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Swimming, boating banned in DI Khan under Section-144 amid monsoon flood risk

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DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Aug 18 (APP):Deputy Commissioner Abdul Nasir Khan has imposed a complete ban on swimming, boating, and picnicking at rivers, canals, streams, and other natural water bodies within the district under Section 144.
According to a notification issued here, the order would remain in force till September 5, 2025.
According to details, the directive was issued in light of a weather advisory from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning of rising water levels and fast currents in rivers and other water reservoirs due to monsoon rains.
The restrictions include a complete prohibition on swimming in all natural water sources, boating in the River Indus, and recreational visits to its banks.
The strict legal action would be taken against any individual or group found violating the order.
The district administration has urged upon the citizens to prioritize safety, avoid swimming in rivers and canals, and cooperate with authorities to prevent any untoward incidents.

Alhamra reviews cultural legacy, future programs

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LAHORE, Aug 18 (APP):A meeting was held at the Lahore Arts Council, Alhamra, under the chairmanship of Executive Director Muhammad Mahboob Alam to review Alhamra’s legacy, objectives, mission, and service delivery, here on Monday.
During the meeting, Mahboob Alam was briefed about Alhamra’s different wings, including Adbi Baithak, Gallery, Academy of Performing Arts, Modern Art Museum, Programming, Archives, Studio, Halls, and social media activities.
On the occasion, the Executive Director said that literary and cultural programs at Alhamra Mall and Alhamra Cultural Complex will be further accelerated. He stressed that Pakistan’s rich civilizational heritage must be introduced to the younger generation, adding that Alhamra is a true home of service for art and artists.
The meeting also allowed officers to share their work and responsibilities. Participants pledged to continue their efforts with renewed spirit and dedication.

Polio cases in KP rise to 13 as new infection confirmed

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PESHAWAR, Aug 18 (APP):Another case of polio has been reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, bringing the total number of affected children in the province to 13 this year, according to a report released by the KP Health Department.
The latest case was confirmed in a six-year-old girl from Union Council Pattan in Lower Kohistan district, where health officials detected the polio virus.
With this development, KP now accounts for the highest number of polio cases in the country this year.
The cases reported in the province include three each from Bannu and Lakki Marwat, two each from Tank and North Waziristan, and one case each from Torghar, Dera Ismail Khan, and Lower Kohistan.
According to the Health Department’s report, the national tally for 2025 has reached 21, with 13 cases from KP, six from Sindh, and one each from Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Health authorities have expressed concern over the rising number of infections in KP and stressed the need for sustained vaccination campaigns to curb the spread of the virus.

DPM, UK Minister review full spectrum of bilateral relations, reaffirm shared commitment for deepening cooperation

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LONDON, Aug 18 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister (DPM/FM), Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, on Monday met with the UK’s Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, Rt. Hon Hamish Falconer, here at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

During the meeting, both sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening cooperation across political, economic, climate, and people-to-people domains, whereas they also exchanged views on regional and global developments, a DPM’s Office news release said.

The DPM/FM highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to economic reforms, and shared Pakistan’s perspective on regional developments, including peace and stability in South Asia. He underscored the importance of the just and peaceful resolution of Jammu and Kashmir Dispute, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.

The two leaders appreciated the positive trajectory of Pakistan–UK ties and expressed satisfaction with on-going collaboration in areas of mutual interest. They also underscored the importance of maintaining regular high-level engagements to build on existing momentum and to explore new avenues for strategic cooperation.

