highlighting the risks in Pakistan’s mountainous regions, the Prime Minister stressed that the early warning system for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and flash floods must remain fully operational. He underscored the need for constant vigilance in vulnerable northern areas where melting glaciers continue to pose a serious threat. The Prime Minister noted that although Pakistan contributes only a small fraction to global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains one of the countries most severely affected by climate change. He said the government is actively implementing short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies aimed at reducing the country’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters and strengthening resilience against extreme weather events. Shehbaz Sharif instructed the NDMA, in collaboration with all relevant departments, to take every possible measure to protect lives, safeguard property, and strengthen disaster response efforts throughout the ongoing monsoon season. The meeting was attended by NDMA officials and chief secretaries from all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Participants received detailed briefings on recent rainfall, the extent of damages, and the progress of rescue, relief, and rehabilitation operations. Officials informed the meeting that the NDMA is providing full logistical support and resources to provincial governments to manage flood-related emergencies in northern regions, while also assisting authorities in responding to the ongoing heatwave affecting Sindh and Balochistan. The participants were also briefed that another heavy spell of monsoon rainfall is expected over the next two days in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and southern Sindh. A further nationwide spell of significant rainfall is forecast for the second week of September. The meeting was informed that the Flood Committee established on the Prime Minister’s instructions continues to hold regular meetings to monitor the situation and ensure the effective implementation of rescue, relief, and rehabilitation measures across the country. According to the latest figures presented during the briefing, the current monsoon season has claimed 110 lives, injured 360 people, damaged 796 houses, and caused the death of 376 livestock. Officials also highlighted that the ongoing El Niño phenomenon has accelerated glacier melting in Pakistan’s northern regions, increasing the likelihood of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods and flash floods over the coming month. Authorities have already identified high-risk areas and are taking preventive measures to reduce potential damage. The meeting was further informed that immediate action has helped bring urban flooding under control in central Punjab, including Lahore, while drainage operations continue in agricultural areas affected by floodwaters. Authorities also confirmed that the flood situation in Dera Ghazi Khan and nearby districts remains under control. Officials reported that timely operations have led to the reopening of roads at 106 locations, restoring connectivity in affected areas. The meeting was also told that the National Emergency and Telecommunication Centre, established by the Ministry of Information Technology, is fully operational, enabling Rescue 1122 teams to respond quickly to emergency calls from any mobile phone across the country. In addition, authorities have identified 700 locations nationwide for rainwater storage during the monsoon season. The initiative aims to conserve water for agricultural use during dry periods while improving long-term water management and climate resilience.

  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the need to improve the efficiency and performance of government institutions by adopting modern technology and enhancing the professional training of public sector employees. He made these remarks while chairing a high-level meeting on the federal government’s rightsizing initiative and measures aimed at improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of state institutions. The meeting reviewed the progress made under the government’s administrative reform agenda, which seeks to reduce the size of the public sector, eliminate unnecessary expenditures, and ensure more efficient delivery of public services. Addressing the participants, the Prime Minister said that technological innovation and skill development are essential for transforming the public sector into a more responsive, transparent, and efficient system. He stressed that government institutions must embrace modern digital solutions while ensuring that employees receive the training required to adapt to new technologies and administrative practices. Shehbaz Sharif said the government’s rightsizing policy is already producing positive results by reducing unnecessary spending and improving the utilization of public resources. He noted that several major reforms have been implemented under the initiative, including the closure of the Utility Stores Corporation, Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak PWD), and the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO). According to the Prime Minister, these decisions were taken after careful consideration to streamline government operations, eliminate overlapping functions, and reduce the financial burden on the national exchequer. He said the objective of the reforms is to build a leaner and more efficient public sector capable of delivering better services to citizens while ensuring fiscal discipline. The Prime Minister stated that the savings generated through the rightsizing initiative would help strengthen the country’s financial position and allow the government to allocate more resources toward priority sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development. To ensure transparency and accountability, Shehbaz Sharif directed that all positions and institutions abolished under the rightsizing programme should undergo an independent third-party audit. He said the audit would assess whether the reforms had been implemented effectively and whether the expected financial and administrative benefits had been achieved. The Prime Minister also instructed the relevant authorities to accelerate the implementation of all remaining rightsizing measures. He emphasized that administrative reforms should be carried out efficiently while maintaining transparency and ensuring that public services are not disrupted during the restructuring process. During the meeting, officials briefed the participants on the progress achieved so far. They informed the Prime Minister that vacant positions across various federal ministries and government departments have been abolished as part of the government’s effort to reduce unnecessary staffing and improve administrative efficiency. The meeting was further informed that work is also underway on the privatization of several state-owned enterprises. Officials said the government is taking practical steps to transfer selected public sector entities to the private sector in accordance with its broader economic reform programme. The privatization process aims to reduce the financial burden of loss-making enterprises on the national budget while encouraging greater investment, improved management, and enhanced productivity. Participants also reviewed the overall progress of the government’s institutional reform agenda and discussed future steps to further improve governance and public sector performance. The Prime Minister reiterated that administrative reforms are essential for ensuring sustainable economic growth, strengthening public finances, and delivering better services to the people. Concluding the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing structural reforms aimed at creating a modern, efficient, and accountable public sector. He said that through the adoption of technology, improved training, transparent governance, and responsible financial management, Pakistan’s government institutions can become more effective in meeting the needs of citizens and supporting the country’s long-term development goals.