islamabad gets foolproof
| |

Islamabad gets foolproof security for Eid Milad

ByJustpaste.in

ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Islamabad have finalised foolproof security arrangements for the peaceful observance of Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ.

Security measures have been strengthened across the federal capital ahead of the religious occasion. Special arrangements have been made to protect citizens and ensure the smooth conduct of religious gatherings and processions.

Law enforcement agencies have been directed to remain alert and closely monitor sensitive areas. Security personnel will be deployed at key locations, while additional measures will be taken around mosques, worship places and routes of Milad processions.

Authorities have also stressed the need for effective coordination among the relevant departments. Police and other security officials will remain vigilant throughout the celebrations.

The arrangements aim to prevent any untoward incident and provide a safe environment for people participating in Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ events.

Officials have urged citizens to cooperate with security personnel and follow the instructions issued by the administration during the celebrations.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    PIMS gets Rs22bn in three years amid staffing, saf…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has received a total budget of around Rs22 billion over the past three years, according to official budget documents obtained by Minute Mirror. The financial figures have come under scrutiny following the deadly fire in the Mother and Child Health (MCH) Ward on August 26. The incident has raised questions about the hospital’s financial management, staffing levels, maintenance and fire safety arrangements. According to the documents, PIMS was allocated Rs6.84 billion during the previous financial year. However, the hospital spent Rs7.51 billion, exceeding the allocated amount by around Rs670 million, or Rs67 crore. For the current financial year, the federal government has allocated Rs7.63 billion to PIMS. The hospital has also been provided Rs500 million, or Rs50 crore, under the repair and maintenance head in the current budget. The allocation has attracted particular attention after the fire. Questions are now being raised about whether adequate funds were used to maintain electrical systems, hospital infrastructure and fire safety equipment. The financial questions have emerged alongside a serious staffing shortage at PIMS. The hospital has 949 vacant positions against 2,451 sanctioned posts. The vacancies include 385 doctors and clinicians, 363 nurses and 201 paramedical staff. Health experts have questioned how a major public hospital receiving billions of rupees in government funding continues to face shortages of medical personnel and concerns about infrastructure and safety. They say staffing gaps can place additional pressure on existing employees and affect patient care, emergency response and hospital management. The August 26 fire has intensified these concerns. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice of the incident and directed Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal to visit PIMS and assess the situation. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the prime minister had also ordered a high-powered investigation into the tragedy. The Establishment Division subsequently suspended National Health Services Secretary Muhammad Aslam Ghauri for 120 days. Capt. (Retd.) Muhammad Mahmood, Secretary Housing and Works, was given additional charge of the Health Secretary for three months. The developments have increased calls for the investigation to examine not only the immediate cause of the fire but also the hospital’s broader administrative and financial arrangements. A senior officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that authorities had repeatedly been informed about shortages of staff, equipment and safety facilities. The officer questioned whether the Rs50 crore allocated for repair and maintenance would be used to address fire safety and infrastructure requirements. The official spending figures have also raised questions about the reasons for the previous year’s expenditure exceeding the approved allocation by Rs67 crore. However, the available figures alone do not establish financial wrongdoing. A detailed audit would be required to determine how the additional expenditure was incurred, whether it was properly authorised and where the funds were spent. PIMS is part of a wider staffing problem affecting federal healthcare facilities in Islamabad. More than 1,470 positions are reportedly vacant across four major government hospitals. Besides PIMS, the Polyclinic Hospital has 439 vacant positions, the National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine has 29, while the Federal General Hospital has more than 57 vacancies. The combination of large public allocations, vacant positions and concerns over hospital infrastructure has prompted calls for greater transparency in the use of government funds. The key questions now facing authorities include whether maintenance funds were adequately utilised, who authorised spending beyond the allocated budget, whether previous warnings were acted upon and whether the investigation into the PIMS fire will examine possible administrative or financial failures. A comprehensive audit and transparent investigation could help determine whether the problems resulted from insufficient resources, poor utilisation of available funds, weak oversight or administrative failures. Officials have yet to make public a detailed audit of PIMS expenditure or announce a firm timeline for filling the hospital’s vacant positions.

