Cholpon-Ata, JUL 6 /DNA/ — President Asif Ali Zardari, accompanied by President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, visited the Rukh Ordo Cultural Center in Cholpon-Ata shortly after his arrival in the Kyrgyz Republic.

During the visit, President Zardari was briefed on the significance of the Rukh Ordo Cultural Center as an important symbol of the Kyrgyz Republic’s rich cultural heritage, history and traditions. The two Presidents toured different sections of the cultural complex and exchanged views on the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting greater understanding among nations through cultural exchanges.

A traditional cultural performance was presented in honour of President Asif Ali Zardari, showcasing the vibrant folk music, dance and artistic traditions of the Kyrgyz Republic. President Zardari appreciated the warm hospitality extended to him and lauded the rich cultural heritage of the Kyrgyz people.

A banquet was also hosted in honour of President Zardari and his delegation, during which traditional Kyrgyz musical performances dedicated to Pakistan and its people were presented, reflecting the warmth of the host country’s welcome and the enduring friendship between Pakistan and the Kyrgyz Republic.

759 scholarships and fellowships, 52 research grants awarded as OIC body expands global academic network

ISLAMABAD, JUL 6 /DNA/ – The OIC Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) extended its scientific and educational programmes to 54 countries during 2024-25, training 5,000 scientists and researchers and offering 759 scholarships and fellowships, according to its annual performance report.

The Islamabad-based body undertook 174 projects and initiatives during the year, awarded 52 research grants and organised 68 training programmes, while expanding its network to more than 80 universities, research centres and academic institutions.

According to the report, scientists, students, researchers and institutions from countries including Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Iran, Morocco, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Palestine and Yemen, as well as several African states, benefited from the programmes.

The 759 scholarships and fellowships formed a major part of COMSTECH’s human resource development efforts, providing students and young researchers with opportunities for higher education, research and specialised training at universities and partner institutions in Pakistan and other countries.

The report said 5,000 scientists and researchers received training through 68 programmes covering the use of advanced scientific equipment, biotechnology, health sciences, vaccine technology, information technology and other emerging fields.

Another 52 research grants were awarded to support young and women scientists, biotechnology research, international scientific collaboration and research-related activities. The grants were aimed particularly at researchers in developing countries, where limited access to funding often restricts scientific work.

The report showed that COMSTECH’s activities covered a broad range of sectors. These included 17 initiatives in health and biological sciences, 15 in education, 13 in research, 11 in environment, climate change and water, nine in information technology and nine in development-related fields.

Programmes were also undertaken in agriculture, food security, biotechnology, engineering, humanitarian assistance, energy and science diplomacy.

One of the report’s major features was the expansion of a network of more than 80 universities and research institutions. The network is being used to facilitate joint research, training, exchange of expertise and academic linkages across OIC member states and beyond.

COMSTECH Coordinator General Prof Dr M. Iqbal Choudhary said the organisation’s priorities included strengthening scientific capacity in the Muslim world, creating education and research opportunities for young people and connecting universities and research institutions across national borders.

He said scientific and technological cooperation should contribute not only to academic advancement but also to socio-economic development, human resource development and stronger long-term links among countries.

The report reflects the growing role of the Islamabad-based COMSTECH Secretariat in connecting scientists, students and institutions across the Muslim world and beyond through research, higher education, capacity building and science diplomacy.

ISLAMABAD, JUL 6: President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Kyrgyzstan on Monday for an official visit, where he was received by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov at Issyk-Kul International Airport, according to a statement by the President’s House.

President Zardari was presented with a guard of honour upon his arrival at the airport, the statement said.

President Zardari is leading a high-level delegation at the invitation of his Kyrgyz counterpart, the Foreign Office said in an earlier statement.

This is the first visit by a Pakistani president to the Kyrgyz Republic in 21 years, marking a historic milestone in the bilateral relationship.

The visit follows the successful trip of President Zhaparov to Pakistan in December 2025 and reflects the sustained upward trajectory of high-level engagement between the two countries.

During the visit, President Zardari will hold a one-on-one meeting and delegation-level talks with President Zhaparov, during which the two leaders will review the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan relations and exchange views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.

Discussions are expected to focus on deepening cooperation across trade and investment, energy, mining, agriculture, textiles, the halal industry, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, the digital economy, education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

President Zardari will also receive the Speaker of the Kyrgyz Parliament for a courtesy call during his visit.

Pakistan and the Kyrgyz Republic enjoy warm and fraternal relations, anchored in shared history, faith, culture and common aspirations for peace, connectivity and prosperity in Central and South Asia, the Foreign Office said.

RAWALPINDI, JUL 6: /DNA/ – Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces, presided over the 276th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.

The Forum offered fateha for the Shuhada of the Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies, and innocent civilians, reaffirming that their sacrifices remain the foundation of Pakistan’s security, unity and resilience. The Forum reviewed prevailing security environment, expressing satisfaction over the operational preparedness, professionalism, and combat readiness of the Pakistan Armed Forces.

