By Malik Faisal Munir / DNA

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, inaugurated the Murree Sparklets RO Plant and Water Line Unit-2 in Hattar. The ceremony was attended by Senators, Member of National Assembly Asfandyar Bhindara, Murree Sparklets management, and a large number of distinguished guests.

In his address, the Chairman Senate congratulated the Murree Sparklets management and all those involved in the completion of the project, terming it a milestone in providing the basic necessity of clean and safe drinking water to the people. He said the event reflected a collective resolve where public representatives, the private sector, and local communities come together for a greater cause.

He emphasized that access to clean drinking water is not just a development goal but a fundamental right of every citizen, and such initiatives are crucial to protect people from waterborne diseases. He stressed the need to focus on underprivileged and remote areas to ensure that they also benefit from this basic facility. He reaffirmed that the Senate of Pakistan, as the House of Federation, fully supports every initiative that prioritizes public welfare.

Highlighting the role of the private sector, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that industries are a source of livelihood for thousands of people, generating both direct and indirect employment opportunities. He added that Pakistan is blessed with abundant natural resources, and their responsible utilization is essential to secure a healthy and sustainable future for coming generations.

“Providing clean water is, in fact, an investment in people’s health, education, and economy, while also uplifting their dignity and hopes,” he remarked.

MNA Asfandyar Bhindara thanked the Chairman Senate and stated that the RO Plant has the capacity to meet daily market demand.

Later, the Chairman Senate visited ACM Group of Industries, where he was briefed about the operations by Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood and the management. He appreciated the use of modern, eco-friendly technology and the company’s efforts in delivering quality products to consumers. He also planted a sapling in the factory lawn to mark the occasion.

Chairman Senate lauded ACM Group as one of the leading exporters of quality products at the international level and termed the industrial sector the backbone of the national economy. He assured his full support for the promotion and facilitation of the sector.

ISLAMABAD, AUG 20: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan has nominated Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai as Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said on Wednesday.

Salman Akram Raj confirmed that Khan had finalised the nomination of Achackzai — who also heads the multi-party opposition alliance, Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz — for the key slot.

Raja further said Azam Khan Swati has been nominated as Leader of the Opposition in the Senate.

The development comes after former opposition leader Omar Ayub lost his seat following his conviction in the May 9 cases by an anti-terrorism court.

As a result, Ayub was also removed from the Public Accounts Committee and all standing committees of the National Assembly.

The Election Commission of Pakistan, after the court order, issued disqualification notifications for Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz, who was the opposition leader in the Senate.

The two PTI leaders have since challenged their disqualification before the Peshawar High Court (PHC).

ISLAMABAD, AUG 20: /DNA/ – The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a Public Address on “ECO, Regionalism and the New Geopolitical Dynamics.” The event brought together a wide range of participants including academics, think-tank experts, and practitioners. Ambassador Dr. Asad Majeed Khan, Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), was the Guest Speaker.

In his welcome remarks, Director General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood noted that the current global environment was marked by turbulence and transformation in which major-power competition was accentuating and globalisation and multilateralism were under severe stress. Regionalism, however, was not as challenged, except for in regions like South Asia. If ECO could provide a successful model of regional cooperation then there could be a good demonstration effort for the South Asian region.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood noted the timeliness of the ISSI event as Secretary General Asad Majeed had just returned from the 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi, Azerbaijan (3–4 July 2025). He highlighted the symbolism of Karabakh — a region once defined by conflict — hosting a summit of transformation and hope. At the gathering, ECO members pledged to expand trade, enhance transport and digital corridors, deepen energy cooperation, and build climate resilience. While intra-regional trade rose to USD 96.5 billion in 2022 from USD 76 billion in 2021, it still accounts for only 9.1% of the region’s total trade—signaling untapped opportunities. He also noted persistent challenges, including border conflicts, terrorism, sanctions, and regional disputes. Sanctions on certain member states have further restricted economic prospects, while tensions between Pakistan and India pose a challenge to regional stability and wider regional connectivity. The Israel-Iran conflict of 2025 has also disrupted critical trade and energy routes, underscoring the fragility of regional integration. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood expressed cautious optimism, noting that recent U.S.-mediated efforts at reconciliation between Azerbaijan and Armenia may open new trade and energy corridors in the South Caucasus.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood stressed that ECO’s future is both an opportunity and responsibility for Pakistan, given its role as a natural conduit linking Central Asia with the Arabian Sea. He underlined three priorities for advancing regional integration: investing in resilient infrastructure to connect markets and people; strengthening energy cooperation to balance security with clean energy transition; and advancing digital connectivity to empower youth and foster innovation. In an era where global multilateralism is under strain, he emphasized, ECO’s regional potential offers a vital path forward.

