Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal launches first-ever ‘National Cancer Awareness Program’ on World No Tobacco Day

LAHORE, Saturday, May 31, 2025 (WNP): In a significant step toward strengthening cancer prevention efforts, Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM), in collaboration with the Surgical Oncology Society of Pakistan (SOS-PK), has officially launched the country’s first-ever Pakistan Cancer Awareness Program (P-CAP). The initiative coincides with World No Tobacco Day and supports the ongoing National Anti-Smoking Campaign. The concept of P-CAP was developed...

SDPI hosts dialogue to recalibrate climate diplomacy amid global finance crisis

ISLAMABAD, Saturday, May 31, 2025 (WNP): Against the backdrop of the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and a deepening global climate finance crisis, the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) convened a high-level virtual policy dialogue, uniting influential voices from across the Global South to chart a new path for climate governance. The session, held under the umbrella of...

PM Shehbaz commends Armed Forces’ resolve, pledges development for Balochistan

QUETTA, Saturday, May 31, 2025 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday lauded the Pakistan Armed Forces for their exceptional professionalism and bravery during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, vowing that the government stands firmly behind the military in its mission to safeguard the nation's sovereignty. Addressing the faculty and graduating officers at the Command and Staff College Quetta, the premier...

Saudi Arabia, Qatar pledge joint financial support for Syrian public sector workers

RIYADH, Saturday, May 31, 2025 (WNP): The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar have announced joint financial assistance to support public sector employees in the Syrian Arab Republic over the next three months in a renewed gesture of solidarity with the Syrian people. The initiative follows an earlier contribution of approximately $15 million by the two nations...

Pakistan marks World No Tobacco Day with nationwide calls for tougher regulation, higher taxes

ISLAMABAD, Saturday, May 31 (WNP): As Pakistan joined the global observance of World No Tobacco Day 2025 on Saturday, policymakers, public health experts, and civil society organizations called for urgent and comprehensive measures to curb rising tobacco consumption, particularly among the country’s youth. In her official message, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif warned of the devastating consequences of tobacco...

WHO, Pakistan call for urgent ban on flavoured tobacco amid alarming youth addiction trends

ISLAMABAD, Saturday, May 31, 2025 (WNP): Marking World No Tobacco Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an urgent global call for the immediate ban of all flavours in tobacco and nicotine products, citing their role in fuelling addiction—especially among young people. The UN health agency warned that flavouring agents such as menthol, bubble gum, and cotton candy are...

EU delegation, Pakistan’s human rights ministry review reforms, affirm commitment to strengthening rights protections

ISLAMABAD, Friday, May 30, 2025 (WNP): A delegation from the European Union (EU), led by Jeroen Willems, EU Head of Cooperation in Pakistan, visited the Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR) and held a detailed meeting with Secretary Humera Ahmad to review ongoing collaboration and future priorities in the field of human rights. The delegation included Marta Szymczyk, Programme Manager for...

DASTAK Foundation wins 2025 Nelson Mandela-Graça Machel Innovation Award for gender-responsive climate justice

ISLAMABAD, Friday, May 30, 2025 (WNP): The DASTAK Women Rights and Awareness Foundation has been honored with the 2025 Nelson Mandela-Graça Machel Innovation Award in the Organisation Category by the CIVICUS World Alliance for Citizen Participation. The award recognizes DASTAK’s pioneering efforts in advancing gender-responsive climate justice through its flagship initiative, FIERCE. The FIERCE program — Feminist Initiative for Environmental...

Romanian embassy, PNCA launch opera singing courses to foster cultural exchange

ISLAMABAD, Friday, May 30, 2025 (WNP): The Embassy of Romania, in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), launched a unique set of opera singing courses on Friday in Islamabad, aiming to introduce Pakistani students to Romania’s rich musical heritage and promote cultural dialogue between the two countries. The launch ceremony was attended by Romanian Ambassador Dr....

Pakistan, Ethiopia explore deeper cooperation in higher education sector

ISLAMABAD, Friday, May 30, 2025 (WNP): Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula, met with Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, on Friday to explore avenues for enhanced bilateral cooperation in the higher education sector, aiming to strengthen academic ties and promote excellence through collaborative initiatives. The meeting was held at the HEC Chairman’s Office...