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TDCP to launch plantation drive at Murree tourist spots

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Tree plantation
ISLAMABAD, Mar 17 (APP):The Tourism Development Corporation Punjab (TDCP) will launch a plantation campaign on March 19 at the tourist spots of Murree with the support of the Forest Department and the district administration.
Deputy Commissioner Murree Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi will inaugurate the plantation drive at Patriata base. All the plants have been donated by a charitable organization, said a press release issued here on Sunday.
On this occasion, Regional Manager Patriota Chairlift Moazzam Nazir said the sole objective of the tree planting campaign is to promote environment-friendly culture.

PM, assembly members discuss political situation

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LAHORE , Mar 17 (APP): Member National Assembly Sardar Shamsher Mazari and member of the Punjab Assembly Khizer Mazari here on Sunday called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
During the meeting, they discussed with the prime minister issues regarding their constituencies and the overall political situation in the country.

Faithful flock to mosques for blessings, spiritual renewal in Ramazan

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ISLAMABAD, Mar 17 (APP):With the advent of the Holy month of Ramazan, the faithful flocked to mosques across the nation, including the federal capital, to observe this sacred time with prayers, reflection, and seeking the blessings of the Allah Almighty.
The atmosphere is one of reverence and anticipation as believers embark on this month-long journey of spiritual devotion and self-discipline.
In the heart of the federal capital, mosques are witnessing a surge in attendance as faithful gather for Taraweeh prayers, performed during Ramazan.
The sound of Quranic recitation fills the air as worshippers unite in supplication, seeking spiritual purification and closeness to the Divine.
The influx of worshippers is not limited to the federal capital alone; mosques countrywide are experiencing a similar surge in attendance. From bustling city centers to remote villages, the faithful are answering the call to prayer, eager to partake in the blessings and rewards that Ramazan brings.
For many, Ramazan is a time of introspection and renewal, a period to strengthen their faith and connection with Allah Almighty. The fasting from dawn till dusk serves as a reminder of the importance of self-discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and gratitude for blessings received.
In addition to prayers and fasting, mosques are also hubs of community activity during Ramazan. Charitable initiatives such as food drives, distribution of Iftar meals (the meal to break the fast), and assisting the needy are commonplace, reflecting the spirit of compassion and solidarity that defines this holy month.
Imams and religious scholars are delivering sermons and lectures centered around the themes of mercy, forgiveness, and spiritual growth, guiding worshippers on their journey toward self-improvement and righteousness.

Barkhan wildfire extinguished

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QUETTA, Mar 17 (APP):Local administration, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and local residents extinguished the wildfire that engulfed the Koh-e-Jandaran in Barkhan district of Balochistan the other day.
Hundreds of trees and precious shrubs have burnt in forest fire at Koh-e-Jandaran on the confluence of Kohlu and Barkhan in Balochistan.
A huge forest fire that erupted in the mountainous region on Saturday spread over large area and engulfed the entire areas putting hazards to the hundreds of trees and precious and rare shrubs.
On the directives of the Balochistan’s Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority and local administration along with the local area people launched efforts to control the blaze. With collective efforts, the wildfire has been controlled, said Director General Public Relations here Sunday.

Car driver dies in road accident

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KILLED
FAISALABAD, Mar 17 (APP):A car driver was killed in a road accident in the area of Thikriwala police station.
A Rescue 1122 spokesman said here on Sunday that a speeding car hit a parked truck near Orient-Mills Chota Sadhar Bypass on Jhang Road.
As a result, car driver Ali Raza Gulshan of Jhang received serious head injuries and died on the spot. Rescue 1122 shifted the body to mortuary of Allied Hospital an investigation is under progress, he added.

