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ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have highlighted the importance of empowering young people for Pakistan’s future. In their separate messages on World Youth Day, both leaders described the country’s youth as a valuable national asset. They stressed the need to provide young people with education, employment, skills and opportunities to contribute to national development. President Zardari said empowering young people was an investment in Pakistan’s future. He said the energy, creativity and determination of the country’s youth were among Pakistan’s most valuable assets. He said quality education, decent employment and innovation were among the common aspirations of young people. According to the president, around 67% of Pakistan’s population is below the age of 30. He said this made young people the country’s largest human resource. Zardari also highlighted the role of young women in national development. He said their potential and leadership were essential for Pakistan’s social and economic progress. The president said the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme was providing young people with opportunities in education, skills development, employment and entrepreneurship. He urged young people to adopt values of honesty, compassion and tolerance. He said empowering them to play an active role in national development was an urgent need. Zardari added that a strong, inclusive and prosperous Pakistan could be built through the meaningful participation of young people. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also described the country’s youth as an invaluable asset. In his message on World Youth Day, the prime minister said this year’s theme was “Different circumstances, shared aspirations.” He said young people around the world live under different circumstances. However, their dreams, ambitions and hopes for a better future remain similar. Shehbaz said Pakistani youth were the architects of the country’s bright future. He noted that young Pakistanis had brought recognition to the country in different fields at both national and international levels. The prime minister said their abilities and full potential were essential for building a prosperous, peaceful and strong Pakistan. He added that the government’s priorities included using all available national resources to support the mental, physical, intellectual and academic development of young people.

RAWALPINDI: A man identified as Muhammad Hussain was killed after he allegedly opened fire at security forces on Mall Road in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, according to the Rawalpindi police. The incident took place on August 11, 2026, at around 11:15am. According to the police spokesperson, Muhammad Hussain opened fire at a patrol team of the security forces while they were present on Mall Road. The firing left one member of the security forces’ patrol team injured. The injured official was taken for medical treatment, while security personnel immediately responded to the attack. Police said the security forces returned fire after the shooting. Muhammad Hussain was killed during the exchange of fire. The police spokesperson said security personnel acted promptly after the attack. The area was secured following the incident. According to police, investigators also recovered a mobile phone and other items from the deceased man. Officials said the material recovered from his possession could provide further evidence about the incident and his activities. Police said the recovered mobile phone and other belongings are being examined as part of the investigation. Officials are expected to determine whether the material contains information linked to the shooting or other activities. The Rawalpindi police spokesperson further claimed that Muhammad Hussain was affiliated with a particular political party. However, the police statement did not provide further details about the nature of his alleged affiliation. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident. Further details are expected as investigators examine the recovered material and gather additional evidence. The incident caused concern in the area. Security personnel remained alert following the shooting, while the circumstances surrounding the attack are being investigated.

Security forces have killed five militants during an intelligence-based operation in Panjgur district of Balochistan, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The operation was conducted after security agencies received intelligence about the presence of militants in the area. Security personnel moved into the suspected location and carried out the operation. Five militants were killed during the operation, ISPR said. A significant quantity of weapons and ammunition was also recovered from the militants. The recovered weapons and ammunition were taken into custody. They were later destroyed by the security forces, according to ISPR. Following the operation, security personnel launched a clearance and search operation in the surrounding area. The search operation is aimed at checking the area for any remaining militants and possible hideouts. Security forces are also examining the area for additional evidence and material linked to militant activities. ISPR said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to eliminate terrorism from Balochistan. The military’s media wing said security forces remain determined to prevent militant groups from carrying out attacks. It further said efforts would continue against terrorism allegedly being carried out with foreign support and assistance. Security forces have intensified operations against militant networks in different parts of the province. Authorities have repeatedly stressed the need for intelligence-based operations to identify and target militant elements. The latest operation in Panjgur comes amid continued security efforts in Balochistan

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran on Tuesday as diplomatic efforts continue to ease tensions between Iran and the United States. The meeting focused on regional developments and matters of mutual interest. Iranian state media reported that the two ministers also discussed diplomatic and bilateral issues. The meeting took place against the backdrop of continuing efforts to find a diplomatic way forward in the US-Iran conflict. Pakistan has remained engaged with regional partners as part of efforts to support dialogue and reduce tensions. Iranian officials said Naqvi is expected to hold additional meetings with senior authorities during his visit to Tehran. Discussions are expected to cover bilateral relations, regional developments and issues affecting both countries. The visit also comes around a month after Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni visited Islamabad. During that visit, Pakistani and Iranian officials held discussions on bilateral cooperation and regional matters. Pakistan has maintained diplomatic contacts with both sides during the recent crisis. Islamabad has also sought to encourage dialogue as tensions between Tehran and Washington have increased. Pakistan, along with Qatar, previously played a role in diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing Iran and the United States closer to an understanding. These efforts contributed to a memorandum of understanding between the two sides in June. The latest meeting between Naqvi and Araghchi is therefore being viewed in the context of Islamabad’s broader diplomatic engagement with Tehran. Officials have not released detailed information about the specific issues discussed during Tuesday’s meeting. Further details are expected after Naqvi completes his scheduled engagements with Iranian officials.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The two leaders discussed the latest situation in the region. They also exchanged views on the recently concluded Makkah Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. The conversation comes as the regional security situation remains sensitive. Both sides discussed developments in the region and efforts to promote peace and stability. According to reports, Araghchi briefed Dar on recent discussions with Oman. The talks focused on a proposed new trade corridor in the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz remains an important international trade and energy route. Developments in the area have raised concerns about regional security and the movement of commercial shipments. During the telephone call, Dar also explained Pakistan’s position on the Makkah Defence Agreement. He told his Iranian counterpart that the agreement was aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation between the participating countries. Dar also stressed that the pact was intended to support peace and stability in the region. The agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye has attracted regional attention. Questions have also been raised about its possible impact on the wider security environment. Iran has previously sought clarification about the nature and objectives of the defence cooperation. Pakistani officials have maintained that the agreement is focused on strategic cooperation and regional stability. The latest conversation between Dar and Araghchi provided an opportunity for both countries to discuss these developments directly. The two foreign ministers also discussed diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further instability in the region. Their conversation highlights the importance of continued engagement between Pakistan and Iran. Both countries share close regional ties and have an interest in maintaining peace and stability.