National

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    Rawalpindi division marks Independence Day with fe…

    ByJustpaste.in

    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.

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    Attock to get major education boost

    ByJustpaste.in

      RAWALPINDI: Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has announced a series of initiatives to improve education facilities and equip students in Attock with modern skills and technology. Speaking at a ceremony in Attock, where he distributed certificates and laptops among high-achieving students, the minister said the Punjab government, under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, was working to build a modern education system and expand access to higher education for students from low- and middle-income families. Rana Sikandar Hayat announced that the government would upgrade IT laboratories in 110 schools across Attock at a cost of Rs300 million. The upgraded facilities will offer training in artificial intelligence, freelancing, data analysis, robotics and other emerging fields. He said the government would also modernise IT laboratories in Attock’s colleges. According to the minister, the number of computers available to students has improved considerably, with the government aiming to provide one computer for every 10 students. The minister said Punjab had allocated Rs750 billion for the education sector to improve institutions and provide students with better facilities. He added that the Learn and Earn programme would help Attock students develop practical skills and pursue education alongside employment opportunities. Rana Sikandar Hayat also announced two new university campuses in Attock, five Pink Buses for girls’ colleges and a study tour to Türkiye for students accompanied by teachers. In addition, 10 top-performing teachers from the district will be sent to Saudi Arabia for Umrah. Highlighting the government’s focus on girls’ education, the minister said more than 50,000 female students across Punjab were studying IT at the matriculation level. He also highlighted initiatives involving solar panels, rainwater conservation and improved technology facilities in schools. The minister said the Education Department was focusing on merit, transparency and performance while taking action against corruption and bribery. He added that more than 100,000 students had benefited from the Honhaar Scholarship Programme. The ceremony was attended by MNA Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, MPA Malik Itibar Khan, Deputy Commissioner Attock Dr Mudassar Ahmed Shah, DPO Attock Captain (Retd.) Ali Bin Tariq, former provincial sports minister Jahangir Khanزادہ, Chairman WASA Punjab Chaudhry Sher Ali, education officials, teachers and students. The event concluded with the distribution of certificates and laptops among students who achieved outstanding academic results.

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    Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day celebrated at H…

    ByJustpaste.in

    LONDON:  Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day was celebrated with traditional enthusiasm and national spirit at the Pakistan High Commission in London, with Chairman Kashmir Committee Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon attending as the chief guest. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Tipu Usman, hoisted the national flag to the national anthem at a ceremony attended by a large number of members of the Pakistani community, media representatives, diplomats and High Commission officials with their families. The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the reading of special messages from the President, Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan. Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Tipu Usman paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the founders of Pakistan, as well as the sacrifices made by millions of men and women during the struggle for independence. He said Pakistanis living in Britain were the country’s “true ambassadors”, playing an important role in strengthening relations between Pakistan and the UK and building bridges between the two countries. The High Commissioner also reaffirmed Pakistan’s moral, political and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, saying they were entitled to this right under the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. The celebrations featured national songs, while British-Pakistani soprano singer Saira Peter delivered a special performance. The enthusiastic participation of children added to the festive atmosphere. The ceremony concluded with High Commissioner Tipu Usman, Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon and other distinguished guests cutting a cake to mark Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day.

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    Zardari hails landmark Saudi-Turkiye-Pakistan pact

    ByJustpaste.in

    President Asif Ali Zardari has praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for strengthening Pakistan’s strategic ties with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye through a landmark joint defence agreement. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met President Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Friday and briefed him on the trilateral agreement reached at the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Summit on August 7. The prime minister also conveyed Independence Day greetings to the president. Under the agreement, an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be considered an attack against all three. The arrangement is aimed at deepening defence cooperation and strengthening collective security among the allied nations. President Zardari expressed hope that the agreement would be implemented effectively and contribute to regional peace, stability and security. He said closer cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye could also reinforce unity and security across the Muslim world. The president also acknowledged the capabilities and sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies in combating terrorism and confronting security threats. He reiterated the state’s determination to eliminate terrorism and ensure lasting peace across the country. During the meeting, the economic challenges facing the people were also discussed. President Zardari stressed the need for practical steps to provide relief to citizens amid the difficult regional environment. He called for uninterrupted supplies of essential commodities and efforts to keep their prices within reach of the public. The president further expressed optimism that Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives for regional and international peace would enhance the country’s standing globally. He said stronger diplomatic relations and strategic partnerships could eventually have a positive impact on the national economy and improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

