WASHINGTON, JUL 25: Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Friday, marking a rare high-level interaction between the two countries.

The ties between Islamabad and Washington have seen improvement following a prolonged diplomatic chill. There has been a visible thaw, marked by US President Donald Trump’s warm reception of Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House last month.

Dar was warmly received upon arrival at the US State Department, where Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, was also present, Geo News reported.

The meeting was held at the delegation level, with senior officials from both sides in attendance.

The two sides discussed a broad range of issues including bilateral ties, prospects for enhanced cooperation in trade, economy, investment, counterterrorism, and regional peace.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and agreed to work together for shared goals.

FM Dar appreciated President Donald Trump’s role in de-escalating Pakistan-India tensions, calling his efforts commendable. He said Pakistan seeks deeper and more stable ties with the US.

Secretary Rubio acknowledged Pakistan’s unmatched sacrifices in the war on terror and praised the country’s constructive role in global and regional peace.

Dar expressed optimism over progress in trade talks and noted alignment in both countries’ interests and perspectives on regional peace. He also stated that the Pakistani diaspora continues to act as a bridge between the two nations.

When Trump met Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Munir, they discussed trade, economic development, mines and minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies.

Following the meeting — which took place more than a month after an armed conflict between nuclear-armed Pakistan and India — Islamabad also nominated Trump for the Nobel prize for his role in ending the war.

During an interaction with journalists, President Trump had said that he had the “honour” of meeting Field Marshal Munir and maintained that he invited the army chief to thank him for ending the war with India.

Although Pakistan has, time and time again, praised and credited President Trump for his role in the ceasefire, which he himself has highlighted on multiple occasions, India has denied any US involvement whatsoever.

However, the US president is on record reiterating his stance and has even offered to mediate the longstanding Kashmir dispute between the two countries — a stance also highlighted by the US State Department as well.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday met Dr Fouzia Siddiqui, sister of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, and assured her that the government would continue to provide all possible legal and diplomatic support in the matter of the academic.

Dr Aafia, a Pakistani neuroscientist, was indicted by a New York federal district court in 2008 on charges of attempted murder and assault, stemming from an incident during an interview with the US authorities in Ghazni, Afghanistan — charges that she denied.

After 18 months in detention, she was tried and convicted in early 2010 and sentenced to 86 years in prison. She has since been imprisoned in the US.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had also written a letter to former US president Joe Biden, seeking clemency for the Pakistani neuroscientist. However, the Democrat did not grant her relief.

Speaking to Dr Aafia’s sister, the prime minister said: “The government is in no way negligent regarding the case of Dr Aafia Siddiqui.”

On the instructions of PM Shehbaz, the government has previously provided diplomatic and legal assistance in the case of Dr Aafia, a press statement issued by the PM Office said.

Furthermore, the prime minister not only wrote a letter to then-US president Biden regarding this issue but also formed a committee headed by Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Azam Nazeer Tarar, to ensure further progress in the matter.

The committee will remain in contact with Dr Fouzia and will work to provide the necessary support in this regard, the statement added.

In June last year, Clive Stafford Smith — American human rights lawyer who represents Dr Siddiqui — told Geo News that his client was being sexually harassed continuously at a jail in Fort Worth, Texas, adding that a security guard raped her two weeks ago as punishment.

“Sexual abuse of Dr Aafia has not stopped so far. She is being consistently subjected to physical harassment,” he had disclosed after meeting her at the prison facility this summer.

ISLAMABAD, JUL 25 /DNA/ – An important meeting was held at the CDA Headquarters under the chairmanship of Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa. The meeting was attended by Member Administration and Estate, Talat Mahmood; Member Planning, Dr. Khalid Hafiz; Member Finance, Tahir Naeem, Member Environment Esfandyar Baloch, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad,  Director General (DG) Building Control and Housing, DG Urban Planning, Deputy DG Enforcement, Director DMA, and other senior officers.

