ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, during which they discussed bilateral and regional matters of mutual interest.
Foreign Minister Jarrah, during the conversation late Sunday night, felicitated the Deputy Prime Minister Dar on the recent signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
They also exchanged views on the regional situation, including Occupied East Jerusalem, besides agreeing to remain closely engaged.
The two leaders discussed Pakistan-Kuwait bilateral relations and other matters of mutual interest, including follow-up to Foreign Minister Jarrah’s recent visit to Pakistan and further enhancing cooperation and investment in key sectors.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has praised the historic defense pact among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye, describing it as a matter of immense pride for both the Pakistani people and the entire Muslim Ummah, APP reported.
During an exclusive talk with media Tarar expressed his profound gratitude to the Almighty for the blessed agreement, noting that this partnership among the three brotherly nations is a special blessing for the global Muslim community.
The minister underscored that the entire nation is celebrating the Makkah Accord with great fervor. He pointed out that the flags of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye are proudly displayed across the country, and the public is overwhelmed with joy by this landmark development.
He commended the crucial role played by the country’s leadership including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their dedicated efforts in signing the agreement.
Through this trilateral partnership, Tarar noted that Pakistan has finally achieved a prestigious status it has dreamed of for a long time.
He remarked that Allah has blessed Pakistan with the profound honor and responsibility of being the defender and protector of the Harmain Sharifain.
The minister congratulated the Pakistani nation on this monumental achievement, emphasizing that the three countries will now move forward together in accordance with this milestone pact.
ISLAMABAD: A monsoon tree plantation drive under the banner “Together for a Greener Tomorrow” was launched, aiming to expand the federal capital’s green cover and foster long-term environmental sustainability.
Under the initiative of Defence Housing Authority, around 50,000 indigenous and fruit-bearing saplings will be planted to bolster local environment system.
The launch event witnessed enthusiastic participation from school and university students, youth volunteers, and civil society representatives, who actively planted saplings to mark the inauguration of the campaign.
Highlighting the critical importance of afforestation, participants emphasised that large-scale tree plantation is essential to safeguard Pakistan against the severe adverse impacts of global climate change. They noted that Pakistan remains among the countries most vulnerable to climate-induced environmental disruptions, making immediate and sustained ecological action imperative.
“Trees serve as a crucial natural shield against environmental pollution and play a pivotal role in purifying the air. Increasing tree cover is vital to mitigating extreme weather patterns and securing a safer, healthier environment for future generations,” the speakers at the event viewed.
They stressed that tree plantation must not be treated as a one-day event, but rather as a continuous national obligation, highlighting that post-plantation care, nourishment, and protection of saplings are just as crucial as the initial planting process.
Urging the younger generation to lead environmental preservation efforts, organizers and participants called for collective societal action, emphasizing that every individual must contribute toward building a clean, green, and climate-resilient Pakistan.
Calling the saplings an asset for future generations, the speakers said that afforestation was need of the hour for a green and healthy Pakistan and that the plantation drive was meant to achieve the very objectives by promoting the establishment of an eco-friendly and green society.
ISLAMABAD: the capital of Pakistan, Islamabad has been decorated with coloured lights, LED screens and the national flags of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye to commemorate the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by the three countries on Friday.
According to state-run news agency APP, the Constitution Avenue is lined with digital displays of the three flags, while government buildings, including Parliament House, have been illuminated for the occasion.
LED screens installed at prominent points along Constitution Avenue and elsewhere in the city are carrying messages on the historical ties, mutual cooperation and shared defence commitments among the three countries.
The prominent displays reflect the strategic significance of the Makkah Agreement and the cementing of ties between Islamabad, Ankara, and Riyadh.
The festive atmosphere is being hailed as a beautiful manifestation of brotherhood, mutual trust, and a shared vision for defense cooperation.
The special decorations across Islamabad’s major thoroughfares have drawn significant public attention, with citizens expressing immense joy over the growing trilateral cooperation and praising the city’s breathtaking displays in honor of the historic defense pact.
ISLAMABAD: Former Senate chairman Mian Raza Rabbani on Wednesday opposed proposals to create new provinces on administrative grounds, arguing that Pakistan’s governance challenges stem from constitutional and institutional failures rather than the country’s existing federal structure.
In a statement, Rabbani said the failure of the system of governance, if any, was not a consequence of Pakistan having four provinces but was the result of repeated derailment of the democratic process, shrinking political space for elected representatives, centralization of powers in Islamabad and weakening of constitutional institutions.
