Turk Defence Minister Reaches Islamabad To Strengthen Ties

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July 9, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Yasar Guler, Minister of National Defence of Türkiye arrived in Islamabad on an official visit aimed at enhancing defence cooperation and further solidifying the historic ties between the two brotherly nations.

Upon arrival, the Turkish Minister was warmly received by Additional Secretary (West Asia) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani, a DPM’s Office news release said.

During his visit, the Turkish Minister is scheduled to hold meetings with senior Pakistani officials to discuss key issues of mutual interest, particularly in the fields of defence collaboration, regional security, and strategic cooperation.

Ankara also has cordial ties with India, but after its support for Pakistan, small Indian grocery shops and major online fashion retailers boycotted Turkish products, while New Delhi also cancelled Turkey-based aviation service provider Celebi (CLEBI.IS), opens new tab clearance over “national security” reasons.

Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan arrives reached Islamabd late night on an official visit.

According to the spokesperson of the Foreign Office, Additional Secretary Syed Ali Asad Gilani received the Turkish Foreign Minister upon his arrival.

Foreign Minister Hakan is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Field Marshal Asim Munir to discuss steps aimed at strengthening bilateral defense cooperation.

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Justice Dogar, Three Others Sworn In As Permanent High Court Chief Justices

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Palwasha Mustafa

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July 9, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Justice Sarfraz Dogar and the three acting chief justices of the high courts were sworn in as permanent chief justices of respective High Courts.

Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar’s oath-taking ceremony was held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr (Presidential Palace) in Islamabad, where President Asif Ali Zardari administered the oath to the newly appointed chief justice. The event was attended by a large number of senior lawyers.

Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz were also present at the ceremony.

Earlier, the Chief Justices of the Sindh and Peshawar High Courts also took oath of office.

On the other hand, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori administered the oath to Justice Muhammad Junaid Ghaffar, Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court, while Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, administered the oath to Justice SM Atiq Shah, Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court.

It is worth mentioning that on July 1st, during a meeting of the Judicial Commission chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, the appointments of Justice Sarfraz Dogar as Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court, Justice Junaid Ghaffar as Chief Justice of Sindh High Court, Justice Atiq Shah as Chief Justice of Peshawar High Court, and Justice Rozi Khan as Chief Justice of Balochistan High Court were approved.

President Asif Ali Zardari had officially declared Justice Sarfraz Dogar as the senior most judge of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), and made permanent the transfer of Justice Sarfraz Dogar along with two other judges on June 29.

This decision followed the Supreme Court’s earlier directive to refer the matter of high court judges’ seniority to the President. Acting on that, President Zardari issued a formal notification announcing the updated seniority list of IHC judges.

As per the list, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani is ranked second in seniority, while Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb is placed third.

The notification also confirmed that the transfers of Justice Khadim Hussain Tunio and Justice Muhammad Asif have been made permanent. According to the new seniority list, Justice Tunio now ranks 9th and Justice Asif 11th among IHC judges.

It is worth noting that five judges of the IHC had recently filed an intra-court appeal against the Supreme Court’s June 19 verdict, which upheld the constitutionality and legality of transferring three judges to the IHC and dismissed the petitions filed by those five judges.

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Islamabad, Baghdad Enter Into Sister-city Relationship

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Our Correspondent

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July 8, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad and Baghdad have reached an agreement to declare Islamabad and Baghdad as sister-cities as a memorandum of understanding (MoU) agreed between the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq was signed.

The two sides have reached an agreement during a meeting between CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa and Iraqi He Islamabad and Baghdad are likely to enter in teh relationship of sister cities as the two sides are agreed to enhance bilateral cooperationad of Mission Abdul Qadir Sulaiman Al-Humaeri.

Held at CDA Headquarters, the meeting focused on fostering bilateral cooperation, with special emphasis on strengthening municipal-level ties.

Both sides agreed to formally sign a MoU to establish the twin-city relationship.

This initiative aims to promote cultural exchange, people-to-people linkages, and collaboration in urban development.

Al-Humaeri praised the efforts led by Randhawa to enhance Islamabad’s development, beauty, and environmental sustainability. He expressed strong interest in boosting economic, cultural, and tourism ties between the two countries, and emphasised Iraq’s readiness to actively engage in the implementation of joint initiatives with CDA.

The proposed MoU will pave the way for collaboration in several sectors including preservation of cultural heritage, urban planning, infrastructure enhancement, beautification of public spaces, and sustainable development.

It is expected to strengthen diplomatic and municipal cooperation between the capitals of both nations.

During the meeting, Randhawa briefed the Iraqi envoy about the modernisation and uplift of the Diplomatic Enclave under the directions of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

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NADRA Launches Mobile App for Online Registration of Births, Deaths, and Marital Status Changes

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Our Correspondent

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May 18, 2025

PESHAWAR: In a significant step toward digitizing civil registration services, Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has developed a mobile application that enables citizens to register births, deaths, and changes in marital status online—from the comfort of their homes.

