Expired pesticides seized in Sialkot

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Tue, 29 Jul 2025, 7:00 PM

PESHAWAR, Jul 29 (APP):Local Government Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) here Tuesday signed an agreement and launched Civil Registration Management System (CRMS).

The launching ceremony was attended by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Minister for LG Arshad Ayub Khan, Secretary Local Government Saqib Raza Aslam, Director General LG Junaid Khan and Director General NADRA Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Khalid Khan.

Under the agreement, a mobile application of the Civil Registration Management System has been launched which will assist citizens in the registration and acquisition of their basic information more easily.

LG Minister termed this initiative as an important step toward national development and public welfare. He stated that the launch of the CRMS mobile application will not only make the registration process more transparent and efficient but will also provide citizens in rural and remote areas with easier access to their legal identity rights.

He further said that the collaboration between NADRA and the Local Government Department will play a key role in promoting digital governance in the province.

Workshop on ‘Data Interpretation and Use’ starts

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Tue, 29 Jul 2025, 6:58 PM

PESHAWAR, Jul 29 (APP):The three-day capacity-building workshop titled “Data Interpretation and Use” commenced on Tuesday under the aegis of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The workshop is aimed at promoting evidence-based planning and policy-making by empowering provincial stakeholders to optimally utilize PBS’s comprehensive databank.

The event brought together over a hundred senior planners, statisticians and development experts from across key government departments including Planning & Development, Education, Health, Industries, Labour, Livestock, Local Govt & Rural Development, Finance, Communication & Works, Agriculture and other vital sectors.

The workshop focused on enhancing participants’ technical capacity in utilizing socio-economic data sets for effective governance and resource optimization.

Presiding over the inaugural ceremony, Dr. Naeem uz Zafar, Chief Statistician of Pakistan emphasized the critical role of reliable statistics in achieving sustainable development and ensuring good governance.

He reaffirmed PBS’s commitment to supporting provincial governments through enriched data services, digital dashboards, and institutional capacity development.

Mahjabeen Qazi, UNFPA Provincial Head underscored the importance of data-informed governance for accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She praised the proactive collaboration between PBS and KP govt departments as a promising model for other provinces.

This collaborative initiative marks a significant stride toward fostering a data-literate governance culture in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, bridging the gap between numbers and narratives, and paving the way for strategic, inclusive, and transparent development.

Punjab approves Autism School and Resource Centre Act for inclusive education

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Tue, 29 Jul 2025, 6:56 PM

LAHORE, Jul 29 (APP):The Provincial Assembly of the Punjab has unanimously passed the Punjab Autism School and Resource Centre Act, 2025 during its 28th session, marking a significant step forward in inclusive education and support for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders in Pakistan.

The passing of the important law shows the government’s strong commitment to supporting people with autism. It includes setting up a modern Autism School and Resource Centre in Lahore, the first of its kind in Pakistan.

The Centre will provide special education and therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It will also offer professional training, support research, and raise public awareness. The goal is to create a supportive environment that helps children with autism grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially, so they can live meaningful and dignified lives.

The Punjab Autism School and Resource Centre will be overseen by a strong and diverse Board of Governors, chaired by the Chief Minister of Punjab. The board will include the Chief Secretary, relevant department secretaries, autism specialists, parents of children with autism, and experts from education and public service, ensuring that affected families have a voice in decision-making.

The Centre will offer tailored education and therapy programs, train teachers and professionals, and work with international experts to improve autism research and curriculum development. It will also connect with autism units across Punjab and lead public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma.

The Act allows the Board to set up sub-campuses across the province, create jobs, set rules, and use public and private resources to keep the Centre running. This reflects the Punjab government’s strong commitment to inclusive education and equal opportunities for all.

Punjab Special Education Department Secretary Muhammad Khan Ranjha said that this Act is not only a legal instrument but a human-centered policy breakthrough that places children with autism and their families at the core of government planning. He added that the initiative would address long-standing gaps in diagnosis, care, and educational access, while also creating professional opportunities in special education and therapy. He further highlighted the department’s dedication to implementing the Act with efficiency, transparency, and compassion, ensuring that the vision of an inclusive Punjab becomes a lived reality for every neurodiverse child and their family.

