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Medical graduates pledge service to humanity at Isra University convocation

ISLAMABAD: Graduates of a medical college affiliated with Isra University pledged to devote their professional lives to the service of humanity, transcending barriers of faith, race and nationality, during an oath-taking ceremony held on Wednesday as part of the university’s convocation.

The pledge was administered at the degree-awarding ceremony, where newly qualified graduates formally affirmed their commitment to the ethical principles of the medical profession. Standing in academic regalia, they vowed to uphold compassion, integrity and respect for human dignity while caring for patients, regardless of background or belief.

The ceremony was presided over by Isra University Chancellor and President of the Isra Islamic Foundation Prof Dr Hamidullah Kazi. The chief guest was Executive Director of the Higher Education Commission Prof Dr Zia Ul Haq.

Degrees were conferred across 12 disciplines to 289 graduates, including two in Doctor of Medicine (Paediatrics), 112 in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), 60 in Doctor of Physical Therapy, 19 in BS Medical Laboratory Technology, 58 in BS Vision Sciences, 13 in BS Audiology, three in BS Prosthetics and Orthotics, one in Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, 11 in Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy, one in BS Electronics, seven in BS Engineering Technology (Civil) and two in BS Engineering Technology (Electrical).

Addressing the convocation, Prof Haq said Pakistan’s population of more than 250 million posed a significant challenge for the public sector alone to ensure universal access to education, adding that private institutions had become indispensable partners in expanding literacy and professional training.

He said Isra University and other private-sector institutions had made notable progress despite limited government support, adding that the Higher Education Commission would work towards developing “facilitative and friendly” policies for private educational institutions to help them expand academic opportunities while maintaining quality standards.

He emphasised that collaboration between the public and private sectors was essential to achieve national education targets and produce skilled graduates for socio-economic development.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Kazi said the university, operating under the Isra Islamic Foundation, remained committed to utilising available resources to provide quality education and professional training. He described education as the cornerstone of strong nations and expressed pride in graduates serving in professional roles around the world.

He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to continuous improvement and pledged ongoing support and guidance for graduates in their professional and personal lives. He also paid tribute to the contributions of foundation members, faculty and administrative staff in achieving academic excellence and enhancing the university’s international recognition.

Earlier, Vice Chancellor Dr Ahmed Waliullah Kazi congratulated the graduates and expressed satisfaction over the completion of another academic cycle at the Islamabad campus. He urged them to uphold dedication and integrity and to bring honour to their alma mater, teachers and the country through their professional conduct.

He said the convocation marked not only the conferment of degrees but also the fulfilment of aspirations for students and their families, noting that the graduates’ achievements reflected sustained hard work, perseverance and the collective support of teachers and parents.

Female graduates outnumbered their male counterparts at the ceremony, underscoring the growing participation of women in medical education.

The ceremony was attended by faculty members, graduates and their families. High-achieving students were awarded gold, silver and bronze medals in recognition of academic excellence, marking what organisers described as a significant milestone for both the university and its graduates.

Also read:UNHCR, Peshawar Zalmi renew partnership to support refugees

 

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UNHCR, Peshawar Zalmi renew partnership to support refugees

UNHCR, Peshawar Zalmi renew partnership to support refugees

ISLAMABAD: UNHCR and Peshawar Zalmi on Tuesday renewed their partnership, reaffirming their commitment to promote empathy, dignity and solidarity for refugees and asylum-seekers in Pakistan.

The announcement was made at a ceremony held in Islamabad, attended by Philippa Candler, UNHCR Representative in Pakistan and Mian Abbas Layaq, Chief Operating Officer of Peshawar Zalmi.

The collaboration between the UN refugee agency and the Pakistan Super League franchise began in 2016. Since then, the franchise has supported initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the challenges faced by displaced communities and highlighting their resilience and potential.

Speaking on the occasion, Candler said UNHCR was proud to continue its association with the franchise, adding that the partnership had helped bring refugee voices to a wider audience.

“This is not just a logo on a jersey — it is a badge of humanity, worn with pride by champions on and off the field,” she said, adding that refugees were part of “our team, our stories, and our future.”

Mr Layaq, delivering a message on behalf of Javed Afridi, chairman of the Peshawar Zalmi Foundation, said refugees shared the same hopes and ambitions as others and deserved empathy and dignity.

“Refugees share the same hopes and ambitions as anyone else. Their circumstances call for empathy and dignity,” he said.

As one of the leading franchises of the Pakistan Super League, Peshawar Zalmi has used sport as a platform to promote inclusion and social cohesion, the participants said, reiterating their resolve to continue joint efforts in support of displaced communities.

Also read:Three wanted terrorists killed in joint operation by KP police in Kabalgram mountains

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President Zardari congratulates BNP on election victory, reaffirms support for Bangladesh

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday congratulated the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its leader, Tarique Rahman, on securing higher margin votes in the national elections and receiving the mandate to form the next government.

In a statement, the president congratulated the people of Bangladesh on the successful conduct of the polls across 299 seats with the participation of over 127 million registered voters.

