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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the suicide attack on a police station in the Domel area of District Bannu, said a press release issued by Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office on Friday. The prime minister expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the incident that took place in the northwest of the country. Sharif prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, the press release said. &ldquo;We are determined to completely eradicate all forms of terrorism from the country&rdquo;, the prime minister said.

Security

‘We are determined to completely eradicate all forms of terrorism from the country,’ the prime minister said, according to a press release.

PM Sharif strongly condemns suicide attack in northwest Pakistan  

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday warned India that any aggression would be met with a &ldquo;swift, calibrated, and decisive&rdquo; response, after his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh, issued fresh warnings amid rising regional tensions.&nbsp;The exchange underscores renewed friction between the nuclear-armed neighbors months after a brief but intense conflict in May 2025, raising concerns for international observers about escalation risks in South Asia, at a time when the world is already grappling with heightened instability in the Middle East following the ongoing Iran crisis and widening regional tensions.&nbsp;Addressing a Sainik Sammelan in Indian state of Kerala, Singh said India remained alert to the possibility of &ldquo;hostile actions from across the border&rdquo; and cautioned that any such move would be met with a &ldquo;firm and decisive response,&rdquo; according to Indian media reports.&nbsp;Referring to India&rsquo;s &ldquo;Operation Sindoor,&rdquo; Singh claimed Indian forces had brought Pakistan &ldquo;to its knees&rdquo; within 22 minutes and warned that further provocation could trigger &ldquo;unprecedented action.&rdquo;&nbsp;Responding sharply, Asif dismissed the remarks as part of a &ldquo;predictable pattern,&rdquo; accusing New Delhi of &ldquo;externalising internal fragility&rdquo; and attempting to &ldquo;provoke escalation&rdquo; under the guise of &ldquo;unsubstantiated allegations&rdquo; for political purposes.&nbsp;&ldquo;Such threat-mongering from India is not new,&rdquo; Asif said, adding that the rhetoric reflected &ldquo;not strength, but visible strategic anxiety.&rdquo;&nbsp;He warned that &ldquo;miscalculation has consequences,&rdquo; saying recent history remained &ldquo;fresh in our minds,&rdquo; and cautioned that any future confrontation would draw an even more &ldquo;forceful and decisive&rdquo; response.&nbsp;Reiterating Pakistan&rsquo;s official position, Asif said the country remained committed to peace and regional stability but its &ldquo;resolve to defend sovereignty is absolute.&rdquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;Our preparedness is complete, and our response will be swift, calibrated, and decisive,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;He further cautioned that the notion of conventional conflict between two nuclear-armed states was &ldquo;inconceivable&rdquo; and would carry &ldquo;drastic consequences.&rdquo;&nbsp;The latest war of words follows a four-day conflict in May 2025, triggered by a militant attack on civilians in Indian-occupied Kashmir. New Delhi blamed Islamabad for the attack, a charge Pakistan firmly rejected. The fighting, involving missile, drone and artillery strikes, marked the deadliest cross-border escalation since 2019 and ended only after a US-brokered ceasefire.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif says Pakistan will respond swiftly, decisively to India’s warnings, calling its rhetoric a sign of “strategic anxiety” as tensions rise months after the May 2025 conflict.

Pakistan issues tit-for-tat warning after Indian defense minister remarks

ISLAMABAD: Security forces killed eight terrorists during an operation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in North Waziristan district, the military&rsquo;s media wing said on Wednesday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a group of &quot;khawarij&quot; was effectively engaged, as a result of which eight terrorists connected to &ldquo;Indian proxy, Fitna al Khawarij&rdquo; were killed.&nbsp; Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the militants. The military said the engagement once again &ldquo;substantiated&rdquo; its repeated stance regarding the failure of the Afghan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/operation-ghazab-lilhaq-435-killed-as-pakistan-strikes-afghan-targets" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Taliban</a>&nbsp;regime to ensure effective border management on its side of the border. &ldquo;Afghan Taliban Regime must fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by khawarij and involvement of its citizens in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-security-forces-kill-15-terrorists-in-balochistan-operation-military" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">terrorism</a>&nbsp;inside Pakistan,&rdquo; ISPR added. &quot;Khawarij&quot; is&nbsp;Islamabad&#39;s term for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan terrorist&nbsp;group, which it accuses of operating from Afghan soil, backed by India. PM, President laud security forces&nbsp;Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the security forces for a successful operation against terrorists.&nbsp; The president and PM praised the professionalism of the security forces for their effective and timely actions, according to press releases issued by the Aiwan-e-Sadr press wing&nbsp;and the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office on Thursday.&nbsp; &ldquo;The role of the security forces in defending the country and safeguarding its borders was commendable,&rdquo; the president said. The leaders urged the Afghan interim government to prevent its territory from being used for terrorism against Pakistan. &ldquo;The entire nation, including myself, stands resolute in its unwavering commitment to the war against terrorism,&rdquo; said PM Sharif.&nbsp; Sanitization operation continuesAccording to ISPR, Pakistan&rsquo;s security forces remain &ldquo;resolute and unwavering&rdquo; in their commitment to defending the nation&rsquo;s frontiers. A sanitization operation was undertaken to eliminate any remaining Indian-sponsored terrorists in the area.&nbsp; The counterterrorism campaign under the Azm-i-Istehkam vision, approved by the federal apex committee on the National Action Plan, will continue at full pace to eliminate &ldquo;foreign-sponsored terrorism&rdquo; from the country, ISPR said.

A Pakistani soldier stands guard in a bunker at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Chaman on February 27, 2026, following overnight cross-border firing between the two countries. (Photo: AFP/File)

The military's media wing urges the Afghan Taliban regime to fulfill its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by terrorists and the involvement of its citizens in terrorism inside Pakistan.

Eight terrorists killed in North Waziristan operation: Pakistan military 

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Navy and the Chinese People&#39;s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy concluded &#39;Sea Guardian IV&#39; exercise, held from March 25 to April 1, 2026, to enhance interoperability and maritime cooperation, the military&rsquo;s media wing said on Wednesday.&nbsp;&ldquo;The exercise concluded with a coordinated patrol in the Arabian Sea, reaffirming both navies&rsquo; commitment to regional maritime security and stability,&rdquo; according to the ISPR.&nbsp;The exercise included air defense drills against multi-domain swarm threats, submarine operations with the Pakistan Navy, conventional war-at-sea exercises, and live gunnery firing to enhance operational and tactical coordination.&nbsp;During the port visit, PLA Navy Ship &#39;DAQING&#39; was welcomed by PNS TAIMUR, with activities including exchange visits, naval orientations, professional discussions, and a maiden Young Officers Seminar.&nbsp;&ldquo;The exercise included a five-day port phase in Karachi and a two-day sea phase in the North Arabian Sea,&rdquo; it concluded.

Pakistan and China concluded the seven-day Sea Guardian IV exercise, featuring coordinated Arabian Sea patrols, air defense drills, submarine operations, gunnery firing, and a port visit, enhancing interoperability, maritime cooperation, and regional security.

Pakistan, China conclude ‘Sea Guardian IV’ exercise enhancing maritime cooperation

Faraz Saeed

LAHORE: Pakistan&rsquo;s digital economy could contribute between 5%-7% of gross domestic product by 2030, provided structural constraints are addressed and reforms accelerate, according to a new report by the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI).&nbsp;Titled &ldquo;Recommendations for Pakistan&rsquo;s Digital Future,&rdquo; the OICCI Digital Report 2025 presents a detailed assessment of the country&rsquo;s digital landscape, highlighting both measurable gains and persistent bottlenecks shaping future growth.&nbsp;The report frames Pakistan&rsquo;s digital sector as a rapidly expanding but uneven ecosystem, where strong growth in connectivity, exports and digital finance is being tempered by infrastructure gaps and slow policy execution, raising the stakes for reforms needed to unlock its full economic potential.&nbsp;The report identifies the digital sector as an emerging driver of productivity, exports and financial inclusion, supported by a growing user base and rising adoption of digital services.&nbsp;Pakistan&rsquo;s IT and IT-enabled services (ITeS) exports have reached $3.8 billion, while the freelance economy contributes $779 million in earnings.&nbsp;Digital access continues to expand, with more than 150 million broadband subscriptions and over 200 million telecom connections. The broader mobile ecosystem contributes an estimated $17 billion to the national economy.&nbsp;The report also underscores rapid growth in digital finance.&nbsp;&ldquo;Pakistan has made notable strides in digital payments and financial inclusion. The Raast instant payment system processed Rs18 trillion in peer-to-peer transactions in FY26, demonstrating the rapid adoption of digital financial services,&rdquo; said OICCI President Yousaf Hussain.&nbsp;However, infrastructure limitations remain a key constraint.&nbsp;Only 18% of cellular towers are connected through fiber, well below the global benchmark of around 40%, limiting network capacity and readiness for next-generation technologies.&nbsp;Policy execution is another concern.&nbsp;While engagement on digital policy has improved, implementation remains slow. The report notes that only about one-quarter of recommendations from OICCI&rsquo;s 2022 Digital Report have been carried out.&nbsp;&ldquo;Only about one-quarter of OICCI&rsquo;s digital policy recommendations issued in OICCI&rsquo;s Digital Report 2022 have been implemented so far. Faster execution, improved fiber penetration and a more investment-friendly regulatory environment will be essential to unlock Pakistan&rsquo;s digital potential,&rdquo; said M. Abdul Aleem, Secretary General of OICCI.&nbsp;To address these gaps, the report recommends reducing taxes on broadband services and digital devices, accelerating fiber deployment, ensuring regulatory clarity in data protection and cybersecurity, and strengthening public-private collaboration.&nbsp;The government has set a target of $5 billion in IT exports for FY26, while analysts project exports could reach around $4.5 billion, implying annual growth of 18% to 20% from the $3.8 billion recorded in FY25.&nbsp;Under the broader Uraan Pakistan framework, policymakers are targeting $10 billion in IT exports by FY29, requiring a compound annual growth rate of approximately 27%.&nbsp;The report concludes that while Pakistan&rsquo;s digital economy is expanding and foundational elements are in place, closing infrastructure gaps, accelerating policy implementation, and investing in advanced skills such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity will determine whether current momentum translates into sustained economic impact

