Tuesday, August 19, 2025
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Green Tractor Scheme Phase II applications open till Sept 1

By
Ali Ali
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GUJRAT, Aug 19 (APP):Deputy Director Agriculture (Extension) Muhammad Athar Latif said that, the phase II of the Green Tractor Scheme has been launched and online applications will be received until September 1.
He said the scheme, initiated on August 14, provides a subsidy of Rs1 million per tractor of 75 horsepower or above for farmers owning seven acres or more.
Under the “Kisan Khushal, Punjab Khushal” programme, 20,000 tractors will be distributed with billions of rupees in subsidies.
Farmers have been urged to apply through the official portal (https://gts.punjab.gov.pk) or contact agriculture officials for guidance.

Educational institutions in Winter Zone to remain closed from August 19 to 25

By
Ali Ali
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ABBOTTABAD, Aug 19 (APP):The Higher Education Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tuesday has announced the closure of all public and private colleges and universities located in the province’s winter zone.
In Hazara division the educational institutions of districts of Abbottabad, Mansehra, Battagram, Torghar, and Kohistan would remain close from August 19 to August 25, 2025.
According to the notification, the decision has been taken as a precautionary measure in light of potential cloudbursts, heavy rains, flooding, and landslides, in order to protect the lives of students, teachers, and staff.
The department has further directed the administrations of educational institutions to ensure that the academic process continues where possible, through online classes or assignments.

PM Shehbaz reiterates commitment for polio-free Pakistan

By
Ishtiaq Rao
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed that the government’s health sector team, polio workers, and all relevant institutions were determined to completely eradicate polio from the country.

The prime minister, in a meeting with a delegation of Rotary International Foundation, led by President Francesco Arezzo, thanked the organisation for its full cooperation, like other international organizations, in eliminating this deadly disease from Pakistan.

He said that despite challenges, the government was resolved to secure the future of Pakistan’s children through its unwavering commitment and hard work.

There are difficulties in eradicating polio, but it is not impossible. The key role of polio workers in polio campaigns is commendable, he remarked

PM Shehbaz reiterates commitment for polio-free Pakistan

The members of the delegation praised the government’s polio eradication efforts and expressed hope that, with Prime Minister Shehbaz’s special focus and leadership, Pakistan would soon be able to eliminate this deadly disease.

Reaffirming Rotary International’s commitment to continue supporting the government in its polio eradication efforts, they said that the organisation spent $500 million on polio eradication in Pakistan last year and intended to allocate a substantial amount for this purpose this year as well.

The delegation also appreciated the selection of the polio eradication team by the prime minister and the measures taken by that team.

The meeting was attended by Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, the Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq, and relevant senior officials.

PFA intensifies crackdown against substandard food units

By
Ali Ali
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WAH CANTT Aug 19 (APP):The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) on Tuesday intensified its campaign against adulterated and unhygienic food items, sealing outlets and imposing fines in separate operations in industrial estate Wah.
The PFA spokesperson said the crackdown was aimed at safeguarding citizens from serious health risks posed by substandard food.
In Wah’s industrial area, five production units were inspected, out of which two were sealed for preparing unhygienic and low-quality products.
A fine of Rs 500,000 was imposed collectively on the units.
During the raids, the PFA teams also destroyed three 120 Kgs of expired items and 40 Kg of candies found unfit for human consumption.
The spokesperson said that such unhygienic practices directly endangered public health, causing food poisoning, stomach infections, and long-term diseases.
“Substandard food items play with the lives of people, especially children and elderly who are more vulnerable. This is why we are taking strict action without compromise,” the spokesperson added.
The PFA urged citizens to remain vigilant while buying food and report complaints on its helpline 1223, assuring that swift action would be taken against the violators.

Dar urges global solidarity to address rising humanitarian crises

By
Najam ul Hassan
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday called for renewed international solidarity and decisive action to confront a growing wave of humanitarian crises across the world.

“Let us reaffirm our unwavering commitment to protect life, uphold human dignity, and advance peace. The challenges we face are immense, but through global solidarity, decisive action, and adherence to justice and humanitarian
principles, the international community can alleviate suffering and restore hope by securing a just and peaceful future for all,” Ishaq Dar said in a message on the occasion of World Humanitarian Day.

The deputy PM honoured the courage, resilience, and compassion of humanitarian workers who risk their lives to protect distressed persons amid escalating humanitarian crises across the world.

“Today, the international community must renew the resolve to address root causes of humanitarian crises, including wars and conflicts,” he said adding that “Unchecked aggression and jingoistic narratives for political gains are among the major drivers of humanitarian crises. It is essential to resolve conflicts through peaceful means, mediation, dialogue, and diplomacy, in accordance with the UN Charter”.

In Gaza, he said the ongoing occupation and blockade continued to inflict suffering on civilians by restricting humanitarian aid, vital food supplies, and essential medical services. “The impact of ongoing genocide in Palestine is profound, with families, children, and civilians facing unimaginable suffering. The international community must urgently address the humanitarian situation in Gaza consistent with international law.”

