National

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    PM Shehbaz arrives in Madinah, visits Masjid-e-Nab…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Madinah during his visit to Saudi Arabia and paid his respects at Masjid-e-Nabawi ﷺ. The prime minister was accompanied by members of his delegation during his visit to the holy mosque. Prime Minister Shehbaz offered Nafl prayers at Riyaz-ul-Jannah. He also prayed for the peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan and the well-being of its people. During his visit, the prime minister also had the honour of visiting Roza-e-Rasool ﷺ. He offered prayers and paid his respects at the sacred site. The visit to Madinah is part of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s ongoing engagement with Saudi Arabia. His visit also reflects the close and longstanding ties between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The prime minister’s presence at Masjid-e-Nabawi ﷺ was marked by prayers for the country’s stability, development and prosperity. He also prayed for the safety and well-being of the Pakistani nation. Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has described the signing of the Makkah Agreement for Joint Defence between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye as a historic step towards strengthening peace, security and regional stability. In a post on X, the prime minister said he had the honour of signing the agreement alongside Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

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    PTI chairman Gohar Khan’s mother passes away

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan’s mother has passed away. Gohar Khan confirmed the news through a post on his social media account. He shared the information with his followers and expressed grief over the death of his mother. According to the PTI chairman, his mother’s funeral prayers will be offered on Saturday at 4pm. The prayers will be held in Dagar village in Buner district. Gohar Khan also informed people about the location of the funeral so that relatives, friends and well-wishers could attend. The death of his mother comes as a personal loss for the PTI leader. Political figures, party colleagues and supporters are expected to extend their condolences to him and his family. Gohar Khan has remained active in national politics and is among the prominent leaders of the PTI. He has represented the party on several important political and legal matters. The funeral prayers will be held in Dagar at 4pm on Saturday. Family members and local residents are expected to attend the funeral. Further details about the burial arrangements have not been shared so far.

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    Why are thousands protesting Sindh’s major civil…

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    HYDERABAD: A civil service examination meant to open the door to prestigious government jobs in Sindh has instead triggered months of protests, legal battles and allegations of irregularities, with unsuccessful candidates demanding that the entire process be scrapped and conducted again. The controversy centres on the Combined Competitive Examination 2024 (CCE-24) conducted by the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC). More than 4,300 candidates appeared in the written examination, which consisted of 10 papers. Yet when the results were announced on May 6, only 70 candidates were declared successful. The examination is particularly important because successful candidates can be appointed to Grade 16 and 17 positions, including assistant commissioners, assistant directors and section officers. For many candidates, the unusually low pass rate immediately raised questions. Why did the results trigger protests? The protesters’ concerns intensified when detailed marks certificates were uploaded following the announcement. Candidates noticed what they described as apparent inconsistencies in the marks sheets. One example involved Criminology, an optional subject carrying 100 marks in a single paper, which appeared in some detailed certificates as two papers carrying 200 marks. Candidates said a similar issue was visible in Environmental Science. Farman Ali, one of the campaign leaders, said candidates initially believed the discrepancy could simply be a technical mistake. However, after finding similar problems in other subjects, they began demanding an explanation from the commission. The SPSC, meanwhile, has maintained that the examination was conducted according to the applicable rules. Its spokesperson, Hifzullah Kaka, declined to comment on the disputed issues while the matter remained before the courts. Protests spread across Sindh Following the results, social media quickly filled with allegations that the examination process had been manipulated to benefit selected candidates. The Sindh Students Action Committee subsequently organised protests, while candidates began a sit-in outside the SPSC headquarters on Hyderabad’s Thandi Sarak. A larger rally was held on May 13, drawing students from different parts of Sindh. The following day, MQM-P lawmaker Maaz Mahboob submitted a resolution in the Sindh Assembly, expressing concern over alleged irregularities, merit violations and a lack of transparency. Protesters later launched the Movement for Restoration of Meritocracy, demanding broader reforms in public recruitment. The campaign has since spread beyond Hyderabad, with protests reported in Nawabshah, Ghotki, Qambar, Umerkot, Islamkot and Gambat. How did the controversy reach the courts? The dispute soon moved into the courtroom. The Sindh High Court suspended the CCE-24 results and directed the SPSC to produce the complete examination record. The court also halted further appointments and proceedings based on the disputed results. The SPSC challenged the Sindh High Court’s interim orders before the newly established Federal Constitutional Court, arguing that the examination had been conducted fairly, transparently and under the Sindh Public Service Commission Act, 2022, and Recruitment Management Regulations, 2023. On July 16, the federal court suspended the Sindh High Court’s interim orders concerning the inquiry, interviews and rechecking of failed candidates. The development allowed the SPSC to proceed with interviews of the 70 successful candidates. Protesters refuse to back down Despite the legal developments, unsuccessful candidates say their concerns remain unresolved. They are demanding that CCE-24 be cancelled and a fresh examination conducted. They are also calling for the resignation of SPSC Chairman Muhammad Rizwan and commission members, along with an independent judicial inquiry into SPSC examinations and recruitments for Grade 16 and 17 posts over the past five years. At the heart of the dispute is a question that extends beyond one examination: can young candidates trust the system responsible for deciding who gets a government career? For thousands of applicants who spent years preparing for the competitive examination, the answer remains uncertain. As the court proceedings continue, protesters remain camped outside the SPSC headquarters, insisting that their campaign will continue until they receive what they consider a transparent and credible resolution.