Ramazan: A time of spiritual reflection, health benefits for faithful

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ISLAMABAD, Mar 17 (APP):As Muslims worldwide observe Ramazan, the significance of this sacred month extends beyond religious rituals to encompass various health benefits.
Observing Ramazan involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset as it promotes self-discipline, spiritual reflection, and community solidarity among Muslims, while also offering potential advantages for human health.
Dr. Mumtaz Ali Khan, Chief of Center for Disease Control at National Institute of Health, Islamabad, in an exclusive talk with APP, said beyond its spiritual significance, the holy month also offered potential health benefits.
Fasting during Ramazan could lead to various physiological changes in the body, promoting overall well-being, he added.
The health expert said intermittent fasting, as practiced during Ramazan, can have positive effects leading to weight loss as the body utilizes stored fat for energy during fasting hours.
However, he said it was essential to maintain a balanced diet during non-fasting hours to avoid overeating and unhealthy weight loss.
He said fasting had been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels, which might reduce the risk of type two diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
He said fasting could improve cognitive function and protect against age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.
Dr. Mumtaz said that  fasting in holy month had been associated with improvements in lipid profile, blood pressure, and heart rate, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
He said giving the digestive system a break during fasting hours might improve gastrointestinal health and promote better digestion.
He said fasting allowed the body to detoxify and clean itself from accumulated toxins, promoting overall detoxification and rejuvenation.
To observe Ramazan as individuals or communities, he said they not only deepen their spiritual connections but also nurture their physical well-being.

LESCO detects 64,732 power pilferers in 185 days

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power pilferers
LAHORE, Mar 17 (APP):Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has detected a total of 64,732 connections from where the customers were pilfering electricity in all its circles of five districts (Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Kasur and Okara) in 185 day of grand anti-power theft campaign.
The LESCO spokesman told media here Sunday that the company has also submitted FIR applications against electricity thieves, out of which 63,185 FIRs have been registered in respective police stations, while 20,052 accused have been arrested. The LESCO has so far charged a total of 82,340,553 detection units worth Rs 3,131,550,101 to all the power pilferers.
Grand anti-power theft operations against electricity thieves are being conducted on the directives of the Federal Power Division and the LESCO Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Engineer Shahid Haider is supervising these operations. The LESCO chief vowed that the operations would continue without discrimination until the complete end of electricity theft. The electricity pilferers as well as the LESCO officers and employees who facilitate them are also being brought to justice.
The spokesman added, the LESCO found 403 customers stealing electricity through various means and 205 cases have been registered against the accused during the last 24 hours.
On the 185th consecutive day of the anti-power theft campaign, he mentioned that large commercial consumers were found involved in electricity theft and all of them were also disconnected and charged with detection units. Among the seized connections, he explained, 07 were commercial, 01 agricultural and 395 domestic, and all these connections were disconnected and charged with a total of 280,204 units as detection bill amounting to Rs 10.758 million.
Apprising the media about some major power pilferers, he mentioned that LESCO charged Rs 200,000 detection  bill to an electricity pilferer in Johar Town; Rs 175,000 detection bill to a power pilferer in Aalabad area; Rs 170,000 fine in the form of detection bill to a customer stealing electricity in Shahdara Town area, and Rs 130,000 to another power pilferer also in Shahdara Town.

KEF playing remarkable role against blindness

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PESHAWAR, Mar 17 (APP):Khyber Eye Foundation (KEF), a charity organization is playing remarkable services in eradication of blindness, convert disabilities and contributing to poverty alleviation.
Talking to this scribe Obaid Ullah Siddiqui, a focal person of the foundation said that beside eradication of blindness, convert disabilities, the foundation currently is also actively engaged in various other projects in order to fulfill its mission.
The organization is renowned for holding free eye camps in Peshawar and its surrounding areas, regular basis and provides medicines and spectacle glasses free of cost.
The doctors employed at the hospital of the foundation examine 250 to 300 patients daily in OPD (Outdoor Patients Department) and also performing 40 to 45 cataract surgeries per day, free of cost for poor (Mustehkeen-e-Zakat).
Since establishment, the KEF Hospital has so far examined 1028,772 patients in OPD and also conducted 83,940 Cataract Surgeries.
The Hospital was started in 1998, marking the foundation stone of the Khyber Eye Foundation Hospital in 1996, by then Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan.
To acquire land for the hospital, late Senator Haji Mohammad Adeel requested to the Chief Minister Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan, through whose efforts the hospital came into existence.
The chief minister generously provided the land for hospital construction and also gave a grant of Rs.2 million towards the cause. The entire construction of the hospital was carried out under the supervision of Mr. and Mrs. Suleiman Shah (late), with active participation from all members of the Board of Directors, aiming to offer free eye care facilities to the under-privileged residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Foundation has evolved into a leading organization in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, registered as a Charity Organization. It holds certification from the Charitable Commission, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Health Care Commission, Directorate of Social Welfare KP, and Certificate of Registration of Societies Act XXI of 1860.
The KEF has also been certified as a non-profitable organization (NPO) by the Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy (PCP) Islamabad and now it stands among those few organizations of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which are authenticated by the PCP.
The Foundation is also running a School Eye Health Programme. The project team visits various schools and seminaries of Peshawar and surrounding areas to check the refractive error of the students and provide them spectacles.
The incumbent Chairman of the Board of Directors, Khyber Eye Foundation, Mohammad Adnan Jalil said that the organization wants to further broaden the impact of the foundation to serve the community in better manner and consider extending their services to include general medicines, ENT, orthopedics and other related areas. So, for this purpose, they are also wanted amendment in the constitution of the organization to ensure accommodation of such expansions within the legal framework of the Foundation.
These constitutional amendments, he said will not only reflect the evolving needs of the organization, rather also enhance the capacity to contribute to the well-being of the community.
Mohammad Adnan Jalil has also urged the resourceful people particularly philanthropists to donate generously to the foundation and extend its operation to other parts of the province also.

