National

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    IHC declares Mazari, Chatha sentence suspension pl…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Islamabad High Court has declared admissible the petitions seeking suspension of sentences of Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chatha, who were convicted by a trial court in the controversial tweets case. Justice Muhammad Azam Khan of the Islamabad High Court issued a reserved verdict, rejecting a miscellaneous application filed by the prosecution challenging the admissibility of the petitions. The court had reserved its decision yesterday after hearing arguments from both sides. The prosecution had argued that the petitions for suspension of sentence filed by Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chatha were premature. It is pertinent to mention that Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka had sentenced both Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chatha to a total of 17 years in prison each under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). Both convicts have approached the Islamabad High Court seeking suspension of their sentences. Earlier, The Islamabad High Court on Friday reserved its decision on whether petitions seeking the suspension of prison sentences awarded to lawyers and human rights activists Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha can proceed. The petitions relate to the couple’s convictions in a case involving alleged controversial social media posts under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The hearing was conducted by Justice Muhammad Azam Khan, who considered preliminary arguments from both the prosecution and the defence before reserving his ruling on the maintainability of the petitions. During the proceedings, lawyers representing the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) argued that the requests for suspension of sentence had been filed too early. They maintained that the court should first decide the prosecution’s objection challenging the admissibility of the petitions before considering any request for relief

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    22 dead, 183 injured in Punjab rains

    ByJustpaste.in

    Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Umar Abbas has said that 22 people have died and 183 others were injured in various rain-related incidents across Punjab. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Abbas said the Gujranwala and Rawalpindi divisions received the highest rainfall during the recent spell. He added that the water situation in the Ravi and Sutlej rivers remains normal. According to the PDMA chief, a breach developed in an embankment in Sheikhupura, but authorities immediately repaired it and filled the gap. Abbas said new machinery had been acquired under the Punjab Development Programme to improve the province’s ability to respond to emergencies. He claimed that water accumulation this year was three times lower than last year. He said the authorities had also completed the cleaning of major drains before the monsoon season to reduce the risk of urban flooding and waterlogging. The PDMA director general said Punjab’s electricity infrastructure is outdated, and relevant authorities are reviewing several issues concerning the power system. He further said that encroachments and people living in riverbeds have been removed as part of measures to prevent casualties during flooding. According to Abbas, protective embankments are also being constructed at several locations along rivers to strengthen flood protection and minimise the impact of rising water levels. The latest figures highlight the continuing risks posed by heavy monsoon rains across Punjab, while authorities are monitoring rainfall, river levels and vulnerable areas to prevent further loss of life and property.

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    UET Lahore sees record undergraduate admission dem…

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE:The University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore has announced the first merit list for its undergraduate admissions, following a strong response from students seeking admission to the university’s various degree programmes. According to data shared by the university administration, UET Lahore received 21,066 applications for undergraduate programmes this year. The applicants also submitted 288,166 programme preferences, highlighting the intense competition among students and the growing demand for engineering and other undergraduate programmes offered by the university. The release of the first merit list marks the beginning of the admission process for the new academic session. Students who applied for admission can now check their selection status and review the details of the admission process through the university’s official admissions portal. UET Lahore has also announced the schedule for the upcoming merit lists. The university will publish the second merit list on August 7, followed by the third merit list on August 14. The fourth merit list will be announced on August 21. The university has advised applicants to regularly check the official admission platform for updates regarding merit lists, fee submission, admission confirmation and other important requirements. Students selected in the merit lists must complete the required admission formalities within the specified deadlines to secure their places in their respective programmes. Meanwhile, UET Lahore plans to begin regular classes for all selected undergraduate students on September 7. The start of the academic session will follow the completion of the admission process and the finalization of student selections. With more than 21,000 applicants competing for admission, the latest figures reflect the continued popularity of UET Lahore among students pursuing higher education in engineering and related disciplines.

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    AJK poll body issues strict election warning

