Home Blog Page 24

CM orders reduction in fares following diesel price cut

0
LAHORE, Aug 17 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the authorities concerned to take immediate steps to reduce transport fares in line with the recent reduction in diesel prices, declaring it the fundamental right of people.
“The reduction in transport fares is a right of citizens, and their exploitation will not be tolerated,” the CM said while issuing instructions on Sunday.
She further directed that the revised fare lists must be prominently displayed for public awareness.
The CM ordered district administrations and the transport department to ensure strict compliance across the province, warning that action will be taken against transporters who fail to implement the government’s notified fares.

NA Speaker calls for nationwide tree plantation to tackle climate threats

0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 17 (APP):National Assembly (NA) Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, on Sunday, emphasized the urgent need to embrace tree plantation as a national responsibility to counter the escalating challenges of environmental pollution and climate change.
In his message on Tree Plantation Day, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq noted that unchecked deforestation has led to increasingly severe environmental consequences, including torrential rains, soil erosion, floods, air pollution, and unpredictable weather patterns. These challenges, he stressed, demand immediate and coordinated action to ensure a cleaner, safer environment for the generations to come.
Highlighting the multifaceted benefits of trees, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq stated that trees not only supply oxygen but also serve as a cornerstone for ecological stability. They play a critical role in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and preserving the natural beauty of our planet.
He called upon the nation to transform tree plantation into a continuous and collective movement, urging every citizen to contribute actively. “A green and thriving Pakistan requires joint efforts from both the government and the public,” he said. “We must launch large-scale plantation drives across schools, colleges, villages, and urban areas to move toward environmental self-sufficiency.”
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq further emphasized that planting saplings is only the first step; ensuring their survival through regular care and monitoring is equally important. Only then can these saplings grow into strong trees that support the ecological system. He concluded that sustainable development and a healthy society are achievable only when individuals acknowledge tree plantation as a shared responsibility and actively participate in preserving the environment.
Deputy Speaker National Assembly, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, in his message marking Tree Plantation Day, highlighted that tree plantation is not merely an environmental necessity, but also an integral part of our religious teachings and cultural values. He stressed the importance of raising public awareness about the need to green both urban and rural landscapes, stating that environmental consciousness is essential in today’s world.
Appealing to the public, educational institutions, and civil society organizations, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah urged all stakeholders to take an active part in plantation campaigns. “Through collective efforts,” he said, “we can build a greener, more prosperous, and peaceful Pakistan.”

CM KP visits flood-hit districts, chairs meeting in Swat

0
PESHAWAR, Aug 17 (APP):Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (CMKP), Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, on Sunday, chaired a high-level meeting at the office of the Commissioner Malakand Division to review the situation arising from the recent floods.
Provincial cabinet members Arshad Ayub Khan, Fazal Hakim Khan, Dr Amjad Ali, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, and other senior officials were present.
Officials briefed the CM on the scale of damages in Swat, ongoing rescue and relief operations, and the status of infrastructure rehabilitation.
The city of Mingora was reported to be the hardest hit by the floods. Relief efforts are underway with active participation from government departments and the district administration. Surveys of damaged public infrastructure and private properties are also in progress.
CM Gandapur directed authorities to deploy additional machinery from other districts to expedite debris removal in Swat.
He further instructed for the early completion of damage assessments and immediate disbursement of compensation to affected families.
“The provincial government has already released Rs. 3 billion to the Communication and Works Department as well as the Relief and Rehabilitation Department,” Gandapur stated.
He stressed that food, medicines, and other essential supplies must remain readily available for flood victims.
Vowing full support, the Chief Minister said, “The provincial government will fully compensate the losses suffered by the people.
Unlike in the past, our government will prove that every promise made to flood victims will be fulfilled.”
He assured that funds for rehabilitation and compensation would be provided on a priority basis, reaffirming that the government would not abandon flood victims in this difficult time.
To prevent future disasters, the CM announced the formation of a committee under the Deputy Commissioner to demarcate the riverbeds of the Swat River in consultation with elected representatives and based on revenue records. The measure aims to minimize human and financial losses from future floods.
On the proposal to divide Swat into two districts, Gandapur said that the matter would be decided after consultation among local elected representatives, who would then present their recommendations to the provincial government.

