National

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    Pakistan, google sign “historic” MOU

    ByJustpaste.in

    By Umar Mujtaba Islamabad: Pakistan and Google have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital skills, IT exports and innovation, with Pakistani students set to receive free one year access to advanced AI tools including Gemini. The agreement was signed on Friday during a reception hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in honour of the Google team, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office. Under the agreement, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) centre of excellence will be established in Islamabad for the training of young people and professionals to align their skills with global market requirements. This news comes days after Google opened its first office in Pakistan, which signals the company’s interest in Pakistan’s technology sector. Pakistani students will also receive one year of free google AI tools access, including gemini and google AI plus.  Both sides have agreed to expand google certificate to 150,000 in 2026, helping Pakistani youth with market oriented skills.  A joint taskforce will also be established to increase the country’s IT exports and improve the country’s competitiveness in the global technology sector.  The agreement also covers efforts to improve the global competitiveness of Pakistan’s mobile application and gaming industries, while promoting digital payments and expanding digital commerce. One of the areas identified for cooperation is the Federal Board of Revenue’s digitization program, where AI powered data analytics could be used to improve tax administration and public-sector efficiency. In agriculture, Pakistan and Google will explore AI applications for crop monitoring, forecasting and sustainable farming practices. The agreement also aims to use digital platforms to help Pakistani small and medium sized enterprises access international markets and expand their exports. The Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif described the collaboration as a stepping stone toward contributing to a field that is “very attractive” and “the call of the day.”  Mr Sharif noted that the delegation’s arrival was “a sheer coincidence” because it comes precisely as the country is undergoing a major digital transformation of governance under the government’s “Digital Nation Pakistan” initiative.  Wilson L. White (Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy) described the $30 Billion Export Target by stating “Your ambition of making Pakistan a 30-billion-dollar IT export hub aligns with the goals that we have at Google.” 

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    Salman Ali Agha backs Babar Azam’s return to rev…

    ByJustpaste.in

      Pakistan’s stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha has backed the return of Babar Azam, expressing confidence that the experienced batter can provide a much-needed boost to the team’s struggling batting lineup. His comments came after Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat against England in the opening Test at Headingley on Friday. England completely dominated the match and secured an innings-and-103-run victory, taking control of the Test series. Pakistan struggled throughout the game, particularly with the bat, as they were dismissed for just 171 runs in their first innings before being bowled out for 135 in the second. In contrast, England produced a strong batting performance, posting 409 runs in their first innings. Pakistan’s bowlers were unable to take full advantage of the helpful conditions, while England’s players maintained pressure throughout the match. Ollie Robinson was named Player of the Match after an impressive bowling display in which he claimed eight wickets. Speaking after the match, Salman Ali Agha acknowledged that England had been the superior team and admitted that Pakistan had made several costly mistakes. “England have outplayed us,” Salman said, emphasizing that the team’s inexperienced batting unit needed to become more consistent, especially when playing in challenging overseas conditions. The Pakistan captain also defended his fast bowlers despite their failure to capitalize on the moisture and overcast conditions at Headingley. He pointed out that the pace attack had performed well during Pakistan’s previous tour of the West Indies and believed the conditions in England should have suited them. According to Salman, Pakistan have bowlers capable of reaching speeds of around 140 kilometers per hour, but they were unable to produce their best performances in the first Test. He insisted that he continued to have faith in the bowling unit and said the team would work on correcting its mistakes before the next match. Despite the disappointing result, Salman praised the individual efforts of Ali Usman and Abdullah Shafique. He was particularly pleased with Usman’s bowling performance in difficult conditions and also highlighted Shafique’s determination with the bat. Looking ahead to the next Test, Salman believes the potential return of Babar Azam could significantly improve Pakistan’s batting. Babar’s experience and ability to perform under pressure could provide stability to a lineup that struggled against England’s bowling attack. “Hopefully Babar will come back in the next match and his presence will give a boost to our batting,” Salman said. Pakistan will now look to learn from their mistakes and make a strong comeback in the next Test. With Babar Azam potentially returning to the playing XI, the team will hope that his experience can help strengthen the batting order and give Pakistan a better chance of challenging England in the remainder of the series.