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi held a telephone conversation on Tuesday to discuss the worsening humanitarian and security situation in the Palestinian territories, expressing deep concern over the continued escalation of violence in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the two leaders reviewed the latest developments, focusing on the ongoing Israeli military operations, intensified airstrikes, ground offensives, and the deteriorating conditions faced by Palestinian civilians. They emphasized the urgent need for international efforts to reduce tensions and prevent further loss of life. During the discussion, both foreign ministers strongly condemned repeated incursions by Israeli settlers and far-right groups into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem. They also criticized restrictions imposed on Palestinian worshippers, describing such measures as a violation of the sanctity and religious significance of one of Islam’s holiest sites. Dar and Safadi agreed that actions affecting the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound not only inflame tensions on the ground but also undermine regional stability and diminish prospects for a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict. They stressed the importance of respecting the historical and legal status of the holy site and ensuring freedom of worship for Palestinians. The conversation also focused on diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing the crisis. The Jordanian foreign minister briefed Ishaq Dar on Jordan’s proposal to convene a meeting of Arab and Islamic countries to review the rapidly evolving situation and coordinate a collective diplomatic response. The proposed gathering is expected to explore ways to strengthen international engagement, promote humanitarian assistance, and support efforts to achieve a peaceful settlement. Both leaders agreed that close coordination among Muslim and Arab countries remains essential in responding to the ongoing crisis. They emphasized the importance of maintaining diplomatic momentum to encourage dialogue and prevent further escalation in the region. Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi acknowledged Pakistan’s consistent role in advocating for regional peace and stability. He appreciated Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts and expressed hope that ongoing international initiatives would contribute to reducing tensions and creating conditions conducive to lasting peace. During the call, Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. He reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing position that a just, comprehensive, and durable peace can only be achieved through a negotiated political solution based on international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. Dar once again emphasized Pakistan’s support for the two-state solution, calling for the establishment of an independent, sovereign, contiguous, and viable Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders. He said East Jerusalem, referred to by Muslims as Al-Quds Al-Sharif, should serve as the capital of the future Palestinian state. The deputy prime minister also stressed the need for the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts to end the violence, protect civilians, and facilitate humanitarian assistance for those affected by the conflict. He underscored that meaningful dialogue and respect for international law remain essential for achieving lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. The telephone conversation reflected the close cooperation between Pakistan and Jordan on issues concerning Palestine and highlighted their shared commitment to supporting diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the conflict. Both countries reaffirmed their determination to continue working with regional and international partners to promote peace, safeguard holy sites, and uphold the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people.

  Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Hafiz Naeem Rehman, held separate meetings with the ambassadors of Iran and Afghanistan in Islamabad, where the leaders discussed regional developments, bilateral relations, and the importance of strengthening cooperation among neighboring countries. Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam and Afghan Ambassador Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb separately visited Hafiz Naeem Rehman to offer their condolences on the passing of Amir-ul-Azeem, a senior Jamaat-e-Islami leader. The ambassadors expressed sympathy with the party leadership and prayed for the departed soul. During his meeting with the Iranian ambassador, Hafiz Naeem Rehman highlighted the close historical and religious ties between Pakistan and Iran. He said the two neighboring countries share deep-rooted cultural, religious, and social bonds that have strengthened their relationship over the years. According to him, Pakistan and Iran are closely connected and should continue to work together in promoting peace, stability, and mutual prosperity in the region. While meeting Afghan Ambassador Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, the Jamaat-e-Islami chief said the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan are linked by centuries-old religious, historical, and cultural relations. He emphasized that the two countries have common interests and should continue to strengthen cooperation for the benefit of their peoples. Hafiz Naeem Rehman stressed that differences between Pakistan and Afghanistan can be resolved through sustained dialogue, mutual trust, and regular communication. He said constructive engagement and confidence-building measures are essential to overcoming misunderstandings and creating a stable relationship between the neighboring countries. Speaking about the broader regional situation, the Jamaat-e-Islami chief called for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Iran, Gaza, and Lebanon. He said ending hostilities is essential to preventing further humanitarian suffering and restoring peace in the region. He emphasized that dialogue and diplomatic efforts should take precedence over military confrontation. Hafiz Naeem Rehman also expressed solidarity with Iran in the face of what he described as American and Israeli aggression. He stated that the Iranian government and people deserve support during the current regional crisis and reaffirmed his party’s backing for Iran against external military actions. The Iranian ambassador, Reza Amiri Moghadam, underscored the importance of closer cooperation among Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye. He said stronger collaboration between these influential Muslim countries is essential for ensuring lasting peace, stability, and economic development across the region. He noted that collective efforts and constructive dialogue could help address regional challenges and promote greater unity among Islamic nations. During the separate meeting, Afghan Ambassador Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb also emphasized the significance of bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He said meaningful collaboration between the two neighboring countries is vital for achieving sustainable peace, regional stability, and economic progress. According to the ambassador, both countries have a shared responsibility to work together on issues of mutual interest and maintain regular engagement to strengthen their longstanding relationship. The meetings reflected a shared commitment to enhancing regional cooperation and maintaining dialogue at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. Both ambassadors and the Jamaat-e-Islami chief agreed that peaceful engagement, mutual respect, and stronger ties among neighboring countries remain essential for addressing common challenges and ensuring long-term stability in South and West Asia. The discussions concluded with a renewed emphasis on promoting peace through diplomacy, strengthening regional partnerships, and fostering closer cooperation among Muslim countries to contribute to stability and prosperity across the wider region.