Economy

Pakistan’s digital economy is growing fast and could reach 5–7% of GDP by 2030, driven by rising IT exports, digital payments, and increasing internet and mobile use.

Pakistan digital economy seen reaching 7% GDP by 2030: Report

ISLAMABAD: Kashf Foundation has won UNDP Pakistan&rsquo;s Insurance Innovation Challenge, paving the way for the launch of a Shariah-compliant micro-pension product for low-income women entrepreneurs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, UNDP Pakistan said on Tuesday.&nbsp; The product, called Khushal Mustaqbil Takaful (KMT), is designed to address a major social protection gap in Pakistan&rsquo;s informal economy, where only around 10-12% of the labor force has pension coverage.&nbsp; According to UNDP, the scheme will offer flexible contribution options, emergency access to funds, and incidental insurance coverage for participants&rsquo; families.&nbsp; &ldquo;KMT will help low-income, women-led businesses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by strengthening their ability to withstand economic and climate shocks,&rdquo; said Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan, Samuel Rizk.&nbsp; The initiative will be implemented in partnership with Jubilee Life Insurance and will be launched across 10 districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In 2026, the program plans to reach 39,000 women through financial awareness sessions and enroll 15,000 women in the insurance policy.&nbsp; It will focus on long-term savings, family risk protection, and financial awareness for underserved women working in informal livelihoods.&nbsp; Lessons from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa rollout will be used to assess the model&rsquo;s scalability and possible expansion to other regions. UNDP said the program is being supported through its Insurance and Risk Finance Facility, which backs innovation challenges in 23 countries.&nbsp; This is the first time the agency has convened an innovation challenge in disaster risk finance and insurance in Pakistan.

The scheme will offer flexible contribution options, emergency access to funds, and incidental insurance coverage for participants’ families. 


Kashf Foundation wins UNDP Pakistan’s insurance innovation challenge

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s leadership on Monday reviewed the country&rsquo;s energy supplies and economic situation, emphasizing the need to protect the public from rising prices amid global market volatility and regional uncertainty, according to official statements. President Asif Ali Zardari chaired an expanded consultative meeting in Islamabad with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, provincial leaders, and senior cabinet members, directing authorities to take &ldquo;all possible measures&rdquo; to ease the burden of rising costs on the public, particularly for essential goods and services, according to the President&#39;s Media Wing. The meeting was told that despite global pressures, timely decisions had ensured no disruption in fuel supply, with adequate stocks available and future arrangements underway. Officials also reviewed the broader regional situation and its potential impact on Pakistan&rsquo;s security environment, economic outlook and food security. Sufficient petrol availabilitySeparately, a cabinet committee overseeing petroleum prices said the country&rsquo;s fuel supply remained stable, with diesel stocks covering around 23-24 days and petrol availability sufficient. Crude oil stocks were reported to cover about 11 days, with additional shipments in transit expected to sustain refinery operations through April, according to the Finance Division statement. The committee noted that international oil markets remained volatile, with rising benchmark prices and higher cargo premiums linked to regional developments. It said import plans for April were being actively managed, with volumes secured through commercial and government-to-government arrangements. Officials said refinery operations were being maintained at optimal levels to meet domestic demand, while procurement strategies were being adjusted to secure favourable supply terms under existing contracts, as per the statement. Authorities also reviewed fuel demand trends, noting increased consumption in recent weeks, and directed provincial administrations to strengthen oversight to prevent hoarding and ensure smooth distribution. The government said efforts were underway to maintain an uninterrupted fuel supply while minimising the impact of global price fluctuations on consumers.

Pakistan’s leadership reviews the country’s energy supplies and economic situation, stressing the need to shield the public from rising prices amid global market volatility and regional uncertainty.

Pakistan reviews fuel supplies, vows public relief amid global volatility

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&#39;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that proposals to raise oil prices had been rejected and that government savings would be redirected to citizens. According to an official statement from the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office, PM Sharif chaired a high-level review meeting Monday on the effects of the Gulf crisis on petroleum supplies, current fuel reserves, and public relief measures. The prime minister said the government has cut its own expenditures, reduced the developmental budget, and immediately suspended 60% of government vehicles.&nbsp; Funds generated through these austerity measures have been allocated for public relief. Relief measures Relief measures will be delivered through the country&#39;s digital systems, the prime minister stated. He said that Pakistan&#39;s economically weaker segments would not be left without support during the current difficulty. According to the statement, further relief for lower- and middle-class citizens is being planned. Coordination with provincial governments is underway to fast-track ownership registration for motorcycle and rickshaw owners. This will enable them to benefit from potential relief programs, the PM was informed during the meeting. Officials told the PM that adequate fuel reserves are available to meet national needs and that procurement arrangements for the future are in place. A levy increase on high-octane fuel used in large luxury vehicles has not affected jet fuel prices, officials said. An audit report from the Intelligence Bureau on the progress of the prime minister&#39;s fuel savings measures and austerity campaign was presented to the meeting. Officials confirmed that&nbsp;implementation of the campaign is being actively enforced. The prime minister stated that despite the global crisis, no disruption in fuel supply has occurred. He said Pakistan is also pursuing diplomatic efforts toward regional peace. A separate briefing covered current medicine stocks, with officials confirming an ample supply is available to meet national needs. Suggestions on future courses of action were also presented to the meeting. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Attaullah Tarar, Dr Musadiq Malik, Ahad Khan Cheema, Syed Mustafa Kamal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ali Pervez Malik, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Rana Mubashar Iqbal, and Sardar Awais Khan Leghari. Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiani, Special Assistants Tariq Fatemi and Talha Barky, National Assembly members Engineer Qamar ul Islam, Riaz Hussain, and Hafiz Muhammad Numan and other senior officials also attended the meeting.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting to review implementation of fuel conservation and austerity measures in Islamabad on Monday, March 30, 2026. (PMO)

PM Sharif chairs emergency review as Islamabad draws on austerity savings to shield lower-income citizens from mounting fuel pressures.

