ISLAMABAD, JAN 2 /DNA/ – Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke tonight to Saudi Foreign Minister HH Prince Faisal bin Farhan @FaisalbinFarhan.
Both leaders discussed the latest situation in the region.
DPM/FM stressed that all concerned in the region must avoid any escalatory move and advised to resolve the issues through dialogue and diplomacy for the sake of regional peace and stability.
ISLAMABAD, Jan 02 (APP/DNA):The National Highway Authority (NHA) has completed much of the work on the upgradation and maintenance of the Lowari Tunnel–Chakdara Section on N-45.
According to a document available with Wealth Pakistan, the NHA is executing periodic maintenance of the Lowari Tunnel at Chakdara on the National Highway (N-45).
The task of upgradation and maintenance is expected to be completed by early 2026. This section was in a dilapidated condition, inviting the attention of the NHA authorities.
The periodic maintenance work has been divided into two sections. Section one spans 140-155km, and section two 155-193km, involving a total cost of Rs1,440 million. As per the document, 38% work has been completed on the first section, and 78% on the second section so far.
This tunnel ensures an uninterrupted connectivity between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Chitral and serves as a vital route for commuters, trade, and tourism.
Over the years, heavy traffic flow, harsh weather conditions, and natural wear and tear have significantly damaged the road at various places, making timely intervention essential.
The ongoing maintenance includes pavement rehabilitation, asphalt wearing course, improvement of drainage systems, slope protection, and repair of damaged structures along the route.
“These measures aim to enhance road safety, reduce travel time, and ensure smooth movement of traffic, particularly during the peak travel seasons and adverse weather conditions,” a senior NHA official told Wealth Pakistan.
The NHA is closely monitoring the quality standards and timely completion. Regular inspections and coordination with contractors are being carried out to address any technical issues that may arise during the execution,” said an official privy to the project.
The improved road conditions will facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce, goods, and essential supplies to and from Chitral, besides promoting tourism by providing safer and more reliable access to the scenic valley.
The official said that the NHA is committed to maintaining the national highways and motorways across the country. He said that similar maintenance and upgradation projects were underway on other critical routes. Infrastructure development remains a priority for the NHA to support regional connectivity, economic growth, and public safety, he concluded.
RAWALPINDI, Jan 02 (APP /DNA):The Anti-Terrorism Special Court (ATC), Rawalpindi has given last chance to Aleema Khan for cross examination. Presided over by Judge Amjad Ali Shah, the hearing of case No. 3933 registered at Sadiqabad Police Station regarding November 26 protests, took place on Friday.
PTI founder’s sister, Aleema Khan was absent from today’s proceedings. However, an application for exemption from personal appearance was submitted on her behalf, which the court accepted.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution presented 8 witnesses. Cross-examination of witnesses by two accused was completed. Overall, cross-examination of the 8 prosecution witnesses has been concluded for three of the accused.
The court granted a final opportunity to the remaining seven accused including Aleema Khan to conduct cross-examination of the witnesses at the next hearing. The court warned that if cross-examination is not carried out on the next date, a State counsel will be assigned to represent them and complete the cross-examination on their behalf.
Additionally, bailable warrants were issued for three accused Sajid Ali Qureshi, Ali Raza, and Muhammad Hanif as none of them appeared in court today, nor was any counsel or representative present on their behalf, despite their previous exemption from appearance having been granted.
The case was adjourned to Monday, January 05 for further proceedings.
ISLAMABAD, JAN 2 /DNA/ – Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephonic conversation with H.E. Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan @MikayilJabbarov to discuss realization of Azerbaijani investment of US$ 2 Billion in Pakistan.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction on the state of bilateral relations and agreed to enhance them further.
DPM/FM underscored the importance of high-level engagements in strengthening Pakistan-Azerbaijan cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
It was agreed to finalize a mechanism in this regard allowing the Azerbaijani investments in the identified sectors of Pakistan’s economy.
KARACHI, JAN 2 /DNA/ – Rear Admiral Abdul Munib, Rear Admiral Syed Ahmed Salman and Rear Admiral Faisal Amin of Pakistan Navy have been promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral.
Vice Admiral Abdul Munib was commissioned in Operations Branch of Pakistan Navy in 1992. The Flag Officer is a graduate of Pakistan Navy War College Lahore, National Defence University Islamabad and qualified Naval War College Command Course from USA. The Admiral has an illustrious naval career covering vast experience of various Command and Staff appointments including Commanding Officer of PNS ALAMGIR, PNS LARKANA, PNS AKRAM, PNS AATISH and Commander Surface Task Group-2, Commander 25th Destroyer Squadron and Commander Combined Task Force-151 at HQ US NAVCENT Bahrain. He has also served as Naval Secretary, DG Naval Intelligence, DG (C 4I) and Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (Operations) at Naval Headquarters Islamabad. He is currently serving as Commander Pakistan Fleet. In recognition of his meritorious services, the Flag Officer has been awarded Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Sitara-i-Basalat.
Vice Admiral Syed Ahmed Salman was commissioned in Supply Branch of Pakistan Navy in 1991. The Flag Officer is a graduate of Pakistan Navy War College Lahore and National Defence University Islamabad. The Admiral has an illustrious service career with vast experience of Command and Staff appointments including Director Inventory Control Point and Director Procurement (Navy). He has also served as Secretary to Chief of the Naval Staff, Director Surface Stores and Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Supply) at Naval Headquarters Islamabad and as Attaché Defence Procurement, UK. He is currently serving as Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (Supply) and Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (Admin). In recognition of his meritorious services, the Flag Officer has been awarded Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military).
