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ISLAMABAD: Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad on Friday, with the two sides discussing bilateral relations, regional developments and opportunities to expand cooperation in several key areas. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between Pakistan and Norway in counterterrorism, combating illegal immigration, police training and mutual legal assistance. The officials also exchanged views on the security situation in Afghanistan and the activities of banned organisations operating from its territory. Naqvi said Pakistan had adopted a zero-tolerance policy against illegal immigration and highlighted measures taken by the country to curb the issue. He said Pakistan’s efforts had contributed to a 47 per cent decline in illegal immigration to Europe, adding that the European Union had also acknowledged the effectiveness of these measures. The interior minister stressed the importance of expanding legal migration channels as part of efforts to tackle illegal immigration. Discussing Afghanistan, Naqvi said Pakistani security concerns remained linked to the continued use of Afghan territory by militant groups for attacks against Pakistan. He called for stronger international cooperation to eliminate terrorism and said the global community must work collectively to address the threat. During the meeting, Foreign Minister Eide praised Pakistan’s constructive and active efforts to help reduce tensions between the United States and Iran. He also appreciated the contribution of the Pakistani community living in Norway, noting its growing role in politics, healthcare and other sectors. Naqvi described the Norwegian foreign minister’s visit as an important opportunity to further strengthen relations between the two countries and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the federal interior secretary and other senior officials also attended the meeting. Moreover, A high-level Norwegian delegation led by Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide met Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Thursday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting focused on matters of mutual interest, regional security and Pakistan-Norway bilateral relations. During the meeting, Field Marshal Asim Munir presented Pakistan’s perspective on global peace and regional stability. He stressed the need for greater cooperation and joint efforts to address emerging security challenges. The two sides also discussed the evolving security environment in the region and the importance of strengthening coordination between Pakistan and Norway. The Norwegian foreign minister acknowledged the role of the Pakistan Armed Forces in contributing to regional peace and stability. Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation, particularly in the fields of defence and security. The meeting comes as Pakistan continues to engage with international partners on regional security, peace and broader strategic issues. The discussions with the Norwegian delegation provided an opportunity for both countries to explore avenues for deeper institutional and defence-related engagement. The two sides reaffirmed their resolve to maintain regular engagement and enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

RAWALPINDI: Senior Justice of the Lahore High Court Rawalpindi Bench, Sadaqat Ali Khan, has described freedom as the greatest blessing and called on citizens to contribute positively to Pakistan’s progress by following the vision and principles of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He was speaking at a grand Independence Day ceremony held at the premises of the Lahore High Court ( LHC) Rawalpindi Bench, attended by Justice Mirza Waqas Rauf, retired judges, senior lawyers and court officials. The ceremony began with a guard of honour for Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan, who later hoisted the national flag alongside fellow judges. Senior judicial officers, representatives of the legal community and other officials also participated in the event. Addressing the gathering, Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan said Pakistan’s independence was achieved through immense sacrifices by the Muslims of the subcontinent under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He said Independence Day was not merely a celebration of freedom but also a reminder of the determination and struggle that led to the creation of Pakistan. He paid tribute to the heroes who sacrificed their lives and resources for the country’s independence, saying their sacrifices should inspire the nation to work for Pakistan’s development and prosperity. The senior judge stressed that every citizen has a responsibility to play a constructive role in strengthening the country and advancing the ideals envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam.

RAWALPINDI: Commandant Sihala Police College Ashfaq Ahmad Khan has called upon police officers to adopt a compassionate, respectful and impartial attitude towards victims of rape and sexual violence. He was addressing sub-inspectors who successfully completed the one-month SSIOU course at Sihala Police College, Rawalpindi. Speaking at the concluding ceremony, Ashfaq Ahmad Khan said that rape victims, particularly women, children and girls, are already in a highly vulnerable situation, and it is the responsibility of police officers to protect their dignity and self-respect throughout the investigation process. He stressed that investigations into rape cases must be conducted professionally, sensitively and impartially. The identity and personal information of victims must be kept strictly confidential so that their dignity and reputation in society are not compromised. The Commandant urged the newly trained officers to ensure that every stage of an investigation is carried out while respecting the privacy and dignity of victims. At the same time, he said, investigations must be thorough, transparent and evidence-based so that perpetrators can be brought to justice and face the consequences of their crimes under the law. Ashfaq Ahmad Khan said the police have a crucial responsibility to provide victims with justice, protection and confidence. He added that a compassionate approach, combined with professional investigation, would help ensure that victims are treated with dignity while criminals are brought to justice. make it proper title

