ISLAMABAD
SBA SSWM Basketball Festival to Kicks Off in Sukkur
SUKKUR, Oct 17 (APP):The Sindh Basketball Association (SBA) is set to kick off the SSWM Basketball Festival in Sukkur on Saturday.
The Divisional Commissioner Sukkur will be the chief guest. The festival, which marks the return of basketball activities in Sindh after an 8-year hiatus, will conclude on November 2 in Hyderabad.
SBA President Ghulam Abbas Jamal said that the festival is a significant step towards promoting basketball in Sindh. He added that the association is committed to reviving the sport in the province and providing opportunities for young players to showcase their talents.
The festival will feature exhibition matches between teams from Larkana and Sukkur, with prizes sponsored by SSWM. The matches will be held at the IBA Physical College in Sukkur, starting at 4 pm.
In a separate event, SBA will host a welcome ceremony for the National Games today at 3 pm. The ceremony will include a cake-cutting and ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the beginning of the games. The event will be held across the province, culminating in a grand finale in Karachi on November 9.
Motorway Jalalpur section reopens after restoration
MULTAN, Oct 17 (APP):The section of the motorway located about three kilometers beyond the Jalalpur Pirwala Interchange has been reopened for all types of traffic after successful repair and restoration efforts.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Waseem Hamid Sindhu said that during the severe floods that hit Jalalpur Pirwala last month, the district administration took timely and emergency measures that helped protect the city from major damage. However, a portion of the motorway was affected and had to be temporarily closed.
He added that once the floodwater receded, repair and rehabilitation work on the damaged stretch began immediately and continued at a fast pace. The coordinated efforts of the district administration, the National Highway Authority (NHA), and the Motorway Police made it possible to reopen the route for public use.
A temporary traffic diversion plan had also been implemented to ensure smooth movement of vehicles during the closure, preventing inconvenience to travelers.
The Deputy Commissioner advised motorists to remain cautious while driving and to follow the instructions of the Motorway Police to help maintain a safe and orderly traffic system.
Riaz Pirzada inaugurates sports complex in Multan college
MULTAN, Oct 17 (APP): Federal Minister for Housing and Works, Riaz Pirzada, opened sports complex of the local private institute of medical sciences here on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that promoting sports and healthy activities among students was essential for their physical and mental growth.
He appreciated the management of the institute for establishing the facility to encourage extracurricular participation along with academic excellence.
He commended the college management team for allocating quota for poor students hailing from his vicinity namely Khairpur Tamaywali and Hasilpur.
Recalling his time of being sports minister in past, the minister said they had won 37 medals under his brief tenure proving a remarkable achievement in history of the country.
He said he himslef remained sports champion during his school career.
The ceremony was attended by faculty members, students, and local dignitaries.
Director Hajj Rehan Abbas Khokhar, SSP Operation Bahawalpur, Malik Hassan Raza Khaki, DG Health Dr Ali Mehdi, CO Multan Institute of Kidney Disease
Dr Ali Imran, Dr Nisar ur Rehman, Dean Royal Institute of Medical Sciences, Roshan Gerdazi, Syed Raza Gerdazi, Syed Abid Imam, MPA Qasim Langah attended the occasion.
Recent floods claimed over 1,000 lives, caused $2.9 bln damages in Pakistan: Ahsan Iqbal
ISLAMABAD, Oct 17 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Friday said Pakistan suffered a loss of more than 1,000 lives, damages of around Rs822 billion (approximately $2.9 billion) after the recent floods caused a widespread destruction of homes, infrastructure and essential public services.
Addressing a press conference, the minister said the government has compiled the initial flood damage assessment report and submitted it to the Prime Minister.
“This is an estimate of damages, not the total economic losses,” Iqbal clarified, adding that a detailed post-disaster needs assessment (PDNA) is currently underway to determine the complete economic impact.
According to the report, losses in the agriculture sector were the most significant, with damages estimated at Rs430 billion, followed by infrastructure losses amounting to Rs307 billion.
The minister said a total of 312,000 houses were affected nationwide, including 213,000 in Punjab, 6,370 in Balochistan, 3,222 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 3,677 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, and 332 in Sindh.