Pakistan cuts government spending, rejects oil price hikes amid Gulf oil crisis

ISLAMABAD: On World Autism Awareness Day, Pakistan reiterated its dedication to advancing the rights, education, and social inclusion of individuals with autism. Under this year&rsquo;s theme, &ldquo;Autism and Humanity: Every Life Has Value,&rdquo; Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described autism as a neurodevelopmental difference that &quot;can affect communication, language, and social interaction,&quot; according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister&#39;s Office.&nbsp; &ldquo;Individuals on the autism spectrum deserve understanding, acceptance, and equal opportunities to participate fully in society,&rdquo; the PM said. Providing appropriate care, education, and training to children with special needs remains one of the government&rsquo;s top priorities, he said, with efforts underway to enhance their capabilities using available resources.&nbsp; Part of those efforts includes a state-of-the-art Center of Excellence for Autism whose foundation stone was laid by the federal government in December 2025. The center is expected to be completed within the year, as per the PM&#39;s statement. The PM stressed that supporting children with special abilities was a collective responsibility and paid tribute to parents, teachers, and caregivers for their dedication. He said advanced facilities were urgently needed across the country so that persons with autism and other developmental challenges do not feel isolated.&nbsp; In a message on the day, President Asif Ali Zardari said the government was working to strengthen support systems through early identification, inclusive education, rehabilitation services, and public awareness to reduce barriers faced by individuals with autism. &ldquo;Autism is not a limitation, it is a different way of experiencing the world,&rdquo; the president said.&nbsp; &ldquo;Our responsibility is to ensure that individuals on the autism spectrum have access to the support, education and understanding they need to live with confidence.&rdquo; Numbers impacted&nbsp;Citing global estimates, Zardari said one in every 100 children is on the autism spectrum, with signs appearing early in life and affecting communication, learning, and interaction. In Pakistan, available estimates suggest about 0.5% of the population is affected, according to APP. Given the country&#39;s population of nearly 250 million, this figure translates to well over a million individuals, many of them children. A study by Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) estimates that around two million children in Pakistan are affected by learning and developmental disabilities, including dyslexia and autism, with most diagnosed at a late stage. How can the challenges be combated?&nbsp;According to the WHO, evidence shows that early identification, inclusive education and nurturing care in families and communities can significantly improve health, well-being and participation.&nbsp; President Zardari, in his statement, highlighted how challenging it can be for parents who &quot;often have to travel long distances to find specialized care or adjust work schedules to attend therapy sessions.&quot;&nbsp; In an effort to counter this, the president said the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad has set up a dedicated autism center offering diagnostic services, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral support and guidance for parents. Such facilities are important in building a more coordinated approach to care. Screening during routine child health visits, along with better training for doctors, teachers and community workers, can help ensure quicker referrals. Nutritional support during pregnancy, including folic acid supplementation, has also been shown to reduce risk. This allows children to receive help when it can make the greatest difference,&rdquo; the president said. &quot;A society is measured by how it treats those who need support,&quot; he added.&nbsp; &quot;We must ensure that individuals with autism are able to live with dignity, take part in daily life and pursue their potential without unnecessary obstacles.&quot; Globally, the WHO says one in every 127 people is diagnosed with autism. The health organization has placed autism among the top ten brain health conditions contributing to health loss worldwide.

Health

Under this year’s theme, “Autism and Humanity: Every Life Has Value,” Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described autism as a neurodevelopmental difference that "can affect communication, language, and social interaction," according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office. 

PM, president call for greater inclusion as Pakistan marks Autism Awareness Day

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will vaccinate more than 45 million children during its second nationwide polio eradication campaign of 2026, scheduled to run from April 13 to April 19, the National Emergency Operations Center (EOC) said on Monday.&nbsp;The week-long drive will be conducted across the country, with health teams administering oral polio vaccine drops to children under the age of five.&nbsp;In addition to polio vaccination, children will also receive supplementary doses of Vitamin A to boost immunity and support overall health, the EOC said.&nbsp;Over 413,000 polio workers will take part in the campaign, carrying out door-to-door vaccination and related activities nationwide.&nbsp;According to official data, over <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-launches-2026-polio-campaign-for-45-million-children" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">23 million children will be vaccinated in Punjab</a> province, 10.6 million in Sindh, 7.2 million in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and 2.6 million in Balochistan province.&nbsp;Meanwhile, more than 460,000 children will receive polio drops in the federal capital Islamabad, 228,000 in Gilgit-Baltistan, and over 760,000 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;Health authorities described polio eradication as a shared national responsibility and urged parents to fully cooperate with vaccination teams to ensure that all eligible children receive the vaccine.&nbsp;They emphasized that the timely administration of polio drops is essential to protect children from lifelong disability and to secure a polio-free future for the country.

Pakistan to run its second national polio vaccination campaign of 2026 from April 13 to April 19. (Polio Free Pakistan)

The week-long drive will be conducted across the country, with health teams administering oral polio vaccine drops to children under the age of five.

Pakistan to vaccinate over 45M children in anti-polio campaign

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&#39;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan has made the elimination of tuberculosis (TB) a key public health priority&nbsp;as the country marked World Tuberculosis Day. In an official statement by the Prime Minister&#39;s Office, PM Sharif&nbsp;outlined a comprehensive strategy focused on early diagnosis, universal access to quality treatment, disease prevention, and improved patient care. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 945px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2036173185243123937&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F4879%2F&sessionId=c58bd1d0857ebd97a0314139cb2ef886565192f7&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> Calling TB &quot;one of the leading infectious diseases&quot; and a &quot;serious health, social and economic challenge&quot; for Pakistan and much of the developing world, he said the government was expanding modern diagnostic facilities, improving laboratory networks and strengthening surveillance systems. The government is also planning to integrate TB services into primary healthcare centers to ensure uninterrupted treatment nationwide. &ldquo;Today, on World Tuberculosis Day, Pakistan, together with the international community, reaffirms its commitment to completely eliminate the treatable and preventable disease of tuberculosis,&rdquo; he said. PM Sharif stated that the disease disproportionately affects marginalized communities and is closely linked to poverty, malnutrition, and inequality. He said the World Tuberculosis Day serves to raise public awareness about the disease and to intensify efforts to eliminate it. The prime minister&nbsp;stated that public participation was essential. Community health workers, civil society organizations, researchers, and private healthcare providers played a key role in tackling stigma, promoting early diagnosis, and ensuring treatment continuity. He mentioned that international cooperation, technical partnerships, and sustained global funding was also critical to achieving complete elimination of the disease. PM Sharif called on federal and provincial governments, development partners, academia, the private sector, media, and community leaders to strengthen coordinated efforts to ensure that no TB patient was left untreated.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister stated that tuberculosis elimination is a public health priority for the government. (National Institutes of Health, Islamabad Pakistan)

PM Sharif says tuberculosis elimination is a national priority, outlining plans to expand diagnosis, treatment and prevention while urging public participation and funding.

Pakistan ramps up fight against tuberculosis with new national strategy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said that the world was facing a moment of &ldquo;polycrisis&rdquo; as &ldquo;geopolitical hostility, climate stress, and technological disruption&rdquo; were all converging into a single destabilizing force.&nbsp; The prime minister&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pm-sharif-accorded-guard-of-honor-in-vienna" style="color:#0073e6;">arrived</a>&nbsp;in Austria last week for a two-day&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-pm-to-visit-austria-for-first-time-in-34-years" style="color:#0073e6;">official visit</a>&nbsp;at the invitation of Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, and Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch are also part of the visiting delegation. While&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/austriapakistan-leaders-reaffirm-bilateral-relations-expand-economic-cooperation" style="color:#0073e6;">addressing</a>&nbsp;the United Nations&rsquo; Special Event on Sustainable Development, Pathway for Global Peace and Prosperity held in Vienna International Center, the premier said the &ldquo;only one route to durable peace&rdquo; was the route of &ldquo;sustainable development that leaves no one behind.&rdquo; &ldquo;It is humanity&#39;s ultimate prevention tool, and therefore it is need of the hour,&rdquo; PM Sharif said, adding that &ldquo;development cannot be called sustainable if it excludes millions from the promise of a better life.&rdquo; &ldquo;We must therefore pursue policies that promote inclusion, strengthen social protection, and ensure equitable distribution of resources,&rdquo; he added.&nbsp; The prime minister reminded the gathering that Pakistan&rsquo;s experience with climate change was illustrative as &ldquo;developing countries, despite contributing least to global emissions and historical inequities, bear the heaviest cost of climate change, debt distress, and economic volatility.&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;We contribute less than 1% of global emissions, yet we bear the brunt of cascading impacts,&rdquo; he said, asserting that the climate crisis &ldquo;erode human security at its core.&rdquo; &ldquo;Despite formidable challenges, Pakistan remains firmly committed to the ideals of sustainable development,&rdquo; PM Sharif said.&nbsp;&ldquo;Our focus is on human development, education, health care, food security, and social protection, particularly for women and youth, who represent our greatest asset and our future,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Therefore, let us not merely address the festering wounds of our world. Let us heal them at their source,&rdquo; the prime minister added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pakistan’s prime minister says “geopolitical hostility, climate stress, and technological disruption” were all converging into a single destabilizing force,” adds that only one route to durable peace was the route of “sustainable development that leaves no one behind.”

Planet facing a moment of 'polycrisis,' PM Sharif tells UN

Pakistan TV Satellite

ISLAMABAD: Kazakhstan has expressed strong readiness to enhance cooperation with Pakistan in science, research, and higher education, as part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and promote knowledge-driven economic growth. Kazakhstan&rsquo;s Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek, in an exclusive interview with Pakistan TV, said Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a regional knowledge and research hub for Central Asia, with higher education at the core of its economic transformation.&nbsp; He noted that rapid global technological change, particularly the rise of artificial intelligence, has made investment in education, research, and human capital more critical than ever. He said Kazakhstan is building a knowledge-based economy by training its youth and attracting global expertise. Mr. Nurbek said Kazakhstan is establishing specialized research centers in key areas including mining, agriculture, nuclear research, and social sciences, aimed at supporting industrial growth and informed policymaking.&nbsp; He said Pakistan has strong universities and a large pool of talented youth, and emphasized that collaboration between the two countries could help expand access to quality education. He added that President of Kazakhstan&rsquo;s visit to Pakistan reflects strengthening bilateral relations, including in science and higher education. Highlighting people-to-people connections, the minister said Pakistan and Kazakhstan share historical roots, cultural links, and similarities in language that should bring the two nations closer. He said Kazakhstan is exploring scholarship opportunities for Pakistani students and identifying artificial intelligence and agriculture as priority areas for cooperation. Mr. Nurbek further said Kazakhstan is streamlining its visa system to provide faster processing for Pakistani students.&nbsp; He said hundreds and thousands of Pakistani students could study in Kazakhstan and also explore employment opportunities after completing their education, calling academic mobility a key pillar of future bilateral cooperation.

