Author name: NEN News

KARACHI — Governor Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi on Wednesday said free, responsible and positive journalism is essential for the development and stability of society, stressing that media serves as a bridge between the state and the public. The Governor expressed these views during a meeting at Governor House with directors and representatives of several media organisations, including Director ABM News Syed Turab Shah, Director Pakistan Today Mudassar Alam, Zahid Karani of Daily The AZB, and Sakeena Zafar of Asayish News. Governor Hashmi said media plays a key role in promoting public awareness, national consciousness and unity, and acknowledged the journalistic community’s services to society. The meeting covered discussions on responsible reporting, the promotion of journalism and national issues. The visiting delegation also extended greetings to Governor Hashmi on the successful completion of the Hajj pilgrimage.

RAWALPINDI — Police have arrested a man for stealing household items worth more than Rs400,000 from a neighbour’s residence, recovering the looted property in a swift operation, officials said. The suspect was identified and taken into custody following an investigation into a theft case registered at Ganjmandi Police Station. Officers recovered a substantial quantity of stolen goods from the accused during the operation. SP Rawal said the accused would be challaned in court with solid evidence to ensure effective prosecution. He reaffirmed the department’s commitment to taking strict action against individuals involved in crimes against citizens.

FAISALABAD — The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) organised a one-day international symposium on diversified educational development, bringing together academics and researchers to address evolving challenges in global education. The event, held at the New Senate Hall, was arranged by UAF’s Institute of Agricultural Extension, Education and Rural Development (IAEERD) under the theme “Diversified Educational Development in a Changing Global Landscape.” The symposium provided a platform for participants to examine how educational systems must adapt to rapid global shifts, with a focus on broadening academic frameworks to meet contemporary demands.

ISLAMABAD — Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal on Wednesday announced the launch of a dedicated 1122 helpline to provide guidance and medical assistance to people affected by HIV. The minister made the announcement while responding to a calling attention notice in parliament regarding the rising number of HIV/AIDS cases in the country, particularly among children. The helpline is intended to connect affected individuals with timely medical support and counselling services, as health authorities move to address what officials acknowledge is a growing public health concern.

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s Economic Survey for fiscal year 2025-26, a key pre-budget document outlining the government’s assessment of the national economy, will be launched Thursday afternoon, the finance ministry announced. Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb will officially unveil the survey on June 11, according to a press release issued by the ministry. The Economic Survey is released annually ahead of the federal budget and provides a comprehensive review of macroeconomic indicators, including GDP growth, inflation, fiscal accounts, and sectoral performance.

ISLAMABAD — Federal Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal on Wednesday restored the Sehat Sahulat Program in the capital after a prolonged suspension, aiming to provide free medical treatment to Islamabad residents. Kamal made the announcement during a visit to Dr Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital, where he thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for approving the revival of the program. The Sehat Sahulat Program is a government-funded health initiative designed to give low-income citizens access to quality hospital care at no cost. Its restoration in Islamabad marks a renewed push by the federal government to expand social health coverage in the capital territory.

ISLAMABAD — The federal government will present the budget for fiscal year 2026-27 in Parliament on Friday, June 12, with an emphasis on economic stability, growth, and addressing the socio-economic needs of the public. The budget will be presented by the Federal Minister for Finance, outlining the government’s fiscal roadmap for the year ahead. Authorities say the budget is designed to provide a comprehensive framework aimed at sustaining economic momentum while responding to public expectations on key social and financial issues.

ISLAMABAD — Around 3,500 Pakistani nationals have been deported from the United Arab Emirates for violating the country’s social media laws during the Iran-US conflict, the National Assembly was told Wednesday. Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, responding during Question Hour, said the government is providing all possible assistance to the affected individuals. The UAE maintains strict laws governing online speech, particularly content deemed to threaten national security or social stability. Violations can result in detention and deportation of foreign nationals. Pakistan is home to one of the largest expatriate communities in the UAE, with hundreds of thousands of workers employed across the Gulf state. Mass deportations of this scale raise concerns over the financial impact on families dependent on remittances from abroad.

ISLAMABAD — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday ordered a comprehensive review of information technology education at Pakistani universities, citing poor student performance in a nationwide skills competency test. Chairing a high-level meeting on higher education in the IT sector, the prime minister expressed dissatisfaction with the test results and directed authorities to align university IT curricula with industry standards and market demands. The review signals growing government concern over the quality of technical graduates entering Pakistan’s workforce at a time when the administration has positioned IT exports as a key driver of economic recovery.

ISLAMABAD — President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Russia, describing Moscow as a trusted partner and an important global power with whom Islamabad seeks deeper cooperation across diverse fields. The president made the remarks while addressing a reception held to mark the National Day of the Russian Federation, using the occasion to signal Islamabad’s intent to broaden engagement with Moscow on multiple fronts. Pakistan and Russia have in recent years expanded ties in trade, energy, and defence, with Islamabad pursuing a more diversified foreign policy that balances relationships with major global powers. The two countries have held several high-level exchanges aimed at accelerating cooperation in sectors including agriculture, energy infrastructure, and connectivity.