celebrate international youth

KP to celebrate International Youth Day at University of Peshawar

ByJustpaste.in

PESHAWAR: The Directorate of Youth Affairs, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, will organise a programme to mark International Youth Day 2026 at Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum Hall, University of Peshawar, on Wednesday, August 12, from 2pm to 6pm.

Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi will attend the event as the chief guest, while Advisor to the Chief Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Taj Muhammad Khan Tarand will also participate.

The event has been planned as a celebration of the passion, potential and power of youth and will feature a range of activities aimed at recognising young people’s achievements and providing them with a platform for expression and engagement.

A key feature of the programme will be a panel discussion featuring Akif Khan, Sumaira Shams, Samar Khan, Abaseen Yousafzai, Junaid of Jamboys and Asif Qurashi.

The programme will also include the Youth Excellence Awards, through which outstanding young people will be recognised for their achievements and contributions.

A youth anthem will be launched during the event, with Mehtab Ziyab associated with its presentation.

The celebrations will also feature live music performances by Tamash Band and Junaid Kamran Siddique, besides a segment featuring inspirational stories.

Director Youth Affairs Abbas Khan Afridi said the event was being organised to celebrate the talent, energy and achievements of young people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said the Directorate remained committed to creating opportunities for young people to showcase their abilities, develop their potential and play a constructive role in society.

“Our youth possess immense talent, creativity and potential. It is our responsibility to provide them with platforms where their abilities can be recognised and their voices can be heard,” Mr Afridi said.

He added that the International Youth Day celebrations would bring together young people from different backgrounds and provide them an opportunity to engage with distinguished personalities, share ideas and celebrate youth achievements.

The event carries the message “Empowering Youth, Shaping the Future” and will run from 2pm to 6pm at Shahzebda Abdul Qayyum Hall, University of Peshawar.

Similar Posts

  • | | |

    US, China, Russia hail Pakistan on Independence Da…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan received warm Independence Day greetings from the United States, China, Russia, the European Union and several other countries on Friday, as the nation marked its 79th Independence Day with ceremonies, prayers and patriotic celebrations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated the people of Pakistan on behalf of the United States and highlighted the growing cooperation between the two countries. He said Washington and Islamabad were working together in areas including trade and investment, energy, critical minerals, counterterrorism, cultural heritage and regional mediation. Rubio said the two countries were turning their shared capabilities into practical progress and reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between the American and Pakistani peoples. He also expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation would continue to expand. Russian President Vladimir Putin also conveyed his greetings to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He said relations between Moscow and Islamabad were developing positively, with both sides cooperating in political, economic, trade and humanitarian fields. Putin said Russia and Pakistan were also working together on important regional and international matters. He expressed confidence that the two countries would continue strengthening their partnership in the interests of their peoples and international stability, while wishing Pakistan peace and prosperity. China also extended its traditional goodwill to Pakistan. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong conveyed congratulations to the Pakistani leadership and people, reaffirming the close and longstanding relationship between the two countries. The European Union congratulated Pakistan on its 79th Independence Day and described the occasion as a celebration of unity, freedom and national solidarity. The bloc also expressed its commitment to further strengthening its friendship and partnership with Islamabad. France similarly conveyed its greetings to the Pakistani people and expressed its desire to deepen bilateral cooperation across areas of mutual interest. Azerbaijan also extended heartfelt wishes to Pakistan, describing the Pakistani people as brothers and reaffirming its friendly ties with the country. The United Kingdom sent Independence Day greetings to Pakistanis living in Pakistan, Britain and around the world, while Gulf countries also joined the celebrations. The United Arab Emirates conveyed congratulations to Pakistan’s leadership, while Qatar’s Amir sent greetings to President Asif Ali Zardari. Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik also sent a congratulatory message to the Pakistani president. Meanwhile, Pakistan marked the national day with traditional celebrations across the country. A 31-gun salute was held in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes were conducted at provincial headquarters. Special prayers were offered for the country’s peace, unity and prosperity. Flag-hoisting ceremonies were organised at government offices and public institutions, while streets, buildings and markets were decorated with national flags, buntings and lights. Pakistan’s embassies abroad also marked the occasion. The Pakistan Embassy in Tajikistan held a flag-hoisting ceremony where messages from the president, prime minister and deputy prime minister/foreign minister were read out.