Education

Kazakhstan has expressed strong readiness to enhance cooperation with Pakistan in science, research, and higher education, as part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and promote knowledge-driven economic growth

Kazakhstan ready to deepen cooperation with Pakistan in science and higher education

<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;" id="isPasted">ISLAMABAD: The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain Khan, visited the University of Management and Technology (UMT), where he met the university president, Ibrahim Hasan Murad, to discuss bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh, with a focus on education and research partnerships.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;"> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;">During the meeting, both sides held detailed discussions on bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh, cooperation in education and research, and the expansion of higher education partnerships.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;"> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;">Speaking on the occasion, Murad said strengthening regional cooperation, trade relations, and people-to-people contacts is the need of the hour. He said educational and research collaboration between Pakistan and Bangladesh can create new opportunities for the youth of both countries and play a vital role in achieving shared goals of sustainable development.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;"> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;">In a post on X, he wrote, &ldquo;High Commissioner of Bangladesh, H.E. Md. Iqbal Hussain Khan visited Chairman &amp; President UMT, Ibrahim Hasan Murad, at his office today. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding educational cooperation, and promoting people-to-people connectivity between Pakistan and Bangladesh.&rdquo;<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 549.991px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; line-height: 2;"><iframe scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2013238323171754270&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=ea4ebdacda112f6d173a949b7b088b1f6f6baedb&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="box-sizing: border-box; position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 672px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;"> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;">The post added that both sides emphasized the importance of dialogue, academic exchange, and collaborative initiatives to foster mutual understanding and long-term partnership.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;"> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;">High Commissioner Iqbal Hussain Khan appreciated UMT&rsquo;s academic contributions, quality education system, and research-oriented environment. He said Pakistan and Bangladesh would further strengthen their diplomatic and educational ties to achieve common development objectives.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;"> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;">He described cooperation in higher education as crucial for enhancing bilateral relations and said he was committed to expanding collaboration in education, research, and people-to-people engagement in the future.

High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain Khan (left), in a meeting with UMT President Ibrahim Hasan Murad at his office on January 19, 2026. (X / @ibrahimhmurad)

The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain Khan, visits the University of Management and Technology, where he meets President UMT Ibrahim Hasan Murad to discuss bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh with a focus on education and research partnerships.

Pakistan's university hosts Bangladesh high commissioner to discuss education cooperation

ISLAMABAD:&nbsp;Pakistan&rsquo;s oil and gas regulator has issued clear safety guidance for everyday consumers using liquefied petroleum gas cylinders at home, stressing that basic precautions can significantly reduce the risk of fires, leaks, and explosions. The guidelines, issued by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority, focus on safe handling, proper storage, and prompt response to gas leaks, particularly for domestic users. Proper placement and ventilationOGRA advises consumers to always keep gas cylinders in open, well-ventilated areas and away from direct heat. Safety instructions emphasize that cylinders should never be placed in confined or poorly ventilated spaces. &ldquo;Always keep the cylinder in a safe and well-ventilated place,&rdquo; OGRA safety material states, highlighting ventilation as a first line of defense against gas buildup. Safe use during daily cookingHouseholds are advised to close the regulator immediately after use to prevent accidental leaks. OGRA guidance also warns against unsafe actions if a gas odor is detected. &ldquo;If you smell gas, never light a lighter, matchsticks, or turn on electric switches,&rdquo; the safety notice says, noting that even a small spark can trigger a fire. Immediate steps in case of leakageIn the event of a suspected leak, OGRA instructs consumers to act quickly but calmly. The guidance states that windows and doors should be opened immediately to allow gas to disperse. &ldquo;Immediately open windows and doors, and promptly inform the relevant gas or LPG companies,&rdquo; the safety instructions say. Household awareness and child safetyOGRA also emphasizes public awareness as a key safety measure. Consumers are encouraged to educate family members about proper cylinder handling, keep cylinders out of children&rsquo;s reach, and ensure that safety valves and regulators are not tampered with. The authority&rsquo;s safety material highlights &ldquo;proper usage and handling,&rdquo; &ldquo;child safety,&rdquo; and &ldquo;storage precautions&rdquo; as essential steps for households. Routine inspections are strongly encouraged to identify worn-out regulators, damaged pipes, or loose connections. OGRA guidance emphasizes early detection and adherence to leakage protocols, advising consumers to regularly check cylinder contents and fittings. Regulations on LPG useThe use, storage, and distribution of liquefied petroleum gas in Pakistan are governed by detailed safety and licensing regulations aimed at reducing risk and ensuring public safety, according to official regulatory criteria issued in February 2024. Under the rules, any company seeking to set up liquefied petroleum gas storage or filling facilities must obtain prior approval from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority. &ldquo;Any company entitled by its memorandum of association or any other appropriate instrument to engage in LPG business may apply to set up LPG storage and filling facilities,&rdquo; the document says, adding that applications must be submitted on a prescribed form along with a nonrefundable fee of Rs 500,000. The regulations require a separate, site-specific license for construction, which is issued only after verification by a third-party inspector. &ldquo;A separate and site-specific licence for construction of LPG storage and filling facility or plant shall be granted by the Authority, after verification of the site by OGRA&rsquo;s third-party inspector,&rdquo; the criteria state. Location restrictions are a central part of the framework. The rules specify that &ldquo;the LPG storage and filling plant shall not be located in a residential or commercial area,&rdquo; and that no residential or commercial building may exist within a 100-meter radius of the proposed site at the time of inspection. Applicants are also required to demonstrate financial and technical capacity. The criteria mandate submission of a financial competence certificate from a Pakistani bank, confirming that the applicant has sufficient funds to undertake the project.

The Pakistan regulator's safety guidelines for domestic gas cylinder use include proper ventilation, safe handling, leak response, and regular inspections, and it enforces strict regulations on commercial gas cylinder operations.

Safety guidelines for households using gas cylinders 

Muhammad Usman Amin

PESHAWAR: On a quiet weekday afternoon inside the University of Peshawar&rsquo;s business incubation center, Farishta Noor Uthmankhel speaks calmly about elections, community service, and the everyday boundaries faced by women in her hometown of Malakand in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.&nbsp;Her voice is measured, but her journey carries far beyond the walls of the small office where she now runs her startup.&nbsp;Soft-spoken by nature, Noor has emerged as a recognizable advocate for women from Pakistan&rsquo;s tribal regions, taking local concerns to national and international platforms. Raised in Malakand, she is currently pursuing a master&rsquo;s degree in journalism while serving as a member of the Prime Minister&rsquo;s National Youth Council and developing her own business venture.&nbsp;Her work recently earned international recognition when she was named runner-up in the Asian category of the Women Changing the World Awards, bringing renewed attention to grassroots efforts led by young Pakistani women.&nbsp;&ldquo;I was nominated by someone in China,&rdquo; Noor said, recalling the announcement. &ldquo;It was not at all in my subconscious that I would even be a runner-up, because it was a competition between many countries.&rdquo;&nbsp;She remembers watching the virtual ceremony from her office. &ldquo;I was holding my heart, fingers crossed, praying to God,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;When I heard my name, I felt this was a great achievement, not only for the women of Pakistan, but especially for tribal girls.&rdquo;&nbsp;For Noor, the recognition reflects years of community-based work aimed at presenting a fuller picture of life in Pakistan&rsquo;s tribal areas. &ldquo;We are not violent as is portrayed,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;We are actually a very peaceful society, and I want the world to see that.&rdquo;&nbsp;Her advocacy is rooted in Malakand and across KP, where she has focused on issues often left unspoken. Noor was the youngest Pakistani woman to contest local government elections, a step she described as necessary to ensure women&rsquo;s voices were present in decision-making spaces.&nbsp;She has consistently raised awareness about gender-based challenges, writing and speaking against practices that reduce women&rsquo;s agency. &ldquo;A woman cannot be a commodity for anything,&rdquo; she said, explaining the principle guiding her activism.&nbsp;One of her most visible initiatives addresses menstrual health, a subject often treated with silence. Noor visited schools and held discussions with young girls to encourage openness and understanding. &ldquo;If we do not talk about it, the problem remains,&rdquo; she explained.&nbsp;Her commitment also takes practical form. As a peace activist, she organized two medical camps in her hometown of Hariankot, becoming the first woman to do so there. The camps served more than 2,900 patients, many of them women seeking guidance on health concerns that had long gone unaddressed.&nbsp;Noor is preparing to represent Pakistan at the global Women Changing the World Awards ceremony in Paris on April 22 next year. &ldquo;I will be going there as a face of Pakhtun women and as a Pakhtun girl,&rdquo; she said.&nbsp;She hopes the platform will allow her to highlight positive contributions from Pakhtun society and to amplify the work of women whose efforts often remain unseen.&nbsp;&ldquo;There are many Pakhtun girls doing remarkable work in their own fields,&rdquo; she noted. &ldquo;They just need a medium.&rdquo;&nbsp;While international recognition has broadened her reach, Noor says her long-term goal remains rooted at home. She envisions entering politics to help shape policies affecting her community. &ldquo;I want to go to the assemblies where I can do policy making, where I can speak about my community,&rdquo; she said.&nbsp;Her concern is particularly for girls still outside the education system. &ldquo;My girls are still out of school, whether they are in Khyber or Waziristan or Mohmand,&rdquo; Noor said. &ldquo;I want to open a medium for them as well.&rdquo;&nbsp;Farishta Noor Uthmankhel is not seeking attention for herself alone. Through steady work and quiet resolve, she hopes to set a path for others to follow. &ldquo;I want Pakhtun women to illuminate the name of the country and the nation everywhere in the world,&rdquo; she said. An affirmation that meaningful change can begin with a single, determined voice.