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission has warned political parties and election candidates against violating the electoral code of conduct ahead of the upcoming general elections. The commission said strict action would be taken against anyone found using government resources or machinery for election campaigning. An AJK Election Commission spokesperson said federal and provincial ministers could participate in election campaigns but would not be allowed to use official protocol, vehicles or government resources for political purposes. The commission also prohibited the announcement of new development schemes, financial packages and public welfare projects during the election campaign. Any such announcement would be treated as a violation of the electoral code. The spokesperson warned that vehicles, equipment and relief supplies provided by the federal or provincial governments could be confiscated if they were used for electoral purposes. Legal action would also be taken against those responsible for violations. The warning came during a meeting in Mirpur chaired by AJK Chief Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal to review preparations for the upcoming polls. Senior officials from the Election Commission, district administrations and police departments attended the meeting. Officials briefed the chief election commissioner on security and administrative arrangements in Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber. Mughal expressed satisfaction with the preparations and stressed that the elections must be conducted in a peaceful, free, fair and impartial manner. He said all relevant institutions would have to work together to ensure the smooth completion of the polling process and counter rumours surrounding the elections. The chief election commissioner said security agencies were responsible for protecting polling stations, voters and election staff. He added that security forces had begun arriving at polling stations ahead of the phased voting process. Mughal also rejected concerns that holding elections in phases could allow results from one division to influence voting in another. He said AJK had its own political and local dynamics and that the phased polling arrangement would not affect the integrity of the election process. The AJK Election Commission had earlier announced that polling would begin on July 27 and take place in three phases. Voting in Mirpur Division is scheduled for July 27. Muzaffarabad Division and 12 refugee constituencies will vote on August 2, while polling in Poonch Division will be held on August 10.

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    Pakistan pushes stronger ties with Belarus, Centra…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan has renewed its commitment to strengthening relations with Belarus and Central Asian countries. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held separate meetings with the foreign ministers of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. The meetings were held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting.The discussions focused on bilateral relations, trade, investment, regional connectivity and security. Dar met Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov and reviewed the progress of relations between the two countries.The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in several important areas. These include trade, investment, defence, agriculture, technology and workforce exchanges.They also discussed ways to strengthen economic ties and increase bilateral business activity. Pakistan and Belarus are also preparing for the next session of their Joint Ministerial Commission.The ninth session is scheduled to take place in Islamabad on August 11 and 12, 2026. The two countries are expected to use the meeting to explore new areas of cooperation.Dar and Ryzhenkov also discussed regional developments. The Belarusian foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to support dialogue and promote peace and stability in the region. Dar also met Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev.The two ministers reviewed the positive progress in relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan. They agreed to accelerate the implementation of agreements reached during recent high-level exchanges.A key focus was the implementation of 37 memorandums of understanding signed during a high-level visit. The two countries also agreed to increase cooperation in trade, investment, transport, energy and regional connectivity. People-to-people contacts and cooperation at international forums were also discussed.Kosherbayev appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to support regional peace and diplomacy. He also invited Dar to visit Kazakhstan.The Pakistani foreign minister accepted the invitation and said the visit would take place at a mutually convenient time. In another meeting, Dar held talks with Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin.Both sides described Pakistan-Tajikistan relations as close and longstanding. They agreed to further expand cooperation in several sectors.These include trade, investment, energy, connectivity and culture. The two ministers also highlighted the importance of stronger people-to-people contacts.They agreed that regular high-level exchanges could help deepen bilateral relations. The two sides also discussed regional and global developments.They stressed the importance of cooperation through international and multilateral platforms. Tajikistan also expressed support for Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and the peaceful resolution of regional issues.Dar also met Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov. The two ministers reaffirmed the importance of the Pakistan-Uzbekistan strategic partnership. They reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation.Trade, investment, connectivity, energy, culture and people-to-people relations were among the key areas discussed. Dar and Saidov also stressed the importance of stronger links between the business communities of both countries. They said closer business engagement could help increase trade and investment.The two ministers also discussed the implementation of understandings reached during Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s recent visit to Pakistan. They agreed that existing agreements should be converted into practical projects through timely implementation. Regional and global developments were also discussed.Saidov appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote regional peace and stability. Both sides expressed hope that dialogue and diplomacy would continue to support lasting peace in the region. Dar’s meetings took place during his visit to Kyrgyzstan for the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting. Pakistan used the diplomatic engagement to highlight its longstanding relations with SCO member states. Islamabad also reaffirmed its readiness to assume the SCO chairmanship for 2026–27.Pakistan has expressed its intention to promote greater cooperation among member states. The focus will include socioeconomic development, regional connectivity and mutual economic benefits. Dar also attended an informal dinner hosted by Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev for visiting dignitaries. During the visit, Dar met Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov and conveyed greetings from Pakistan’s leadership.He expressed Islamabad’s desire to strengthen cooperation with Kyrgyzstan across different sectors. Dar later led Pakistan’s delegation at the SCO ministerial meeting. In his national statement, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the SCO Charter and the principles of the Shanghai Spirit.These principles include mutual trust, mutual respect, shared prosperity and development. Pakistan has also invited SCO member states to attend the SCO Council of Heads of State summit in Pakistan next year.The government says Islamabad’s upcoming SCO leadership will provide an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation and deepen economic and diplomatic ties with member states.