In his wide-ranging Public Address, Ambassador Asad M. Khan shared a comprehensive overview of ECO evolution and its institutional development. He also reflected on Pakistan’s enduring role as a founding member of ECO, tracing its origins from the RCD in 1964—Asia’s first regional development organization—to its expansion in 1985 with the inclusion of Central Asian states, Azerbaijan, and Afghanistan. He highlighted ECO’s natural basis for cooperation through shared cultural, religious, and economic ties and noted that its comprehensive institutional framework. Trade, he stressed, is central to ECO’s relevance, and efforts are underway to address challenges related to the ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA) and the Visa Scheme. Disparities in infrastructure, historic trade patterns, and geopolitical tensions exacerbated further challenges, but the Organization is working actively address them.

Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan warned that climate change is an existential threat, with floods, droughts, and water stress undermining development across ECO states, calling for greater cooperation in renewable energy, adaptation, and water management. Yet, he acknowledged progress in energy connectivity projects and tourism promotion, while underscoring the need for deeper private sector engagement beyond government-led efforts. Reflecting on the 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi, he described it as a defining moment that renewed commitments to connectivity, trade facilitation, and sustainable development. With stronger political will, institutional reform, and regional solidarity, he expressed optimism that ECO could fulfill its founding vision and emerge as a meaningful platform for prosperity in the region.

Ambassador Inam-ul-Haq, Former Foreign Minister of Pakistan, highlighted ECO’s continued potential as a vehicle for regional integration, noting that its strength lies in fostering multilateral economic and developmental cooperation among member states. He emphasized the need to move beyond national-level approaches, particularly on pressing challenges like climate change, energy insecurity, and sustainable development, by adopting coordinated regional strategies. Developing countries, he observed, can benefit greatly from enhanced South-South cooperation—pooling resources, sharing expertise, and jointly building resilience—rather than relying exclusively on external support for climate finance and technology transfer. Pakistan, given its high vulnerability to climate impacts, can play a catalytic role in shaping such collaborative responses, helping ECO harness its collective strengths to address shared challenges more effectively.

The session concluded with an interactive discussion where participants explored a wide range of issues: diplomatic engagement, regional trade, energy cooperation, the role of information technology and education, youth engagement and empowerment, and emerging non-traditional security challenges. The dialogue reflected the diversity of perspectives on how ECO can be revitalized to meet the demands of the 21st century.

Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman ISSI, concluded discussion with a vote of thanks, commending the valuable contributions of the speakers and participants, and presented the Institute’s memento to the Guest Speaker.

RAWALPINDI, AUG 20 /DNA/ – The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has announced plans to establish Economic Zones along the Rawalpindi Ring Road. The development of these zones will not only boost trade and industrial activities but also create new employment opportunities.

A high-level meeting regarding the Ring Road project was held at the RCCI, attended by Commissioner Rawalpindi, Engineer Aamir Khattak, and DG RDA, Kinza Murtaza. RCCI President, Usman Shaukat, highlighted that extensive consultations have been held with the Commissioner’s Office, RDA, and other stakeholders for the establishment of Economic Zones along the Ring Road.

