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5 crew members martyred in helicopter crash; flood victims to be compensated: CM KP

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
PESHAWAR, Aug 15 (APP): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur here Friday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and widespread damage caused by cloudbursts, torrential rains, and flash floods in Bajaur, Buner, Mansehra, Dir, Battagram, and other districts of the province.
In a condolence message issued here, the Chief Minister offered heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, praying for the forgiveness of the deceased and patience for the bereaved ones.
 He assured that the provincial government stood shoulder to shoulder with the affected families in this difficult time and would provide them with full support.
He also conveyed his best wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Upon receiving reports of the incidents, the Chief Minister immediately contacted the relevant administration, directing them to provide swift relief to victims and ensure the safe rescue of those stranded in floodwater.
He instructed commissioners and deputy commissioners to personally oversee rescue operations in the field and submit situation reports to him. Two provincial government helicopters were dispatched to deliver relief goods and carry out rescue operations in Bajaur and Buner.
Given the current weather situation, the Chief Minister placed all district administrations and rescue agencies on high alert, stressing the need for timely response, preventive measures, and minimizing loss of life and property.
Meanwhile, in a video statement on the ongoing emergency, Gandapur said severe flash floods triggered by cloudbursts and heavy rains had caused extensive human and material losses, particularly in Malakand and Hazara divisions.
He revealed that while two provincial government helicopters were engaged in rescue operations, one tragically crashed due to bad weather, resulting in the martyrdom of five crew members.
He said district administrations and all relevant provincial departments were actively engaged in rescue and relief work, with the situation being closely monitored from a control room set up at the CM House. Heavy machinery had been deployed to reopen blocked roads, while steps were also underway to compensate for property losses.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed that the provincial government stood firmly with the people in this time of crisis and pledged to fully compensate for damages caused by the natural disaster.
He urged citizens to adopt safety measures and fully cooperate with local administrations. “Our elected representatives are on the ground in the affected areas, coordinating with local authorities. God willing, together we will overcome this situation soon,” he said.

CM’s Japan visit a milestone for Punjab’s global cooperation: Azma Bokhari

By
Kamran Muraad
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Azma Bukhari
LAHORE, Aug 15 (APP):Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s historic and strategic visit to Japan marks a significant milestone in the province’s journey towards international development and cooperation.
In a statement issued on Friday, she noted that Maryam Nawaz is the first Chief Minister to actively engage with friendly nations to secure investment, explore technological collaboration, and establish partnerships in education, health, and other vital sectors for Punjab’s growth.
“Her vision is to build a self-reliant, prosperous, and progressive Punjab,” Azma Bokhari said, adding that the Japan visit will not only strengthen bilateral ties but also unlock new opportunities for joint ventures, scholarships, and technology transfer.
She reiterated that the Punjab government is committed to learning from global experiences and best practices to uplift the province. “Under Maryam Nawaz’s visionary leadership, Punjab is rising as an active, forward-looking region on the international stage,” she concluded.

ICCI backs PM’s call for national charter, urges unity for economic revival

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP):The leadership of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has underlined that national unity is critical to steering Pakistan out of prevailing economic challenges and placing it firmly on the path of progress and prosperity.
In a joint statement issued by ICCI,the  ICCI leaders stressed that it is time to rise above political divisions and personal interests, and adopt a collective vision that sends a clear message to the world that the nation stands united for the sake of Pakistan.
Commending Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif for renewing his invitation to political parties, stakeholders, and civil society to join the Misaq-i-Istekham-e-Pakistan (Charter for Stability of Pakistan), the ICCI leadership termed it a timely initiative to foster consensus and ensure sustainable growth.
ICCI President Nasir Mansoor Qureshi said the move reflects the Prime Minister’s well-earned reputation as a man of reconciliation and has the potential to lay the foundation for much-needed political stability, which is vital for scaling new heights of development.
Senior Vice President Abdul Rehman Siddiqui emphasized that political stability is indispensable for economic stability, urging all segments of society to close ranks and work collectively for the country’s betterment.
Vice President Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry added that alongside political and economic stability, the continuity of well-structured, long-term economic policies is essential to transform Pakistan into a competitive and attractive hub for trade, business, and investment.

