2025

Disaster, National News

DPM/Foreign Minister Dar Expresses Deep Grief Over Lives Lost in Floods and Cloudbursts

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ISLAMABAD, August 16, 2025 — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar expressed profound sorrow over the recent cloudbursts and flash floods across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Pakistan. In a heartfelt video message, he extended condolences to affected families, the injured, and those who have lost homes and livelihoods. Emergency Response Underway Senator Dar emphasized that the Government of Pakistan has mobilized all available resources for relief and rescue operations. Federal and provincial agencies, together with the armed forces and local administrations, are working tirelessly to reach affected communities and safeguard lives. National Coordination & Priorities He shared that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired an emergency meeting to coordinate immediate needs and plan for long-term recovery efforts. The DPM noted that he had to forgo a scheduled community event with the British-Pakistani diaspora in the UK—cancelling meetings with UK officials—to focus fully on national relief efforts in solidarity with grieving families. Call for Unity and Support Senator Dar called on all Pakistanis, both domestically and abroad, to keep affected families in their prayers and extend support in any way possible. He expressed hope that, with divine grace and national unity, Pakistan will overcome this challenging period.

Health, National News

PM Directs Jinnah Medical Complex to Meet International Tertiary Care Standards

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ISLAMABAD, August 16, 2025 — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level review meeting for the ongoing development of the Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Centre. At the meeting, he announced ambitious plans to transform the facility into a world-class tertiary care hospital meeting international standards. International-Standard Design & Chinese Collaboration The concept design, presented by Chinese firm Hongkong-AOHUA, was shared during the meeting. This company, with over 30 years of experience designing more than 1,000 hospitals, provided the design pro bono—an act seen as a testament to the strong Pakistan–China partnership. Prime Minister Sharif expressed heartfelt appreciation, stating: “This gift from the Chinese company will always be remembered by the government… and those who will get treatment in this hospital.” Sustainability, Digitization & Future Preparedness The PM directed that the design undergo a thorough technical review and stressed that the complex be fully digitalized, with integration of artificial intelligence for advanced care delivery. He also emphasized the hospital’s readiness to handle future epidemics or emergencies, advocating for robust planning and resilient infrastructure. Environmentally conscious features such as solar energy, abundant natural lighting, water recycling, and green spaces were highlighted as essential components of the project design. Strategic Oversight & Completion Timeline The Prime Minister underscored the importance of completing all construction-related measures within the stipulated timeframe. Attendees included key federal leaders—Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Ahad Khan Cheema, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Chairman PKLI Dr. Saeed Akhtar, the Chinese delegation led by Dr. Liu Zhanpei, and other senior officials.

Business, Economy

Large-Scale Manufacturing Sector Rises 4.14% in June 2025

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ISLAMABAD, August 16, 2025 — Pakistan’s Large-Scale Manufacturing Industries (LSMI) recorded a 4.14% year-on-year growth in June 2025, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). However, the sector contracted 3.67% month-on-month, reflecting a decline compared to May 2025. Fiscal Overview (July–June 2024–25) Over the fiscal year from July 2024 to June 2025, the LSMI output declined by 0.74% compared to the previous annual period. Sector-Wise Performance Highlights The PBS data outlines growing and declining sectors as contributors to the yearly decrease: Positive contributors: Tobacco Textile Garments Petroleum Products Pharmaceuticals Automobiles Other Transport Equipment Declining segments: Food Chemical Products Non-Metallic Mineral Products Iron & Steel Electrical Equipment Machinery & Equipment Furniture

Features

KP Agriculture Officials Urge Investment in Date Palm Sector

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Dera Ismail Khan, August 16, 2025 — A delegation from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agriculture Extension Department paid a visit to the Agriculture Research Institute’s Food Technology Section in DI Khan to spotlight critical advancements and the imperative of investing in the local date palm industry.—Showcasing Date Palm InnovationsThe delegation, including Dr. Hanif Zahid Khattak (Director Plant Protection), Dr. Murad Ali Khan (Director Horticulture), and Dr. Muhammad Anwar Khan Bhittani (District Director Agriculture Extension), toured the institute’s research facilities.Dr. Shahzada Arshad Saleem Saddozai, PRO and Head of the Food Technology Section, briefed them on groundbreaking work in date palm fruit ripening and drying technologies.—Hybrid Solar Tunnel Dryer: A Game-ChangerThe research highlights the Hybrid Solar Tunnel Dryer (STD)—a locally developed innovation that accelerates the Dhakki date drying process from weeks to just 3–4 days.47 STD units have been installed across villages, offering farmers a dust-free, hygienic, and uniform drying alternative. This is especially vital during monsoon season, reducing spoilage and improving quality.—Call to Boost InvestmentOfficials praised the institute’s research capabilities and emphasized a growing necessity for enhanced investment in infrastructure and training.They called for strategic funding to foster sustainable agricultural development and bolster the value chain of the date palm industry in the region.—Related Context & Industry InsightsKhyber Pakhtunkhwa’s DI Khan Division is a leading producer of the regional Dhakki date variety, but traditionally its drying methods have been vulnerable to weather-related losses.Innovations like the STD directly address these challenges, equipping farmers to produce export-quality dates.Further regional initiatives, including government-supported plantations, research facilities, and cold-storage infrastructure, are critical next steps.

