The exhibition brings together the works of renowned senior Pakistani artists and calligraphers Late Ahmed Khan, Late Mashkoor Raza, M.A. Bukhari, Chitra Pritam and Qamar Siddiqui, offering audiences in the United Kingdom a rare opportunity to experience original works of Pakistani art.

Speaking at the inauguration, Deputy High Commissioner Haseeb Bin Aziz paid tribute to the distinguished artists, appreciating their remarkable contributions to Pakistan’s artistic and cultural heritage.

He also commended the efforts of Art Culture Pakistan and Crescent Art Gallery, Karachi, for bringing the work of these celebrated artists to the United Kingdom and providing an important platform for Pakistani art and culture to reach international audiences.

The exhibition is proudly presented by Art Culture Pakistan, an initiative founded by Mr. Akber Mehmood, in collaboration with Crescent Art Gallery, Karachi, founded by Mr. Nasir Javed, together with Mr. Sameer Nasir and curator Ms. Sidra Nasir.

Through their continued commitment to the promotion of Pakistani art and culture, the organisations have worked to introduce outstanding Pakistani artists to audiences across Pakistan and internationally.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Sameer Nasir of Crescent Art Gallery encouraged members of the audience to actively participate in and support cultural events of this nature.

He emphasised that growing public interest in Pakistani art and culture can help create greater opportunities for cultural exchange and contribute to strengthening Pakistan’s soft image in the United Kingdom and beyond.

Mr. Asif Rangoonwala of the British Pakistan Foundation also congratulated the organisers for bringing such a prestigious selection of Pakistani artists to London.

He described the exhibition as a rare cultural occasion, highlighting the significance of presenting original artworks from Pakistan to London audiences after a considerable period.

He encouraged attendees to value and support such unique opportunities to engage directly with Pakistan’s rich artistic heritage.
The event also featured a special video presentation titled “Masters of Canvas,” presented by Mr. Akber Mehmood of Art Culture Pakistan.

The presentation introduced the featured artists, showcasing their artworks and highlighting the distinctive genres and artistic approaches that have shaped their careers.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

الیکشن کمیشن نے پولنگ ملتوی کرنے کی وجہ متعلقہ علاقوں میں امن و امان کی صورتحال کو قرار دیا ہے۔بیان کے مطابق موجودہ حالات میں ان حلقوں میں انتخابی عمل کا انعقاد مناسب نہیں، اس لیے امیدواروں اور ووٹرز کے تحفظ کو مدنظر رکھتے ہوئے پولنگ موخر کرنے کا فیصلہ کیا گیا ہے۔ اعلامیے میں واضح کیا گیا ہے کہ خضدار، قلات اور حب کے مذکورہ چاروں بلدیاتی حلقوں میں پولنگ مزید احکامات تک ملتوی رہے گی، الیکشن کمیشن کی جانب سے نئی تاریخ مقرر کیے جانے کے بعد متعلقہ امیدواروں اور ووٹرز کو آگاہ کیا جائے گا۔الیکشن کمیشن کے فیصلے کے بعد بلوچستان کے ان چار بلدیاتی حلقوں میں انتخابی سرگرمی متاثرہوگی، متعلقہ انتخابی عملے اور دیگر حکام کو بھی پولنگ ملتوی کئے جانے سے متعلق ضروری ہدایات جاری کردی گئی ہیں۔

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

جبکہ سویا بین کی ویلیو چین میں دونوں ممالک کے درمیان اشتراک بڑھانے کے وسیع امکانات موجود ہیں۔امریکی سویا بین ایکسپورٹ کونسل کے سی ای او جم سٹر نے پاکستان کے ساتھ دیرینہ تعاون اور شراکت داری جاری رکھنے کے عزم کا اعادہ کیا۔ ان کا کہنا تھا کہ کونسل پاکستان میں تکنیکی معاونت، تربیت اور استعدادِ کار بڑھانے کے پروگرام جاری رکھے ہوئے ہے۔ملاقات میں پاکستان کے فیڈ، پولٹری، ڈیری اور فوڈ پروسیسنگ کے شعبوں کی پائیدار ترقی کے لیے تعاون جاری رکھنے جبکہ پاک امریکا اقتصادی شراکت داری کے تحت سویا بین کے شعبے میں تعاون مزید بڑھانے پر بھی اتفاق کیا گیا۔

