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CDA Chairman stresses water conservation as collective responsibility

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 15 (APP):Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA), Muhammad Ali Randhawa, emphasized the critical need for water conservation, calling it a “great blessing from Allah Almighty (SWT)” that must be preserved through collective efforts.
Presiding over a high-level meeting attended by CDA board members and senior officers, Randhawa underscored that “every drop of water counts” and urged citizens, institutions, and stakeholders to take proactive steps in conserving this vital resource.
The Chairman highlighted the establishment of the Islamabad Water Agency, which is being equipped with modern technology, expert manpower, and efficient governance to address the capital’s water challenges.
He reaffirmed CDA’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to clean water for all residents.
Randhawa urged citizens to adopt water-saving practices, including repearing leaks promptly, using water-efficient appliances, adopting mindful consumption habits
He also stressed the importance of awareness campaigns in educational institutions and communities to promote sustainable water usage.
The meeting reviewed proposals for alternative water sources and modernization of the distribution network.
The CDA is engaging with local and international donors to fund viable water projects, with feasibility studies underway for long-term solutions.
In his concluding remarks, Randhawa called for unified action, stating, “Individual and collective efforts are essential to safeguarding water for future generations. Let us work together to ensure safe and clean water for all.”

No petrol crisis in Quetta, smuggling network behind rumors: Shahid

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
QUETTA, Jun 15 (APP):The Spokesperson of the Balochistan government, Shahid Rind, has denied the existence of any petrol crisis in Quetta, attributing recent rumors to elements involved in the smuggling of petrol.
In an official statement released on Saturday, Shahid Rind said that false reports of a fuel shortage are being deliberately spread by smugglers linked to the illegal trade of Iranian petrol. “There is no shortage of petrol in Quetta. These rumors are a tactic used by those associated with smuggling networks to pressure the authorities into allowing the sale of Iranian petrol,” he added.
The spokesperson highlighted that petrol smuggled from Iran poses serious security risks, with a number of accidents recorded at unauthorized roadside filling stations. “In the past month alone, 28 incidents have occurred at such illegal Iranian petrol pumps, resulting in financial losses amounting to millions for the public,” he said.
Shahid Rind cited specific incidents in areas including Airport Road and Hazarganji, underscoring the urgency and seriousness of the issue. He confirmed that a stringent crackdown against Iranian petrol and its smuggling is underway.
“The perceived crisis is being artificially created by those who want to legitimize illegal fuel operations,” he added. “This narrative has no legal standing.”
To ensure uninterrupted supply of legal fuel, the government is enforcing compliance among authorized petrol stations. Regular inspections of storage facilities are being carried out to guarantee the availability of legally sourced petrol.
The spokesperson also urged citizens to report any fuel shortages or misconduct by petrol station operators directly to the office of the Deputy Commissioner Quetta. “Strict action will be taken against any petrol pump that refuses to dispense fuel without valid reason,” he warned.
Reassuring the public, Shahid Rind said, “There is no need for panic. Petrol will continue to be supplied to citizens through legal channels without disruption. The government is committed to protecting public interests and ensuring safe, regulated access to fuel.”

City experiences hot, partly cloudy weather

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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LAHORE, Jun 15 (APP):The city experienced hot but partly cloudy weather on Sunday, with the MET Office forecasting windstorms, dust-thunderstorms, hailstorms, heavy rainfall, and lightning over the next 24 hours.
According to the MET officials, moist currents are penetrating central and southern parts of the country, while a westerly wave continues to influence upper and central regions. This system is expected to persist for the next two days.
The forecast suggests partly cloudy skies with chances of dust/thunderstorm-rain at isolated locations in Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Eastern Punjab, the Potohar region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Northern Balochistan. Isolated hailstorms are also possible.
Elsewhere, hot and dry conditions will prevail, with very hot weather likely in the plains.
On Sunday, the highest maximum temperatures were recorded in Noorpur Thal and Turbat, both reaching 48°C, while Lahore recorded a high of 39°C.

Federation Chambers, business leaders felicitate Tashkent- Islamabad direct flight

