Peshawar  –  Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Tuesday stressed the need to equip fresh graduates with market-oriented skills, practical training and employment opportunities, saying the country’s youth are its most valuable asset and should be empowered to contribute positively to national development.

He expressed these views during a meeting with a delegation of the Pakistan Youth Vision Parliament, led by its Chairman, Hafiz Huzaifa Shah, at the Governor House.

The delegation presented a survey report highlighting issues faced by youth and fresh graduates in various districts of the province. It briefed the Governor on the challenges confronting fresh graduates in securing employment, teacher-student relations, the growing spread of fake news and misinformation on social media, and other issues affecting the younger generation.

Governor Kundi said educational institutions, the government and youth representative platforms must work together to channel the potential of young people in a constructive direction. He emphasized that universities should focus not only on awarding degrees but also on preparing graduates according to the demands of the job market. He said a positive and trusting relationship between teachers and students was essential for improving the quality of education and creating a healthy academic environment. Expressing concern over the increasing spread of fake news on social media, the Governor said false and unverified information could have negative effects on young minds and society. He stressed the need to promote media literacy, digital awareness and the habit of verifying information among students and youth.

Referring to the health sector, Faisal Kundi said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was facing serious healthcare challenges. He added that patients at Sindh’s SIUT received free treatment without cash counters, describing it as a model worth emulating.

The Governor assured the delegation that recommendations concerning youth issues, employment opportunities, and educational and social matters would be conveyed to the relevant forums. He said every possible effort would be made to facilitate the resolution of these issues

Shangla  –   In a significant initiative aimed at promoting higher education among financially disadvantaged students, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Education Foundation (KPEF) and the University of Shangla have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under which deserving students of the university will receive scholarships covering 80 percent of their tuition fees.

The MoU was signed between the two institutions to facilitate talented and deserving students who have demonstrated strong academic performance but are unable to continue their higher education due to financial constraints. The agreement is being viewed as an important step towards expanding access to higher education for students from economically weaker sections of society.

University of Shangla Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Sardar Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Education Foundation Director Academics Muhammad Saqib signed the memorandum on behalf of their respective institutions. Senior officials and representatives of both organizations were also present on the occasion.

Under the agreement, KPEF will provide scholarships covering 80 percent of the tuition fees to eligible and deserving students enrolled at the University of Shangla. The scholarship programme will primarily target students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance and possess the potential to pursue higher education but whose families lack the financial resources to meet the cost of university education.

The initiative is intended to prevent talented students from abandoning their studies because of financial difficulties. It will provide deserving young people with an opportunity to continue their academic journey and obtain higher qualifications without allowing their economic circumstances to become a barrier to education.

Officials said the scholarships would be awarded strictly on merit to students who meet the prescribed eligibility criteria

Peshawar   –  The 33rd meeting of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Commission was held here on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister’s Adviser for Zakat and Ushr, Social Welfare, Special Education and Women Empowerment Malak Liaqat Ali Khan.

The meeting approved the province’s first-ever Child Protection Policy. Various aspects of the policy concerning child protection, rights and welfare, along with other related matters, were discussed in detail.

Secretary Social Welfare Sharif Hussain, MPA s Ms Suraya Bibi and Ms Shehla Bano, legal representative Ms Laraib, civil society representatives Sajjad Ullah and Dr Suleman, religious scholar Ghulam Ullah, and other relevant members attended the meeting.

The meeting reviewed the role of the Commission under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Act, 2010, as well as various matters relating to child protection.

The policy will include measures for the protection and welfare of vulnerable children, including orphans and destitute children, children with disabilities, homeless children, street-connected children, and those deprived of adequate parental care.

It will establish effective mechanisms for the prevention, early identification, reporting, protection, rehabilitation and monitoring of children facing abuse, physical and psychological violence, neglect, exploitation, child labour, begging, sexual exploitation, child marriage and other risks.

The policy will also provide mechanisms for the identification and registration of children, case assessment, protection planning, referral to relevant institutions and follow-up monitoring. Coordination among relevant institutions at the provincial, district and community levels will also be strengthened.

In alternative care, the best interests, needs and suitability of the child will be given primary importance. Family-based care will be preferred, while institutional care will be considered only as a last resort. The policy will ensure minimum standards in alternative care institutions, including food, hygiene, healthcare, education, mental health support, vocational training and grievance redressal mechanisms.

The policy will also include procedures for assessing prospective guardians, reviewing the home environment, selecting guardians according to the child’s needs, ensuring judicial oversight and conducting continuous monitoring after guardianship.

