PIA-style model proposed for DISCO privatisation

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers’ meeting, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting peace through diplomacy. During the meeting, the two foreign ministers reviewed the evolving regional situation, particularly rising tensions in the Middle East. They discussed recent developments affecting regional security and agreed that continued dialogue, restraint and diplomatic engagement remain the most effective path toward achieving lasting peace and stability. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining close and friendly relations with Iran. He stressed the importance of avoiding further escalation and called on all parties to resolve differences through peaceful negotiations. He also highlighted the need to build upon the understandings reached under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in June 2026, which aimed to encourage diplomatic engagement and reduce regional tensions. The Pakistani foreign minister expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region and said cooperation among neighbouring countries is essential to preserve peace, protect economic interests and ensure regional stability. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and promote constructive dialogue. He thanked Pakistan for its continued support in regional peace initiatives and acknowledged Islamabad’s role in facilitating the safe return of Iranian fishermen and crew members, including individuals whose vessels had been intercepted during recent regional tensions. Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination and regular consultations on regional and international issues of mutual interest. They reiterated their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation for peace, security and prosperity in the region. The meeting took place as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate. Recent military exchanges have increased concerns about wider instability in the Middle East, with continued air strikes and retaliatory actions raising fears of a broader regional conflict. The situation has also affected key international shipping routes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, increasing concerns over global energy supplies and international trade. The uncertainty has contributed to higher oil prices and renewed fears about the impact on the global economy. In recent days, US President Donald Trump warned of stronger military action against Iran following attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Iranian officials, however, have continued to reject the accusations and have criticised recent US policies, including proposals concerning frozen Iranian assets. Against this backdrop, Pakistan has continued to advocate dialogue and diplomacy as the only sustainable solution to regional disputes. Pakistani officials maintain that peaceful engagement remains essential to preventing further escalation and ensuring long-term stability across the Middle East.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Monday inaugurated the National Press Club’s (NPC) new website and announced the establishment of a modern digital lab at the club within the next two months to enhance journalists’ digital skills. Addressing the launch ceremony, Tarar said digital transformation had become essential for media institutions and stressed the need for journalists to equip themselves with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), digital media and modern reporting techniques. He said the government was committed to addressing journalists’ welfare issues, including job security, timely payment of salaries, housing, restoration of health cards and other welfare initiatives. He also announced efforts to partner with an academic institution to provide professional digital skills training for media professionals. The minister said the government was aware of the financial challenges facing the media industry and emphasized the need for a comprehensive policy to protect journalists’ jobs and livelihoods. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to media freedom and pledged continued support for strengthening the country’s print and electronic media. NPC President Abdul Razzaq Sial welcomed the minister and urged the government to resolve longstanding issues faced by journalists, including housing quotas, health cards, special grants and pending dues. NPC Secretary Dr. Furqan Rao said the newly launched website would digitalize members’ records, improve transparency and enable journalists to update their professional profiles online. During the ceremony, the National Press Club awarded Tarar honorary membership and the minister distributed certificates among participants who completed a month-long digital training programme organized by the club.

MULTAN: Director General of the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Saif Anwar Jappa, met Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab, Fawad Hashim Rabbani, at the South Punjab Secretariat to review the ongoing monsoon situation and flood relief operations across the region. During the meeting, the Additional Chief Secretary congratulated Saif Anwar Jappa on his appointment as DG PDMA and expressed his best wishes for his new role. The PDMA chief gave a detailed briefing on the current flood and weather situation, as well as the relief measures being undertaken in affected areas. He said the authority, in coordination with all relevant departments, has accelerated rescue and relief operations in response to the ongoing monsoon emergency. Jappa said dewatering efforts, ration distribution and rescue activities are continuing in flood-affected areas. He added that teams are actively working to drain water from urban flood zones and restore damaged roads to ensure public access and safety. He further said all district administrations and emergency control rooms have been placed on high alert around the clock to respond swiftly to any developing situation. The PDMA is also using modern technology, including drones, to deliver life jackets and emergency relief supplies to inaccessible areas during emergencies, he said. According to the DG PDMA, priority is being given to identifying flood relief camps in vulnerable districts and ensuring the timely provision of food, clean drinking water, dry fodder for livestock and other essential supplies to affected families. Additional Chief Secretary Fawad Hashim Rabbani directed authorities to maintain strict monitoring of water flows in flood-prone areas of South Punjab and ensure timely preventive measures. He said the completion of two new protective embankments at Jalalpur Pirwala in a record period, under the directions of the Punjab government, has played a significant role in protecting the city from floodwaters. Rabbani also instructed officials to ensure the immediate evacuation of people living in riverine and low-lying areas where flood risks remain high. He further directed that rescue and relief teams remain fully prepared in the hilly areas of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur to respond promptly to any emergencies caused by flash floods and hill torrents during the ongoing monsoon season.

Security forces have intensified intelligence-based operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past two months, resulting in the killing of multiple militants and the destruction of several militant hideouts, according to security sources. The operations were conducted under Operation 11 Gurj, which is aimed at dismantling militant networks and preventing terrorist activities in the province. During the campaign, security forces carried out a series of targeted raids based on intelligence reports in different districts. According to the sources, several militants were killed during these operations, while their hideouts were successfully destroyed. The forces also apprehended a number of suspected facilitators believed to have been providing logistical and operational support to militant groups. Security personnel recovered a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and other military equipment during the raids. Officials said the seized material was intended to be used in future terrorist attacks. One of the major operations was conducted in the Shakro area of Bajaur district, where security forces targeted militant hideouts after receiving credible intelligence. Reports indicated that several militants were killed, while others sustained injuries during the operation. The forces also located and destroyed multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) found in the area. Officials said eliminating these explosives helped prevent potential attacks and improved the safety of local residents. Ground troops, supported by quadcopter surveillance, were used throughout the operations to identify militant positions and monitor movements before launching precise strikes. Security officials said the use of modern surveillance technology enhanced the effectiveness of the operations and reduced risks to security personnel. According to security sources, the operations form part of an ongoing campaign to eliminate militant infrastructure, disrupt terrorist networks and strengthen peace and stability across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Authorities reiterated that intelligence-based operations will continue until all militant elements are dismantled and the security situation is fully brought under control.