Latest news with #IslamabadCapitalTerritory
The Hindu
30-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Pakistan enacts law to curb child marriages
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday (May 30, 2025) signed into law a bill fixing the minimum age for marriage at 18 years to curb child marriages despite opposition from right-wing clerics. The Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, seeking to protect the rights of children and eventually eradicate marriages of children under the age of 18, was sent to the President's approval on May 27 after sailing through both houses of Parliament. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Sherry Rehman shared on X a presidential notification related to the approval of the legislation. 'The Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2025 is assented to, as passed by the Parliament,' the notification read. 'Pakistan has reached a milestone in the enactment of important legislation against child marriages,' she said. Mr. Zardari accented to the bill despite strong opposition from religious groups and even the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), a constitutional body tasked to offer counsel on legal issues, in a ruling said that classifying marriage under the age of 18 as rape did not conform with Islamic law. Ms. Rehman said that the approval of the bill was successful despite resistance from various sections, adding that President Zardari signed the bill despite pressure. 'The signing of the Child Marriage Restraint Bill is a symbol of a new era of reforms in Pakistan,' she said. She hailed the approval as a victory for the protection of the rights of women and children, adding, 'This law was possible after a long and difficult struggle.' 'This bill is not just a law, it is a commitment that our girls have the right to education, health and a prosperous life,' Ms. Rehman continued. She thanked PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, party leaders, other political parties and representatives of the opposition and the public for their support to the bill. Earlier, CII member Maulana Jalaludin, who belongs to the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F), said President Zardari should prevent anarchy in society by not signing the bill.
Express Tribune
29-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Capital gears up to prevent dengue outbreak
The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has intensified efforts to curb the spread of dengue as early cases begin to appear in the city. While only four cases have been reported so far this season, authorities are focusing on swift, preventive action to avoid a potential outbreak. Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Irfan Nawaz Memon, chaired a high-level meeting attended by health officials to review the dengue situation. The meeting included a comparative analysis of case reports from other cities, including Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi, to draw insights from their prevention strategies. Officials briefed the meeting on ongoing field operations led by Assistant Commissioners in areas where mosquito larvae were detected. These include inspections of homes, commercial properties, and open spacescommon breeding grounds during dengue season. DC Memon urged residents to fully cooperate with the administration's anti-dengue campaign and adhere strictly to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for prevention. These include covering water containers, cleaning rooftops and drains, and eliminating stagnant water around properties. He directed Assistant Commissioners to take strict action against individuals or institutions found violating dengue prevention guidelines, emphasizing that early enforcement is key to containing the disease. The administration has ramped up public awareness efforts, including door-to-door visits, public announcements, and targeted inspections in high-risk areas. Health workers and volunteers are actively educating the public on how to prevent mosquito bites and eliminate breeding sites. Surveillance teams are monitoring vulnerable sectors, and fumigation and clean-up operations are being conducted based on larva detection reports. Weekly progress reviews will be held to assess the campaign's effectiveness and make necessary adjustments. Authorities are also coordinating with local health departments to ensure prompt management of reported cases. With dengue cases rising in other cities, Islamabad's strategy is focused on prevention through early detection, community involvement, and strict implementation of SOPs. Residents have been urged to report any signs of mosquito breeding to the relevant departments.
Express Tribune
17-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Clean water drive rolled out in capital villages
The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration has launched a clean drinking water initiative in rural parts of the capital, with the installation of three new solar-powered water filtration plants. The project aims to curb the spread of water-borne diseases in communities that previously lacked access to safe water. One of the filtration plants was inaugurated in Sangjhani by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (East), Islamabad, along with the Country Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) Pakistan. This plant is among three facilities set up under a collaborative effort by the DC Office, WHO, and the Government of Canada. The newly installed filtration system in Sangjhani will serve over 23,000 people, including local residents and Afghan refugees. Powered by solar energy, the plant ensures uninterrupted access to filtered water in areas with unstable electricity supply, while also promoting environmental sustainability and reducing operational costs. The filtration plants are designed to operate daily, allowing residents to collect clean water throughout the day. These facilities are a major step forward for remote communities that have long relied on contaminated sources, resulting in high rates of water-related illnesses. Officials at the inauguration highlighted the critical link between clean water and public health, emphasizing that improving water quality is essential for disease prevention, particularly among children who are most vulnerable to unsafe water. Residents welcomed the development, expressing hope that the new infrastructure would improve health outcomes and ease daily hardships. The DC Office affirmed its commitment to expanding such efforts across other underserved areas of Islamabad as part of a broader strategy to enhance rural infrastructure and living standards.
Business Recorder
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Federal capital: FBR plans to expand scope of ST on services
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is planning to expand the scope of sales tax on services within the territorial jurisdiction of federal capital in budget (2025-26). However, changes in withholding tax regime may include increased withholding tax rates on e-commerce platforms. Under the Islamabad Capital Territory (Tax on Services) Ordinance, 2001, the FBR is charging 15 percent sales tax on a wide range of services including Services provided or rendered by hotels, motels, guest houses, farmhouses, Marriage halls, lawns, clubs and caterers; IT services and IT-enabled services and other services. It is learnt that the FBR may impose sales tax on Ride Hailing Services operating in federal capital from next fiscal year. In this regard, the FBR is likely to introduce a 4% tax on CAB aggregators operating in Islamabad Capital Territory. Presently, Provincial Revenue Authorities are charging 5% sales tax on services provided by Ride Hailing Services. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
08-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Capital ensures food stability amid crisis
The district administration of Islamabad was taking measures to ensure the supply of food items continues without disruption following the Indian aggression against Pakistan. In this regard, the district administration officials have begun preparations to avoid any shortage of fruits, vegetables, and other daily essentials in the markets of the federal capital, said a spokesperson of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration on Thursday. Meanwhile, an important meeting was held with the Saddar Assistant Commissioner in the chair, focusing on the continued supply of fruits, vegetables, pulses, rice, and other food items during the current regional situation. The meeting took place with the participation of all key officials from the market committee. The committee reviewed the current stock levels of essential items and discussed plans to maintain an uninterrupted supply. Officials briefed the meeting that there was a sufficient stock of essential items like potatoes, onions, and pulses available for at least 15 days. The meeting also evaluated the supply chain and discussed emergency response strategies to deal with any sudden disruption in the availability of food items. The aim was to avoid panic buying and maintain stability in local markets. On the occasion, district administration officials assured that coordination with wholesalers and market stakeholders would continue to keep supply consistent.