Farishta Noor Uthmankhel, a young activist from Malakand in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has gained international recognition for amplifying the voices of Pathan women through grassroots activism and global advocacy.

From Malakand to world stage, Farishta Noor amplifies Pathan women

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced that the dredging of the Karachi Port Trust main channel by Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited, which began on Wednesday, will represent a significant upgrade to maritime infrastructure. In a statement, the minister&nbsp;said that the work follows a formal agreement between KPT and KGTL to enhance navigational capacity and meet rising demands from international shipping.&nbsp; &quot;This initiative underscores the government&#39;s commitment to modernizing port facilities and bolstering Pakistan&#39;s role in regional and global trade. Upon completion within three months, the project will enable KPT to accommodate vessels up to 350 meters in length with a gross registered tonnage (GRT) of 100,000,&quot; the minister said.&nbsp; &quot;This will boost port efficiency by handling higher-capacity ships, reducing congestion, and shortening turnaround times.&quot;&nbsp; The dredging will deepen the upper and lower harbour channels to 14 meters for safer navigation, while 14 berths will be raised to 15.5 meters to accommodate larger ships and expand cargo-handling capacity.&nbsp; The minister said that the project will drive higher trade volumes, slash shipping costs, streamline logistics, and fuel national economic growth.

Politics

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry says that the project will drive higher trade volumes, slash shipping costs, streamline logistics, and fuel national economic growth.

Karachi Port channel dredging to bolster Pakistan's maritime infrastructure

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will observe this year&rsquo;s national day on March 23 with simplicity at all its diplomatic missions abroad, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. In a message shared on social media platform X, Dar wrote that, &quot;This year&rsquo;s 23rd March National Day will be observed with simplicity at all Pakistan&rsquo;s Missions abroad, limited to the traditional flag-hoisting ceremony. &quot;I<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important;" id="isPasted">n the light of the Prime Minister&rsquo;s announced austerity measures, and as a mark of solidarity with the countries and peoples of the Middle East and the wider region affected by the ongoing conflict and the tragic loss of innocent lives, National Day receptions will not be held this year. &quot;Pakistan hopes that dialogue and diplomacy will prevail, and that peace, stability and prosperity will soon return to the entire region and beyond,&quot; the foreign minister said.

Pakistan National Day Parade (Radio Pakistan) 

In a message shared on X, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that in light of the prime minister’s announced austerity measures, and as a mark of solidarity with the countries and peoples of the Middle East and the wider region affected by the ongoing conflict and the tragic loss of innocent lives, Pakistan Day receptions at its diplomatic missions abroad will not be held this year.

Pakistan diplomatic missions to observe national day with simplicity

ISLAMABAD: The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed deep concern over renewed military clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, urging both sides to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue to prevent further escalation in the region.&nbsp;In a statement issued Saturday, the UAE called for de-escalation and warned against actions that could further destabilize South Asia.&nbsp; The ministry stressed the importance of reason and diplomacy in resolving disputes, reaffirming the UAE&rsquo;s support for initiatives aimed at strengthening security, stability and development for both nations.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 730px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2027539408497627315&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=9c71badaeab44631c36a928ea704ec4fb86ef973&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px"></iframe></div></div>The diplomatic appeal came as Pakistan carried out what officials described as its most extensive military strikes inside Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.&nbsp; Pakistani authorities said the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-says-297-taliban-fighters-killed-in-afghanistan-strikes" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">operations targeted multiple locations</a>, including Kabul and Kandahar, in response to what they termed unprovoked cross-border attacks originating from Afghan territory. Islamabad declared a state of &ldquo;war footing,&rdquo; signaling heightened military readiness.&nbsp;Pakistani officials maintained that the strikes were defensive in nature and aimed at degrading militant capabilities allegedly being used to threaten Pakistan&rsquo;s national security. They emphasized that the operations fall within Pakistan&rsquo;s sovereign right to self-defense under international law. Washington&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/trump-says-us-will-not-intervene-in-pakistanafghan-situation" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">signaled support for Islamabad&rsquo;s position</a>. The United States&rsquo; stance was formally conveyed by Allison Hooker, the US under secretary of state for political affairs, who said after talks with her Pakistani counterpart that the United States &ldquo;expressed support for Pakistan&rsquo;s right to defend itself against Taliban attacks.&rdquo;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 321px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2027488449171730683&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=9c71badaeab44631c36a928ea704ec4fb86ef973&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px"></iframe></div></div>International reactions, however, were mixed. The European Union urged both sides to step back from further confrontation. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called for immediate de-escalation and a return to dialogue amid rising violence. &ldquo;The EU reiterates that Afghan territory must not be used to threaten or attack other countries and calls on the Afghan de facto authorities to take effective action against all terrorist groups operating in or from Afghanistan,&rdquo; Kallas said in a statement. Concerns were also voiced by the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, both of which highlighted the humanitarian risks of escalating conflict. Britain, Norway and Azerbaijan similarly called for restraint and immediate de-escalation. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are underway to contain tensions. China, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have reportedly initiated contacts aimed at facilitating dialogue between Islamabad and Kabul.&nbsp;As regional and global stakeholders urge calm, Pakistan has reiterated that its actions are a necessary response to sustained cross-border aggression, while emphasizing its commitment to regional peace and stability. The evolving situation continues to draw close international scrutiny amid fears of broader instability in South Asia.

Pakistani soldiers patrol near the Pakistan–Afghanistan border crossing in Chaman on February 27, 2026, following overnight cross-border fighting between the two countries. (Photo: AFP)

The ministry stresses the importance of reason and diplomacy in resolving disputes, reaffirming the UAE’s support for initiatives aimed at strengthening security, stability and development for both nations.


UAE calls for de-escalation amid renewed Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions

Security personnel stand guard outside a mosque following an explosion in Islamabad on February 6, 2026. (AFP)

Retaliatory Pakistani airstrikes killed 133 Taliban fighters after Afghan forces launched a large border assault, marking the sharpest escalation in weeks of bombings, terrorist attacks and mounting tensions along the Afghanistan frontier.

Why Pakistan struck Afghanistan 

Foreign Affairs

ISLAMABAD: Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty expressed his gratitude to Pakistan&rsquo;s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for the hospitality shown during the recent meeting of foreign ministers in Islamabad. He also welcomed the Pakistan-China five-point initiative, which aims to promote dialogue and help resolve conflicts, as stated by Pakistan&#39;s Foreign Office in a post on X. The conversation highlighted Islamabad&rsquo;s efforts to build support for a diplomatic, negotiation-led approach amid heightened instability in the region.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; line-height: 2;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2039620873490227229&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Fsections%2F&sessionId=ae7ddec59798bc7abb6eee7d2c7b3f942873f552&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 746px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>&nbsp;Egypt&rsquo;s positive response to the five-point proposal suggests that Pakistan&rsquo;s outreach is resonating with key regional actors seeking de-escalation rather than further confrontation. Both ministers reaffirmed the close fraternal relations between Pakistan and Egypt and agreed to remain in close contact.&nbsp;The exchange underscored the importance both governments attach to sustained engagement as the regional situation continues to evolve. The call also reflects Pakistan&rsquo;s broader diplomatic position as an advocate of dialogue, political settlement and peace while strengthening coordination with influential partners in the Muslim world.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, spoke by telephone with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Wednesday night, with both sides reaffirming close bilateral ties and continued diplomatic coordination amid wider regional tensions.

