2026

Federal Minister for National Health Services, Syed Mustafa Kamal, announced the restoration of the Sehat Sahulat Program in Islamabad. This initiative, following a prolonged suspension, aims to provide free medical treatment to residents lacking affordable healthcare access. Revival at Dr Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital The announcement took place during Kamal’s visit to Dr Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for approving the program’s revival, which marks a significant step in expanding healthcare access in Islamabad. Thousands of low-income families are expected to benefit from this initiative. Details of the Sehat Sahulat Program The Sehat Sahulat Program is a government-funded health initiative aimed at offering low-income citizens quality hospital care at no cost. It addresses the healthcare needs of vulnerable populations across Pakistan and is a crucial component of the national health policy. Program Features Free medical treatment for eligible citizens Coverage at designated healthcare facilities Financial support for low-income families Access to quality hospital services Impact on Islamabad’s Healthcare The program’s restoration underscores the federal government’s commitment to enhancing social health coverage in Islamabad. Thousands of residents who previously could not afford medical services will now benefit. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader health policy goals. Healthcare facilities in Islamabad are now equipped to provide free treatment to eligible beneficiaries. This effort is expected to alleviate the financial burdens on low-income families, reinforcing the program’s role in Pakistan’s national healthcare strategy.

ISLAMABAD — The United Arab Emirates has deported around 3,500 Pakistani nationals for breaching social media laws amid the Iran-US conflict. This matter was brought to the National Assembly’s attention by Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, on Wednesday. Government’s Response to Deportations In the parliamentary Question Hour, Minister Chaudhry addressed the concerns regarding these deportations. He assured lawmakers that the federal government is offering extensive assistance to the affected individuals. Pakistani officials are actively coordinating with UAE authorities to support the returnees and their families. Efforts are focused on helping these families reintegrate into Pakistan’s domestic economy, aiming to minimize financial disruptions, especially for those depending on remittances from the UAE. Understanding UAE Social Media Regulations The UAE implements strict rules on online speech and social media activities. The federal law prohibits content deemed threatening to national security, social stability, or public order. Foreign nationals who breach these laws may face serious outcomes, including: Immediate detention by law enforcement authorities Legal prosecution under UAE cybercrime legislation Deportation proceedings and potential entry bans Financial penalties and court costs The recent deportations were linked to social media posts about Iran-US tensions, which UAE authorities found to violate national regulations. Impact on Remittance Flows Pakistan hosts one of the largest expatriate communities in the UAE, with hundreds of thousands working in sectors such as construction and services. These mass deportations pose significant financial challenges for both countries. Families reliant on remittances from UAE workers are experiencing immediate economic insecurity and uncertainty. Remittances’ Role in the National Economy Pakistani expatriates in the UAE remit billions of dollars annually, supporting countless households and significantly contributing to Pakistan’s economic stability. A decrease in expatriate income compromises household financial stability in Pakistan and reduces essential foreign exchange inflows necessary for economic growth and maintaining the balance of payments.

ISLAMABAD — President Asif Ali Zardari, on Wednesday, underscored Pakistan’s dedication to bolstering its partnership with Russia, acknowledging Moscow as a trusted partner and a significant global power. This effort marks a strategic shift in Pakistan’s foreign policy, aiming to enhance cooperation across various sectors. National Day Reception Highlights Ties At a reception celebrating the National Day of the Russian Federation, President Zardari highlighted Islamabad’s intention to strengthen its engagement with Moscow. The event illustrated the increasing importance of Pakistan Russia bilateral ties. Senior officials from both nations attended the diplomatic gathering in Islamabad, emphasizing the collaboration between the two countries. Strategic Cooperation Areas Pakistan and Russia are expanding their partnership across several strategic sectors. Key areas of mutual interest include: Trade and commerce development Energy infrastructure projects Defense collaboration and security Agriculture development programs Regional connectivity initiatives These partnerships reflect a shared commitment to enduring collaboration. Diversified Foreign Policy Islamabad maintains a balanced foreign policy, nurturing ties with major global powers. This approach is part of Pakistan’s diplomatic strategy in a multipolar world. High-level exchanges aim to improve cooperation in strategic sectors, demonstrating Pakistan’s dedication to broadening partnerships beyond traditional allies. Strengthening Pakistan Russia bilateral ties is crucial to Pakistan’s strategy of advancing alliances and fostering diplomatic relations while promoting national interests.

The Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) held its 88th session of the weekly literary series, Chai, Baatain aur Kitaabain, in Islamabad on Wednesday. This event underscores PAL’s dedication to fostering intellectual discourse within the literary community of the federal capital. Insights from Ali Tanha on Fiction Writing Renowned writer, short story author, and broadcaster Ali Tanha delivered the keynote speech at the session. He delved into critical aspects of fiction writing, particularly relevant for contemporary Pakistani authors. Highlights included: The structural form of quality fiction Artistic requirements for modern writing Standards of literary craftsmanship Tanha offered in-depth guidance on modern writing techniques, providing practical insights for both emerging and established writers across Pakistan. Fostering Cultural Exchange Moderated by Munir Fayyaz, the Chai, Baatain aur Kitaabain series promotes continuous literary dialogue in Islamabad. These weekly gatherings benefit Pakistan’s literary community by: Encouraging cultural exchange and intellectual dialogue Connecting writers, readers, and literature enthusiasts nationwide Preserving Pakistan’s Literary Heritage This platform enables participants to engage with contemporary literary issues while safeguarding Pakistan’s vast literary heritage. Through regular discussions, these national-level sessions fortify the country’s cultural foundations. The Pakistan Academy of Letters plays a crucial role in nurturing and sustaining these literary activities in Islamabad.

ISLAMABAD — Professor Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, has announced the launch of 11 National Economic Missions. These missions are crucial to Pakistan’s central development framework and aim to transform the nation’s economy. NEC Development Framework Approval The National Economic Council (NEC) has endorsed these missions as part of the ‘Uraan Pakistan’ vision. This strategic plan is intended to guide economic transformation in Pakistan over the next few years. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif led the NEC meeting in Islamabad, where Ahsan Iqbal presented these initiatives. A thorough discussion on economic strategy occurred, resulting in the approval of all 11 missions. These initiatives are designed to align state resources with national policy priorities, ensuring coordinated development through federal institutions. Objectives of the Economic Missions The National Economic Missions are designed to drive growth through structural transformation in key sectors. Their objectives include: Effective resource allocation at the federal level Implementation of policies consistent with council priorities Coordinated development across government institutions Structural reforms in major economic sectors ‘Uraan Pakistan’ Vision Framework The ‘Uraan Pakistan’ vision offers a comprehensive framework for these initiatives, ensuring efficient resource allocation at the federal level. It supports national economic development in line with the priorities set by the National Economic Council.