DOHA, SEP 15 (DNA) – Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, met with His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , on the sidelines of the Emergency Arab–Islamic Summit convened in Doha, in the wake of Israel’s recent attack on Qatar on September 15, 2025. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff were also Present in the meeting.

During their extremely warm and cordial meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on the situation emerging after Israel’s aggression on Doha. The Prime Minister strongly condemned Israel’s action and termed it as a deliberate attempt by Israel to derail the Middle East peace efforts.

The Prime Minister conveyed his deep appreciation for HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s bold and sagacious leadership in unifying the Ummah at this critical time. In this regard, the Prime Minister assured the Saudi Crown Prince of Pakistan’s all out diplomatic support, particularly at the United Nations Security Council, where Pakistan is currently a non-permanent member, as well as at all other diplomatic multilateral foras, including the OIC.

He said that the convening of the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha had sent out an important message that Muslims around the world spoke with one voice against Israel’s unlawful and reckless aggression, that threatened regional peace and security.

While reaffirming the historic, deep-rooted fraternal bonds between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister thanked the Crown Prince for the Kingdom’s steadfast support for Pakistan, through thick and thin.

HRH the Crown Prince said that he looking forward to PM’s upcoming State Visit to Riyadh later this week, that would provide both sides an important opportunity for a comprehensive exchange of views on bilateral as well as regional and global issues.

The Prime Minister conveyed his warm respects and regards for The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud,

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, expressed his appreciation for the Prime Minister’s leadership and for Pakistan’s active diplomatic efforts, including at the UNSC and OIC to express solidarity with Qatar at this critical time.

QUETTA, Sep 15 (APP):In a decisive move to safeguard marine ecosystems and protect the livelihoods of coastal communities, the Balochistan Fisheries Department has pledged to intensify efforts against illegal trawling along the province’s coastline. 

The initiative aligns with the vision of Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, who has emphasized sustainable development and the welfare of local fishermen, said a news release.

Director General of Fisheries Balochistan, Atiqullah Khan, reaffirmed this commitment during a recent review visit of Gwadar’s coastal areas. Accompanied by a team of officials—including Assistant Director Shah Fahad Anwar, Marine Biologist Nematullah Zaheer, Inspector Abdul Basit, and Skipper Muhammad Yasin Khan assessed the extent of illegal trawling and received a comprehensive briefing on the issue.

Following the visit, the department resolved to take all necessary measures to curb unauthorized fishing practices and uphold the rights of local fishermen. The crackdown aims to preserve marine biodiversity and ensure the long-term sustainability of the region’s fishing industry.

This initiative is being carried out under the directives of Parliamentary Secretary Haji Barkat Rind and Secretary Fisheries Tariq Qamar Baloch. They have stressed the importance of protecting the economic interests of fishing communities and maintaining ecological balance in Balochistan’s coastal waters.

ISLAMABAD, Sep 15 (APP/DNA): Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Secretary General Humayun Khan, in his message on the occasion of Democracy Day, paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the party’s leadership and workers for the cause of democracy in the country.

He said that Pakistan’s democratic journey has faced numerous hurdles, but the PPP has always stood firm in its struggle. “Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto chose the path of democracy for the sake of the people of Pakistan and endured imprisonment and oppression,” Humayun Khan stated.

He added that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto followed in her father’s footsteps, holding the hand of the people and democracy. “Like her father, she too laid down her life for democracy,” he said.

Humayun Khan further recalled that President Asif Ali Zardari also stood alongside Shaheed Benazir Bhutto for democracy and endured years of imprisonment in the struggle.

He noted that PPP workers faced brutal oppression under Zia’s dictatorship but never abandoned the cause of democracy. “From the very beginning, the Pakistan People’s Party has raised its voice for democracy, firmly believing that democracy is the best revenge,” he remarked.

The PPP Secretary General emphasized that the party strongly believes democracy is the key to improving the country. He stressed that young people must be assured that democracy ensures freedom of expression and guarantees the fundamental rights of every citizen.

“Through democracy, no one can usurp the rights of others. We must strive to build a Pakistan where democracy prevails and every citizen enjoys their rightful freedoms,” Humayun Khan said.

On Democracy Day, he paid glowing tribute to PPP’s founding leaders and also honored the sacrifices of the party’s workers who laid down their lives for the cause of democracy.

ISLAMABAD, SEP 15 (DNA) – The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) celebrated Orientation Day 2025 at its campus in Islamabad, warmly welcoming a new cohort of MPhil and PhD scholars embarking on their academic journey. The event featured orientation sessions, book stalls showcasing PIDE’s extensive research output, documentary screenings, and interactive engagements to familiarize students with academic rules and regulations.

Delivering the keynote address, Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives and Chancellor PIDE, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary (NI), welcomed the new scholars and emphasized that joining PIDE is not merely the start of an academic journey but an opportunity to shape Pakistan’s future through research, innovation, and policy engagement. Unlike other institutions where economics remains confined to classrooms, PIDE uniquely combines teaching with applied research, offering students direct exposure to real-world policymaking as a government think tank. This dual role, he noted, enables PIDE scholars to become problem-solvers whose work is academically rigorous and practically relevant.

