National

RAWALPINDI: The Punjab Council of the Arts, Rawalpindi held the prize distribution ceremony of its Independence Day painting competition, “Azadi Kay Rang,” today. Mr. Rizwan Khalil Shamsi, Chief Manager, State Bank, and Ms. Shazia Rizwan, Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Culture, Government of the Punjab, attended the ceremony as Chief Guests. The competition provided young artists with a creative platform to express their vision of independence, patriotism, and love for Pakistan through art. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Rizwan Khalil Shamsi, Chief Manager, State Bank, appreciated the enthusiasm and artistic talent displayed by the young participants. He said that creative activities of this nature provide an effective platform for young people to express their ideas and strengthen their connection with the country. He also appreciated the Punjab Council of the Arts, Rawalpindi for providing opportunities for emerging artists. Shazia Rizwan, Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Culture, Government of the Punjab, appreciated the participants for portraying the spirit of independence through their artwork. She emphasized that art and cultural activities play an important role in nurturing creativity, national awareness, and a positive outlook among the younger generation. She distributed prizes and certificates among the winning participants and congratulated all the artists. Muhammad Shakoor, Director, Punjab Council of the Arts, Rawalpindi, thanked both Chief Guests, the judges, participating artists, and guests for their presence and support. He particularly appreciated the efforts of Senior Artist Azeem Iqbal, who played a key role in organising and coordinating the painting competition. He acknowledged his dedication and valuable contribution in making the event successful and said that such efforts are essential for providing young artists with meaningful opportunities to showcase their talent. He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to encouraging emerging artists and promoting art and cultural activities in the region.

RIYADH: Abrar Hussain Tanoli, a Pakistani financial professional based in Saudi Arabia and a native of Mansehra district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has been honoured with the prestigious Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in recognition of his decade-long services to Pakistani pilgrims and the wider Pakistani community in the Kingdom. Tanoli was among the Pakistani nationals honoured with the prestigious civil award for outstanding social and community services in Saudi Arabia. The award was presented at a special ceremony organised by the Embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Farooq, presented the award on behalf of President Asif Ali Zardari, recognising Tanoli’s sustained contribution to Hajj volunteerism, community welfare, healthcare initiatives and emergency assistance. Tanoli is a founding member and Riyadh Coordinator of the Pakistan Hajj Volunteers Group (PHVG), an organisation that has been assisting pilgrims during Hajj since 2011. Over the years, he has played a key role in mobilising, coordinating and training Pakistani volunteers from different parts of Saudi Arabia to facilitate pilgrims during the annual pilgrimage. The volunteers provide assistance to pilgrims in a range of situations, including guiding them to their designated tents, helping wheelchair users, facilitating movement around Hajj facilities and assisting sick and injured pilgrims in performing Tawaaf-e-Ziyarah while receiving treatment at Pakistan Medical Mission facilities. PHVG works in coordination with the Pakistani Hajj Mission, Embassy of Pakistan and relevant Saudi authorities. In 2024, the organisation mobilised and trained more than 1,500 volunteers to serve pilgrims, with their services also receiving recognition from Saudi authorities. Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Ahmed Farooq highlighted the demanding nature of the volunteers’ responsibilities during Hajj. He said the volunteers remain engaged around the clock during the five days of Hajj and continue serving pilgrims despite the challenging weather and extreme heat. He said volunteers assist pilgrims who require medical attention, become separated from their groups or need wheelchairs and other support. Their services, he noted, are not limited to Pakistani pilgrims and are available to anyone who requires assistance. The ambassador said the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also facilitates the volunteers by providing information about pilgrims requiring assistance, reflecting the importance attached to their services during Hajj. “We are very proud of all three of you for the work that you have done and for the good way that you have carried out these services,” Ambassador Farooq said. For Abrar Tanoli, the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz represents recognition not only of his Hajj volunteerism but also of a broader record of community service spanning more than a decade. Alongside his Hajj-related activities, Tanoli has been involved in organising free medical camps for the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia in collaboration with the Pakistan Doctors Group and the Embassy of Pakistan. These initiatives have helped provide healthcare services to members of the