Reiterating Pakistan’s support for the sovereignty and democratic aspirations of Bangladesh, the president said that Pakistan looked forward to working with the new government to strengthen cooperation in trade, defence, cultural exchanges and regional forums.

Cited by the APP, the president stated that the elections in Bangladesh marked an opportunity for South Asia to move beyond past phases in which regional cooperation, including within SAARC was held hostage by India which continued to paralyse the great forum that was born in Bangladesh in 1985.

Underscoring his optimism, he said that the new political environment in Bangladesh would contribute to more independent and mutually respectful engagement across the region.

Also read:BNP secures landslide victory in Bangladesh polls, wins over 200 seats

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Imran Khan’s eyesight ‘reduced to 10-5pc’, KP CM claims

ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Thursday said that the eyesight of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s founding chairman Imran Khan was reduced to only 10 to 15 per cent, and people would not sit idle as this is a matter of their leader’s life.

He made the remarks while addressing a press conference along with Aleema Khan outside the Supreme Court in Islamabad, saying that “People of Pakistan can no longer sit idly, and even the party leadership will no longer be able to restrain PTI workers.”

He said that if the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa decide to shut down the province, the provincial institutions and police will not stop them.

The CM Afridi added that even when Imran was being moved to the hospital, his family was not informed.

Imran Khan underwent a medical procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on the night of January 24.

He claimed that the medical reports issued by the ‘fake government’ are alarming and that the current rulers, unable to compete with the popularity of the PTI founder, have now become thirsty for his blood.

Also read:Police identify 18-year-old in Canada’s deadly school attack

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Abdul Aleem Khan pledges to develop Gilgit-Baltistan, calls It “Switzerland of Pakistan”

Abdul Aleem Khan Pledges to Develop Gilgit-Baltistan

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan on Tuesday vowed to work for the progress and prosperity of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Talking to Gilgit Baltistan’s former cabinet members in Islamabad, he underscored the massive tourism potential of the region. He stated Gilgit-Baltistan will be turned into “the Switzerland of Pakistan,” Radio Pakistan reported.

Besides, the minister also welcomed former Governor Raja Adil, former Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan and other former ministers upon their joining the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party.

Also read:Unknown assailants attack PML-N leader’s residence in Bajaur

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Ishaq Dar, Indonesian minister reaffirm Pakistan-Indonesia cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Tuesday received Indonesian Minister for Investment and Downstream Industry and CEO of the Indonesian Sovereign Wealth Fund Danantara, Rosan Roeslani, reaffirming Pakistan and Indonesia’s resolve to enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors.

Addressing the opening session in his welcome note, DPM Dar said the visit was timely and pertinent, coming soon after the recent presidential-level exchanges between Pakistan and Indonesia, during which wide-ranging and productive discussions were held.

He noted that both sides had engaged in agriculture, information technology, trade, economy, artificial intelligence, security and defence, and expressed satisfaction over the positive momentum in relations.

He said Pakistan and Indonesia, as the two largest Muslim-majority countries by population, shared strong bonds and considerable untapped potential for cooperation. Dar highlighted the close coordination between the two sides at multilateral forums, particularly the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations, as well as other international platforms.

Indonesian Minister Roeslani thanked the deputy prime minister and said that he had been directed by the Indonesian president to engage with Pakistan’s leadership and stakeholders to further strengthen collaboration. He said Indonesia firmly believed that significant unexplored potential existed between the two nations.

Sharing an overview of Indonesia’s economic structure, he said domestic consumption accounted for about 53 to 54 percent of economic growth, investment around 29 to 30 percent, government spending 7 to 8 percent and net exports about 2 percent, underlining the critical role of investment in Indonesia’s growth trajectory.

He said the Danantara Investment Fund was established in February 2025 through the consolidation of state-owned enterprises, bringing together 1,044 companies with total assets nearing one trillion dollars. He added that the fund reported directly to the president and reinvested dividends from state-owned enterprises without reliance on the government budget.

Roeslani expressed Indonesia’s openness to working with Pakistan in collaboration with investment funds and relevant offices, particularly in sectors such as palm oil, agriculture and other priority areas, and voiced optimism for productive and fruitful engagements during the visit.

Also read:President Zardari reaffirms commitment to strengthening Pakistan-Japan relations

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President Zardari reaffirms commitment to strengthening Pakistan-Japan relations

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly in development, technology and people-to-people exchanges.

Speaking at a reception marking the 66th birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito of Japan, Mr Zardari said that Pakistan and Japan enjoy a relationship rooted in decades of trust, mutual respect and consistent cooperation

He underscored Japan’s enduring support for Pakistan and its key role in the country’s development journey.

“Japan is widely admired across the world for its technological achievements and its rich cultural heritage,” the president said adding “The Japanese people place great importance on discipline and dignity. They value family and community, and they honour tradition while steadily embracing progress and innovation. These qualities are well understood and appreciated in Pakistan.”

“Japan has stood with Pakistan in difficult times,” he said, recalling Japan’s compassionate and practical support during climate-related disasters.