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 15 (APP):The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) leadership and Chamber of Commerce’s on Sunday felicitated the commencing of direct flight between the Capital cities of Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
The direct air link between Tashkent and Islamabad would prove to be a milestone in forging bilateral business and economic integration with Uzbekistan and other Central Asian states, Senior Vice President of FPCCI ZAKI AIJAZ told APP here.
Federation Chambers, business leaders felicitate Tashkent- Islamabad direct flight
The FPCCI leader said the direct flights between Tashkent and Islamabad would increase the possibilities of economic cooperation between the two regional countries and two flights in a week from Tashkent, the industrial hub of Uzbekistan, to Islamabad, would help enhance economic activities between both sides.
He said Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, H.E Alisher Tukhtaev , deserved appreciation for playing an important role in the launch of a direct air link between the two brotherly countries.
Karachi Chamber of Commerce (KCCI) President, Muhammad Jawed Bilwani said with the start of direct flights between Tashkent and Islamabad the economic relations between the two countries would increase in the coming future.
Bilwani said the business community of Karachi considered that the step would have a huge impact on economic and trade ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and Central Asian states.
Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Mian Abuzar Sha said Uzbekistan is a significant Central Asian States in Central Asia and the direct flights between Islamabad and Tashkent would strengthen business relations between the two countries and all the credit in that regard to Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev.
The President LCCI said that this is the second direct flight between the two countries, after the biweekly direct flights started between Tashkent and Lahore in this year, which is significant for regional connectivity.
In addition to the new Islamabad route, Uzbekistan Airways currently operates biweekly direct flights to Lahore on Wednesdays and Fridays is a milestone in the history of both nations.
President of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Rehan Naseem Bharara said besides trade relations, the direct flight link would also help in enhancing tourism and cultural ties between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
Federation Chambers, business leaders felicitate Tashkent- Islamabad direct flight
President FCCI said his chamber hailed the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Islamabad for commencing direct flights between both of the capital cities and also including its national airline Uzbekistan Airways.
President of Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ayub Mariani termed the commencing of Tashkent and Islamabad direct flights an important development for promoting regional economic integration.
President QCCI said such direct flights should be started between major cities of the two countries, including Quetta which had a historical connection with Central Asian states.
President of Peshawar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Fazl Muqeem Khan said the PCCI hailed the direct air link between Tashkent as “our businessmen are economically connected with Central Asia”.
Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Nasir Quraishi said Uzbekistan, the stronger economy in Central Asia and the direct air flight connection would help boost trade relations between the two countries.
President of Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Usman Shaukat said they attached high value to relations with the Central Asian states, especially Uzbekistan and the steps like direct air links between the two countries would promote trade, he added.
The Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, Rana Muhammad Sadique Khan also appreciated the direct air flight between both nations from Tashkent to Islamabad.

Young visionary leads KP’s digital transformation

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Jun 15 (APP): In the mountainous belt of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where digital access was once scarce and youth employment a constant struggle, a quiet revolution is taking shape—led not by institutions, but by a determined 25-year-old from Haripur.

Hassan Nisar, a graduate in economics from the University of Haripur, founded Metrix Pakistan in 2022 with a mission to bridge KP’s growing digital divide. Drawing inspiration from his early education in Abbottabad and his deep-rooted ties to the region, Nisar envisioned a platform that would empower rural youth through hands-on technology training.

Young visionary leads KP's digital transformation

Since its inception, Metrix Pakistan has trained more than 13,000 young people in digital skills ranging from freelancing and e-commerce to blockchain and cybersecurity. The initiative spans remote districts including Lower Dir, Malakand, Haripur, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, and Peshawar.

“We’ve worked within the context of each community rather than imposing a top-down model,” Nisar told APP. “Our framework adapts to the language, limitations, and aspirations of the people we serve.”

Young visionary leads KP's digital transformation

But Metrix is more than just a training platform. It has become a movement. Youth conventions, tech bootcamps, and summits—organized under its banner—are bringing urban-level exposure to rural spaces, offering not just skills but also hope.

Beyond the digital frontier, Metrix has made inroads into health and sustainability. In collaboration with local bodies, the organization has hosted free medical camps and supported eco-tourism development in Haripur to promote employment and environmental awareness.

When tensions flared with India in 2023, and misinformation began flooding social media, Metrix pivoted. It launched a grassroots fact-checking initiative to support local administrations in debunking false narratives. “It wasn’t just about fake news—it was about restoring trust during a volatile moment,” Nisar explained.

The initiative has also become a safe haven for women navigating the digital world. More than 2,000 women from KP’s rural areas have received help in removing fake or impersonation accounts. “This is empowerment too,” Nisar said. “If a young woman is afraid to go online, it limits everything—from education to employment.”

Metrix’s success is evident in the numbers. Around 70 percent of its graduates have found employment—many through freelancing, others via startups or positions at tech firms. Partnerships with global tech giants like Microsoft, Binance, Bitget, and CoinEx have further unlocked opportunities in blockchain and Web3 technologies for KP’s youth.

Dozens of students from once-isolated districts now run e-commerce sites and hold international contracts. “Digital literacy isn’t just a skill—it’s a spark that ignites dreams,” Nisar remarked.

Young visionary leads KP's digital transformation

For his contributions, Nisar has received awards including the Pride of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Fakhr-e-Hazara, High Achiever, and Hamaray Heroes. He has also been acknowledged by the Governor and Chief Minister of KP. Yet he remains grounded.