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    PM rebukes Islamabad chief commissioner, IG over i…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister of Pakistan has reprimanded Islamabad’s Chief Commissioner and Inspector General of Police (IGP) over their use of a ceremonial buggy during the Independence Day celebrations, describing the display as inconsistent with the principles and values expected from senior public servants. According to official advisories issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on August 17, the incident took place on August 14 during the Independence Day celebrations. Chief Commissioner Islamabad Lt. (Retd.) Sohail Ashraf and IG Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi reportedly used a ceremonial carriage belonging to the Prime Minister’s House to attend and observe the parade.The Prime Minister himself was not present at the event. The use of the ceremonial buggy attracted public criticism, with concerns raised over what was perceived as an unnecessary display of protocol and privilege by senior government officials. In its advisory, the Prime Minister’s Office expressed serious displeasure over the incident and said the conduct created an inappropriate impression about the role of public servants. The office maintained that government officials are expected to uphold simplicity, humility and dignity rather than engage in displays of grandeur or personal prominence. The Prime Minister stated that the use of such protocol projected an image of privilege, ostentation and personal aggrandisement that was contrary to the basic ethos of public service. He stressed that government officers serve the public and should therefore avoid conduct that could undermine public confidence in state institutions. The advisory further warned that displays of excessive protocol and personal privilege by senior officials could damage the credibility of public institutions. It emphasized that officers occupying important administrative and law-enforcement positions are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism and propriety. Following the Prime Minister’s directions, the Establishment Division issued a formal warning to the two officers through Joint Secretary (Discipline) Syeda Shafaq Hashmi. The directive called for an immediate end to practices involving unnecessary protocol, exhibitionism and self-promotion at official events. It instructed the officers to ensure that such conduct does not happen again and emphasized the importance of maintaining simplicity and dignity while performing official duties. The Establishment Division also directed that the advisory be followed strictly, both in letter and spirit. The warning serves as a reminder to senior civil servants that official positions come with significant responsibilities and require them to maintain appropriate standards of conduct in public. The Prime Minister’s Office highlighted the special responsibilities of the Chief Commissioner and IG Islamabad, who serve as the administrative and police heads of the federal capital. Given their positions, the public and government expect them to set an example through responsible governance, discipline and appropriate behavior. The episode has once again brought attention to the government’s emphasis on reducing unnecessary official protocol and promoting a culture of simplicity among public officials. The Prime Minister’s message was clear that public office should be associated with service, responsibility and accountability rather than privilege and ceremonial extravagance. The two officials have now been directed to ensure that similar displays do not recur at future official functions and to uphold the standards expected from senior government officers.

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    KP eyes M-1 motorway BRT service to connect 4 majo…

    ByJustpaste.in

    PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is exploring a plan to extend its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network onto the M-1 Motorway, with the proposed service aimed at improving public transport links between Peshawar and several major cities. Officials from the provincial Transport Department said the proposed BRT service could connect passengers with Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi and Charsadda, potentially providing a faster and more convenient travel option for thousands of daily commuters. Under the initial proposal, buses would pick up and drop off passengers at designated toll plazas along the motorway. The exact locations and number of stops, however, have yet to be determined. Officials said a detailed feasibility study would establish where stations should be developed and assess the operational requirements of the proposed service. If approved and implemented, the initiative could strengthen regional connectivity and provide commuters with an expanded public transport option across key areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

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    Four held in Punjab cyber harassment crackdown

