KARACHI
KARACHI
Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Jameel Ahmed, announces the Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC) decisions during a press conference at the SBP building
KARACHI
KARACHI
Thick cumulus clouds create a eye catching scene as they hover over Constitution Avenue and Srinagar Highway in the federal capital
ISLAMABAD
PDWP approves 5 development schemes worth Rs. 12.090b
LAHORE, Jul 30 (APP):The 13th meeting of Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) for the fiscal year 2025–26, here Wednesday approved five development schemes across various sectors with a cumulative estimated cost of Rs. 12,090.624 million
Chaired by Planning & Development Board Punjab’s Chairman Dr. Naeem Rauf, the forum approved following development schemes:
1. Establishment of Garment Cities in Punjab (Revised) – Estimated cost: Rs. 4,184.498 million
2. Establishment of Project Management Unit (PMU): Revamping of DHQ/THQ Hospitals in Punjab (Revised) – Estimated cost: Rs. 1,717.299 million
3. Construction of Population Welfare House, Punjab (Revised) – Estimated cost: Rs. 1,388.359 million
4. Widening/Improvement of Metalled Road from (N-55) Chowkiwala to Atomic Energy Project (Length: 17.00 km), District D.G. Khan (Revised) – Estimated cost: Rs. 1,153.230 million
5. Rehabilitation of Khushab–Muzaffargarh Road, Km No. 70.70 to 134.80 (District Boundary Khushab to Daal Mor), District Jhang – Estimated cost: Rs. 3,647.238 million
The meeting was attended by P&D Board Secretary Rafaqat Ali; Chief Economist, Masood Anwar, the Board members and other senior officers.
LESCO intensifies action against electricity pilferers
LAHORE, Jul 30 (APP): Following directives of their Chief Executive Officer Engineer Muhammad Ramzan Butt, the LESCO (Lahore Electric Supply Company) teams are actively pursuing actions against electricity theft as part of its unwavering zero-tolerance policy.
In this connection, under the supervision of Central Circle’s Superintending Engineer (SE) Jamshed Zaman, the SDO of Jiya Baga Sub-Division, Asif Ali Khan, in collaboration with LESCO’s Anti-Theft Team and M&T Team, conducted operations in the villages of Pandoki, Laday Ki Stop, and Pind Araayian, the LESCO spokesman told media here Wednesday,
During these operations, 13 direct connections were uncovered in the village of Pind Arayian, which were being utilized for electricity theft, and the associated meter cables were promptly removed. Furthermore, another power meter was confiscated at Araayian Stop, which was linked with a remote control device enabling the user, Nazeer Hussain, to illegally draw electricity from meter number 04-140552011222. An inspection confirmed tampering with the meter, and the remote control device was identified as a tool for facilitating electricity theft. The suspect has been implicated in these illegal activities.
Throughout the operation, the individual issued serious threats to the LESCO team. In light of the severity of the situation, LESCO has taken immediate action by filing an FIR at the local police station.
LESCO chief Engineer Muhammad Ramzan Butt vowed that organization will persist in its rigorous legal actions against those engaged in electricity theft, asserting that no external pressure or threats would deter the organization’s commitment to its policies. The zero-tolerance stance against electricity theft remains firmly in place.
Khalid Maqbool meets delegation from Commonwealth Secretariat & British Esports Federation
ISLAMABAD, Jul 30 (APP): Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui held a meeting with a delegation from the Commonwealth Secretariat and the British Esports Federation to discuss the development of a national Esports federation and ecosystem in Pakistan.
The meeting featured a briefing on training modules and global best practices from the United Kingdom in the field of Esports, said a press release on Wednesday.
Dr. Siddiqui emphasized that the establishment of a structured Esports ecosystem and a national federation in Pakistan is a timely and necessary step.
He remarked that the integration of Esports into education and training is a revolutionary initiative for youth, adding that with proper parental guidance and involvement, Esports can be directed in a positive and productive direction. He stressed the importance of embracing Esports as both a healthy recreational activity and an educational engagement.