The meeting reviewed the progress of actions taken by CDA so far against illegal encroachments in Islamabad, particularly on government lands, following the directives of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi under the supervision of Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa. CDA’s anti encroachment drive specifically focuses on demolishing illegal encroachments on government land according to the law and reclaiming it from illegal occupants, as well as removing illegal encroachments built over waterstream drains (nullahs) in Islamabad as well as in residential and commercial area across the board in accordance with law.

The meeting was briefed that Directorate General of  CDA’s Building and Housing, Enforcement Directorate, the Islamabad Administration, DMA, MCI are working together to seal and demolish encroachments built over nullahs in order to save lives in case of any flooding and emergency so that sealing and demolishing of nullahs from in all sectors of Islamabad was necessary. 

Chairman CDA directed that all buildings constructed over nullahs in various areas of Islamabad without a hydraulic study as well as CDA’s approval should be immediately sealed and declared dangerous.

He emphasized that residential and commercial buildings built over drains are not only illegal, but they could also collapse during any major flooding as during the current moon soon season, Islamabad has witness heavy rainfall since 2001.

CDA has advised the public, at large in their own interest, to voluntarily remove all encroachments built over nullahs. Otherwise, law will take its own course of action, thus all residential and commercial buildings constructed over nullahs will not only be sealed after being declared dangerous but legal action will also be initiated against all those responsible for illegal encroachments, for which the encroachers themselves will bear full responsibility.

Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa stated that while CDA is taking indiscriminate action against all illegal encroachments, they have also decided to establish a permanent monitoring system to prevent re-encroachment on cleared lands. Under this system, drone footage of relevant areas will be regularly captured, and Google Earth will also be utilized for further guidance and assistance. He further said that CDA has decided to digitize the Layout Plan and NOC (No Objection Certificate) process. Additionally, the public can now pay fees for CDA map approvals through a cashless system. CDA is also digitizing its One Window Facilitation Center and computerizing land records, which will help in resolving public issues.

ISLAMABAD, JUL 25 /DNA/ – Inauguration Ceremony for “The Project for the Extension of Maternal and Child Health Care Facility in Sindh” was held today at Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences (LUMHS) at Jamshoro. Dignitaries included His Excellency Mr. Shuichi Akamatsu, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, Mr. Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister of Sindh, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Minister of Health, Government of Sindh, and Mr. Naoaki Miyata, Chief Representative of JICA Pakistan Office.

A new maternal and child health center has opened at LUMHS, the regional hub hospital in Hyderabad, with a grant of about 4.1 billion yen. The center includes obstetrics and pediatrics departments, a labor room, obstetrics ward, neonatal and maternal-fetal intensive care units, a laboratory, and outpatient consultation rooms, along with medical equipment like incubators and ultrasound devices. This project will benefit around 3.5 million people living in Hyderabad and Jamshoro.

Ambassador Akamatsu said: “This facility will bring medical services closer to home and provides mothers and babies with the timely and quality healthcare they deserve. We strongly hope that this new center will be effectively utilized in a sustainable manner.

Mr. Miyata, Chief Representative of JICA Pakistan Office said: “I am confident that this project at LUMHS will achieve its goal of reducing the mother and child mortality and better accessibility to quality health care services”.
With limited healthcare facilities for mothers and infants in Sindh, the number of health care facilities to treat mothers and babies with complications is limited in Sindh. This project aims to alleviate the pressure of tertiary hospitals in Karachi and Hyderabad, providing vital services to families across southern part of Sindh, and enchasing lifesaving opportunities.

The Government of Japan and JICA emphasize maternal and child health in their strategy for Pakistan and reaffirms their commitment to this cause.

Over Rs. 836 Billion in Financial Irregularities Uncovered across various departments of Sindh: Report

Nazir Siyal

KARACHI, JUL 25: /DNA/ – Chairman Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Nisar Khuhro has claimed that nearly Rs.16 billion have been recovered in just four months through audits exposing corruption and illegal financial irregularities.

Unfortunately,  rampant corruption and irregularities continue unchecked across all departments of the Sindh government.