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    PTI lawmakers clash over Imran Khan’s release

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa parliamentary party meeting reportedly turned tense as several dissatisfied lawmakers openly raised concerns about the party’s strategy for securing the release of PTI founder Imran Khan. The meeting was convened to discuss the political campaign for Khan’s release, but the session became disorderly following remarks by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and members of the disgruntled group. According to details emerging from the meeting, the atmosphere became tense after the chief minister addressed the lawmakers. Members of the dissatisfied group reportedly delivered strong speeches and criticised the existing approach towards the campaign for Khan’s release. Their remarks upset Afridi, leading to a heated exchange during the session. The chief minister assured the disgruntled lawmakers that their reservations would be addressed. However, the assurance did not immediately resolve the differences. Some of the dissatisfied members reportedly left the meeting before it concluded. PTI lawmaker Fazal Elahi said all members of the parliamentary party had attended the meeting. He said the disgruntled lawmakers had demanded that the party organise a convention to formally administer an oath to its members. According to Elahi, a similar commitment should be sought from lawmakers for the campaign demanding Khan’s release, as was done during the Senate elections. Elahi stressed that the movement for Khan’s release should involve practical steps rather than remain limited to statements and discussions. He said the party’s founder could not be released through words alone and that members needed to demonstrate their commitment through action. He added that the remarks made by the dissatisfied lawmakers had caused displeasure during the meeting. The developments point to differences within the PTI parliamentary party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over how the campaign for Khan’s release should be pursued. Some lawmakers appear to be seeking stronger coordination and a more organised political strategy, while the party leadership continues to discuss its future course of action. The meeting is significant because PTI holds a strong political presence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Any disagreement among its parliamentary members could affect the party’s political strategy and coordination in the province. The demand for a formal oath also indicates that some lawmakers want greater commitment from party members before launching further political activities.

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    UET hosts HEC meeting on AI-driven higher educatio…

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: The University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore hosted a high-level meeting of vice chancellors from more than 80 universities across Punjab under the auspices of the Higher Education Commission (HEC). HEC Chairman Professor Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar chaired the meeting, while UET Lahore Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Shahid Munir hosted the gathering. Punjab University Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Ali Shah also attended the meeting and joined the senior academic leadership on stage. The meeting focused on the rapid transformation of higher education in line with the changing demands of technology, industry and the global job market. Participants discussed the federal government’s initiative to modernize university curricula and degree programmes, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar urged universities to take immediate steps to update their curricula, teaching methods and academic programmes. He stressed the need to equip students with modern knowledge and practical skills that can help them compete in an increasingly technology-driven economy. The HEC chairman highlighted the importance of incorporating fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, robotics, cybersecurity and biotechnology into university education. He also called on universities to align their academic programmes with the evolving needs of industry and the employment market so they can produce graduates with relevant and marketable skills. During the meeting, participants exchanged views on the role of artificial intelligence in higher education, research and innovation. They also discussed digital learning, technology-enabled teaching and opportunities to strengthen international collaboration among universities. UET Lahore Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Shahid Munir said the university was ready to share its AI-related curriculum and coursework with other higher education institutions. He emphasized the importance of cooperation among universities to accelerate the adoption of modern technologies and strengthen the quality of higher education across the country. The meeting also highlighted the growing importance of research and digital education in preparing universities for future challenges. Academic leaders discussed ways to promote innovation, improve learning opportunities and create stronger links between higher education institutions and industry. As part of a plantation campaign at UET Lahore, HEC Chairman Professor Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar also planted a sapling on the university campus, underscoring the institution’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The meeting concluded with UET Lahore Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Shahid Munir presenting a commemorative shield to the HEC chairman in recognition of his visit and participation in the important academic gathering.

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    Call for equal relief for DG Khan school tragedy v…

    ByJustpaste.in

    A heartfelt appeal has surfaced on social media, urging Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to announce financial assistance for the families affected by the Little Scholars School tragedy in Dera Ghazi Khan. The appeal seeks compensation for the families of four children who lost their lives and 16 others who suffered injuries when the school roof collapsed on May 7. It calls for a relief package similar to the one recently announced for the victims of the academy roof collapse in Kahna, Lahore. The families of the Little Scholars School victims expressed deep sorrow over the Kahna tragedy and prayed for the departed souls, strength for the bereaved families and a speedy recovery for those injured. According to reports cited in the appeal, the Punjab government announced Rs2 million for each family that lost a loved one in the Kahna incident and Rs500,000 for each injured person. The appeal welcomed the decision but questioned why the Dera Ghazi Khan victims had not received similar financial support. It highlighted that both incidents involved the collapse of educational building roofs and caused the deaths and injuries of schoolchildren. The appeal stressed that negligence and carelessness require serious attention in both cases and that families in Dera Ghazi Khan deserve the same compassion and assistance. The statement also noted that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced relief for the Kahna victims but has yet to announce compensation for the Dera Ghazi Khan families or visit the city to offer condolences. This, it said, has disappointed the victims’ families and local residents. The appeal urged the chief minister to treat all affected families equally and announce financial assistance for the deceased and injured children of the Little Scholars School tragedy. It also called on elected representatives from Dera Ghazi Khan and the district administration to formally approach the Punjab government for a relief package. The appeal concluded that no financial assistance can replace a child’s life, but government support can provide some relief and show solidarity with grieving families.

