Tag: The Pakistan Times

Islamabad, September 17, 2026(Kamran Raja): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has approved a nationwide austerity and energy conservation campaign in response to rising petroleum prices in the international market amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.The decision was taken during an important meeting chaired by the Prime Minister in Islamabad to review austerity measures, reduction in government expenditure, and energy conservation initiatives.“The increase in global oil prices is fueling inflation across the world,” the Prime Minister said, emphasizing that the government and the elite would lead by making sacrifices first.He said fuel subsidies for economically vulnerable and middle-income segments had already been initiated, with a subsidy of Rs100 per litre bein...

Islamabad:(Nosheen)The Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) has expressed serious concerns over the Senate’s approval of legislation to bring new heated tobacco products within the legal and regulatory framework without adequate consultation with health experts and public health organizations.PANAH General Secretary Sana Ullah Ghumman said PANAH repeatedly requested the Senate Standing Committee on Health to provide an opportunity to present scientific evidence regarding the potential health risks of emerging tobacco products. Despite writing to the Senate Chairman and members of the committee, PANAH and other public health stakeholders were not formally invited to brief the committee before the legislation was approved.PANAH stressed that policies concerning tobacco and nic...

ISLAMABAD, 10 September 2026(Nosheen): The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has appointed Dr. Talat Shabbir as Advisor to FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh.Dr. Shabbir is a scholar, policy analyst and expert in international relations and strategic affairs. He will advise the FPCCI President on international trade, economic diplomacy, public policy and global engagement. The appointment is part of FPCCI’s efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s economic diplomacy, promote trade and investment, and improve engagement with regional and international business organizations. FPCCI represents Pakistan’s private sector through 308 trade bodies, including chambers of commerce, women’s chambers, chambers of small traders, joint chambers and national trade associations....

Islamabad, September 6, 2026(Nosheen): The Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized an in-house meeting today to commemorate Pakistan Defence Day. The event brought together members of ISSI to reflect on the historic significance of the day, pay tribute to the martyrs of Pakistan’s Armed Forces, and examine the evolution of the country’s defence architecture across conventional, nuclear, and space domains.Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Moin ul Haque, Director General ISSI, paid rich tribute to the valour and sacrifices of Pakistan’s Armed Forces and the martyrs who laid down their lives in defence of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He stated that Pakistan’s acquisition of nuclear capability re...

Islamabad, September 4, 2026: (Nosheen) PANAH’s Think Tank has urged the Government of Pakistan to immediately expedite the implementation of mandatory Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPWLs) on ultra-processed foods high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats.During the Think Tank’s fifth meeting, chaired by PANAH President Maj Gen (R) Masud Rehman Kiani, participants expressed concern over the rising burden of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other non-communicable diseases.Maj Gen (R) Kiani said consumers have a right to know what they are eating and emphasized that clear warning labels can help people make healthier food choices. PANAH called on the relevant authorities to finalize and implement FOPWL standards without further delay to protect public health, particularly children ...