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

سکیورٹی فورسزکی کارروائی میں4 دہشت گرد زخمی ہوئے جن میں دہشت گرد سرغنہ شوکت ماما بھی شامل ہے، آپریشن کے دوران12 مشتبہ افراد کو بھی حراست میں لیا گیا۔سکیورٹی ذرائع نے مزید بتایا کہ آپریشن کے دوران دہشت گردوں کی پناہ گاہیں ختم کرکے فتنہ الہندوستان کے جھنڈے ہٹادیئے گئے، آپریشن رد الفتنہ 3 دہشت گردی کے مکمل خاتمے تک پوری قوت کے ساتھ جاری رہے گا۔دریں اثنا وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے ہنگو میں دہشت گردوں کے خلاف کارروائی کے دوران کیپٹن حمزہ اکرم شہید کو بہادری، جرات اور فرض شناسی کو خراجِ عقیدت پیش کیا۔انہوں نے کہا کہ کیپٹن حمزہ اکرم شہید نے بہادری سے دہشت گردوں کا مقابلہ کرتے ہوئے جامِ شہادت نوش کیا، قوم اپنے بہادر سپوتوں کی قربانیوں کو کبھی فراموش نہیں کرے گی۔وزیراعظم نے مزید کہا کہ دہشت گردی کے مکمل خاتمے تک فتن الخوارج کے خلاف کارروائیاں جاری رہیں گی، ملک و قوم کے دفاع اور امن و سلامتی کے لئیہماری بہادر افواج اور قانون نافذ کرنے والے اداروں کی قربانیاں رائیگاں نہیں جائیں گی۔وفاقی وزیرداخلہ محسن نقوی نے ہنگو میں خارجی دہشت گردوں کا بہادری سے مقابلہ کرتے ہوئے جام شہادت نوش کرنے والے کیپٹن حمزہ اکرم کو خراج عقیدت پیش کیا اور اہلِ خانہ سے دلی ہمدردی و تعزیت کا اظہار کیا۔اس کے علاوہ سکیورٹی فورسز نے آپریشن کے دوران 12 مشتبہ افراد کو بھی حراست میں لیا، آپریشن کے دوران دہشت گردوں کی پناہ گاہیں ختم کرکے فتنہ الہندوستان کے جھنڈے بھی ہٹا دیئے گئے ہیں۔

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

طن کے دفاع میں جانوں کا نذرانہ پیش کرنے والے تمام شہدا کو قوم اور مسلح افواج کا خراجِ عقیدت، شہدا کی قربانیاں وطن کے دفاع اور قومی جذبے کی روشن مثال ہیں، شہدا کی بہادری اور حب الوطنی کا ورثہ آنے والی نسلوں کو متاثر کرتا رہے گا۔دریں اثناوزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے میجر طفیل محمد شہید کی 68ویں برسی پر خراجِ عقیدت پیش کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ میجر طفیل محمد شہید نے اپنی جان کا نذرانہ پیش کر کے دفاعِ وطن کی تاریخ میں ایک لازوال باب رقم کیا۔انہوں نے کہا کہ میجر طفیل محمد شہید کی قربانی اور بہادری پوری قوم کے لیے باعثِ فخر ہے اور آنے والی نسلوں کے لیے ایک روشن مثال کی حیثیت رکھتی ہے، ہمارے یہ عظیم سپوت آزادی، خودمختاری اور قومی سلامتی کے مضبوط محافظ ہیں۔وفاقی وزیر داخلہ محسن نقوی نے فاتح لکشمی پور میجر طفیل محمد شہید کو یوم شہادت پر زبردست الفاظ میں خراج عقیدت پیش کیا اور کہا کہ میجر طفیل محمد شہید نے لکشمی پور کے میدان میں جرات اور شجاعت کی بے مثال تاریخ رقم کی۔محسن نقوی نے کہا کہ میجر طفیل محمد شہید نے شدید زخمی حالت میں بھی پیش قدمی نہ روکی اور دشمن کو پسپائی پر مجبور کیا، آخری سانس تک دشمن کا مردانہ وار مقابلہ کیا۔

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

اشتعال انگیز بیانات سے گریز کریں اور مذاکرات کی طرف واپس آئیں، ان کا کہنا تھا کہ سوڈان میں جاری تنازعے کے باعث مرتب ہونے والے اثرات بھی باعثِ تشویش ہیں۔عاصم افتخار نے کہا کہ جنوبی سوڈان میں اقوام متحدہ کا مشن ملک میں امن و استحکام کو برقرار رکھنے میں نہایت اہم کردار ادا کر رہا ہے، شدید مشکلات کے باوجود یہ مشن شہریوں کے تحفظ، انسانی امداد کی فراہمی، مقامی سطح پر مذاکرات کے فروغ اور بروقت انتباہ و تنازعات کی روک تھام کے نظام کو مضبوط بنانے کیلئے اپنی ذمہ داریاں انجام دے رہا ہے۔پاکستانی مندوب نے نشاندہی کی کہ اس وقت یو این مشن میں 9,176 فوجی اہلکار تعینات ہیں جبکہ اہلکاروں کی منظور شدہ تعداد 12,500 ہے، انہوں نے زور دیا کہ بگڑتی ہوئی سکیورٹی صورتحال اور شہریوں کے تحفظ کی وسیع ذمہ داریوں کے پیش نظر یو این مشن کی منظور شدہ فوجی استعداد کو مکمل طور پر بروئے کار لایا جانا چاہئے۔

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

During the operation in the Dallan area of Hangu on 7 August, 2026, the security forces personnel launched their operation after receiving intelligence reports about presence of terrorists in the area. The troops effectively targeted the hideout of the Khwarij and forced them to flee. The retreating terrorists took shelter in a mosque, openly desecrating the sanctity of a worshipping place.

