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PDMA issues GLOF alert for KP

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PDMA
PESHAWAR, Aug 13 (APP):The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Alert for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in view of the forecast for heavy and intermittent rains next week.
The PDMA has advised residents of Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Lower Dir, Swat, and Upper Kohistan to remain particularly cautious, warning that heavy rains may cause landslides and flash floods in local streams and rivers.
The authority has instructed District administrations to monitor vulnerable sites, issue timely warnings, and conduct evacuation drills.
It advised people to avoid unnecessary movement near waterways and to refrain from driving vehicles through fast-flowing water. Tourists have also been urged to exercise caution and follow safety measures.
The spokesman of PDMA said that the authority has also launched a public awareness campaign to educate people on protective measures against possible losses.
He said that the Emergency Operations Centre of PDMA is fully functional to deal with any emergency situation, and the public can report incidents or seek information via the helpline 1700.

NA Speaker mourns passing of Atif Aslam’s father

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (APP):National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Muhammad Aslam, father of renowned singer Atif Aslam.
In his condolence message, the Speaker extended heartfelt sympathies to Atif Aslam and his family, noting that the loss of a parent is an irreplaceable tragedy that leaves profound grief.
He prayed to Allah Almighty to grant the departed soul a high rank in His mercy and to provide strength to the bereaved family during this difficult time.

Cropped area in Balochistan Province increased to 3.6 mln acres

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (APP):Owing to the incentives introduced by the incumbent government, the cropped area in Balochistan Province has witnessed a significant increase as it reaching to 9.4 million acres in 2024, which was recorded at 3.6 million acres during the year 2010.
The wheat crop share remained dominant, with a share of 45.0 per cent to 48.3 per cent  in 2024; however, the rice crop share shows a notable drop from 13.0 per cent  to 8.2 per cent, and the maize share sharply declined from 2.0 per cent  to 0.3 per cent.
According to the 7th Agricultural Census of Pakistan 2024, the cotton crop share witnessed an increasing trend from 1.0 per cent to 9.0 per cent, whereas the sugarcane crop share remained 0.2 per cent in 2024. The fodder’s share remained stable at 3.0 per cent during the period under review, while other crops’ share showed a decline from 35.0 per cent in 2010 to 24.8 per cent in 2024 in the province.
Meanwhile, in Punjab province cropped area expanded from 45.0 million acres in 2010 to 49.7 million acres in 2024. The wheat continued to be the leading share in cropped area, maintaining a stable share around 41.5 per cent, rice share of cultivation slightly decreased from 14.0 per cent  to 13.4 per cent in 2024, while maize showed a notable increase
from 1.0 per cent to 4.3 per cent in the region.
According to the data, the total cropped area in Sindh Province also grew slightly from 12.4 million acres to 13.1 million acres in 2024. Wheat cultivation increased from 38.0 per cent to 40.8 per cent, whereas the rice continued to be a major crop share in the province, increasing from 20.0 per cent to 21.5 per cent.

DC launches tree plantation campaign, distributes saplings among students

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KOHAT, Aug 13 (APP):Under the “Fight for Right and Independence Celebration Tree Planting Campaign”, Deputy Commissioner,
Rahimullah Mehsud here on Wednesday formally inaugurated the campaign by planting a sapling at the Government Technical College K. Representatives of the district administration, the forest department and the college administration
also present on this occasion.
In his address, the deputy commissioner said that tree plantation was the need of the hour and every individual should take full part in it so that the country could be made pollution-free, green, and beautiful.
He said that planting trees was indispensable to deal with the climate change, floods and other environmental hazards.
During the ceremony, saplings were also distributed among the students so that they can plant them in their homes and neighborhoods and take the campaign further.

AJK PM pays tribute to security forces for successful operations against terrorists in Balochistan

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MIRPUR (AJK), Aug 13 (APP):Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister,  Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq had paid glowing tributes to the security forces for their successful operations in Balochistan, in which three more terrorists of the “Fitna-e-Hindustan” were killed in the Sambaza area of Zhob.
Lauding the professionalism and resolve of the security forces, the prime minister noted that a total of 50 Indian-sponsored terrorists had been eliminated in recent days.
 He vowed that the countless sacrifices made in eradicating the “Fitna-e-Hindustan” would not go in vain.
Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq said the “Fitna-e-Hindustan” was responsible for massacring innocent civilians across Balochistan, and urged the nation to be always united in defeating the nefarious designs of these terrorists, aided and abetted by India.

Planning minister, AJKLA speaker discuss development projects

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (APP):A delegation led by Speaker of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly (AJKLA) Chaudhry Latif Akbar Wednesday called on Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal and discussed ongoing and future development initiatives in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Former AJK prime minister Raja Farooq Haider, AJK Minister for Communications and other senior officials also attended the meeting, a news release said.
During the discussion, Ahsan Iqbal said that funds would be released for the early completion of development projects in Azad Kashmir, adding that every penny of the development budget was being spent effectively and transparently.
He acknowledged the contribution of AJK’s tourism sector to the national economy, saying “Tourist destinations of Azad Kashmir are playing a significant role in the development of Pakistan’s economy.”
The minister assured the delegation of the Planning Ministry’s full cooperation in the construction of the AJK Legislative Assembly Complex.
Speaking about infrastructure development, he noted that the construction of the Rathoa Haryam Bridge , a major project in the Mirpur District of AJK, was progressing rapidly.
Ahsan Iqbal also highlighted the importance of promoting a tax culture in society, pointing out that the ratio of taxpayers in Pakistan remained very low. “For development, we have to promote tax culture,” he said.
He informed the visiting delegation that the share of Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the former FATA would be included in the upcoming National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.
The Planning minister said Pakistan has achieved historic success on both the defense and diplomatic fronts, reflecting the country’s growing international stature and its strategic efforts to strengthen national security and global partnerships.

