PM orders advance weather alert system for tourist destinations

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Mon, 4 Aug 2025, 3:46 PM

WhatsApp Image 2025-08-04 at 3.07.23 PM — Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting regarding the recent floods and rehabilitation work in Gilgit Balitistan. GILGIT: 4 August 2025.

GILGIT, Aug 4 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday stressed that an advanced weather alert system must be established for tourist destinations based on seasonal forecasts, and local populations should be resettled away from natural water passageways to help prevent emergencies in the future.

Chairing a meeting regarding the recent floods and rehabilitation work in Gilgit Baltistan, the prime minister said that keeping climate change in view, early warning systems, preparedness for relief operations, and construction of climate-resilient infrastructure in vulnerable areas should be ensured.

NDMA and the Ministry of Climate Change should jointly establish a forecasting and monitoring center for Gilgit-Baltistan in the coming months, the prime minister said adding that a comprehensive system must be developed for immediate rescue and assistance in emergency situations.

He instructed NDMA to ensure close cooperation with provincial governments and relevant institutions to enhance rescue and relief efforts.

“All rehabilitation measures for those affected by the recent monsoon must be completed promptly,” the prime minister said emphasizing that a survey of damage to roads and infrastructure should be conducted, and communication links in all affected areas must be restored on a priority basis.

The prime minister also expressed sorrow over the loss of lives during recent rains and floods in the area.

The prime minister, highlighting Pakistan’s minimal contribution to global emissions, the prime minister stressed that despite the fact that Pakistan contributed almost zero emissions, it was among the top ten nations most affected by climate change-induced disasters. “Despite Pakistan’s near-zero emissions, we suffer huge devastation every year due to global warming,” he noted.

Appreciating the rescue operations and efforts of NDMA, PDMA, the Ministry of Communications, district administration, and rescue personnel, the prime minister directed NDMA to provide all necessary assistance to the provincial government.

The provincial administration and Chairman NDMA briefed the meeting on the losses caused by the heavy monsoon, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan, the expected weather conditions, and actions taken so far.

The Ministry of Climate Change also informed the meeting about progress on the installation of an early warning system for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF).

It was reported that on July 21 2025, heavy rainfall occurred due to cloudbursts in Thak-Babusar, Thor, Kundus, and Ishkoman areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, resulting in damage to tourists and local populations. Over 600 people were rescued, and damaged roads were repaired and reopened to restore connectivity.

Five tent villages were established for rescue operations, and 10 helicopters along with 2 C-130 aircraft were deployed to transport stranded tourists and individuals to safe locations.

The operation involved participation from the Pakistan Army, NDMA, district administration, police, GBDMA, Rescue 1122, and health workers.

The Ministry of Communications briefed on damage to roads, bridges, and infrastructure caused by rains and floods. The prime minister instructed that all damaged infrastructure be rebuilt with climate resilience in mind.

The Ministry of Climate Change also updated the meeting on the ongoing installation of the GLOF early warning system. The prime minister directed NDMA to fully cooperate with the Ministry to complete the system installation within the next two months and ordered third-party validation of the system’s deployment.

Additionally, he instructed the Minister for Water Resources to remain in Gilgit-Baltistan to complete consultations and planning for a better water management system.

Federal Ministers Engineer Amir Muqam, Abdul Aleem Khan, Attaullah Tarar, Mian Moeen Wattoo, Dr. Musadik Malik; Adviser Rana Sanaullah; PM’s Coordinator Shabbir Ahmed Usmani; Governor Gilgit-Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah; Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Gulbar Khan; Chairman NDMA Inam Haider Malik; and other senior officials and government representatives.

ANF recovers over 102 kg of drugs worth Rs 12.2 million in 8 operations

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Samina Ch

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Mon, 4 Aug 2025, 3:26 PM

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RAWALPINDI, Aug 04 (APP):The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), conducting 8 operations across the country, recovered as many as 102.22 kilograms of drugs worth more than Rs 12.2 million and arrested 10 suspects, including 3 women, said an ANF Headquarters spokesman on Monday.

He informed that 1 kg of hashish hidden in a juicer machine was recovered from an accused near the Islamabad Motorway Toll Plaza.

The accused confessed to selling drugs to students of educational institutions.

During another operation,490 grams of opium hidden in the guitar of a passenger going to Qatar were recovered at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi.

