ISLAMABAD, MAY 3 /DNA/ – Deputy Prime Minister/Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke today with Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister of Jordan, Ayman Safadi @AymanHSafadi.

DPM/FM Safadi coveyed Jordan’s deep appreciation of Pakistan’s constructive role and continued efforts for peace, dialogue, and regional stability in the context of ongoing tensions in the region.

DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting constructive engagement among all parties to support stability and peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.

The two leaders also reaffirmed the strong bilateral relations between Pakistan and Jordan, and underscored the importance of continued cooperation at bilateral and multilateral forums. They agreed to remain in close contact.

@ForeignMinistryForeign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke today with Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister of Jordan, Ayman Safadi @AymanHSafadi.

DPM/FM Safadi coveyed Jordan’s deep appreciation of Pakistan’s constructive role and continued efforts for peace, dialogue, and regional stability in the context of ongoing tensions in the region.

DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting constructive engagement among all parties to support stability and peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.

The two leaders also reaffirmed the strong bilateral relations between Pakistan and Jordan, and underscored the importance of continued cooperation at bilateral and multilateral forums. They agreed to remain in close contact.

Sarmad Ali calls for stronger support for legacy media on World Press Freedom Day, warning that misinformation threatens truth and urging protection of credible journalism and responsible press freedom.

KARACHI, MAY 3 /DNA/ – Dr Sarmad Ali, PPP Senator and President of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society has stressed the critical importance of credible journalism, warning that the role of legacy media is more vital than ever in an era dominated by misinformation.

In a message shared on social media ahead of World Press Freedom Day, Ali said a free, responsible, and independent press is not just a pillar of democracy but its “conscience.”

He highlighted that established media institutions remain a key line of defense against the rapid spread of false information across digital platforms.

Ali noted that while technology has transformed the media landscape, it has also accelerated the spread of misinformation and disinformation, making editorial standards, verification, and accountability more essential than ever.

“Supporting legacy media is not about resisting change; it is about preserving truth,” he said, emphasizing that journalism must continue to be guided by ethics, professionalism, and public interest rather than algorithms and virality.

He further stressed that societies that value facts over falsehoods must invest in and protect credible media institutions, adding that press freedom must go hand in hand with a responsibility to safeguard the integrity of public discourse.

Ali called for a renewed collective commitment to strengthening independent journalism, warning that without credible media, the foundation of informed decision-making and democratic accountability could be at risk.

ISLAMABAD, 03 MAY (DNA) — President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting press freedom on World Press Freedom Day. The day is being observed under the theme “Shaping a Future at Peace” this year.

The president and the prime minister emphasised the role of responsible journalism, truth, and credible information in strengthening democracy, national unity, and creating a conducive environment for media freedom.

In his message, President Zardari extended greetings to media workers globally and warned of increasing global threats to press freedom, including misinformation, disinformation, artificial intelligence misuse, algorithmic manipulation, and pressure from powerful tech platforms and social media companies.

He said such forces can distort public discourse and weaken democratic values. Reaffirming constitutional commitment under Articles 19 and 19-A, he said a free press is essential for accountability, transparency, and democracy. The president said that this year’s theme highlights that peace depends on truth, and truth depends on courageous journalism.

“At the same time, freedom brings responsibility. Accuracy must not be sacrificed for speed and balance must not give way to partisanship. Public trust, the most valuable asset of free press, must be earned, protected and never taken for granted,”he added. He also referred to Pakistan’s unified response during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, praising the media for countering false narratives and maintaining national cohesion.

 The President also paid tribute to journalists who sacrificed their lives in pursuit of truth and called for stronger protections and safer working conditions for media professionals. He also urged citizens to reject falsehood and support credible journalism, and called upon both federal and provincial governments to ensure enabling laws and safe working conditions for journalists across the country. — DNA

ISLAMABAD, May 3: Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has announced its facilitation plan from May 4 to May 10, 2026, under which Police Station on Wheels (PS on Wheels) and ITP facilitation vans will provide police and licensing services at citizens’ doorsteps across the federal capital.

An ITP official told APP on Sunday that the initiative, launched in line with the vision of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, aims to enhance public service delivery by taking services to various areas.

He said PS on Wheels (SI Asim Zaidi) will provide services, including missing reports, character certificates, and registration of tenants and domestic workers.

The official said ITP facilitation vans will offer services including learner permits, renewal, duplicate licences, and test sheets through
Van-I (GAC-709 Abdul Qadeer), Van-II (GAC-656 Yasir Idrees), and Van-III (GD-896 Aqib Khan).

According to the schedule, on Monday (May 4), PS on Wheels will be at I-8 Markaz, Van-I at Bahria Phase-II, Van-II at Media Town, and Van-III at Women Welfare Development Centre G-7.

On Tuesday (May 5), PS on Wheels will be stationed at Tarlai Kalan, Van-I at G-11 Save Mart, Van-II at Aabpara Market, and Van-III at ZABIST University G-7.

