ISLAMABAD: The District Health Office Islamabad has intensified dengue surveillance and vector-control activities across the capital to identify and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites and contain the risk of dengue transmission.
According to official sources, surveillance and vector-control teams are conducting field visits in different areas, inspecting water storage sites, identifying and eliminating mosquito larvae and taking timely action on complaints received from citizens.
The teams are also monitoring compliance with dengue prevention standard operating procedures (SOPs) and taking preventive measures at identified locations to reduce the risk of mosquito breeding.
The intensified activities come as September, October and November are considered the peak dengue transmission months, requiring sustained surveillance and preventive action to control the spread of the disease.
The DHO has urged citizens to keep their homes and surroundings clean, avoid stagnant water and cooperate with field teams during surveillance visits.
Citizens have also been advised to report suspected dengue breeding sites and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families from the disease.
The health authorities are continuing coordinated surveillance and vector-control measures to ensure early identification of dengue risks and strengthen prevention efforts across Islamabad.
ISLAMABAD: Sixty needy students at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) received tuition-fee support worth Rs1.9 million during the 2026 academic year, helping them to continue their studies without financial hurdles.
The initiative was funded by Saudi staff members of the university and was highly appreciated by IIUI President Prof. Dr. Ahmed bin Saad Al-Ahmed and other faculty staff for their contribution to supporting students in need.
Praising the Saudi staff members for their strong sense of social responsibility, the president IIUI noted that the initiative represents a commendable example of generosity and solidarity within the university community.
He also noted the initiative reflects the noble humanitarian values demonstrated by the University’s Saudi staff members toward their fellow members of the academic community and students.
He also emphasised that the impact of the initiative extends beyond financial assistance, as it provides beneficiary students with an opportunity to continue their education and focus on their academic progress.
“Such efforts also strengthen the values of solidarity, shared responsibility and a sense of belonging within the university community. The initiatives of this nature reflect the deep bonds of brotherhood between the peoples of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and provide a practical example of how strong people-to-people relations can contribute to supporting education and serving society,” he said.
He added that such efforts further reinforce the longstanding and deeply rooted ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Concluding his remarks, the IIUI President thanked everyone who contributed to its successful implementation.
He also expressed hope that such initiatives would continue, creating a positive and lasting impact on students’ lives while further supporting the University’s educational and social mission.
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has postponed its planned Islamabad long march until October 5, according to party sources.
The PTI senior leadership had announced last month that it would march to Pakistan’s capital Islamabad on September 27 to press for the release of party founder Imran Khan.
After Consultations on whether to proceed with the march on the previously announced date of September 27, the decision was taken by the party’s political committee.
A majority of the leadership had opted holding the march as scheduled; however, the committee ultimately agreed to defer it until October 4, sources said.
According to sources, the decision will be formally announced following Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) chief and Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas are taken into confidence.
Section 144 has been imposed across Punjab
In light of the potential long march and other protests in Islamabad, Preparations in the Rawalpindi Division and the federal capital territory to maintain security and deal with any emergency situation have been in full swing.
A ban under Section 144 has been enforced in Islamabad for two months. Punjab also has already imposed a ban on gatherings for 13 days and prohibited inciting people to “unlawful assembly”.
Achakzai, PTI differ over Sept 27 Islamabad march
Meanwhile, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi held a telephonic conversation with Achakzai, head of the opposition alliance, TTAP, and sought his guidance about the long march.
Afridi told the TTAP chief that PTI leaders were of the view that the long march should be postponed.
Achakzai, however, told CM Afridi that the September 27 long march call should remain in place, the sources added.
Achakzai said a decision on the September 27 action plan would be made after further consultations.
Tarar challenges PTI over planned Islamabad long march
Reacting on development, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar slammed the KP government, accusing it of avoiding taking steps to maintain law and order.
“If PTI has the courage, come and hold a sit-in [in Islamabad]. If you have the courage, come and hold a long march,” Tarar added.
The information minister said political parties in KP had all faced attacks by terrorists, alleging that the PTI did not condemn such attacks.
ISLAMABAD: Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, AKAMATSU Shuichi, on Thursday reiterated his commitment to further cooperation with Bahria University during his first visit to the university’s Islamabad Campus.
On the occasion, Ambassador Akamatsu participated in a handover ceremony and presented the diverse collection of books under the “READ JAPAN PROJECT”, launched by the Nippon Foundation in 2008.
The project is currently administered by the Tokyo Foundation to promote the global understanding of Japan through literature.
Today, the Embassy of Japan in Pakistan also handed over around 100 books to the Bahria University in Islamabad.
The selection made by the university are in English language spanning Japan’s history, politics, economy, security, international relations, philosophy, literature, language, culture and more.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Akamatsu congratulated students and faculty, stating that the collections will serve as “a bridges of knowledge.
