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  • Senate Committee Voices Concerns Over Provincial Rights and CCI Inactivity


    Islamabad: A Senate Functional Committee on Devolution meeting, chaired by Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro, addressed the status of the 18th Constitutional Amendment and the Ministry of Petroleum’s operations. The committee expressed concerns regarding the lack of provincial rights implementation and the inactivity of the Council of Common Interests (CCI).



    According to Senate of Pakistan, Senator Ghumro criticized the CCI’s performance, highlighting the lack of provincial representation and questioning the CCI’s control over constitutionally mandated institutions. He urged CCI officials to propose a mechanism for effective recruitment to uphold provincial rights, emphasizing that negligence in this area would not be tolerated.



    The meeting also discussed the oil and gas sector, noting the failure to employ local populations and ensure provincial representation in the Ministry of Petroleum’s boards. Senator Sardar Al-Haj Muhammad Umar Gorgij raised concerns about the situation in Sindh and Balochistan and questioned the Federation’s approach to provincial resource agreements.



    Concluding the meeting, the committee requested detailed information on local employment, provincial shares, and representation in the oil and gas sector. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the 18th Amendment and protecting provincial rights. Attendees included Senators Punjo Bheel and Sardar Al-Haj Muhammad Umar Gorgij, along with senior ministry officials.

  • Senate Committee Reviews Budget and Road Infrastructure Projects: Expresses Concerns Over Delays and Cost Escalations


    Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Communications convened under the leadership of Senator Pervaiz Rashid to assess the budgetary allocations for the current fiscal year and consider proposals for the next. The meeting focused on the deteriorating state of road infrastructure, receiving briefings on National Highway Authority (NHA) projects, and evaluating the Escalation Price Adjustment Formula.



    According to Senate of Pakistan, members of the Committee expressed concern over project delays and their impact on costs, particularly as a large portion of the NHA budget is allocated to PSDP-funded projects. Senator Jam Saifullah Khan highlighted the importance of prioritizing the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway and requested regular updates at each Committee meeting.



    The Committee urged the development of a strategy to avoid the simultaneous execution of multiple projects, suggesting that focusing on one project at a time could prevent cost escalations and ensure timely completion. Coordination with the Planning Commission was recommended for this strategy. The Chairman emphasized the need for accountability regarding project delays and suggested that those responsible should bear the escalation costs.



    Discussions also covered the poor condition of motorways and the Lawari Tunnel, with concerns about safety and quality standards due to the Tunnel’s strategic importance. It was recommended to provide protective roofing and safety measures for roads in mountainous areas like Chitral. The Committee noted ongoing NHA road projects in Balochistan and requested detailed project specifications and inspection visits for members.



    The Sub-Committee presented its report, receiving commendation for its efforts. Updates were provided on the Chakdara-Chitral and Gilgit-Shandur road projects. Additionally, the Committee was briefed on the Prime Minister-approved Escalation Price Adjustment Formula’s implementation, stressing that delays could increase contractor claims and were contrary to directives. The Chairman instructed the NHA to address these issues urgently and submit quarterly progress reports.

  • Japan and Pakistan Mark 74 Years of Diplomatic Relations with a Focus on Future Collaboration

    Islamabad: Japan and Pakistan are commemorating 74 years of diplomatic relations, with a focus on strengthening economic and cultural ties. H.E. Mr. Akamatsu Shuichi, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, outlined a vision for future cooperation during a media networking event held at his residence.

    According to Embassy of Japan In Pakistan, Ambassador Akamatsu highlighted the importance of people-to-people interactions and the deep-rooted trust and affection between the two nations. He emphasized the impact of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), the presence of Japanese companies, and the reliability of Japanese products in fostering these relations.

    In his address, the Ambassador detailed a strategic agenda for 2026 and beyond, focusing on economic growth, technological collaboration, and the legacy of the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025. He underscored three primary pillars for future relations: enhancing mutual understanding through human interaction, strengthening economic ties, and promoting Japanese cuisine.

    Ambassador Akamatsu noted the growing interest of Pakistani youth in Japan, with increasing participation in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. He also highlighted economic opportunities in artificial intelligence and information technology, with nearly 80 Japanese firms operating in Pakistan and employing over 100,000 people.

    The Ambassador announced an upcoming Japan-Pakistan Business Seminar on February 10, following successful events such as an AI seminar with NUST in Islamabad. He also celebrated the achievements of the Pakistan Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, which won the Bronze Award for Exhibition Design and attracted 1.8 million visitors.

    In addition to economic and technological cooperation, the Ambassador highlighted the rising popularity of Japanese cuisine in Pakistan, noting its contribution to fostering mutual understanding and friendship. He invited Pakistanis to engage with upcoming events such as the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya in 2026.

    Prof. Dr. Yasar Ayaz from NUST praised Japan’s legacy of quality and reliability, citing collaborative projects with Japanese universities and companies. He highlighted efforts like the AI wheelchairs and scholarships that have enabled Pakistani students to study in Japan, contributing to Pakistan’s knowledge-based economy.

  • Pakistani Leaders Meet U.S. Advisor to Discuss Minority Inclusion and Interfaith Harmony


    Islamabad: Senator Khalil Tahir Sandhu and Shahid Rehmat, Executive Director of the Youth Development Foundation, engaged in a meeting with Mark Walker, U.S. Principal Advisor on Global Religious Freedom at the U.S. Department of State. The meeting focused on strategies for enhancing minority inclusion, fostering interfaith harmony, and supporting youth-led initiatives to promote peaceful coexistence.