He said governance had also suffered due to constitutional amendments introduced by military rulers, experimentation with multiple systems of governance since 1947, policymaking outside Parliament, failure to hold free, fair and transparent elections, violations of the Constitution, disregard for the separation of powers, rule by law instead of the rule of law and denial of provincial autonomy.
Calling these issues “just the tip of the iceberg,” Rabbani said Pakistan was created as a federation through the unanimous accession of its federating units and that the country’s strength lay in its ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity.
He maintained that provinces established on historical and constitutional realities could not be divided on the basis of administrative considerations, warning that reopening such a debate at the current juncture could deepen existing internal fault lines.
The former Senate chairman said any move to bifurcate the federating units could strengthen militant movements in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other parts of the country, encourage extreme nationalist forces, sharpen linguistic and ethnic divisions and raise disputes over the distribution of natural resources.
Instead of creating new provinces, Rabbani called for strict adherence to the Constitution, including upholding its supremacy, ensuring the rule of law, implementing provincial autonomy, respecting the constitutional separation of powers and devolving political, administrative and financial authority to elected local governments in accordance with Article 140-A of the Constitution.
He warned that pursuing the path of dividing federating units could engulf the federation in further political instability and aggravate existing security and governance challenges.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed his commitment to utilizing all available resources for the welfare and prosperity of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, APP reported.
The prime minister expressed these views during a meeting with Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Engr Amir Muqam, who called on him at the PM House.
Minister for Public Affairs Unit Rana Mubashir Iqbal, Minister of State for Power Abdul Rehman Khan Kanju, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Talha Barki also attended the meeting.
During the meeting, they discussed the overall political situation in the country.
PM directed the authorities concerned to expedite the public service agenda and ensure that resolving public issues remained the top priority.
ISLMABAD: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has announced candidates for all constituencies for the 2026 elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, according to party sources.
As per a press release, the parliamentary board has been empowered to scrutinize candidates and award party tickets for the elections.
A board’s meeting has been scheduled for June 27, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Zardari House in Islamabad.
For constituencies in Bagh, Sudhnoti, and Poonch, the party awarded tickets to Sardar Qamar Zaman, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, Sardar Amjad Yousaf, Sardar Saud Sadiq, Sardar Yaqoob, Sardar Muhammad Abid Khan, and Sardar Faheem Akhtar Rabbani.
For Neelum Valley and Muzaffarabad, including Mian Abdul Waheed, Sardar Javed Ayub, Syed Bazil Naqvi, Sardar Mukhtar Ahmad Khan, Mubashir Munir Awan, Ashfaq Zafar, and Dewan Ali Chughtai, party surces said.
According to the party’s candidate list, Afsar Shahid will contest from LA-1 Mirpur-I, Qasim Majeed from LA-2 Mirpur-II (Chakswari), Yasir Sultan from LA-3 Mirpur City, Chaudhry Sohaib Arshad from LA-4 Khari Sharif, and Chaudhry Pervez Ashraf from LA-5 Bhimber-I (Barnala).
In the Kotli Division, Malik Zafar has been nominated for LA-8, Javed Iqbal Bhadhanvi for LA-9, Chaudhry Yasin for both LA-10 and LA-12, and Chaudhry Akhlaq for LA-11.
The party also announced candidates for refugee constituencies, including Chaudhry Asif Gujjar from LA-35 Gujranwala, Chaudhry Ahsan Ismail Gujjar from LA-36 Sialkot, Shaheen Kausar Dar from LA-37 Narowal-Shakargarh, Raja Shahid Iqbal Advocate from LA-38 Gujrat-Wazirabad, Chaudhry Fakhar Zaman from LA-39 Jhelum-Rawalpindi-Attock, Aamir Abdul Ghaffar Lone from LA-40 Karachi, Ghulam Abbas Mir from LA-41 Lahore, Javed Butt from LA-43 Rawalpindi, Muhammad Rashid Islam Butt from LA-44 Rawalpindi-Islamabad-Attock, and Abdul Majeed Khan from LA-45 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The announcement marks the formal launch of the PPP’s campaign for the 2026 Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections.
ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide weather alert, warning that thunderstorms, strong winds, heavy rainfall, urban flooding and glacier related flood risks could affect several parts of Pakistan over the next 12 to 24 hours, with vulnerable mountainous regions facing an elevated threat of flash floods, landslides and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), APP reported.