“I hope that the students of Bahria University will continue to make the most of these opportunities and become the next generation of bridges between Japan and Pakistan,” he highlighted.
The Ambassador noted that there has been a steadily growing interest in Japan among Pakistani youth. Looking ahead to the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, he expressed his hope that these books will provide Pakistani students with fascinating insights into the culture, society, and socio-economic development of Japan.
Also, he highlighted Japan’s long-standing economic cooperation with Pakistan and that Japan has always placed particular emphasis on education and respect for autonomy.
He appreciated the Bahria University for their cooperation including advancing people-to-people exchanges between two nations.
On behalf of the Bahria University side, Rear Admiral Naeem Sarwar SI (M), Director General of Islamabad Campas, Bahria University, expressed sincere gratitude to the Nippon Foundation and the Embassy of Japan, noting the donation of books would help students learn about Japan that will pave the way for further strengthening the Japan-Pakistan relations.
ISLAMABAD: Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar arrived in Pakistan for a two-day official visit aimed at deepening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between Pakistan and Lebanon, APP reported.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry received the Lebanese interior minister upon his arrival at Islamabad International Airport.
The minister had been invited by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the visit is expected to provide an opportunity for both countries to discuss matters of mutual interest and explore ways to expand cooperation in different areas. Both sides officials will hold discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties and promoting collaboration between the two nations.
During his stay in Pakistan, Ahmad Al-Hajjar will meet members of the Pakistani leadership. The meetings will focus on issues related to mutual cooperation and the further development of relations between Pakistan and Lebanon.
Upon his arrival at Islamabad Airport, the Lebanese interior minister was formally welcomed by Pakistani officials. The reception was attended by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, along with senior officials including the Chief Commissioner Islamabad and the Inspector General of Police Islamabad.
During his two-day visit, the minister will hold meetings and discussions aimed at further strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation between Pakistan and Lebanon.
ISLAMABAD: In a bid to “ease the burden” of rising fuel prices, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday launched a special relief scheme under which motorcyclists, rickshaw and chingchi owners, and owners of vehicles up to 800cc will receive a Rs100 per litre petrol subsidy.
The development comes a couple of days after the government further increased the price of petrol by Rs3.05 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs5.37 per litre, effective from Friday through Monday, marking the fourth consecutive hike in petroleum prices.
The scheme will be implemented in Islamabad from Monday night and across Pakistan, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, from Wednesday night. Registration began on Sunday, while details of the registration process will be communicated through an awareness campaign.
PM Shehbaz stated the government fully recognised the burden being placed on the public by higher oil prices and would not leave people alone in the difficult situation. He thanked the provinces for their cooperation in providing information on motorcycles, rickshaws and small vehicles to facilitate registration under the relief scheme’.
It is pertinent to mention that amid heightened volatility in global oil markets triggered by renewed hostilities in the Middle East, the government had decided in July to shift to a daily fuel price review mechanism.
BISHKEK: Paksitan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Kyrgyzstan concluded on an unprecedented note of hospitality, as Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov personally drove the vehicle to see him off at the airport, APP reported.
The extraordinary gesture by President Japarov, who took the wheel himself to bid farewell to the prime minister, was widely seen as a reflection of the exemplary hospitality extended to the visiting Pakistani delegation and the depth of the warmth characterising ties between the two countries.
The officials said the personal gesture by the Kyrgyz President underscored the strength of the bilateral relationship and added a new dimension to the fraternal ties between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan.
The visit had further cemented the bonds of friendship between the two nations, with the President’s personal involvement in the send-off ceremony being termed a rare and meaningful diplomatic gesture.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during his stay in Bishkek, held wide-ranging discussions with the Kyrgyz leadership aimed at deepening cooperation in various sectors of mutual interest, officials said, adding that the visit marked another milestone in strengthening the historic and brotherly relationship between Islamabad and Bishkek.
Islamabad: The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Program, has decided to provide grant assistance of 21 million Yen (approximately USD 142,500) to the Dopasi Foundation for a project to procure equipment and a vehicle for tuberculosis screening in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Chakwal.
The grant contract was signed between AKAMATSU Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan and the representative of the Dopasi Foundation at the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad on September 1st, 2026. The project, titled “The Project for the Procurement of Equipment and Vehicle for Tuberculosis Screening in Two Districts of Punjab Province and Islamabad City” aims to improve access to early diagnosis and basic health services for vulnerable communities.
The Dopasi Foundation is a dedicated humanitarian organization in Pakistan with more than 200 staff members. Over the years, the foundation has worked to address the needs of underprivileged communities and has steadily expanded its healthcare initiatives across the country.
Through this grant, the Dopasi Foundation will deploy a fully equipped Mobile Health Unit in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and District Chakwal. This unit will provide digital chest radiography, TB screening, family planning counseling, and basic health checks to marginalized populations, including daily wage earners, women and families who face barriers to accessing healthcare.