  • | |

    Bilawal calls AJK polls ‘bloody elections&#8…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has strongly criticised the recent Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, describing them as “bloody” and “rigged” while vowing to continue the party’s political and legal battle over the results. In a statement, Bilawal alleged that the elections were neither free nor fair. He claimed the polls were marred by rigging and violence, calling them “bullet elections,” “killer elections,” and “bloody elections.” Despite his criticism of the electoral process, Bilawal thanked PPP supporters for their backing, saying voters had enabled the party to secure victory on nine seats. He further alleged that several seats in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad had been “stolen” from the PPP and pledged to pursue all constitutional and legal avenues to reclaim what he described as the party’s rightful mandate. Bilawal said the PPP would not be discouraged by the election outcome and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to continuing its political struggle. “The Pakistan Peoples Party does not lose courage, does not retreat, and does not abandon the political field,” he said. The PPP chairman also announced that he would address a public gathering in Bagh district as part of the party’s ongoing election campaign. Inviting supporters from the Poonch region, Bilawal said he would visit the area on August 10 and urged party workers and supporters to prepare for the rally. His remarks come amid continuing political tensions following the AJK elections, with the PPP maintaining that it will challenge the disputed results through legal and constitutional channels.

  • | |

    Pakistan’s Pharmaceutical exports reach 20-year …

    ByJustpaste.in

        ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has said that Pakistan’s pharmaceutical exports have reached a 20-year high of $457 million, stressing that the pharmaceutical industry must establish a clear contribution towards the country’s ambitious target of generating more than $100 billion in exports by 2035. Speaking at a roundtable conference in Islamabad organised to facilitate pharmaceutical exports under the government’s Uraan Pakistan initiative, the federal minister said the industry needed to adopt a long-term strategy to expand its presence in international markets. Ahsan Iqbal called on representatives of the pharmaceutical sector to hold consultations over the next month and prepare a comprehensive roadmap for the industry’s development through 2030 and beyond. He said Pakistan’s objective should be to transform the country into a global hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing and exports. The minister emphasised that Pakistan needed to secure a significant position in the international pharmaceutical market by improving the competitiveness and quality of locally manufactured products. He said cooperation between the government and private sector could help the industry compete more effectively at the global level. According to the minister, continuity in government policies and the creation of a business-friendly environment are essential for the sustainable growth of the pharmaceutical sector. He stressed that investors and manufacturers require predictable policies and a supportive regulatory framework to make long-term investments in production, research and exports. Ahsan Iqbal also highlighted the need to reduce Pakistan’s dependence on imported pharmaceutical inputs and increase domestic manufacturing capacity. He said approximately 85 percent of the raw material used by the pharmaceutical industry is currently imported, creating challenges for the sector and increasing its exposure to international supply disruptions and currency fluctuations. He called for strengthening the local pharmaceutical value chain so that a greater proportion of raw materials, intermediate products and finished medicines could be produced within Pakistan. The minister said enhancing domestic production would not only reduce the country’s import bill but could also improve the competitiveness of Pakistani pharmaceutical companies in international markets. A stronger local supply chain could help manufacturers reduce production costs, improve efficiency and develop products that meet international standards. He further stressed the importance of developing a coordinated strategy involving government institutions, pharmaceutical manufacturers, researchers and other stakeholders. Such cooperation, he said, would be necessary to identify the major obstacles facing the sector and develop practical solutions. The roundtable conference was held as part of efforts under Uraan Pakistan to promote exports and strengthen productive sectors of the economy. The initiative aims to improve Pakistan’s economic performance by encouraging investment, increasing exports and promoting sustainable industrial development. Ahsan Iqbal said the pharmaceutical industry had significant potential to contribute to Pakistan’s export growth if its structural challenges were addressed. He urged industry representatives to use the consultation process to develop realistic targets and identify measures that could help Pakistan increase its share in the global pharmaceutical market. The minister’s remarks come as Pakistan seeks to diversify its export base and reduce dependence on traditional export sectors. He said the pharmaceutical industry could become an important contributor to this effort by improving domestic production, investing in innovation and expanding access to international markets. The government, he added, would continue working with the private sector to create conditions that encourage investment and promote the long-term growth of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry.

