ISLAMABAD  –  The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan and leading representatives from the business community, has launched the country’s first WHO Pakistan Public-Private Health Council to strengthen cooperation in the health sector, reinforce national health systems and accelerate progress towards achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The council was formally inaugurated at a ceremony in Karachi by WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Hanan Balkhy, Council Chair Aziz Memon, Federal Secretary for National Health Services Muhammad Aslam Ghauri, WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Luo Dapeng, and the council’s founding members drawn from the business sector and academia.

The initiative brings together 20 prominent business leaders with WHO and government stakeholders to mobilise financial resources, technical expertise and strategic advocacy aimed at improving healthcare delivery and expanding public health initiatives across Pakistan.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Dr Balkhy described the council as an innovative platform that would foster stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to address Pakistan’s healthcare challenges.

She said the initiative would harness the expertise, influence and philanthropic commitment of the business community to help improve health outcomes and support sustainable development.

Council Chair Aziz Memon said the platform would promote structured collaboration between government institutions, WHO and the private sector, ensuring that Pakistan’s economic development was aligned with national public health priorities.

Federal Secretary for National Health Services Muhammad Aslam Ghauri said the council would complement the implementation of Pakistan’s National Health Strategy 2026–2035 and contribute to the country’s efforts to achieve universal health coverage.

WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Luo Dapeng said stronger public-private partnerships would help expand access to quality healthcare services, improve health equity and build a healthier and more prosperous Pakistan.

According to WHO, the newly established council is expected to serve as a strategic forum for promoting long-term collaboration between the public and private sectors, encouraging investment in health programmes and supporting national efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.

Peshawar  –  Advisor to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Agriculture Mian Muhammad Umar chaired a review meeting on World Bank-assisted “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Irrigated Agriculture Improvement Project (KPIAIP)” being implemented by the On-Farm Water Management Directorate.

The meeting reviewed progress made under the project and discussed future targets in details. Additional Secretary Agriculture Dilnawaz Khan, Director General On-Farm Water Management, Director General Agriculture Engineering, while all district directors of On-Farm Water Management participated via video link in the meeting.

Officials briefed the meeting that development project has been under implementation since 2020. Under the initiative, watercourses are being constructed and modern irrigation technologies, including drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation systems are being installed to promote efficient water use in agriculture. The meeting was informed that project has a total cost of Rs40 billion and aims to increase agricultural productivity while reducing water losses by promoting modern irrigation systems across the province.

Speaking on the occasion, Mian Umar emphasized the promotion of High Efficiency Irrigation Systems (HEIS), stating that the adoption of modern technologies such as drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation and rain gun systems would significantly reduce water wastage, improve crop yield and quality, enhance fertilizer-use efficiency, and lower production costs for farmers.

He directed relevant authorities to strengthen engagement with farmers and ensure regular consultation with them during the planning and implementation of development projects so that the benefits of these initiatives reach the maximum number of growers.

He said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government is utilizing all available resources to promote agricultural development, expand use of modern irrigation systems and provide better facilities to farmers.

He added that timely and transparent completion of ongoing development projects remains one of the government’s top priorities.

ISLAMABAD  –  In a scathing critique of the Indian government, former Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) chief minister Farooq Abdullah on Monday held the Modi regime directly responsible for the ongoing terrorism and security failures in the region following the killing of innocent labourers in Kulgam.

In an interview reported by Indian media, Abdullah rejected attempts by Indian media and officials to link the Kulgam incident to Pakistan, delivering a major blow to the Modi administration’s security narrative. Questioning the Indian government’s claims of normalcy, Abdullah asked, “If terrorism has ended, who killed these labourers? And if the entire border is strictly controlled, where are these killers coming from?”

He highlighted the suspicious timing of such events, questioning why mysterious and violent incidents always occur whenever the demand for the restoration of Kashmir’s special identity and statehood gains momentum.

Abdullah described the attack on labourers in Kulgam, occurring immediately after vigorous protests for statehood at Jantar Mantar, as a deep-rooted conspiracy.