community, particularly those requiring support. He is also a founding member of the Al-Bir Group, which provides assistance to Pakistanis facing financial difficulties and other social challenges. Tanoli’s community welfare activities became particularly significant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through PHVG, he participated in efforts to support Pakistani families stranded or facing difficulties during the crisis. Volunteers helped arrange and distribute food, medicines and other essential supplies to families struggling to meet their basic needs. His welfare work has also extended to Pakistan, where he continues to support underprivileged families, deserving individuals and communities facing financial hardship. The recognition has been warmly welcomed by members of the Pakistani community, who described the award as an honour for Tanoli, his family and his native area in Mansehra. Messages of congratulations have highlighted his services to Pakistani pilgrims and the wider community in Saudi Arabia. The award is also being seen as recognition of the spirit of volunteerism among overseas Pakistanis who devote their time and resources to serving fellow citizens and pilgrims. Tanoli’s journey reflects a sustained commitment to public service alongside his professional career in the financial sector. From assisting Hajj pilgrims and supporting medical camps to providing emergency relief and helping families facing financial difficulties, his community work has remained an important part of his contribution to Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia and at home. The Tamgha-e-Imtiaz therefore marks a significant national recognition of Abrar Hussain Tanoli’s long-standing services to pilgrims, community welfare and humanitarian assistance.

Islamabad: Encroachments on rivers, nullahs and other natural waterways are increasing flood risks across Pakistan, a parliamentary committee warned, calling for strict action to clear blocked water channels. The committee also expressed displeasure over the absence of the Sindh Irrigation Secretary and warned that the matter could be sent to the Privileges Committee. The Senate Standing Committee on Water Resources, chaired by Senator Jam Saifullah Khan, reviewed the flood situation, disaster preparedness, water storage and coordination between federal and provincial authorities. The meeting was held at the National Disaster Management Authority headquarters. Members expressed serious concern over illegal construction and other encroachments along natural waterways, including the Ravi River and nullahs in different parts of the country. The committee said natural water channels must remain open so floodwater can move safely during heavy rainfall and monsoon emergencies. It called for strict measures to remove encroachments and prevent further occupation of rivers, drains and other water bodies. The Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources informed members that a draft Flood Plain Regulations Act had already been shared with provincial governments. Chairman Jam Saifullah Khan directed the ministry to follow up with the provinces and strengthen joint efforts for flood prevention and management. The committee also expressed displeasure over the absence of the Secretary Irrigation of the Sindh government. Members indicated that continued non-attendance could lead to referring the matter to the Privileges Committee. The chairman directed the Sindh Irrigation Secretary to personally attend the next meeting. Another sensitive issue discussed was water distribution between provinces. The committee said any solution must be based on consensus, particularly because lower riparian provinces have concerns about water sharing. Members called for a wider national debate on water security and Pakistan’s long term water problems. The chairman said water security was directly connected with food security and the future of coming generations. He said all stakeholders should be part of an open national discussion so disagreements could be addressed through broader agreement. The committee was also briefed on the current monsoon situation and the government’s emergency response arrangements. Members were informed that the Prime Minister had formed an Emergency Response Committee headed by a senior federal minister. The committee is responsible for coordinating with all concerned authorities, including district administrations, during the monsoon emergency. Senator Jam Saifullah Khan said such coordination should not remain active only during floods or disasters. He said the system should operate throughout the year so institutions remain prepared before emergencies begin. The parliamentary delegation was received by the Chairman of NDMA at the National Emergencies Operations Centre. Members received a briefing on the technology used for disaster monitoring and decision making. NDMA officials explained the use of Global and National Portals, Hydro Analytics and the Water Equation system. The committee was also briefed on Disaster Lens 2026. Officials described it as an integrated technology based system designed to improve disaster risk assessment, preparedness and government decision making. The committee appreciated NDMA’s use of advanced technology, data analysis and risk information for disaster management and water planning. Water storage was another major subject discussed