  Senior Sindh Minister and Provincial Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Tuesday launched a sharp criticism of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), accusing the ruling party of coming to power through a “fake mandate” and challenging it to contest fresh elections in Punjab to prove its public support. Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Sharjeel Memon alleged that the PML-N government lacked genuine electoral legitimacy and was holding office on the basis of what he described as “Form 47.” He claimed that the party did not secure the mandate of the people in the 2024 general elections and questioned its popularity, particularly in Punjab. Addressing recent political developments, Memon alleged that serious electoral irregularities had taken place during the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections. He claimed that the polls were marred by extensive rigging and criticized the conduct of the electoral process. Referring to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s recent remarks, he said her statements reflected what he described as “theft followed by defiance,” accusing the ruling party of attempting to justify its actions instead of addressing concerns raised by the opposition. The senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader said the PML-N government was surviving on what he termed a “charity mandate” rather than genuine public support. He reiterated his claim that the party’s government was a product of “Form 47,” a reference frequently used by opposition parties in connection with allegations regarding the 2024 general election results. Memon argued that the people of Sindh had clearly expressed their confidence in the Pakistan Peoples Party during the 2024 elections by voting in its favor. He contrasted the PPP’s electoral performance with that of the PML-N, claiming that the ruling party had suffered a significant political setback despite ultimately forming the federal government.   Continuing his criticism, the Sindh minister challenged the PML-N leadership to dissolve the Punjab government and seek a fresh public mandate. He claimed that if elections were held again in the province, the ruling party would fail to secure the support it claims to enjoy. According to Memon, public opinion in Punjab does not reflect the electoral outcome that brought the PML-N to power. He further alleged that the leadership of the PML-N had repeatedly left the country after reaching political agreements, contrasting that with the Pakistan Peoples Party’s political history. Memon maintained that PPP leaders had remained in Pakistan during difficult political periods and continued to face challenges rather than leaving the country. The provincial minister also accused federal ministers belonging to the PML-N of attempting to influence the electoral process in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He claimed that several federal ministers remained present in Mirpur Division until the morning of polling day and sought to influence the local administration. According to Memon, the actions of the federal ministers amounted to a violation of the Election Commission’s code of conduct. He alleged that government officials were pressured during the election process, raising concerns about the fairness and transparency of the polls. The remarks come amid continuing political tensions between the Pakistan Peoples Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz over electoral legitimacy, governance, and recent elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Opposition parties have repeatedly raised concerns regarding the conduct of elections, while the ruling coalition has rejected allegations of irregularities and maintained that the electoral process was conducted in accordance with the law. Sharjeel Memon concluded by reiterating his challenge to the PML-N leadership, insisting that a fresh election in Punjab would provide the true test of the party’s public support and determine whether it genuinely enjoys the confidence of the electorate.