Demanding a genuine, honest, and unbiased investigation into the Kulgam killings rather than a biased cover-up, National Conference ministers further admitted that Indian intelligence agencies themselves engineer such staged dramas precisely to obstruct the restoration of statehood.

Abdullah slammed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating that it is ruining Kashmir solely for its own political interests and asked why statehood is still denied if conditions are truly normal.

Joining the calls for sanity, Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq emphasised the urgent need for dialogue and negotiations to bring lasting peace to the region.

Meanwhile, the Indian National Congress party also rejected the BJP’s rhetoric, refusing to endorse the narrative of a “foreign hand” behind the Kulgam incident.

Political experts have termed the Kulgam attack a continuation of New Delhi’s fabricated security dramas, asserting that the Modi regime is intentionally spilling blood in IIOJK to divert public attention away from its worsening internal political and economic crises, as well as mounting public protests against the BJP.

Experts emphasised that levelling baseless allegations against Pakistan without evidence remains India’s traditional tactic to cover up its severe intelligence failures.

They noted that during recent protests at Jantar Mantar, even the Indian public slammed the Modi government for reflexively blaming Pakistan for every failure.

Political analysts have noted that New Delhi is artificially generating continuous crises in occupied Kashmir to maintain direct control over the territory and to construct a false justification for keeping a force of one million troops deployed in the region.

Peshawar  –  Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Health Mian Khaleeq-ur-Rehman inaugurated the state-of-the-art SMILE Pro Laser Vision Correction System at the Frontier Institute of Ophthalmology (FIO), here on Monday, as the Chief Guest.

The inauguration marks the introduction of one of the world’s most advanced laser vision correction technologies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, enabling patients to access internationally recognized eye care services within the province.

The ceremony was attended by senior ophthalmologists, healthcare professionals, medical experts, and representatives from the health sector. During the event, the minister formally inaugurated the SMILE Pro Refractive Suite and participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

He also toured the newly established facility, where experts briefed him on the latest laser vision correction technology and its benefits for patients.

Speaking on the occasion, KP Health Minister Khaleeq-ur-Rehman congratulated the management and medical team of the Frontier Institute of Ophthalmology for introducing this cutting-edge technology in Peshawar. He said the availability of SMILE Pro in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reflects the province’s steady progress in adopting modern healthcare innovations and will significantly reduce the burden on patients who previously had to travel to other cities for advanced eye treatment.

The minister said that the provincial government is committed to strengthening the healthcare system by ensuring access to quality, affordable, and modern medical facilities across the province. He emphasized that introducing advanced technologies such as SMILE Pro will improve patient outcomes, enhance the quality of eye care services, and further strengthen public confidence in the healthcare system.

Khaleeq-ur-Rehman said that investment in modern medical technology is an investment in the health and future of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He reiterated that the Health Department will continue to support institutions that promote innovation, excellence, and patient-centred care.

The minister appreciated the dedication of the doctors and staff of the Frontier Institute of Ophthalmology for their valuable contribution to preventing blindness and restoring vision. He expressed confidence that the introduction of SMILE Pro technology will benefit thousands of patients and further elevate the standard of ophthalmic care in the province.

The ceremony concluded with a guided visit to the SMILE Pro facility and an interaction between the Minister and medical professionals.

LAHORE  –  Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi on Monday conducted visits to major roads and underpasses across the city to review traffic conditions and assess the performance of traffic personnel deployed in the field during the fourth spell of monsoon rains. During his visits to Jain Mandir, Mozang, Lower Mall, Jail Road, Canal Road and various underpasses, the CTO reviewed rainwater accumulation, drainage arrangements and traffic flow. He directed the officers concerned to ensure uninterrupted vehicular movement and provide maximum facilitation to commuters despite the inclement weather. Speaking on the occasion, CTO said traffic wardens were performing their duties with dedication despite heavy rain and standing water, making every effort to keep traffic moving smoothly and minimise inconvenience to the public.