According to an official press release issued Saturday, the app is designed to simplify the process of documenting life events by eliminating the need for in-person visits and lengthy paperwork.

Initially being rolled out in Punjab, the app integrates biometric verification services available in all Union Councils across the province. NADRA plans to extend the service nationwide after the pilot phase.

The move is part of NADRA’s broader digital transformation initiative, aimed at making civil services more accessible and efficient.

The agency also announced that one-window counters are being established in the Union Councils of Islamabad to facilitate seamless access for residents seeking assistance with the registration process.

“This initiative will revolutionize how life events are documented in Pakistan,” said the NADRA spokesperson. “It empowers citizens with convenience, ensures accuracy in national data collection, and strengthens our digital governance framework.”

The launch marks a pivotal milestone for Pakistan’s e-governance efforts and aligns with global trends in digital civil registry systems.

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Sajid Tarar Warns Against Escalation, Backs Diplomacy

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Our Correspondent

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May 5, 2025

WASHINGTON: Sajid Tarar, head of Muslims for Trump, highlighted the global risks of a third world war amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. He said both India and Pakistan must seek diplomatic solutions.

“The US and Europe cannot afford another war. That’s why the US is urging both sides to talk,” Tarar said and linked the timing of the Pahalgam attack to upcoming elections in Bihar, India, and noted that Indian Prime Minister Modi’s popularity is declining.

“Even within India, serious questions are being raised,” Tarar observed, adding that the international community, including the EU, is rejecting India’s narrative.

Referring to Republican Senator JD Vance’s remarks during his visit to India, Tarar noted, “He clearly said the world won’t stand with you without evidence.” He called the Pahalgam incident an act of terrorism and reminded that Pakistan itself has been a victim of terrorism. He praised the Pakistan Army’s record and asserted, “If any event occurs now, the Pakistan military will defend the nation.”

Tarar stated that the danger of war seems to have subsided for now and confirmed that Trump remains serious about resolving the Afghanistan issue. He also warned about the abandoned US weapons in Afghanistan, calling them a regional threat. “Both the US and Pakistan are aligned in addressing this threat,” he said, stressing that the US will ensure those weapons are recovered.

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Iranian FM Arrives In Islamabad To Ease Pak, India Tensions

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Palwasha Mustafa

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May 5, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Pakistan on an official visit as part of Tehran’s initiative to reduce tensions between Pakistan and India.

Upon arrival at Islamabad Airport, he was received by senior officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Iranian ambassador.

According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the Iranian foreign minister will hold meetings with the President, Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan.

During his visit, Araghchi will discuss bilateral relations, regional developments, and global issues.

Reports also suggest that the Iranian foreign minister is scheduled to visit India later this week as part of the same diplomatic effort.

Despite all efforts, India is facing diplomatic isolation over the Pahalgam False Flag Operation, as major global powers continue to reject New Delhi’s narrative of aggression.

According to Radio Pakistan, Russia has now joined the chorus, with its Foreign Minister advising India to resolve all outstanding issues with Pakistan through dialogue.

Previously, both the United States and the European Union have urged India to engage in negotiations with Pakistan to settle disputes diplomatically.

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India May Launch Military Attack Against Pak In 24-36 hrs: Minister

By

Palwasha Mustafa

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April 30, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar was of the view that the next 24 to 36 hours are crucial amid Pakistan-India escalating tension as there are credible intelligence reports that India intends to launch military strike against Pakistan.

In a statement on late Tuesday night, Tarar said Pakistan has credible intelligence that India intends to carry out military action against Pakistan in the next 24-36 hours on the pretext of baseless and concocted allegations of involvement in the Pahalgam incident.

Tarar said that any such military adventurism by India would be responded to assuredly and decisively. The International community must remain alive to the reality that the onus of escalatory spiral and its ensuing consequences shall squarely lie with India.

He said that India must remain mindful of the consequences of its reckless conduct and realize that the Pakistani nation remains ready to fully safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all cost.

He said that Indian self-assumed hubristic role of judge, jury and executioner in the region is reckless and vehemently rejected. Pakistan has been the victim of terrorism itself and truly understands the pain of this scourge. We have always condemned it in all its forms and manifestations anywhere in the world, he said.

He said that being a responsible state, Pakistan open-heartedly offered a credible, transparent and independent investigation by a neutral commission of experts to ascertain the truth.

Unfortunately, rather than pursuing the path of reason, India has apparently decided to tread the dangerous path of irrationality and confrontation, which will have catastrophic consequences for the complete region and beyond, he said.

Tarar said that evasion of credible investigations is in itself sufficient evidence exposing India’s real motives. Consciously making strategic decisions hostage to public sentiments, purposefully trumped up for securing political objectives, is unfortunate and deplorable.

Following a cabinet meeting chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and the closure of the Attari check post.

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Chinese Business Delegation Arrives In Islamabad To Explore Investment Opportunities

By

Sara Maqsood

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April 30, 2025

ISLAMABAD: A Chinese Business delegation consisting of 15 top companies arrived in Pakistan Capital to explore investment opportunities in different sectors of the country.