As per the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), the forecast weather pattern is consistent with the seasonal outlook issued three to four months ago.
The NDMA said it has been continuously providing advance warnings and risk assessments to relevant federal, provincial and district authorities to ensure timely preparedness and effective response measures ahead of potential emergencies.
The alert forecasts rain accompanied by thunderstorms, windstorms and dust storms in most parts of the country.
In Punjab and Islamabad, rainfall is expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Mandi Bahauddin, Sargodha, Gujar Khan, Gujrat, Jhelum, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Khushab, Jhang, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan.
In Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, thunderstorms and rainfall are likely in Gilgit, Skardu, Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Hunza, Ghanche, Shigar, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bagh, Kotli, Poonch, Hattian, Mirpur and Bhimber.
The NDMA has also issued a separate alert regarding the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir. Authorities warned that GLOF incidents could trigger sudden flooding, landslides and debris flows in vulnerable mountainous areas.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rainfall with thunderstorms is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Peshawar, Kohat, Parachinar, Karak, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan.
Balochistan is also likely to receive thunderstorms and rain in Turbat, Kech, Awaran, Khuzdar and Zhob, while parts of Sindh, including Jacobabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Shaheed Benazirabad and Karachi, may experience strong winds, dust storms and rainfall at isolated locations.
The NDMA said district administrations and relevant agencies are maintaining continuous monitoring of vulnerable areas and have been directed to remain on high alert.
Rescue and emergency response teams have also been instructed to ensure readiness for any developing situation.
Tourists and travelers have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and to check weather forecasts and road conditions before visiting northern regions, where road closures due to flooding, landslides and debris flows remain a possibility.
The authority urged citizens to stay updated through the official “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile application and to immediately contact local administration and rescue services in case of any emergency.
The NDMA has directed all provincial and district authorities to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to mitigate the impact of the expected weather system.
ISLAMABAD: Speakers at an expo emphasised importance of strengthening academia-industry linkages to enhance graduate employability and support innovation-driven economic growth.
The Career Expo 2026 held at International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) brought together academia, industry, researchers, entrepreneurs and students on a common platform to promote innovation, commercialization, entrepreneurship and career development.
President and Acting Rector of International Islamic University Islamabad, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed, introduced new career pathways for students utilizing his global exposure to market practices the world over as he took keen interest in developing exhibition areas, interacted with students and industry representatives, and appreciated the innovative projects and entrepreneurial initiatives presented during the event
Speaking on the occasion, the university leadership said that the Expo reflected IIUI’s commitment to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, applied research and industry engagement.
The event provided students with opportunities to showcase their skills, interact with employers and explore pathways for transforming innovative ideas into commercial ventures.
Senior students appreciated the initiative by the president of the university, saying that it will go a long way in defining their career pathways. They said Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed has brought with him an idea of Saudi Vision 2030 for Pakistani youth and students must benefit from his ideas as much as they can.
The Expo was organized under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Ahmad Shuja Sayyed, Vice President (Research & Enterprise), supervised by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Amir, Dean Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET). Prof. Dr. Ahmad Shuja Sayyed attended the event as the Guest of Honour.
Food insecurity has become a growing issue, especially in metropolitan cities of Pakistan such as Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. It is affecting major segments of society, particularly lower- and middle-class communities, which make up a significant portion of Pakistan’s population. Among the most affected are students living in hostels while pursuing higher education.
These students often struggle to access healthy and adequate food, which negatively impacts their health, finances, and academic performance. Many are unable to focus on their studies due to poor-quality hostel meals and recurring health problems. A large number of these students reside in Islamabad, the capital city, because of its educational opportunities and proximity to many towns and smaller cities. However, students who come seeking a better future are often confronted with poor mess food and unhealthy living conditions.
Abdul Wasay, a 19-year-old Mass Communication freshman from Faisalabad studying at NUST Islamabad, currently resides in a private hostel, Karachi Boys Hostel, in Sector H-13. Since joining the hostel, he has faced numerous health problems due to unhealthy and contaminated mess food.
“Hostel meals are often a mixture of dirt particles and inedible food floating in excessive oil and grease. The kitchen staff usually work without head covers, which increases the risk of food contamination. I’m tired of the poor-quality mess food and losing focus on my studies because of recurring health issues. My teachers ask me about my declining grades, but I cannot explain how these health problems are affecting my education,” he said.
He further added that he had frequently found hair strands in his food. Due to these ongoing issues, he eventually started skipping meals.