He added that 2,811 kilometres of roads were damaged, over 2,200 educational institutions were affected, and 250 health facilities were either damaged or destroyed. Additionally, 866 water infrastructure systems were also impacted.
Iqbal said the livestock sector suffered significant losses, with over 2,200 animals lost, while major crop losses included 3.4 million bales of cotton, one million tonnes of rice, and an estimated 1.3 to 3.3 million tonnes of sugarcane—depending on regional water drainage conditions.
Despite the destruction, the minister highlighted signs of economic stability and resilience. He stated that in the first quarter (July–September) of FY2025–26, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation dropped to 4.2%, compared to 9.2% during the same period last year.
“FBR tax collection increased by 12.5%, reaching Rs2,884 billion in the first quarter, compared to Rs2,563 billion collected during the same period last year,” Iqbal added.
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) index reached a historic high of 169,000 points on October 3, reflecting growing investor confidence.
He noted that credit to the agriculture sector grew by 19.5%, reaching Rs404 billion compared to Rs338 billion last year. Meanwhile, credit to the private sector increased by 16%, rising from Rs8.6 trillion to Rs9.9 trillion, indicating robust private sector activity and investment.
Remittances from overseas Pakistanis also showed improvement, increasing by 8.4% to $9.5 billion in the first nine months of the current fiscal year.
Regarding development spending, the minister said that Rs155 billion had been authorized under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) during July–September, of which Rs63 billion had already been disbursed.
He added that PSDP expenditure increased by 16% compared to the same period last year, and allocations for foreign-aided projects saw a 23% rise. Nine development projects—three through the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) and six by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC)—were approved and are expected to create around 166,000 jobs.
“The Ministry has achieved its target of 100 percent project monitoring to ensure timely execution,” Ahsan Iqbal said.
On the international front, the minister announced that Phase 2 of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has officially begun. He said that following the 14th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting in China, it was agreed that the upgradation of the Karakoram Highway would start immediately, with 85% financing provided by the Chinese government.
He further stated that cooperation with China’s Hunan Province would be expanded to enhance provincial-level engagement in CPEC projects.
Turning to global diplomacy, Iqbal lauded Pakistan’s role in facilitating a ceasefire in Gaza and supporting the release of Palestinian prisoners.
“Our efforts have been recognized internationally, including by US President Donald Trump,” he said, noting that Pakistan’s ties with Saudi Arabia and the United States have also entered a new phase, marked by a recent mutual defense agreement with Saudi Arabia.
Looking to the future, the minister announced that 2026 would be declared the ‘Year of Reform and Modernization’, with the government launching a national agenda aimed at initiating deep structural reforms across governance, regulation, and economic systems.
He emphasized that outdated administrative structures are hindering Pakistan’s economic progress.
“The frameworks we built 40 to 50 years ago cannot address the needs of a 21st-century economy,” Iqbal stressed, adding that inefficiencies and anti-business bias must be addressed to unlock the country’s full potential.
He said the reform agenda would focus on three pillars: economic modernization, investment-friendly regulatory reform, and citizen-centric governance.
“These reforms will not just remain on paper or in speeches—they will become a national movement to redesign and re-energize our governance systems,” the minister concluded.
Rescue 1122 responds to 26 road accidents in Chiniot, saves 33 lives
CHINIOT, Oct 17 (APP):In the past 24 hours, the Punjab Emergency Service Department has responded to 26 road traffic accidents across Chiniot district, rescuing 33 injured individuals.
According to the sources of Rescue 1122, the emergency responders provided prompt medical aid, ensuring the injured received timely treatment. Of the total injured, 23 were men and 10 were women.
The Rescue 1122 team acted swiftly, providing first aid and stabilizing the injured before transporting them to hospitals. Out of the 33 injured, 16 individuals sustained minor injuries and were discharged on the spot after receiving medical aid. However, 17 people suffered serious injuries and were shifted to nearby hospitals for further treatment.
Ambassador designate to UAE calls on President Zardari
ISLAMABAD, Oct 17 (APP): Ambassador-designate of Pakistan to the United Arab Emirates Shafqat Ali Khan called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr here on Friday.
The President congratulated Shafqat Ali Khan on his new assignment and commended his extensive diplomatic experience.