“Recognition helps,” he told APP, “but our real metric for success is simple: one person learning a skill they didn’t have before. Start small, dream big, and the future will follow.”

As KP faces ongoing digital challenges, Nisar believes the province’s youth are ready to lead. “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s dawn is breaking—its youth will paint a canvas of change for generations,” he said.

Pakistan reshapes favorable regional situation through military victories, diplomatic strategies: Prof Cheng

By
NNPS Desk
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0

BEIJING, Jun 15 (APP): Since the India-Pakistan clash in May this year, Pakistan has achieved remarkable diplomatic achievements and successfully shaped a regional situation favorable to itself through a combination of military victories and diplomatic strategies.

These views were expressed by Prof. Cheng Xizhong, Senior Research Fellow at the Charhar Institute in a statement here on Sunday.

Pakistan achieved an overwhelming victory in the air combat on May 7, which not only shattered India’s myth of military superiority in the South Asian subcontinent, but also elevated Pakistan’s international status through widespread dissemination in international media. World powers such as the United States and France indirectly confirmed Pakistan’s military victory, while India’s attempt to downplay its losses has sparked international public questioning, he added.

Prof Cheng said that Pakistan’s military strength demonstrated in the India-Pakistan clash has enabled it to gain greater bargaining power in subsequent negotiations. For example, India was forced to accept a ceasefire agreement and faced more pressure in the UN Security Council and other forums.

Pakistan and the United States have restarted trade negotiations, and the World Bank has pledged to invest $40 billion in Pakistan from 2026 to 2035. Russia and Pakistan have signed a $2.6 billion steel plant agreement. The warming of Russia-Pakistan relations has balanced the traditional alliance between India and Russia, he added.

Pakistan has gained widespread support in the Islamic world and the Middle East. Islamic countries such as Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar have shown firm support for Pakistan.

Turkey has raised the target of Turkey-Pakistan trade to $5 billion, and the UAE issues 5-year multiple-entry visas to Pakistanis and has pledged to invest $10 billion in Pakistan. These cooperations not only bring economic benefits to Pakistan, but also strengthen Pakistan’s leading position in the Islamic world, he added.

Pakistan, he said, has reshaped its peripheral diplomatic landscape. Afghanistan has joined the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and the bilateral relations have been upgraded to ambassadorial level, with strengthened cooperation in counter-terrorism and border control. Bangladesh and Pakistan have restored their defense and trade ties that were interrupted for more than 50 years, jointly addressing the pressure of India’s regional hegemony.

Pakistan successfully classified the conflict as “Indian aggression” by emphasizing that Indian attacks caused civilian casualties, and exercised its right to self-defense in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. The United Nations, China, Russia and others all expressed understanding of Pakistan’s position, he added.

He opined that India has fallen into multiple in multiple passives after the conflict. First, its military deterrence has failed. Although India claims to have struck Pakistan’s military targets, it cannot deny the fact of fighter jet losses. Second, international isolation has intensified.

India has been criticized for exaggerating combat results in the public opinion war, and faces international criticism of “water resource war” due to suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. Third, its strategic focus is restricted. India is forced to concentrate resources on dealing with Pakistan, indirectly reducing its influence projection in regions such as Southeast Asia and the South China Sea.

Pakistan has achieved multiple goals including the boost of international status, the enhancement of relations with major powers, and the reshaping of the surrounding geopolitical landscape through a combination of military victory + diplomatic offensive since the India-Pakistan clash in May this.

Its achievements are not only reflected in specific agreements and investments, but more importantly, by virtue of strategic flexibility and precise international mobilization, Pakistan has broken the regional hegemonic narrative that India has long maintained, he added.

Lost & Found Cell resolves over 4,000 cases of missing luggage for Hujjaj in Makkah

By
NNPS Desk
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0

By Rehan Khan

MAKKAH AL-MUKARRAMAH, June 15 (APP): The Lost and Found Cell has successfully resolved 4,193 cases related to lost luggage and personal belongings reported by Hujjaj, with 37 more cases currently under process and expected to be resolved soon in Makkah.

Aijaz Ahmed Memon, In-charge of the Lost and Found Cell, informed this while speaking to the media the other day.

Memon highlighted the Cell’s tireless operations, noting that it functions 24/7 in two shifts morning and night each staffed by dedicated teams. “We have a digitalize system in place to trace and return lost luggage and items to the pilgrims concerned,” he added.

Team member Amna Kamal also spoke about the use of digital systems that aid in tracing both items and their rightful owners. “We have successfully returned valuable items, including currency and mobile phones, directly to pilgrims’ residences,” she added.

Amna urged all Pakistani pilgrims to ensure that their luggage is properly tagged. “Always leave a luggage tag in every bag. It helps us easily identify and return lost items,” she noted.

