Thailand Prepares for Unprecedented Simultaneous Election and Referendum

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. The two leaders reviewed Pakistan-China relations, exchanged views on regional developments and discussed expanding cooperation through multilateral platforms. The meeting reaffirmed the close and longstanding partnership between Pakistan and China. Both sides discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including diplomacy, regional peace, economic collaboration and strategic coordination. During the discussions, Dar thanked Wang Yi for appreciating Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting regional peace and stability. He said Pakistan remains committed to dialogue, cooperation and peaceful engagement in addressing regional challenges. Wang Yi congratulated Pakistan on its upcoming responsibilities within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. He extended his best wishes as Pakistan prepares to assume the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State for 2026–27 and host the SCO Summit in 2027. He expressed confidence that Pakistan would make a positive contribution to advancing the organisation’s objectives. Both foreign ministers also exchanged views on the regional and international situation. They agreed that continued consultation and cooperation among SCO member states are important for promoting peace, economic development, connectivity and regional stability. Earlier in the day, Dar met Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov at the presidential residence in Cholpon-Ata. During the meeting, he conveyed greetings from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and thanked the Kyrgyz leadership for hosting the SCO foreign ministers’ meeting. The meeting with President Japarov focused on regional and global developments as well as the growing role of the SCO in strengthening cooperation among member states. Dar highlighted the importance of maintaining close collaboration as Pakistan prepares to lead the organisation during its upcoming chairmanship. The foreign minister is representing Pakistan at the two-day SCO Council of Foreign Ministers’ meeting, attended by foreign ministers from China, Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus and Pakistan. The meeting is reviewing key regional and international issues while preparing the agenda for the next SCO summit.

KARACHI: A cycle ambulance service in Karachi has gained widespread attention on social media after videos of the emergency response initiative went viral, sparking both criticism and appreciation online. Several users mocked the pedal-powered ambulance, comparing it with advanced emergency services used in other countries. Some social media posts also incorrectly linked the launch of the initiative to Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab. However, the cycle ambulance programme was introduced in May 2025 by the Sindh Integrated Emergency and Health Services (SIEHS-1122) as a pilot project. It was designed to provide faster medical assistance in densely populated areas of Karachi where narrow streets and heavy traffic can delay conventional ambulances. The specially equipped bicycles allow trained emergency responders to reach patients quickly and provide immediate medical support before a regular ambulance arrives. Each cycle ambulance carries essential medical equipment, including first-aid supplies, oxygen masks, nebulisers and blood sugar testing devices. Responders use the equipment to stabilise patients and provide initial care during emergencies. The initiative also involved trained female volunteers, aiming to improve access to emergency healthcare services and encourage women’s participation in community rescue operations. While the project became the subject of online jokes and criticism, supporters highlighted its practical value, especially in crowded neighbourhoods where traditional ambulances may face difficulties reaching patients on time. Officials and supporters of the programme said the cycle ambulance service is not intended to replace standard ambulances but to act as a rapid-response solution for immediate assistance in areas with access challenges.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has praised the singers, performers and production team behind a new Balochi patriotic song released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) for Independence Day. The prime minister shared the song’s video on X and expressed his appreciation for everyone involved in the project. Shehbaz said the song beautifully reflected the spirit of love for Pakistan. He added that the patriotic composition had filled him with pride. The prime minister particularly acknowledged the artists and singers for presenting the national message through the Balochi language. He said the song showcased the cultural richness of Balochistan while reinforcing feelings of patriotism. He also commended the producers and other members of the team for their contribution. According to Shehbaz, their efforts had successfully conveyed a powerful message of devotion to the homeland. The Balochi-language song forms part of the Independence Day celebrations being held across Pakistan. It combines patriotic sentiments with the region’s distinctive cultural identity. The prime minister said such creative initiatives help highlight Pakistan’s linguistic and cultural diversity. He noted that regional languages provide meaningful ways to express national pride and strengthen a shared sense of identity. Independence Day preparations are underway across the country, with patriotic songs, cultural programmes and other activities planned to mark the occasion.