In the ensuring intense gunbattle, seven terrorists of Fitna al-Khwarij were sent to hell while 27-year-old Captain Hamza Akram embraced martyrdom while valiantly fighting the militants. Captain Hamza Akram, resident of District Narowal, was leading his troops from the front and was in constant hot chase of the militants. He sacrificed his life in defence of the motherland.

The security forces personnel also seized weapons and ammunition from the possession of slain terrorists, who were involved in deadly attacks on security forces, law-enforcement agencies’ personnel and innocent civilians. Sanitization operation was conducted to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored Kharji found in the area.

The ISPR added that the relentless counter-terrorism campaign under vision “Azm-e-Istehkam” (as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by the security forces and the law-enforcement agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and -supported terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further reinforce our unwavering commitment of safeguarding our nation at all costs.

As per another ISPR statement, three more terrorists belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al-Hindustan were shot dead in during security forces’ action in Balochistan areas of Kambila and Asimabad. The security forces personnel conducted a search and sanitization operation in Kambila and Asimabad and got cleared 68 square kilometres area, the security sources said. During the action, three terrorists were sent to hell, bodies of the two have been recovered, the security sources said and added that four terrorists including their ringleader Shaukat Mama were injured in the shootout.

According to the security sources, 12 terror suspects were also arrested during the operation by the security forces personnel, who also removed Fitna al-Hindustan’s flags after destroyed their hideouts. It may be mentioned here that the security forces personnel had killed another 10 terrorists during two successful intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a day earlier. The operations were carried out in South Waziristan and Upper Dir as part of the country's ongoing counter-terrorism campaign.

In the first operation, security forces foiled an attempted attack on military checkpoints in the Azam Warsak area of South Waziristan. ISPR said militants tried to assault the checkpoints but were stopped before they could achieve their objective. A heavy exchange of fire followed, during which eight militants were killed. A separate intelligence-based operation was conducted in Upper Dir, where security forces killed two more militants. The military said the two operations resulted in the deaths of ten militants in total.

President Asif ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi have expressed grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of Captain Hamza Akram during an operation against terrorists in Hangu. In separate statements, they paid tribute to the bravery, courage and devotion to duty of Shaheed Captain Hamza Akram. They also commended the security forces for killing seven Khawarij terrorists during Hangu operation.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

Gohar Ali Khan’s mother passed away in her native Buner after a period of illness. According to the family, she had been unwell for some time before passing away in Buner. Her funeral prayers will be offered in Buner at 4pm on Saturday (today). Barrister Gohar announced his mother’s death in a message shared on social media.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu joined the armed forces in commemorating the anniversary.

The ISPR said Major Tufail Muhammad displayed extraordinary courage and resolve while leading his troops in a daring assault against enemy forces. Despite sustaining critical wounds, he continued fighting with determination and ensured the successful completion of his mission, the statement said.

His gallantry and sacrifice earned him the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan’s highest military award for valour. The armed forces and the people of Pakistan also paid tribute to all martyrs who laid down their lives in defence of the country. The ISPR said the courage and patriotism of the martyrs continued to inspire future generations and remained a symbol of sacrifice for defenders of the nation.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

The deceased were identified as Rustam Mangrio, Naseem and Jaro Mangrio, residents of village Lal Bakhsh Mangrio. Rescue sources also claimed, the three youths were travelling to Qabil Mangrio to attend the Chehlum of their relative. Kandiaro police took the coach and its driver into custody and started an investigation.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

He said the sacrifice and bravery of Major Tufail Muhammad Shaheed were a matter of pride for the entire nation and served as a shining example for generations to come. “Our great sons of the soil are the staunch guardians of freedom, sovereignty and national security,” PM Office Media Wing, in a press release, quoted the prime minister as saying.

The courage and bravery of Major Tufail Shaheed represented the determination, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the motherland that the officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Armed Forces demonstrated, he added. He further said the nation would never forget the sacrifices of its martyrs.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

She ordered devising SOPs to judge the performances of Suthra Punjab workers as well as officers. “In case these SOPs are violated, a contractor be given a deadline of 24 hours to improve his performance before the imposition of fine on him.” However, she said the purpose was not to fine contractors as well as employees, but to ensure that the province remained neat and clean. CM Maryam laid a special emphasis on ensuring cleanliness at sabzi and fruit markets. She ordered that dustbins and garbage bags of the same design be used in markets, bazaars and commercial areas.

She also directed that waste and trash be removed from empty plots. The chief minister sought from the Suthra Punjab companies monthly reports of payments made to the employees. She ordered that dues to be paid to the contractors be also paid at the earliest, and action be taken in the event of delays in their payment. She ordered that door-to-door collection of waste be ensured. Similarly, CM Maryam directed that cleanliness be also ensured in the surroundings of schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, parks and greenbelts by removing mineral water bottles, juice packets and other waste.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

According to the details, only 30 schools had students recording 50 percent or lower marks, while several schools reportedly failed to produce even a single successful candidate. One of the most striking cases is Government High School Takai in Swabi, where all 13 students who appeared for the examination reportedly failed. Similarly, all students from Government College High School Dagai were reported to have failed the examination.

