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UK’s BRAVE Programme transforms flood-hit school in Badin into a safe haven for learning and shelter

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP):In the aftermath of the devastating 2024 floods that swept away homes and halted education across Badin, Government Girls Primary School (GGPS) Chanri has emerged as a symbol of resilience.
UK’s BRAVE Programme transforms flood-hit school in Badin into a safe haven for learning and shelter
The GGPS Chanri, once ill-equipped to handle repeated disasters, has been transformed into a safe space for learning and shelter through UK support under the BRAVE (Building Resilience and Addressing Vulnerability in Emergencies) programme.
The 2024 floods were not the first to batter Chanri village. Each time disaster struck, families sought refuge in the school, with up to 175 people crammed into its limited space. But conditions were dire. “There were no toilets, no clean water, no lights,” recalled teacher and activist Faheem Ali Memon. “Women and children suffered the most.”
That reality has now changed. Through the BRAVE programme, implemented with Concern Worldwide and the SAMI Foundation, the school has been upgraded with working toilets, handwashing stations, and a hand pump for clean drinking water. A 5KW solar power system keeps lights and fans running even during outages, allowing families to stay cool, safe, and connected in emergencies.
These improvements have gone beyond disaster response as they have revitalised education. Hygiene sessions led by the school’s Hygiene Club are instilling healthy practices in children, who in turn share them with their families. Enrollment has risen by 20 percent, with more girls attending regularly.
“This support has brought back our dignity,” said Mairaj, a local elder. “Now, when floods come, our women and children have a clean, private place to stay. It’s more than a shelter- it gives us strength.”
Talking to APP, Headmistress Ms. Reeta praised the changes, noting that the upgrades have strengthened both learning and disaster preparedness. “The UK-supported upgrades were a blessing. Now we have electricity, water, and sanitation all the time. We can even stay connected during disasters and receive early warnings.”
UK’s BRAVE Programme transforms flood-hit school in Badin into a safe haven for learning and shelter
For the people of Chanri, GGPS is no longer just a school. It is a beacon of safety, a centre of learning, and a place where hope is rebuilt. In a district where floods often bring fear and displacement, the BRAVE programme has shown how targeted support can safeguard futures.
This year’s monsoon rains continue to threaten communities across the country, but BRAVE remains active, supporting vulnerable areas and standing ready to mobilise a national-level response if disaster strikes again.
GGPS Chanri’s journey reflects what is possible when immediate relief is paired with long-term planning: a community strengthened, dignity restored, and futures protected.

Ethiopia–Pakistan Green Dialogue highlights shared climate vision

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP):In a powerful display of climate diplomacy and South-South cooperation, Pakistan and Ethiopia came together at the COMSTECH Secretariat in Islamabad to chart a shared path toward environmental sustainability.
The “Ethiopia–Pakistan Green Dialogue: Lessons from Ethiopia’s Green Legacy,” jointly organized by the OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) and the Embassy of Ethiopia, spotlighted how collaborative action can help nations confront the escalating threats of climate change.
The programme opened with recitation from the Holy Qur’an, followed by the national anthems of both countries and a special video presentation on Ethiopia’s flagship “Green Legacy” initiative.
Welcoming the participants, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General, OIC-COMSTECH, underscored the significance of green diplomacy and collective efforts in addressing climate challenges, including deforestation and environmental degradation.
Ambassador Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula shared Ethiopia’s remarkable achievements through its Green Legacy campaign, which has set an international benchmark in combating climate change through mass tree plantation and sustainable practices.
Senator Yusuf Raza Gillani, Chairman Senate of Pakistan, attended as Chief Guest and stressed that climate change is an urgent reality for Pakistan. He pointed out that despite contributing less than one percent to global emissions, Pakistan remains among the most climate-vulnerable countries, grappling with floods, glacial melt, and droughts. Praising Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative as a model of reforestation and sustainability, he emphasized that both countries face common challenges but can find solutions together through South-South cooperation.
Highlighting Pakistan’s role in global climate diplomacy, Mr. Gillani referenced the country’s leadership in championing the Loss and Damage Fund at COP27 and its active participation in climate finance negotiations for COP29. He proposed practical collaboration through joint task forces, parliamentary exchanges, and research partnerships, while inviting Ethiopia’s parliamentary leadership to the upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference.
As part of the event, Green Legacy Awards were presented, followed by a symbolic tree plantation ceremony and group photograph, symbolizing the two nations’ shared commitment to a greener future. A dynamic panel discussion further enriched the dialogue, where experts and policymakers exchanged strategies on sustainable development, community engagement, and ecological restoration.
The session concluded with a lively Q&A and networking lunch, reinforcing the commitment of Pakistan and Ethiopia to deepen cooperation on climate resilience and sustainable development.
The Ethiopia–Pakistan Green Dialogue successfully underscored the shared vision of both nations in advancing environmental diplomacy and building a sustainable, climate-resilient future for generations to come.