 Pakistan-Egypt FMs reiterate support for peace initiatives

Web Desk/AFP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday said the responsibility for ending hostilities with Afghanistan rests with Kabul, as both sides engage in ongoing talks aimed at easing tensions following weeks of cross-border conflict.&nbsp;Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Pakistan is participating in the dialogue process but expects concrete action from Afghan authorities.&nbsp;&ldquo;The burden of real process&hellip; lies with Afghanistan, which must demonstrate visible and verifiable actions against terrorist groups using its soil against Pakistan,&rdquo; Andrabi told reporters at a weekly briefing.&nbsp;Talks began in Urumqi, China, after Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar traveled to Beijing for discussions with Chinese officials, including Wang Yi.&nbsp;Andrabi described the engagement as preliminary.&nbsp;&ldquo;These are working-level talks&hellip; our delegation has not returned yet,&rdquo; he said, adding that Pakistan is seeking a &ldquo;durable solution.&rdquo;&nbsp;Conflict, pause and renewed diplomacyThe talks come after weeks of heightened tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, where Islamabad launched Operation Ghazab lil Haq following sustained cross-border terrorist attacks.&nbsp;The operation was briefly paused during Eid-ul-Fitr at the request of regional partners before resuming after the truce period ended.&nbsp;Pakistani officials say the campaign targets terrorist infrastructure, including camps, logistics networks and support systems used to carry out attacks inside Pakistan.&nbsp;Pakistan highlights diplomatic outreachAndrabi said Pakistan has simultaneously intensified diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions both regionally and beyond.&nbsp;He noted that Islamabad hosted a second round of four-party consultations with foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, T&uuml;rkiye, and Egypt, following an earlier meeting in Riyadh.&nbsp;The discussions focused on de-escalation, humanitarian concerns and promoting dialogue amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the Gulf region.&nbsp;&ldquo;The ministers agreed on dialogue as the primary path to prevent conflict and strengthen cooperation,&rdquo; Andrabi said.&nbsp;He added that Pakistan has also engaged in extensive diplomatic outreach through high-level calls and consultations with regional and global leaders.&nbsp;China engagement and regional coordination&nbsp;Andrabi highlighted Dar&rsquo;s recent visit to China as a key development, where both sides discussed Afghanistan and broader regional stability.&nbsp;He said a five-point peace initiative jointly emphasized cessation of hostilities, humanitarian assistance, civilian protection, dialogue and adherence to international law.&nbsp;Pakistan also welcomed steps aimed at maintaining stability in critical global trade routes, including safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, he added.&nbsp;Push for verifiable actionDespite ongoing talks, Pakistan maintains that progress depends on concrete steps by Afghan authorities.&nbsp;&ldquo;We did explore all avenues&hellip; but violence and attacks from Afghanistan did not stop,&rdquo; Andrabi said, referring to past diplomatic engagement efforts.&nbsp;Officials say Islamabad remains committed to dialogue but insists that any sustainable resolution requires guarantees that Afghan territory will not be used for terrorism against Pakistan.&nbsp;The talks in China are ongoing, with Pakistani officials framing them as part of a broader effort to balance military action with diplomacy amid a complex and evolving regional security landscape.

Pakistan intensified its diplomatic efforts last week to address ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, the Persian Gulf, and Iran, engaging in high-level meetings, bilateral talks, and regional consultations.

Pakistan says Afghanistan must act as talks seek end hostilities

ISLAMABAD: Political analyst Zoon Ahmed Khan has highlighted Pakistan and China&rsquo;s crucial roles in promoting stability and dialogue in the region on Tuesday.&nbsp; Speaking on Pakistan TV&rsquo;s The Newsroom with Sana Maqbool from Beijing, China, Zoon Ahmad Khan emphasized that both countries have long-term stakes in regional peace, connectivity and adherence to international law. She said China and Pakistan have consistently supported regional efforts, including trilateral dialogues with Iran focused on peace.&nbsp; &ldquo;We are members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and have spearheaded initiatives to reduce misunderstandings and improve dialogue,&rdquo; the political analyst said. On Pakistan&rsquo;s role in the Middle East, Zoon said Pakistan has a security pact with Saudi Arabia, strong ties with neighbors like Iran, and has repeatedly pursued diplomacy and dialogue despite challenges. <div class="fr-embed youtube-embed"> </div>&ldquo;Pakistan, with a very balanced approach towards its neighbors and towards the Middle East region at large, is an excellent candidate; a country that can bring together the foreign ministers&#39; dialogue,&rdquo; she said, adding that, &ldquo;You have Turkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia coming together, trusting Pakistan, again, because of Pakistan&#39;s track record and the way Pakistan has conducted itself for years&rdquo;. Zoon also&nbsp;praised China&rsquo;s role in global peace initiatives.&nbsp; &ldquo;China promotes peace, connectivity, and dialogue through projects like the Belt and Road Initiative and multilateral mediation efforts. Its five principles of peaceful coexistence, central to its foreign policy, echo the spirit of the Bandung Movement and the rise of the Global South,&rdquo; she said. Highlighting Pakistan-China cooperation, Zoon Ahmad Khan said the strategic partnership, mutual trust and regional experience position both countries to facilitate positive developments.&nbsp; &ldquo;Pakistan previously played a key role in easing tensions between China and the US, demonstrating our capacity to act responsibly in times of global crises,&rdquo; she added. Zoon said the stakes are high, and all responsible countries must step up to prevent conflicts that could affect the world at large.

Middle East War ceasefire being discussed on Pakistan TV Satellite show, The Newsroom. (Screengrab: Pakisan TV Satellite)

Zoon Ahmed Khan says Pakistan and China play key roles in promoting regional peace, dialogue, and stability through cooperation and diplomacy.

Pakistan, China positioned to foster regional peace, analyst Zoon says

PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has placed upper districts of Pakistan&rsquo;s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on high alert after a deadly spell of extreme weather, warning of potential glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and flash flooding.&nbsp;The move comes as the province reels from fatalities and widespread damage caused by severe storms and structural collapses since March 25.&nbsp;Glacial lake outburst floods occur when natural dams holding back glacial lakes suddenly fail, releasing massive volumes of water and debris.&nbsp;These events can trigger catastrophic flash floods and landslides, threatening downstream communities.&nbsp;Speaking to Pakistan TV Digital, PDMA Spokesperson Anwar Shehzad warned that the Malakand and Hazara regions face heightened risks.&nbsp;&ldquo;In Hazara we see a lot of landslides and in Malakand Division, there are glaciers in Swat, Kohistan, Upper Dir, Upper Chitral, and Lower Chitral. The risk of glacial outbursts is high here,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Heavy rains cause water levels in streams to rise, and the connected tributaries/nullahs then overflow. This water moves toward populated areas, increasing the flash flood risk.&rdquo;&nbsp;Shehzad described current weather patterns as &ldquo;atypical,&rdquo; noting that unusually early seasonal rains in March and April have intensified risks across the mountainous terrain.&nbsp;Authorities have directed district administrations to shift into emergency mode, with continuous monitoring of vulnerable glacial sites and activation of early warning systems. Emergency personnel from Rescue 1122 and Civil Defense, along with heavy machinery, have been deployed at key locations to reduce response times.&nbsp;While flood &ldquo;thresholds&rdquo; have not yet been breached, Shehzad said, &ldquo;the Provincial Emergency Operations Center (PEOC) is operating 24/7 to monitor river levels in real-time.&rdquo;&nbsp;The alert follows mounting human and infrastructural losses.&nbsp;According to PDMA data, at least 25 people have died and 77 others injured since March 25. A total of 88 houses have been partially or completely destroyed, along with one school.&nbsp;Many casualties occurred in rural areas, where heavy rains caused roofs and walls to collapse, with children among the victims.&nbsp;With the Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasting further intense rainfall through early April, authorities have issued a strict travel advisory. Tourist and patrolling police have been deployed to restrict movement դեպի vulnerable northern areas.&nbsp;Residents have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel near riverbanks and streams, where fast-flowing water can quickly sweep away vehicles.&nbsp;The PDMA has called on citizens to stay updated through official channels and report emergencies via its toll-free helpline, 1700.

Climate & Environment

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority has warned of floods and glacial lake outburst floods, placing Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on high alert as more rain is expected, with authorities closely monitoring glaciers and preparing emergency response teams.