As much as 79 ice-filled capsules weighing 460 grams were recovered from the stomach of a passenger going to Jeddah at Allama Iqbal International Airport.

Similarly,20.450 kg of ice was recovered from a parcel sent to New Zealand from a courier office located near the GPO in Islamabad and 2 women were arrested.

In another action, 1.2 kg of ice was recovered from a parcel sent to New Zealand from a courier office located in Korangi, Karachi.

1 kg of ice was recovered from the bag of a woman riding a passenger bus near Zero Point Othal.

As much as 70 kg of hashish was recovered from the secret compartment of a rickshaw on Sariab Road, Quetta, and 2 accused were arrested.

7.620 kg of hashish was recovered from a vehicle near Mansehra Toll Plaza, and 2 accused were arrested.

Cases have been registered against the arrested suspects under the Narcotics Control Act, and further investigations are underway.

One killed, two injured over land dispute

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Samina Ch

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Mon, 4 Aug 2025, 3:23 PM

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FAISALABAD, Aug 04 (APP):A scuffle between two groups left a man dead and two others critically injured at a nearby village of Mamunkanjan police station on Monday.

According to Rescue-1122, the brawl took place over a land dispute in Chak No 494-GB

where three people who were working in their fields were attacked by the rival group.

As a result, Muhammad Amin, 40, was killed while Muhammad Arshad and Noor Ahmed

suffered bullet injuries.

The rescue team sifted the body to Mamukanjan police station while the injured were shifted to the THQ hospital, Tandlianwala.

Eight OPEC+ countries to increase oil production in Sep

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NNPS Desk

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Mon, 4 Aug 2025, 3:21 PM

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ASTANA, Aug 04 (Kazinform/APP) : The eight OPEC+ countries, namely Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman met virtually on 3 August 2025, to review global market conditions and outlook, Kazinform News Agency learned from opec.org.
“In view of a steady global economic outlook and current healthy market fundamentals, as reflected in the low oil inventories, and in accordance with the decision agreed upon on 5 December 2024 to start a gradual and flexible return of the 2.2 million barrels per day voluntary adjustments starting from 1 April 2025, the eight participating countries will implement a production adjustment of 547 thousand barrels per day in September 2025 from August 2025 required production level,” a statement reads. It is noted that this is equivalent to four monthly increments.
According to the statement, “the phase-out of the additional voluntary production adjustments may be paused or reversed subject to evolving market conditions. This flexibility will allow the group to continue to support oil market stability.” “The eight OPEC+ countries also noted that this measure will enable the participating countries to accelerate their compensation.
The eight countries reiterated their collective commitment to achieve full conformity with the Declaration of Cooperation, including the additional voluntary production adjustments that were agreed to be monitored by the JMMC during its 53rd meeting held on April 3rd 2024.
They also confirmed their intention to fully compensate for any overproduced volume since January 2024. The eight OPEC+ countries will hold monthly meetings to review market conditions, conformity, and compensation. The eight countries will meet on September 7, 2025,” reads the statement.

35 shops sealed for overpricing sugar in ICT

By

Samina Ch

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Mon, 4 Aug 2025, 3:21 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 04 (APP):Islamabad’s district administration has intensified its efforts to control sugar prices across the city and officials sealed 35 shops and arrested four individuals for selling sugar above the official rate.

According to the spokesman of ICT administration, the authority to ensure sugar is available to residents at the government-set price of Rs172 per kilogram.

In this regard, Assistant Commissioners and Price Control Magistrates visited various markets across the federal capital to check compliance. During these operations, several retailers were found either overcharging or refusing to sell sugar, claiming unavailability.

Officials confirmed that 35 shops were sealed and four persons arrested in one day alone.

Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Irfan Nawaz Memon, said the government is making sure that sugar is supplied to retailers at wholesale market rates. He added that action is being taken against those who falsely claim shortage or withhold stock to create artificial price hikes.

To streamline sugar availability, a focal person has been appointed to oversee and ensure timely supply to retailers.

Irfan Memon stated that sugar sale stalls are also operating across the city where citizens can buy sugar at Rs172 per kilogram.

He urged residents not to purchase sugar at inflated prices and to report such incidents to the administration.

“Public cooperation is essential. We request citizens to inform us about retailers who are overcharging or hoarding stock,” the Deputy Commissioner said.

The administration’s focus remains on stabilizing sugar prices and ensuring that it is available to all segments of the population at the notified rates.

