National News

Disaster, National News

PM Orders Accelerated Rescue Operation in Cloudburst-hit Battagram

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.

National News

President Zardari Honors Armed Forces Personnel for Valor During Operation Bunyan-Um-Marsoos

RAWALPINDI, August 14, 2025 — President Asif Ali Zardari presented military awards to officers and personnel across the Pakistan Armed Forces in recognition of their extraordinary courage and ultimate sacrifices during Operation Bunyan-Um-Marsoos, according to an official ISPR statement.Awards conferred included: 8 Sitara-i-Jurat 5 Tamgha-i-Jurat 24 Sitara-i-Basalat 45 Tamgha-i-Basalat 146 Imtiazi Sanad 259 COAS Commendation Cards 1 Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military) Notable recipients of the Sitara-i-Jurat include: Wing Commander Bilal Raza, Wing Commander Hammad Ibne Masood, Squadron Leaders M Yousaf Khan, Muhammad Osama Ishfaq, Muhammad Hassan Anees, Talal Hassan, Fida Muhammad Khan, and Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Ashhad Amir—all from the Air Force .

Balochistan, Entertainment, Kpk, National News, Pakistan, Sindh, World

Happy Independence Day 2025 – A Message to All Pakistanis Worldwide 🇵🇰

From the heart of Pakistan to every corner of the globe – Happy 78th Independence Day!Today, we honor the vision of our founding fathers, the sacrifices of our heroes, and the unwavering spirit of our people. Whether you are in Karachi or Kuala Lumpur, Lahore or London, Islamabad or Istanbul — the love for Pakistan binds us together as one nation.This day reminds us that freedom is a blessing and unity is our strength. Let’s continue to protect our heritage, work for our nation’s progress, and inspire future generations with our resilience, creativity, and determination.May our flag always fly high, our hearts always beat with pride, and our homeland always shine with peace and prosperity.Pakistan Zindabad! 🇵🇰✨

National News

Libraries Department Independence Day 2025 celebrations

ISLAMABAD, Aug 14 (APP):The Department of Libraries held a grand ceremony at the Public Library in Islamabad to commemorate Pakistan’s Independence Day and Marka-e-Haq 2025, attracting a large audience of scholars, researchers, teachers, students, and citizens. The event began with the formal hoisting of the national flag, followed by a special book exhibition featuring rare and valuable works on Pakistan’s independence, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s leadership, and the subcontinent’s history. A seminar, presided over by Director General Sheikh Muhammad Arshad, explored the significance of Independence Day and Marka-e-Haq. He emphasized the pivotal role libraries play in promoting national consciousness and educating younger generations about their heritage. Distinguished researchers — Professor Dr Z.A. Qureshi, Professor Dr Shehzad Qaiser, and Dr Sajid Mirza — presented scholarly papers discussing the freedom movement, Quaid-e-Azam’s personality, and the historical importance of Marka-e-Haq. Their insights were warmly received by the attendees. The ceremony concluded with the cutting of a cake to mark Pakistan’s anniversary, followed by prayers for the nation’s peace, stability, and prosperity.

National News

NLPD Independence Day 2025 celebrations

ISLAMABAD, Aug 14 (APP):The National Language Promotion Department (NLPD) marked Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day with a dignified flag-hoisting ceremony and a one-day national seminar titled “Azadi se Operation Marka-e-Haq tak”. The ceremony began at 8:00 a.m. at the NLPD headquarters, where Director General Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar and Chief Guest Major General (R) Dr. Muhammad Samrez Salik, HI (M), jointly hoisted the national flag. Among the attendees were Executive Director Dr. Rashid Hameed, Dr. Arif Hussain, Deputy Director Mahboob Khan Bugti, Nisar Muhammad, Kamran Mushtaq, and other staff members. The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by prayers for Pakistan’s peace, prosperity, and security. Delivering opening remarks, Dr. Rashid Hameed reflected on the significance of Independence Day, stressing the need for national solidarity. Addressing the seminar, Maj. Gen. (R) Dr. Samrez Salik lauded the armed forces and citizens for their courage and sacrifices, noting that Pakistan’s determination and spirit remain unshakable. He urged continued unity for the nation’s progress and security. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar described August 14 as “a symbol of sacrifice, unity, and struggle,” recalling the contributions of forefathers who fought for an independent homeland aligned with cultural and national values. He paid tribute to Allama Iqbal, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and Pakistan Movement leaders, reiterating NLPD’s commitment to national prosperity. The celebrations included patriotic songs by students Anmol Fatima and Musqura Fatima. The event concluded with the presentation of NLPD publications to the chief guest.