Toyota Tsusho Corporation, in collaboration with Fujifilm, has also contributed to the project by supporting the development of a specially equipped Land Cruiser with a compact X-ray system and AI technology for TB screening, as well as a local maintenance system for its sustainable operation. Toyota Tsusho and Fujifilm will also support technical training to ensure the effective and sustainable use of the equipment.
The project is expected to provide high-quality medical screening to 20,000 individuals annually, reducing the impact of communicable diseases and barriers to healthcare access on local households. It will also enhance the long-term socio-economic resilience of vulnerable families by helping prevent catastrophic health expenditures and saving lives through early diagnosis.
At the signing ceremony, Ambassador AKAMATSU stated that human security begins with protecting every individual life, a fundamental principle of Japan’s development cooperation. He emphasized that ensuring access to early diagnosis and basic health services is directly linked to saving lives and lifting families out of vulnerability.
As a steadfast friend of Pakistan, the Government of Japan will continue to support capable local NGOs through grant assistance to advance human security in Pakistan. It is hoped that this project will further strengthen the long-standing friendship between Japan and Pakistan.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Saturday said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its founder’s sisters have been committing contempt of the court by actively politicizing his health and disrupting his medical care.
“If anyone is in contempt, it is the PTI leadership and their founder’s sisters,” Tarar said while talking to the media. He rejected the PTI’s claim about the implementation of the apex court’s order by the administration. Tarar explained that a contempt of court did take place, but it was committed by the PTI itself.
He pointed out that despite the court’s explicit order to avoid politicking over the issue, the PTI continued to hold press conferences and issue political statements.
Meanwhile, the PTI supporters gathered in groups outside Shifa International Hospital, broke through security barriers, and made TikTok videos on that day, he added.
He noted that this was the first time a prisoner was being transferred to a hospital while his own people created disruptions in his treatment.
“If they were loyal to their party founder and genuinely wanted him treated, they would not have created hurdles on his way to the hospital,” Tarar said.
Because the PTI supporters created a security risk with these hurdles, he explained, the government took the PTI founder to PIMS Hospital instead.
The PTI had nothing to do with the justice, he said, arguing that if the leadership truly cared about justice, they never would have filed a petition for contempt of the court.
The minister recalled that when the PTI was in power, its leaders and then-chairman issued daily, humiliating, and sarcastic statements mocking PML-N leaders over their medical issues.
Despite PML-N’s requests to avoid playing politics over matters that could affect anyone, the PTI persisted.
Tarar emphasised that as the PTI founder’s own health issues arose, current government leaders did not resort to that same behavior.
“When we were in the opposition, we had the same stance, and while in the government, we maintain the same stance that there should be no politics over someone’s health,” he noted, reiterating that this position will not change in the future.
Regarding the government’s legal stance, Tarar noted that the law minister has already presented the government’s position to the nation within hours of filing a review petition, clarifying that everything will proceed according to the law.
Tarar added that without the recommendations of a medical board, it is impossible to ascertain where treatment should be arranged and which doctors should provide care.
Despite these legal observations, Tarar affirmed that all requisites of the court order were fully implemented in a transparent manner, according to the law and the Constitution.
“Were the court orders implemented? The answer is yes. Did the check-up take place? Yes, it did. Did it happen in a transparent way? Yes, it did. Was his sister present there? Yes, she was. Were doctors from Shifa Hospital there? Yes, they were,” he stated.
Tarar mentioned he had posted two tweets a day earlier confirming the check-up in the presence of the prisoner’s sister and an ophthalmologist from Shifa Hospital.
Tarar also highlighted the role of the legal community, noting that both the Pakistan Bar Council and the Punjab Bar Council issued statements urging that bar politics be kept separate from general politics.
The elected representatives clarified that the PTI should not use the bars for its own political agenda.
Tarar condemned the actions of some lawyers who tried to “pollute bar politics” by issuing an unauthorized, so-called official statement in their individual capacities.
“The lawyers say there should be no politics over the issue, and we say the same. You created hurdles, and now you are playing politics over this issue.”Noting that PIMS reports show the PTI founder is in perfect health, Tarar questioned, “Which ailment of their founder do they want to politicize?”
He said that the government never stopped from providing him medical care.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been moved back to prison after spending a few hours overnight at a hospital, according to his party spokesman.
Following a Supreme Court order this week, Khan was transferred to a hospital in Islamabad early on Friday for medical examination.
A spokesperson for Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, confirmed that the former prime minister had been taken back to Adiala prison in the garrison city of Rawalpindi.
Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023. He says the cases against him are politically motivated, an accusation the government denies.
Reuters reported that his lawyers say his health has deteriorated in prison and that he has lost significant vision in his right eye. The government has said medical reports disclosed no condition requiring immediate treatment.
The Supreme Court told authorities to transfer Khan to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within 48 hours and allow him access to a medical panel that includes his personal physician.