Police arrest 79 accused of 31 gangs

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MULTAN, Aug 13 (APP):Cantonment division police claimed to have arrested 79 members of 31 gangs involved in theft and robbery in last few days.
Stolen goods worth Rs 69 million were recovered from the accused, an official said on
Wednesday.
The recovered items included 87 motorcycles, 16 mobile phones, five cars, one tractor-trolley, and 15 tolas of gold jewellery.  Police also seized more than Rs 14.4 million in cash.
According to officials, interrogation of the accused led to tracing 272 cases against
the accused.

Registration for Dhee Rani program begins in Lodhran

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LODHRAN, Aug 13 (APP):The registration for Dhee Rani programme had been started in Lodhran.
Deputy Director Social Welfare Nand Laal while talking to APP here on Wednesday said
that like other districts of the province, the registration was launched in Lodhran district.
He said that the Punjab government had announced 5,000 mass weddings for this year across the province.
The willing citizens could get them registered through online App cmp.punjab.gov.pk or dial helpline number 1312 for seeking any guidance or help.
He said that as per directions of the provincial government, registration of maximum people would be ensured for the program concerned.
Teams will also visit homes of aspirants to verify their eligibility to ensure transparency in the programme.
The couples would be given Rs 200,000 financial support (Salami) each through ATM cards.
The government will also arrange for meals in the wedding ceremonies.
It’s worth mentioning here that, the Punjab government had arranged 3,000 mass weddings last year and extended its scope to 5,000 this year.

Health advisor takes notice of high dengue cases in Charsadda

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PESHAWAR, Aug 13 (APP):Advisor to the Chief Minister on Health, Ihtisham Ali here Wednesday took notice of the increase of dengue in Charsadda and directed relevant authorities to initiate urgent response measures.
A total of 50 dengue cases have been reported from the district in August, prompting intensified response activities at both the district and provincial levels, says an official statement here.
On the Advisor’s instructions, a dengue isolation ward has been established at District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital Charsadda to ensure timely and quality treatment for all affected patients.
 Furthermore, a team of experts from the Field Epidemiology & Training Program (FETP) and the Provincial Disease Surveillance & Response Unit (PDSRU) has been deployed to the district to assist the local health teams in investigation, surveillance, and vector control operations.
The District Disease Prevention & Response Unit (DDPRU) Charsadda has submitted a detailed field visit report, identifying BHU Rajjar, Ameer Abad Muhammad Zai, and surrounding localities as dengue hotspots.
Indoor larval breeding was found during inspections, and immediate measures were taken to eliminate breeding sites.
A crash surveillance plan has been developed for the affected Union Council, with the Health Facility Incharge designated as Team Lead, supported by three Area Incharges.
These officials will work with Lady Health Worker (LHW) teams to conduct door-to-door surveillance and community awareness to ensure 100% coverage.
The report also highlighted a major waste dumping site near Rajjar Bazar as a high-risk mosquito breeding ground. TMA Charsadda has been instructed to conduct immediate cleanup operations, maintain a continuous cleanliness drive, and establish an effective waste disposal system to prevent future cases.
In addition, other line departments particularly the Education Department have been urged to take preventive measures, including emptying and cleaning school water reservoirs during vacations to avoid mosquito breeding.
Advisor Ihtisham Ali reaffirmed the government’s commitment to mobilizing all available resources, strengthening community engagement, and ensuring interdepartmental coordination for effective dengue prevention and control in Charsadda.

U.S, Pakistan reaffirm counterterrorism cooperation in Islamabad Dialogue

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (APP):Pakistan and the United States reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations during the latest round of the U.S.-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue held in Islamabad.
The high-level talks were co-chaired by Pakistan’s Special Secretary for the United Nations, Nabeel Munir, and U.S. Department of State Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism Gregory D. LoGerfo, said a press release issued on Wednesday.
Both delegations stressed the urgency of addressing threats posed by militant groups, including the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), ISIS-Khorasan, and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and discussed ways to enhance operational cooperation.
The U.S. side commended Pakistan’s continued successes in containing terrorist entities that endanger regional and global stability. Washington also expressed condolences for the loss of civilians and law enforcement personnel in recent attacks, including the Jaffar Express bombing and the deadly assault on a school bus in Khuzdar.
Delegates emphasized the need to strengthen institutional frameworks, boost security capabilities, and counter the misuse of emerging technologies by terrorist networks. They also pledged to deepen cooperation within multilateral platforms, particularly the United Nations, to develop enduring and effective counterterrorism strategies.
Reaffirming the long-standing partnership between Islamabad and Washington, both sides agreed that sustained, structured engagement remains essential for countering terrorism and promoting lasting peace and stability in the region.