فیچرڈ

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral trade to $10 billion, underscoring their determination to strengthen economic cooperation and deepen commercial ties. The pledge was made during the 10th session of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Trade Committee, where representatives from both countries reviewed trade relations and explored measures to enhance economic collaboration. Addressing the meeting, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, said the longstanding brotherly relationship between Pakistan and Iran should now be transformed into a robust economic partnership. He emphasized the importance of finalizing the proposed Pakistan-Iran Free Trade Agreement, saying it would open new opportunities for businesses and significantly increase trade between the two neighboring countries. The minister stressed the need to remove barriers affecting cross-border logistics, customs procedures, and cargo transportation to ensure smoother and more efficient trade flows. He also highlighted the potential of establishing joint border markets and implementing an electronic data interchange system to facilitate commerce and improve connectivity. Jam Kamal Khan noted that the private sectors of both countries are ready to expand trade and investment, adding that it is the responsibility of governments to provide a stable, business-friendly, and predictable environment that encourages commercial activity. He expressed confidence that the outcomes of the Joint Trade Committee meeting would produce a practical roadmap for strengthening Pakistan-Iran economic relations and accelerating progress toward the shared trade target of $10 billion.

LAHORE: In a landmark move aimed at simplifying property transactions for overseas Pakistanis, the Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA), in collaboration with the Board of Revenue Punjab, has successfully completed the province’s first fully digital land registration through the Pakistan High Commission in London. The initiative marks a significant step toward modernizing land services, allowing Pakistanis living abroad to buy, sell, and transfer property in Punjab without the need to travel back to the country. By introducing a secure digital process, the system is designed to make property transactions faster, more transparent, and better protected against fraud. The first transaction under the new framework involved a Pakistani citizen based in London who transferred ownership of land located in Dina, Punjab, to a buyer in Pakistan. The seller’s statement was recorded remotely through a secure digital link, while the entire legal registration process was completed electronically in accordance with official procedures. Director General of the Punjab Land Records Authority, Ikram-ul-Haq, described the successful registration as a major milestone in strengthening the confidence of overseas Pakistanis and improving transparency in land dealings. He said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to delivering international-standard public services through technology while promoting efficient and citizen-friendly governance. According to the PLRA, the service is currently available to Pakistanis residing in the United Kingdom. Authorities plan to expand the facility to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates within the next 30 days through continued collaboration between the Punjab Land Records Authority and Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Officials believe the digital registration system will make property ownership and transfers significantly more convenient for overseas Pakistanis while reinforcing trust in Pakistan’s land administration through secure and technology-driven services.

ISLAMABAD: An AI-generated Independence Day song released by Pakistan’s Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives has sparked widespread debate, with critics questioning the government’s decision to rely on artificial intelligence instead of showcasing the country’s creative talent. The song, shared by Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal on social media, is dedicated to Pakistan’s youth and draws inspiration from the poetry and philosophy of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, particularly the themes of Khudi (selfhood) and the Shaheen (eagle), symbols of confidence, resilience, and ambition. In his message accompanying the release, Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan’s future depends on a generation of young people who embrace knowledge, innovation, entrepreneurship, and hard work. He described the song as part of the government’s URAAN Pakistan initiative, which promotes reforms and development projects under the country’s 5Es National Economic Transformation Plan. Despite its patriotic message, the AI-produced music video has drawn criticism from artists, commentators, and social media users, many of whom argue that the government missed an opportunity to support Pakistan’s musicians, composers, filmmakers, and other creative professionals. Critics say that celebrating Independence Day with an AI-generated production sends the wrong message at a time when local artists continue to seek greater recognition and opportunities. The release has also reignited broader discussions about the growing use of artificial intelligence in the creative industry. Many artists around the world have voiced concerns that AI-generated content could reduce opportunities for writers, musicians, actors, and visual creators while raising questions about copyright, digital identity, and fair compensation. In Pakistan, similar concerns have emerged in recent months as actors and performers have warned about contracts involving AI-generated digital replicas and voice cloning. Industry professionals argue that stronger safeguards are needed to protect artists from unauthorized use of their work and likeness. The Planning Ministry’s latest campaign has therefore become more than just an Independence Day release. It has evolved into a wider conversation about the balance between embracing new technology and preserving the value of human creativity, with many calling for future national campaigns to highlight the work of Pakistan’s own artists alongside technological innovation.

Islamabad: Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Raja Nasir Abbas, has accused the government of lacking genuine commitment to political engagement, saying it is not serious about holding meaningful talks to resolve the country’s ongoing political challenges. Speaking to private media, Abbas said the opposition has consistently advocated dialogue and political engagement as the best way to address national issues. He stressed that the opposition remains ready for constructive negotiations and urged the government to take practical steps toward initiating the process. Referring to recent efforts aimed at opening communication channels, Abbas said senior politician Mahmood Khan Achakzai had proposed a meeting in Parliament’s Constitution Room and had even suggested that discussions could take place at the residence of government representative Rana Sanaullah if needed. According to Abbas, these proposals reflected the opposition’s willingness to find common ground. Currently in Iraq to attend Arbaeen commemorations, Abbas said he is prepared to return to Pakistan immediately if meaningful negotiations are scheduled. He reiterated that the opposition is willing to meet the prime minister and the government’s negotiating team at any time to pursue a political settlement. Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai also questioned the government’s intentions, arguing that recent actions contradict its public calls for dialogue. He said that if the government were genuinely interested in negotiations, it would not have registered terrorism-related cases against opposition members. Yousafzai maintained that successful negotiations require a positive political environment, alleging that government actions have instead deepened tensions. He further claimed that meaningful talks would have included facilitating meetings between opposition leaders and jailed PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, adding that even family members have reportedly faced restrictions on meeting him. The latest statements highlight the continuing deadlock between the government and the opposition, with both sides publicly expressing support for dialogue while accusing each other of creating obstacles to meaningful political negotiations.

Lahore: A shocking alleged sexual assault inside Lahore’s Ghaziabad Police Station has triggered the suspension of the entire station staff, including the Station House Officer (SHO), as authorities investigate the incident. According to police officials, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Imran allegedly brought a young woman to the police station on the pretext of questioning her. A sentry on gate duty reportedly asked about the woman, and the ASI claimed she was a suspect being taken in for investigation. He then allegedly took her into an investigation room, where the assault is said to have occurred. Police said the officer later dropped the woman back home. Her family had gone to the police station to report her missing but were informed during the process that she had already returned. Following the allegations, the accused ASI was arrested, while the investigation in-charge was also suspended. The incident prompted the suspension of all 78 personnel posted at Ghaziabad Police Station, including the SHO. DIG Operations Faisal Kamran said that although different police units operate within a station, the SHO is ultimately responsible for maintaining discipline and oversight. He added that all activities taking place inside the station should fall under the SHO’s knowledge and supervision. Police also confirmed that the alleged victim is mentally vulnerable, and an investigation into the case is underway.