The situation was also serious at Government High School Khawrai and Darwazgai in Nowshera, where only one student from each school reportedly managed to pass. Meanwhile, all eight students from Government High School Mazahund Gadun in Swabi reportedly failed their Class 9 examination. The results further indicate that failure rates varied significantly from school to school. In some institutions, as many as 89 percent of students reportedly failed, while other schools recorded failure rates of around 76 percent.

Nearly a dozen schools also had students who were unable to secure even 50 percent marks. The concerning results were not limited to boys' schools, as several girls' institutions also recorded low pass rates. At Government Girls High School Mohib Banda, only three out of 59 Class 9 students reportedly passed. Government Girls Higher Secondary School Akora Khattak in Nowshera also recorded a 94 percent failure rate, with only two of its 33 students reportedly managing to pass the examination.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

All Pakistan Goods Transport Association President Malik Shahzad Awan said that since both the federal and Sindh governments were not serious in resolving the issues of transporters, they were going on a strike in protest. Federal minister for communications, secretary communications, NH chairman, and IG motorway represented the federal government in the talks, while the Sindh government was led by the commissioner Karachi, secretary transport, secretary excise, DI traffic, and DI driving.

Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has invited representatives of goods transporters to Islamabad on Monday for talks aimed at resolving their issues. Aleem Khan attended a video meeting with leaders of All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance on Saturday during which adetailed discussions on axle load, SRO, problems of vehicles on motorways and other issues were held. The minister said that transporters should cooperate for the protection of motorways and highways. The legitimate demands of goods transporters will be accepted immediately, he added.

Aleem Khan invited a delegation of goods transporters to Islamabad on Monday for further talks. The minister further said that the Motorway police will be made corruption-free in a month. The minister on this occasion announced that IG Motorways should ensure that not a single official who indulges in bribery and corruption is left in the force. “I am happy that transport owners agree with our axle load policy, he added. Not only the officials guilty of corruption will be dismissed, but also cases will be filed, the minister said.

“If the intention is right, every problem can be solved,” the minister maintained, adding “Until we sit down together, how will the matter move forward?” he asked. The problems of Mazda Association and 10 Wheelers will also be resolved on priority basis, Aleem Khan said and added “We all have to think about the country and the nation together.” The minister made it clear that not a single overloaded vehicle will be allowed on the motorways. “Excel load policy will be implemented from today and black sheep will be expelled,” he added.

Aleem Khan advised goods transporters not to adopt extreme measures and think about the country's interest first. Shabbir Malik, Owais Chaudhry, Chaudhry Maqbool, Muhammad Baloch, Chaudhry Shahda and Haji Nawaz participated in the meeting, which was also attended by Federal Secretary of Communications, IG Motorways, Secretaries of Transport of all four provinces and relevant officers. Nasir Hussain Jafri, Mirza Naseeruddin, Adeel Abbas and other goods transporters also attended the meeting. Malik Sherawan, Iftikhar Butt, Malik Shifaullah, Nadeem Afzal also expressed their views in the video link meeting.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

The WAPDA chairman elaborated in detail on the importance of character building, purpose of life, social service, and leadership skills for the younger generation. According to Lt-General Saeed (R) “The true purpose of life is to attain knowledge of the Creator, reflect on His creation, and make one's life purposeful During the session.

General Saeed described youth as the golden period for personality development, achieving noble goals, and growth. “A clear purpose in life, strong character, and continuous growth lead a person to new heights of success.” Saeed maintained “Making life beneficial for society and humanity is the path to true success and a dignified life.”

The Wapda chief said “The ISPR Summer Internship Program is playing an important role in preparing young leadership for national development and prosperity.”

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

The president prayed for the grant of patience and fortitude for the bereaved family of Captain Hamza Akram Shaheed, President Secretariat Media Wing said in a press release. He said the entire nation remained indebted to its brave sons for their unforgettable sacrifices for the motherland.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

The agreement brings together two institutions united by a shared commitment to broadening educational opportunities, China Economic Net reported on Saturday.

Under the MoU, both parties will launch and sustain Chinese language classes with structured HSK preparation pathways at UChenab’s campus in Gujrat and CPECI’s center in Islamabad.

Students will receive timely and transparent counseling on study-in-China opportunities.

The partnership will facilitate MBBS transfer to Chinese medical universities, addressing the growing demand of Pakistani students for medical education abroad.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China

Speaking to CEN, Muhammad Imran, Trade and Investment Counsellor at the Pakistan Mission in Guangzhou, said the achievement was the result of sustained coordination since a Chinese importer, Blue Natural Food HK, first approached the Mission in February 2026 with a Letter of Intent for donkey meat and hide procurement.

"Upon receipt of the enterprise's Letter of Intent on February 2, 2026, laying out procurement demand for import of donkey meat and donkey hides from Pakistan, the Mission coordinated promptly with

Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, TDAP's Agro & Food Division, to identify and match licensed local exporter Han Geng Trade Pvt Ltd as the designated Pakistani supplier for this cross-border cooperation project," Imran said.