Another student, Nabi Ahmed, a 19-year-old Civil Engineering student from Multan living in Shah Boys Hostel in H-13, also shared his experience. He explained how repeated exposure to undercooked meat in the hostel mess caused him to develop allergies.
“These allergies have completely changed my eating habits. I had to remove meat from my diet because the quality served in the hostel is unacceptable. I never faced these issues before coming to Islamabad,” he said.
He further explained that he had become so sensitive to meat that even a small amount in his food could cause nausea and severe reactions.
“This should never happen. University students are already under academic pressure and dealing with many challenges. Good food quality is a basic standard that still has not been met,” he added.
Contaminated water is another major problem faced by hostel students. It contributes to illnesses such as hepatitis and also affects students’ skin and hair, leading to skin diseases and hair loss.
Hasnain Habib Bhatti, a 20-year-old student residing in one of NUST’s internal hostels, described his experience.
“My friends who were already living in the hostel warned me about the water, but I ignored them. Soon, I started suffering from stomach aches. At first, I thought it was due to environmental changes, but the pain kept returning. Later, I realized the contaminated water was causing these problems. On top of that, I started experiencing hair fall. Now, unfortunately, these issues have become part of my daily routine,” he said with a sigh.
Dr. Arif Hussain, who previously worked at Benazir Bhutto Hospital Islamabad and is currently serving as a Medical Officer at the Social Security Dispensary in Khewra, explained that food poisoning cases among students are common.
“I handled such cases two to three times during my duty calls. Most patients were accompanied by roommates or hostel wardens. They usually presented symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In most cases, the root cause was hostel mess food or meals from local eateries where proper hygiene standards were not followed,” he said.
Dr. Hussain recalled the case of a 19-year-old girl who became severely dehydrated after eating at a local dhaba near her university.
“She had only eaten two or three bites, but even that was enough to upset her stomach. She continued vomiting and had to stay overnight at the hospital,” he explained.
He also described another incident in which several students from the same hostel were brought to the emergency room suffering from food poisoning after eating rice served at lunch.
“We had to create a proper triage system to manage patients according to the severity of their condition,” he said.
Dr. Hussain also pointed out that many students delay seeking medical treatment because they try home remedies to save money, which often worsens their condition.
He stressed that hostel administrations must strictly follow hygiene SOPs in kitchens and avoid using substandard food items simply to reduce costs.
“These practices put students’ lives at risk just to save a small amount of money,” he warned.
The discussion highlighted how serious these health issues can become, often leading to hospitalization. At the same time, many students hesitate to spend money on medical treatment because they are already struggling financially.
Another overlooked issue is the financial burden caused by poor hostel food. Since students are dissatisfied with hostel meals, many rely on food deliveries or dining out, forcing them to spend significantly more money. Most students live on limited allowances, and a large portion of their budget goes toward finding healthier food options. This increases financial pressure not only on students but also on their families, who are already burdened with tuition fees and household expenses.
Zaib Batool, a 21-year-old third-year Sociology student at Quaid-e-Azam University, shared her concerns.
“The unhealthy hostel food often forces me to spend extra money outside. When there is no decent meal available, I order food, buy instant noodles, biscuits, fruits, or sometimes skip meals entirely,” she said.
She further explained: “These alternatives affect both my budget and my health. Instant noodles, snacks, and fast food are easily accessible, but consuming them regularly creates more health problems. Ordering food is also extremely expensive, especially while living in the capital city.”
According to a survey conducted among students, the most common suggestions for improvement included better food quality, balanced weekly menus with healthier options, regular student feedback, basic cooking facilities, fresh fruit and milk in meals, and reducing excessive oil and spices.
An example of comparatively better facilities can be found in NUST’s internal hostels. During a conversation with a hostel in-charge, he explained:
“We provide a variety of meals according to a weekly menu and ensure cleanliness. Food is properly covered to maintain freshness and hygiene. Kitchen staff are required to wear gloves and head covers.”
He also stated that utensils are thoroughly washed and dried, adding that most students were satisfied with the mess quality.
The youth are a valuable asset to the nation and deserve proper facilities and healthy living conditions. These issues require immediate attention so that students can study in a safe and supportive environment. After all, prevention is always better than cure.
The author is entering her fifth semester of Mass Communication at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST). She highlights issues faced by students, and expresses her concerns through stories inspired by real-life student experiences.
She can be reached via Gmail at: [raaziazainab355@gmail.com](mailto:raaziazainab355@gmail.com)
