Category: 1. Pakistan

The Gilgit-Baltistan government on Tuesday announced that it would compensate people affected by the recent rain-induced floods that damaged houses and other infrastructure, adding that the search for missing tourists has been intensified.

The devastating impacts of climate change have become more visible in GB as unprecedented heat­­waves, erratic weat­her patterns, and glacial melting have triggered cloudbursts and intense floods across the region.

On July 21, floods swept across GB, causing landslides and leaving many stranded, and damaging more than 500 houses, roads and other infrastructure. At least 10 people died and four were injured as a result. The Babusar Highway was partially reopened yesterday as the search for missing people continued.

In a statement today, GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq said those affected by the floods will be compensated for their losses.

“The rehabilitation of the affected people is underway in Thak, Niyat village, Batogah, Thor, Kunar, Tangir district and Khanbari,” he said.

The spokesperson also added that the GB government has intensified the search operations for missing tourists on Babusar Highway.

“A joint search team comprising Diamer police, Rescue 1122, GB Scouts, and army personnel is carrying out the search operation,” Faraq said. “Local volunteers and communities are also participating in the efforts.”

He also recalled that the Babusar Highway had been restored for one-way traffic.

The spokesperson further said that the vehicle of a private TV channel anchorperson was found in the flood debris after she, her husband, and their four children reportedly went missing in Babusar Valley on Sunday during the floods.

“Steps are being taken to restore the water and electricity supply to the affected areas, and work is also underway to restore irrigation channels across the region,” Faraq said.

“Relief operations are also underway in Ghanche, Balan village in Astore Valley, Gilgit, Ghizer and other areas.”

People displaced by flash floods across multiple areas of Gilgit-Baltistan have complained of severe shortages of clean drinking water, electricity, road access and communication services.

Survivors in the flood-stricken Babusar and Thore valleys of Diamer said they had been hit by one of the deadliest floods in recent memory, which left many homeless and swept away their belongings.

In Gilgit, thousands of residents in Danyor and Sultanabad areas remained without drinking water for three consecutive days after a flash flood from Danyor Nallah damaged the main supply pipeline and several irrigation channels.

Pakistan becomes the second country in the region to join the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines, aiming to address the lack of treatment affecting at least 50% of pediatric patients and to increase their survival rate from 30% to 60% by 2030.

29, July 2025, Islamabad, Pakistan – The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health formalized today Pakistan’s participation in the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines (Global Platform) to provide quality-assured medicines – free of cost – to children affected by cancer in the country, where over 8000 new cases are diagnosed annually.

The agreement brings new hope to children suffering from the disease in Pakistan and aims to increase their survival rate from 30% to 60% by 2030. Limited access to treatment is one of the main factors behind the low survival rate in the country, compared to a survival rate of 80% in higher-income countries.

Pakistan is the second country in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to join the Global Platform, co-founded in 2021 by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and WHO to provide an uninterrupted supply of certified cancer medicines to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The initiative works in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), that will be responsible for procuring medicines and delivering them to Pakistan.

In addition to the provision of medicines, WHO will continue to support Pakistan’s Ministry of Health and provincial authorities with technical guidance, resources, and operational support to fight childhood cancer.

The agreement, signed by Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal and WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Dapeng Luo, will remain in force until 31 December 2027 and may be extended by written agreement of the parties. 

“Today is a big day for Pakistan, because through this agreement we are going to receive medicines to treat children who have cancer. This is the way forward. We are thankful to WHO, the Global Platform, UNICEF, and all partners who have made this possible and give our children access to treatment to fight this disease. If we are able to save one life through this collaboration, we are saving mankind,” said Federal Health Minister Sayed Mustafa Kamal.

“No child affected by cancer should die because of lack of access to treatment, including quality-assured medicines. WHO will work side by side with the Ministry of Health and partners to save lives and leave no child behind, no matter where they live or who they are,” said WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Dapeng Luo.

It is estimated that 400 000 children develop cancer each year. Close to 90% of them live in LMICs, where survival rates are less than 30%, meaning 7 out of 10 children affected by cancer do not survive.

About WHO

Founded in 1948, WHO is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners, and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. We work with 194 Member States in 150+ locations – so everyone, everywhere, can attain the highest level of health. WHO has been present in Pakistan – founding member of the Organization – since 1960. For more information, visit https://www.emro.who.int/countries/pak/index.html. Follow WHO Pakistan on Twitter and Facebook.  

About the Global Platform

The Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines was launched in 2021 by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and WHO, which jointly developed the initiative to complement the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, with UNICEF and the Pan American Health Organization Strategic Fund serving as the procurement agents. The Global Platform aims to provide an uninterrupted supply of quality-assured cancer medicines to approximately 120 000 children in low- and middle-income countries in the next five years, with the expectation of scaling up supplies in future years. The Global Platform provides end-to-end support in consolidating global demand to shape the market and assists countries with the selection of medicines, development of treatment standards and the building of information systems to track that effective care is being provided. 

For additional information, please contact:   

Maryam Yunus, National Professional Officer – Communications, WHO Pakistan,
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
  (copying
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
)

José Ignacio Martín Galán, Head of Communications, WHO Pakistan,
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

At the prestigious Cercle National des Armées in Paris—France’s historic military command center—a high-level signing ceremony took place, symbolizing a new era of strategic cooperation between France and Pakistan.

