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LAHORE: Institute of Public Health Lahore and Rahnuma Family Planning Association of Pakistan joined hands to organize a Policy Dialogue on promoting Breastfeeding in connection with the World Breastfeeding Week 2026. The week is commemorated globally from 1-7 August to highlight the importance of breastfeeding. The house discussed strategies to improve breast feeding as only 45% of newborns in Pakistan were put to breast milk within the first hour of life, resulting in stunted growth and vulnerability to disease outbreaks. Moderated by Dean IPH Dr. Saira Azfzal, the event was joined by foreign dignitaries from the UKHSA, Chairman BoG IPH Prof Abdul Majeed Chaudhry, Executive Director Punjab Institute of Neuro Sciences & Principal General Hospital/PGMC Sardar Al Farid, former chairperson BoG Punjab Healthcare Commission Prof Atiya Mubarak, Head of Office WHO Punjab Dr. Jamshaid Ahmed, UNICEF Health Specialist Dr. Quratul Ain Ahmed, former Executive Director Health Services Academy Prof Shakila Zaman, WHO Technical Officer Dr. Irfan Ahmed, DGHS representative Dr. Zubair Hafeez as well as KEMU, Jinnah Hospital, SIMS and Ganga Ram experts including Prof Sobia Qazi, Prof Nadia Khursheed, Prof Munir Akhtar Saleemi, Dr Rameeza Kaleem Dr Asif Batani, Dr Mamoona, , Dr Ali Arshad, Prof. Dr Madeeha Rashid, Prof. Dr Muntaha, Dr Ammara Dr Amber Mustafa and a large number of students. Project Director GAVI RISE Rahnuma FPAP Sajjad Hafeez acknowledged IPH for joining hands with Rahnuma for a national cause. Highlighting this year’s theme “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” he said that Rahnuma-FPAP is one of the largest and oldest organizations in Pakistan, renowned for integrated package of mother & child health services, (ANC, safe deliveries PNC, vaccination, nutrition and family planning) at its country-wide network of facilities. Prof Sardar Al Farid highlighted barriers for mothers especially in office settings and need to designate workplace nursing stations. WHO representative Dr. Jamshaid elaborated key indicators (Early Initiation of Breastfeeding, Exclusive Breastfeeding and Continued Breastfeeding, highlighting that formula milk must not be marketed aggressively. UNICEF representative Dr. Quratul Ain highlighted that deliveries in Punjab under skilled birth attendants have improved to around 80%, yet the breastfeeding figures remain sub optimal. This requires integrating skilled counseling into routine family planning and reproductive health services.

Pakistan were dismissed for 282 runs in their first innings on the third day of the opening Test against the West Indies, leaving the hosts with a 29-run first-innings lead. Despite a determined century from captain Shan Masood, Pakistan failed to build on a solid overnight position as the West Indies bowling attack wrapped up the innings effectively. Resuming the day at 199 for 3, Pakistan appeared well placed to post a competitive total. However, the batting lineup struggled against disciplined bowling, losing wickets at regular intervals. Apart from Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq, none of the remaining batters managed to make a significant contribution. Shan Masood led the innings with a composed 109 runs, anchoring Pakistan’s batting effort with patience and confidence. His century proved to be the standout performance for the visitors and demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure in challenging conditions. Imam-ul-Haq also made an important contribution, scoring 63 runs and sharing a valuable partnership with the captain that gave Pakistan a strong foundation. After the dismissal of the top-order pair, Pakistan’s middle and lower order failed to capitalize on the platform. Regular breakthroughs from the West Indies bowlers prevented the visitors from reaching a larger total, and the innings came to an end after 80.1 overs. The West Indies bowling attack was led by Justin Greaves, who delivered an outstanding spell to claim five wickets. His consistent line and length troubled Pakistan’s batters throughout the innings and played a key role in restricting the total. Veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach and pace bowler Shamar Joseph picked up two wickets each, while Jayden Seales added one wicket to complete the innings. With a 29-run lead, the West Indies gained a slight advantage heading into their second innings. However, the match remains evenly balanced, and Pakistan’s bowlers will now aim to make early breakthroughs to keep the contest alive. As the Test progresses, both teams will look to capitalize on every opportunity in what promises to be an intriguing battle. Pakistan will be encouraged by Shan Masood’s excellent century but will also recognize the need for stronger contributions from the rest of the batting lineup if they hope to secure victory in the series opener.

  Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has urged the federal government to address the ongoing unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) through dialogue, stressing that reconciliation is the only path to a lasting solution. In a video message shared on the party’s X account on Saturday, Fazlur Rehman called on the government and state institutions to recognise the seriousness of the situation instead of responding with force. He said authorities should work to restore peace and stability rather than allowing further bloodshed. “The government and state institutions must understand the gravity of the crisis. Instead of turning our homeland into a place of violence, they should focus on healing divisions through meaningful dialogue,” he said. His remarks came after violent clashes were reported in Rawalakot between law enforcement personnel and protesters affiliated with the banned Jammu and Kashmir Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Reports circulating on social media claimed multiple casualties and injuries, with both security officials and the JAAC alleging loss of lives. Fazlur Rehman said the JAAC’s sit-in had continued for more than two months. He recalled that after tensions intensified on June 5, the committee had formally requested him to mediate between the protesters and the government. According to him, he accepted the role and remained in contact with both sides through JUI-F AJK chief Maulana Saeed Yousaf Khan and Sardar Kamran Azam Khan. The JUI-F chief expressed concern over the situation faced by residents of AJK, saying people expect their government to protect them rather than leave them living in fear. He alleged that women, children and families had endured months of insecurity while the authorities failed to address their concerns. He further claimed that force had been used against unarmed protesters and alleged that, according to the information available to him, the death toll had reached around 80 people. However, no official confirmation has been issued regarding that figure. Despite the violence, Fazlur Rehman appealed to the JAAC leadership and protesters to remain peaceful and avoid any action that could worsen the situation. He urged them to allow more time for mediation efforts, expressing hope that a fair and lasting political settlement could still be achieved. He also criticised the government’s approach, claiming that although the protesters had shown confidence in his mediation efforts, the authorities had not taken the initiative seriously and had instead relied on force rather than negotiations. Warning of wider implications, Fazlur Rehman said the movement had gained support across Kashmir as well as among Pakistanis and the Kashmiri diaspora, particularly in Europe. The recent violence has drawn condemnation from political parties and human rights organisations. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed deep concern over reports of deaths and injuries, stressing that maintaining law and order should never come at the expense of the right to life or the freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression. The commission called for a prompt, impartial and independent investigation into the incidents. Opposition parties, including PTI, also demanded an independent judicial inquiry into the clashes, while other political groups criticised what they described as the excessive use of force against protesters. The current dispute is linked to long-standing demands by the JAAC, which has been seeking constitutional and governance reforms in AJK. Among its key demands are the abolition of 12 reserved seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly allocated to Kashmiri refugees and the removal of the existing quota system. Although the government and the JAAC reached an agreement after protests last year to establish a high-level committee to review the issue of refugee seats, negotiations have since stalled. The JAAC continues to insist on abolishing the reserved seats, while the government remains opposed to the proposal.

  A unique and unusual theft case has been registered in Pakistan’s Punjab province after a resident alleged that suspected thieves, who failed to steal a tube well from his agricultural land, fled the scene with his pet dog instead. According to the police, the incident took place in Kot Addu district, where the complainant reported that unknown suspects entered his farmland during the night with the apparent intention of stealing a tube well. Tube wells are commonly used in Pakistan’s agricultural sector to pump underground water for irrigation and are considered valuable equipment by farmers. The complainant stated that he became aware of the presence of the suspected thieves while they were attempting to carry out the theft. Upon realizing that intruders had entered his property, he reacted immediately by releasing his pet dog in an effort to chase and stop them. However, according to the complaint filed with the police, the dog never returned after being sent after the suspects. The owner believes that the alleged thieves took the animal with them when they fled the scene after failing to steal the tube well. The complainant expressed suspicion that the suspects, unable to accomplish their original objective, decided to take the pet dog instead. He requested the police to investigate the incident and recover the missing animal. Police officials confirmed that a formal First Information Report (FIR) has been registered based on the complainant’s statement. Investigators have launched an inquiry into the unusual case and are working to identify the individuals allegedly involved in the incident. Authorities said they are examining all available evidence and gathering information from the surrounding area to determine what exactly happened on the night of the alleged theft. At this stage, police have not confirmed whether the dog was actually stolen or wandered away during the chase. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say further details will emerge once the inquiry is completed. The incident has attracted attention because of its unusual nature. While cases involving the theft of agricultural machinery, livestock, and farm equipment are relatively common in rural parts of Pakistan, allegations involving the theft of a pet dog after an unsuccessful attempt to steal a tube well are highly uncommon. Residents in agricultural communities often rely on watchdogs to protect their farms and livestock from theft. Such dogs are considered valuable companions and play an important role in safeguarding rural properties, especially during nighttime. Police have appealed for any information that could help locate the missing dog and identify the suspects. Officials emphasized that the investigation will continue until all aspects of the case are examined. The unusual complaint has sparked curiosity among local residents, but authorities have urged the public not to speculate about the incident while the investigation is in progress. Police say they will proceed in accordance with the law and take appropriate action if the allegations are supported by evidence.