  • | |

    Gold prices fall in global and Pakistan markets as…

    ByJustpaste.in

    In the international bullion market, the price of gold fell by $10 per ounce, bringing it down to $4,040 per ounce. The decline in global prices was mirrored in Pakistan’s local bullion market, where the price of 24-karat gold dropped by Rs. 1,000 per tola, settling at Rs. 426,436. Similarly, the price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold in the domestic market decreased by Rs. 857, reaching Rs. 365,600. The latest adjustment follows fluctuations in global bullion markets, where investor sentiment and international economic developments continue to influence precious metal prices. While gold registered a decline, silver prices moved in the opposite direction. In the international market, silver gained 68 cents per ounce, pushing its price to $58.12 per ounce. The increase in global silver prices was also reflected in Pakistan’s local market. The price of silver per tola rose by Rs. 68, reaching Rs. 6,291, while the price of 10 grams of silver increased by Rs. 58 to Rs. 5,393. Market analysts say fluctuations in precious metal prices are primarily driven by movements in international bullion markets, changes in investor demand, currency trends, and expectations regarding global economic conditions. Gold often experiences price volatility as investors respond to inflation data, interest rate expectations, and geopolitical developments, while silver prices are influenced by both investment demand and industrial consumption. Jewellers and bullion traders in Pakistan closely monitor international price movements, as domestic gold and silver rates are largely determined by global market trends along with the exchange rate of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar. The latest decline in gold prices may provide some relief for buyers planning jewellery purchases or investment in physical gold. However, traders caution that bullion prices remain highly volatile, and future movements will depend on developments in the global economy and financial markets. With gold easing and silver continuing to strengthen, investors are expected to keep a close watch on international market trends before making further investment decisions in precious metals.

  • | |

    Achakzai urges PM to appoint new chief election co…

    ByJustpaste.in

      ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to initiate the process of appointing a new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and fill the vacant positions of two Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) members from Sindh and Balochistan. Achakzai made the request in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on August 10. The opposition leader, who also heads the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) and serves as chairman of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, asked the premier to give immediate attention to what he described as an important constitutional responsibility concerning the composition of the country’s electoral watchdog. According to Achakzai, the official terms of the Chief Election Commissioner and the ECP members representing Sindh and Balochistan expired on January 26, 2025. He stressed that the vacant positions should be filled without further delay to ensure the commission continues to function effectively. The opposition leader argued that the timely appointment of officials to these constitutional positions was essential for maintaining the ECP’s operational continuity, institutional independence and credibility. In his communication, Achakzai referred to relevant provisions of the Constitution that outline the procedure for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and members of the Election Commission. He cited Article 213(2A) under which the prime minister is required to consult the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly before forwarding three candidates for the post of CEC to a parliamentary committee. The committee then considers the proposed names before making the appointment through the constitutional process. Achakzai also referred to Article 218(2)(b), arguing that the appointment of ECP members from the provinces is subject to the same constitutional principle of consultation between the prime minister and the opposition leader. The opposition leader consequently called on Prime Minister Shehbaz to hold a formal meeting with him so that both sides could consult and agree on suitable candidates for the vacant constitutional positions. The demand comes against the backdrop of a prolonged delay in completing the composition of the electoral body. It is worth recalling that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had previously invited former National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub for consultations regarding the appointment of a new Chief Election Commissioner. The invitation was extended in June last year as part of the constitutional process for filling the position. However, the parliamentary situation subsequently changed after the National Assembly removed Omar Ayub and several other Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed leaders from important parliamentary positions. The move followed their disqualification by the Election Commission of Pakistan in connection with the May 9 cases in August last year. As a result, the consultation process concerning appointments to key positions within the ECP remained stalled. Achakzai’s latest letter has brought renewed attention to the issue, with the opposition leader emphasising that the vacant positions should be filled through the constitutional procedure and without further delay. The appointment of a CEC and provincial ECP members is considered crucial for ensuring the electoral watchdog remains fully functional and retains public confidence. Achakzai has therefore sought an immediate consultation process with the prime minister to resolve the matter and complete the appointments in accordance with the Constitution.

  • | | |

    Four terrorists killed in foiled South Waziristan …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Security forces have thwarted a suspected suicide attack on a security check post in South Waziristan, killing four terrorists, according to the military’s media wing. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said terrorists attempted to target a security forces’ post on Saturday using a vehicle packed with explosives. The vehicle was intercepted before it could reach the check post. Security personnel destroyed the explosive-laden vehicle outside the post’s perimeter, killing the suicide bomber inside. The failed attack caused no damage to the check post, according to the military. The ISPR said three other attackers attempted to escape and took shelter in a nearby compound. Security forces subsequently launched a targeted clearance operation and killed all three terrorists. No security personnel were reported killed or injured during the operation. Following the engagement, security forces launched a sanitisation operation in the area to search for any remaining militants and ensure the area was secure. The military said the operation demonstrated the preparedness and professional response of security personnel against terrorist threats. It added that counterterrorism efforts would continue under the government’s broader security strategy. President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces for responding quickly and preventing the attack. He said security and law enforcement agencies would continue their operations against terrorism with determination. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also commended the personnel involved in the operation. He said the nation was proud of the security forces and their continued efforts to counter terrorism. The latest incident comes amid heightened security concerns in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where militant attacks have increased in recent years. Security forces have continued targeted operations in several areas to disrupt militant networks and prevent attacks on security personnel and civilians. The South Waziristan operation comes shortly after a deadly attack in Tank district in which several security personnel and a government official were killed. Another attack in Kohat also claimed the lives of government officials after militants ambushed a vehicle at a joint check post.