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    Dar vows stronger, peaceful and prosperous Pakista…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has stressed the need to implement the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in accordance with its spirit and text. Dar said dialogue and diplomacy are the only practical ways to resolve outstanding issues. He said Pakistan has always supported peace, negotiations, cooperation and mutual respect among nations. The foreign minister said developments during the past year had once again highlighted the urgent need to settle longstanding disputes peacefully. He said unresolved disputes remain a major challenge to regional peace and stability. Dar particularly highlighted the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He described the issue as one of the key causes of instability in the region. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued moral, political and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people. He said Pakistan would continue supporting the Kashmiri people in their struggle for their rights. He also stressed the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful dialogue and diplomatic engagement. Dar paid tribute to the people serving Pakistan and confronting threats from its enemies. He said these threats exist both inside and outside the country. He added that the nation stands united with those working to protect the country. The foreign minister expressed gratitude for the sacrifices made by security personnel and other individuals serving the national interest. He said their services and sacrifices would always be remembered. Dar also called for stronger national institutions. He urged the people to maintain national unity and work together for the country’s progress. He stressed the need to fully utilise the abilities and potential of Pakistan’s people. He said collective efforts were essential to building a strong and prosperous future.

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    Maryam hails Katcha’s historic security turnarou…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said that the Katcha region has become a safer area after decades of insecurity. She made the remarks while addressing an Independence Day ceremony at the Safe City Authority. She said the government was taking steps to improve security and protect citizens across the province. Maryam said Safe City cameras have now been installed in 43 cities of Punjab. She said the expanded surveillance system would help improve monitoring and strengthen the security network. The chief minister said the government wants to provide a safer and better Pakistan to future generations. She stressed that public safety remains an important part of the government’s development agenda. Maryam rejected the impression that government attention was limited to Lahore. She said development cannot be considered meaningful if people living in other cities and regions are ignored. She said every citizen has the right to benefit from better public services and improved security. The government, she added, is working to ensure that development reaches different parts of the province. Referring specifically to the Katcha region, Maryam said the area had witnessed insecurity for decades. She claimed that the situation had now changed and the region had become a safer place for the people. She said modern security technology was playing an important role in improving law and order. The expansion of Safe City surveillance, she added, would help authorities monitor sensitive areas and respond more effectively to security concerns. The chief minister said the government would continue strengthening security infrastructure across Punjab. She also reiterated her commitment to creating safer cities and improving the quality of life for citizens.

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    Nawaz Sharif summons PML-N meeting in Murree to di…

    ByJustpaste.in

      President of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif, has summoned an important party meeting in Murree on Saturday, August 15, to discuss the formation of a new government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). According to party sources, the meeting will focus primarily on the political situation in AJK and the formation of the government following the recent elections to the AJK Legislative Assembly. Senior PML-N leaders are expected to hold detailed consultations on the party’s strategy and discuss possible arrangements for forming the government in the region. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, former Punjab Chief Minister and senior PML-N leader Hamza Shehbaz, federal ministers and other senior party leaders are expected to attend the meeting in Murree. All nine newly elected PML-N members of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly have also been invited to participate in the meeting, according to sources. Their presence is expected to be particularly important as the party leadership considers its options for government formation and seeks their input on the political situation in AJK. The meeting is likely to provide the PML-N leadership with an opportunity to assess the election results and discuss the next political steps. Party leaders are expected to deliberate on potential candidates for key positions and determine how the party will proceed with its government-formation efforts. Nawaz Sharif, as president of the PML-N, is expected to lead the consultations and seek the views of senior party figures as well as the newly elected AJK assembly members. The participation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also indicates the importance the party leadership is attaching to developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The political situation in AJK has gained significant attention following the elections, with political parties assessing their positions in the newly elected legislative assembly. The formation of the next government will depend on the numerical strength of the parties and the political alliances that emerge following the election results. The PML-N’s leadership meeting in Murree is therefore expected to play an important role in determining the party’s immediate political strategy in AJK. Discussions may also focus on maintaining coordination between the federal leadership, the Punjab government and the party’s elected representatives in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Sources said the meeting would involve consultations rather than a routine party gathering, with the leadership expected to carefully examine the political developments before reaching decisions on government formation. The participation of all newly elected PML-N members from AJK is also expected to help the central leadership understand the ground situation and political dynamics within the region. Their recommendations could contribute to the party’s decision-making process as it moves toward forming the next government. The Murree meeting on August 15 is consequently being viewed as a significant gathering for the PML-N, as the party leadership prepares to determine its course of action in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and coordinate its political strategy with its elected representatives.

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    ECC to review Rs1.34 hike in dealers’ margin

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) is set to consider a proposal to increase the margin of petroleum dealers. The meeting will be held on Friday evening. Federal Finance Minister will chair the session. The meeting is scheduled for 6pm. According to sources, the increase in petroleum dealers’ margins is the only item on the agenda. The committee will examine a proposal for a Rs1.34 per litre increase. Petroleum dealers currently receive a margin of Rs8.64 per litre on petroleum products. If approved, the proposed increase will raise the margin to Rs9.98 per litre. The proposal comes after discussions between the government and representatives of petroleum dealers. During those talks, the government had assured dealers that their margin would be increased. Dealers have been seeking an adjustment in their margin amid rising operational expenses. They argue that higher costs have affected the profitability of their businesses. The ECC will review the proposal and decide whether the increase should be approved. The committee’s decision will determine the next steps for implementing the proposed adjustment. Any increase in the dealers’ margin could also affect the overall pricing structure of petroleum products. The final impact will depend on how the government incorporates the additional margin into the pricing mechanism.

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    Weekly inflation rises 0.15%, annual rate reaches …

    ByJustpaste.in

    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.

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    Sindh Governor Nihal Hashmi calls for hard work an…

    ByJustpaste.in

      Sindh Governor Nihal Hashmi has said that Pakistan has become militarily invincible and stressed that “work, work and work” should remain the nation’s guiding principle for the country’s progress and prosperity. The governor made these remarks while addressing an Independence Day ceremony at the Governor House, where he hoisted the national flag and offered prayers for the security, stability and prosperity of Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion, Nihal Hashmi said that Independence Day was an opportunity to remember the people who struggled and made sacrifices for the creation of Pakistan. He emphasized that the nation should honour their efforts by working sincerely for the development of the country. “Work, work and work should be our motto,” the governor said, calling on citizens to contribute actively to the country’s progress. He stressed that Pakistan’s future depends not only on government institutions but also on the commitment and responsibility of every citizen. The Sindh governor also spoke about Pakistan’s defence capabilities, saying that the country had become militarily invincible. He said that when India challenged Pakistan’s defence, Field Marshal Asim Munir gave India a “befitting response,” adding that the response demonstrated Pakistan’s strength and resilience. Hashmi said Pakistan’s defence capabilities had earned recognition internationally. He maintained that the country had shown that it was capable of protecting its sovereignty and responding effectively to any threat. The Independence Day ceremony at Governor House was attended by officials and other guests. The national flag was hoisted as part of the celebrations, while prayers were offered for the country’s security, peace and prosperity. The governor also highlighted the importance of cleanliness and civic responsibility. He said that keeping homes, schools, neighbourhoods and cities clean was the responsibility of every citizen. He urged people to play their part in improving their surroundings instead of relying solely on government institutions to address cleanliness and sanitation issues. According to Hashmi, national development begins at the individual and community levels. If citizens take responsibility for maintaining clean streets and public spaces, it can contribute to a healthier and more organized society. He further called on every Pakistani to play a constructive role in the country’s development and prosperity. He said that citizens should perform their responsibilities honestly and work collectively to strengthen the country. The governor’s message on Independence Day centred on three major themes: national unity, hard work and civic responsibility. He said that remembering the sacrifices made for Pakistan should inspire citizens to work for its future rather than merely celebrate Independence Day as a national occasion. He also emphasized that Pakistan’s continued progress requires collective efforts from people across the country. From maintaining cleanliness in local communities to contributing to economic and social development, every citizen can play a role in strengthening the nation. Concluding his message, Nihal Hashmi urged citizens to remain committed to Pakistan’s progress and prosperity. He said that the country’s future could be strengthened when individuals, communities and institutions work together with a sense of responsibility and dedication.