OGDCL completes Jhal Magsi development project as per PM’s instructions

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP):Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has announced the successful completion and commissioning of the Jhal Magsi development project, alongside the launch of a series of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the remote Jhal Magsi district of Balochistan.
OGDCL completes Jhal Magsi development project as per PM’s instructions
The initiative was undertaken in compliance with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s directives for the fast-track development of Jhal Magsi district.
The fast-track development was made possible through incentives approved by the government, said a news release of  the OGDCL.
The project is currently producing around 14 Million Standard Cubic Feet per Day (MMSCFD) of pipeline-quality gas and 45 Barrels per Day (BPD) of condensate.
The gas has been injected into the Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) network through a newly built 98-kilometer pipeline constructed by SSGCL from the Jhal Magsi field to its tie-in point.
Development work on the project began in February 2024 after the government of Pakistan approved incentives, including the conversion from the 1997 Petroleum Policy to the Marginal Field Gas Pricing Policy.
 The project was accorded high priority to address the country’s energy needs and was completed on an accelerated timeline despite various technical and territorial challenges.
The scope of work included the installation of an Amine Unit, Dehydration Unit, Hot Oil Package, power generation facilities, and gathering systems.
The Jhal Magsi Field consists of two wells and is a joint venture operated by OGDCL, which holds a 56 percent working interest. Pakistan Oilfields Limited (POL) holds 24 percent, while Government Holdings Private Limited (GHPL) has 20 percent.
As part of its community development efforts, OGDCL has launched several Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the Jhal Magsi district.
 These include the construction of the OGDCL Grammar School (50 percent completed) and a Mother & Child Health Care Facility in collaboration with Indus Hospital (60 percent completed).
The company has also built 84 climate-resilient houses, awarded fully funded four-year scholarships to students at Sukkur IBA, and provided technical training to 55 local youth through NAVTTC, with 30 already trained and 25 in progress.
To improve healthcare facilities in the remote district, OGDCL has gifted two ambulances, organised annual free eye camps, and provided ration bags to 800 families.
Furthermore, two RO plants and an underground water tank have been installed to ensure clean drinking water. OGDCL has also sponsored the Jhal Magsi Desert Rally to support local culture and sports.
The successful commissioning of the Jhal Magsi Development Project, along with OGDCL’s CSR initiatives, reflects the company’s commitment to national energy security and community development in its operational areas.
These efforts are in line with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s instructions to accelerate development in remote areas, ensuring that local communities benefit directly from national resource development.

Polio eradication drive from Sept 1

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MULTAN, Aug 18 (APP):A three-day special anti-polio campaign will begin in Multan on September 1, aiming to vaccinate more than 570,000 children under the age of five across 99 union councils in the district.
The campaign was announced during a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Wasim Hamid Sindhu. Additional Deputy Commissioner General Muhammad Saif and representatives from relevant departments also attended. The health department briefed attendees on the detailed preparations for the upcoming drive.
DC Sindhu emphasized that every child under five must receive polio drops, urging parents to ensure their children’s participation in this critical national health initiative. “Polio eradication is a collective responsibility, and no negligence will be tolerated during the campaign,” he stated firmly.
Health officials reported that 3,457 area in-charges and 652 union council medical officers will be mobilized to ensure comprehensive coverage during the drive.
The Deputy Commissioner also appealed to citizens to fully cooperate with vaccination teams, calling the eradication of polio a national duty.

PU awards ten PhD degrees

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LAHORE, Aug 18 (APP):Punjab University (PU) has awarded ten PhD degrees to scholars in different disciplines after approval of their thesis.
According to a PU spokesman, the degrees have been conferred upon Saba Urooge Khan, daughter of Muhammad Arshad Khan, in the subject of Polymer Technology; Jannat Mubasher, daughter of Mubashar Afzal, in International Relations; Munawar Iqbal, son of Nake Alam, in Statistics; Hafiza Farah Asghar, daughter of Asghar Ali, in Microbiology & Molecular Genetics; and Rubina Naz, daughter of Muhammad Ghulam Hussain, in Statistics.
The spokesman further said that PhD degrees were also awarded to Kashif Iqbal, son of Safdar Iqbal, in Special Education; Usman Ghani, son of Ali Muhammad, in Islamic Studies; Jalal Bohier, son of Bohier Dashti, in History; Umar Javaid, son of Muhammad Javaid, in Geomatics; and Usman Ahmad Zaheer, son of Zaheer Ahmad, in Applied Psychology.

