2026

KARACHI — Sindh Governor Muhammad Nehal Hashmi and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah have vowed to eradicate child labour in Pakistan. This pledge coincides with the observance of the World Day Against Child Labour. Commitment to Children’s Rights The leaders reiterated their dedication to safeguarding children’s rights by ensuring access to both education and safe environments. They stressed that these elements are fundamental rights for every child. Urgent Need for a Brighter Future Both the governor and the chief minister, in separate addresses, underscored the urgency of removing obstacles that impede children’s development. These barriers not only hinder growth but also deprive children of brighter futures. Call for Nationwide Action Their commitment forms part of a broader call to action, highlighting the importance of addressing child labour as a pivotal social issue in Pakistan. Achieving success in this effort requires coordinated initiatives from both government bodies and civil society throughout the nation.

MULTAN — Nishtar Hospital is undergoing a comprehensive restructuring of its dialysis services. This initiative seeks to enhance patient safety and significantly lower infection risks. The decision comes in response to recent discussions on social media regarding the hospital’s dialysis operations. Nephrology Department Initiatives On Friday, the Department of Nephrology and Dialysis Services at Nishtar Hospital released a statement outlining new measures. These steps are designed to improve the healthcare experience for dialysis patients and are expected to lead to significant improvements in service quality. Focus on Safety and Infection Control The strategic overhaul is a key part of the hospital’s strategy to address public concerns. The primary focus is on maintaining high standards of care. The goal is to create a safe environment for all patients undergoing treatment.

PESHAWAR — The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Higher Education, Archives and Libraries Department has announced summer vacations for universities, colleges, and higher education institutions throughout the province. This directive applies to both public and private institutions. Summer Break Schedule for 2023 The official schedule indicates that institutions in the summer zone will be closed from June 15 to August 31. Schools and colleges located in the winter zone will receive a separate timetable from authorities, which will be specified at a later date. Policy Impact on Education This announcement influences a broad array of educational entities, aiming to implement a unified scheduling approach for summer breaks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The policy is intended to streamline operations by enforcing a standardized vacation period for educational institutions in the region.

ISLAMABAD — The Interior Ministry has officially denied reports claiming a meeting occurred between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. Ministry’s Official Statement On Friday, an Interior Ministry spokesperson issued an official statement. It categorically labeled the reports as “baseless and fabricated,” aiming to clarify the rumors circulating across both traditional and social media platforms. Addressing Media Inaccuracies The Ministry stressed that no such meeting took place, directly challenging the widely spread media claims. This statement seeks to correct the inaccurate reports propagated in various media circles.

The Pakistan Hajj operation has achieved another milestone, bringing international recognition to the nation once again. At Islamabad International Airport, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, announced the operation’s success. Recognition of Excellence from Saudi Arabia Minister Yousaf disclosed that Pakistan has received the Excellence Award from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for the second year in a row. This prestigious accolade highlights Pakistan’s noteworthy accomplishments in managing its Hajj operation effectively. Global Excellence in Pilgrim Numbers Pakistan now ranks as the second-highest globally regarding the number of Hajj pilgrims. Minister Yousaf credited this impressive achievement to the coordinated efforts of various ministries and departments, ensuring a smooth and efficient Hajj journey for pilgrims. Outstanding Support and Services Minister Yousaf also praised the exceptional support from Saudi authorities and the dedication of the Pakistani team. Their commitment has been key in providing outstanding facilities and services to pilgrims, significantly contributing to this year’s successful operation.

ISLAMABAD — Rubina Khalid, Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), urges unified efforts to eradicate child labour across Pakistan. Her appeal coincides with the World Day Against Child Labour, highlighting the importance of this issue for a just society. Strengthening Constitutional Rights Khalid emphasizes Pakistan’s constitutional guarantees that protect children. She stresses the importance of these rights as a national duty, crucial for ensuring the welfare of children nationwide. Driving Social and Economic Progress Eliminating child labour is vital for Pakistan’s social and economic development. Khalid asserts that dealing with this pressing issue is key to achieving significant progress in both sectors. BISP’s Commitment to Child Welfare The BISP Chairperson’s appeal showcases a broader commitment to addressing social challenges. It highlights continuous initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and protection of children across the country.