Ufone 4G comes to people’s aid as cloudbursts, flooding wreak havoc in KP

0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 17 (APP):Ufone 4G has stepped forward to support communities affected by sudden cloudbursts and flash floods that devastated multiple cities and towns across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
In a tragic reminder of the growing impacts of climate change, the disaster has claimed more than 200 lives and caused widespread destruction of public and private infrastructure.
Recognizing the urgency of search and rescue operations, Ufone 4G has provided free minutes to its users in the worst-hit districts of Bajaur, Buner, Battagram, and Batal (Mansehra) to help them connect with emergency services, mobilize local resources, and remain in touch with their loved ones.
Past experiences have shown that seamless communication is the cornerstone of effective rescue and relief efforts. Ufone 4G’s free call services also played a vital role during the 2022 floods, enabling rescue teams to save lives, respond to medical emergencies, and deliver food and shelter to affected communities.
As part of PTCL Group’s broader CSR program, the initiative aims to enhance national resilience against climate-induced disasters by ensuring uninterrupted communication during emergencies.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Directs Federal Reserve Police to Intensify Rescue & Relief Operations for Swat

0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 17 (APP):On the instructions of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, teams of the Federal Reserve Police are actively participating in rescue and relief operations for flood victims in Swat. Under the leadership of Commandant Riaz Nazir Gara, the force’s teams are carrying out rescue and relief work in various affected areas.
Led by District Officer Federal Reserve Police Maria, the personnel have rescued many victims. Medical teams of the Federal Reserve Police are also providing first aid to the injured. Following the Interior Minister’s directives, the Federal Reserve Police teams shifted the victims to safe places.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi appreciated the resolve and commitment of Commandant Riaz Nazir Gara, District Officer Swat Maria and their teams. He directed that proper accommodation and provision of three meals a day be ensured for the affected families.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that in this testing time, the personnel of the Federal Reserve Police are standing shoulder to shoulder with their brothers and sisters in distress, and the victims must be looked after like family.

Interior minister lauds role of armed forces, intelligence agencies in May war victory

0
LAHORE, Aug 17 (APP):Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi has lauded the remarkable role of Pakistan’s armed forces, intelligence agencies, and national leadership in the country’s victory during the May war against India.
Speaking at 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, the minister said that every move, decision, and plan of the enemy was intercepted in advance during the conflict.
Naqvi said it was a major challenge for the government to provide evidence to the world, including wreckage of Indian jet fighters shot down by Pakistani forces. He noted with pride that within minutes of the operation, not only images but also videos of the destroyed aircraft were available, strengthening Pakistan’s stance globally.
Paying tribute to the ‘hidden soldiers’, who worked in secrecy, the interior minister said the nation also witnessed divine help during the war. He cited the example of seven missiles fired by Indian forces towards a Pakistani military base, none of which hit the target. Similarly, despite repeated attempts, Indian strikes failed to damage Pakistan’s bases, except for one where Pakistani soldiers embraced martyrdom.
“Faith, belief, and determination are weapons that invite the help of Allah,” he remarked, adding that Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal General Asim Munir responded to Indian aggression with courage and conviction. He informed the audience that Pakistan’s forces successfully struck multiple targets inside India and achieved all their objectives.
Recalling a meeting with a Saudi delegation during the war, Naqvi said the Field Marshal had drawn a comparison, describing India as a “shining car” and Pakistan as a “loaded dumper”, making it clear what happens when the two collide.
He highlighted the unity and coordination of Pakistan’s civil and military leadership, in contrast to India’s conflicting narratives during the conflict. He accused Indian leaders Ajit Doval and Amit Shah of being the real architects behind the “drama” staged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, warning that they would eventually bring India to ruin.
The minister appreciated the unity demonstrated by all national political parties during the war and pointed out that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s voice was heard globally, while the Indian delegation faced difficulties abroad.
He further accused India of openly supporting terrorism in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stressing that Pakistan possesses concrete evidence of Indian involvement.
Naqvi warned that Pakistan would continue to pursue India until the Kashmiris are granted their right to self-determination as pledged in UN resolutions once signed by India’s former prime minister. He said despite immense international pressure after Indian jets were downed, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir stood firm and gave a strong response to India.
Concluding his address, the interior minister said that the current political and administrative setup in Pakistan should continue for the country’s stability and progress.

Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan standing in respect during the national anthem at a seminar on ‘Global Impact of Pakistan’s Military and Diplomatic Victories over India,’ organized by Waris Mir Foundation at Aiwan-e-Iqbal.

0
APP41-170825 LAHORE: August 17 – Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan standing in respect during the national anthem at a seminar on 'Global Impact of Pakistan’s Military and Diplomatic Victories over India,' organized by Waris Mir Foundation at Aiwan-e-Iqbal. APP/AMI/TZD/FHA
Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan standing in respect during the national anthem at a seminar on 'Global Impact of Pakistan’s Military and Diplomatic Victories over India,' organized by Waris Mir Foundation at Aiwan-e-Iqbal.
APP41-170825
LAHORE: August 17 –

Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani addressing at a seminar on ‘Global Impact of Pakistan’s Military and Diplomatic Victories over India,’ organized by Waris Mir Foundation at Aiwan-e-Iqbal.

0
APP42-170825 LAHORE: August 17 – Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani addressing at a seminar on 'Global Impact of Pakistan’s Military and Diplomatic Victories over India,' organized by Waris Mir Foundation at Aiwan-e-Iqbal. APP/AMI/TZD/FHA
Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani addressing at a seminar on 'Global Impact of Pakistan’s Military and Diplomatic Victories over India,' organized by Waris Mir Foundation at Aiwan-e-Iqbal.
APP42-170825
LAHORE: August 17 – 
Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani addressing at a seminar on 'Global Impact of Pakistan’s Military and Diplomatic Victories over India,' organized by Waris Mir Foundation at Aiwan-e-Iqbal.
APP44-170825
LAHORE: August 17 – Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani and Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmed Khan in conversation during the seminar on ‘Global Impact of Pakistan’s Military and Diplomatic Victories over India,’ organized by Waris Mir Foundation at Aiwan-e-Iqbal. APP/AMI/TZD/FHA

Speaker Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmed Khan and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi presenting souvenir to Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani at the seminar on “Global Impact of Pakistan’s Military and Diplomatic Victories over India” organized by Waris Mir Foundation at Aiwan e Iqbal.

0
APP43-170825 LAHORE: August 17 – Speaker Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmed Khan and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi presenting souvenir to Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani at the seminar on “Global Impact of Pakistan’s Military and Diplomatic Victories over India” organized by Waris Mir Foundation at Aiwan e Iqbal. APP/AMI/TZD/FHA
Speaker Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmed Khan and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi presenting souvenir to Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani at the seminar on “Global Impact of Pakistan’s Military and Diplomatic Victories over India” organized by Waris Mir Foundation at Aiwan e Iqbal.
APP43-170825
LAHORE: August 17 – 

ICT Police bust thief gang, arrest lady accomplice; cash recovered

0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 17 (APP):Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police has intensified its crackdown against criminal elements, arresting two members of an organized gang, including a woman actively involved in theft activities.
An official told APP on Sunday that the Golra Police team, acting on technical and human intelligence, carried out a targeted operation leading to the arrest of Asif Khan and a female accomplice, Sumbal.
He said the woman had been playing a key role in the gang’s theft operations, often using her presence to mislead victims during incidents. The police team also recovered cash from their possession, while legal proceedings have been initiated and further investigation is underway.
SSP Operations Muhammad Shoaib Khan stated that the ICT Police is determined to protect the lives and property of citizens by taking all necessary measures. He added that no criminal, regardless of gender, will be allowed to disturb the peace of the public, and those involved in unlawful activities will be brought to justice.