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    7-day FutureVerse festival brings young people fro…

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    PESHAWAR: A seven-day youth festival bringing together young people from different parts of Pakistan, including a strong participation of women, was held at TMUC Peshawar with activities focused on skills development, entrepreneurship, technology and creative expression. FutureVerse 2026 was organised by the Directorate of Youth Affairs, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in collaboration with The Order of Pen (TOOP). Over the course of seven days, the festival brought together participants from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the newly merged districts, as well as other parts of the country. The seven-day programme featured training sessions, competitions, workshops, exhibitions and interactive activities organised under five themes — FounderVerse, TechVerse, MindVerse, JusticeVerse and StyleVerse. Participants explored entrepreneurship, design thinking, robotics, personality development, fashion, art and other emerging fields. Industry professionals and mentors also engaged with participants during different sessions. A significant feature of the seven-day event was the participation of women from different backgrounds and regions. They took part in training sessions, competitions, creative activities and discussions covering technology, entrepreneurship, leadership and other emerging areas. Director Youth Affairs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Abbas Khan Afridi said the participation of young people from different parts of the country, particularly women, reflected the need for broader access to learning and professional opportunities.   “FutureVerse has provided young people with a space to learn, exchange ideas and explore their potential over seven days. The participation of women and young people from different regions is particularly encouraging. We want to create more opportunities where they can gain practical skills, connect with mentors and pursue their ambitions,” he said. Mr Afridi said the Directorate would continue to support initiatives that provide young people with access to skills, mentorship and practical exposure. The festival also allowed participants to compete, collaborate and showcase their work while interacting with peers from different educational, social and regional backgrounds. The organisers said the inclusion of participants from the newly merged districts and other parts of Pakistan was intended to widen access to youth-oriented programmes and encourage greater interaction among young people from diverse communities.

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    Scientists, Academics attend launch of ‘My Strug…

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    ISLAMABAD: A distinguished gathering of eminent scientists, academicians, former public sector officials, engineers, and professionals attended the launch ceremony of My Struggles; Journey of a Technologist, authored by renowned scientist and technologist Dr. Farid A. Malik, held at the Islamabad Club on Thursday. The ceremony was attended by former officers of the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), a former Director General of NUST, senior representatives from academia and industry, including the Director of the Thar Coal Project, and several distinguished personalities from Islamabad. Speaking on the occasion, participants paid rich tribute to Dr. Farid A. Malik’s lifelong contributions to science, engineering, higher education, and national development. They described the book as an inspiring account of perseverance, professional excellence, and unwavering commitment to Pakistan’s scientific and technological progress. The speakers shared personal experiences and memories of working with Dr. Malik, highlighting his visionary leadership, dedication to mentoring young professionals, and his relentless pursuit of technological advancement. They noted that his remarkable journey serves as a source of inspiration for students, researchers, engineers, and policymakers alike.   Addressing the audience, Dr. Farid A. Malik presented a brief overview of his life’s journey, reflecting on the challenges, opportunities, and milestones that shaped his career as a technologist, researcher, educator, and public servant. “Success is not achieved without struggle. Every challenge presents an opportunity to learn, innovate, and contribute towards national development,” Dr. Malik remarked while sharing the key message of his book. He encouraged young professionals to remain committed to excellence, embrace innovation, and serve the country with integrity, determination, and dedication. The participants appreciated the publication as a valuable addition to Pakistan’s scientific literature, observing that it documents not only the personal journey of an accomplished technologist but also the evolution of science, engineering, and technology in the country over several decades. The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session followed by a book-signing ceremony, where attendees congratulated Dr. Malik on documenting his inspiring life journey and wished him continued success in promoting science and technology in Pakistan.

