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.
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.
LAHORE: August 17 –
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.
LAHORE: August 17 –
ICT Police bust thief gang, arrest lady accomplice; cash recovered
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.
Monsoon rains claim 657 lives, leave 929 injured across Pakistan: NDMA
ISLAMABAD, Aug 17 (APP):At least 657 people, including 392 men, have lost their lives in rain-related incidents across Pakistan since June 26, while 929 others have been injured, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The casualties have resulted from widespread monsoon rains, flash floods, and associated hazards affecting multiple regions. The NDMA said it is working closely with provincial authorities to accelerate relief and rescue efforts in the worst-affected areas.
The national death toll from rain-related incidents has climbed to 657 since June 26, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bearing the brunt of the devastation, official data reveals.
Of the total nationwide casualties, 171 were children, 94 were women, and 392 were men.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone accounted for 390 deaths, including 288 men, 59 children, and 43 women — underscoring the province’s disproportionate vulnerability to seasonal downpours and related hazards.
In Punjab, 164 people have died in rain-related incidents since June 26, with children comprising the largest share of casualties. The province reported 70 child fatalities, alongside 63 men and 31 women, mostly in vulnerable and low-lying areas.
Sindh has recorded 28 deaths linked to ongoing monsoon activity, including 14 children, 10 men, and 4 women. Authorities have urged residents in high-risk zones to exercise caution as weather conditions remain unpredictable.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), 20 people have died in Balochistan, including 11 children, 5 men, and 4 women. In Gilgit-Baltistan, the death toll has reached 32, comprising 18 men, 6 women, and 8 children.
Balochistan reported 20 fatalities, including 11 children, 5 men, and 4 women.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, 32 deaths were recorded — 18 men, 8 children, and 6 women.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir saw 15 casualties, evenly split among 5 children, 5 men, and 5 women.
An additional 8 deaths occurred in rain-related incidents in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), comprising 4 children, 3 men, and 1 woman.
A total of 929 people were injured in recent flood-related incidents across Pakistan, with men accounting for 437 cases, children 256, and women 236. In Punjab’s flood-hit areas, 582 individuals sustained injuries, including 225 men, 182 women, and 175 children. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported 245 injured, comprising 161 men, 45 children, and 39 women.
In Sindh, a total of 40 individuals were injured, including 27 children, 7 men, and 6 women. In Balochistan, four people sustained injuries—among them 2 men, 1 woman, and 1 child.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, 31 people were injured, including 27 men, 3 children, and 1 woman. From Azad Jammu and Kashmir, 24 injuries have been reported so far—comprising 15 men, 6 women, and 3 children. In Islamabad Capital Territory, three individuals sustained injuries, including 2 children and 1 woman.
Rising Stars White wins Independence Day hockey match
ISLAMABAD, Aug 17 (APP):Rising Stars Hockey Club White defeated Rising Stars Green 3–1 in the Independence Day Exhibition Hockey Match, played at the Shehnaz Sheikh Hockey Stadium, Rawalpindi.
Organised by the Rising Stars Hockey Club, the exhibition match marked Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day with a spirited display of sportsmanship and international friendship.
The event carried special charm as it featured diplomats, young players, and budding female athletes on the same field. Neil Hawkins, High Commissioner of Australia to Pakistan, donned the Rising Stars Green jersey, while Kamal Ahmed, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam, represented Rising Stars White. Their participation not only energized the crowd but also highlighted the growing role of sports diplomacy in strengthening people-to-people ties.
The match began with fast-paced action, with Rising Stars Green pressing hard in the opening minutes. However, Rising Stars White quickly found their rhythm and took the lead midway through the first half. Despite a strong fightback from the Green side, including a penalty corner conversion, the White side proved too strong, scoring twice more to seal a 3–1 victory.
A highlight of the Independence Day Cup was the participation of female players from the Rising Stars Girls Hockey Academy, who showcased their skills alongside senior players. Their involvement drew wide appreciation from the spectators, who praised the club’s efforts to encourage women’s participation in hockey.
Following the match, both high commissioners and Eduard Preda, Deputy Head of Mission of the Romanian Embassy, joined the players in cutting a cake to mark the Independence Day celebrations.
In their remarks, Neil Hawkins and Kamal Ahmed lauded the Rising Stars Hockey Club for organizing the event with such enthusiasm and inclusivity. They commended the management for creating a platform where youth, diplomats, and female players could come together in the spirit of sportsmanship.
“This was more than just a match; it was an occasion to celebrate Pakistan’s independence, promote hockey, and build bridges of friendship,” said Kamal Ahmed. Neil Hawkins echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that such initiatives reflect the true spirit of unity and celebration.
Innovative eco-friendly technology transforms water access for scarcity-hit communities in Manshera
PESHAWAR, Aug 17 (APP):Looking frail with clear signs of weakness on his face due to ripe age of 65, Said Khan, a dweller of Icherrian union council in Manshera district had to endure an exhausting task of climbing a steep of 300 feet five or six times a day, hauling pots of water from Siran river just to meet his family’s basic needs.
“Each trip was back-breaking, putting tremendous strain on my feeble body, yet I was compelled to continue the hard work because we had no alternative in our water-scarred dwelling at the hilly terrain of Icherrian,” relates Said Khan.
