By our correspondent

ISLAMABAD: The Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) and the Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP) on Monday signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to promote chess across the country through grassroots development and youth engagement.

The signing ceremony, held at the Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad, was attended by Chairman PMYP Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, President of the Chess Federation of Pakistan Syed Zeeshan Naqvi, Vice President Malik Rehan Azam and other dignitaries.

Under the agreement, the two organizations will work together to develop chess at the grassroots level, launch a nationwide talent hunt programme, identify and nurture promising young players, and facilitate the participation of national players in international competitions. The partnership also includes the organization of the “Maarka-e-Haq Chess Series.”

Addressing the ceremony, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said the government was fully committed to promoting sports and would extend every possible support to the Chess Federation of Pakistan. He described chess as a game that enhances intellectual and analytical abilities and said talent identification would begin at the grassroots level to discover and groom young players from across the country.

He said Pakistani youth were making the nation proud in different fields around the world, adding that the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme was supporting young athletes alongside initiatives in education and other sectors. He also termed the current year as a landmark year for sports development in Pakistan and announced that the country’s first-ever Hockey League would be launched soon.

Speaking on the occasion, Chess Federation of Pakistan President Syed Zeeshan Naqvi said the federation was taking practical steps to expand and strengthen chess across the country. He thanked the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and the Pakistan Sports Board for their continued support, expressing confidence that the partnership would provide a major boost to the game and create greater opportunities for emerging chess players to excel at the national and international levels.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 13: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) and TANG Chinese International Education & Technology (Pvt.) Ltd. have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to strengthen academic collaboration and promote skills- and technology-based education between Pakistan and China.

The partnership will focus on launching joint academic programs, facilitating faculty and student exchanges, promoting the Chinese language, undertaking collaborative research, offering advanced skills training and strengthening university-industry linkages.

The Letter of Intent was signed by Prof. Dr Nasir Mahmood, Vice Chancellor of Allama Iqbal Open University, on behalf of AIOU while Mr Song Jianying, CEO of TANG Chinese International Education & Technology (Pvt.) Ltd., Pakistan signed on behalf of the Chinese organization.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Nasir Mahmood said that young people equipped with modern technology and advanced skills are the true strength of the future. He emphasized that universities must prepare students to meet global challenges by providing them with quality education, practical competencies and internationally relevant skills.

He stated that the collaboration would pave the way for introducing innovative, skills-oriented academic programs that align with rapidly evolving global workforce requirements.

He also expressed hope that the partnership would lead to the establishment of a Chinese Language and Culture Centre at AIOU.

He noted that the University already operates successful centers for Turkish, Japanese and Russian languages and a Chinese language center would further strengthen educational, cultural and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and China.

Highlighting the importance of bilateral relations, the Vice Chancellor said that the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China continues to grow stronger and education remains one of the most effective means of passing this friendship on to future generations.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Song Jianying, CEO of TANG Chinese International Education & Technology (Pvt.) Ltd., Pakistan said that Allama Iqbal Open University is an ideal partner for promoting technology-driven and skills-based education in Pakistan. He expressed confidence that the collaboration would open new avenues for academic, research and technological cooperation while equipping young people with globally competitive skills.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Saima Nasir, Director of the Quality Enhancement Cell said that the Letter of Intent reflects AIOU’s commitment to expanding its international partnerships with leading educational institutions around the world. She added that the collaboration would provide valuable international academic and research opportunities for both students and faculty members.

The ceremony was attended by the University’s deans, professors, heads of academic departments and other principal officers.

ISLAMABAD, JUL 13 /DNA/ – Mohammad Naciri, Chief of Staff of UN Women, delivered opening remarks at the Ninth Ministerial Conference on Women of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), reaffirming UN Women’s commitment to supporting Member States in advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls through evidence, partnerships and collective action.

Hosted by the Government of Pakistan, the two-day Ministerial Conference brought together ministers, senior government representatives and heads of delegation from the OIC’s 57 Member States, alongside representatives of OIC institutions, the United Nations and development partners. Convened under the theme “Socio-Economic and Political Empowerment of Women in the OIC Countries: Challenges and Way Forward,” the Conference serves as the OIC’s highest policy forum on women’s empowerment, advancing implementation of the OIC Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women (OPAAW) and strengthening cooperation among Member States.

The Conference programme featured high-level statements by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Chair of the Ninth Ministerial Conference, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the President of the Women Consultative Council and UN Women. Ministers and heads of delegation reviewed progress on women’s empowerment across OIC Member States, considered policy recommendations and resolutions, and exchanged experiences on advancing women’s political leadership, economic participation and digital inclusion. The programme also included thematic discussions on bridging gender gaps in technology and digital participation and enhancing women’s political and professional participation.

Addressing the opening session, Mr. Naciri congratulated the Government of Pakistan on hosting the Conference and underscored its significance as the international community marks the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

Representing UN Women Executive Director and United Nations Under-Secretary-General Dr. Sima Bahous, Mr. Naciri emphasized that the gathering presented an important opportunity for OIC Member States to accelerate progress on women’s empowerment through stronger partnerships and sustained national action.

Speaking at the Conference, Mr. Mohammad Naciri, Chief of Staff, UN Women, said:

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation is more than an alliance of 57 nations; it is a family united by faith, shared history, and an unwavering commitment to human dignity. Women’s leadership, economic empowerment, and digital inclusion are not a checklist of policy goals, they are the heartbeat of our shared future.”