PML-N Ulema wing praises Ramazan package

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Ramazan Package
LAHORE, Mar 17 (APP):PML-N’s Ulema and Mashaikh Wing in Punjab have praised the Nighban package introduced by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The initiative aims to benefit 6.5 million individuals in the province and is seen as a demonstration of the government’s dedication to the people’s welfare, particularly in light of rising food prices.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday by Pakistan Muslim League-N’s Ulema-o-Mashyaikh wing General Secretary Sahibzada Hafiz Muhammad Amjid and Media Coordinator Hafiz Muhammad Tayyab Qasmi highlighted the government’s resolve to address inflation and unemployment as top priorities.
Expressing condolences for the recent martyrdom of Pakistan Army personnel in a terrorist attack in North Waziristan, the statement emphasized the nation’s solidarity in combating terrorism and honoring those who sacrifice their lives for the country.
Sahibzada Hafiz Muhammad Amjid affirmed the government’s commitment to taking strict action against those responsible for artificial inflation, ensuring accountability for those who betray the trust of the underprivileged. He lauded Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s dedication to serving the people tirelessly, promising to fulfill the aspirations of those affected by poverty, unemployment, and inflation.
Highlighting the shortcomings of the previous administration, Sahibzada Hafiz Muhammad Amjid criticized the PTI government’s handling of economic challenges, citing soaring prices of essential commodities during their tenure. The provision of Nighban packages underscores the Punjab government’s proactive approach to mitigate the hardships faced by its citizens, reflecting a commitment to inclusive growth and social welfare under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s leadership, he concluded.

PHA unveils cutting-edge running track at Jilani Park

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LAHORE, Mar 17 (APP):The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Lahore has installed a new state-of-the-art running track at Jilani Park, tailored specifically for fitness enthusiasts, a spokesperson announced on Sunday.
Brightly coloured, the 550-meter-long track is made of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), a rubberised, artificial surface designed for track athletics, chosen for its durability, high elasticity and resilience for greater cushion.
According to the spokesperson, EPDM is resistant to weathering, UV radiation and heavy use, making it capable of withstanding foot traffic and exposure to various weather conditions with little wear or deterioration.
Made from recycled rubber, EPDM granules offer an eco-friendly solution, contributing to waste reduction and sustainability, aligning with PHA’s “Clean and Green Lahore” mission.
The spokesperson mentioned that the track, ordered by Director General PHA Muhammad Tahir Wattoo, is the first government-owned facility of its kind in the provincial capital.
In recent months, PHA has been actively beautifying the cityscape. Alongside planting thousands of saplings, the authority has also installed decorative light structures on and around several thoroughfares in central Lahore.
Moreover, the department has adorned the canal with decorative lights ahead of the annual Canal Mela, organised by the provincial government. During this festival, the canal and sections from The Mall underpass to the Jail Road underpass will be illuminated with vibrant light structures and models showcasing various cultures of Pakistan, the spokesperson added.
Meanwhile, PHA has implemented various measures to transform the ‘Suthra Punjab’ cleanliness drive, initiated by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, into a widespread movement with assistance from members of the public.
According to the spokesperson, PHA has deployed teams tasked with daily cleaning of trees, green belts, and other green assets. The horticulture staff has been directed to ensure the extensive cleaning of public parks assigned to them, he added.
He also emphasised that public involvement is important for the success of the campaign. He pledged to learn from the challenges encountered during the clean-up effort to develop better, long-lasting strategies.