during the meeting. Members said Pakistan needed stronger water storage capacity to manage both shortages and excess floodwater. The committee discussed better water monitoring, planning based on reliable data and more efficient use of available water resources. It also discussed technology based solutions to improve national water security and reduce risks linked to climate change. Members were briefed on the possible use of smaller local water storage facilities. The committee was told that such facilities could be used alongside large dams to store extra floodwater. This could help reduce flood damage while also saving water for future use. The growing pressure from population growth and climate change was also discussed. The committee said increasing demand for water made modern irrigation systems more important. It called for new irrigation technologies that could produce more crops while using less water. Members said such measures were important not only for water conservation but also for Pakistan’s food security. The Ministry of Water Resources told the committee that research had been conducted comparing high efficiency crop production methods with existing farming practices. The chairman directed officials to present the full findings at the committee’s next meeting. Mechanized agriculture was also discussed as a possible way to increase agricultural production. Members observed that tax incentives for higher horsepower tractors could help farmers modernize agricultural operations. The committee said better machinery, modern irrigation and improved water management could help increase farm production while reducing waste. The meeting also focused on stronger cooperation between the federal government, provinces, district administrations and disaster management authorities. Members stressed that floods and water shortages cannot be managed effectively if different institutions work separately. The committee said better data sharing, early warnings and clear responsibility among institutions were essential for protecting communities. After the meeting, committee members visited several NDMA facilities. These facilities included the Centre of Excellence, the Logistics and Humanitarian Hub, and the Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Models centre. Officials briefed the delegation on emergency preparations, logistics, disaster response and technology being used during crises. The committee said its visit helped improve coordination between Parliament and NDMA. It called for stronger early warning systems, better water management, modern technology and long term planning to protect Pakistan against floods, water shortages and climate related disasters. The committee made clear that Pakistan’s water challenge is no longer limited to building dams or distributing river water.

Islamabad: Pakistan’s marriage law could face a major review after a parliamentary committee questioned the existing legal provision dealing with second marriage, while a separate proposal seeks jail time and a fine for Nikah registrars who fail to complete a Nikahnama properly. The Council of Islamic Ideology also agreed that the second marriage issue required reconsideration and said it would work towards a new legal framework based on the Quran and Sunnah. The discussion took place during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony. One main issue was a proposed amendment to the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance. The proposal seeks to make it compulsory for every Nikah registrar or Nikah Khawan to accurately fill all columns of the Nikahnama using information given by the bride and groom under oath. Under the proposed law, failure to properly complete the Nikahnama could lead to simple imprisonment of up to one month and a fine of Rs 25,001. The punishment has only been proposed and has not yet become law. The Council of Islamic Ideology supported the proposal requiring Nikah registrars to correctly complete the Nikahnama. However, the council raised objections to some other proposed changes in the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, particularly amendments involving Sections 6 and 7. The CII said those proposed provisions were inconsistent with its understanding of Islamic injunctions. The discussion then moved to one of the most sensitive parts of Pakistan’s marriage law: the existing provision dealing with a second marriage. The committee chairman questioned whether the current legal requirement should continue in its present form and said the provision should be reconsidered according to Shariah principles. The Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology agreed that the matter required another review. He told the committee that the council would work towards proposing a new legal framework based on the Quran and Sunnah. No final change to the second marriage law was approved during the meeting. The issue will require further consideration before any new legal framework can become law. Another major part of the discussion concerned the Nikahnama itself. Senator Sarmad Ali proposed changes to make the Nikahnama easier for people to understand. The proposal aims to remove unclear wording from the headings of different columns so that brides, grooms and Nikah registrars are less likely to misunderstand what information is required. The committee was informed that the government had