UoG hosts seminar on scientific cooperation and sustainable development

By
Kamran Muraad
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GUJRAT, Aug 15 (APP):The Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Gujrat, organised a one-day seminar titled 20 years of constructive cooperation in Pakistan initiatives for peace and development in a competitive region at Hafiz Hayat Campus.
Renowned German botanist Prof. Dr. Andreas Bürkert from Kassel University served as the keynote speaker, highlighting Pakistan’s ecological diversity, the importance of trees for balanced environments, and the need for global scientific collaboration to address environmental challenges.
PHEC Chairman Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor of the University of South Asia Mian Imran Masood, and other dignitaries attended.
Participants stressed the role of research, agriculture, and sustainable communities in ensuring environmental and socioeconomic well-being.A delegation of UoG students will collaborate with Prof. Bürkert and research scholar Renate Wolfer on mango tree studies in Bhimber and Gujrat.

SBP injects over Rs 12.68 trillion in the market

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
KARACHI, Aug 15 (APP):The central bank injected Rs 12,684 billion through Reverse Repo Purchase and Shariah Compliant Mudarabah based Open Market Operations (OMO) on Friday to maintain liquidity in the market.
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) conducted the Open Market Operation, Reverse Repo Purchase (Injection) for 7 and 14 day tenors on August 15, 2025 and accepted an amount of Rs 12,456 billion against 35 quotes while another Rs 228 billion were injected through Shariah Compliant Mudarabah based OMO.
For the Reverse Repo Purchase, SBP received 29 quotes for the 14-day tenor cumulatively offering Rs 12,260.8 billion at the rate of return ranging between 11.01% to 11.12%. SBP accepted all the bids with the entire amount at 11.01% rate of return.
Moreover, the SBP also received 6 bids for the 7-day tenor cumulatively offering Rs 195.2 billion at the rate of return ranging between 11.04 to 11.10%. The SBP, for this tenor as well, accepted all the bids with the entire amount at 11.04% rate of return.
Meanwhile, SBP also conducted Shariah Compliant Mudarabah based Open Market Operation for the 7 and 14 day tenors. The central bank, for the 7-day tenor, received 3 bids offering Rs 249 billion at rate of return ranging between 11.13% to 11.14%. Of them, the SBP accepted Rs 170 billion against the 3 quotes at 11.13% rate of return. The total amount offered at 11.13% was Rs 212 billion, out of which SBP accepted Rs 133 billion on a pro-rate basis.
The central bank also received 3 quotes for the 14-day tenor offering Rs 58 billion at 11.13% rate of return. The SBP accepted all the 3 bids with the entire amount at the offered rate.

Govt decides to import 85,000 metric tons of sugar to stabilize prices in local market

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP): The government has decided to import 85,000 metric tons of sugar to meet the demand for sugar in the country and stabilize Sugar prices in the local market.

In order to meet the demand for sugar in the country and stabilize prices, Letters of Credit (LCs) have been established through SOCAR for the import of 85,000 metric tons of sugar, said a release issued by the Federal Ministry of Food Security here on Friday.

All these LCs have been formally opened and disbursed through the relevant banks and this consignment of sugar will be delivered to Pakistan in phases under the trade agreement signed with SOCAR.

The first consignment is expected to reach the port in the next few weeks and the government has taken this step to increase domestic sugar reserves and prevent any possible shortage or unusual fluctuations in prices in the future.
Under the project, imported sugar will be delivered to the public at concessional rates in the open market.

The import of 85,000 metric tons of sugar will maintain continuity of supply in the market.
It will be ensured that the imported sugar meets the international quality requirements and reaches Pakistan within the stipulated time.