Deadly rains put Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on high alert

ISLAMABAD: &nbsp;Pakistan and Norway on Wednesday signed the first landmark bilateral agreement under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, opening the door to international carbon trading, climate finance and major investment in clean energy and climate-smart agriculture, according to a statement by Ministry of Climate Change and Enviromental Coordination.&nbsp;As per it, the memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed in Islamabad under the auspices of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, marking Pakistan formal entry into the global carbon market. This is seen as a breakthrough in the country&rsquo;s climate diplomacy, said the statement.&nbsp;Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Musadik Malik termed the agreement a &ldquo;historic milestone&rdquo;, saying it would shift Pakistan from carbon market preparedness to practical implementation, said the statement.&nbsp;&ldquo;This is Pakistan&rsquo;s first bilateral agreement under Article 6.2 and an important step towards implementation,&rdquo; Malik said. &ldquo;It creates a credible pathway for international cooperation and investment in Pakistan&rsquo;s climate priorities.&rdquo;&nbsp;Under the agreement, Pakistan will be able to develop &ldquo;carbon-credit generating projects&rdquo; in sectors such as clean energy, agriculture, transport and waste management and potentially sell the resulting emission reductions to Norway, as per the statement.&nbsp;Officials said the deal would help channel international finance into Pakistan at a time when the country is grappling with recurring floods, heatwaves and other climate shocks.&nbsp;Malik said the agreement would strengthen Pakistan&rsquo;s position in international carbon markets and create new opportunities for the country&rsquo;s emerging green economy, added the statement.&nbsp;&ldquo;Carbon markets cannot be treated as an end in themselves,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;&ldquo;They must help countries like Pakistan finance transition pathways, create jobs, attract technology and deliver real benefits to communities.&rdquo;&nbsp;The minister said Pakistan had already put in place the country&rsquo;s first national policy guidelines for carbon trading, approved by the federal cabinet in January 2025, and was now moving to establish rules, reporting systems and bilateral arrangements needed to operationalize the market.&nbsp;He said Pakistan had &ldquo;strong mitigation potential&rdquo; in sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, transport and waste management, and that the agreement would encourage project developers and investors to move forward, said the statement.&nbsp;Addressing at the signing ceremony, Norway&rsquo;s Ambassador to Pakistan Per Albert Ilsaas said the accord marked the beginning of a new era in bilateral environmental cooperation.&nbsp;&ldquo;Pakistan is among the countries most affected by climate change, and we believe this partnership can deliver both measurable emission reductions and real development benefits,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;The ambassador said Norway, which aims to become climate neutral by 2030, was seeking to purchase Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) under Article 6, not to meet its formal climate targets but to go beyond them.&nbsp;&ldquo;Norway is not purchasing ITMOs to meet its nationally determined contribution targets. We are purchasing them to achieve climate neutrality beyond those commitments,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;Mr Ilsaas said Norway&rsquo;s Global Emission Reduction Initiative, launched in 2024 with a budget of $1.5 billion approved by the Norwegian parliament, would provide carbon finance to countries such as Pakistan.&nbsp;&ldquo;Through NOGER, we want to channel carbon finance into countries such as Pakistan and help bridge the gap in climate mitigation finance,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;He added that Norway was looking beyond individual carbon-credit projects and was interested in large-scale programmes in renewable energy, industry and agriculture.&nbsp;&ldquo;We are looking beyond individual projects,&rdquo; the ambassador said. &ldquo;We are interested in cooperation across entire sectors where climate policies can generate emission reductions at scale.&rdquo;&nbsp;The ambassador said Norway had already signed similar agreements with Benin, Indonesia, Zambia, Jordan and Senegal and was working to buy 15 million carbon credits by 2030.&nbsp;He also invited Pakistan to present a broader pipeline of projects, specifically pointing to renewable energy ventures such as the Zhenfa 100-megawatt solar project and the Indus wind energy project as possible candidates for future cooperation.&nbsp;Both sides also agreed that the new ambitious pact could significantly boost Pakistan&rsquo;s access to climate finance and private-sector investment, while helping the country pursue low-carbon growth and meet its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Islamabad secures landmark climate accord to unlock green investment, clean energy and international carbon finance

Pakistan, Norway sign landmark Paris Agreement carbon trading climate deal

GILGIT: The harsh days of winter are over in Pakistan&#39;s high north and while snow still tops the towering peaks that dominate the landscape, spring has arrived in the foothills. But this year, visitors who have come to witness the region&#39;s cherry and apricot blossoms see it as the perfect tonic to the war in the Middle East and its knock-on effects. &quot;There&#39;s war going on all over the world right now. It&#39;s a petrol crisis, this and that, everything has become more expensive, everyone is in a depression,&quot; Hatib, 27, from Pakistan&#39;s biggest city, Karachi, told AFP. &quot;But to get out of depression, you need to step outside, go out somewhere for a bit, see places, explore, and relax the mind,&quot; he said. The blossoms that turn bare trees into a vibrant shade of pink carpet the thawing farmland of Gilgit-Baltistan from late March every year, marking renewal and the promise of fruit harvests to come for local people. &quot;The best part is when these flowers are falling. It literally feels like a dream,&quot; Hatib said. The region, home to about 1.7 million people, has some of the world&#39;s highest mountains, including K2, which soars to 8,611 meters (28,251 feet), the second-highest peak after Mount Everest. The jagged mountain ranges, high-altitude lakes and glaciers of Gilgit-Baltistan are a magnet for the daring and adventurous. But more sedate visitors can instead take selfies in the orchards of the flowering deep valleys, under a clear blue sky with only the chirrup of birdsong and the bleat of foraging goats to break the surrounding silence. &quot;No matter how much inflation there is in Pakistan today, no matter how much petrol prices are going up, tourists still don&#39;t want to miss the cherry blossom and apricot blossom season,&quot; said local visitor Maria Akbar, 29. &quot;Even if we have to spend extra money, it&#39;s not a problem, but we&#39;ll enjoy this view.&quot; &quot;Things like cherry blossom and apricot blossom are what make Gilgit-Baltistan unique compared to all other regions,&quot; added Junaid Ahmed, 31. &quot;Tourists from all over the world come to enjoy this season. As you can see around me how beautiful it is, the beautiful view of these cherry and apricot blossoms is right before your eyes.&quot;

A man with a child walks past apricot blossom trees at Ghanche district in Gilgit-Baltistan region on March 30, 2026. (Photo by Manzoor BALTI / AFP)

Tourists flock to northern Pakistan’s spring blossoms in Gilgit-Baltistan as a peaceful escape from global and economic pressures.

Pakistan's blossom season brings calm in a troubled world

ISLAMABAD: Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert to five sensitive districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF). Due to the current heavy rains in the last few days and snowfall in the northern regions of Pakistan, there is a possibility of glaciers melting in Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Swat and Upper Kohistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;All five districts are heavily mountainous and difficult to reach in case of any disaster. The heavy rains in many regions of Pakistan, especially in the north west may lead to glacial lakes to burst, resulting in flash floods and land sliding, the Authority warned.&nbsp;&nbsp;This alert came in the wake of severe rainfall which has, as of March 31, resulted in the deaths of at least 18 people and 72 people have been injured in Pakistan&rsquo;s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province since March 25. The recent casualties are attributed to roof and wall collapse in rural areas, with children making up a significant portion of the victims.&nbsp;&nbsp;PDMA in this recent alert, has issued instructions to relevant district administrations to take emergency measures and to make advance preparations. District administrations are directed to ensure continuous monitoring of sensitive sites and to keep early warning systems active.&nbsp;&nbsp;Relevant institutions and administrations have been instructed to conduct evacuation drills in areas considered high-risk. Emphasis has been placed on keeping evacuation centers in safe locations fully functional and equipped with necessary facilities.&nbsp;Residents of low-lying areas are directed to remain immediately alert. PDMA has also issued Instructions to inform local populations regarding potential risks.&nbsp;Rescue and emergency services personnel have been directed to remain ready at all times. Instructions have also been given to pre-position necessary machinery and equipment to deal with any emergency situation.&nbsp;&nbsp;The public is advised to avoid unnecessary movement near streams, drains and rivers. Citizens are warned about the risk of vehicles being swept away in fast-flowing water. Tourists and travelers have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel toward sensitive regions.&nbsp;&nbsp;In case of road closures or damage, instructions are given to maintain immediate contact with National Highway Authority (NHA) and other relevant authorities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Directions issued to monitor the controlled discharge of glacial lakes in case of extreme danger. The PDMA Emergency Operations Center is fully functional; the public can contact the PDMA Helpline at 1700 in case of any emergency.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pakistan Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert to five sensitive districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF). Due to the current heavy rains in the last few days and snowfall in the northern regions of Pakistan, there is a possibility of glaciers melting in Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Swat and Upper Kohistan. 
Pakistan Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert to five sensitive districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF). Due to the current heavy rains in the last few days and snowfall in the northern regions of Pakistan, there is a possibility of glaciers melting in Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Swat and Upper Kohistan. 



North-West Pakistan under high alert: PDMA warns of glacial lake outbursts in 5 districts

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday extended Good Friday greetings to the Christian community at home and abroad, emphasizing the values of compassion, tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Prime Minister Sharif in a post on X on Friday stated: &quot;On the occasion of Good Friday, I extend sincere greetings to our brothers and sisters of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pm-sharif-extends-heartfelt-greetings-on-joyous-blessed-christmas" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Christian community</a>&nbsp;in Pakistan and members of the Christian faith across the world.&rdquo;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2039943098672025844&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=cf1149a8b3beaafec088d9fab9bb7e3150ffa371&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 369px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div>&ldquo;May this sacred day, marked by sacrifice and reflection, strengthen our shared commitment to compassion, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence,&quot; the prime minister added.