The delegation having senior executives of 15 Chinese companies have arrived as part of a high-level delegation to assess investment opportunities across a range of sectors in Pakistan.

This visit aims to strengthen economic ties between the two countries, with scheduled meetings between the delegation and key government officials, the reports said, adding that the visiting companies represent diverse industries such as new energy, satellite communications, smart technologies, mining, high-tech manufacturing, and aviation.

The initiative is being led by the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), a major national chamber representing China’s private enterprises and playing a central role in aligning private sector growth with national policy goals.

Included in the delegation are members of the Chamber of Commerce for High Technology and Equipment Industry and the New Energy Operations Committee of the China Electricity Equipment Management Association. Discussions are also underway with the China Jinhua (Yiwu) Wenzhou General Chamber of Commerce regarding further development of the Pakistan-China Free Trade Zone.

Companies such as Xi’an Yufei Electronic Technology Co Ltd, known for UAV communication systems; Rongzhihang Information Technology (Suzhou) Co Ltd, which supplies aircraft components; and Sichuan Andy Technology Industrial Co Ltd, a satellite communication firm, are actively exploring sectoral collaborations. Others, like Hefei Changwei Zhixuan Technology Co Ltd and Beijing Xiaotunpai Technology Co Ltd, focus on smart industrial solutions and medical infrared technology.

Zhongke Hongtai (Anhui) New Energy Technology Co Ltd is looking to invest in renewable energy infrastructure and manufacturing, while Beijing Masterful Sci-Tech Co Ltd is interested in mining ventures, particularly copper extraction.

The delegation’s visit underscores a growing Chinese interest in strategic sectors of the Pakistani economy, with formal meetings expected to outline investment incentives and regulatory pathways.

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Chinese Employers Asked Not To Ask Female Workers About Marital Status

By

TNT Monitoring Desk

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April 3, 2025

HONG KONG: Several Chinese labor unions, including in central Hunan province and the southern hub of Shenzhen, issued official notices to companies to stop requiring prospective female employees to disclose their marital and childbearing status.

The notices, posted on the Shenzhen, Hunan and Qinghai state-backed unions’ official Wechat pages in the past week, were among the most widely circulated items on social media with many netizens saying it was a step in the right direction to address widespread gender inequality.

It has become increasingly common in China for companies to quiz female job seekers about their marriage or childbearing plans during job interviews.

Fear of having to give up their career or be side lined if they start a family has been a growing concern for many young Chinese women who opt not to give birth as a result.

Chinese authorities, worried about the country’s declining population growth, have pledged a series of measures to try to incentivise births, including subsidies, but have not successfully addressed entrenched gender stereotypes where women are seen as the chief care givers.

During the recruitment process, employers should not give priority to men, said the notice from the Hunan Federation of Trade Unions.

“Employers shall not further inquire or investigate the marital and childbearing status of female job seekers” while contracts should “not stipulate restrictions on marriage and childbearing of female employees,” it said.

Female employees cannot be dismissed or see their salaries cut due to marriage, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, it said.

Many netizens welcomed the move while some were sceptical and said it may make employers stop hiring women altogether.

“Discrimination still exists and they will still refuse to hire you because of concerns about your marriage and childbearing,” said one netizen. Another pointed out the societal ironies.

“In the workplace, women are required not to have children but society requires women to have more children. After having children, women are required to take care of children and the family while earning money in society. Isn’t this contradictory?”

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World War I Memorial In Islamabad Faces Demolition Threat

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Our Correspondent

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April 3, 2025

ISLAMABAD: World War I Memorial, a historical monument in Islamabad is at risk of being demolished to make way for a new housing project.

The monument, erected by the British Empire after 1914 to honor local soldiers who fought in the Great War, stands on Kuri Road, an suburban area of the Capital city, but now faces imminent destruction due to development plans by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Defence Housing Authority (DHA).

The CDA, in league with DHA, is planning to level a mound in the area as part of a joint project, which threatens the preservation of this historical monumental site, an official in the Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM) revealed this to media.

Islamabad has already witnessed loss of numerous historical and archaeological sites due to rapid urban expansion, the DOAM exp[erts said, and they warned that the continued disregard for cultural heritage in the name of development is erasing significant parts of the city’s history.

It has been a recurring issue that CDA and other development bodies initiate construction projects without obtaining the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the DAOM.

This negligence has led to the destruction of several archaeological sites over the years.

Islamabad is home to ancient artifacts, including two-million-year-old man-made stone tools. A recent survey of the archaeology department identified over 20 archaeological sites within the city, underscoring the need for stronger preservation efforts.

Heritage conservationists and historians are urging authorities to take immediate action to safeguard the World War I memorial and other historically significant landmarks before they are lost to unchecked development.

Images show that land has been levelled all around till the foot of the mound above which the memorial stands. The matter of the immanent destruction of the monument went viral on social media, where concerned citizens have urged people to join protests to stop what they call “unsympathetic” and “insensitive” developers in their tracks.

The CDA Spokesperson in respose to a question revealed that he had no knowledge of the matter.

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