An unusual incident in Portland, Oregon, has caught the attention of social media users after two stray goats were spotted entering a public bus station and briefly boarding a green bus. The bizarre incident reportedly took place at a bus station on Division Street, where authorities received a 911 call about two goats wandering freely around the area. What happened next turned an ordinary day into an amusing story for local commuters. According to the local transport authority, security camera footage showed the two goats calmly entering the station. The animals then appeared to board a nearby bus before eventually getting off and walking toward a shopping center in the area. The sight of the unexpected passengers quickly became the highlight of the incident. Rather than causing major disruption, the goats seemed to explore the station and bus as if they were simply looking for their next destination. Police were alerted and began searching the area after receiving the report. However, by the time officers arrived, the goats had disappeared. Their whereabouts remained unknown. The local transport authority also responded to the unusual incident with a humorous message, jokingly raising questions about where the goats had come from, where they were going and whether they had valid tickets for their journey. The incident has since attracted attention online, with the unusual footage providing plenty of entertainment for viewers. While public transportation is normally associated with human passengers, the appearance of two goats on a bus created a memorable and amusing moment. The goats ride green bus incident is another example of how unexpected moments captured on security cameras can quickly become viral stories. For the goats, however, the brief bus adventure may simply have been another day of exploring their surroundings. The incident ended without reports of injuries, and authorities were left with more questions than answers about the animals’ unexpected public-transit adventure

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Armed Forces have extended warm greetings to the nation on the country’s 79th Independence Day, paying tribute to the founders of Pakistan, martyrs, veterans and all citizens who have contributed to the country’s progress and security. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, along with the Chief of Naval Staff and Chief of Air Staff, conveyed their Independence Day wishes to the Pakistani nation. The military leadership paid homage to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the countless individuals who made sacrifices for the creation and protection of Pakistan. The statement highlighted that the vision, courage and determination of the country’s founders continue to guide the nation and inspire people to uphold Pakistan’s core values. The Armed Forces also honoured the sacrifices of martyrs and acknowledged the contributions of veterans and former service personnel who served the country with dedication. ISPR further recognized the efforts of law-enforcement personnel and citizens serving the nation in different capacities. It said the sacrifices of martyrs, the courage of ghazis, the commitment of law-enforcement agencies and the collective efforts of Pakistanis have played a vital role in strengthening the country’s resilience. The Armed Forces reaffirmed their commitment to the ideals on which Pakistan was founded and called for continued national unity, dedication and service to the country on this historic Independence Day.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has scheduled hearings in cases concerning meetings with former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, as well as matters related to his medical treatment. According to details, the cases will be heard on August 18 by a three-member bench of the Supreme Court. The bench will be headed by Justice Shahid Waheed and will include Justice Naeem Afghan and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim. The Supreme Court Registrar’s Office has issued notices to the relevant parties and their lawyers regarding the upcoming hearing. The scheduling of the cases comes amid continued attention surrounding issues related to access to Imran Khan, including meetings with party leaders, lawyers and other relevant individuals. His medical treatment and healthcare arrangements have also remained an important issue in proceedings concerning his detention. The upcoming hearing is expected to bring the relevant legal arguments before the three-member bench. The court will consider the petitions and submissions presented by the concerned parties and their legal representatives. The development is significant for PTI supporters and political circles because questions surrounding meetings with Imran Khan have remained a recurring issue. Any observations or directions issued by the Supreme Court during the hearing could attract considerable political and legal attention. The registrar’s office has formally notified the concerned lawyers, meaning the matter is now set for proceedings before the apex court on August 18. Further developments are expected after the hearing, when the Supreme Court may issue directions or pass orders concerning the matters before it. For now, the key development is that the Imran Khan meeting and treatment cases have officially been fixed for hearing before a three-member Supreme Court bench. The hearing on August 18 will therefore be closely watched, particularly by PTI supporters and legal observers following matters related to Imran Khan’s access to meetings and medical care.