He noted that a formal bilateral negotiation session was hosted online on February 26, 2026, bringing together TDAP officials, Pakistan's Animal Quarantine Department, and senior representatives of both companies to address commercial and regulatory concerns.

Continued engagement through a dedicated WeChat coordination group between March and May allowed both firms to finalize terms on shipping costs, payment structures, and supplier verification.

"These efforts culminated in the signing of a binding bulk sales contract for donkey hides, marking an order with an estimated value of $368,200," Imran said, adding that both companies have expressed clear intent to expand cooperation with additional frozen donkey meat orders going forward.

According to shipment certification, the consignment labeled as Frozen Boneless Donkey Foreleg Meat was exported from Gwadar, Balochistan Province.

The shipment, packed in 25- kg cartons and frozen at or below -18°C with a 24-month shelf life, carries official certification from Pakistan's Animal Quarantine Department (AQD), confirming the consignment cleared inspection standards before export.

Imran affirmed that the Mission, working closely with TDAP, will continue promoting Pakistan's donkey meat, hide, and by-product exports in the Chinese market, describing the sector as an emerging avenue for bilateral agro-trade growth under the broader framework of Pakistan-China economic cooperation.

It is to be noted that Pakistan's exports to five key southern Chinese provinces and regions Guangdong, Fujian, Guangxi, Hunan, and Hainan rose to $549.15 million in the first half of 2026, up 31.9 percent from $416.19 million in the same period of 2025, according to trade data compiled from China's General Administration of Customs (GACC).

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China

For the Pakistani engineer, the moment was a powerful validation of what the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has always promised: genuine skills transfer that builds lasting local capacity.

Waqas Rasool, a deputy electrical maintenance engineer at the Huaneng Shandong Ruyi (Pakistan) Energy 1320 MW Sahiwal Coal-Fired Power Plant, earned first prize in the high-voltage cable intelligent operation and inspection category at the inaugural CICA Skills Competition.

The event brought together nearly 80 frontline workers from 23 countries. Yet for Rasool, the achievement is less about competition and more about the decade-long journey of professional growth that made it possible.

Since joining the Sahiwal plant in 2015, Waqas Rasool has accumulated years of hands-on experience across 500kV substations, generator protection and relay commissioning.

The Sahiwal plant, one of the CPEC priority projects, has served not only as a critical power source for Pakistan’s national grid but also as a live classroom for hundreds of Pakistani engineers and technicians working alongside their Chinese counterparts.

For Waqas Rasool, the experience has reshaped his professional confidence. “Day-to-day plant work tests you against your own standards, but competing side-by-side with the best from more than 20 countries sharpened skills I already had and gave me real confidence that the training and experience I’ve built at Sahiwal stands up internationally.”

“Being part of a Chinese energy company has given me strong exposure to advanced technology and a great platform for continuous learning,” he said. “Huaneng invested heavily in preparing us, both technically and organizationally.”

The investment goes well beyond routine operations. Rasool credits his success to dedicated mentorship from his Chinese colleagues.

He studied Chinese training materials directly to ensure adequate command of the standards involved, a process that deepened his understanding of the sophisticated systems now operating in Pakistan.

Beyond the technical arena, Waqas Rasool also values broader exchanges. He had the opportunity to share technical ideas with engineers from different countries and learn about their approach to cable testing and maintenance while also providing insights from Pakistan's experience during the competition.

The interactions helped build professional relationships and international friendships, a reminder that CPEC’s impact extends beyond hardware to people-to-people connections.

Looking ahead, Waqas Rasool is committed to continuing his professional development in electrical protection systems, high-voltage equipment and power plant maintenance, and plans to pursue advanced technical certifications.

Equally important to him is giving back. “I would like to share my knowledge with younger Pakistani engineers, just as my mentors supported me during this competition. I hope to encourage them to keep learning and take part in international competitions.”

His success, Waqas Rasool believes, is a model for deeper cooperation. “Through joint training, technology sharing, and competitions like this, engineers can learn from each other and improve their technical capabilities. I hope to see more opportunities like this in the future because they benefit both countries and help develop highly skilled engineers.”

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China

The mangoes entered Xinjiang through a land port between China and Pakistan and were inspected and released by customs authorities before reaching local markets.

To ensure the quality of fresh fruit during transportation, customs authorities introduced a dedicated clearance process, including advance coordination with enterprises, preparation guidance for declaration documents and communication with Pakistani customs on transport updates.

The shipment comes as Pakistan seeks to expand overseas markets for its mango exports. On May 12, 2026, Pakistani agricultural authorities and industry representatives held discussions on the mango export season and measures to promote overseas sales, focusing on improving export channels and reaching more international markets.