  • | | |

    Shehbaz, Bangladesh PM set for first Jakarta meeti…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to meet Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman next week in Jakarta, Indonesia. The meeting will be the first between the two leaders since Tarique Rahman assumed office as Bangladesh’s prime minister around six months ago. The meeting is being viewed as significant in light of recent regional developments. Both leaders will be in Jakarta to attend the 12th summit of the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation. The nine-member grouping is focused on strengthening economic cooperation among its member states. The three-day summit is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 17. The summit was earlier postponed in April due to the conflict that emerged in the Middle East. Leaders from member countries are now expected to gather in Jakarta for discussions on regional and economic issues. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also expected to hold a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the summit. The Pakistani prime minister is likely to meet other participating leaders as well. His expected engagements include a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The meetings are expected to provide an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations, regional developments and areas of mutual interest. The expected meeting between the Pakistani and Bangladeshi prime ministers also comes amid efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries. Both sides have shown interest in expanding cooperation in different areas. Pakistan has also decided not to seek special permission from India to use its airspace for the prime minister’s journey to Indonesia. Instead, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s aircraft will take an alternative route to reach Jakarta. The change in travel route will allow the Pakistani delegation to proceed with its scheduled participation in the D-8 summit without seeking special approval from India.

  • | | |

    Why are thousands protesting Sindh’s major civil…

    ByJustpaste.in

    HYDERABAD: A civil service examination meant to open the door to prestigious government jobs in Sindh has instead triggered months of protests, legal battles and allegations of irregularities, with unsuccessful candidates demanding that the entire process be scrapped and conducted again. The controversy centres on the Combined Competitive Examination 2024 (CCE-24) conducted by the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC). More than 4,300 candidates appeared in the written examination, which consisted of 10 papers. Yet when the results were announced on May 6, only 70 candidates were declared successful. The examination is particularly important because successful candidates can be appointed to Grade 16 and 17 positions, including assistant commissioners, assistant directors and section officers. For many candidates, the unusually low pass rate immediately raised questions. Why did the results trigger protests? The protesters’ concerns intensified when detailed marks certificates were uploaded following the announcement. Candidates noticed what they described as apparent inconsistencies in the marks sheets. One example involved Criminology, an optional subject carrying 100 marks in a single paper, which appeared in some detailed certificates as two papers carrying 200 marks. Candidates said a similar issue was visible in Environmental Science. Farman Ali, one of the campaign leaders, said candidates initially believed the discrepancy could simply be a technical mistake. However, after finding similar problems in other subjects, they began demanding an explanation from the commission. The SPSC, meanwhile, has maintained that the examination was conducted according to the applicable rules. Its spokesperson, Hifzullah Kaka, declined to comment on the disputed issues while the matter remained before the courts. Protests spread across Sindh Following the results, social media quickly filled with allegations that the examination process had been manipulated to benefit selected candidates. The Sindh Students Action Committee subsequently organised protests, while candidates began a sit-in outside the SPSC headquarters on Hyderabad’s Thandi Sarak. A larger rally was held on May 13, drawing students from different parts of Sindh. The following day, MQM-P lawmaker Maaz Mahboob submitted a resolution in the Sindh Assembly, expressing concern over alleged irregularities, merit violations and a lack of transparency. Protesters later launched the Movement for Restoration of Meritocracy, demanding broader reforms in public recruitment. The campaign has since spread beyond Hyderabad, with protests reported in Nawabshah, Ghotki, Qambar, Umerkot, Islamkot and Gambat. How did the controversy reach the courts? The dispute soon moved into the courtroom. The Sindh High Court suspended the CCE-24 results and directed the SPSC to produce the complete examination record. The court also halted further appointments and proceedings based on the disputed results. The SPSC challenged the Sindh High Court’s interim orders before the newly established Federal Constitutional Court, arguing that the examination had been conducted fairly, transparently and under the Sindh Public Service Commission Act, 2022, and Recruitment Management Regulations, 2023. On July 16, the federal court suspended the Sindh High Court’s interim orders concerning the inquiry, interviews and rechecking of failed candidates. The development allowed the SPSC to proceed with interviews of the 70 successful candidates. Protesters refuse to back down Despite the legal developments, unsuccessful candidates say their concerns remain unresolved. They are demanding that CCE-24 be cancelled and a fresh examination conducted. They are also calling for the resignation of SPSC Chairman Muhammad Rizwan and commission members, along with an independent judicial inquiry into SPSC examinations and recruitments for Grade 16 and 17 posts over the past five years. At the heart of the dispute is a question that extends beyond one examination: can young candidates trust the system responsible for deciding who gets a government career? For thousands of applicants who spent years preparing for the competitive examination, the answer remains uncertain. As the court proceedings continue, protesters remain camped outside the SPSC headquarters, insisting that their campaign will continue until they receive what they consider a transparent and credible resolution.