The Forum expressed serious concerns over the continued use of territory under control of Afghan Taliban regime by Indian sponsored terrorist groups including Fitna al Khawarij (FAK) and Fitna al Hindustan (FAH) to orchestrate attacks inside Pakistan. The forum affirmed that lasting peace and stability in the region is contingent upon preventing use of Afghan Taliban controlled territory by Indian terrorist proxies for which Afghan Taliban regime is directly responsible. Pakistan has unequivocal right to defend its people from terrorism and the Armed Forces shall continue Intelligence Based Operations against terrorism emanating from Afghan Taliban controlled territory under the ambit of Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq.

In addition to the kinetic actions, Forum underscored immediate need for putting in place robust governance structures in restive areas which are directed towards public service and welfare as well as to break the nefarious terror-crime nexus thriving under vested political patronage.

The Forum noted that post comprehensive defeat inflicted in Mark-e-Haq, there is increased reliance on an evolving pattern of externally supported hybrid warfare and disinformation campaigns to cause unrest. The Forum condemned all such forms of state supported financing, facilitation or sponsorship of proxies and underscored that any attempts to use hybrid means to destabilize Pakistan would continue to be countered with strategic clarity and firm resolve.

Reviewing the evolving regional landscape, the Forum appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation and regional stability. It reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution, respect for international law and enhanced regional cooperation to address shared security challenges.

The Forum, taking note of Indian rhetoric surrounding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), reaffirmed the guidance given in National Security Committee (NSC) directive of 24 April 2025. The Forum expressed resolute commitment to undertake all measures necessary to ensure availability of Pakistan’s rightful share of water as per the directives of the Government and inspirations of the people of Pakistan.

The Forum rejected and strongly condemned the ongoing human rights violations and unilateral demographic engineering in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), declaring that Kashmir remains the jugular vein of Pakistan. Reaffirming Pakistan’s unyielding diplomatic, political and moral support to Kashmir cause, the Forum emphasized that true regional stability hinges entirely on granting the Kashmiri people their inalienable right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.

In his concluding remarks, the COAS & CDF directed commanders to follow up expeditiously on the multi-domain transformation plan in line with evolving character of war. He also called upon the commanders to maintain highest standards of vigilance, operational readiness and professional excellence emphasizing integrated responses to conventional, sub-conventional and hybrid threats while safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and national interests at all cost.

ISLAMABAD, JUL 6 /DNA/ – Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, held a meeting with members of the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) during his visit to Karachi to discuss Pakistan’s economic outlook, reform agenda, and the Government’s economic priorities.

Speaking on the occasion, the Finance Minister appreciated the Pakistan Business Council for bringing together leading representatives of Pakistan’s business community on a single platform. He acknowledged PBC’s continued role in promoting constructive dialogue between the Government and the private sector on key economic and policy issues.

Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb observed that the global economy had demonstrated greater resilience than anticipated, noting that countries which remained committed to structural reforms had been better positioned to sustain economic stability and growth. He emphasized that Pakistan must continue pursuing its reform agenda to strengthen macroeconomic stability, improve competitiveness, and support sustainable economic growth.

Highlighting the Government’s approach to budget preparation, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb said the meeting marked the beginning of consultations for the next federal budget rather than a post-budget review. He noted that the Government had initiated the budget preparation process significantly earlier this year, enabling a more structured and consultative approach to fiscal planning.

The Finance Minister also emphasized that the Federal Budget 2026–27 had introduced significant taxation and financing measures aimed at supporting exports, improving exporters’ access to finance, and reinforcing the Government’s commitment to an export-led and sustainable growth model.

The Finance Minister underscored the importance of policy predictability and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to implementing a Medium-Term Tax Strategy. He noted that a stable and consistent tax policy framework remained essential for strengthening business confidence, encouraging investment, and supporting long-term economic planning.

During the meeting, representatives of the Pakistan Business Council highlighted the Council’s role as a broad-based national business advocacy platform and underscored the importance of continued engagement between the Government and exporters from various sectors to support export-led growth.

The Finance Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to advancing structural reforms, ensuring policy consistency, and fostering a conducive environment for investment and sustainable economic growth.

TEHRAN, JUL 6: /DNA/ – The Secretary-General of the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) Sohail Mahmood traveled to Tehran to participate in the official ‘Farewell and Tribute Ceremony’ organized for foreign dignitaries in honor of the late Supreme Leader, His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

During the solemn state function, the Secretary-General joined other international representatives in paying final respects to the revered leader. In a gesture of solidarity, the D-8 chief formally conveyed profound condolences to the bereaved family, as well as to the leadership, Government, and the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In an official statement following the ceremony, the Secretary-General offered prayers for the departed leader, stating: “May His Eminence’s noble soul rest in eternal peace and may the people of Iran find abiding solace and strength and enduring peace. Ameen!”

The attendance underscores the D-8’s commitment to its member states during times of national significance, reinforcing the bonds of fraternity and cooperation among the bloc’s developing nations.