Kpk, National News, Srcurity

President Zardari Commends KP Police for Foiling India-Backed Terrorist Attacks

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ISLAMABAD, August 15, 2025 — President Asif Ali Zardari has paid heartfelt tribute to the courage and professionalism of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Police for successfully thwarting a series of terrorist attacks orchestrated by India-backed militants. In an official statement from Aiwan-e-Sadr, the President lauded the fallen officers for their valor and assured the nation that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.—KP Police: Frontline Defenders of National Security President Zardari emphasized that the KP Police once again demonstrated “exceptional courage and professional skill” in neutralizing terrorist threats supported by India. He affirmed that the province’s force remains on the frontlines in the fight against terrorism and pledged that the campaign will persist until the last terrorist is eliminated.— Support and Solidarity for Martyrs and Wounded The President expressed deep condolences to the families of the martyred officers and extended prayers for the swift recovery of those injured in the line of duty. This recognition underscores national solidarity with security personnel risking everything to ensure public safety.— Context: Escalating Terrorism in KP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has endured a severe surge in terrorist incidents this year. As of mid-April, the province recorded 245 attacks, resulting in the loss of 41 policemen, 66 other LEA personnel, and 58 civilians—with many more wounded. In light of this grave backdrop, the bravery of KP Police in foiling recent attacks is especially commendable.

Legislation, National News

One New Bill Introduced in Senate, Two Referred to Standing Committees

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ISLAMABAD, August 15, 2025 — The Senate saw the introduction of the Federal Prosecution Service (Amendment) Bill, 2025, while two other bills—the National School of Public Policy (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Petroleum (Amendment) Bill, 2025—were referred to the appropriate standing committees for detailed consideration during Friday’s session. The Virtual Assets Ordinance, 2025 was also laid before the Senate, as required by the Constitution. Legislative Developments in Senate New Bill IntroducedMinister of State for Interior and Narcotics, Talal Chaudhry, introduced the Federal Prosecution Service (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aiming to amend the framework established under the Federal Prosecution Service Act, 2023. Bills Referred to Standing CommitteesBills passed by the National Assembly were presented by their respective ministers: National School of Public Policy (Amendment) Bill, 2025 by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar Petroleum (Amendment) Bill, 2025 by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz MalikBoth were referred to relevant Senate standing committees by Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani for further scrutiny. Virtual Assets Ordinance IntroducedOn behalf of the Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry laid the Virtual Assets Ordinance, 2025 (Ordinance No. VII of 2025) in the Senate, fulfilling requirements under Article 89(2) of the Constitution.

Disaster, National News

NDMA Confirmed as Central Coordinating Body for Disaster Preparedness, Senate Informed

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ISLAMABAD, August 15, 2025 — Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, informed the Senate during Question Hour that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) serves as Pakistan’s central coordinating body for disaster preparedness and response. The Authority was established under the National Disaster Management Act, 2010, to provide federal-level coordination while Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) manage implementation on the ground . NDMA’s Role & Institutional Structure Federal Coordination: Dr. Fazal Chaudhry emphasized that NDMA coordinates with both federal and international institutions to forecast potential disasters such as floods and earthquakes, ensuring timely warnings to minimize loss of life and property . Provincial Implementation: He clarified that while planning and preparedness are federally guided, actual implementation falls to provincial authorities. NDMA remains available to offer support, guidance, and operational coordination . Shared Accountability: In light of a recent tragic incident in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the minister reminded senators that it is the responsibility of all provinces to enforce disaster risk management measures and fulfill their obligations under national policy . Commitment to Action: Any outstanding federal commitments identified were pledged to be addressed promptly by the concerned authorities .

Energy, National News, Railway

Ministers Hanif Abbasi and Ali Pervaiz Malik Call on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

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ISLAMABAD, August 15, 2025 — Federal Ministers Ali Pervaiz Malik (Petroleum) and Hanif Abbasi (Railways) separately met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss matters of national importance and review the overall political situation, according to a press release from the Associated Press of Pakistan . Petroleum Sector Review During his meeting, Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik presented a detailed briefing on current Petroleum Division matters. Key issues regarding energy supply, infrastructure, and sectoral reforms were discussed . Railways Division Deliberations Separately, Minister Hanif Abbasi engaged in discussions with the prime minister on the status and challenges facing the Railways Division. Both meetings also touched upon the broader political environment in the country .

Business, Economy, National News

Prime Minister Launches Chinese Textile Group’s Economic Zone—$100M Investment Expected to Yield $400M in Exports

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ISLAMABAD, August 15, 2025 — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated a Special Economic Zone established by Challenge Fashion Private Limited, a Chinese garments group, committing $100 million in investment over the next five years. The project is forecasted to generate $400 million in exports. The Chairman of the group, Huwang Weiguo, who led the visiting delegation, highlighted the zone’s potential in fostering technology transfer, skills development, and sustainable industrial growth. Shehbaz Sharif directed that all necessary facilitation be provided to Challenge Fashion, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing the industrial component of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and leveraging China’s expertise in the textile sector. Pointing to the long-standing Pakistan–China friendship, the prime minister welcomed the Chinese collaboration and announced plans for a China-Pakistan Business-to-Business Conference in China aimed at deepening private-sector ties. The announcement was supported by key federal ministers, including Ahsan Iqbal, Jam Kamal, Attaullah Tarar, Ali Pervez Malik, Sardar Awais Ahmad Leghari, and special assistant Tariq Fatemi.

Disaster, National News

PM Orders Accelerated Rescue Operation in Cloudburst-hit Battagram

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ISLAMABAD, August 15, 2025 — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to expedite rescue operations in Battagram district, following a devastating cloudburst that has resulted in loss of life and severe flooding. The Prime Minister expressed deep grief over the tragedy, offered condolences to the affected families, and prayed for peace, strength, and recovery for the bereaved. He further instructed immediate medical support be extended to the injured.

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