PTA cuts eSIM fee to Rs1,500, allows 10 free transfers

Islamabad: The Islamic Research Institute (IRI) of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) and the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) have joined hands to combat violent extremism, promote inter-sectarian harmony and strengthen peacebuilding efforts across Pakistan. The two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday at a ceremony attended by senior officials. Professor Dr Ahmed Saad Alahmed, Acting Rector and President of IIUI, and Mr Jawad Ahmad Dogar, PSP, National Coordinator of NACTA, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations. The MoU follows several months of consultations and meetings between the two sides. The discussions identified areas for cooperation and established a long-term framework for joint initiatives. Both institutions also nominated focal persons to coordinate the partnership, while the draft agreement went through legal review before receiving final approval. Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Dr Ahmed Saad Alahmed highlighted the importance of cooperation between universities and national institutions in addressing major social challenges. He said universities have a key role in producing credible research, encouraging balanced religious discourse and providing practical policy recommendations that support national unity and social cohesion. Mr Jawad Ahmad Dogar described IRI as one of Pakistan’s leading centres for Islamic scholarship and policy research. He said the partnership would combine academic expertise with practical national experience to develop initiatives that promote tolerance and help prevent violent extremism. The collaboration has already produced its first major initiative. On July 9, 2026, IRI and NACTA jointly organised a pilot seminar titled **“Inter-Sectarian Harmony: Past Efforts and Future Roadmap.”** The event brought together scholars, policymakers, religious leaders and practitioners to discuss ways to improve sectarian understanding and develop lasting mechanisms for religious harmony. The two institutions are now preparing a major joint programme for August 2026, which will focus on academic dialogue, policy engagement and community outreach. The partnership also supports the government’s broader policy to establish Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Centres at higher education institutions across the country. Under the MoU, IRI and NACTA will work together on research, training workshops, educational resources and capacity-building programmes to help universities establish and effectively operate CVE Centres. The agreement also covers joint research projects, policy studies, conferences, seminars, faculty development, curriculum support, publications and other capacity-building activities. The two sides will continue to engage researchers, policymakers, religious scholars, educators and practitioners to address emerging threats of violent extremism through research-based strategies. IRI reaffirmed its commitment to providing a national platform for Islamic scholarship and policy research, while NACTA expressed its resolve to strengthen cooperation with academic institutions to help build a peaceful, inclusive and resilient Pakistan.

Karachi experienced light to moderate rainfall accompanied by high winds on Saturday evening, marking the second consecutive day of rain in the current monsoon spell. Rain was reported in multiple areas across the metropolis, including Scheme 33, Gulshan-i-Maymar, and adjoining areas, while a light drizzle fell in Hassan Square. Heavy rain was reported in Gulistan-i-Jauhar, and video footage showed commuters travelling through 4K Chowrangi in Surjani Town amid heavy rainfall. Light rainfall was also reported in Saddar, multiple blocks of Clifton, and the Defence Housing Authority. Earlier today, the provincial chief secretary directed provincial and district authorities to activate the Provincial Disaster Management Authority and district control rooms immediately, while ordering the submission of 24-hour situation reports every morning throughout the monsoon season for continuous monitoring. Chairing a meeting on monsoon preparedness, the chief secretary stressed that contingency plans must include the identification of relief camp sites, availability of rescue boats, dewatering pumps, water bowsers, and emergency mechanisms for food and drinking water, as well as adequate stocks of medicines for health and livestock departments. He instructed municipal authorities to remove bottlenecks, complete the cleaning of storm-water drains, and ensure uninterrupted drainage arrangements ahead of heavy rains. The meeting was informed that, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, moderate to isolated heavy rainfall was expected until July 27 in several districts, including Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sanghar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Hyderabad, Matiari, Jamshoro, and Shaheed Benazirabad. Light to moderate rainfall was also forecast for districts including Ghotki, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Kambar Shahdadkot, Larkana, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, and Thatta, while Karachi was likely to experience mostly cloudy weather with chances of light rain and drizzle. Yesterday, the metropolis received this season’s first spell of rain after multiple localities reported light to moderate showers. Earlier this week, on the directives of Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, the PDMA placed district administrations across Sindh on high alert and directed all relevant departments to take precautionary and emergency response measures as strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea continue to affect the province. The CM directed all deputy commissioners, district administrations, municipal authorities, irrigation officials, health services, rescue agencies, and local government institutions to remain fully vigilant, ensure the preparedness of emergency response teams, maintain drainage systems, and take all necessary steps to protect lives and property. The rain has brought relief to residents after a prolonged dry spell, but authorities remain on high alert to address any potential flooding or rain-related emergencies. The public has been advised to stay updated with weather forecasts and follow official directives to ensure their safety during the monsoon season.