In July 2026, the Pakistan-China Silk Road Mango Festival 2026 was held in Beijing, where Chinese and Pakistani enterprises carried out exchanges on mango trade and logistics and signed cooperation documents aimed at expanding market opportunities for Pakistani mango products in China.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China

Meanwhile, flash floods have caused extensive damage in Diamer district of Gilgit-Baltistan, where several areas, including Niat Valley, Loshi, Babusar and Gas Bala, have been severely affected by torrential rains. Flooding has also forced the closure of the Karakoram Highway for traffic at the Gini area. In Chitral, restoration work is continuing in the flood-affected union councils of Broz, Garam Chashma, Shasha and Gumbas Gol. Authorities have, however, reopened the Mastuj-Gilgit Road for light traffic.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, while appreciating the US cooperation in the repatriation of Pakistani antiquities, including Gandhara, said that the Islamabad Museum is being transformed into a world-class modern museum with the cooperation of the Republic of Korea. He proposed organising a Pakistan-US Cultural Week and also invited the American delegation to participate in the Shandur Polo Festival. 

US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A Baker praised Pakistan’s preservation of cultural heritage and the display of repatriated artifacts at the Islamabad Museum, while proposing the promotion of joint cultural activities, exhibitions, and artist exchanges with Pakistan. Natalie A Baker also appreciated the folk festival held every year at Lok Virsa.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

Representing the petitioner, Lahore High Court Bar President Babar Murtaza argued that more than 40 LPG companies were illegally collecting additional premiums from marketing companies in violation of the law. The petitioner's counsel contended that the burden of the extra premium was ultimately being passed on to consumers, forcing the public to purchase LPG at inflated prices. 

During the hearing, the court observed that gas is a basic necessity for the common man and cannot be left at the mercy of private companies. It remarked that the interests of citizens must be protected.  The court directed OGRA and the relevant LPG companies to submit detailed replies and ordered that the collection of the additional premium remain suspended until the next hearing. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

The teams also collected five food samples for laboratory testing and disposed of 1kgs of banned food items.The PFA said inspections and enforcement actions would continue regularly to ensure the supply of safe and quality food to the public.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

Subsequent laboratory tests confirmed the fertilizer was counterfeit, the sources added. A case has been registered against Muhammad Azmat and other suspects under the Punjab Fertilizer Control Act, 2025.As part of the investigation,1244 bags were taken into police custody as case property while Hasan Rice Mills in-charge Ghulam Hussain was arrested. Officials said further investigation was underway to identify and apprehend others allegedly involved in the counterfeit fertilizer supply chain.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

China Huaxin (Shenzhen) Investment Group and Pakistan’s Forward Group signed the cooperation agreement on August 4 in Islamabad. The agreement was signed by Liao Yiquan, chairman of China Huaxin (Shenzhen) Investment Group, and Khawaja Masood Akhtar, chairman of Forward Group.

The two companies will focus on developing a footwear and apparel overseas production base and expanding cross-border trade cooperation.

The project plans to establish 16 sports shoe production lines in Pakistan, with an annual capacity of tens of millions of pairs.

Ahmed Fawad Farooq, secretary-general of the Pakistan Footwear Manufacturers Association, said Pakistan has long been known for quality leather production and traditional footwear manufacturing.

He said the introduction of advanced equipment and technologies from Chinese companies could support the upgrading of Pakistan’s sports footwear industry.

The cooperation will leverage China Huaxin (Shenzhen) Investment Group’s manufacturing and supply chain capabilities from the China-based Chengdu-Chongqing footwear and apparel industrial park to advance footwear industry cooperation between China and Pakistan.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

سینئر سعودی عہدیدار نے نام ظاہر نہ کرنے کی شرط پر برطانوی خبررساںادارے کو بتایا سعودی عرب، امریکا اور دیگر علاقائی ممالک کی انٹیلی جنس رپورٹس کے مطابق ممکنہ حملوں میں توانائی تنصیبات، بندرگاہوں، ہوائی اڈوں اور دیگر شہری و معاشی اہداف کو نشانہ بنایا جا سکتا ہے۔سعودی حکام نے ڈرونز اور میزائلوں کی نقل و حرکت بھی دیکھی ہے جس سے بیک وقت مختلف سمتوں سے حملوں کے امکانات بڑھ گئے ہیں، یہ کارروائیاں ایران سمیت مختلف فریقوں کے درمیان جاری سفارتی کوششوں کو سبوتاژ کرنے کے لئے بھی کی جا سکتی ہیں۔امریکا کے ساتھ دفاعی اور انٹیلی جنس تعاون انتہائی مضبوط ہے اور کسی بھی ممکنہ جارحیت کا مثر جواب دینے کے لئے تمام ضروری اقدامات کئے گئے ہیں۔

