KP to celebrate International Youth Day at University of Peshawar

LAHORE: Senior journalists, defence analysts and experts have described the Makkah Joint Defence Pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye as a significant step towards strengthening regional peace, collective security and strategic cooperation. The views were expressed during a panel discussion titled “Makkah Pact: Peace, Security and Stability,” organised by the Press Information Department (PID) Lahore. PID Lahore Director General Shafqat Abbas said the agreement was not directed against any particular country but was intended to strengthen peace, stability, mutual confidence and collective security. He stressed that dialogue, diplomacy and cooperation should remain the preferred means of resolving regional disputes. He said Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye brought different strengths and experiences to the partnership, creating opportunities for closer cooperation in defence, diplomacy, economics and strategic affairs. According to him, modern national power extended beyond military strength and depended equally on a strong economy, quality education, scientific advancement, technology, skilled human resources and effective diplomacy. Shafqat Abbas called for greater efforts to convert Pakistan’s defence capabilities and achievements into economic opportunities through investment in education, research, technology, skills development and exports. He said a combination of strong defence and economic stability could enable Pakistan to play a more influential role internationally. Senior journalist and analyst Mujeebur Rehman Shami highlighted Pakistan’s achievements in defence, diplomacy and foreign relations since independence. He praised Pakistani diplomats for enhancing the country’s international standing despite limited resources and stressed the urgent need to improve education, technical skills, research and scientific development. He also called for higher exports, improved productivity and stronger economic policies, saying that Pakistan’s defence successes should ultimately contribute to broader economic progress. Senior journalist Salman Ghani said the pact combined the unique strengths of its three members, describing Pakistan as a country with significant defence capabilities, Saudi Arabia as a major economic power and Türkiye as an important player in defence technology and military production. He said the partnership could open new avenues for investment, economic cooperation and regional stability. Defence analyst Colonel (retd) Abid said Pakistan’s political and military leadership had played an important role in developing the agreement. He noted that the pact carried implications beyond defence and could influence regional diplomacy, economic relations and strategic cooperation. Former Vice Chancellor of Home Economics University Dr Faleha Afzal said the agreement had further demonstrated Pakistan’s potential role in promoting peace and stability and expressed hope that other Muslim countries would eventually participate in similar cooperative initiatives. Columnist Malik Salman stressed the importance of mutual trust and collective security among Muslim countries, while urging Pakistan to maintain a balance between defence preparedness and economic development. Government College University Lahore Urdu literature professor Dr Farzana Riaz said the pact could create new opportunities for unity and cooperation among Muslim countries and encourage joint efforts to address shared regional challenges. Journalist Noorullah said the agreement could contribute to greater peace and stability in the region, but stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to convert Pakistan’s strategic and defence strengths into tangible economic and diplomatic gains. The participants agreed that closer cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye could have wider implications for regional peace, defence coordination, diplomacy and economic development. They called on Muslim countries to overcome differences, focus on common interests and pursue peace, development and collective security through dialogue and coordinated efforts. Concluding the session, Shafqat Abbas thanked the participants and said discussions of this nature were important for increasing public understanding of major national and international developments and encouraging informed debate.

Lahore: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid a visit to the 24/7 NADRA Mega Center at Shimla Pahari, where he inspected the services and facilities available to the public. During the visit, he expressed satisfaction with the center’s performance and praised the quality of services being provided to citizens. The minister interacted directly with visitors applying for identity cards and other official documents, listening to their concerns and seeking feedback on the overall service experience. He also toured different service counters, met NADRA staff, and reviewed operational arrangements to ensure efficient public service delivery. Responding promptly to public complaints, Mohsin Naqvi directed officials to immediately resolve the issues faced by two citizens. He also took notice of complaints regarding excessive parking charges outside the center and called for appropriate action to address the matter. Highlighting the importance of improving public services, the interior minister announced that the system for accessing the Family Registration Certificate (FRC) track record would be streamlined to make the process more efficient and user-friendly. Recalling his previous visit to the Shimla Pahari NADRA Center, Naqvi said he was encouraged by the positive feedback received from citizens. He emphasized that public trust and satisfaction remain the true measure of an institution’s success and commended NADRA Chairman and the entire team for their dedication and performance in serving the people.

Islamabad: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide flood and landslide alert until July 24, warning residents of possible flash floods, rising river levels, and dangerous weather conditions caused by ongoing monsoon rains. According to the NDMA spokesperson, heavy rainfall is expected to increase water flow in rivers, seasonal streams, and mountain channels across several parts of the country. Authorities have advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from flood-prone areas, and follow official safety instructions. The alert highlights a significant risk of flash flooding in Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly in the districts of Hunza, Shigar, and Ghanche. Rivers including Shimshal, Hunza, Chapursan, Shigar, Shyok, and Hushe are expected to experience a rapid rise in water levels. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), water levels may increase in the Jhelum, Neelum, Poonch, and Mahl rivers, as well as Betar Nullah, Bhimber Nullah, Kanshi River, and several tributaries connected to the Jhelum and Poonch river systems. The NDMA has also warned of possible flash floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, affecting the Chitral, Kabul, Swat, and Panjkora rivers. Local streams in Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, Kohat, Bannu, Karak, Hangu, Lakki Marwat, North and South Waziristan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Mansehra, Buner, and Swabi are also at risk due to intense monsoon rainfall. In Punjab, flood threats remain high in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, the Soan River, and the Potohar region. Similar conditions are expected in northeastern Balochistan. The NDMA further warned of high-level flooding in the Chenab River near Marala and the upper reaches of the Jhelum River near Mangla. Several seasonal streams, including Dora, Dota, Dwara, Bhimber, Halsey, Aik, Plakhoo, Bein, Basantar, Dek, and Sukhi Nullah, may also experience sudden increases in water flow. The authority also noted that any release of water from India’s Thein, Pong, and Bhakra dams could significantly increase water levels in the Ravi and Sutlej rivers, potentially worsening flood conditions downstream. The NDMA has urged citizens to stay informed through official weather updates, avoid crossing flooded roads or streams, and cooperate with local authorities to ensure public safety during the ongoing monsoon season. This version is optimized for search engines while remaining clear, informat