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    Senate, NA leaders vow closer coordination for Par…

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    ISLAMABAD: The leadership of Pakistan’s Senate and National Assembly has agreed to strengthen cooperation between the two houses of Parliament, with the aim of promoting democratic stability, improving legislation and ensuring a more effective parliamentary system. Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani met National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah at his residence in Islamabad on Saturday. The meeting focused on parliamentary affairs, matters of national importance and coordination between the two legislative houses. According to a statement issued by the Senate Secretariat, the participants stressed that closer institutional coordination was essential for strengthening parliamentary democracy and ensuring the smooth functioning of the system. Gilani said effective communication and cooperation between the Senate and National Assembly were necessary to uphold strong democratic traditions and reinforce an effective parliamentary structure. He also emphasised the importance of maintaining close liaison between the two houses, saying institutional coordination would contribute to the stability and effectiveness of Parliament. Sadiq, meanwhile, said collaboration between parliamentary institutions needed to be further strengthened to ensure effective legislation and better respond to public expectations. The leaders also discussed the overall situation in the country and exchanged views on issues of national importance. During the meeting, they agreed on the need to keep national interests at the forefront, uphold the supremacy of the Constitution and work towards greater democratic stability. They further reaffirmed their commitment to promoting mutual respect and effective communication between parliamentary institutions. The agreement comes as Parliament continues to play a central role in legislative and constitutional affairs, making coordination between its two houses important for ensuring that legislation and parliamentary business proceed smoothly. The Senate and National Assembly form the two chambers of Pakistan’s bicameral Parliament, with the National Assembly representing the population and the Senate providing equal representation to the federating units. The Senate chairman’s emphasis on cooperation also reflects a broader focus on strengthening parliamentary institutions and improving their capacity to perform constitutional responsibilities. A day earlier, Gilani inaugurated a newly modernised office complex of the Senate Secretariat at Parliament House. Addressing the ceremony, he described the upgrade as part of efforts to improve institutional capacity and modernise parliamentary operations. He said strong democratic institutions required modern systems, efficient infrastructure and a professional working environment. The upgraded facilities, according to the Senate, are intended to improve service delivery and enable the Secretariat to better support Parliament in carrying out its constitutional duties. With the latest meeting, the parliamentary leadership has signalled that stronger coordination between the Senate and National Assembly will remain a key priority in efforts to consolidate democratic institutions and ensure a stable parliamentary system.

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    Punjab cybercrime crackdown, 28 suspects arrested

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    LAHORE: Authorities have arrested 28 suspects in Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan as part of a major crackdown on organised online fraud, exposing alleged schemes that relied on impersonation, fake investment opportunities and fabricated official identities to deceive citizens. The arrests were made during a province-wide operation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab, directed by Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Wasim, officials said. Investigators also seized 24 mobile phones and a laptop, which are now being examined for evidence that could lead to other members of the alleged network. The investigation has revealed how fraudsters allegedly manipulated trust to convince victims to hand over large sums of money. Millions allegedly lost in Lahore scam In Lahore, 18 suspects were arrested in separate operations. Investigators said the suspects allegedly impersonated relatives, visa agents, government officials and personnel associated with the Punjab Safe Cities Authority. In one case, suspects allegedly posed as both a relative and a visa agent and persuaded a victim to transfer Rs25.86 million. The case has highlighted how scammers can combine apparently familiar identities with urgent requests to make their schemes appear legitimate. Rs54.66m trading fraud uncovered Three suspects were arrested in Faisalabad in connection with alleged online trading fraud and unauthorised access to a company email account. According to investigators, a victim was shown fabricated trading records, digital-wallet balances and purported profit statements to create the impression that substantial returns were being generated. After being persuaded to invest, the victim allegedly lost Rs54.66 million, investigators said. The case demonstrates the growing sophistication of investment scams, where criminals allegedly use manipulated digital information to make fraudulent platforms appear genuine. Multan arrests expose impersonation tactics In Multan, seven suspects were arrested for allegedly posing as relatives, bank employees and individuals claiming to be based in Britain. Officials said victims were approached with various demands, including payments supposedly required for prize money, customs clearance, taxes and visa renewals. Such tactics typically create a sense of urgency, leaving victims with little time to verify the identity of the caller or the authenticity of the demand. Digital evidence now under forensic examination NCCIA investigators are examining the seized devices through forensic analysis. Financial transactions, call records and digital communications are also being reviewed to establish the full extent of the alleged operation and identify other people who may be connected to it. The crackdown comes amid growing concern over online financial fraud in Pakistan. The NCCIA’s own statistics identify financial fraud as a major category of reported cybercrime. The latest arrests underscore a simple but increasingly important warning: an apparently familiar voice, official-looking message or promising investment opportunity may not be what it seems. Authorities are expected to continue the investigation as they trace the alleged network and follow the digital and financial trails left behind.