Memon praised the efforts for working around-the-clock to facilitate Pakistani pilgrims and ensure their comfort during Hajj.

The Lost and Found Cell continues to play a vital role in supporting pilgrims during the Hajj season by swiftly resolving issues related to lost items and ensuring the safe return of valuable belongings.

Over 11,000 Pakistani pilgrims return home as post-Hajj flights continue smoothly: Religious Affairs Ministry

By
NNPS Desk
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0

By Rehan Khan

ISLAMABAD, June 15 (APP): The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has confirmed that the post-Hajj flight operation is continuing successfully despite global air traffic disruptions.

Ministry Spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt on Sunday said as of Saturday, June 14, a total of 11,418 Pakistani pilgrims had returned home from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He said on Sunday alone, 4,995 more pilgrims are expected to arrive via 20 flights scheduled to land across five major cities. “Today, six flights each will land in Islamabad and Lahore, four in Karachi, three in Multan, and one in Quetta,” the spokesperson stated.

Providing further details, he said Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will operate eight of these flights, followed by Saudi Airlines with five, AirBlue with four, AirSial with two, and Serene Air with one.

Despite the international challenges in air traffic, the return operation is proceeding efficiently, he noted, urging pilgrims to maintain discipline to ensure a smooth repatriation process.

Pilgrims were also advised to strictly adhere to baggage weight limits as mentioned on their airline tickets and to reach Saudi airports at least 6 to 8 hours before their flight due to high passenger volumes.

Governor KP emphasizes role of digital media, urges proactive social media engagement

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 15 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Sunday emphasized the undeniable role of social media across Pakistan, particularly in shaping public opinion in sensitive regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He stressed the need for political forces to become more active in the digital arena to positively influence the mindset of the youth.
He expressed these views while addressing a central meeting of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) digital team held in Islamabad. The meeting focused on the party’s digital strategy, upcoming social media campaigns, and strengthening public engagement through online platforms.
The session saw active participation from PPP’s Central Secretary for Information Nadeem Afzal Chan, Sindh’s Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, MNA Qasim Gillani, Senator Nadeem Bhutto, and digital media heads from various divisions.
Additionally, PPP’s overseas digital activists from the UK, Canada, Germany, UAE, Saudi Arabia, the US, and other countries joined the meeting via Zoom.
Governor Kundi said that digital media has become a powerful tool in influencing public discourse, particularly in a province like KP.
“Unfortunately, certain elements are spreading lies and fake news to mislead our youth. It is our responsibility to counter disinformation with truth and promote narratives based on national unity,” he said.
The meeting underscored the PPP’s commitment to strengthening its digital presence and countering misinformation with fact-based, progressive messaging.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party leader Senator Talha Mahmood called on Governor Faisal Karim Kundi at Governor House Islamabad.
The two discussed the country’s political landscape, deteriorating law and order in KP, record-breaking corruption by the provincial government, and welfare projects by the Talha Mahmood Foundation in Chitral and other areas.
Senator Mahmood criticized rampant corruption and nepotism, saying government funds are being discovered in personal accounts of public representatives. Both leaders agreed on the urgent need to rid the province of incompetent rulers.
They also consulted on matters related to the upcoming Senate elections.
Governor Kundi appreciated the foundation’s welfare efforts and encouraged expanding its outreach.

AJK PM condemns Israel’s attack on Iran

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
MIRPUR, Jun 15 (APP):Azad Jammu Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq has strongly condemned Israel’s attack on Iran, terming it as an act of aggression and a flagrant violation of international law.
In his special statement, issued late Saturday, the AJK PM reminded the world that such actions were a clear violation of the United Nations Charter, which upholds the sovereignty and integrity of all nations. He demanded the world community hold Israel accountable for violating international law and committing crimes against humanity.
Referring to the systematic genocide of Palestinian people, the PM said that Israel has martyred more than 80,000 innocent Palestinians and destroyed their property.
Terming Israel as a terrorist state, he said the warmongering regime led by Netanyahu was hell-bent on destroying peace in the Middle East. He said that as a sovereign state, Iran reserves the right to defend its territorial integrity. He appealed to the United Nations to take notice of this naked aggression and hold Israel accountable.
The AJK Prime Minister also expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of the high-ranking Iranian officials, including the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, army chief, and nuclear scientists, who were martyred in the Israeli attack, and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
Anwaar expressed grave concern over the India-Israel nexus, warning that it poses a significant threat to world peace.
“The Kashmiri people stand in solidarity with their Iranian brothers at this crucial time,” the PM noted.
The Prime Minister also reminded the world of its responsibilities, urging it to act swiftly to defuse tension in the Middle East before it’s too late.
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