Punjab approves Shuhada Package for 14 martyred police families

Pakistani pensioners can now obtain their Proof of Life certificate free of charge without having to visit a bank or pension office, thanks to a new digital and nationwide service introduced by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). The facility is available through the Pak ID mobile app, NADRA Registration Centres, Union Councils, e-Sahulat franchises and NADRA’s mobile services across Pakistan. The initiative has been introduced on the special directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control Ministry of Defence Controller General of Accounts (CGA) and Military Accountant General (MAG). The service is particularly aimed at helping elderly bedridden and differently abled pensioners who may find it difficult to travel repeatedly to banks or pension offices to fulfil the Proof of Life requirement. How to Get Proof of Life from Home The easiest option for eligible pensioners is the Pak ID mobile app. Pensioners can complete the required identity verification process through the app and obtain their Proof of Life certificate from home. Pensioners who cannot use the Pak ID app themselves can also receive assistance from a family member. A family member may use their own Pak ID account to complete the prescribed identity verification process for the pensioner. For those who require in-person assistance, the service is available free of charge at more than 5,000 e-Sahulat franchises across the country. Pensioners can also visit more than 988 NADRA Registration Centres and around 500 Union Councils, where priority services are being provided without requiring them to wait in the regular queue. Pensioners who cannot easily travel to a service point can use NADRA’s mobile registration vans, biker services and main pack services. National Pensioners Register The Proof of Life facility is part of a wider reform initiative under which NADRA has established a National Pensioners Register. In its first phase pensioners administered by CGA and MAG have been included in the database. The digital register provides pension authorities with a reliable source for verifying a pensioner’s identity and life status. It can also reduce the need for families to repeatedly report the same information to different government departments. If a pensioner’s death is reported through NADRA’s death notification system or recorded in the Civil Registration Management System, the relevant pension controller can receive a digital notification. NADRA has also introduced a verification service for authorized banks, allowing them to directly check a pensioner’s Proof of Life status through the National Pensioners Register. The new system is expected to make pension verification easier while reducing paperwork, repeated physical visits and inconvenience for elderly pensioners.

  British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad to discuss matters of mutual interest and ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. The meeting highlighted the importance of maintaining high-level and continuous engagement between the two countries. Both sides discussed the positive developments taking place in Pakistan-UK relations and emphasized the need to continue diplomatic contacts to deepen cooperation in areas of shared interest. During the meeting, Jane Marriott conveyed her greetings and extended congratulations to Pakistan on the occasion of its Independence Day. She also discussed issues relating to the ongoing relationship between the two countries and reaffirmed the importance of continued engagement between Islamabad and London. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar appreciated the positive progress in Pakistan-UK relations and described the developments as encouraging. According to an official statement, Dar also referred to his recent meeting with the British Foreign Secretary in Manila, highlighting the importance of high-level contacts between the two countries in strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation. The discussion also covered regional and international developments, according to the spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two sides exchanged views on the evolving regional situation as well as broader global issues of mutual concern. Ishaq Dar stressed that Pakistan and the United Kingdom should continue working together through dialogue and diplomatic engagement. He emphasized the importance of implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding in accordance with both its spirit and its agreed text. Dar also maintained that negotiations and diplomacy remain the most effective and appropriate way to address outstanding issues. He said that unresolved matters should be dealt with through constructive dialogue rather than confrontation, underlining Pakistan’s preference for diplomatic solutions to complex regional and international challenges. The meeting comes as Pakistan and the United Kingdom continue efforts to strengthen their longstanding bilateral relationship. The two countries maintain cooperation across several areas, including trade, investment, education, security, development and people-to-people relations. Regular high-level meetings between officials from both sides are considered important for maintaining momentum in bilateral ties. The discussions between Dar and Marriott also reflected the broader importance of sustained diplomatic communication at a time when regional and global developments continue to influence international relations. Both Pakistan and the UK have an interest in maintaining regular consultations on issues that affect regional stability, economic cooperation and international peace. The Pakistani foreign ministry said that continued engagement and dialogue would remain important for addressing matters of mutual interest and promoting closer cooperation between Islamabad and London. The meeting concluded with an emphasis on maintaining regular high-level contacts and advancing bilateral cooperation. Both sides expressed support for continued diplomatic engagement and efforts aimed at strengthening Pakistan-UK relations. The interaction between Ishaq Dar and Jane Marriott demonstrates the continued focus of both countries on maintaining constructive diplomatic ties. With discussions covering bilateral relations, implementation of existing understandings, regional developments and international affairs, the meeting provided an opportunity for Pakistan and the UK to reaffirm their commitment to dialogue and cooperation.

  Lahore, July 23: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan Secretary General Ameerul Azeem was laid to rest on Thursday following funeral prayers at Mansoorah, Lahore, attended by thousands of mourners from across the country. The funeral prayer was led by JI Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, who paid rich tribute to the late leader, describing him as a committed worker of Islam who devoted his entire life to religious, political and organizational service. A large number of senior Jamaat-e-Islami leaders, politicians, religious scholars, lawyers, journalists, teachers, traders, representatives of labour and farming communities, civil society members and party workers attended the funeral. Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, former Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar, former Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri, former Federal Minister Muhammad Ali Durrani, former Lahore Mayor Khawaja Ahmad Hassan, JUI-F leader Maulana Muhammad Amjad Khan, PML-N leaders Hafiz Nauman and Mian Marghoob, Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith chief Ibtisam Elahi Zaheer, along with several senior Jamaat-e-Islami office-bearers and district emirs from across Pakistan, were among those present. Representatives of minority communities, including Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora and members of the Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, also attended to offer condolences. Addressing the gathering, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman said Ameerul Azeem spent his entire life striving for the establishment of Islamic values and remained an example of sincerity, discipline and dedication. He said the late leader was deeply compassionate toward party workers and always remained accessible to every member of the organization. Despite suffering from cancer, he continued fulfilling his organizational responsibilities with determination and never allowed his illness to affect his commitment to the party. The JI chief said Ameerul Azeem believed Jamaat-e-Islami had entered a crucial phase in its struggle and consistently encouraged workers to remain steadfast in pursuing the party’s mission. He prayed that Allah Almighty grant the departed leader the highest place in Jannah and bless his family with patience. Senior JI leader Liaqat Baloch also paid tribute, recalling his more than five-decade association with Ameerul Azeem. He said the late leader’s journey from student politics to one of the party’s highest offices reflected his unwavering dedication, adding that his services would continue to inspire generations of workers. Ameerul Azeem passed away on Wednesday night after a prolonged battle with cancer. Throughout his illness, he remained active in party affairs and continued serving the movement until his final days. Born in Lahore in 1958, Ameerul Azeem earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of the Punjab. He began his political journey through Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba (IJT), serving as Nazim of IJT Lahore before becoming Nazim-e-Aala of IJT Pakistan. During General Zia-ul-Haq’s rule, he led the movement for the restoration of student unions, endured imprisonment, and was elected Nazim-e-Aala while in jail. He also served as president of the Punjab University Students Union. After transitioning from student politics, he held several important positions within Jamaat-e-Islami, including Emir of Lahore, Emir of Central Punjab, Central Information Secretary and Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan on two occasions. In 2019, then JI Emir Sirajul Haq appointed him Secretary General of the party. Remembered for his humility, integrity and organizational abilities, Ameerul Azeem also played a prominent role in the Lawyers’ Movement for the restoration of the judiciary and remained a strong advocate of constitutional supremacy, democratic values and the rule of law. Widely respected across political, social and media circles, he leaves behind a legacy of principled leadership and dedicated public service.