A young woman lost her life in an alleged poisoning incident in Kot Momin, a town in Punjab’s Sargodha district, after reportedly consuming a toxic drink. Police have launched an investigation following allegations by the victim’s family that she was deliberately poisoned by a classmate after refusing his marriage proposal. According to police officials, a case has been registered against two suspects on the complaint of the deceased’s father. Authorities said the investigation is underway, and efforts are being made to arrest the accused. The victim’s father alleged that his daughter had been invited to a local pizza shop by the suspects, where she was allegedly served a poisonous juice. He claimed that the accused resorted to the act after she refused a marriage proposal made by one of them. According to the complaint, the young woman consumed the beverage during the meeting and shortly afterward began experiencing severe health complications. Her condition rapidly deteriorated, prompting those present to rush her to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Despite the efforts of doctors and medical staff, the young woman could not be saved and later succumbed to her condition. Her death has shocked the local community and sparked concern over violence linked to rejected marriage proposals. Police officials confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against the two nominated suspects based on the allegations made by the victim’s father. Investigators are collecting evidence and recording statements from witnesses to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. The victim’s body was shifted to a hospital for a post-mortem examination to determine the precise cause of death. Following the completion of the medico-legal formalities, the body was handed over to her family for burial. Law enforcement authorities said raids are being carried out at multiple locations to arrest the suspects, who are currently at large. Police expressed confidence that the accused would be taken into custody soon and assured the family that the investigation would be conducted in accordance with the law. Officials also stated that forensic evidence, including the alleged beverage and other material collected from the scene, will be examined as part of the investigation. The findings of the post-mortem report and laboratory analysis are expected to play an important role in determining whether poisoning was the cause of death. The case has drawn attention due to the serious nature of the allegations. However, police emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages, and the claims made in the FIR will be examined through available evidence before any conclusions are reached. Authorities have urged anyone with information related to the incident to cooperate with investigators to help establish the facts. They reiterated that all aspects of the case, including the motive behind the alleged crime, are being thoroughly investigated. The tragic incident has once again highlighted concerns about crimes allegedly linked to rejected marriage proposals and personal disputes. Police have assured the victim’s family that every effort will be made to bring those responsible to justice, while the investigation continues to establish the full circumstances surrounding the young woman’s death.

LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab has intensified its campaign against cybercrime, arresting four suspects in coordinated operations carried out in Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan. The arrests are linked to alleged cases of online harassment, blackmail and the misuse of social media platforms. According to the agency, legal proceedings have been initiated on the basis of digital evidence collected during the investigations. Authorities have also seized mobile phones and other electronic devices from the suspects, all of which have been sent for forensic examination to support the ongoing inquiries. In Lahore, officials arrested Haroon Qureshi, who is accused of repeatedly targeting women through various social media platforms by allegedly harassing, threatening and intimidating them. Investigators are examining the digital material recovered from his devices to determine the full extent of the alleged offences. In a separate operation in Faisalabad, NCCIA apprehended Abdul Rehman and Muhammad Ayaz. Preliminary investigations suggest the pair allegedly blackmailed a married couple using objectionable digital content and are accused of extorting money from them. During the raid, investigators recovered two mobile phones, WhatsApp accounts and alleged objectionable digital material related to several women. The seized evidence has been forwarded for forensic analysis to identify additional victims and any wider criminal network. Meanwhile, in Multan, authorities arrested Farhad Abbas on allegations of sharing a woman’s private photographs and videos on social media and using them to blackmail her. Investigators are reviewing the suspect’s digital records to identify possible accomplices and determine whether more victims may be involved. The NCCIA said forensic examination of the recovered digital evidence is continuing in all cases and investigations are being conducted in accordance with legal procedures. The agency also urged the public, particularly women, to report incidents of online harassment, blackmail, fake social media accounts or any other form of cybercrime without delay so that prompt legal action can be taken against those responsible.

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) has announced the results of the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) Part-I and Part-II First Annual Examination 2026, revealing strong overall performance while introducing artificial intelligence (AI) in the paper-marking process for the first time. The results were officially declared during a ceremony in Islamabad, where Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui inaugurated the announcement. Addressing the event, FBISE Chairman Prof Dr Ikram Ali Malik highlighted the Board’s efforts to ensure smooth and transparent examinations. He said a total of 292,831 students appeared in the SSC examinations this year, with 1,006 examination centres established across the country. To oversee the process, 2,012 supervisory staff members and 6,996 invigilators were deployed. The chairman also revealed that more than 10,700 teachers applied to assess examination papers, while 4,855 examiners were selected for the task. He described the introduction of AI-assisted marking as a major step towards improving accuracy and efficiency in the evaluation process. During the examination period, 86 cases involving the use of unfair means were reported. According to the results, SSC Part-I recorded an overall pass percentage of 59.77 per cent, with 88,646 students passing out of 150,077 candidates. SSC Part-II achieved a significantly higher success rate of 91.33 per cent, as 128,070 of the 141,653 candidates cleared the examinations. In the Science Group, Afeera Ijaz secured the top position with 1,089 marks. Amna Nauman claimed second place with 1,088 marks, while Huzaifa Haider finished third with 1,086 marks. Among Humanities students, Fatima Zahra emerged as the overall topper with 1,037 marks. Muhammad Maaz and Manaal Zahid shared second position after each scoring 1,031 marks, while Aneesa Nisar secured third place with 1,023 marks. The Board said the introduction of AI-assisted marking reflects its commitment to modernising Pakistan’s examination system while maintaining transparency and fairness in the assessment process.