    According to Senate of Pakistan, the conversation underscored the Senate’s significant role in advancing policies that support religious minorities, aiming to strengthen social cohesion within the country. The dialogue highlighted ongoing efforts and potential collaborations to ensure inclusive approaches are effectively implemented.

  • Pakistan to Invest $1 Billion in Artificial Intelligence by 2030


    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has announced a significant investment of one billion dollars in Artificial Intelligence (AI) by the year 2030. The initiative aims to establish a robust AI ecosystem in the country and was unveiled during the opening ceremony of Indus AI Week in Islamabad.



    According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister outlined plans to introduce an AI curriculum across federally controlled schools, as well as in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and most parts of Balochistan. This curriculum is intended to prepare young people for roles in leadership and the digital economy. Additionally, the government will offer one thousand fully funded PhD scholarships in AI by 2030, aimed at developing a world-class research center.



    Furthermore, the government intends to launch a nationwide program to train one million non-IT professionals in AI skills. This initiative is expected to enhance productivity and improve livelihoods by transforming youth from IT technicians into AI experts. The Prime Minister expressed confidence in Pakistan’s readiness to become a significant player in the global AI field.



    Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal, added that Pakistan plans to lead in emerging technologies, setting up new national centers in areas such as quantum computing and nanotechnology. The proposed quantum valley project will feature four specialized science parks focused on emerging technologies.



    Shaza Fatima, Minister for Information Technology, highlighted that Pakistan’s approach to AI would align with national priorities and reflect the country’s values and aspirations. This year will see the implementation of the AI policy launched in September of the previous year.

  • Sindh Chief Minister Commends MALC’s 70-Year Service on World Leprosy Day

    KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah praised the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre (MALC) for its 70 years of service during an event celebrating the institution’s Platinum Jubilee and the 73rd World Leprosy Day. The gathering, held at the Marriott Hotel, included notable attendees such as the Consul General of Germany and MALC CEO Marven Lobo. Shah highlighted the organization’s evolution from a leprosy control initiative to a significant humanitarian institution, emphasizing its dedicated service to marginalized communities.

    According to Chief Minister Sindh, Shah paid tribute to Dr. Ruth Pfau, recognizing her central role in combating leprosy in Pakistan. He acknowledged the contributions of the Daughters of the Heart of Mary, the congregation associated with Dr. Pfau, to MALC’s sustained impact. Expressing gratitude for Germany’s support since 1962, Shah lauded Dr. Pfau as a symbol of cross-border compassion. He welcomed MALC’s recent initiatives in inclusive development and education, reflecting the organization’s responsiveness to current social challenges.

    Shah underscored MALC’s collaboration with the government as a model public-private partnership, citing mutual trust and credibility as its foundation. He mentioned the Leprosy Elimination Strategy 2024-2030 launched by MALC, committing full support from the Sindh Government. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation and technology in fulfilling the strategy’s goals. Concluding his remarks, Shah congratulated MALC for its enduring service to vulnerable populations and expressed confidence in the local team to continue Dr. Pfau’s legacy.

  • Senator Chishti Affirms Support for CPSP’s Medical Education Mission


    Karachi: Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, expressed strong support for the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) at a dinner honoring international medical education leaders. The event was part of an international conference attended by heads of postgraduate medical education from 26 countries.



    According to Senate of Pakistan, the gathering included Prof. Rashid Latif, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, as Guest of Honor. Senator Chishti conveyed gratitude on behalf of Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and himself for the dignitaries’ engagement with Pakistan’s medical education sector.



    In his address, Senator Chishti praised CPSP’s role in setting regional benchmarks in postgraduate medical education and emphasized the importance of implementing best practices to enhance healthcare delivery and professional competence. He interacted with representatives from various international colleges, acknowledging their contributions to advancing medical education globally.



    Prof. Andrew Elder, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, expressed appreciation for CPSP’s standards in higher medical education. Senator Chishti concluded by reaffirming his commitment to CPSP’s mission of promoting excellence in medical education and service to humanity.

  • Standing Committee on Housing and Works Reviews Key Housing Bill and Budgetary Proposals


    Islamabad: The Standing Committee of the National Assembly on Housing and Works convened at the Parliament House in Islamabad to deliberate on “The Islamabad Capital Territory Condominium (Ownership and Management) Bill, 2026,” among other significant issues. Chaired by Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, the meeting also addressed matters concerning the allotment of government houses and the development of federal housing projects.



    According to National Assembly of Pakistan, the Committee offered Fateha for the victims of recent suicide blasts in Rawalpindi, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The discussion on the Condominium Bill was postponed to a future meeting, allowing for further examination of the task force’s report related to the legislation.



    In response to a query from Syed Rafiullah, MNA, regarding government house allotment, the Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Works acknowledged inefficiencies within the Estate Office. He detailed ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and accountability through automation and modern technology, aiming to eliminate corrupt practices and reduce administrative burdens.



    The Committee also reviewed budgetary proposals from the Ministry of Housing and Works related to the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the 2026-27 fiscal year. This includes 31 projects, both ongoing and new, linked to the Election Commission of Pakistan. The Ministry emphasized its commitment to maintaining accurate records of government assets and cooperating with local MNAs to resolve issues and prioritize the completion of existing projects.



    The meeting saw participation from several Honourable Members of the National Assembly, the Honourable Minister for Housing and Works, and officers from relevant departments.