NIPA 44th mid-career management course delegation visits PITB

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LAHORE, Aug 18 (APP):A delegation from the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) Lahore visited the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) as part of the 44th Mid-Career Management Course (MCMC) to gain insights into the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) interventions introduced by the Punjab government.
Conducted under the training module “ICT Interventions for Effective Service Delivery”, the visit aimed at enhancing the capacity of mid-career officers by familiarizing them with Punjab’s digital governance initiatives.
During the session, PITB Director General (DG) IT-Solutions Waqar Naeem Qureshi presented an overview of Punjab’s digital transformation journey, highlighting PITB’s efforts to leverage technology for efficient and transparent public service delivery.
The participants were briefed on several key ICT initiatives, including Law & Order, where PITB ADG Syed Qasim Ifzal explained the use of Workflow Automation and Artificial Intelligence in strengthening law enforcement processes. PITB CISO Sajjad Ghani elaborated on Data Center operations and Cybersecurity measures to ensure secure and resilient digital infrastructure.
Similarly, PITB Director Haider Ali detailed the impact of e-Stamping, explaining how the digitization of stamp papers has curbed fraud and streamlined processes across Punjab and other provinces. JD Ashfaq Tiwana discussed the e-Procurement system and its role in ensuring transparency and accountability in public sector procurement.
Following the session, the delegation visited the e-Khidmat Markaz, where they observed citizen facilitation initiatives in action. The visitors expressed appreciation for PITB’s role in driving Punjab’s digital transformation and acknowledged its contributions toward building a citizen-centric, technology-driven governance ecosystem.
In this regard, PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf stated, “PITB is committed to empowering public institutions through technology and innovation. Visits like these provide an excellent opportunity to share our experience, exchange knowledge, and inspire the adoption of digital solutions for effective governance across Pakistan.”

Minister announces Rs1.22bn uplift schemes

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LAHORE, Aug 18 (APP):Punjab Minister for Sports and Labour Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar along with Member National Assembly and PML-N Lahore President Malik Saif-ul-Malook Khokhar attended a large public gathering in PP-168, UC-111 Hanjarwal to launch development projects under the Lahore Development Programme (LDP), here on Monday.
Addressing the gathering, the provincial minister announced six new schemes worth Rs1.22 billion, including installation of sewerage lines, road construction, clean drinking water supply, repair and maintenance works, and other civic infrastructure. He said that the projects aimed to provide basic facilities to citizens in line with the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
MNA Malik Saif-ul-Malook Khokhar, in his remarks, said that PML-N’s focus had always been on public service and development. He added that the projects being implemented across Lahore were evidence of the party’s performance and commitment to the people.
The event was attended by a large number of citizens, local representatives, and community leaders.

Sports vital for youth development: Minister

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LAHORE, Aug 18 (APP):Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora said that sports are essential to counter intolerance and negative trends in society.
He expressed these views while attending the grand final of the Basketball Legacy Trophy 2025 in Taxila as the chief guest. The event was jointly organized by the Peace Ambassador Society and Christian Hospital, under the arrangements of Chairman of the Presbyterian Medical Board of Pakistan Majeed Abel, said a handout issued here on Monday.
He said that “a healthy Punjab guarantees true progress.” He emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, initiatives are underway for the welfare of minorities, the revival of playgrounds, and the promotion of sports to provide healthy opportunities for the youth.
In an exciting final match, Lahore’s team defeated Islamabad 94–74 to clinch the championship trophy. Six teams from different cities of Pakistan participated in the tournament, showcasing the growing popularity of basketball.
The event was also attended by Members of the Punjab Assembly Mohsin Ayub Khan and Imran Ilyas, along with a large number of spectators, local leaders, and social figures.
Chairman of the Presbyterian Medical Board of Pakistan Majeed Abel said that the tournament demonstrated how sports can promote peace, harmony, and community well-being. He praised the players’ passion and urged that such initiatives continue.