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    GCU Lahore goes fully paperless in major digital s…

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    LAHORE: Government College University (GCU) Lahore has officially moved its administrative operations to a fully paperless digital system, marking a major step towards modernising governance and reducing reliance on traditional office files. The transformation has been achieved through the implementation of the e-Filing and Office Automation System, a cloud-based digital platform developed by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). The system has been provided to the university free of cost under special directions from the Punjab government, according to university officials. Under the new framework, administrative processes across GCU’s departments will now be handled online through a single digital platform. Routine matters such as leave applications, travel permissions, annual performance reports, official orders and departmental correspondence can now be processed electronically. The university said the system would also cover digital note sheets for proposals between departments, approval of payments for visiting faculty, purchase requests and agendas for departmental meetings. No more files moving from desk to desk One of the most significant changes will be the elimination of the traditional practice of physically moving files from one office to another. Instead, officials will be able to create, review, approve and track documents digitally through the cloud-based platform. This is expected to improve administrative efficiency while making it easier to monitor the progress of official matters. GCU Vice Chancellor Professor Muhammad Umar Chaudhry described the transition as more than an environmental initiative, saying digital governance was essential for a modern educational institution. He said moving administrative affairs away from paper would strengthen transparency, speed and accountability, while reducing delays associated with manual file tracking. According to the vice chancellor, removing routine administrative delays would allow faculty members and heads of departments to devote more time to teaching and research. Part of wider digital transformation The university said the paperless initiative is part of a broader digitalisation drive launched during the previous academic year under the vice chancellor’s leadership. Before implementing the complete e-office system, GCU had introduced online approval mechanisms for student society events and digital billing for payments to visiting faculty members. The administration is now preparing to take the process further with the planned launch of a comprehensive e-Services Portal. The upcoming platform is expected to streamline requests related to campus maintenance and other facilities. Officials hope the system will allow infrastructure-related problems to be reported and addressed more quickly without disrupting academic activities. Alumni records also going digital GCU’s digital reforms are not limited to current campus operations. The university is also working on a major project to digitise the records of its alumni, expanding technology-based management beyond day-to-day administration. The move towards a paperless campus could ultimately reduce paperwork, improve record management and provide university officials with faster access to important information. With administrative processes increasingly moving online, GCU Lahore is positioning itself as an example of how Pakistan’s public-sector universities can use digital technology to make governance faster, more transparent and more efficient.

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    Rana Sanaullah vows to ‘set countdown critics st…

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    Adviser to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said that those counting down the government’s tenure will eventually be “set straight” themselves, and their countdown will also be corrected. Addressing a public gathering in Bagh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sanaullah said the people were the rightful owners of Pakistan and highlighted the strong bond between Pakistan and Kashmir. “Where in Pakistan are Kashmiris not working?” he asked, adding that Kashmiris enjoy all rights in the country. Sanaullah said Pakistan was incomplete without Kashmir and stressed that no force could weaken the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Kashmir. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader also claimed that four PML-N candidates would be elected to the legislative assembly in the upcoming election, which is scheduled to take place in two days. He said the PML-N needed only six more seats to secure a two-thirds majority in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. Referring to the ongoing political activities and the action committee, Sanaullah said many people associated with the committee were their “brothers” and patriotic citizens. His remarks came as political parties intensified campaigning ahead of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections, with competing groups seeking to secure a strong mandate in the upcoming polls.

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    Maryam Nawaz orders timely salaries for Sutrah Pun…

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    Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed that workers associated with the Sutrah Punjab programme be paid their salaries by the fifth of every month. According to an official statement, the chief minister also sought monthly reports from the companies responsible for making payments to the workers to ensure that salaries are being disbursed on time. Maryam Nawaz ordered a zero-tolerance policy against workers who fail to perform their duties. She also directed authorities to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) to regularly assess workers’ performance and improve the overall efficiency of the programme. The chief minister stressed that special attention should be given to cleanliness at fruit and vegetable markets. She said additional efforts were required to achieve better sanitation results across Punjab. Maryam Nawaz also directed officials to begin washing and cleaning major roads at 5am. She instructed authorities to ensure door-to-door waste collection and maintain proper cleanliness around schools, colleges, universities and hospitals. She further ordered the use of uniform garbage bins and waste bags in markets and commercial areas. Officials were directed to establish specific timings for removing waste from commercial zones and ensure that vacant plots in different areas were also cleaned.