On the occasion, Malak Liaqat said the protection of children was among the government’s fundamental priorities. He emphasized that orphaned, destitute and vulnerable children should be provided with a safe environment, adequate food, healthcare, education and other basic facilities, with special attention to their physical, mental and emotional development.

The CM’s Adviser directed the relevant authorities to further strengthen the child protection system under the Child Protection and Welfare Act, 2010, ensure timely prevention of and action against all forms of abuse, violence, neglect and exploitation of children, and enhance the capacity of Child Protection Units.

He said prevention, early intervention, effective case management, institutional coordination, and the involvement of parents and communities were essential for child protection. He also emphasized the need to raise awareness about children’s rights, safe environments and digital safety.

The participants expressed their commitment to further strengthening measures to ensure the protection, health, education, development and dignified lives of children in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while enhancing an integrated child protection system at the provincial, district and community levels.

ISLAMABAD   –  The Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) held a two-day Strategic Communications Workshop on 24–25 August 2026, designed to bridge theory and practice in the field of strategic communication.

The workshop featured trainers including Aamir Ghauri, Ms Amber Shamsi, Usama Bakhtiar, Talha Ahad, Awais Abbasi and Ehtasham Abbas, said a press release issued on Tuesday.

The workshop was organized by IPRI’s Advocacy and Communication Team and brought together policymakers, researchers, communication professionals, academics and media practitioners to build their skills for navigating the evolving information landscape.

The programme combined discussions with practical exercises, reflecting IPRI’s commitment to translating policy research into learning and practice.

The workshop opened with remarks by Lt Gen (R) Majid Ehsan, President of IPRI, who stated, “Strategic communication can no longer be understood simply as the articulation of policy or the management of public perception. It increasingly sits at the intersection of information, perception, behaviour and national power.” He emphasized that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is accelerating the transformation of strategic communications.

The Director of Advocacy and Communications, Siddique Humayun, highlighted the need to balance technical skills with deeper wisdom. Drawing on Iain McGilchrist’s The Master and His Emissary, he argued that effective strategic communication must recover holistic understanding alongside rigorous technique.

He stated, “Strategic Communications is long-term. It is target- audience-driven. It is relentlessly impact-focused. It requires the deliberate alignment of words, images, symbols, actions and, sometimes, most importantly, silence, to advance defined objectives across any stratum of life.”

The workshop pursued four key objectives. First, it aimed to develop participants’ understanding of strategic communication as an instrument of national security, diplomacy, governance and public policy. Second, it examined trends shaping the information environment, including artificial intelligence, disinformation, digital influence, cognitive warfare and evolving media ecosystems. Third, it sought to strengthen participants’ capabilities in designing communication strategies, responding to information crises and countering disinformation. Finally, it applied tools of government communication, public diplomacy, media engagement, digital campaigns and behavioural insights to engage and influence audiences.

On the first day, the opening session addressed information as an instrument of national power, examining strategic narratives, perception management and the role of communication in foreign and security policy, with contributions from Mr Aamir Ghauri, Ms Amber Shamsi and Mr Siddique Humayun.

The second session, led by Mr Usama Bakhtiar, focused on advocacy for policy impact, covering policy ecosystems, advocacy for change and impact measurement.

ISLAMABAD  –  Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police have arrested a suspect allegedly involved in a house theft and recovered stolen valuables worth more than Rs600,000, including gold jewellery, a laptop and expensive watches.

An official told APP on Tuesday that the Bani Gala Police Station team traced and arrested the accused through the use of modern technology and human intelligence.

The accused, identified as Habib, had allegedly entered a house and stolen a laptop, gold jewellery, watches and other valuable items. Police recovered expensive watches, a laptop, gold jewellery and other valuables worth over Rs600,000 from his possession. SSP Operations Islamabad Qazi Ali Raza said Islamabad Police were carrying out large-scale operations against criminal elements across the federal capital.

He said effective use of modern technology and human intelligence was helping police trace suspects and recover stolen property.

Peshawar –  The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Department of Auqaf, Hajj, Religious and Minority Affairs successfully concluded a provincial- level Qirat and Naat competition, held in connection with the Ashra-e-Rahmatul-lil-Alameen celebrations, here on Tuesday.

The event, themed “Religious Tolerance, Interfaith Harmony, and Promotion of Peace in the Light of Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH),” brought together prominent and aspiring Qaris and Naat Khawans from across the province to pay tribute to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Auqaf and Religious Affairs Muhammad Adnan Qadri, who attended the ceremony as chief guest, emphasized that the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) serves as a beacon of light for all humanity.