Rescue 1122 tackles 181 emergencies last week

By
Ali Ali
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0
Rescue 1122
DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Aug 18 (APP):The emergency service of district Lakki Marwat-Rescue 1122 tackled 181 emergencies over the last week.
Giving details, the spokesman says that total emergencies include 136 medical emergencies, 25 road accidents, and 15 fighting or bullet injury-related incidents.
He said that during these emergencies, 209 patients were safely shifted to hospitals while providing them first aid on the spot.
He said that the services received a total of 3267 emergency calls, out of which 1898 were irrelevant or fake calls, he added.
The rescue service also successfully handled 37 emergency incidents in which patients were shifted from one district to another.
During the referral-related emergencies, the spokesman said a total of 44 patients were benefited or rescued.

Musadik Malik says PM ordered ministers’ deployment in flood-hit regions to lead relief

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP):Federal Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik said on Monday that all federal ministers were directed to immediately move to flood-affected regions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir to personally supervise relief and recovery operations.
“The Prime Minister has ordered that ministers be on the ground to coordinate efforts,” Malik said while addressing a press conference here.
Flanked by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and National Disaster Management Authority Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, Musadik said every minister will be responsible for ensuring that electricity, water supply, and road networks are restored quickly in the affected areas.
He said major highways would be reopened within 24 hours, while special teams were working to fix badly disrupted power grids and water systems.
“Our goal is to ensure that every federal resource reaches those who need it most,” Malik said.
He pledged that the federal government will provide immediate relief and long-term support to communities devastated by recent floods, stressing that no distinction will be made between federal and provincial responsibilities in tackling the crisis.
“I want to express my condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones, their homes, or their livelihoods,” Malik said adding that “No one can truly compensate for such losses, but the federal government will do its utmost, alongside the provinces, to restore homes and support the affected families.”
Malik also underlined Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change despite its negligible contribution to global emissions.
“Pakistan emits less than one percent of the world’s carbon, yet suffers some of the worst consequences — from glacier melting to cloudbursts and flash floods,” he noted. “The top seven or eight polluting nations are responsible for nearly 75 percent of emissions, and paradoxically, they also receive 85 percent of global climate financing.”
Calling this a “clear hypocrisy at the international level,” Malik said Pakistan would continue to raise the issue on global platforms, while also working to strengthen its own disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
He revealed that a fully integrated early warning and weather prediction system is being developed with the help of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to provide timely alerts and save lives.
The minister urged provincial governments to relocate vulnerable communities living along riverbanks and mountain streams. “These are not ordinary drains — when flash floods come down from the mountains, they bring destructive force. We must protect our children and move them to safe zones,” he said.
Malik assured the public that future infrastructure and development projects would be delivered “on time, on budget, and with quality,” under strict monitoring to avoid the years-long delays that have plagued past initiatives.

Rescue, relief, reconstruction of calamity-hit areas collective responsibility of federal, provincial govts: Tarar