The deputy PM also called upon the international community to also pay close attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. “Years of oppression, forced displacement, arbitrary detention, demographic changes, and the systematic denial of Kashmiris’ legitimate right to self-determination have continued to exacerbate humanitarian crises in the occupied territory. India’s weaponisation of water and essential resources represents a new and alarming threat, with the potential to trigger humanitarian catastrophes of unprecedented scale across the region.”

He said climate-induced humanitarian situations across the world called for a joint international response.

In recent years, climate change has also disproportionately affected Pakistan. The ongoing floods being witnessed in Pakistan once again highlight the urgency of concerted global action to address climate-induced humanitarian challenges, he said adding that humanitarian partnerships to support the affected populations must continue.

Sindh govt fully prepared to deal with emergency situations

By
Ali Ali
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SUKKUR, Aug 19 (APP):Barrister Arsalan Islam Sheikh, Mayor Sukkur and Spokesperson for the Sindh Government on Tuesday has issued an important message to the public regarding the recent and expected rainfall and flood situation in Sindh.
He stated that the Sindh Government and all local bodies are fully prepared to deal with emergency situations, and all departments are actively engaged in rescue and relief efforts. However, no institution or individual can predict with 100% accuracy the intensity of rainfall or potential flash flooding.
Therefore, the Sindh Government is advising the public to take precautionary measures. Barrister Arsalan Islam Sheikh appealed to the public to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors and keep children indoors and away from potential hazards.
He also appealed citizens to avoid touching or approaching electricity poles during rainfall and stock up on essential medicines for the elderly and patients.
He assured that the Sindh Government is with the people and will not leave anyone alone, mobilizing all possible resources to mitigate the situation. All institutions are on high alert and closely monitoring the situation.
Barrister Arsalan Islam Sheikh expressed deep sorrow and regret over the loss of lives in Gilgit-Baltistan, Buner, and other areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to recent flash flooding.
He extended condolences to the bereaved families and stated that the people and government of Sindh stand in solidarity with the affected families.
He urged citizens to contact the helpline number 1122 in case of any emergency.

Pakistan, Turkey strengthen cultural and educational ties through historic meetin

By
Ali Ali
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP):A significant meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) between the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and a visiting Turkish Student Delegation representing the Turkish Maarif Foundation (TMF) on Tuesday.
The meeting marked a major milestone in strengthening the cultural and educational ties between Pakistan and Turkey.
Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, warmly welcomed the delegation, emphasizing the deep-rooted, brotherly relationship between the two nations.
He highlighted Turkey’s unwavering support for Pakistan during times of need and the strong cultural ties shared between the two countries.
The meeting focused on the Youth Cultural Exchange Program, a new initiative designed to promote mutual understanding and collaboration in fields such as education, entertainment, and language.
The program aims to provide a platform for students from both countries to engage in shared learning and explore each other’s cultures in more depth.
The Turkish delegation shared details of a new initiative by the Turkish government, offering fully funded scholarships for 250 Pakistani students.
This initiative aims to facilitate academic exchanges and provide Pakistani students with the opportunity to study in Turkey, allowing them to experience its rich educational and cultural environment.
The meeting concluded with plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and the Turkish Maarif Foundation, aimed at fostering cultural exchanges and educational collaborations.
The MoU is expected to further strengthen the bond between the two nations and provide new opportunities for students and youth.
The Turkish Maarif Foundation, established by the Turkish Parliament, is committed to providing educational services abroad and fostering global cultural and educational exchanges.
Operating in 67 countries with a network of 332 institutions, TMF serves over 40,000 students and offers programs ranging from preschool to higher education.
The meeting was attended by a high-level delegation from Turkey, including representatives from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Türkiye Republic, and the Turkish Maarif Foundation.
The Pakistani side was represented by officials from the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and the International Maarif School, Islamabad.

Pakistan army steps up flood relief in Buner, Shangla

By
Ali Ali
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PESHAWAR, Aug 19 (APP):The Pakistan Army’s Engineers Corps and Urban Search and Rescue teams are conducting extensive relief operations in the flood-affected districts of Shangla and Buner in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Heavy machinery is being deployed in hard-to-reach areas to restore roads and provide aid to impacted communities.
The Peer Baba bypass has been reopened for all traffic, while debris clearance operations in Peer Baba bazaar continued overnight to ensure smooth movement for locals. On Gokand Road, landslides at three locations were cleared, restoring traffic flow. Army engineers also assisted in reopening the road to Aloch Paran using heavy machinery.
Urban Search and Rescue teams remain active in Bishoni and Qadir Nagar, where five bodies have been recovered from a nearby stream. Officials confirmed that rescue and relief efforts will persist until full normalcy is achieved.
The Pakistan Army has pledged to continue relief operations until all affected individuals are relocated to safe areas and essential infrastructure is fully restored.