already discussed implementation of updated Nikahnama forms with the Ministry of Interior and the Islamabad administration. The concerned department was expected to print and circulate the revised Nikahnama forms in Islamabad and provide a report on implementation. However, the committee was told that a response from the concerned authorities was still awaited. The proposed reforms could make the Nikahnama more important than simply being a marriage registration document. If the proposed amendment is approved, Nikah registrars would carry a clear legal responsibility to ensure that every required column is filled correctly according to the information provided by both the bride and groom. The proposed punishment is intended to discourage incomplete forms and incorrect entries. Supporters of the change believe clearer Nikahnama forms could reduce confusion and disputes that may arise when important marriage conditions are left blank or written unclearly. At the same time, the debate over second marriage could become a much larger legal and religious issue. The committee has not recommended the removal or replacement of the existing provision at this stage. Instead, the matter is expected to be examined further with input from the Council of Islamic Ideology. The committee also decided that relevant provisions of the proposed marriage law amendments would be reconsidered after reviewing the CII recommendations. For now, the two major Nikah related developments are clear. Lawmakers are considering stronger responsibility and possible punishment for Nikah registrars who fail to properly complete marriage documents, while the existing law governing second marriage has also been opened for possible review under a new framework based on Islamic principles.

Islamabad: More than 3,182 kanals of federally owned Evacuee Trust Property Board land in Attock still has not been restored in government ownership records even after the transfers were declared invalid. The Ministry of Religious Affairs told a parliamentary committee that local revenue authorities allegedly failed to cooperate despite repeated requests. The Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony reviewed the disputed transfer of ETPB land to private occupants under a Punjab provincial law. The issue was raised through a question by Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi, who sought details about how federally owned trust property was transferred and what action had been taken to restore ownership. The committee was informed that 1,907 kanals of ETPB land in Mouza Neeka had allegedly been transferred to occupants. Another 1,275 kanals and 12 marlas of ETPB land in Mouza Ameer Khan, Tehsil Fateh Jang, District Attock, had also allegedly been transferred. Together, the disputed properties amount to more than 3,182 kanals of land. According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs briefing, the transfers were unauthorised. The ministry alleged that the occupants obtained ownership rights through the connivance of local revenue officials. The briefing did not identify the individual revenue officials allegedly responsible in the material provided to the committee. The committee was also told that the ETPB Chairman had already declared the transfers invalid under the Evacuee Trust Property Management and Disposal Act. That decision was later upheld by the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony. However, the land has still not been restored in the revenue record under the name of ETPB or the Federal Government. According to the briefing, ETPB field offices in Hassanabdal and Attock repeatedly contacted the concerned revenue authorities in an effort to restore federal ownership. Despite those written requests, the ownership record had not been corrected. The ministry blamed the delay on alleged non cooperation by local revenue authorities. The ministry also clarified that there was no evidence of internal involvement. It told the committee that no ETPB official was found involved in the disputed transfers. According to the official briefing, the occupants succeeded in obtaining ownership rights through the alleged connivance of local revenue staff rather than ETPB employees. The case has raised questions about how federally owned religious trust property could be transferred through a provincial law and why the land has not been restored even after the transfers were officially declared invalid. The disputed property belongs to the Evacuee Trust Property Board, which manages properties connected with religious trusts and heritage assets. The committee took serious note of the continuing problem and discussed the need to protect federal ownership of ETPB properties. Members were also concerned about the failure to update the official revenue record despite earlier administrative decisions against the transfers. The case now centres on restoration of legal ownership in government records and accountability for officials, if any, found responsible for facilitating the disputed transfers. The committee directed the concerned authorities to continue pursuing the ETPB land matter and bring further clarification before it in subsequent proceedings. The controversy is likely to remain under parliamentary scrutiny until the land is restored to ETPB or the Federal Government and responsibility for the allegedly unauthorised transfers is clearly determined.