  • |

    Moomal Khalid slams Nimra Khan’s ex-husband after divorce

    ByJustpaste.in

    Popular Pakistani actress Nimra Khan has found herself at the centre of public attention following the unexpected end of her second marriage. The actress, who enjoys a massive following of 5.1 million on Instagram, has received an outpouring of support from fans and fellow celebrities during what appears to be a difficult phase of her life. Nimra Khan is a familiar name in the Pakistani television industry and has been part of several successful dramas throughout her career. Her notable projects include Aye Musht-e-Khaak, Ehraam-e-Junoon, Uraan, Meharbano, Mujhe Khuda Pay Yaqeen Hai, Choti Si Zindagi, Khoob Seerat, Baaghi, Umm-e-Ayesha and Sara Aapi. Her portrayal of a hijabi girl in Umm-e-Ayesha was particularly appreciated by viewers, while Ehraam-e-Junoon and Sara Aapi became some of the most successful projects of her television career. In June 2026, Nimra surprised her followers by announcing her wedding on social media. However, the relationship reportedly came to an end only a short time later in July, leaving many fans shocked by the sudden development. The news has since sparked a discussion on social media, with several members of the entertainment industry expressing sympathy for the actress. Among those who publicly addressed the situation was Nimra’s colleague and close industry fellow Moomal Khalid. Moomal shared an emotional message in which she questioned why people enter into marriage without being fully prepared for the responsibilities that come with it. She described marriage as a major commitment that should not be treated casually or ended without consideration for the other person’s emotions and dignity. She also expressed concern over what she described as public statements surrounding Nimra’s separation. According to Moomal, if two people are forced to part ways for any reason, they should still maintain a level of respect and decency toward each other rather than publicly hurting one another. Moomal further revealed that Nimra had appeared extremely happy after her marriage. She said that she had rarely seen the actress so happy during all the years she had known her, which made the current situation even more heartbreaking for her. The actress also strongly defended Nimra, stressing that she did not believe the situation was Nimra’s fault. She offered her prayers and support, wishing her colleague strength and courage as she navigates what she described as an emotionally painful period. Moomal also criticized the idea of making public posts that could portray one person as responsible for the breakdown of a relationship. She emphasized that nobody should have the right to play with another person’s emotions, life or dignity. Meanwhile, social media users have also expressed their disappointment and sadness over Nimra Khan’s second marriage coming to an end so soon. Many fans have flooded social platforms with messages of support and sympathy for the actress, urging people to respect her privacy during this challenging time.

  • |

    China and Japan give conflicting accounts of ministers’ ASEAN meeting

    ByJustpaste.in

    China and Japan have offered different versions of whether their foreign ministers spoke during last week’s ASEAN meetings in the Philippines, highlighting the continued strain in relations between the two neighboring countries. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said after the regional gathering that he had briefly spoken with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi when the two crossed paths during the event. According to Motegi, the short conversation included discussion about bilateral relations, which Japan considers an important step in maintaining communication despite ongoing tensions. However, China’s Foreign Ministry rejected that account. Speaking at a regular press briefing on Monday, spokesperson Lin Jian said Wang Yi had no meeting scheduled with the Japanese side during his visit to Manila and insisted that no informal conversation or exchange took place at the venue. The conflicting statements reflect the growing diplomatic divide between Beijing and Tokyo, whose relationship has worsened significantly since last November. The decline followed comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan, which China strongly condemned. Japan has expressed interest in improving ties with China and continues to support dialogue at every level. Motegi said maintaining communication is essential because both countries play a major role in preserving peace and stability across the region. Although he described his interaction with Wang as a discussion on bilateral relations, Japanese media reported that the exchange was limited to greetings and brief pleasantries. Prime Minister Takaichi said on Monday that contacts between the two governments remain active through various diplomatic channels, including the exchange Motegi referred to during the ASEAN meeting. The current tensions stem from remarks Takaichi made shortly after becoming prime minister. During a parliamentary session, she was asked whether a Chinese military blockade or attack on Taiwan could trigger Japan’s collective self defense policy. She replied that such a situation could threaten Japan’s survival and therefore might meet the legal conditions for military involvement alongside an ally, most likely the United States. China viewed those comments as crossing a major diplomatic red line. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and strongly opposes any statement or action that it believes supports Taiwan’s independence or suggests foreign military involvement in a future conflict. Taiwan, meanwhile, governs itself independently despite China’s territorial claims. Although Takaichi later said she would avoid discussing specific military scenarios in future parliamentary debates, she has refused to withdraw her original remarks. Her position has continued to frustrate Beijing and has made efforts to restore stable relations more difficult. The dispute has affected more than diplomacy. Economic ties have also been impacted, with reports of fewer Chinese tourists visiting Japan and growing concern in both countries over each other’s expanding military capabilities. The disagreement over what happened during the ASEAN meeting has become another sign of the deep mistrust that continues to shape relations between Asia’s two largest economies.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *