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KTC honored with Gold Award at FPCCI ceremony, CEO Sameera Irfan Shaikh sets industry milestone

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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KARACHI, Aug 17 (APP):Khyber Tobacco Company Limited (KTC), based in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has been awarded the prestigious Gold Category Award in Agro-based Products & Research (Burley Tobacco Crop Production) at the 12th FPCCI Achievement Awards.
The accolade, presented to KTC’s CEO Sameera Irfan Shaikh by Governor Tessori at the Governor’s House in Sindh, recognizes the company’s outstanding contributions to the sector and marks a landmark achievement under the leadership of the world’s first female CEO in the global tobacco industry.
The recognition comes amid a surge in Pakistan’s tobacco exports, which grew by 158.31% in FY 2024-25 to USD 166.5 million, with KTC emerging as a leading contributor.
The company also paid approximately PKR 9 billion in taxes during the fiscal year, reflecting the industry’s broader role in national revenue, where total tobacco tax collections are projected to surpass PKR 285 billion by June 2025.
Sameera Shaikh’s leadership has not only solidified KTC’s position as a top exporter and a key player on the Pakistan Stock Exchange but also set a precedent for women’s empowerment in a historically male-dominated industry.
Accepting the award, she emphasized that the recognition was a tribute to the dedication of KTC’s farming communities, research teams, and the company’s commitment to sustainable growth.
KTC, a publicly listed, vertically integrated enterprise, continues to focus on cigarette manufacturing and burley leaf production, with strong emphasis on quality, innovation and socio-economic development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The FPCCI Gold Award underscores KTC’s leadership in agro-based innovation, its significant role in boosting foreign exchange earnings, and its pioneering contribution to inclusive corporate leadership in Pakistan.

NDMA sounds alarm as torrential rains threaten widespread flooding

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 17 (APP):The National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) on Sunday issued an emergency alert following forecasts of heavy rainfall and potential flooding across multiple regions of the country over the next 24 hours.
According to the alert, various areas in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan face the risk of flood-like conditions. Relevant institutions have been directed to take immediate precautionary measures.
The current weather system is active over the Pakistan region and may cause heavy to very heavy rainfall during the next 24 hours.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall with thunderstorms is forecast for Islamabad over the next 24 hours, with intermittent breaks.
Widespread rain is expected across Punjab, particularly in Potohar and northeastern districts including Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, Narowal, Hafizabad, and Mandi Bahauddin, raising the risk of urban flooding.
Central and southern districts Multan, D.G. Khan, Rajanpur, Layyah, Bhakkar, and Sahiwal—are likely to see scattered thunderstorms. Light, isolated showers may occur in Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan.
Northern and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa districts, including Swat, Buner, Shangla, Dir, Mansehra, Battagram, Abbottabad, and Malakand, are expected to receive heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours, with potential flash floods and landslides in hilly areas.
Scattered thunderstorms are forecast for the Peshawar valley—covering Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, and Swabi. Southern districts including D.I. Khan, Tank, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Karak, and Kohat may experience scattered rain and thunderstorms, with occasional heavy falls.
Districts including Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bagh, Haveli, Kotli, Mirpur, and Bhimber are likely to receive heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The downpours may trigger landslides and flash flooding, especially in mountainous terrain.
 Isolated rainfall is expected in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Ghanche, and Shigar, with possible debris flows, landslides, and local flooding in valley areas.
Coastal districts including Karachi, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, and Tharparkar may see intermittent showers or thunderstorms.
Central and upper Sindh—Hyderabad, Nawabshah, Dadu, Khairpur, Sukkur, Ghotki, Larkana, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, and Kashmore—are likely to receive isolated to scattered moderate to heavy rainfall amid hot, humid conditions.
Eastern, southeastern, and coastal districts of Balochistan—Lasbela, Khuzdar, Awaran, Kalat, Gwadar, Turbat, and Panjgur—are expected to receive scattered rainfall and thunderstorms over the next 24 hours.
Northern and central districts including Quetta, Ziarat, Zhob, Loralai, Barkhan, Musa Khel, Dera Bugti, and Kohlu may see isolated light showers.
NDMA has urged citizens to avoid non-essential travel and remain alert to changing weather conditions. People are advised to park vehicles in safe areas, away from trees, signboards, and weak structures, and to avoid movement near rivers, streams, and landslide-prone zones. Crossing submerged roads, bridges, or fast-flowing water channels is strongly discouraged. NDMA has instructed all relevant institutions to take precautionary measures, ensure machinery and pumps are ready for drainage in low-lying areas, and respond swiftly to any emerging threats. Citizens are urged to follow all official guidelines without delay.

KP Governor promises full support for flood affected families

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
MANSEHRA, Aug 17 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Sunday said that the province is passing through a difficult time and collective efforts are needed to overcome the challenges.
He expressed these views while addressing a public gathering in Kaghan on the occasion of former provincial minister Syed Ahmad Shah’s joining the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). PPP’s provincial president Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha, general secretary Shazi Khan, and other leaders were also present.
The Governor said that the people who lost their lives in the devastating rains and floods would not be left alone, adding that he would personally visit their homes to extend support.
He assured that all possible assistance would be provided to the provincial government as required.
Kundi expressed gratitude to the governors of Sindh and Balochistan for assuring their support and paid tribute to the Pakistan Army, saying, “Our brave forces defeated India in just four days, and it will not take long to eliminate terrorists.”
During the ceremony, prayers were offered for those who lost their lives in the recent floods, and participants observed a one-minute silence in their memory.
Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid also addressed the gathering.

Pakistan crushed Indian arrogance in four hours: PA speaker

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
LAHORE, Aug 17 (APP):Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmed Khan has said that Pakistan crushed Indian arrogance within just four hours, and the world has acknowledged Pakistan’s superiority over India.
He was addressing a seminar titled ‘Global Impacts of Pakistan’s Military and Diplomatic Victories over India’, organised by the Waris Mir Foundation at Aiwan-e-Iqbal on Sunday.
Malik Ahmed Khan said the entire world is aware that Pakistan has been the biggest victim of Indian state-sponsored terrorism. He remarked that Indian rulers are obsessed with regional supremacy, but their desire has never been fulfilled. “I am not a supporter of wars, because I am not a brave man,” he said, adding that India’s political leadership had forgotten the horrors of war. He stressed the need for dialogue and peace in the region, even with “war-mad rulers” in India.
Referring to the Pahalgam incident, the speaker questioned who was behind the act of terrorism, while pointing out that Pakistan has concrete evidence of Indian involvement in terrorism over the last two decades. “From Kulbhushan Jadhav to RAW agents arrested in Jhelum, and Indian-backed terrorism in Balochistan, the world knows who is responsible,” he said. Pakistan, he added, had always given India a befitting reply.
He praised the Waris Mir Foundation as a progressive platform for dialogue and paid tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces. “Field Marshal Hafiz Asim Munir struck enemy targets with precision and stood like a wall of steel against Indian aggression,” he said, warning that any attempt to deprive Pakistan of its water rights would be foiled at all costs.
The speaker further said that after Indian aggression, Pakistan’s friendly countries extended full support to its stance.
On the occasion, PPP leader Faisal Mir, addressing the seminar, said no power in the world can defeat a country whose prime minister and supreme commander (President Asif Ali Zardari) are fearless.
Renowned journalist Shahnawaz Rana presented a paper on the late Waris Mir, while souvenirs were presented by the Foundation to Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani, Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi, and Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmed Khan.
Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi also spoke on the occasion.

Ambassador Tirmizi expresses solidarity with flood victims

By
Munir Hussain
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ABU DHABI, Aug 17 (APP):  Pakistan’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Faisal Niaz Tirmizi Sunday expressed deep sorrow and heartfelt condolences on the tragic loss of lives and devastation caused by the recent floods across various parts of Pakistan, including the districts of Buner, Swat, Bajaur, Shangla, Mansehra, as well as in Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.                                                                                                          The ambassador described the calamity as a grave trial not only for the affected families but for the entire nation.
He called upon the Pakistani community in the UAE to stand shoulder to shoulder with their countrymen in this difficult time, share their grief, and extend all possible assistance to those affected.
In a gesture of solidarity with the victims and their families, ambassador Tirmizi announced the postponement of the Independence Day celebrations scheduled to be held in the UAE.
“May Allah Almighty grant eternal peace to the departed souls and strength and patience to the bereaved families,” the ambassador prayed.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a review meeting on Cashless economy.

By
Wajid
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0
APP35-170825 ISLAMABAD: August 17 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a review meeting on Cashless economy. APP/TZD/FHA
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a review meeting on Cashless economy.
APP35-170825
ISLAMABAD: August 17 –

Govt committed to boosting exports: Rana Ehsan Afzal

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
FAISALABAD, Aug 17 (APP):Prime Minister’s Coordinator to Commerce & Industries Rana Ehsan Afzal has said that the federal government is committed to promoting exports and strengthening national economy.
He expressed these views while talking to the media during his visit to Pakistan Lifestyle Furniture Expo on its concluding day, organised at a local marquee on West Canal Road Faisalabad.
He said that practical steps are being taken under dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to provide ease of doing business facilities to the business community which would help in flourishing domestic trade in addition to promoting Pakistani products in international markets.
He said that around 60 to 70 suppliers and manufacturers from across the country participated in the expo and showcased high-quality furniture and export-oriented products. Such exhibitions would not only provide an excellent opportunity for industrialists and businessmen to directly connect with consumers but also allow buyers to interact and make purchases from multiple suppliers under one-roof, he added.
He said that these initiatives would prove to be a milestone in promoting local industry while simultaneously paving the way for Pakistani products to make inroads into global markets.
He further said that the government in collaboration with Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Industries and other stakeholders would ensure maximum cooperation in introducing exportable products internationally.
He said that the government has set its priorities to strengthen national economy by simplifying trade procedures and providing facilities to the manufacturers, retailers and business community.
Responding to a question regarding Pakistan’s economy, Rana Ehsan Afzal said that although in the past the country did not progress as swiftly as it should have but now under visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, comprehensive economic reforms have been undertaken to put Pakistan on a sustainable path of stability and growth.
He said that the government is striving hard to enhance exports and remittances and these goals would be achieved with concerted efforts.
He said that government is committed to extend full support for boosting exports in the furniture sector as well as other industries to secure Pakistan a stronger position in global trade.
Former MPA Begum Najma Afzal, CEO Pakistan Lifestyle Furniture Expo Faisal Mohsin, MD Pakistan Lifestyle Export Zahra Faisal and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
More than 40 furniture brands were displayed at the exhibition with discounts ranging between 30 to 40 percent which attracted significant consumer interest.
Rana Ehsan Afzal congratulated the organizers of Pakistan Lifestyle Expo and expressed confidence that this platform would not only strengthen local businesses but also enable Pakistan’s quality products to capture markets across the world.

Telenor ensures seamless connectivity in flood-affected regions

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 17 (APP):In response to the devastating floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Telenor Pakistan has taken urgent steps to keep its network running and ensure uninterrupted connectivity for affected communities.
 With torrential rains creating severe challenges, the company mobilized its resources on priority to maintain seamless connectivity across its widest network in the affected areas during this difficult time.
As part of its relief efforts, Telenor Pakistan has also announced a special offer of free minutes for its subscribers in flood-hit areas of KP and GB, enabling them to stay connected with loved ones, emergency responders, and relief agencies during this critical time. The complimentary minutes, valid for three days, can be activated by dialing *345*29#.
This initiative focuses on the most severely impacted regions where heavy rains and flash floods have disrupted lives, livelihoods and strained essential communication infrastructure. By providing seamless connectivity and offering free minutes, Telenor Pakistan is helping facilitate immediate relief and coordination efforts on the ground.
Commenting on the initiative, Khurrum Ashfaque, CEO, Telenor Pakistan, said: “Our teams are on the ground ensuring seamless connectivity in flood-affected regions, and by offering free calling we are helping people remain connected with their families and relief agencies when it matters the most.”
Telenor Pakistan has a long-standing commitment to supporting communities in times of crisis by strengthening network resilience, enabling emergency connectivity solutions, and working closely with authorities to aid relief efforts. The company reaffirms its dedication to standing alongside the people of Pakistan in times of need.

NHA chairman visits KP,oversees rehabilitation of roads affected by rains & floods

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 17 (APP):On the instructions of the Federal Minister for Communications, the National Highway Authority (NHA) has mobilized all resources for the rehabilitation of national highways damaged by recent rains in the country’s northern regions.
As part of this effort, NHA Chairman Shehryar Sultan has been personally present in the field over the past three days, leading relief and restoration operations, said a press release issued on Sunday.
The Chairman is overseeing rehabilitation activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where multiple roads have been affected by rain and flooding.
The Chairman of NHA on Sunday visited Bonair and held a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner Bonair in his office along with senior NHA officers. The Chairman extended full support of NHA in restoration work and directed NHA officers to mobilize more machinery to accelerate the pace of work.
During his visit, he inspected the Nowshera–Chitral Highway (N-45) and issued on-site directives for its swift and complete restoration.
He also visited the Chakdara–Khwazakhela Highway (N-95), assessed the flood-affected sections, and instructed teams to expedite repair work.
In addition, he toured the Khwazakhela–Bisham Highway (N-90), reviewed the extent of damage, and issued immediate instructions for its full restoration.
During his visit, the Chairman directed NHA teams to work day and night to ensure the timely rehabilitation of roads across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He remained in close coordination with the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and local administration officials throughout the visit.
Beyond national highways, the Chairman also offered NHA’s assistance in restoring roads managed by the provincial government. To facilitate this, he formed a special committee, led by an NHA Member, to coordinate support for the rehabilitation of provincial roads.
As per the Chairman’s directive, the designated NHA Member will remain on-site in Buner and other affected areas until the restoration work is completed.
The Chairman is also continuously monitoring road rehabilitation efforts in other parts of the country.

No compromise on safety, Railways minister warns officers

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
LAHORE, Aug 17 (APP):Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has said that there will be no compromise on safety and declared an open war against negligence within Pakistan Railways.
He made these remarks while presiding over an emergency meeting at Railways Headquarters on Sunday, where he received a detailed briefing on train operation safety measures.
Expressing strong displeasure over recent incidents of train derailments, the minister said, “Incompetent officers confined to air-conditioned rooms have no right to remain in Railways.”
Issuing a stern warning, Abbasi said, “Either improve safety matters or opt for retirement.”
The minister directed officials to immediately remove dummy coaches from the system, even if it required suspending train services. He also instructed continuous trolley inspections of tracks to ensure their safety for smooth operations and ordered that the vigilance department be equipped with all necessary facilities.
Highlighting the importance of locomotive staff, he said, “Train drivers hold the lives of 1,100 passengers in their hands; they must undergo refresher courses.”
Abbasi further directed that instead of extending contracts for luggage and brake vans, the process must be carried out through transparent open auctions.
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