KARACHI, JUL 10: /DNA/ – Member of the National Assembly *Sharmila Farooqui* stressed the need for greater participation of women in journalism, saying that the ratio of women in the profession is declining and requires serious attention. She said women journalists are better positioned to highlight issues related to children, women and other social concerns. “In the past, a successful journalist was the one who broke the news first. Today, a successful journalist is the one whose story proves to be accurate the next day,” she remarked.

She expressed these views while addressing the one-day media conference, *”Empowering Women Journalists: Leadership, Safety and Innovation,”* organized by the *Women Media Center Pakistan (WMC)* with the support of the *National Endowment for Democracy (NED)* at a local hotel in Karachi.

The conference brought together leading journalists, media professionals, academics, civil society representatives, students and participants from across Pakistan to discuss women’s leadership in journalism, digital safety, online harassment, misinformation, ethical journalism, artificial intelligence, media credibility and emerging opportunities in digital media.

WMC Founder and Chief Executive Officer *Fauzia Shaheen* highlighted the gap between women’s enrollment in media studies and their representation in media organizations, particularly in leadership and decision-making roles. She emphasized that women should not wait for opportunities but should step forward and take leadership themselves.

*Amber Shamsi*, Editor at Nukta Pakistan, shared her professional journey, saying she accepted low-paying jobs early in her career because of her passion for journalism. She recalled covering terrorism-related incidents and said women journalists often face significant challenges but must remain resilient and committed to their profession.

Journalist, digital rights activist and Bolo Bhi co-founder *Farieha Aziz* spoke on digital safety, online harassment and legal protections for journalists. She said that despite a decade of the PECA law, women journalists continue to face serious online abuse, including AI-generated deepfakes, while effective legal protection and enforcement remain inadequate. She stressed that ensuring the safety of women journalists is the state’s responsibility.

*Buraq Shabbir*, Culture and Lifestyle Reporter for BBC Urdu and Arab News Pakistan, highlighted the importance of verifying information through multiple credible sources to counter misinformation and disinformation, particularly in the digital era.

*Rabia Mushtaq*, Senior Sub-Editor at Geo Digital, said artificial intelligence can be a useful tool for journalists but cannot replace editorial judgment and fact-checking. She emphasized that verification remains the foundation of responsible journalism.

*Shazia Hasan*, Senior Staff Reporter at Dawn, encouraged women journalists to pursue the reporting beats they are passionate about instead of being confined to traditionally assigned “soft” beats. She shared her experience of covering sports, often working in male-dominated environments.

Academic *Dr. Huma Baqai* said women have made significant progress in many fields but continue to be underrepresented in decision-making positions. She noted that women account for only a small percentage of leadership roles in AI management, underscoring the need for greater inclusion.

Interactive question-and-answer sessions were also held during the conference, where participants discussed challenges faced by women journalists, equal opportunities in newsrooms, representation in decision-making, digital security, ethical journalism, artificial intelligence and the growing influence of social media.

The speakers unanimously emphasized that creating a safe, dignified and equitable working environment for women in media, ensuring their meaningful participation in leadership and decision-making, and promoting ethical journalism require collective action from media organizations, policymakers and civil society.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to empowering women journalists, supporting their professional growth and fostering a safer and more inclusive media landscape in Pakistan.

Panelists of the Conference:

MNA PPP, Sharmila Farooqui, Rector MiTe, Dr. Huma Baqai, (CEO WMC) Fauzia Shaheen, Reporter Dawn Shazia Hassan, editor Pakistan Nukta, Amber Shamsi, BBC, Burraq Shabbir, Geo  Digital, Rabia Mushtaq and Digital Rights Activist Farieha Aziz.

Islamabad, JUL 10 /DNA/ – The Privatisation Commission (PC) Board has officially approved the appointment of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as the Financial Adviser for the outsourcing of operations at Islamabad International Airport (IIAP). The decision was made during the Board’s 255th meeting, chaired by Mr. Muhammad Ali, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation and Chairman of the Privatisation Commission.

During the meeting, the Board reviewed and signed off on the terms of the Transaction Advisory Services Agreement (TASA) negotiated with the ADB. Expressing full confidence in the multilateral lender’s expertise, the Board stated that ADB is well-positioned to execute the transaction efficiently, ensuring maximum competition and transparency throughout the bidding process.

Under the new framework, IIAP will be outsourced to a qualified private sector operator via a competitive bidding process, structured under a long-term concession framework. The privatisation initiative is aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, elevating the passenger experience, and bringing airport services in line with international best practices.

In addition to the airport transaction, the PC Board granted approval for the appointment of BDO Ebrahim & Company, Chartered Accountants, as external auditors. The firm will oversee the audit of the Commission’s financial records for three fiscal years, spanning 2025–26 to 2027–28, following a recommendation from the Board’s Audit Committee.

