Govt probes drug price hikes

  GILGIT-BALTISTAN: Pakistani travel vlogger and mountaineer Dr Asma Mushtaqhas died during an expedition to Spantik Peak in Gilgit-Baltistan, while rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate and recover her body. Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar said in a statement that a rescue team has reached the location where Dr Asma’s body is believed to be present. According to the minister, the search operation has become increasingly difficult because of the vast area and heavy snowfall recorded in the region over the past two days. The intense snowfall has reportedly covered the body completely under snow, making recovery a challenging task for the rescue personnel. Atta Tarar said that the rescue team had been searching for Dr Asma for several hours, but her body had not yet been recovered. He added that the operation remains underway and teams are continuing their efforts to locate her. Dr Asma Mushtaq reportedly died while returning from the summit of Spantik, a prominent mountain located in the Shigar district of Gilgit-Baltistan. Born on February 7, 1992, Asma was known within the mountaineering community for her passion for adventure, mountains and natural landscapes. She also gained recognition as a travel vlogger, sharing her interest in Pakistan’s scenic destinations and outdoor adventures. Recently, Asma had joined an expedition to climb Spantik Peak, which stands at an elevation of approximately 7,027 metres and is located in Pakistan’s Karakoram mountain range. The mountain is considered one of the country’s notable climbing destinations and attracts mountaineers seeking challenging high-altitude expeditions. According to reports, Asma successfully reached the summit of Spantik along with her guide, Ali Akbar. At the time of reaching the summit, her health was reportedly stable and she was able to complete the ascent successfully. However, problems reportedly arose during the descent. After leaving the summit, Asma allegedly developed symptoms associated with high-altitude sickness, a potentially serious condition that can affect people at extreme elevations because the body receives less oxygen at high altitude. Her guide, Ali Akbar, reportedly provided her with initial medical assistance after her condition deteriorated. Despite the efforts to help her, she could not survive. The incident has highlighted the risks associated with high-altitude mountaineering, particularly during difficult weather conditions. Climbers face several hazards during such expeditions, including extreme cold, heavy snowfall, reduced oxygen levels, exhaustion and rapidly changing weather. The recovery operation is now focused on locating Asma’s body in an area affected by significant snowfall. Rescue teams are reportedly facing difficult conditions as they search through snow-covered terrain. Officials have said that the operation will continue until the body is located and recovered. The difficult terrain and heavy snowfall have made the search more complicated, while rescuers are working in challenging mountainous conditions. Asma’s death has been mourned by those familiar with her work and passion for mountaineering and travel. Her journey into Pakistan’s mountainous regions reflected her strong interest in adventure and the country’s natural beauty. The rescue authorities are continuing their efforts, while further details about the recovery operation are expected as the search progresses.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has highlighted a series of ongoing and planned infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity, boosting trade and promoting tourism across Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. Speaking at a ceremony held to honour police martyrs, the minister said the proposed extension of the Murree Expressway to Muzaffarabad will provide modern travel facilities, while the MNJC Motorway will offer an alternative route to the Karakoram Highway, strengthening Pakistan’s strategic road link with China. He said the Sialkot-Kharian-Rawalpindi Highway will reduce the distance between Islamabad and Lahore by around 100 kilometres and cut travel time by more than an hour. In Karachi, he noted that the M-10 and Lyari Expressway are improving cargo movement from the city’s port, while construction on the M-6 Motorway is expected to begin soon. Aleem Khan added that work is progressing on the Guru Nanak Expressway, which will connect Kartarpur with Nankana Sahib to promote religious tourism and facilitate Sikh pilgrims from around the world. He also said infrastructure development is advancing on tourist routes in Gilgit, the N-25 Highway is expected to be completed next year, and the M-8 Motorway projects in Balochistan will strengthen regional connectivity and cross-border trade with Iran. Paying tribute to police martyrs, the minister described their sacrifices as a lasting symbol of courage and praised the Motorway Police for their professionalism. He announced plans to establish modern police stations, dedicated parking areas and emergency ambulance services near toll plazas to improve the safety of patrolling officers. Aleem Khan also highlighted the National Highway Authority’s financial progress, saying its revenue has increased from Rs66 billion in 2024 to more than Rs127 billion in 2026. He said the improved financial position has enabled Pakistan to expand its motorway and highway network using domestic resources without relying on external funding. Inspector General of Motorway Police Sultan Ahmad Chaudhry also paid tribute to the fallen officers, reaffirming the department’s commitment to supporting the families of martyrs and honouring their sacrifices.

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the people of Kashmir on Kashmir Exploitation Day, urging the international community to play a more active role in resolving the longstanding dispute. In his message, President Zardari said lasting peace in South Asia depends on a peaceful and just settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir issue. He stated that India’s actions cannot alter the internationally recognized status of the dispute or weaken the determination of the Kashmiri people, adding that Pakistan will continue to stand firmly with them. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the measures introduced by India since August 2019 have led to increased repression and restrictions on fundamental freedoms in the region. He also accused India of attempting to alter the demographic composition of the occupied territory. The prime minister called on the international community to move beyond expressions of concern and play a responsible role in achieving a fair and lasting resolution to the Kashmir dispute. He also urged India to end alleged human rights violations in the occupied valley and reverse the unilateral measures introduced in August 2019.

Singer and songwriter Bilal Maqsood has announced the fourth season of his popular children’s programme Pakkay Dost, promising a fresh mix of educational songs, entertainment and Urdu-language learning for young audiences. The new season of Pakkay Dost is set to premiere on YouTube on August 22. Maqsood shared the announcement on Instagram, expressing excitement about bringing the programme back with more engaging content for children and families. Maqsood explained that the main idea behind Pakkay Dost is to create healthy and wholesome entertainment in Urdu while making the language feel fun, modern and relevant to children. The upcoming season will continue using music as a way to teach children about different subjects. The programme will explore topics including Urdu, physical fitness, kindness towards animals, vegetables and the human body. One of the performances features actor Syra Yousuf, who can be seen dancing to a song about the history of the Urdu language. The performance introduces children to vocabulary influenced by languages such as Arabic and Turkish while making language learning entertaining. The new educational songs will also teach children about exercise and healthy habits. Other songs will introduce the names of vegetables as well as bones and joints in the human body. According to Maqsood, Pakkay Dost now has more than 50 songs covering a wide variety of subjects and facts. He has encouraged parents to watch the programme with their children, emphasizing that the show has been created to entertain adults as well as young viewers. The singer also said that enjoying the music himself is an important part of his creative process. His approach combines catchy songs with educational themes, allowing children to learn without making lessons feel like traditional classroom activities. With Pakkay Dost Season 4 arriving on YouTube on August 22, Bilal Maqsood is continuing his effort to introduce children to Urdu through music, humour and wholesome entertainment. The new season is expected to appeal to families looking for educational content that can keep children entertained while helping them learn about language, health, nature and their own bodies.