Culture

Says, ​'May this sacred day, marked by sacrifice and reflection, strengthen our shared commitment to compassion, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence'. 

Pakistan's PM Sharif extends Good Friday greetings, urges compassion and tolerance

LAHORE: As Eid ul Fitr festivities concluded, markets across Pakistan witnessed peak commercial activity, capping weeks of heightened economic momentum driven by festive spending. Eid ul Fitr, one of the most significant occasions in the Islamic calendar, marked the conclusion of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, prayer and reflection. The festival began with special congregational prayers, followed by family gatherings, exchange of gifts, charitable giving and shared meals, as Muslims celebrated both spiritual renewal and community. On the eve of Eid, commercial centers across the country, especially in the eastern city of Lahore, remained crowded late into the night as last-minute shoppers finalized purchases ranging from clothing and footwear to jewelry and mehndi. At Liberty Market, the rush intensified as families completed their Eid preparations. &ldquo;I was shopping for jewelry and clothes, and I also planned to get mehndi done,&rdquo; said Sidra, a shopper speaking to Pakistan TV Digital. &ldquo;My total budget was around Rs30,000 [$107] to Rs40,000 [$143].&rdquo; Retailers reported an exceptional season, with strong consumer turnout translating into significant gains. Muhammad Tayyab, a shopkeeper, described the surge in business as unprecedented in recent years. &ldquo;Sales increased by around 70% to 80% compared to previous years,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;In the past seven years, business had not been this strong. This Eid season brought a very positive change for retailers.&rdquo; The spike in commercial activity reflected broader seasonal financial trends. The State Bank of Pakistan reported that currency in circulation rose by approximately Rs1.5 trillion ($5.38 billion) in FY25, with a marked increase during Ramadan and Eid due to heightened consumer spending. In addition, around Rs27 billion ($96.8 million) in fresh currency notes were issued ahead of Eid last year, helping facilitate transactions during the peak shopping period. Fresh notes are preferred for the tradition of Eidi, where elders give cash gifts to children and younger family members. Crisp currency symbolizes festivity and generosity, making it ideal for gifting during Eid. Economic experts pointed to further inflows boosting purchasing power. &ldquo;Zakat and Fitrana, estimated at Rs50 billion [$179.2 million] to Rs70 billion [$251 million] this year, circulated among lower-income groups,&rdquo; said Waqas Ghani, Head of Research at JS Global. &ldquo;Remittances also typically increased by 15% to 30% during this period, further fueling spending across markets.&rdquo; As the country marked Eid, the convergence of spiritual celebration and economic activity highlighted the festival&rsquo;s dual significance, strengthening both social bonds and commercial vitality nationwide.

Pakistan’s Eid economy surges as spending peaks, with Rs1.5 trillion in circulation, Rs27 billion in fresh notes issued, and Rs50–70 billion redistributed through Zakat, Fitrana and rising remittances.

Eid spending surge fuels retail boom across Pakistan markets

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s leadership on Monday urged unity, resilience and collective resolve as the country marked Pakistan Day, with officials at home and abroad paying tribute to the sacrifices that led to the nation&rsquo;s creation in 1947.&nbsp;In separate messages, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the enduring relevance of national cohesion, while reaffirming commitments to economic recovery, security, and democratic strength.&nbsp;Zardari said the occasion was a reminder that &ldquo;unity and solidarity are the most important elements in transforming national resolve into reality,&rdquo; paying tribute to &ldquo;our elders whose struggle and sacrifices led to the creation of Pakistan.&rdquo;&nbsp;He noted that Pakistan had overcome major challenges through &ldquo;mutual cooperation, hard work, and capability,&rdquo; but cautioned that both internal and external challenges persist. &ldquo;We will not allow any group to use Afghan soil for actions against Pakistan,&rdquo; he said, adding that those who sponsor terrorism would be eliminated.&nbsp;Referring to regional dynamics and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the president described India&rsquo;s treatment of minorities, particularly Muslims, as &ldquo;proof&rdquo; of the need for a separate homeland. He called on the international community to support Kashmiris&rsquo; right to &ldquo;self-determination.&rdquo;&nbsp;Zardari also stressed the importance of democratic continuity and equality. &ldquo;Unity, faith and discipline are the guiding principles through which we can make Pakistan even stronger and more prosperous,&rdquo; he said. <div class="fr-embed youtube-embed"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cqNXb2FfrBI?si=Wbj_-RuDsYAhuLkC" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; max-width: 100%; display: block;">&nbsp;</iframe>&nbsp;</div>&nbsp;PM Sharif described March 23 as a defining moment in South Asian history. &ldquo;It was on this day in 1940 that the Muslims of the Subcontinent passed the historic Lahore Resolution and demanded a separate homeland,&rdquo; he said, adding that the vision was realized through the sacrifices of the founding fathers.&nbsp;Acknowledging current pressures, Sharif said Pakistan faces &ldquo;serious challenges&hellip; including inflation, unemployment, circular debt, fiscal and trade deficit, and above all the growing scourge of terrorism.&rdquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;We stand committed to put Pakistan on the path to economic recovery and prosperity with a cogent policy reform framework,&rdquo; he said, urging collective action. &ldquo;Let us renew our firm resolve to follow the footsteps of our founding fathers to make Pakistan a pivot of peace, progress and stability.&rdquo;&nbsp;He added: &ldquo;Let us work for a Pakistan that is not driven apart by differences but is united around shared values.&rdquo;&nbsp;China reaffirms partnershipChinese President Xi Jinping extended congratulations to Zardari, praising Pakistan&rsquo;s efforts to safeguard &ldquo;national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national dignity,&rdquo; and its contributions to &ldquo;regional peace, stability, and development.&rdquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;As a close friend, China is sincerely pleased with Pakistan&#39;s development achievements,&rdquo; Xi said, expressing readiness to &ldquo;build an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future.&rdquo;&nbsp;Chinese Premier Li Qiang also conveyed greetings to Prime Minister Sharif.&nbsp;Ceremonies across global missionsPakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic missions worldwide marked the day with flag-hoisting ceremonies and community events.&nbsp;At the Consulate General in Dubai, Consul General Hussain Muhammad recalled the Lahore Resolution as the foundation of an independent homeland, calling Pakistan&rsquo;s creation through a peaceful democratic struggle &ldquo;an unparalleled milestone in the human history.&rdquo; <div class="fr-embed youtube-embed"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8lBADKuUHKo?si=6CMFRn36J1lciqrB" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; max-width: 100%; display: block;">&nbsp;</iframe>&nbsp;</div>&nbsp;He praised the Pakistani diaspora in the United Arab Emirates as a &ldquo;vital bridge&rdquo; and commended their contribution, noting record remittances in February 2026.&nbsp;In London, High Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Faisal said Pakistan &ldquo;had always professed peace and stability in the region,&rdquo; but warned that it &ldquo;will not tolerate any aggression from neighbouring countries.&rdquo;&nbsp;He described the nation as resilient, showing &ldquo;courage &amp; perseverance&rdquo; despite challenges, and reaffirmed support for Kashmiris&rsquo; right to self-determination.&nbsp;In Dhaka, High Commissioner Imran Haider highlighted Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to global peace while linking sustainable regional stability to a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute.&nbsp;Solidarity was also expressed with the people of Palestine, while national resolve against terrorism was emphasized.&nbsp;At the embassy in Beijing, Ambassador Khalil Hashmi underscored the enduring relevance of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah&rsquo;s principles of &ldquo;Unity, Faith, and Discipline,&rdquo; and highlighted efforts to expand cooperation with China in investment, education, technology, and people-to-people exchanges, particularly as both countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.&nbsp;In New Delhi, Charg&eacute; d&rsquo;Affaires Saad Ahmad Warraich described the Lahore Resolution as a &ldquo;touchstone&rdquo; for Muslims of the subcontinent. <div class="fr-embed youtube-embed"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TcGh4ycGIuQ?si=3u0-3ZsXQti_YdfY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; max-width: 100%; display: block;">&nbsp;</iframe>&nbsp;</div>&nbsp;He said Pakistan&rsquo;s &ldquo;unwavering resolve to preserve and protect its sovereignty and independence&rdquo; remains evident, adding that lasting peace with India depends on &ldquo;equality, mutual respect and peaceful settlement of all disputes,&rdquo; including Jammu and Kashmir, in line with UN resolutions.&nbsp;Across these ceremonies, officials consistently paid tribute to the founding leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and reaffirmed a shared commitment to unity, resilience and national progress.

Pakistan marked Pakistan Day with leaders urging unity, resilience and economic recovery, while reaffirming counterterrorism resolve and support for Kashmir. Global missions echoed solidarity, as China renewed commitments to deepen bilateral cooperation and partnership

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Pakistan's PM Sharif extends Good Friday greetings, urges compassion and tolerance

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On Pakistan Day, leaders urge unity, resilience and shared resolve