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Prime Minister Shehbaz launches major development projects, Solarisation Drive in Gilgit-Baltistan

GILGIT: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday inaugurated and performed groundbreaking of multiple development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), including renewable energy initiatives, Safe City projects, and the establishment of Daanish Schools amid distributing free solar panels, laptops, and business loan cheques among the youth.

Addressing a ceremony, the prime minister said the government was committed to ensuring equitable development across all regions of Pakistan, stressing that progress would remain incomplete without the uplift of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

He inaugurated a 100-megawatt solar power project for the region and launched the distribution of 58MW worth of free solar panels among domestic and commercial consumers under a transparent digital balloting system. He said over 50,000 applications were received, out of which around 15,000 beneficiaries were selected purely on merit.

The prime minister directed authorities to complete the solar project by mid-2027, noting that the initiative would significantly ease energy shortages in the mountainous region, particularly during harsh winters. He also revealed that confiscated solar panels in a fraud case were redirected for free distribution to the people of GB instead of auction.

Highlighting education reforms, Shehbaz Sharif laid the foundation stones of four Daanish Schools in Sultanabad, Bunji, Ghanche, and Skardu, aimed at providing state-of-the-art education facilities to underprivileged children. He directed authorities to ensure uniform standards, merit-based recruitment of local teachers, and modern facilities including e-libraries, smart classrooms, free meals, and boarding.

“These schools will offer opportunities to talented children from humble backgrounds to excel and compete at national and international levels,” he said, adding that education for girls would be completely free in these institutions.

The prime minister also inaugurated Gilgit Safe City Project Phase-II and announced the Skardu Safe City project, directing that it should match and surpass the standards of Lahore’s Safe City system. He emphasized the need for proper maintenance and modernisation of these security systems.

During the ceremony, he distributed laptops under the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme to high-achieving students and provided cheques under the Prime Minister’s Youth Agriculture and Business Loan Scheme to promote entrepreneurship.

Shehbaz Sharif praised the resilience and determination of GB’s youth, stating that the laptops were not a favour but recognition of their hard work. He reiterated that all selections under government schemes were made strictly on merit without political influence.

He also underscored Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace, stating that the country played a significant role in recent diplomatic efforts for ceasefire during the Iran-US tensions, adding that history would acknowledge Pakistan’s constructive contributions. He also lauded the efforts of Deputy Prime Minsiter Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for the ceasefire to circumvent protracted conflict in the region.

Earlier, a guard of honour was presented by a contingent of Gilgit-Baltistan Police, while the prime minister interacted with students, including one who attended the ceremony on the day of his wedding to receive a laptop.

Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Affairs Programme, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, said the premier had inaugurated record development projects in GB, including the solarisation initiative that would install 18MW systems on 499 buildings in the first phase and 82MW solar parks across three divisions in the next phase.

Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Engineer Amir Muqam, termed the projects a major step toward improving living standards and said the prime minister had always stood with the people during natural disasters.

Minister for Energy, Power Division, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, said the solar project’s cost had increased from Rs24 billion to Rs32 billion due to the inclusion of battery storage systems, enabling round-the-clock electricity and expanding beneficiaries from 600,000 to over 1.3 million people.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs and Interprovincial Coordination, Rana Sanaullah Khan, said the Daanish Schools would provide education comparable to elite institutions like Aitchison College, particularly benefiting children from low-income families.

Federal ministers including Attaullah Tarar, Abdul Aleem Khan, and SAPM Talha Burkialso accompanied the prime minister during the visit.

Governor Gilgit-Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah and Chief Minister Justice (R) Yar Mohammad were present on the occasion.

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HEC launches fully online, paperless degree attestation system

ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan has shifted to a completely online and paperless Degree Attestation System, replacing the existing degree verification process.

Under the new system, applicants can apply round the clock for online attestation through www.eservices.hec.gov.pk. HEC will issue e-Attestation Certificate which can be downloaded by applicant from dashboard and verified at www.hec.gov.pk/site/verification along with the document(s) attested thereunder.

HEC will attest the original degrees and no photocopy of any educational document will be processed for attestation in new system.

The new system is secure, efficient, and user friendly wherein applicants are no longer required to physically visit HEC or to send original documents.

The applications of those applicants who have already applied and paid fee of attestation will be processed as per previous method of attestation up to 30th June.

All such applicants are informed to get complete the attestation process by the said date. The applicants who have not paid attestation fee in the previous attestation system are advised to apply through the new system.

The attestations made by HEC before the launch of e-Attestation Certificate will remain valid and can also be verified from www.hec.gov.pk/site/verification.

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Govt making all out efforts to address security, economic challenges: Senate told

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Monday informed the Senate that the government was making all out efforts to address security and economic challenges confronted to the country.

Winding up debate on a motion moved by Senator Mohsin Aziz about fall out of the recent war and the government plans to reduce expenditure and other measures to steer the economy out of the crises, he said that Pakistan’s successful diplomacy, anti-terror operations and economic management amid regional tensions had enhanced the country’s global standing.

He said Pakistan’s role in promoting peace during the ongoing Iran-US tensions was being acknowledged internationally and both countries had expressed confidence in Pakistan’s mediation efforts.

The Minister said the ongoing US-Iran tension had affected global economies, particularly countries dependent on oil routes linked to the Strait of Hormuz, including Pakistan.

He said Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, was personally monitoring the situation and remained concerned over increasing petroleum prices and their impact on the common man. However, he said that the government was trying to minimize the burden on citizens while also fulfilling commitments under the International Monetary Fund programme.

The minister said the federal cabinet had voluntarily surrendered salaries, fuel allowances and luxury vehicles as part of austerity measures. Ministers and parliamentarians travelling abroad on official visits were bearing their expenses personally, he added.

He also paid tribute to the armed forces and law enforcement agencies for their sacrifices, particularly mentioning ‘Marka-e-Haq and “Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos.

Responding to concerns raised about Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf founder Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, he said all medical facilities were being provided in accordance with jail rules and immediate treatment was ensured whenever any medical emergency occurred.

Regarding terrorism, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said intelligence-based operations along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border had reduced terrorism incidents by nearly 60 to 70 percent. Terrorists were now targeting soft civilian locations after failing to attack hard targets, he added.

Paying tribute to police and law enforcement personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, he said the entire nation stood with the families of martyrs and security forces fighting terrorism.

Referring to Pakistani medical students studying abroad, he said nearly 1,200 students were facing issues related to recognition and registration with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).

He assured the House that the government would take up the matter with the PMDC.

He also urged the opposition to present constructive and fact-based budget proposals, assuring that positive recommendations would be incorporated into the upcoming federal budget.

Earlier, the minister offered Fateha for security personnel and civilians martyred in recent terrorist incidents.

Later, the Senate session adjourned to meet again on Tuesday at 4 pm.

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Defence Ministry holds ceremony to commemorate Marka-e-Haq

RAWALPINDI: The Ministry of Defence on Monday organized a dignified ceremony in connection with 1st anniversary of Marka-e-Haq to pay tribute to the sacrifices and achievements of Pakistan Armed Forces.

Secretary Defence Lt Gen (Retd) Muhammad Ali, Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), was the chief guest on the occasion.

Rich tributes were paid to all the martyrs of Marka-e-Haq for their supreme sacrifices in defence of the country during the ceremony.

The participants also lauded the historic success achieved by the Pakistan Armed Forces under the guidance of the military leadership.

On the occasion, the participants reaffirmed their resolve that the nation and the Pakistan Armed Forces would always remain united for the country’s sovereignty and defense.

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