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

شپنگ ذرائع کے مطابق متعدد چینی اور بھارتی ریفائنریوں نے رواں ہفتے ایسے بحری جہاز تلاش کیے جو آبنائے ہرمز میں داخل ہو کر عراق کے بصرہ آئل ٹرمینل سے خام تیل لے سکیں۔ذرائع کے مطابق بصرہ کے خام تیل پر اس وقت نمایاں رعایتیں دستیاب ہیں جس کی وجہ سے ایشیائی ریفائنریوں کی دلچسپی بڑھی ہے۔ تاہم ابھی تک کسی جہاز کو حتمی طور پر اس مقصد کے لیے مقرر نہیں کیا گیا۔ شپنگ کمپنیوں اور جہاز مالکان کی جانب سے احتیاط کی بڑی وجہ آبنائے ہرمز کی موجودہ سکیورٹی صورتحال ہے۔ مالکان ممکنہ حملوں، پابندیوں یا دیگر خطرات کے باعث اپنے جہاز اس اہم آبی گزرگاہ میں بھیجنے سے گریز کر رہے ہیں۔آبنائے ہرمز میں بحری آمدورفت میں کمی ایسے وقت میں سامنے آئی ہے جب ایران اور عمان اس آبی گزرگاہ میں تجارتی جہازوں کی محفوظ آمدورفت کے لیے ممکنہ انتظام پر بات چیت کر رہے ہیں۔تجزیہ کاروں کا کہنا ہے کہ آنے والے دنوں میں آبنائے ہرمز سے گزرنے والے جہازوں کی تعداد ایران عمان مذاکرات میں پیش رفت کا ایک اہم عملی اشارہ ثابت ہو سکتی ہے۔

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

India’s economy is expanding rapidly, but its labour market is not generating the kind of employment demanded by a growing and increasingly educated youth population.

The latest official estimate places real gross domestic product growth at 7.7 percent in the financial year ending March 2026, up from 7.1 percent a year earlier. Yet unemployment among people aged 15 to 29 stood at 9.9 percent in 2025. The rate was considerably higher in urban areas at 13.6 percent. Moreover, one-quarter of Indians in this age group were not in employment, education or training.

These figures reveal a problem deeper than open unemployment. Many families cannot support prolonged job searches. Consequently, young people often accept unpaid family work, casual labour, platform work or very small-scale self-employment.

Official statistics may count them as employed even when their earnings remain irregular and their productivity is low. Their work may also offer no clear path towards advancement. India’s growth paradox is therefore not that its economy creates no work. Instead, output is expanding much faster than the supply of secure, productive and adequately paid jobs.

Two structural weaknesses lie at the centre of this crisis. The first is India’s failure to build a sufficiently large employment-intensive manufacturing base. The second is its shortage of medium-sized firms capable of hiring workers at scale. Other problems, including skills mismatches and technological disruption, have intensified the pressure but are not its primary cause.

India’s incomplete structural transformation provides the starting point. Agriculture generated around 17 percent of gross value added in the latest national accounts, but it still employed 43 percent of workers in 2025. Manufacturing contributed about 14 percent of gross value added and accounted for only 12.1 percent of employment.

Meanwhile, financial, real estate, and professional services accounted for nearly one-quarter of gross value added. This reflects how strongly India’s growth model has tilted towards modern services.

The imbalance matters because different sectors have very different capacities to absorb labour. Agriculture can conceal underemployment when several family members share work that fewer people could perform. Modern services generate substantial output, exports and tax revenue, but they usually require specialised skills, higher-quality education and access to major urban centres.

As a result, these services cannot easily absorb millions of people leaving farms or graduating from ordinary colleges. Labour-intensive manufacturing has historically provided that bridge in other developing economies. It offers relatively accessible jobs while allowing workers to move into more productive and better-paid employment.

India has not failed entirely in manufacturing. Its automobile, pharmaceutical, electronics and engineering industries have expanded. The Economic Survey reports that organised manufacturing added more than one million jobs in the financial year ending March 2024. Over the previous decade, it created more than 5.7 million jobs.

Organised manufacturing now employs about 19 million people, while unorganised manufacturing employs around 33 million. These are meaningful gains. However, manufacturing’s overall employment share remains too small for a country adding millions of young jobseekers to its labour force.

The composition of industrial growth helps explain this gap. India is increasingly seeking competitiveness in electronics, advanced machinery, pharmaceuticals, clean energy and other technology-intensive industries. These sectors are strategically important and can strengthen domestic supply chains. However, their direct employment gains may remain limited relative to the capital invested.

A highly automated electronics plant can increase production without recruiting workers on the scale required for garments, footwear, food processing, furniture, or light engineering. Similarly, infrastructure projects may create substantial employment during construction but require far fewer permanent workers after completion.

This does not mean that India should choose workers over machines. Rejecting technology would weaken productivity, exports and wage growth. The policy weakness is the absence of a parallel strategy large enough to develop labour-intensive manufacturing and employment-rich services.

Authorities generally assess industrial progress through investment attracted, factories announced and production generated. A more employment-focused approach would also measure jobs created, wages paid, apprentices trained and local suppliers developed. Without such indicators, public incentives may raise output while leaving the labour-absorption problem largely unresolved.

The second major weakness is India’s fragmented business landscape. According to the Economic Survey, the unincorporated non-agricultural sector contained about 79 million establishments and employed 129 million people in the second quarter of the financial year ending March 2026. Working owners accounted for 60 percent of employment in the sector.

These figures demonstrate enormous entrepreneurial activity, but they also expose a structural weakness. A very large number of businesses remain too small to develop professional management, join export supply chains or employ salaried workers at scale.