Prof. Ahsan Iqbal expressed pride in having contributed to PIDE’s expansion, envisioning it as a hub that nurtures a new generation of economists capable of strengthening the foundations of Pakistan’s progress. Drawing lessons from history, he observed that Pakistan had once been ahead of regional peers through development plans like Vision 2010 and Vision 2025 but faltered due to political instability and inconsistent policies. While countries such as China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh advanced steadily, Pakistan missed key opportunities, resulting in slower industrial growth, stagnant exports, and developmental setbacks. He stressed that Pakistan now stands at a “fourth flight” in its development journey, where success depends on policy stability, continuity, and collective national effort.

Outlining the government’s URAAN Pakistan Program, the Federal Minister said the agenda rests on five strategic pillars: export-led growth to earn vital foreign exchange; technological transformation through digitalization, AI, fintech, and biotechnology; climate and environmental resilience to ensure food and water security; energy and infrastructure reform for affordable, green, and efficient systems; and equity and empowerment through stronger education, health, social protections, and inclusive development. He urged scholars to contribute to these national priorities through their research and innovation.

To guide their academic and professional journeys, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal shared three core principles. First, excellence — mediocrity cannot deliver transformation, so scholars must strive for global standards in their work. Second, relevance — knowledge should not be confined to libraries or journals but must address real national problems and improve lives. Third, resilience — progress demands perseverance and consistency, and setbacks must not weaken resolve.

Urging students to embrace curiosity, challenge assumptions, and commit to nation-building, the Minister described them as the next generation of researchers and policymakers whose intellect, creativity, and dedication will help Pakistan achieve prosperity, stability, and equity.

The program concluded with refreshments, offering students, faculty, and guests an opportunity to interact informally. With this orientation, PIDE reaffirmed its mission to nurture thought leaders, foster innovation, and provide evidence-based solutions to Pakistan’s pressing socio-economic challenges.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Vice Chancellor Dr. Nadeem Javaid (SI) congratulated the newly admitted scholars for securing admission through a highly competitive process, noting that more than 600 applications were received, and after rigorous screening, 110 candidates were selected for the PhD and MPhil programs. He highlighted several structural reforms introduced under his leadership, including the launch of two new PhD programs in Governance & Public Policy and Development Studies aimed at generating locally grounded, evidence-based solutions to pressing national challenges. He explained that course outlines for all programs had been collectively reviewed by the faculty to ensure market-relevant training, while PIDE’s research structure was redefined with the establishment of eight specialized research centers focusing on domains such as industry, trade, digital economy, climate change, agriculture, energy, and macroeconomic policy.

Dr. Javaid also introduced the concept of three-year rolling research plans, aligning individual faculty work with center-level strategies for a cohesive national research agenda. He noted that PIDE’s training mandate had been reshaped through the creation of the Executive Development Center, which will provide capacity-building opportunities to both the public and private sectors. Among the initiatives announced, he highlighted the Work Study Program (WSP), under which PhD scholars are placed in ministries and government departments to gain hands-on policy experience while receiving a monthly stipend of Rs. 80,000. He further shared that upcoming programs such as the Talent Hunt Program, new scholarship schemes, summer research grants, and incentives for quality publications will further empower PIDE scholars. Dr. Javaid emphasized that these reforms are designed to create an inclusive, research-driven environment that enhances academic excellence and strengthens PIDE’s role as Pakistan’s premier policy think tank.

Dr. Karim Khan, Dean Academics, in his introductory remarks shared PIDE’s institutional journey and emphasized the institute’s role as a premier think tank and research hub in Pakistan. He noted that PIDE alumni now hold leading positions in the State Bank of Pakistan, the Ministry of Planning, the Ministry of Finance, and other significant policy institutions.

LAHORE, SEP 15 (APP/DNA): Pakistan on Monday dispatched the 22nd consignment of humanitarian assistance for Gaza,

comprising 100 tons of food supplies, under the supervision of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

The consignment, prepared in collaboration with Alkhidmat Foundation, departed from Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore via a special flight. With the latest shipment, the total relief aid sent from Pakistan to Gaza has reached 2,127 tons.

The consignment included ration bags containing wheat flour, rice, cooking oil, chickpeas, ready-to-eat food and canned fruit, covering a range of 32 essential food items.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif attended the send-off ceremony as chief guest. Senior government officials and the NDMA representatives were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the ceremony, the chief minister said the relief goods carried a message of love from the people of Pakistan for the people of Gaza. She said Pakistanis’ hearts beat with their Palestinian brothers and sisters, adding that every sensitive soul was anguished by the atrocities being committed against innocent Muslims in Gaza.

CM Maryam Nawaz appreciated NDMA and partner welfare organizations for ensuring timely dispatch of relief goods. “Pakistan stands firmly with the people of Palestine in this difficult time and will make every possible effort to help meet their needs,” she added.

ISLAMABAD, SEP 15 (DNA) – Political and social leader Nusrat Khan has said that the Israeli attack on Qatar should be enough to open our eyes. Targeting one Muslim country after another is, in fact, giving practical shape to the “Greater Israel” plan.

In a statement, Nusrat Khan said it is alarming that the Israeli Prime Minister, while referring to the U.S. operation against Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, mentioned Pakistan twice by name. The situation demands that, as a nation, we promote unity and solidarity within our ranks so that we can completely eliminate both internal and external enemies.

Nusrat Khan further said that the recent floods, which left millions of Pakistanis homeless, are yet another proof of our incompetence and inefficiency. The political and social leader pointed out that neighboring India also faced floods, but the scenes of destruction and devastation seen in our country were not witnessed there.

Nusrat Khan said the truth is that our ruling elite is enslaved by its own interests and has absolutely nothing to do with the welfare and well-being of the common Pakistani.