UNDP resident representative calls on KP CS

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Tue, 29 Jul 2025, 6:55 PM

PESHAWAR, Jul 29 (APP):Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Pakistan, Samuel Rizk on Tuesday called on the Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shahab Ali Shah.

During the meeting, key development priorities of the province came under discussion.

Both sides expressed their commitment to continue working together for the socio-economic uplift of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

PM Shehbaz Sharif inaugurates Pak Business Express, pledges modern rail services for all citizens

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NNPS Desk

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Tue, 29 Jul 2025, 6:55 PM

LAHORE, Jul 29 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday inaugurated the Pak Business Express and newly upgraded passenger facilities at the Lahore Railway Station, vowing to make Pakistan Railways a modern, reliable, and affordable mode of transport for all citizens, not just the elite.Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Prime Minister expressed delight over the visible transformation of the historic railway station, which he visited after a long interval. “From a warm welcome to well-mannered receptionists, renovated CIP lounges, upgraded passenger waiting rooms, and a fully refurbished train with modern European-style dining and sleeper berths, the change is truly gratifying,” he said.

He lauded the digitization of the ticketing system, the availability of Wi-Fi facilities, and the outsourcing of services to ensure professionalism and efficiency. “These services are for the common masses, not just a privileged class. This is a step towards turning railways into a best-in-class transportation system for both passengers and cargo freight,” PM Shehbaz remarked.

The Prime Minister commended Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Secretary and Chairman Railways, and the entire team for their efforts, while also acknowledging former minister Khawaja Muhammad Saad Rafique’s “16 months of dedicated service to the railways department.”

Shehbaz Sharif directed the railway authorities to ensure punctuality and transparent outsourcing of railway land and services, making them profitable assets for the nation. He emphasized that the transformation of railways must continue across the country—from Peshawar to Karachi, Rohri, and Quetta—turning it into a reliable network on par with global standards.

He further said, “The Almighty guides and supports every sincere effort. This is just the first step; we must struggle with dedication and transparency to serve the people of Pakistan.” The newly launched Pak Business Express will operate between Lahore and Karachi in 18 hours and 30 minutes, with an economy-class fare of Rs 5,100.

During his address, PM Shehbaz also paid tribute to Pakistan’s Armed Forces for their bravery in the recent four-day war with India, which he described as “short but highly dangerous.” He lauded the military’s technical supremacy, the Air Force’s internal innovations, the Army’s use of Al Fatah missiles, and the Navy’s preparedness, crediting teamwork and national unity for the victory. “India believed Pakistan could only rely on nuclear deterrence, but conventional warfare supremacy has shattered that myth,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to the nation’s security and progress.

PM Shehbaz concluded the ceremony with a pledge to transform Pakistan Railways into a modern, transparent, and people-centric institution. He said, “Together we can make railways a true engine of progress for Pakistan.”Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi thanked the Prime Minister for his vision and leadership, crediting him for supporting digitization, outsourcing of services, and introducing a cashless payment system at railway stations. He revealed that railways had earned Rs 93 billion, installed escalators for differently-abled passengers, and improved cleanliness and punctuality across stations.

Abbasi also praised the Prime Minister’s bold stance during the recent conflict with India, saying his “direct calls and strong foreign policy” forced aggressive India into a defensive position while garnering international support for Pakistan.

K-Electric being provided cheaper power from Sindh’s Hybrid and Solar Parks: Nasir Shah

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Tue, 29 Jul 2025, 6:53 PM

KARACHI, Jul 29 (APP):Sindh Minister for Energy, Planning and Development Syed Nasir Hussain Shah on Tuesday said K-Electric is being provided low-cost electricity from the Nooriabad Power Plant and other hybrid and solar parks in Sindh, with plans for further supply in the future. Despite this, KE continues to raise concerns over fossil fuel costs, which is a regrettable act.