  • | |

    Mir Raza case deepens as guest house probe expands

    ByJustpaste.in

    A major development has emerged in the investigation into the death of Karachi businessman Mir Raza Ali. Investigators have obtained further details about the guest house linked to the case. The premises is located near the place where Mir Raza’s body was recovered. According to investigation findings, the guest house was registered in the name of a man identified as Liaquat Ali. The property itself is reportedly owned by a woman. Police verification of the property was carried out on June 1, 2026. Investigators also found that the guest house was not registered on the Hotel Eye application. Police had made registration on the system mandatory for hotels and guest houses. After the discovery of Mir Raza’s body, police sealed the guest house. Six people working at the premises were taken into custody for questioning. Their statements are being recorded as investigators try to determine whether the guest house has any connection with the case. So far, police have detained 21 people in connection with the investigation. The detainees include Mir Raza’s friends and business partners. Investigators are examining their statements and movements. A five-member investigation committee also held a meeting under the leadership of DIG Crime Branch Amir Farooqi. The committee is reviewing the case in light of new medical and forensic evidence. Police have also expanded the charges in the case. Sections 365 and 302 were already included in the FIR. Section 201 has now been added. The provision relates to concealing, removing or destroying evidence connected to an offence. The development follows a second post-mortem conducted after Mir Raza’s grave was exhumed on August 8. The preliminary medical findings reportedly showed several injuries on his body. The report indicated a gunshot injury to the back. The entry wound was smaller, while the wound on the front side was larger. Medical findings suggest that the bullet entered from the rear and passed through the body. The examination also found fractured ribs. Several injuries were observed on Mir Raza’s head and face. A wound and fracture measuring about 12 centimetres were found on his right thigh. Blood marks were also detected in tissues in the lower part of his body. Further examination revealed a deep injury and fracture in his jaw. Injuries were also found on his nose and other parts of his face. Investigators collected 17 samples during the exhumation. Samples from Mir Raza’s parents were also obtained for DNA comparison. The samples are expected to be examined at the forensic laboratory of the University of Karachi. After the samples were collected, Mir Raza’s body was reburied on the same day. Mir Raza Ali Khan had gone missing from the PECHS area on July 28. Police said he left his home at around 4:09am in an online taxi. His body was found two days later in Gulistan-e-Johar. Police officials said the body was in a badly damaged condition. A gunshot wound was also found on his chest. Investigators also found that Mir Raza’s social media accounts had been deactivated a day before his body was recovered. His family has consistently maintained that he was murdered. His father said Mir Raza was preparing for his marriage and was excited about starting a new phase of his life. His nikah had been scheduled for August 30 at Baitul Mukarram Mosque in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. The latest investigation has brought renewed attention to the guest house and the people associated with it. Police are now examining medical evidence, forensic samples, CCTV footage, statements and other available material.

Leave a Reply

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