Vice Admiral Faisal Amin was commissioned in Operations Branch of Pakistan Navy in 1992. The Flag Officer is a graduate of Royal College of Defence Studies UK, Army Command and Staff College Quetta and National Defence University Islamabad. The Admiral has an illustrious career with vast experience of various Command and Staff appointments including Commanding Officer PNS RAJSHAHI and PNS ALAMGIR, Commander 18th Destroyer Squadron and Commander Surface Task Group-1. He also served as Instructor at UAE Naval College Abu Dhabi. Moreover, he served as Director Naval Operations, Director Naval Development Plans (Platform), Principal Secretary to Chief of the Naval Staff, Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Operations), Naval Secretary at Naval Headquarters Islamabad and Additional Secretary-III at MoD Rawalpindi. He is currently serving as Commander Coast. The Flag Officer has been conferred with Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Sitara-i-Basalat in acknowledgment of his distinguished services.
GILGIT-BALTISTAN, JAN 2: Approval has been granted for a 14-member caretaker cabinet for Gilgit-Baltistan. According to details, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his capacity as the Gilgit-Baltistan Council, approved the caretaker cabinet, and a formal notification has been issued.
The notification, the appointments were made in consultation with the caretaker the Gilgit-Baltistan chief minister. Members of the caretaker cabinet include Sajid Ali Baig, Engineer Altaf Hussain and Ghulam Abbas.
The cabinet will also include Colonel (retd) Abrar Ismail, Meher Dad, Sharafat Din, Molana Sarwar Shah, Raja Shehbaz Khan and Mumtaz Hussain.
The notification said that Dr Niaz Ali, Syed Adil Shah, Bahadur Ali, Syed Fatima and Abdul Hakeem have also been included in the caretaker cabinet of Gilgit-Baltistan.
HYDERABAD, Jan 02 (APP/DNA): The Faculty of Dentistry, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro is set to organize the two-day 6th International Dental Conference 2026 from Saturday (January 3).
According to the LUMHS spokesperson, the inaugural session of the conference, titled “Transforming Oral Health—Where Technology Meets Tradition,” aims to highlight recent advancements in dental science, education and patient care. The event will be attended by renowned national and international dental experts who will share their knowledge and experiences. The Vice Chancellor LUMHS Prof. Dr. Ikramuddin Ujjan will be the chief guest on the occasion.
ISLAMABAD, JAN 2 /DNA/ – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar expressed profound sorrow today upon learning of the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
In an official message of condolence, Senator Dar conveyed the deepest sympathies of the people and Government of Pakistan to the Government and people of Bangladesh, and to Begum Zia’s family and political supporters.
“Begum Khaleda Zia devoted her life to public service and to the welfare of her nation,” stated the Foreign Minister. “Her resilience and leadership during challenging times have left a lasting legacy. She will be remembered with respect by all who value service to country and people.”
The message highlighted her significant role in Bangladesh’s political landscape, acknowledging her tenure as the country’s first female Prime Minister and her enduring influence as a major political figure.
Senator Dar emphasized the bonds of shared history and culture between Pakistan and Bangladesh. “At this difficult moment, the people of Pakistan stand in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh. We share your grief and pray that you find strength and comfort in the memories of her service and the legacy she leaves behind,” he said.
The statement concludes Pakistan’s official condolences, reflecting a gesture of diplomatic respect and shared mourning for a prominent regional leader.
MULTAN, Jan 02 (APP/DNA): Director General (DG) Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Punjab Haider Murtaza said on Friday that SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards have been distributed to around 2.4 million beneficiaries across Punjab, which constitutes 49 per cent of the total beneficiaries, ensuring complete transparency in the process.
He shared these views while speaking to media during his visit to SIMs Distribution Centres in Shamsabad and Qasimpur Colony, Multan, where he reviewed the ongoing distribution process for registered BISP beneficiaries.
The DG inspected operational arrangements, beneficiary facilitation measures, and overall service delivery at both centers. He also interacted with women beneficiaries, listened to their concerns, and observed the distribution process to ensure that services were being provided smoothly, respectfully, and efficiently.
Murtaza said the SIMs distribution process was currently underway across Punjab. He explained that wallet accounts are being opened on the issued SIMs and that, in the future, all BISP payments will be disbursed through these wallet accounts to ensure secure, convenient, and timely access for beneficiaries.
He also reviewed the Digital Financial Literacy Training (DFLT) being provided at the centers to help beneficiaries understand the use of SIMs and digital wallet accounts.
Expressing satisfaction over the progress so far, the DG directed concerned staff to further expedite the distribution process while maintaining service quality. He instructed field staff and service providers to ensure smooth operations, effective crowd management, and strict compliance with standard operating procedures, reiterating a zero-tolerance policy for negligence or misconduct.
The DG appreciated the efforts of field teams and urged them to continue working with dedication and professionalism.
Zonal Director South Sayema Bashir, Director BISP Multan Naureen Zahra, and Media Officer Umair Khawaja accompanied the DG during the visit.