He expressed confidence that the ambassador-designate would further strengthen Pakistan’s multifaceted relations with the United Arab Emirates.
President Asif Ali Zardari described Pakistan’s relationship with the United Arab Emirates as pivotal to the country’s foreign policy, noting that the two nations enjoy deep-rooted ties founded on shared history, culture, faith and strong people-to-people linkages.
He added that, as one of Pakistan’s leading trading partners, the UAE’s investments in the energy, infrastructure, minerals and IT sectors would further enhance bilateral cooperation.
The President highlighted the invaluable role of the Pakistani diaspora in the UAE, one of the largest expatriate communities in the country, describing it as both an economic contributor and a bridge of friendship between the two brotherly states.
President Zardari lauded the United Arab Emirates’ consistent support for Pakistan and its constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability. He expressed confidence that Shafqat Ali Khan would work with dedication to elevate the bilateral relationship to even greater heights.
Commissioner Karachi reviews ongoing anti polio campaign
KARACHI, Oct 17 (APP):Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi visited Paharganj, North Nazimabad and Godhra Camp New Karachi on Friday to review the ongoing anti-polio campaign.
He met with ulema karams and community leaders in Paharganj and administered polio drops and reviewed the performance of the Polio campaign to children at Godhra Muslim Hospital.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Taha Saleem, Assistant Commissioner Imran Haq, Union Council Medical Officer, and polio team members briefed the Commissioner, expressing satisfaction with the performance and parental cooperation.
The Commissioner was informed about the overall performance and vaccination of children who had refused or were left out earlier. The meeting was told that there was an improvement in vaccinating these children.
Meanwhile, a high-level review meeting was held at the Commissioner’s office, attended by Captain (Retd) Anwar-ul-Haq, National Polio Emergency Operation Coordinator, Islamabad, Irshad Sodhar, Coordinator Provincial Polio Emergency Operation centre Sindh, Brigadier Abu-al-Hasan, Security Advisor National Polio Emergency Operation Center, and Saud Yaqoob, Coordinator Karachi Task Force.
Deputy Commissioners and District Health Officers from all districts participated via video link and briefed the meeting. Important administrative decisions were made based on the Deputy Commissioners’ suggestions.
The meeting was informed that the inclusion of support teams comprising elected representatives, officials, and employees from education, health, and local government departments was expected to improve performance. Decisions were made to utilize their services effectively.
Deputy Commissioners briefed the meeting on their district’s performance. Deputy Commissioner Central Taha Saleem reported that 85% of children had been vaccinated in four days, with 240,000 children receiving drops.
DC East Abrar Jafar reported 84% vaccination coverage, with 226,000 children receiving drops. DC Keamari Raja Tariq Chandio reported 83% coverage, with 203,000 children vaccinated.
DC Korangi Masood Bhutto reported 87% coverage, with 247,000 children receiving drops. DC Malir Saleemullah Odho reported 86% coverage, with 295,000 children vaccinated.
DC South Javed Nabi Khoso reported 84% coverage, with 139,000 children receiving drops. DC West Zulfiqar Memon reported 87% coverage, with over 283,000 children vaccinated.
During his visit to Paharganj, North Nazimabad, and New Karachi, the Commissioner was informed that Godhra had achieved 73% vaccination coverage in three days, while Paharganj had achieved 86% coverage in four days.
The Commissioner directed that efforts be made to complete the vaccination of remaining children during the current campaign.
Police launches crackdown on drug peddlers under “Drug Free Punjab” campaign in Chiniot
CHINIOT, Oct 17 (APP):In line with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision, the Punjab Police in Chiniot has intensified its crackdown on drug peddlers under the “Drug Free Punjab” campaign. In this regard on Friday, a police team from Kot Wasawa Police Station, led by SHO Inspector Ali Irfan and ASI Mukhtar Ahmed, arrested a drug peddler and recovered 1320 grams of hashish from his possession. The accused was apprehended from Chak No. 143 JB on a tip-off.
A case has been registered against the arrested accused under the provisions of narcotics, and further investigation is underway.
On this occasion, DPO Abdullah Ahmed, while exclusively talking to APP, emphasized that a district-wide crackdown against drug peddlers is underway, with a focus on quality investigation and punishing the accused.