He said all DSPs, sector in-charges and traffic wardens remained deployed in the field, while continuous monitoring of major roads, intersections and underpasses was being carried out to maintain smooth traffic flow throughout the city. The CTO said Lahore Traffic Police were taking all possible measures to ensure safe and uninterrupted movement of commuters and closely monitoring the situation to prevent traffic congestion at any location. He urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during rainfall, drive cautiously, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, keep their speed under control and follow traffic police instructions to help prevent accidents and ensure safe travel.

LAHORE  –  Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Monday met a delegation of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), which presented a proposal for the establishment of a state-of-the-art Green Economic Zone in Punjab.

OPF Chairman Syed Qamar Raza briefed the chief minister on the proposed Green Industrial Economic Zone, to be developed through a collaboration between the OPF and the Green Energy Group. The chief minister welcomed the proposal and directed the authorities to prepare a comprehensive action plan for its implementation. She also announced a special incentives package for both local and foreign investors to encourage investment in the project.

According to the briefing, the proposed Green Industrial Zone was expected to generate more than 18,000 skilled employment opportunities and produce annual revenues exceeding Rs5.6 billion. The project will feature integrated clean energy infrastructure, including solar, wind, hydro, ground-source energy, battery storage, and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) backup systems. Officials said the export of environmentally friendly products from the zone could contribute up to 1.5 percent to the country’s GDP while significantly strengthening the regional economy. The modern clean energy infrastructure was also expected to substantially reduce carbon emissions and support the achievement of net-zero climate targets. On the occasion, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said Punjab welcomed every investor and was fully prepared for all forms of investment. She said the provincial government had introduced a “Zero Time to Start” policy to facilitate the establishment of new businesses and industries. She added that a comprehensive one-window operation was in place to ensure the prompt issuance of all required No Objection Certificates (NOCs). The CM said Punjab was providing a secure, peaceful and business-friendly environment free from unnecessary administrative and bureaucratic hurdles. “Our commitment is to transform Punjab into a global hub of modern green industry and commercial activity,” she added.

RIYADH  –  Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, Monday announced its network expansion into Pakistan with the launch of daily services between Islamabad and Riyadh and three times a week between Lahore and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Full public ticket sales for both destinations are now open, with the first flight to Islamabad commencing August14, 2026, followed by the inaugural service to Lahore on August18, 2026.

This dual launch establishes vital new connections that directly support the deep cultural and economic ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, aligning with the airline’s mission to connect major global hubs while delivering an unparalleled travel and logistics experience.

The addition of Islamabad and Lahore forms a core pillar of Riyadh Air’s growing footprint across Asia, further opening doors for international travel and commerce. The Lahore-Riyadh and Islamabad-Riyadh routes have been planned to offer smooth onward connectivity to Europe and the Middle East, catering to both business and leisure travelers from Pakistan. This important entry into Pakistan will also serve the significant Pakistani expatriate community in Saudi Arabia, meeting sustained demand for business, work and family travel.

As Saudi Arabia’s capital and commercial center, Riyadh offers guests from Pakistan new opportunities for business engagement and access to its modern attractions, vibrant entertainment, and burgeoning economic landscape. This enhanced connectivity enables visitors to explore the distinct appeal and opportunities of both capital cities. The service also positions Riyadh as a key transport hub, offering convenient onward connections for passengers travelling from Islamabad and Lahore to key domestic and European destinations.

Riyadh Air’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will deliver premium comfort across business elite, business, premium economy and economy cabins. Guests will experience ergonomic seating, enhanced privacy and storage, advanced inflight entertainment through Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova system, mobile-first connectivity, wireless listening, elevated dining, Saudi-made Kayanee amenities, bespoke Disney kits for children and a five-sense wellness program designed to help every guest arrive refreshed.

Guests can unlock exclusive benefits by joining Sfeer, Riyadh Air’s loyalty program. The name derives from the Arabic word for Ambassador and the English word sphere, reflecting the generous spirit of Saudi Arabia while building a global community of travelers. Members receive a Best Offer Guarantee, no points expiry and complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, while early members join The Founders club with priority access to bookings on new routes and other benefits.