Highlighting the Conference’s focus on women’s participation in public and political life, access to economic resources and finance, and inclusion in the digital economy, Mr. Naciri stressed that these priorities are interconnected and fundamental to building stronger, more resilient societies. He noted that where women lead, institutions become more effective, innovation flourishes and communities prosper.

Mr. Naciri reaffirmed UN Women’s commitment to supporting OIC Member States in translating commitments into tangible results through evidence-based policymaking, technical expertise and strategic partnerships. He also expressed hope that the Islamabad Declaration would drive measurable action, strengthen cooperation among Member States and accelerate progress towards gender equality across the Islamic world.

By Malik Faisal Munir /DNA

District Correspondent 

ATTOCK: Governor of Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan inaugurated NADRA Facilitation Centers in the Union Councils of Brahama Bahatar and Malal, marking another significant step toward improving public services in District Attock. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Director General of NADRA, local dignitaries, political and social leaders, and a large number of residents.

Addressing the ceremony, Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan expressed his gratitude to Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the Chairman of NADRA for approving the establishment of four NADRA Facilitation Centers in Attock at his request.

He stated that the residents of Brahama Bahatar and Malal would no longer have to travel to Fateh Jang for identity cards and other NADRA services, describing the project as the fulfillment of another promise made to the people of Attock.

The Governor hoped that, in the near future, all tehsils of Attock would be provided with complete NADRA services to ensure greater convenience for the public. Speaking about education, he announced that the long-awaited University of Attock would soon become a reality, providing higher education opportunities to the youth of the district.

He further said that the Pakistan Peoples Party believes in serving the people and remains committed to public welfare. Expressing confidence in his party’s future, he said that the coming time belongs to the Pakistan Peoples Party and that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would become the country’s Prime Minister and write a new chapter of public service.

ISLAMABAD, July 13: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Monday, undertook a day-long visit to Doha to personally convey condolences on behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan, to the leadership and people of the State of Qatar on the passing away of the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

The prime minister was accompanied by former prime minister Mian Nawaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Atta Ullah Tarar and other senior officials, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

In Doha, the prime minister and Pakistan delegation called on Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and conveyed heartfelt condolences at the sad demise of the Father Amir.

PM conveys condolences to Qatari leadership on Sheikh Hamad’s death

He paid rich tribute to the late Father Amir’s visionary leadership, statesmanship, and enduring contributions to Qatar’s remarkable transformation as well as to regional peace, stability, and development.

The prime minister recalled with deep appreciation, the Father Amir’s warmth, kindness, and abiding affection for Pakistan, and his many memorable visits to the country over the years.

He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast solidarity with the leadership and people of Qatar during this period of profound grief and prayed that Allah Almighty grant the departed soul the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdaus and bestow strength upon the Royal family and the Qatari nation to bear this irreparable loss.

The Qatari Amir thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the delegation for the special gesture of travelling to Doha to personally offer condolences, describing it as a reflection of the deep-rooted fraternal bonds between the two brotherly countries and peoples.

Saifullah Ansar/DNA

ISLAMABAD, JUL 13 — In a landmark decision that has sent shockwaves through the country’s legal and political landscape, the newly formed Constitutional Court of Pakistan has declared the previous demolition of the iconic Monal Restaurant illegal.

The Constitutional Court, headed by Justice Azhar Hassan Rizvi, ruled that the prior Supreme Court judgment ordering the closure and dismantling of the famous eatery violated basic principles of natural justice and procedural law. The court has directed that the lower courts should now decide the entire case fresh, strictly on its legal merit.

In its detailed ruling, the Constitutional Court sharply criticized the manner in which the case was originally handled. Justice Azhar Hassan Rizvi observed that the Supreme Court did not properly treat the complex matter, failing to provide a fair hearing to the aggrieved parties involved.

According to the bench, the apex court’s swift order denied the management and its employees their fundamental right to due process. Most notably, the bench pointed out that the previous ruling bypassed standard legal channels by completely denying the restaurant administration the right to appeal, a cornerstone of any democratic judicial framework.

The legal battle dates back to a high-profile verdict delivered by the Supreme Court, which was then headed by the former Chief Justice, Qazi Faez Isa. That bench had declared Monal, along with several other neighboring establishments operating in the picturesque Margalla Hills National Park, to be completely illegal structures, ordering their immediate closure and subsequent demolition to preserve the local environment.

While framed as an environmental preservation effort, the sudden destruction of the premier tourist destination triggered widespread public backlash. For over a decade, Monal served as a primary cultural ambassador for the capital city. Situated high above Islamabad, it was an iconic venue where state guests, foreign dignitaries, and international delegations were routinely hosted to experience Pakistani hospitality.

Following its demolition, overseas Pakistanis and international visitors heavily criticized the move on various global platforms, slamming the decision as short-sighted and detrimental to Pakistan’s struggling tourism sector. Many argued that instead of complete demolition, sustainable regulatory frameworks could have been introduced to address environmental concerns without destroying a multi-million dollar asset and displacing hundreds of workers.

News of the Constitutional Court’s intervention has brought a wave of immense relief across the capital and among food and hospitality industry stakeholders. Citizens have taken to social media to celebrate the judgment, viewing it as a correction of an overreached judicial mandate.

Legal experts note that by sending the case back to the lower courts to be heard strictly on merit, the Constitutional Court has restored the traditional hierarchy of the judiciary and guaranteed the right to a fair trial. With this major legal hurdle cleared, local residents and regular patrons are expressing renewed optimism that the iconic landmark will soon rebuild and return to its former glory.