He said beyond immediate assistance, Japan’s continued engagement in development cooperation and disaster-risk preparedness had been deeply valued and widely felt. “For this, we are sincerely grateful”, he added.

President Zardari said Pakistan looked to Japan as a model of technological excellence and innovation, and seeks to learn from its experience to build skills, strengthen institutions, and prepare its youth for the future.

He noted that more than 80 Japanese companies were currently operating in Pakistan, contributing to economic growth, creating employment and sharing valuable expertise, which reflected Japan’s confidence in Pakistan’s potential.

Referring to Pakistan’s strategic geographic location at the crossroads of Asia, the president said the country connects trade routes, energy corridors and regional markets, offering significant opportunities along with shared responsibilities.

“Pakistan and Japan share a belief in strong families, social harmony and respect for human dignity. These shared principles give our partnership depth and resilience,” the president said, adding that he was confident bilateral relations would continue to grow stronger with purpose, clarity and shared ambition.

Also read:Study warns AI tools more likely to spread medical misinformation

 

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Tarlai Mosque blast mastermind arrested, says Mohsin Naqvi

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday announced the arrest of an Afghan national associated with the banned Daesh group, who is believed to be the mastermind of the suicide attack at a mosque in Islamabad’s Tarlai area.

While addressing a press conference, Naqvi said the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) had arrested the mastermind along with all individuals involved in the attack.

Naqvi said four facilitators were also arrested during raids in Peshawar and Nowshera, adding that a police assistant sub-inspector (ASI) was martyred during the operation.

He said the planning of the attack was carried out in Afghanistan, where at least 21 terrorist organisations are currently operating.

The minister said that These terrorists work for money and are being funded by India, alleging foreign involvement in destabilising Pakistan.

He said Pakistan was in a “state of war” against terrorism and stressed the need for public cooperation to curb militancy.

Yesterday, a suicide bombing at a mosque in Islamabad’s Tarlai area during Friday prayers killed at least 32 worshippers and injured more than 169 others.

Also read:Information minister vows action after Imambargah Blast in Islamabad

 

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Rubina Khalid condemns suicide blast at Imam Bargah in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Rubina Khalid expressed deep condemnation over the suicide blast that occurred during the Friday prayer at an Imam Bargah mosque in Taralai, Islamabad.

In her statement, cited by APP, Rubina Khalid described the attack on innocent civilians as a “cowardly and inhumane act” and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives.

She stressed that terrorist elements are conspiring to spread fear across the country, but the nation stands united against such acts of terror.

Rubina Khalid prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the blast and extended her heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. She reiterated the government’s determination to eradicate the scourge of terrorism from the country.

She said that the entire nation is united against terrorism, and they share equally in the grief of the affected families.

Also read:One killed, six injured in kite-flying accidents during Basant in Lahore

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National consultation highlights need for climate proof public infrastructure

ISLAMABAD: A high-level stakeholder consultation on ‘Capacity Development for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure’ (CD-CRI) was held in Islamabad, bringing together engineering leaders, disaster risk authorities and development partners to discuss strengthening Pakistan’s public infrastructure against climate and disaster risks.

The consultation was organised by Kokkyo naki Kodomotachi (KnK) Japan in partnership with the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) and the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF), with support from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and in consultation with Dr Qasier Ali Associates.

Participants included PEC Chairman Wasim Nazir, NDRMF Chief Executive Officer Bilal Anwar, Dr Nicolai Dellmann of GIZ and Alex Forbes of the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, among other stakeholders from engineering, government and development sectors.

A key feature of the event was a technical session introducing a data-driven Structural Health Assessment (SHA) system aligned with the Building Code of Pakistan 2021. The system is designed to digitise the evaluation of public buildings for safety and resilience.

Speakers highlighted the need to bridge gaps between policy frameworks, engineering practice and community-level needs.

The consultation also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between KnK Japan, PEC and NDRMF, formalising cooperation to promote resilience in infrastructure development across the country.

Speaking at the event, PEC Chairman Mr Nazir said the initiative marked a shift from viewing resilience as a concept to implementing it in practice. He noted that digital tools and structured assessments could help strengthen engineering standards and improve decision-making.

Organisers said the CD-CRI initiative introduces a digital, GIS-enabled platform for structural assessments aimed at enhancing transparency and supporting evidence-based planning. The system is expected to be piloted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, in alignment with national building codes.

They emphasised that the initiative also focuses on institutional capacity-building, with PEC and NDRMF playing key technical roles in sustaining the system. The programme includes training engineers, certifying professionals in resilient construction standards and encouraging greater participation of women in technical decision-making processes.

The initiative is supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through GIZ, with the aim of strengthening local expertise and embedding climate resilience in Pakistan’s infrastructure planning frameworks.

Participants described the consultation as a step toward integrating climate risk considerations into the assessment and development of schools, hospitals and other critical infrastructure across the country.

Also read:Photo exhibition on Kashmir by European journalist held in Muzaffarabad

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