Telecom operators invest $178.57 million in Pakistan’s 5G rollout

Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Tuesday to discuss regional security and bilateral cooperation. The meeting focused on issues of mutual interest, including regional security, defence cooperation and effective border management between Pakistan and Iran. Both sides exchanged views on the evolving regional security environment and stressed the importance of maintaining close coordination to address common security challenges and strengthen bilateral relations. The Iranian interior minister appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in promoting regional peace and stability. He acknowledged the country’s role in encouraging dialogue, reducing tensions and supporting peaceful solutions to regional disputes. The two sides also underscored the importance of continued cooperation to improve border security and strengthen mechanisms aimed at preventing cross-border threats while promoting stability in the region. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to enhancing cooperation and maintaining regular coordination in support of regional peace, security and mutual prosperity.

A religious scholar affiliated with Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) was shot dead by unidentified attackers in the Azam Warsak area of Birmal tehsil in Lower South Waziristan, police said on Saturday. The deceased was identified as Maulana Muhammad Ismail. According to police, the attack took place shortly after Friday prayers when unidentified gunmen riding a motorcycle opened fire on the cleric. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene before he could receive medical assistance. The attackers fled immediately after carrying out the shooting. Police launched a search operation in the area, but no arrests have been made so far. District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Tahir confirmed the incident and said an initial case has been registered. He added that investigators are examining all possible motives behind the attack and collecting evidence to identify those responsible. According to local officials and tribal elders, Maulana Muhammad Ismail was a resident of Kazha Panga and served as a teacher at a religious seminary in the area. He was known for his religious services and educational work in the community. Following the incident, law enforcement personnel reached the crime scene and shifted the body for legal formalities. Security was also tightened in nearby areas as authorities began efforts to trace the attackers. Police said no group has claimed responsibility for the killing. Investigators are questioning witnesses and reviewing available information to determine whether the attack was linked to personal enmity, militancy or any other motive. The killing has once again highlighted security concerns in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where religious and political figures have occasionally been targeted in violent attacks. Earlier this year, former JUI-F provincial lawmaker Maulana Muhammad Idrees was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Charsadda. In a separate incident in January, JUI-F leader Maulana Sultan Muhammad Wazir succumbed to injuries after being critically wounded in a bomb blast near a religious seminary in Wana Bazaar, South Waziristan.

HEIDELBERG: Pakistan’s Ambassador to Germany, Saqlain Syedah, has announced that the restoration of the Allama Iqbal Chair at Heidelberg University is in its final stages, describing it as a major step towards strengthening academic and cultural ties between Pakistan and Germany. She made the announcement while addressing a literary gathering and mushaira held at Iqbal-Ufer, located on the banks of the River Neckar in the historic German city of Heidelberg. The event brought together members of the Pakistani community, writers, poets, academics and representatives of local organisations. The ceremony was chaired by renowned poet and community leader Syed Iqbal Haider, while Pakistan’s ambassador attended as the chief guest. Among the distinguished participants were Heidelberg City Council member Waseem Butt and German professor Hans Herder, whose speech in Urdu received warm appreciation from the audience. Speaking at the event, Waseem Butt announced that Allama Iqbal’s 150th birth anniversary in 2027 would be celebrated in Heidelberg with special ceremonies and cultural events. In her address, Ambassador Saqlain Syedah highlighted the importance of literary gatherings in promoting the Urdu language and preserving Pakistan’s cultural heritage abroad. She also spoke about the deep historical and intellectual connection between Allama Muhammad Iqbal and the city of Heidelberg, where the philosopher-poet spent part of his academic life. The ambassador praised Syed Iqbal Haider for organising the literary event and thanked all participants for keeping Urdu literature and Pakistani cultural traditions alive in Germany. Syed Iqbal Haider also reflected on Allama Iqbal’s close association with Heidelberg and the River Neckar. He said Iqbal’s message of selfhood, human dignity and intellectual awakening continues to serve as a bridge between Eastern and Western thought. During the ceremony, the ambassador shared the encouraging news that practical steps to restore the Allama Iqbal Chair at Heidelberg University had reached their final phase. She expressed hope that the initiative would further enhance educational cooperation and cultural exchanges between Pakistan and Germany.