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has intensified its crackdown on people involved in online harassment, blackmail and the misuse of women’s private images across Punjab, arresting four suspects in separate operations in Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan and Faisalabad. The operations followed special directives from NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Wasim. Investigators also seized mobile phones, SIM cards, WhatsApp accounts and other digital evidence that could help establish the suspects’ involvement in the alleged offences. In Lahore, NCCIA officials arrested a suspect identified as Qaiser for allegedly harassing and blackmailing a woman. According to investigators, the suspect repeatedly pressured the woman to marry him and threatened to circulate her photographs to other people if she refused. Officials have launched further investigations to determine the full extent of his activities. In Gujranwala, the agency arrested Muhammad Muzammil and Ali Asghar in connection with an alleged blackmailing case. Investigators said Muzammil obtained a woman’s private photographs and used them to threaten her. He allegedly warned that he would send the material to her newly married husband and disrupt her marital life unless she met his demands. The investigation found that the suspect allegedly demanded money from the woman, after which around Rs2 million was transferred to a bank account linked to Ali Asghar. During the operation, officials recovered three mobile phones, a WhatsApp account linked to a UK-based number and other digital material. Investigators are examining the devices and accounts to identify any additional communications or victims. In Multan, NCCIA officials arrested Muhammad Tanveer for allegedly obtaining and distributing a woman’s private material through multiple WhatsApp accounts. Investigators said the suspect later used the material to harass the woman and her family. Officials recovered a mobile phone, a SIM card and a WhatsApp account allegedly used to circulate the material. In Faisalabad, NCCIA officials arrested Khair Hayat over an alleged blackmailing case. Investigators said the suspect, along with his associates, demanded Rs500,000 from a woman in exchange for deleting her private photographs and other material. The suspect allegedly threatened and blackmailed the woman while demanding payment. Officials recovered a mobile phone during the operation and are examining it for further evidence. NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Wasim said the agency would continue taking strict action against individuals who use digital platforms to harass, threaten or blackmail women. He said investigators were examining the digital evidence recovered from the suspects and would pursue further leads emerging from the investigations. The latest operations highlight the growing focus of law-enforcement agencies on cyber-enabled harassment and blackmail, particularly cases involving the misuse of private images and social media accounts. The NCCIA is also working to trace digital communications and financial transactions that could reveal links between the arrested suspects and other individuals involved in such activities.

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    Sister reveals shocking details of Imran’s check…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Uzma Khan, sister of incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan, said Friday that the PTI founder had complained of health problems that he believed were connected to his prolonged solitary confinement. She made the remarks during a press conference in Islamabad alongside Imran’s personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, following his transfer to hospital for a medical examination. Uzma said she and Dr Sultan were asked to reach Adiala Jail on Friday evening after receiving a phone call. According to her, they arrived at the prison at around 8pm to 8:30pm. She said they were taken to a room belonging to a deputy superintendent of police. After some time, she alleged, Dr Sultan was asked to leave the room with a police official while she was taken separately by a female police officer. Uzma said police officers did not explain where she was being taken or provide clear information about Dr Sultan. She was eventually taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), despite the Supreme Court directing that Imran be shifted to Shifa International Hospital for a medical checkup. According to Uzma, officials told her the visit to Pims was related to a follow-up examination of Imran’s eye condition. She described the hospital environment as unusually dark and said she was taken through the building with the help of a mobile phone flashlight before being brought to an office. Uzma said she was later taken upstairs, where she unexpectedly saw her brother. She recalled that Imran appeared surprised and shocked to see her after a long period apart. He reportedly introduced her to the doctors as his sister, saying they were meeting after about 10 months. Uzma said she informed Imran that he had been brought for a medical examination and was expected to be taken to Shifa International Hospital afterward. She also asked about Dr Sultan but said she was not given a clear answer. The examination eventually focused on Imran’s eye. Uzma said several doctors were present, although she was familiar with only one of them, whom she identified as Dr Arif. Imran has previously received treatment at Pims following the diagnosis of right central retinal vein occlusion, an eye condition identified earlier this year. The Supreme Court had directed authorities to arrange Imran’s medical examination while also instructing that information about his health should not be used for political purposes.

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    Why was Imran Khan taken to Pims, not Shifa hospit…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar has issued a statement regarding the transfer of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail for medical examination. Tarar said Imran was taken to hospital between the night of August 20 and 21 under strict security arrangements. According to the minister, Imran was examined by qualified doctors, including an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician. The doctors declared him medically fit, he said. Tarar clarified that the medical examination was conducted at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), where doctors from Shifa International Hospital were also present. He said Imran was initially scheduled to be taken to Shifa International Hospital. However, PTI workers allegedly created a security situation outside the hospital and along the route, prompting authorities to take him to Pims instead. The minister said the medical examination at Pims found Imran to be in good health. Tarar added that Imran’s sister, Uzma Khan, remained present throughout the medical examination and treatment process. Imran Khan returns to Adiala Jail After completing the medical examination, Imran was shifted back to Adiala Jail at around 5am on August 21, Tarar said. The minister maintained that medical facilities had previously been provided to Imran whenever required and that the government would continue to ensure necessary healthcare in the future. Jail sources also confirmed that Imran had been taken back to Adiala Jail. According to the sources, he was transported from the hospital to the prison under extremely tight security.