“In the contemporary era, it is only by adhering to the teachings of Seerat- un-Nabi (PBUH) that society can foster peace, brotherhood and true interfaith harmony,” the minister said. He lauded the department’s efforts in organizing the event and congratulated the position holders.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Auqaf Ata-ur-Rehman expressed his gratitude to participants who had travelled from various districts. He said such competitions were vital for connecting young people with religious values and honing their skills. The secretary subsequently announced the names of the winners, who were awarded cash prizes and certificates of appreciation.

Mutahida Ulema Board Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Maulana Ehsanul- Haq also addressed the gathering. He reiterated that Islam is a religion of peace and security, urging believers to protect the rights of minorities and practice mutual tolerance. He urged religious scholars to use their platforms to eradicate extremism and promote peace.

The ceremony, attended by religious scholars, departmental officials and members of the public, concluded with special prayers for the progress and prosperity of the province.

Meanwhile, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister (SACM) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Transport and Mass Transit Samiullah Khan said the blessed month of Rabi-ul-Awwal reminded Muslims of the birth of the great and blessed personality whom Allah Almighty sent as a mercy for all humanity.

He said the blessed arrival of the Seal of the Prophets, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH), brought the world out of the darkness of ignorance, oppression and misguidance and blessed humanity with the light of knowledge, peace, justice, love and guidance.

In his message on the occasion of 12th Rabi- ul-Awwal, the Special Assistant said the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent not only for Muslims but as a mercy for all humanity. The blessed Seerah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) teaches brotherhood, tolerance, equality, service to humanity, good character, peace and harmony.

He said the Holy Prophet (PBUH) laid the foundation of a society in which human dignity, rights and welfare were given fundamental importance.

The SACM said 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal conveyed the message that people should shape their lives according to the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), promote love, brotherhood, justice and tolerance in society, and make the noble example of the Prophet’s life their guiding principle.

Similarly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Syed Fakhar Jehan, in his message on the occasion of Eid Milad- un-Nabi (PBUH), said that the 12th of Rabi- ul-Awwal was a day of devotion, happiness and gratitude for the entire Muslim Ummah, as on this blessed day, the Mercy for all worlds and the Seal of the Prophets, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), graced the world with his blessed arrival.

He said the birth of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was a great blessing from Allah Almighty and a source of guidance for all humanity.

The minister said that through his blessed life, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered a comprehensive message of peace, justice, compassion, love and brotherhood for humanity, which would remain a guiding light for generations to come until the Day of Judgment. The teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) enlightened people about human dignity, equality, the rights of others and the welfare of society.

ISLAMABAD: At least 15 infants were killed in a tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) early Wednesday morning, ARY News reported, citing sources.

According to rescue officials, initial reports indicate that a short circuit caused the fire at the capital’s major hospital.

Hospital sources stated that a female doctor managed to save one infant’s life from the nursery.

Firefighters have since extinguished the blaze in the hospital nursery, and a cooling process is currently underway.

Sources further added that the fire erupted after an air conditioner compressor exploded.

PIMS Chief Professor Imran Sikandar

Speaking to ARY News, PIMS Chief Professor Imran Sikandar confirmed the deaths of 14 infants, adding that one infant and several adults were rescued during the tragic incident.

“An investigation into the incident is underway, though the exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined,” he said.

He emphasized that every aspect of the incident will be probed.

Inquiry Committee

An inquiry committee, headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad, has been formed to determine the cause of the fire in the PIMS nursery.

The district administration stated that the fire broke out on the third floor of the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) ward of PIMS.

Meanwhile, as many as six fire tenders and four ambulances participated in the fire-extinguishing operation.

ISLAMABAD  –  Prime Minister Sheh­baz Sharif on Tuesday said Pakistan is keen to elevate its economic relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into a mutually benefi­cial strategic economic partnership in line with the vision of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. A high-level Saudi business delegation, led by Chairman of the Saudi-Pak Joint Business Council, Prince Mansour bin Mohammad Al Saud called on the prime minister here at the PM House, a news release said. During the warm and cordial meeting the Prime Minister conveyed his respectful regards to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. While recalling the longstanding brotherly ties between Pakistan and the Kingdom, the prime minister discussed avenues for expanding economic cooperation and investment between the two brotherly countries. In this regard, he recalled Prince Mansour’s earlier visits to Pakistan and expressed the hope that the current visit would build on those discussions and culminate in the signing of MoUs and agreements across multiple sectors. The Saudi side conveyed interest in investment opportunities in agriculture, ports, highways, and airport outsourcing, real estate sector as well as in the energy, power distribution, and information technology sectors. The prime minister welcomed Saudi interest in investments in these priority areas and conveyed that this was the most opportune time for joint collaboration between the two countries, both in G2G as well as B2B cooperation.