Commissioner Rawalpindi, Engineer Aamir Khattak, while briefing on the progress of the Ring Road project, assured that dedicated land will be allocated exclusively for Economic Zones. He further emphasized that the local administration and the Business Facilitation Center will extend full support and cooperation for the timely completion of these zones. Work on the Ring Road is progressing rapidly, and the project is expected to be inaugurated in December 2025.

Chairman of the Ring Road Economic Zones Development Committee and former President, Asad Mashhadi, while giving a detailed presentation on the Ring Road Economic Zones, stated that modern-style economic zones will be established. These economic zones will include wholesale markets, grain markets, small factories, furniture and plastic showrooms, as well as goods transport terminals, all supported by a modern infrastructure.

The relocation of existing city markets to the proposed economic zones will help reduce traffic congestion. He added that it is encouraging that land for the economic zones will be marked in advance, which will help curb land mafia activities and encroachments.

He further said that the proposed economic zones will have excellent access infrastructure, including wide roads, public transport, labor colonies, and healthcare facilities. Currently, small factories linked with SMEs are operating within the city; the establishment of economic zones will help people expand their businesses and industries. The Ring Road project is a game changer for Rawalpindi, and it will turn the city into a hub of commercial and industrial activity. The meeting was attended by Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi, Vice President Fahad Barlas, former RCCI presidents, Jalil Malik, Raja Amer Iqbal, Nasir Mirza, Nadeem Rauf, Saqib Rafiq, executive committee members, and other members of the Chamber.

KARACHI, AUG 20: A fresh rain spell hit Karachi on Wednesday as the metropolis reeled from urban flooding that caused widespread power outages and waterlogging.

Power supply remained suspended for over 24 hours in parts of Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Malir, Mehmoodabad, Akhtar Colony, Manzoor Colony, Defence View, and other areas, while numerous neighbourhoods saw restoration after hours-long outages.

K-Electric, the city’s sole power utility, said in a statement that its field teams remained actively engaged throughout the spell and that feeders were switched off only where safety precautions demanded.

“Restoration efforts continued undeterred despite significant waterlogging and congestion. Areas with high levels of stagnant water, particularly low-lying zones, were particularly affected due to restricted access and safety risks for residents and field teams,” the utility said.

Meanwhile, moderate to heavy showers were reported across multiple localities of the city. Rainfall was recorded in Shah Faisal Colony, PECHS, Jinnah Hospital surroundings, Malir Halt, and Rafah Aam, where gusty winds accompanied the downpour.

Areas including Bahadurabad, Jamshed Road, Tipu Sultan Road, Gulzar-e-Hijri Scheme 33, Sohrab Goth, Super Highway, Saddar, Metropole, and Civil Lines also received rain, further compounding traffic disruptions and urban flooding.

Authorities have advised citizens to stay indoors wherever possible, as many roads remain submerged and traffic movement is severely affected.

The Sindh government declared a public holiday in the city today as the financial capital braced for more rain, after the arrival of the annual monsoon season left at least 10 people dead and caused widespread flooding.

“We are expecting more intense rains,” said Anjum Nazir, a spokesperson for the provincial meteorological department.

Meanwhile, rainwater has yet to be fully drained from several major roads, including Tower, II Chundrigar Road, the FTC area, the PAF Museum on Sharea Faisal, and Safoora on University Road.

Water has also accumulated in Karachi’s Red Zone, Shaheen Complex, MR Kayani Road near the Arts Council, and Ziauddin Ahmed Road. As a result, one track of Dr Ziauddin Ahmed Road has remained closed to traffic since yesterday, while the Drigh Road and Nazimabad underpasses also remain shut.

Moreover, the Aiwan-e-Sadr Road near the Governor House is submerged with rainwater up to the police lines. Other affected areas include Kharadar, MA Jinnah Road, Bolton Market, and Jamia Sindh Madrasatul Islam.

‘Main roads largely cleared’
Speaking to Geo News, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said that while main roads had largely been cleared after the rains, drainage work was still underway in several waterlogged areas.