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP):Federal Minister for  Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said on Monday that rescue, relief and restoration of  affected areas of  recent floods was a national obligation and the federal and provincial governments will work collectivey to fulfil this responsibility.
During a  media briefing along with Minister for Climate Change Musaddiq Malik and Chairman National   Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)  Lieutenant General Inam Haider here, he said an important meeting was chaired by  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today  on the recent flood situation caused by monsoon rains.
The minister said the meeting thoroughly discussed the flood situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan and  reviewed the ongoing rescue and relief activities in flood hit areas.
Attaullah Tarar said coordination was going on with the provincial governments in a better way.
He said that several meetings were held at the National Command and Control Center before the monsoon, in which representatives of all provincial governments participated.
“Data has been regularly provided by the NDMA to the relevant authorities through the Early Warning System,”Tarar remarked.
Efforts are being made at the national level to deal with the current situation and on the instructions of the Prime Minister, the NDMA is in touch with the provincial governments, Tarar said.
He said that rescue activities and relief supplies  were being carried out in a vigorous manner and the federal government was playing its role under national responsibility.
He said that relief activities were being carried out by Armed Forces and several other  organizations in floods and rain affected areas of KP, AJK.and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The minister said that Secretary Communications was already in Gilgit-Baltistan to supervise restoration of Skardu-Gilgit Road.
He said Chairman National Highway Authority was in Malakand Division and leading the efforts of restoration of roads.
Similarly, he said that Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Engineer Amir Muqam was also  in Bunair and monitoring the rescue and relief work.
Tarar said the Prime Minister has instructed the ministers for water,power and communications to ensure their presence in these areas for personally monitoring restoration work of  infrastructure related to their respective ministries.

Three profiteers held

By
Ali Ali
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0
profiteers
SARGODHA, Aug 18 (APP):The district administration on Monday arrested three shopkeepers over profiteering in various parts of city.
According to official sources,the price control magistrates inspected various points in the city and found shopkeepers,Lateef,Kamran and Shaukat, involved in profiteering.
The magistrates got registered cases and also imposed fine on them.

Amkodor financial recovery plan presented to Lukashenko

By
NNPS Desk
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0

MINSK, Aug 18 (BelTA/APP): The Belarusian government has prepared a draft decree providing a comprehensive solution for the financial recovery of the Amkodor holding company.
The document was discussed during a meeting between Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and the Council of Ministers’ leadership in Minsk on 18 August, BelTA learned.

Belarus’ tourism sector development in focus of Lukashenko’s meeting with govt

By
NNPS Desk
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0

MINSK, Aug 18 (BelTA/APP): Belarus is considering transferring tourism regulatory functions from the Sport and Tourism Ministry to the National Tourism Agency. This proposal was among the topics discussed during a meeting between Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and the Council of Ministers’ leadership in Minsk on 18 August, BelTA learned.

One of the key topics addressed during the meeting with the president was the reorganization of tourism sector management. The Council of Ministers has drafted a decree proposing to transfer regulatory authority in tourism from the Sport and Tourism Ministry to the National Tourism Agency. Furthermore, the Agency would be directly subordinated to the government. The head of state convened a meeting with the Council of Ministers’ leadership to discuss the proposed restructuring.

Aleksandr Lukashenko questioned why the current regulator has failed to manage the sector effectively and what tangible changes the proposed decree (still unsigned) would bring.

“What concrete mechanisms will ensure these goals? How exactly will this give Belarusian tourism a new development boost?” the head of state asked the government.

Belarus victorious at basketball tournament in China

By
NNPS Desk
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0

MINSK, Aug 18 (BelTA/APP): The Belarusian national basketball team clinched a decisive victory at Central Asia International Basketball Men’s Tournament 2025 in China’s Yining, BelTA reports.

In the final match on 17 August, the Belarusian team outplayed Kazakhstan with a score of 101:53. Daniil Barysevich was the top scorer for the winning team, contributing 21 points. Earlier, the Belarusians secured a 92:79 victory over China and dominated Uzbekistan with a 93:58 win.

The roster featured reserve players from the senior national team: Daniil Barysevich, Kiryl Vaskautsou, Artsiom Sekushenka, Danila Semianiuk, Andrei Ozhgo, David-Masenge Mukete, Maksim Maskalchuk, Kanstantsin Pasko, Pavel Rabushko, Ivan Terekhov, Siarhei Lemiasheuski and Kiryl Vinakurau.

Schools closed in Mansehra for two days due to heavy rains

By
Ali Ali
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0
MANSEHRA, Aug 18 (APP):The district administration Mansehra on Monday has announced the closure of all public and private educational institutions in the district for two days, from August 18 to 19, following torrential monsoon rains that have caused heavy damage to lives and property in the region.
According to the order issued by the Deputy Commissioner Mansehra, the decision was taken in consultation with higher authorities as continuous downpours and landslides have posed serious risks, particularly to school-going children. With forecasts predicting further rain, the administration directed that both male and female educational institutions remain closed as a precautionary measure.
Officials said the step is aimed at ensuring the safety of students while the district administration continues its relief and monitoring operations in rain-affected areas.
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