Go! Hometown of Confucius| Pakistani students explore the charm of Jining in the new era

By
Ali Ali
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Jining (China), Aug 19 (APP)::The international online communication activity “Go! Hometown of Confucius” was held recently in Jiaxiang County, Jining City, in Shandong province of China.
Five Pakistani students from Jining Medical University visited Wu-Family Temple and Jiaxiang Glove Industrial Park, where they perceived the unique charm of Han Dynasty stone carvings and the contemporary vibe of industrial development.
The Museum of Stone Carvings at Wus’ Tombs in Jiaxiang is located in Wuzhai Village, Zhifang Town, Jiaxiang County. Built in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, it has been listed as one of China’s first batch of key cultural relics protection units, alongside the Palace Museum in Beijing, the Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu, and the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang.
In this small hall, three “China’s Bests” are well-preserved. The stone double que with a bolt and nut structure is currently the most well-preserved Han Dynasty building in China, known as “a living fossil of ancient Chinese architecture”. The Wu Ban Stele and the Uninscribed Stele are among the oldest existing Han Dynasty steles in China. The pair of stone lions standing at the forefront of stone carving group is the earliest existing stone lion sculpture in China, enjoying the reputation of “the First Lion of China”. Through the guide’s detailed introduction, the international students learned that lions are not a native species of China, but were introduced to the Central Plains after Zhang Qian’s mission to the Western Regions during the Han Dynasty. The emergence of the stone lions at the Wu-Family Temple is also a vigorous evident to the millennial Silk Road and cultural exchanges between China and the West.
Elishba Arshad, a Pakistani student from Jining Medical University, asked with great interest about the historical stories behind these stone carvings. She exclaimed, “I saw many stories about ancient Chinese culture and history, and I learned the portraits of Fuxi and Nyuwa all originated here. I was completely shocked.”
Jining Tianjiu Industry & Trade Co., Ltd. is a leading enterprise in Jiaxiang Glove Industrial Park. The company focuses its efforts on the research and development of ski gloves, taking it as a breakthrough point and actively engaging in the development of the ice and snow industry. After numerous tests and improvements, the company has successfully developed a series of high-performance ski gloves.     When talking about the company’s development history and achievements over the past 10 years since its establishment, Li Na, person in charge of the company, could hardly hide her pride as she gave a detailed introduction to the foreign friends, saying that: “Jining Tianjiu Industry & Trade Co., Ltd. is also the earliest company that obtained orders through the Internet in Jiaxiang. It has won many honors such as ‘Provincial Excellent E-commerce Enterprise’ and ‘Advanced Foreign Trade Enterprise’ for its leading e-commerce marketing methods, and has even become an ‘Alibaba Gold Supplier’.”
“This is a very big and unique company. The outstanding team is representing its country internationally.” said Adeel Rehman, a Pakistani student from Jining Medical University. “This is also a unique experience for me to visit such type of factory and I’m very pleased to visit there.”

National Stability of Pakistan conference held

By
Ali Ali
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0
MULTAN, Aug 19 (APP):A National Stability of Pakistan conference was held here on Monday under the chairmanship of Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman and Khateeb Badshahi Mosque Lahore Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad.
The conference was attended by Commissioner Aamir Karim Khan, RPO Sohail Ahmed Chaudhry, CPO Sadiq Ali Dogar, deputy commissioners and district police officers of the region as well as a large number of prominent scholars and members of divisional and district peace committee.
Addressing the conference, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad said Multan is the City of Saints and hosting the National Stability Conference aimed to spread a message of peace and unity given by the saints of the Sub-continent. He said Pakistan was created on the basis of Islam after immense sacrifices, adding that it was the collective responsibility of the entire nation to safeguard its sovereignty and security.
He highlighted the historic role of scholars and spiritual leaders in the Pakistan Movement and lauded their continued efforts for national unity and stability.
Paying tribute to martyrs and the armed forces, he said the nation salutes their unmatched sacrifices.
Referring to the recent defence of the homeland against Indian aggression, he praised the role of the government, the people and especially Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir who, with the help of Allah, The Almighty, shattered the enemy’s arrogance within hours.
“Freedom is a great blessing of Allah and love for the motherland is a part of our faith,” he remarked, adding that the role of the government and the army chief in ensuring national security and stability was commendable.
He reaffirmed that the Pakistani nation stands firmly with its brave armed forces and national security institutions.
At the conclusion, the participants offered special prayers for victims of recent floods in Buner, Swat and other northern areas besides security, stability and prosperity of Pakistan.
Mufti Fatah Muhammad Rashidi, Qazi Abdul Ghaffar Qadri, Allama Muhammad Rasheed Turabi, Maulana Masood Qasim Qasmi, Mufti Aashiq Hussain, Malik Khawar Hussain Bhutta, Allama Farooq Khan Saeedi, Maulana Abdul Sattar Niazi, Maulana Abdul Haq Mujahid, Maulana Usman Pasrovi, Allama Arshad Abidi, and Maulana Abdul Rahim Gujjar were also present.
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