Education, National News, Technology

PM Shehbaz Directs Timely Completion of Islamabad Technology Park

Islamabad, August 14, 2025 — Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday visited the under-construction Islamabad Technology Park and expressed dissatisfaction over the slow pace of work. The Prime Minister ordered authorities to accelerate construction and ensure the facility is completed within the original timeframe. He emphasized that the project must meet global standards in infrastructure, amenities, and technological facilities. “All stakeholders must expedite efforts to complete the Technology Park at the earliest,” PM Shehbaz said, underlining its significance for Pakistan’s IT sector, job creation, and economic growth. According to the briefing, the facility will feature two basement floors, a ground floor, and nine upper floors, housing offices, an incubation center, a business support center, R&D laboratories, a Level III data center, an auditorium, and parking for 1,200 vehicles. Officials noted that the Technology Park aims to create employment opportunities for the youth, enhance Pakistan’s global IT competitiveness, stimulate economic activity, and bridge the digital divide.

National News

NA Passes Resolution to Address Pakistan’s High Population Growth Rate

ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (APP): The National Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution calling for urgent and comprehensive action to bring down Pakistan’s population growth rate to sustainable levels, ensuring alignment with the country’s renewable and non-renewable resources. The resolution, moved by Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) central leader Syed Naveed Qamar, highlighted the alarming findings of the 2023 Population and Housing Census. Lawmakers expressed concern over the high growth rate’s impact on the state’s ability to provide essential services such as education, healthcare, housing, and employment. It was noted that the rapid population increase has placed severe pressure on natural resources, undermined sustainable development, deepened inequalities, and worsened climate-related challenges. The resolution reaffirmed that every individual and couple has the right to decide the number and spacing of their children responsibly, provided they are informed and supported to maintain a family size consistent with available resources and a dignified standard of living. Lawmakers stressed that lowering the growth rate is vital to achieving national development goals, strengthening human capital, and ensuring equitable opportunities for all. The House resolved that the federal government, in collaboration with provinces, will expand access to reproductive health information and services, make them affordable for low-income communities through social protection programs, and improve service quality, especially in underserved rural areas.

National News

Tarbela Dam 96% Full as Water Storage Nears Capacity Across Major Dams: Wattoo

ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (APP): Federal Minister for Water Resources, Muhammad Mueen Wattoo, said Wednesday that Pakistan’s major reservoirs are currently holding water well above average seasonal levels, with Tarbela Dam at 96 percent capacity — a significant change from the lows typically observed earlier in the year. Responding to legislators during the National Assembly’s question hour, the minister noted that in two months of the year, water levels at Tarbela, Mangla, and Chashma dams often drop to their lowest. However, this year, the trend has reversed, showing a strong water storage situation nationwide. As of today, Tarbela Dam stands at 96 percent capacity, Mangla at 64 percent, and Chashma at 83 percent, bringing the national average water storage to around 75 percent. Addressing concerns about future preparedness, Wattoo stressed that the government is closely monitoring both domestic and global water scarcity projections. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is personally overseeing the matter, holding high-level meetings every third day to review new storage projects and long-term solutions for irrigated and rain-fed areas. On equitable water distribution among provinces, the minister reaffirmed that allocations are clearly defined under the 1991 Water Accord and are being strictly implemented. Each province receives its share and has full autonomy in managing it. To enhance transparency and prevent disputes, a telemetry system is being installed for real-time monitoring of water flows. This system will ensure that no province receives less than its allocated share. “If any province believes it is getting less water than agreed, it may present specific data. If intentional reductions are proven, strict action will be taken,” Wattoo concluded.

National News

PM Shehbaz Welcomes Moody’s Upgrade of Pakistan’s Credit Rating to Caa1

Islamabad, 13 August 2025 — Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has expressed satisfaction over Moody’s decision to upgrade Pakistan’s credit rating from Caa2 to Caa1, alongside an improved economic outlook from “positive” to “stable.”In a statement issued by the PM Office, the prime minister welcomed the development and appreciated the efforts of his economic team, stating that the upgraded rating reflects that Pakistan’s economic policies are on the right track.He reiterated the government’s commitment to further improving the country’s credit rating, noting that such positive international assessments strengthen investor confidence and support economic growth.According to Moody’s official information, its credit ratings provide an assessment of debt obligations and the entities issuing them, including governments, corporations, and financial institutions, across global markets.

National News

President for Boosting Economic, Connectivity Links with Azerbaijan

ISLAMABAD, August 13, 2025 (APP) — President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to further strengthen its brotherly ties with Azerbaijan, built on mutual trust, shared values, and common aspirations. He made these remarks during a meeting with the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, according to a Presidency press release. President Zardari described Azerbaijan as a key partner, emphasizing the need to expand cooperation, particularly in trade, economy, and regional connectivity. He stressed that enhanced trade links, investment partnerships, and improved connectivity would benefit both nations and contribute to shared prosperity. The president congratulated Azerbaijan on its historic peace agreement with Armenia, conveying felicitations to President Ilham Aliyev and the Azerbaijani people. He expressed confidence that the agreement would usher in lasting peace, stability, and progress in the region. Highlighting the operationalization of direct air links between the two countries, President Zardari noted that the step had opened new avenues for trade, tourism, and people-to-people contacts. He also thanked Azerbaijan for its steadfast support for the just cause of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, particularly as a valued member of the OIC Contact Group.

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