However, a recent initiative of introducing an innovative and eco-friendly technology of Hydraulic Ram Pump irrigation system has not only brought ease in the life of Said Khan but also to around fifty families of the area.
The new technology has reshaped daily life in the community, offering much-needed relief, especially for women and adolescent girls, from the herculean task of climbing a steep of 300 feet while carrying heavy pots of water on their shoulders.
“The initiative of installing Hydraulic Ram Pump technology in water-scarce areas of Manshera district was taken by International Water Management Institute (IWMI) under its programme of Water Resource Accountability in Pakistan (WRAP), launched with the support of Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office,” informed Engr Kifayat Zaman, Senior Researcher IWMI.
Talking to newsmen during an exposure visit to District Manshera, Engr Kifayat informed that the Hydraulic Ram Pump technology has proved to be very useful in fulfilling the water needs of those communities which are facing an acute shortage of the basic commodity.
This is also very effective in combating climate change because it does not need a single drop of fuel or even solar power for its operation, he added.
“Hydraulic pumps harness the kinetic energy of flowing water from a channel, directing it through a pipeline system. This water is then pumped back up to elevations of around 300 feet, providing a reliable water supply to communities facing severe shortages,” Kifayat explains.
He said IWMI has installed four pumps in Manshera district as pilot project and will replicate the initiative in four other areas after evaluating its result and feedback from beneficiaries.
IWMI will also submit a proposal to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government about the outcome of the initiative with recommendations for its adoption in areas where communities are facing water scarcity to meet household needs and irrigation purposes.
“Our female family members are very happy over getting relief from this difficult task of bringing water from the footsteps of the mountain to the upper hills,” commented Muhammad Younas, a resident of Icherrian village.
Talking to APP, Younas said water is the very essential need for human beings and sometimes at midnight we have to take the risk of coming down to bring water to overcome the shortage at home.
“My wife and the other women in our area used to wash clothes on the banks of the Siran River, a difficult and time-consuming task. Now, thanks to having water readily available at our doorstep, they can do this chore comfortably at home, bringing a big change in our daily lives,” Younas apprised.
“We have land but were unable to utilize it for agricultural purposes because of our dependence on rain for meeting the water requirement of fields. Now with the availability of water in our dwelling, we are hopeful of full utilization of our agricultural land through cultivation of vegetables and even fruits,” commented Muhammad Shafaqat, another resident of the area.
“Agriculture in Mansehra is largely rainfed, especially in the hilly areas. While there are some irrigation systems and rainwater harvesting initiatives, a significant portion of farmland relies on rainfall for crop cultivation,” informed Naqash Abbasi of IWMI.
The Hydro Ram Pump technology has proved to be a highly sustainable and cost-effective solution to one of the toughest challenges of water accessibility in mountainous areas, Naqash remarked.
He informed that the cost of installing of the technology is also affordable for local communities and does not demand much technical skills in its operation and maintenance.
“The technology has the potential of not only fulfilling water needs of the communities but can also boost agriculture production in rain-fed areas of the country by providing water round the clock,” Naqash claimed.
Pakistan defended sovereignty with courage, wisdom, unity: Gilani
LAHORE, Aug 17 (APP):Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan successfully defended its sovereignty with courage, wisdom, and national unity, while earning international recognition for its military and diplomatic achievements.
He was addressing a seminar titled “Global Impacts of Pakistan’s Military and Diplomatic Victories over India” organized by the Waris Mir Foundation at Aiwan-e-Iqbal here on Sunday.
He said India’s false propaganda regarding the Pahalgam incident had been fully exposed before the world, adding that Pakistan not only defended itself but also exercised restraint to prevent further escalation. He praised the Pakistan Armed Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir for demonstrating outstanding professional capability and preparedness.
The Chairman Senate noted that in the interest of peace, Pakistan had offered dialogue and impartial investigations to India. He said parliament, through unanimous resolutions, extended full support to the Armed Forces and reinforced the national stance. He also highlighted the success of global parliamentary outreach led by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
Gilani appreciated the role of media in countering Indian propaganda and presenting facts to the international community. He said that brotherly Islamic countries, along with China, the UK, the European Union, and the United States, extended their support to Pakistan. Referring to international engagement, he said that positive statements by US President Donald Trump signaled a new era in Pakistan-US relations.
He further stated that Pakistan’s election as a member of the UN Security Council was proof of global confidence in the country. Stressing the importance of peace and stability as the foundation of prosperity, Gilani said that economic indicators were pointing towards improvement.
Announcing upcoming parliamentary initiatives, the Chairman Senate said Pakistan would host the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference in Islamabad in November 2025, with the participation of more than 45 parliamentary speakers and international leaders.
“Democracy, justice, and the rule of law are the guarantees of sustainable peace,” he said .
He paid tribute to renowned journalist late Professor Waris Mir for his services for the nation.
Earlier, Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi and Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan also spoke to the seminar.
Youngsters playing cricket on a road in the Saddar area during the holiday.
KARACHI: August 17 –
A family enjoying a boat ride at Native Jetty on the Arabian Sea during hot weather.
KARACHI: August 17 –