On Wednesday (May 6), PS on Wheels will operate at Centaurus Mall, Van-I at Foreign Office, Van-II at I-10 Sabzi & Fruit Mandi, and Van-III at Urdu University Shahzad Town.

On Thursday (May 7), PS on Wheels will be at G-12, Van-I at DHA Phase-V, Van-II at G-11 District Administration Office, and Van-III at FAST University H-11.

On Friday (May 8), PS on Wheels will be available at G-10, Van-I at Faisal Masjid, Van-II at Golra Darbar, and Van-III at Traffic Office Faizabad.

On Saturday (May 9), PS on Wheels will operate at Razzaq Valley, Van-I at G-8 Markaz, Van-II at Site Office D-17, and Van-III at Murree Road checkpost near Adventure Inn.

On Sunday (May 10), PS on Wheels will be stationed at E-11 Markaz, Van-I at Police Lines H-11, Van-II at Traffic Office Rawal Town, and Van-III at Traffic Office Faizabad.

The official said the initiative would provide multiple services in one place for public convenience.

ISLAMABAD, May 3: Chief Traffic Officer Islamabad Muhammad Sarfraz Virk revealed on Sunday that Islamabad Police has launched a one-window, fully paperless driving license facility, simplifying the entire process from medical verification to issuance with minimal requirements, as citizens now only need to present their CNIC for a fast, efficient and hassle-free service experience.

In an exclusive conversation, he hailed the initiative of the Interior Minister and the Inspector General Islamabad, saying the introduction of the one-window system marks a major step towards modernizing public service delivery in the capital.

He said the new system is set to revolutionize driving license services by making the entire process faster, simpler, and fully streamlined under a single platform.

He further urged citizens to take full advantage of the facility, explaining that applicants now only need to bring their CNIC, while medical and other requirements have also been integrated into the one-window, paperless system.

He stressed the importance of public awareness regarding the new service, saying it has been designed to eliminate unnecessary delays, reduce paperwork, and ensure maximum convenience for applicants.

He added that the initiative reflects a broader commitment to digital governance and citizen facilitation, calling it a significant reform in improving service efficiency in Islamabad.

He also urged motorists to strictly abide by traffic rules, saying responsible driving is essential to ensure safety on the roads and support the effectiveness of improved service systems in the capital.

ISLAMABAD, MAY 3 /DNA/ – Serena Hotels, under its Cultural Diplomacy initiative and in collaboration with the International Foreign Women’s Association (IFWA), hosted Taste of the World, a distinguished food festival celebrating international cuisine and cultural diversity.

The event featured 24 stalls, including participation from various diplomatic missions, each showcasing an authentic selection of traditional dishes and offering guests a rich, immersive global culinary experience.

The festival was inaugurated by the President of IFWA, Ms. Nompumelelo Abu Basutu, together with the CEO of Serena Hotels, Mr. Aziz Boolani. The occasion underscored the importance of cultural exchange and highlighted the role of such initiatives in strengthening community engagement through shared experiences.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Aziz Boolani, CEO of Serena Hotels, stated,

“At Serena Hotels, we are committed to creating platforms that celebrate cultural diversity while contributing meaningfully to society. ‘Taste of the World’ reflects this vision by bringing together international communities and supporting a cause that extends beyond the event itself.”

The President of IFWA, Ms. Nompumelelo Abu Basutu, remarked,

This initiative brings together cultures in a truly meaningful way, showcasing the richness of global traditions while reinforcing the spirit of collaboration and compassion. We are pleased to partner with Serena Hotels in delivering an event that combines cultural celebration with a purposeful cause.

In addition to celebrating global cuisine, the festival was dedicated to giving back to the community. Proceeds from the event will be donated to charitable organizations on IFWA’s panel, supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of visually impaired individuals.

A total amount of PKR -2 million was raised through this initiative, reflecting the collective generosity and commitment of all participating partners and attendees.

Serena Hotels remains dedicated to promoting cultural exchange and community engagement through meaningful initiatives, continuing to create platforms that bring people together while contributing positively to society

ISLAMABAD, May 3: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Sunday felicitated the newly elected office-bearers of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), expressing the hope that the new leadership would play an active role in addressing challenges faced by the media industry.

In a statement, the minister congratulated CPNE President Kazim Khan, Secretary General Ghulam Nabi Chandio, Senior Vice President Ayaz Khan, Vice Presidents Shakeel Ahmed Turabi and Anwar Sajidi, Secretary Information Munazza Seham, and other newly elected members.

Tarar said journalism remained a key pillar of a democratic society, adding that responsible journalism played a vital role in raising public awareness.

He said the government would continue to work with the media industry to promote responsible journalism and strengthen journalistic institutions.

The minister also stressed the need for improved coordination between the media and state institutions, terming it essential for safeguarding national interests.

He expressed confidence that the newly elected CPNE leadership would contribute effectively towards resolving issues faced by the media sector and promoting its development.