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    Health Professionals, Community leaders strongly condemn transfer of renowned surgeon

    ByJustpaste.in

    THATTA — Senior medical professionals and community representatives have strongly condemned the sudden transfer of eminent surgeon Professor Dr. Mashooque Ali Hajani from Civil Hospital Makli to Civil Hospital Sujawal, calling the decision an unjustified move and a conspiracy against the hospital’s recent healthcare advancements. In a joint statement, prominent health leaders—including Dr. Sugra Parveen Uqaili, Dr. Ahmed Khan Zardari, Dr. Habib Jokhio, and Dr. Gul Qazi—expressed grave concern over the transfer, warning that it will derail the major improvements made in the Surgical Ward and cause severe hardship to poor and underprivileged patients who rely heavily on these services. The medical fraternity pointed out that prior to Dr. Hajani’s arrival, the surgical unit in Thatta District was severely under-resourced and largely limited to minor procedures such as circumcisions. Through Dr.Mashoque’s tireless dedication and technical expertise, the department was rebuilt into a fully functional unit capable of performing major and complex operations, including laparotomies, directly within the district. “The transfer of such a sincere, highly capable, and dedicated surgeon is detrimental to both the institution and the public interest,” the statement read. “Depriving Civil Hospital Makli of his services will only result in medical delays and hardship for patients who cannot afford private or out-of-district care.” The delegation has urgently appealed to the senior leadership of the Health Department and relevant authorities to immediately revoke the transfer order, allowing Professor Dr. Mashooque Ali Hajani to continue his transformative work at Civil Hospital Makli.

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    IRI, NACTA team up to promote sectarian harmony

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: The Islamic Research Institute (IRI) of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) and the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) have joined hands to combat violent extremism, promote inter-sectarian harmony and strengthen peacebuilding efforts across Pakistan. The two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday at a ceremony attended by senior officials. Professor Dr Ahmed Saad Alahmed, Acting Rector and President of IIUI, and Mr Jawad Ahmad Dogar, PSP, National Coordinator of NACTA, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations. The MoU follows several months of consultations and meetings between the two sides. The discussions identified areas for cooperation and established a long-term framework for joint initiatives. Both institutions also nominated focal persons to coordinate the partnership, while the draft agreement went through legal review before receiving final approval. Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Dr Ahmed Saad Alahmed highlighted the importance of cooperation between universities and national institutions in addressing major social challenges. He said universities have a key role in producing credible research, encouraging balanced religious discourse and providing practical policy recommendations that support national unity and social cohesion. Mr Jawad Ahmad Dogar described IRI as one of Pakistan’s leading centres for Islamic scholarship and policy research. He said the partnership would combine academic expertise with practical national experience to develop initiatives that promote tolerance and help prevent violent extremism. The collaboration has already produced its first major initiative. On July 9, 2026, IRI and NACTA jointly organised a pilot seminar titled **“Inter-Sectarian Harmony: Past Efforts and Future Roadmap.”** The event brought together scholars, policymakers, religious leaders and practitioners to discuss ways to improve sectarian understanding and develop lasting mechanisms for religious harmony. The two institutions are now preparing a major joint programme for August 2026, which will focus on academic dialogue, policy engagement and community outreach. The partnership also supports the government’s broader policy to establish Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Centres at higher education institutions across the country. Under the MoU, IRI and NACTA will work together on research, training workshops, educational resources and capacity-building programmes to help universities establish and effectively operate CVE Centres. The agreement also covers joint research projects, policy studies, conferences, seminars, faculty development, curriculum support, publications and other capacity-building activities. The two sides will continue to engage researchers, policymakers, religious scholars, educators and practitioners to address emerging threats of violent extremism through research-based strategies. IRI reaffirmed its commitment to providing a national platform for Islamic scholarship and policy research, while NACTA expressed its resolve to strengthen cooperation with academic institutions to help build a peaceful, inclusive and resilient Pakistan.