The ceremony was attended by Aurélien Lechevallier, Private Secretary to the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, a senior figure deeply embedded within President Emmanuel Macron’s inner circle.

Mr. Hassan Ahmed signed two landmark agreements on behalf of The Sovereign Club:

With Mr. Olivier Chiabodo, CEO of The Explorers, to promote Pakistan’s global image through impactful cultural storytelling and documentary productions.

 With Mr. Charles Guépratte, CEO of FEHAP, for the structured training and deployment of Pakistani caregivers to France, executed through BORDERAK, a dedicated platform bridging Pakistan and Europe.

A symbolic exchange of medallions between Mr. Ahmed and Mr. Lechevallier highlighted the mutual respect and strategic depth of this partnership. The selection of Cercle National des Armées as the venue underscores that the initiative is recognized and supported at the highest level of the French Republic.

This landmark event blends diplomacy, culture, and human capital—positioning The Sovereign Club at the forefront of Pakistan’s international engagement with powerful allies across Europe.

Cola NEXT’s innovative packaging initiative is thoughtfully designed to tackle some of Pakistan’s most pressing environmental issues—such as smog, marine debris and overall pollution

KARACHI: (UrduPoint /UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-July 29th, 2025) In a remarkable achievement for local innovation, Cola NEXT has boldly surpassed multinational corporations by setting a new industry benchmark in sustainable packaging. Proudly Pakistani, Cola NEXT introduces its latest breakthrough: an advanced, eco-friendly PET bottle design that significantly reduces plastic usage by 8-10% compared to conventional standards.

Central to this industry-leading innovation is the revolutionary 26/22 cap, replacing the older 1881 version. The new cap not only enhances the consumer experience with superior sealing that keeps beverages fresher for longer but also significantly cuts down plastic consumption, directly contributing to environmental sustainability.

Cola NEXT’s innovative packaging initiative is thoughtfully designed to tackle some of Pakistan’s most pressing environmental issues—such as smog, marine debris, and overall pollution. By choosing Cola NEXT, consumers are actively participating in creating a cleaner, healthier Pakistan.

Key Highlights of Cola NEXT’s Sustainable Packaging:

Significant Plastic Reduction: 8-10% less plastic per bottle, with future projections of up to 30%.

Advanced Cap Technology: The 26/22 cap design ensures better freshness, reduces plastic use, and boosts production efficiency.

Unmatched Durability: Tested extensively to ensure reliability during transportation and prolonged shelf life.

Environmental Leadership: Directly addresses pollution challenges and supports nationwide sustainability efforts.

Energy Conscious Manufacturing: Cola NEXT’s commitment includes state-of-the-art machinery and solar-powered factories, enhancing energy efficiency and fostering a greener environment.

Cola NEXT’s dedication to continuous innovation ensures that sustainability remains at the core of its business practices, consistently setting new standards and paving the way for a brighter, greener future.

Experience the future of sustainable beverages with Cola NEXT—because your choices today shape Pakistan’s tomorrow.

Cola NEXT is a visionary beverage dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and exceptional quality. Committed to reducing environmental impact, Cola NEXT consistently offers products that customers can trust and proudly enjoy.

Mardan: The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Mardan has officially announced the results for the Matric Annual Examination 2025 (Part 1) today. Along with the overall results, the board has also revealed the names of the top-performing students who secured top positions.

Here’s the list of position holders announced by BISE Mardan:

🔊 Listen with AI



Cancel Voice

Updated On: Tue, 29 Jul 2025

16:55:46 PKT

NEW YORK (Dunya News) – Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has said Pakistan is ready for composite dialogue with India.

Addressing a news conference in New York, he emphasised the dialogue will not be limited to the issue of terrorism alone.

He reiterated Pakistan had been the biggest victim of terrorism and noted that the US Secretary of State, in a meeting with him, acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.

He said during this bilateral meeting, the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute was also raised, emphasizing that permanent peace is not possible in the region without the resolution of this dispute. He recalled that the US President Donald Trump had also raised this issue multiple times.

As regards the Indus Waters Treaty, Ishaq Dar said Pakistan’s stance is very clear. He said the Indus Waters Treaty is binding and no single party can terminate or amend it. He firmly stated that any attempt to divert or block Pakistan’s share of water would be unacceptable.

Responding to a question, the Deputy Prime Minister made it clear that Pakistan has no plan to recognise Israel. He demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.

Read also: Pakistan demands permanent ceasefire in Gaza, urgent humanitarian support to Palestinians

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al Sharif as its capital.

Describing his US visit as successful, the Deputy Prime Minister said Pakistan has also raised voice for reforms in the UN Security Council emphasizing that the OIC should be given due representation in the world body.

He said that any attempt by India to block water flow into Pakistan or its course is diverted, it will be considered a declaration of war.

Answering a question, Ishaq Dar said that the cases against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder are a judicial matter. 

He informed that he also discussed trade and tariffs with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Pakistan’s Finance Minister is arriving in the US for negotiations, and an agreement on tariffs is expected to be finalised in the next two to three days, he said.

It is noteworthy that Ishaq Dar also addressed a United Nations conference on the two-state solution for Palestine, where he demanded a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the provision of food supplies.

He said that today’s Gaza has become a graveyard for human rights laws. “Accountability must be ensured for war crimes in Gaza. Crimes against humanity must stop. The time has come for Palestine to be granted full membership of the United Nations,” he added.