PMD warns of heavy rains, possible flash floods in upper regions

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast partly cloudy weather accompanied by rain, wind, and thundershowers across various parts of the country on Saturday, with isolated heavyfalls expected in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Pothohar region, and Kashmir.
Rain-wind/thundershower is likely in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Islamabad, the Pothohar region, northeast Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan, while evening and night showers are expected in northeast and south Balochistan, south Punjab, and southeast Sindh.
The Met Office has warned that heavy rains may generate flash floods in local nullahs and streams of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, the Pothohar region, and northeast Punjab. Landslides and mudslides may cause road closures in the vulnerable hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat, and Kashmir during the forecast period. Heavy falls, windstorms, and lightning may damage weak structures such as the roofs and walls of kacha houses, electric poles, billboards, vehicles, and solar panels.
Public, travelers, and tourists are advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to vulnerable areas and remain updated about the latest weather conditions.
Cloudy weather with rain-wind/thundershower is likely in Islamabad and surroundings, with isolated heavyfalls possible during morning and night hours.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain-wind/thundershower is expected in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Kurram, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Peshawar, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, Hangu, and Waziristan, with isolated heavyfalls also expected in upper districts during the period.
Punjab is likely to experience mainly hot and humid weather over most parts of the province.
However, partly cloudy weather with rain-wind/thundershower is expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Jhelum, Attock, Chakwal, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Sheikhupura, Hafizabad, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Khushab, and surrounding areas, with heavyfalls expected in the Pothohar region during the period.
Rain-wind/thunderstorm is expected in Layyah, Bhakkar, Multan, Sahiwal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, and surrounding areas during evening and night.
Sindh is expected to witness partly cloudy and humid weather in most districts of the province.
However, there are chances of rain-wind/thundershower at isolated places in Tharparkar, Umarkot, Mithi, Badin, Dadu, Mirpur Khas, and Karachi during evening and night.
In Balochistan, mainly hot and humid weather is likely to persist over most parts of the province. However, partly cloudy weather with chances of rain-wind/thunderstorm is expected at isolated places in Zhob, Musakhel, Loralai, Barkhan, Sibbi, Dera Bugti, Naseerabad, Khuzdar, Awaran, and Lasbela during evening and night.
Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are likely to experience cloudy weather with rain-wind/thundershower, with isolated heavyfalls also expected during the period.
During the past 24 hours, rain-thundershower occurred in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Islamabad, upper Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan, while heavyfalls also occurred in Kashmir and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The rainfall recorded was in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — Dir (Lower 98, Upper 17), Malam Jabba 76, Saidu Sharif and  Balakot 41, Pattan and Parachinar 25, Kalam 13, Kakul 07, Mir Khani 03, Cherat 02; Kashmir — Kotli 44, Muzaffarabad (Airport and City 39), Rawalakot 17, Garhi Dopatta 13; Punjab — Islamabad (Saidpur 45, Zero Point 24, Golra and Bokra 16), Rawalpindi (New Kattarian 23, Shamsabad 22, Pir Wadhai 19, Gawalmandi 18, Chaklala and Katcheri 08), Mangla 05, Murree and Sialkot City 04, Gujrat 02; Gilgit-Baltistan — Chilas 06, Bunji 04, Gilgit and Babusar 03.
The highest maximum temperatures were recorded as follows: Dalbandin and Nokkundi 43C, Sibbi and Dadu 41C.

“Disaster Response: NDMA Launches Large-Scale Relief Operation in KP Amidst Heavy Rains”

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP): National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is working closely with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to mitigate the impact of floods, landslides, and lightning strikes, in response to severe weather conditions.
NDMA is actively coordinating the prompt dispatch of relief goods and providing operational support to PDMA for rescue efforts in the affected districts under the direction of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
Over the past 24 hours, these severe weather events have claimed 180 lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including 152 men, 15 women, and 13 children. In addition, five fatalities were reported in Gilgit and nine in Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Torrential rains in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also left 23 people injured.
Relief and rescue operations are being actively carried out by PDMA, Pakistan Army, district administrations, Rescue 1122, and local volunteers. NDMA is maintaining round-the-clock monitoring of all ongoing operations and coordinating with relevant institutions to ensure effective emergency response.
Authorities caution that in the event of further rains, the risk of additional landslides remains high. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant, take precautionary measures during spells of heavy rain and flooding, and avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas. Tourists are especially advised to refrain from visiting northern regions for the next five to six days to ensure their safety.

AIOU extends date for admissions

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
FAISALABAD, Aug 15 (APP): Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has extended the date for admission to various diploma/certificate courses, teacher training programmes, intermediate and matric classes.
According to information provided by the local campus of the varsity on Friday, the candidates can now apply for admission till August 25 without late fee.
The sources said that students can complete the registration of courses on CMS portal till the date.

Amir Muqam expresses grief over loss of precious lives in flood

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP): Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, Engr Amir Muqam, on Friday, expressed profound grief and sorrow over the loss of many precious human lives due to torrential rains and cloudbursts in Buner, Shangla, Swat, Bajaur, Lower Dir, Mansehra and other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
In a statement, the president of PML-N Khyber Pakhtunkhwa apprised that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was personally monitoring the situation to avert any untoward incident, adding that the federal government was ensuring provision of resources to provide immediate relief to the affected areas.
Amir Muqam said that the whole nation was saddened by the financial and human losses due to the flood.
The minister expressed his condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families. “I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured in the flood,” he added.
He said that the federal government was standing with the victims in this difficult time.
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