Audit findings show scams ranging over Rs. 20-60 billion each in various provincial departments.

Khuhro’s  recovery of more than Rs. 16 billion from these departments has been termed a historic achievement, possibly unmatched by any previous PAC told Spokesman.

Recently, the audit of Rs. 8 billion in  hospital medical equipment supplies by the Labour Department’s SESSI was being obstructed. Khuhro strongly criticized the lack of transparency, stating that SESSI had never undergone a proper audit since its inception.

He emphasized that no compromise would be made on billions worth of irregularities, as per constitutional obligations.

During the session, when senior journalists attempted to question Secretary Labor Department Rafiq Ahmed Qureshi, he responded with harsh remarks and displayed an attitude of influence, despite his responsibility to cooperate with PAC, NAB, and Anti-Corruption on past discrepancies.

Khuhro had pointed out that corruption involving billions has been revealed in the audits of multiple departments and that PAC has taken firm action something rarely seen before.

He stressed that this is public taxpayers’ money, and such massive corruption cannot be tolerated in a democratic setup.

He demanded that all looted public funds, including those misused in SESSI and other departments, be returned immediately to the Sindh government.

Khuhro had also initiated some institutions were refusing audits to hide their irregularities. He made it clear that no institution, including SESSI, is above the Constitution.

Meanwhile, the Auditor General of Pakistan has exposed financial irregularities worth over Rs. 836.43 billion in various departments of the Sindh government.

The provincial audit report uncovers widespread corruption and irregularities across multiple districts.

According to Shakil spokesperson of Chairman PAC Nisar Khuhro has continued intensify scrutiny of various departments and projects across the province, uncovering multiple cases of irregularities, embezzlement, and misuse of public funds.

The recovered amount includes funds reclaimed from dormant schemes, overpaid contracts, and fraudulent claims within government bodies.

The chairman of the PAC emphasized that accountability is being pursued regardless of political or bureaucratic influence. “This recovery reflects our determination to restore transparency in public spending,” he stated.

The revelation has sparked public and political debate, especially amid growing concerns about endemic corruption and lack of oversight in provincial institutions.

The PAC has pledged to continue its audit investigations and expects further recoveries in the coming months.

ISLAMABAD, JUL 25: /DNA/ – A meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet was held today under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb to deliberate on a range of important agenda items concerning industrial growth, environmental policy, skill development, housing finance, and telecommunications.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, along with senior officials from relevant ministries, divisions, departments, and authorities.

The ECC reviewed and endorsed a report presented by the Ministry of Commerce on industrial competitiveness and export-led growth of the steel sector, in alignment with the National Tariff Policy 2025–30, aimed at reducing production costs and enhancing export competitiveness. The Committee also approved a summary by the Ministry of Commerce for filing an appeal in the Supreme Court of Pakistan against the decision of the Lahore High Court regarding the grant of gas/RLNG tariff concessions to M/s Ghani Glass Ltd. The Committee found the appeal tenable in light of the fact that concessionary energy tariffs for five export-oriented sectors have already been withdrawn and are no longer available to any sector.

In a major step towards environmental sustainability, the ECC approved Pakistan’s Green Taxonomy, as proposed by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination. The Chair appreciated the initiative, noting that it was long overdue and would play a vital role in facilitating access to financing for green projects in the country.

To support skills development through outcomes-based financing, the ECC approved a government guarantee of Rs. 1 billion for the issuance of the Pakistan Skill Impact Bond (PSIB), as moved by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training. The Committee encouraged the Ministry to gradually move towards adopting the Public-Private Partnership model and to explore undertaking similar initiatives using its own balance sheet, thereby reducing reliance on sovereign guarantees.

In the housing sector, the ECC approved a markup subsidy and risk-sharing scheme for affordable housing finance, with the objective of expanding access to low-cost housing. The Committee also urged the Ministry to develop a comprehensive, integrated database of the housing sector in coordination with relevant federal and provincial stakeholders, in order to ensure better targeting and effective implementation of the scheme.