“Drainage efforts are continuing where rainwater has accumulated,” he said, noting that the city received over 235mm of rainfall—far exceeding its drainage capacity of just 40mm.

Wahab said that 3.024 million cubic feet of debris had so far been removed from storm drains, improving water flow and easing drainage across the city.

He acknowledged shortcomings in the drainage system but stressed the need for long-term solutions. “Basic steps are needed to expand drainage capacity, but this requires land and faces resistance from residents, making the task difficult,” the mayor said.

“Traffic is moving, but slows down where water remains on the sides of roads. Overall, the situation has improved compared to earlier in the day,” he added.

The mayor also confirmed receiving complaints about power outages in multiple neighbourhoods.

Over 550 feeders disrupted
Electricity supply has been disrupted to more than 550 feeders across the city, with some areas experiencing blackouts for up to 16 hours.

A K-Electric spokesperson said that power is currently being supplied through more than 1,550 of the city’s 2,100 feeders. The spokesperson explained that heavy rain had left many roads submerged, disrupting fuel deliveries and hampering access for repair teams.

However, residents told Geo News that several hours had passed since the rain stopped, yet no K-Electric teams had arrived to restore supply in their areas, leaving citizens distressed and helpless.

More torrential rains
According to the Met Office, strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are continuously penetrating the country, especially the southern parts. Under the influence of these meteorological conditions, widespread rain-wind/thundershower (with scattered heavyfalls at times very heavy) is expected in several Sindh districts, including Karachi, from August 19-22, with occasional gaps.

It is also expected in Mithi, Tharparker, Umer Kot, Mirpurkhas, Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Sajawal, Tando Allayar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Sanghar, Jamshoro, while at scattered places in Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, and Jacobabad.

The PMD added that torrential rains may cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Sindh, including Karachi.

Ejaz Ch wife gets Senate ticket from Punjab

DNA

ISLAMABAD: In a strong message to the ruling government, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar has declared that the party will soon initiate a vigorous agitation against the government’s handling of recent arrests and sentencing, which he alleges are based on fabricated cases. Speaking to the media, Barrister Gohar condemned the government’s actions, asserting that these moves are politically motivated attempts to suppress opposition voices and destabilize PTI’s growing influence.

He emphasized that the party is committed to protecting the rights of its leaders and workers, and vowed to mobilize party supporters nationwide to challenge these unjust measures. The agitation is expected to take the form of protests and rallies aimed at exposing what PTI describes as a misuse of law enforcement agencies for political vendetta.

In a related development, PTI has issued a Senate ticket to the wife of former Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, who was recently defeated in the elections. This move is seen as a strategic effort by PTI to consolidate its position and maintain its representation in the upper house.

Currently, PTI enjoys the support of 100 members in the Punjab Assembly, underscoring its significant political presence in the province. The party’s leadership appears determined to leverage this strength in its upcoming political maneuvers against the government.

DNA

ISLAMABAD: Senior journalist and former caretaker information minister Murtaza Solangi has been appointed spokesperson for the President of Pakistan, he confirmed on Wednesday.

A former director general of Radio Pakistan, Solangi served as the caretaker minister for information and broadcasting from August 2023 to March 2024.

“Mr Murtaza Solangi is appointed as Spokesperson of the President of Pakistan on honorary/pro bono basis with immediate effect until further orders,” said a notification by the president’s secretary, Muhammad Shakeel Malik yesterday.

“A little personal news,” Solangi wrote on X today. “I have been appointed the Spokesperson of the President of Pakistan. I will assume my new responsibilities starting tomorrow. Thank you.”

During his tenure at Radio Pakistan from 2008 to 2013, Solangi oversaw a workforce spanning 64 broadcasting units and over 3,000 individuals. He also forged partnerships with international news organisations, including Voice of America, China Radio International, and Deutsche Welle.

He was the first Pakistani elected as the vice president and the acting president of Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union.