Meanwhile, the market monitoring will continue in the coming days. Officials are expected to conduct surprise visits to curb any attempt to manipulate sugar supply or pricing.

The district administration has reiterated its commitment to keep basic commodities within reach of the public and said that violators will face strict legal action.

Authorities have warned traders to follow government pricing rules or risk fines, shop closures, or legal proceedings.

The Deputy Commissioner has asked the public to use the helpline and other complaint channels to report violations.

The district government has also started collecting data on the daily sugar demand and supply trends to address possible gaps and prevent stock manipulation.

DC Memon assured that efforts will continue until fair pricing is ensured across the city.

RSO Hazara pledges support for youth development through sports

By

Samina Ch

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Mon, 4 Aug 2025, 3:15 PM

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HARIPUR, Aug 04 (APP):Regional Sports Officer (RSO) Hazara, Ahmad Zaman, has reiterated the commitment of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Department to empowering youth and resolving their issues through concrete and focused measures. He emphasized that the department is prioritizing the welfare, training, development, and support of athletes by utilizing all available resources.

Speaking during a visit to the Khalabat Badminton Club, Ahmad Zaman highlighted that sports fields are not merely for recreation but are vital symbols of national development and unity. “We aim to see these grounds bustling with activity where athletes not only have access to modern facilities but also benefit from the guidance of qualified coaches and a proper training environment,” he said.

The RSO took a detailed review of the badminton court’s facilities and interacted with the players. The athletes warmly welcomed his visit, calling it a source of encouragement. They also shared the challenges faced by the club, upon which Ahmad Zaman assured them that their concerns would be addressed promptly.

Encouraging the players to stay committed, the RSO urged them to channel their energy into improving their skills, upholding discipline, teamwork, and consistent hard work to make their region and country proud at both national and international levels.

He further said that sports offer the best avenue for engaging youth in constructive activities and integrating them into the national mainstream. Ahmad Zaman announced that regional sports competitions and training camps will soon be organized across Hazara Division, providing equal opportunities to talented youth from all areas.

Work on food department’s warehouses reviewed

By

Samina Ch

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Mon, 4 Aug 2025, 3:11 PM

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DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Aug 04 (APP):Additional Deputy Commissioner (Finance & Planning) district Tank Muhammad Yousaf visited the under-construction warehouses of the food department located on Tank Road to take stock of ongoing work.

According to the district administration, he reviewed the nature, quality, and pace of the ongoing construction work.

During inspection, he directed the concerned officials and engineering staff to expedite the construction process and ensure the project was completed as soon as possible so that public needs can be addressed in a timely manner.

He said the government was according priority to complete development projects on time in the public interest, while ensuring transparency and quality standards are maintained.

He also stated that there would be no compromise on construction quality, and those who complete their tasks within deadlines would be appreciated.

Road to FIH Hockey World Cup 2026: EuroHockey C’ship Preview

By

Samina Ch

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Mon, 4 Aug 2025, 3:07 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 04 (APP):The Men’s and Women’s EuroHockey Championship 2025 will be hosted by Monchengladbach, Germany starting August 8.

Meanwhile, Europe’s premier hockey tournament running August 8 to 17, with the champions punching their tickets to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026, said a press release.

Both men’s and women’s tournaments will feature 8 teams, split into Pool A & B, with the top two from each pool advancing to semi-finals while the bottom two teams will play for classifications and world ranking points.

Women’s Pools- Pool A: France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands; Pool B: Belgium, England, Scotland, Spain.

Men’s Pools- Pool A: Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain; Pool B: England, France, Germany, Poland.

The men’s tournament will begin the competition with Pool B action on August 8, as England will take on Poland in the first match followed by hosts Germany taking on France in the evening. Pool A action will follow on August 9 with Belgium taking on Austria in match one, followed by Netherlands vs Spain.

The pool stages for the men’s competition will be played from August 8 to 12, followed by positional playoffs and medal matches being played from August 14 to 16.

The women’s competition begins on August 9 with Pool A teams in action. Netherlands vs Ireland will start off the competition, followed by hosts Germany taking on France later in the evening. Pool B teams will get their competition underway on the following day, August 10, with England taking on Scotland in the first match, followed by Belgium taking on Spain in the second.

The pool stages for the women’s competition will be played from August 9 to 13, followed by positional playoffs and medal matches being played from August 15 to 17.