Reaffirming its commitment to good governance, the PC Board resolved to continue upholding transparency, efficiency, and rigorous standards to further strengthen investor confidence in the government’s ongoing privatisation programme.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 10: National Disaster Management Authority’s National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) today warned that sudden glacial floods and landslides pose an immediate, high risk threat to northern Pakistan and ordered tourists and non essential travellers to avoid mountain routes from 10–14 July.

NEOC said landslide alerts cover 11–13 July while flood and river surge warnings apply across Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir until July 14; authorities will carry out rapid hazard assessments and relay real time warnings to local administrations.

Officials warned that rising temperatures and ongoing heavy rain could trigger Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), debris flows, sudden river surges and rockfalls in vulnerable glacial valleys and hill torrents.

NDMA named multiple high risk zones including Badswat, Ashkoman, Hinarchi, Yasin, Khaplu, Hisper Hoper, Gultang and surrounding areas .

Authority also highlighted vulnerable roads such as Jaglot–Skardu, Hunza–Gojal and Gilgit–Ghizer, plus routes to Naltar, Bagrot and Hermosh.

The NEOC urged immediate precautions like stay away from glacial lakes, river channels and known flood paths also avoid travel on landslide prone roads and follow instructions from local authorities.

NDMA warned bank erosion and sudden debris flows could rapidly worsen conditions and instructed district administrations to mobilize emergency response teams and issue on-the-ground warnings.

For official updates and safety guidance, the public and visitors must use the Pakistan NDMA Disaster Alert app.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 10: Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, met with Bangladesh’s Interior Minister, Salahuddin Ahmed in New York to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional developments.

During the meeting, both ministers agreed to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including training and exchange programmes for police officers.

 They also discussed strengthening collaboration to combat cybercrime and online fraud.

The two sides exchanged views on the Iran–US conflict and the current situation in the Middle East.

According to the statement, the Bangladeshi Interior Minister appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting regional and international peace.

Speaking after the meeting, Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan should make use of new opportunities to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation. He also stated that, in his view, the Prime Minister and the Field Marshal had played an important role in efforts to promote peace.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 10: The Islamabad district administration has stepped up preparations for Pakistan’s Independence Day, with a review meeting held to assess arrangements for August 14 celebrations across the federal capital.

The meeting, chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue (ADCR) Farhan Ahmed, brought together representatives from the police, Air Force, Capital Development Authority (CDA), Traffic Police, and other government departments.

SSP Security Suleman Zafar represented Islamabad Police during the session. Officials reviewed plans for the central flag-hoisting ceremony, security measures, traffic management, cleanliness drives, and public events scheduled throughout the city.

During the meeting, responsibilities were assigned to all participating departments to ensure smooth coordination and implementation of Independence Day activities. Officials also discussed arrangements for public gatherings and reviewed preparations related to crowd management and traffic flow.

ADCR Farhan Ahmed directed all departments to complete their assigned tasks without delay and finalize preparations at the earliest. He stressed the importance of coordination among institutions to ensure that all events are conducted according to plan.

The meeting also reviewed security arrangements and received a briefing on the traffic management plan that will be implemented during Independence Day celebrations.

Farhan Ahmed instructed authorities to ensure that all government buildings across Islamabad display the national flag and are illuminated as part of the celebrations.

He also directed relevant departments to develop a strategy against one-wheeling, disorderly activities, and aerial firing to maintain public safety during the festivities.

The district administration stated that preparations are being carried out across Islamabad to mark Independence Day through official ceremonies, public events, and civic activities, while ensuring security, traffic management, and public convenience throughout the celebrations.

RAWALPINDI, JUL 10 /DNA/ – In the continuing aftermath of the terrorist attack on the Mangy Dam police station, the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC), and Balochistan Police have been conducting “Operation Shabaan,” security sources reported.

According to security sources, security forces had already sent 26 khwarij (terrorists) to hell on July 6 and 7 as part of the initial phase of the operation.

During Operation Shabaan, the cordon has been further tightened against the fitna al-khawarij (terrorist outfit) in rugged mountainous terrains, sources added.

Security forces are carrying out multiple operations against the terrorists through both ground and aerial actions, according to security sources.

Over the past 24 hours, an additional 13 terrorist extremists have been sent to hell, security sources confirmed.

With these latest kills, the total number of terrorists eliminated in Operation Shabaan has risen to 39, security sources reported.

Separately from Operation Shabaan, this morning a terrorist attack on a police station in the Zidi area of Khuzdar was also repelled, security sources said. In a swift response by Army and FC troops, 8 terrorists were confirmed sent to hell.

There are also reports that 5 to 6 more terrorists were killed in helicopter operations, according to security sources.

Overall, since July 5, a total of 75 terrorists have been sent to hell in Operation Shabaan and other intelligence-based operations, security sources confirmed.