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    Pakistan announces public holiday for Eid Milad-un…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The federal government has announced a public holiday across Pakistan on the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the holiday for 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal. The government has also issued an official notification confirming the decision. According to the notification, Wednesday, August 26, 2026, will be observed as a public holiday across the country. Government offices and institutions covered by the notification will remain closed on the day. The holiday will allow people to observe Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ and participate in religious gatherings and other activities. Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ is observed every year on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Special religious programmes, processions and gatherings are held in different parts of Pakistan on the occasion. The announcement of the public holiday comes as preparations for the religious occasion continue across the country. Authorities are also expected to make security and traffic arrangements for major gatherings and processions.

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    Imran Khan is healthy, Khawaja Asif declares

    ByJustpaste.in

    Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan is in good health, adding that details of his medical condition will eventually be made public. Speaking during a session of the National Assembly, Asif said Imran’s sister had met him and could explain the former prime minister’s current health condition. He said Imran’s eye problem had gradually improved. However, he added that Imran was experiencing a minor blood pressure issue and was being given medication for it. Asif said it was inappropriate to turn Imran’s health into a political issue or give the matter a political colour. Referring to his own experience in prison, the defence minister said he had once been told that he required surgery for a hernia while he was incarcerated. He claimed that Imran had demanded a video at the time to verify whether the surgery was actually taking place. Asif said he still had that video. He added that Imran’s medical report should be reviewed by everyone concerned. “I say on oath that there is no serious issue with Imran Khan,” he said. The defence minister also referred to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, saying he had undergone two surgeries around two months ago. Despite this, Asif said, discussions about Sharif’s platelet count still continued. Asif accused Imran of previously mocking Nawaz Sharif’s health problems, particularly his platelet count. He said there were hundreds of videos showing Imran making remarks about the issue. He further claimed that Imran had also mocked illnesses during rallies held in the United States, arguing that he had failed to recognise at the time that illness was a genuine matter. The defence minister also recalled the imprisonment of political leaders in the past. He said opposition leaders had been jailed while their colleagues continued attending parliamentary sessions without making threats or linking government business to their release.

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    PTI questions Imran Khan’s transfer to Pims

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Opposition leaders have raised serious questions over the decision to take former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) instead of Shifa International Hospital. The issue has created a fresh political dispute between the government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Speaking in the National Assembly, senior politician and Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai said a positive atmosphere had developed after reports emerged that Imran would be taken to hospital. Achakzai said people across Pakistan were happy to hear that Imran was being taken to hospital for a medical examination. He said his party had instructed its workers not to go to any hospital. The decision was aimed at avoiding any situation that could create security problems, he added. Achakzai also claimed that Imran’s sisters were stopped at Shifa International Hospital. He said the development had caused concern among people across the country. He questioned why the situation changed after an apparently positive atmosphere had developed. Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan strongly criticised the decision to take Imran to Pims. Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Gohar said the party had not expected Imran to be taken to another hospital. He also expressed concern over the lack of clear information about the former prime minister’s medical examination. Gohar claimed that the Supreme Court’s order had not been implemented. He said the court’s directive was clear and contained no ambiguity. According to Gohar, failure to implement a clear judicial order was unfortunate. He questioned how democracy could function if court orders could not be implemented. “If implementing a court order is difficult, then how will democracy function?” he asked. Gohar also said political negotiations could not take place under such circumstances. He maintained that democracy required institutions and political actors to respect the law and judicial decisions. Despite his criticism, the PTI chairman said his party remained committed to negotiations. He said the PTI wanted political disputes to be resolved through dialogue. He added that efforts in this regard would continue. The controversy follows Information Minister Attaullah Tarar’s statement about Imran’s medical examination. Tarar said Imran was examined at Pims rather than Shifa International Hospital. He said doctors from Shifa were also present during the medical examination. The government has maintained that security concerns led authorities to take Imran to Pims. The issue has now become a new point of confrontation between the government and PTI. The PTI is questioning the decision to change the hospital and the implementation of the Supreme Court’s directive. The government, meanwhile, is defending the move on security and medical grounds.