Speaking at a special session of the FPCCI Standing Committee on Energy, Nasir Shah emphasized that the Sindh government opposes the imposition of taxes on solar energy, calling it a clean, affordable, and sustainable source that should be widely promoted.

He revealed that a mechanism is being developed to address consumer grievances over K-Electric’s over-billing.

Highlighting development efforts, Shah stated that Rs 5 billion were allocated for infrastructure upgrades in industrial zones, and work is underway at a fast pace.

The minister urged the federal government to ensure full representation of Sindh in the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). “We demand three representatives from Sindh — one each from the provincial government, the business community and consumer rights groups,” he added.

Shah reiterated Sindh’s commitment to achieving energy self-sufficiency through its natural resources, including wind, solar, and Thar coal.

He invited investors to participate in renewable energy projects, announcing that a one-window operation would soon be launched to facilitate them.

The event was attended by energy experts, FPCCI officials, industrialists, and investors. Participants called for immediate reforms in net metering, tariff structures, and grid accessibility.

FPCCI Senior Vice President Fayyaz Mago said electric vehicle (EV) charging stations represent the future of Pakistan and urged the government to prioritize investment in this sector. He pointed out the country’s power generation capacity stands at 45,000 MW, while actual consumption is around 18,000 MW — exposing serious flaws in planning and distribution.

Uncontrolled population growth a national challenge, warns CM’s aide

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Tue, 29 Jul 2025, 6:52 PM

PESHAWAR, Jul 29 (APP):Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Population Welfare, Malik Liaqat Ali, has expressed grave concern over the unchecked population growth in Pakistan, warning that if effective measures are not taken, the country’s population could surge to 490 million in the next 27 years—posing unmanageable challenges for future generations.

Speaking at a Ulema Conference organized by the Population Welfare Department in collaboration with UNFPA at a local wedding hall, Malik Liaqat emphasized that the growing population is exacerbating economic and social issues.

“If we do not build a dam against this flood of population, the consequences will be beyond anyone’s control,” he remarked.

The conference was attended by Director General of Population Welfare Rehan Gul Khattak, district officers of the department, and a large number of religious scholars and khateebs from Mardan, Buner, and Swabi.

Addressing the gathering, religious scholars highlighted the importance of population welfare in the light of Islamic teachings.

They stressed the significance of breastfeeding and appropriate intervals between births.

The scholars noted that population planning is permissible within certain limits when aimed at the welfare of society and humanity.

Malik Liaqat Ali reiterated that “having children is not an achievement, what truly matters is their proper care, upbringing, education, healthcare, and overall development.”

He noted that rapid population growth contributes to poverty, unemployment, and social evils, and urged for a comprehensive national strategy to address the issue.

He appealed to religious leaders to use their sermons to educate the public on the importance of population balance and to help create awareness through a responsible and balanced narrative.

Kyrgyz delegation, Nasir Shah discuss investment, bilateral cooperation

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Tue, 29 Jul 2025, 6:50 PM

KARACHI, Jul 29 (APP):A high-level delegation from Kyrgyzstan, led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Edal Baisalov, arrived here and held a formal meeting with Energy Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah. The meeting focused on exploring mutual interests, bilateral cooperation, and investment opportunities in the energy sector.

Minister Nasir Hussain Shah briefed the delegation on investment opportunities within Sindh’s energy sector, stating that the Sindh government was actively facilitating investors through initiatives in renewable energy, solar parks, wind energy and public-private partnership models.

He further added that Sindh’s available resources and investor-friendly policies offer excellent prospects not only for Kyrgyzstan but also for other international partners. On this occasion, he invited Kyrgyz investors to explore investment in energy and other key sectors of the province.

The Kyrgyz delegation expressed keen interest in investing across various sectors in Sindh and appreciated the initiatives taken by the provincial government.

This meeting was termed a positive step toward strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing trade cooperation, and opening new avenues for investment.

Islamabad, Addis Ababa eye stronger urban cooperation through green projects, sister-city proposal

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Tue, 29 Jul 2025, 6:47 PM