The broader labour data reflect this fragmentation. Self-employed workers accounted for 56.2 percent of employment in 2025. Only 23.6 percent held regular wage or salaried positions, while 20.2 percent worked as casual labour.

Self-employment can represent successful entrepreneurship. At such a large scale, however, it may also serve as a refuge when established firms are not creating enough paid positions. A young graduate running a tiny shop or assisting in a household enterprise may be economically active without using the education and skills in which the family invested.

This is India’s “missing middle.” The country has millions of microenterprises and a group of highly productive corporations, but too few firms grow into stable, medium-sized enterprises capable of employing workers at scale.

Small businesses often face restricted credit, delayed payments, compliance costs, weak infrastructure and limited access to larger markets. They may also struggle to recruit skilled managers or adopt modern technology. Remaining small can therefore become a rational survival strategy.

The result is a broken employment ladder. Microenterprises usually cannot offer structured careers, training or adequate wages. At the other end, large companies recruit selectively and increasingly demand specialised qualifications and previous experience. Too few firms exist between these two ends to provide young workers with their first stable job.

India’s apprenticeship system illustrates the consequences. The Economic Survey says more than 990,000 apprentices enrolled under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme in the financial year ending March 2026. However, only about 6,100 enterprises actively provided training. This remains extremely limited compared with India’s vast enterprise base.

India therefore faces not only a skills problem but also a shortage of firms able and willing to transform classroom education into workplace competence. Expanding training without increasing the number and capacity of employers will produce limited results.

This weakness helps explain why graduate unemployment is much higher than the overall youth rate. The State of Working India 2026 report found unemployment of nearly 40 percent among graduates aged 15 to 25 and about 20 percent among those aged 25 to 29. It also found that only a small proportion secured stable salaried employment within a year of graduating.

Educational quality forms part of the problem, but inadequate labour demand is equally important. Training alone cannot produce suitable employment when labour-intensive sectors and medium-sized companies are not expanding fast enough.

Long queues for government employment are one response to this weak private market. Dr Farah Haider, professor of economics and labour economist at the Lahore University of Management Sciences, offered a wider South Asian perspective.

Her research on preferences for public-sector employment in Pakistan found that applicants seeking government jobs experienced longer periods of unemployment. Security, benefits and working conditions appeared to matter more than wage advantages alone.

Applied cautiously to India, the finding suggests that waiting for a government position is not merely a cultural preference. It also signals that many private-sector jobs fail to provide comparable stability, dignity and career progression.

Technology is likely to intensify these pressures, but it is not their original cause, Dr Haider told Wealth Pakistan. India’s information technology and outsourcing companies are shifting towards artificial intelligence, cloud services, data engineering and cybersecurity, making recruitment more selective.

Companies can increasingly automate routine coding, documentation, data processing and customer-support functions or perform them with smaller teams. At the same time, India’s Economic Survey has warned that unchecked replacement of workers through automation could have destabilising consequences in a labour-rich economy.

The gig workforce has expanded to about 12 million people, but around 40 percent reportedly earn less than ₹15,000 per month. Technology is creating new opportunities, but it is also transforming some junior positions through which young people traditionally acquired workplace experience.

According to Dr Haider, India must change the employment content of growth rather than slow growth itself. The National Mission on Manufacturing aims to increase manufacturing’s contribution to the economy and generate 143 million jobs by 2035. Reaching that target will require more than large factories and headline investment commitments.

Industrial incentives should incorporate measurable targets for employment, apprenticeships, workforce training and wage growth. Credit, public procurement and export policies should also help micro and small firms become medium-sized suppliers. In addition, universities should track graduate employment outcomes, while companies should assume greater responsibility for first-job training.

India’s demographic dividend will not be secured merely by counting every economic activity as a successful job. It will depend on whether young people can move from education into work that raises their productivity, income and independence.

Unless India expands employment-intensive manufacturing and builds the missing middle of its business sector, high GDP growth will continue to coexist with educated frustration. The economy may become larger and more technologically advanced while too many young citizens remain stuck at the gates of opportunity.

Credit: INP-WealthPk

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

The first and second phases of elections were held on July 27 and August 2 in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad Divisions, respectively. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is poised to form the government in the AJK after Prime Minister's Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah claimed the party had secured a simple majority. The second phase of the AJK polls was conducted across 21 constituencies, comprising nine seats in Muzaffarabad Division and 12 reserved for Kashmiri refugees settled in Pakistan.

According to unofficial and unconfirmed results, the PML-N emerged as the leading party, securing 15 of the 21 contested seats, while the PPP secured six seats. In the first phase of the AJK elections, the PML-N had secured victory in nine constituencies while the PPP secured four, according to unofficial and provisional results. Both phases, however, were marred by rigging and violence allegations levelled by the PPP.PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said the federal government's "countdown has begun" after his party secured fewer seats in the "rigged" elections.

In a video message on August 3, the PPP chief described the polls as "neither free nor fair", alleging they were "bullet elections", "murderous elections" and "bloody elections".PML-N rejected the allegations, with Prime Minister's Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah challenging the PPP to present any evidence it had before the election commission.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)