The ECC was briefed by the Ministry of Industries and Production on the status of availability and pricing trends in the vegetable ghee and oil market. While noting the Ministry’s assurance regarding adequate national stock levels, the Committee expressed concern over the limited pass-through of declining international prices to domestic consumers. It advised vigilant monitoring to prevent price distortions and potential cartelization, and emphasized the need for active coordination with the Competition Commission of Pakistan, National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC), and provincial governments through the Ministry of Industries and Production.

The ECC approved a proposal by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication for the revision of charges for Radio-Based Services (RBS). The Committee directed the Ministry to ensure periodic revision of RBS charges every three to five years, aligned with ongoing economic changes and technological advancements in the sector. The Committee also endorsed a revised composition of the advisory committee overseeing the release of IMT spectrum, which is critical for improving next-generation mobile broadband services in Pakistan.

In conclusion, the ECC approved the formal declaration of ship breaking and recycling as a recognized industry, as recommended by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs. However, the Committee instructed the Ministry to coordinate with the Power Division and share relevant data on power consumption patterns in the sector, to enable accurate assessment of the implications of applying industrial power tariffs in place of the existing commercial rates.

ISLAMABAD, JUL 25 /DNA/ – The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan today hosted the groundbreaking “Pakistan Digital Leap” event, marking a major milestone in the country’s journey towards digitalizing its higher education sector. The event was graced by honorable Vice Chancellors, Members of the Corporate Sector, and prominent stakeholders of the Higher Education Sector of Pakistan, who witnessed the unveiling of cutting-edge digital infrastructure leading to an all-inclusive ecosystem built with innovative technologies that will revolutionize the learning landscape for millions of students across the country.

The event showcased the remarkable strategic IT initiatives that were managed through HEDP a flagship project of HEC in collaboration with the World Bank.  This project has positively impacted the lives of 6 million students across Pakistan, leveraging innovative technologies that are pioneering in the country. The event itself was symbolic as the Chairman HEC appeared as an holographic Avatar and hosted the event taking the title of becoming the first ever Hologram Host in the history of Pakistan.

HEC’s strategic IT initiatives includes Astrolabes datacenters, As-Sadeem cloud computing solutions, Al-Meissa HPC, Maktab ERP-SLCS, Al-Fihri LMS, Jidar Network Security, and Smart Classroom. These initiatives will further enhance the digital infrastructure of Pakistan’s higher education sector, providing students with access to world-class education and skills. The event featured a state-of-the-art digital infrastructure representation, showcasing HEC’s achievements in establishing: 7000 Km of fibre connectivity, 20,000 Wi-Fi points in 96 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and several more IT based features in the HEIs across the country.

The event marked a significant leap in Pakistan’s higher education sector, paving the way for a more digitally empowered and educated society as the pilot project of digitizing 25 HEIs across the country is performing well and creating a demand to implement HEC’s IT initiatives in public HEIs across the country.

At this symbolic event the Chairman HEC, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, said that “We have provided the much-needed technological support to the universities and students of Pakistan. Once these technologies are available to the students they can easily compete with best ranking universities of the world while the HEIs can reduce their costs as well.”

About HEC

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan is a statutory body responsible for promoting and regulating higher education in the country. HEC’s vision is to promote quality higher education and research in Pakistan, enabling the country to become a knowledge-based economy.

RAWALPINDI, JUL 25: /DNA/ – Major General Saidzoda Bobojon Abdukodir, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, First Deputy Minister of Defence of the Republic of Tajikistan called on General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M), Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) at Joint Staff Headquarters, Rawalpindi.

The discussion focused on the evolving regional security situation and shared strategic interests. Both military leaders emphasized deep-rooted brotherly relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan and explored avenues to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation.

The visiting dignitary lauded the professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in fight against terrorism.

Earlier, upon arrival at Joint Staff Headquarters, a smartly turned-out tri-services contingent presented Guard of Honour to the visiting dignitary.