Author: (PEN)

ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Naima Khatoon’s appointment as the first female Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) represents a watershed moment not only for the institution but also for the broader landscape of higher education in India. The significance of her achievement extends far beyond her individual capacity, resonating with themes of gender equality, diversity, and inclusivity. In the context of AMU’s long and storied history, characterized by a predominantly male leadership, Khatoon’s ascent to the position of Vice-Chancellor marks a departure from tradition and a stride towards a more inclusive future. This milestone underscores the university’s commitment to embracing diversity…

Army chief Gen Syed Asim Munir has reiterated the importance of unity and collective effort towards the development and prosperity of Pakistan. “We are all united as Team Pakistan,” stated the chief of army staff while addressing participants at the Green Pakistan Initiative Conference. He emphasized the need for a cohesive approach to tackle challenges and propel the nation towards progress. “The efforts of those who obstruct the development journey and divert attention from it will fail with the support of the people,” the army chief said, stressing that negative propaganda and social media trolls could not divert their attention…

ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Pakistan’s economic indicators are showing positive signs, with an agenda of painful reforms and privatisation on track, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday, ahead of an IMF board meeting to decide on a $1.1 billion funding for the country. The prime minister said, in an address to his cabinet that was telecast live, that exports and remittances had shown a rise within one-and-a-half month of his government. The IMF board is meeting on Monday to decide on the disbursement of the second and last tranche of a $3 billion standby arrangement Islamabad secured last summer to avert a sovereign…

LAHORE (PEN) : The Punjab government has announced the formation of an ‘Environment Protection Authority’ aimed at combating smog and enhancing environment quality. Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that this authority would be tasked with the effective enforcement of environmental protection regulations. Marriyum Aurangzed disclosed the initiatives and plans of Punjab Government to mitigate environmental crisis. A smog cabinet committee was established during a session chaired by Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz. A Smog Monitoring Sectoral Cell, comprising representatives from various departments, has been set up within the Department of Planning and Development. Provincial Minister emphasized that the groundwork for…

ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif donning the police uniform on Thursday for a passing out parade ceremony has sparked a range of reactions, with some lauding the move as a show of solidarity and support and others criticising it for allegedly disrespecting official protocol.  Addressing the passing-out parade at Chung Police Training Centre on Thursday, while wearing a police uniform, CM Maryam said: “Nearly 7,000 women officers are rendering their service in Punjab police. It had always made me happy to see the representation of women in the police force.” However, critics voiced concerns over the…

ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar vowed on Friday to take the parliament on board in line with the Iran-Israel situation. Speaking exclusively to Samaa TV, Dar said: “The Senate session will be held on Monday. We will take the parliament and opposition on board.” He said: “There is nothing to hide about Iran. There are no tensions with Iran. If there were any tensions with Iran, then how could the Iranian president visit Pakistan?” – Ishaq Dar advocates for nuclear and hydro energy at Brussels Summit – Few days back, Dar emphasised that nuclear and hydro energy are…

MADRID (PEN) : Spain will send a small number of Patriot missiles to Ukraine, El Pais newspaper reported on Friday, quoting unidentified sources. Spain ruled out delivering anti-aircraft launchers, but will give Kiev shells, the paper said. The defence ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Spain has three batteries which it purchased second-hand from Germany in 2004 and 2014, El Pais said. “We need to step up our commitment to Ukraine,” a Spanish diplomatic source told foreign reporters on Thursday. Earlier this month, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told NATO members that Ukraine needed a minimum of seven Patriot or other…

ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch on Friday said Pakistan was in contact with the United States regarding the country’s requirements for energy. Addressing her weekly media briefing in Islamabad, the spokesperson said she had seen the US’s statement on Pakistan’s willingness to get energy from Iran. Earlier this week, a State Department spokesperson had warned Islamabad regarding “potential risk of sanctions” following the Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to Pakistan. “We advise anyone considering business deals with Iran to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions,’ the spokesperson said. Baloch, on the other hand,…

ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, is set to participate in the World Economic Forum Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development in Riyadh from April 28 to 29. This was announced by Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch during her weekly media briefing, which unusually took place on Friday, instead of the routine schedule of Thursday. She said the invitation to the conference was extended by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman and Prof Klaus Schwab, the founder and executive chairman of The World Economic Forum. The FO said this…

ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The back-to-back defeats against the “depleted” New Zealand in the 3rd and 4th T20I respectively, had sounded the alarm for the Pakistan national cricket team. According to details, both teams will take rest today ahead of the final T20I, slated to happen tomorrow (April 27) at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The talent that surfaced in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has so far not been able to steal the spotlight in international cricket. Usman Khan, who rose to many occasions during the recently held PSL for the Multan Sultans, could only score 28 runs in the three…