Discussions were also held on introducing Esports curricula at the Higher Education Commission (HEC) level. Furthermore, Dr. Siddiqui revealed plans to launch pilot Esports competitions in schools and colleges starting from August.
The current Esports training programs under NAVTTC were also reviewed. The participants agreed on a joint roadmap focusing on Esports curriculum development, policy formulation, and linking Esports with employment opportunities.
The British Esports Federation and the Commonwealth Secretariat expressed strong interest in supporting the development of Esports in Pakistan and collaborating for its advancement.
Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandukhel addresses a seminar on ‘Women in Agriculture: Advancing Leadership and Innovation’ at Governor House
QUETTA
QUETTA
Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi Inaugurates ‘Seeing, (Seen)’ Art Exhibition at PNCA
ISLAMABAD, Jul 30 (APP): Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi Wednesday, inaugurated the thought-provoking art exhibition ‘Seeing, (Seen)’ on Wednesday at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), Islamabad.
Curated by Sarah Rajper as part of the Art Exchange: Moving Image Curatorial Fellowship, the exhibition explores the transformative potential of moving images in contemporary art. It challenges conventional visual narratives by presenting themes of fragmentation, resistance, and non-linearity, offering audiences new ways of sensing and perceiving.
Speaking at the inauguration, the minister said, “It is an opportunity to engage youth in the arts. PNCA is organizing such kinds of events, and we are proud of our young curators and artists. I am extremely happy to be here and thankful to the British Council for their support.”
He further appreciated the initiative and emphasized the importance of platforms that promote contemporary artistic expression and cultural dialogue. He lauded the collaboration between Pakistani and UK-based artists, highlighting its role in enriching Pakistan’s creative landscape.
The exhibition features a diverse range of works from artists across Pakistan and the UK, including pieces from the British Council Art Collection. A special panel discussion with participating artists was also held on the opening day from 6 to 7 PM, offering insights into their creative processes and thematic explorations.
The exhibition and panel discussion were open to the public free of charge, drawing significant attendance from art lovers, students, and cultural enthusiasts.
The show will continue to be displayed at PNCA in the coming days, celebrating innovation in visual storytelling and international cultural collaboration.
Minister Bilal Yasin directs WASA to be on high alert as 5th monsoon rain spell begins in Rawalpindi
RAWALPINDI, Jul 30 (APP): As the fifth spell of monsoon rains begun in Rawalpindi in the wee hours of Wednesday, Punjab Minister for Housing and Urban Development Punjab Bilal Yasin directed the Water and Sanitation Agency (Punjab) to be on high alert.
The water level in Nullah Leh at Katarian was recorded at 10 feet and Gawalmandi bridge at 6 feet as a total of more than 80 mm of rain was recorded in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, 90 mm rain was recorded at Saidpur, 30 mm at Golra, 32 mm at Bokra, 55 mm at PMD, 80 mm at Shamsabad, 28 mm at Kachhari, 52 mm at Pirwadhai, 78 mm at Katarian and 45 mm at Gawalmandi.
Minister Bilal Yasin, in his directive to the Director General of WASA Punjab, said the WASA staff should keep the machinery active for drainage even during night hours.
He further instructed that due to rain in Rawalpindi, the water level in Nullah Leh should be continuously monitored, and staff should be deployed for timely drainage from low-lying areas.
He directed the WASA officials to ensure continuous coordination with all institutions to deal with any emergency situation.
Meanwhile, WASA Rawalpindi Managing Director Muhammad Saleem Ashraf said that the Agency was on high alert with rain emergency imposed on the PMD’s prediction of heavy rains..
On the instructions of Housing Minister Bilal Yasin and Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal, the staff and heavy machinery had been deployed in low-lying areas for timely drainage of water, he added.
The Nullah Leh and other drains across the city were being continuously monitored, he said, adding they were ready to deal with any kind of emergency situation.
Gardening enthusiasts browse and purchase low-cost plants from a roadside vendor stall in Latifabad
HYDERABAD
Children enjoy riding a mini Sky Wheel on the side of the road in a neighborhood of Bahawalpur city
BAHAWALPUR