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APP Punjab President, PCJCCI delegation visit Iranian Consulate

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LAHORE, Jun 30 (APP):APP Employees Union Punjab President Abdul Rehman Rana, Pak-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) Secretary General Salahuddin, Commercial Ambassador Mahmood Arabi along with a delegation visited the Iranian Consulate here on Monday.
Acting Consul General of Iran Mohammad Hussain welcomed the delegation. The delegation offered Fateha for the Iranian citizens and armed forces martyred during the Iran-Israel war.
Speaking on the occasion, Acting Consul General Mohammad Hussain said that the support of Pakistanis in the the war is deeply appreciated and the Iranian people will remember it for the rest of their lives. He said that Pakistan has fulfilled its right to be a Muslim brotherhood, which is why the Iranian parliament also echoed with slogans of gratitude to Pakistan.
On this occasion, Salahuddin and Abdul Rehman Rana said that Iran won the war by making historic sacrifices in the war, and the Iranian nation deserves congratulations for this. They pay tribute to the sacrifices of the Iranian martyrs. They said that Iran had the right of self-defense after the action of the Israeli forces. The delegation also recorded their impressions at the consulate.

Kamal inaugurates big catch-up round-III campaign

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 30 (APP):Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal on Monday inaugurated the third phase of the big catch-up round campaign at the Basic Health Unit (BHU) Golra Sharif.
The immunization drive aims to reach children who missed routine vaccinations and protect them against 12 life-threatening vaccine-preventable diseases.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Minister Kamal emphasized the urgent need to scale up preventive healthcare efforts across Pakistan.
 “The Big Catch-Up Round is not just an immunization activity, it is our national resolve to protect our children. During this intensive campaign, a robust vaccination drive will be carried out across the country,” he said.
Highlighting the broader challenges in the healthcare system, the Minister remarked, “Hospitals like PIMS were not built to serve the thousands of patients they now receive daily.”
Pakistan’s population is growing at an alarming rate of 3.6%, the highest in the world. Every year, our population increases by the size of another country.
He said this pressure has overwhelmed our healthcare and education systems as many children are out of school due to this population surge.
Minister Kamal drew attention to systemic issues that impact public health. “Nearly 68% of illnesses in Pakistan stem from drinking contaminated water.”
From the peaks of Gilgit to the shores of Karachi, untreated sewage is contaminating our water supplies.
He said that unfortunately, the concept of treating sewage before disposal is almost non-existent.
He highlighted the current focus on treatment rather than prevention. “My foremost goal is to prevent illness before it begins,” the minister asserted.
“40% of Pakistani children are malnourished, their growth stunted due to nutritional deficiencies. Moreover, in 2025 alone, Pakistan has reported 13 confirmed polio cases, with environmental samples testing positive in nearly every district.”
Despite this, he acknowledged the progress made. “Thanks to rigorous polio campaigns, case numbers remain low. We must remember that while cancer has a treatment, polio does not.”
WHO Representative to Pakistan, Dr. Dapeng Luo in his remarks highlighted the impact of the Expanded Programme on Immunization saying “As we speak, every 10 seconds vaccination saves a live.”
Since the Foundation of Pakistan Expanded Programme on Immunization in 1978 in partnership with WHO, vaccines have saved and protected millions of lives in Pakistan.
He said like in the two previous Big Catch-Up rounds, WHO will continue to provide technical guidance and resources, and to mobilize vaccinators.
“Today we are also distributing motorbikes, generously donated by Gavi, to EPI vaccinators to reach the most vulnerable.”
The Big Catch-Up Round III represents a significant step forward in strengthening Pakistan’s immunization system and protecting its most vulnerable populations.

ITP facilitation vans to serve citizens at 14 key locations this week

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 30 (APP):The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) on Monday released the weekly schedule for its Facilitation Vans, which will remain available at 14 key points across the federal capital from June 30 to July 6 to provide on-the-spot traffic facilitation services to the public.
Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Captain (R) Syed Zeeshan Haider told APP on Monday that the ITP is committed to ensuring that all traffic-related facilities are made easily accessible to citizens without requiring them to visit police offices.
ITP facilitation vans to serve citizens at 14 key locations this week
“We are determined to bring traffic-related facilities directly to the doorsteps of citizens and reduce their inconvenience,” the CTO said.
An official said two Facilitation Vans (GAC-656 and GAG-709) will be deployed at designated locations including G-15 Social Security Office, Naval Complex E-8, DC Office G-11/4, F-8 near Post Office, G-8 ICCI, Khanna Pul, Rawal Town Union Council, and major commercial centres such as I-8, G-9, F-10, and E-11 Markaz.
He said the vans will operate daily from 08:30 AM to 03:30 PM (except Saturday when the service ends at 02:30 PM), and provide services such as driving license issuance, learner permits, traffic guidance, and complaint registration.
He said the initiative is supervised by ASI Muhammad Younas, who can be contacted at 0317-1528717. Citizens can also reach out via the ITP helpline at 1915 or 051-9260072 for further information.
CTO Zeeshan said the ITP Facilitation Vans represent a citizen-centric approach, enhancing public access to services and reaffirming the department’s commitment to outreach and convenience.

Pakistan welcomes Court of Arbitration’s Supplemental Award in Indus Waters Treaty Dispute

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MOFA
ISLAMABAD, Jun 30 (APP):Pakistan on Monday welcomed the Supplemental Award issued by the Court of Arbitration on June 27th, 2025, in connection with the long-standing dispute between Pakistan and India over the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects.
In its ruling, the Court affirmed its continued jurisdiction over the matter, reaffirming its mandate to proceed with the arbitration in a “timely, efficient, and fair manner”, a Foreign Office press release said.
The Supplemental Award comes in response to India’s recent unilateral announcement to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, a move Islamabad has strongly denounced as illegal and without precedent.
In the statement, the Foreign Office hailed the ruling as a clear vindication of its position that the Indus Waters Treaty remains fully valid and operational. “The Award vindicates Pakistan’s stance that India has no authority to unilaterally suspend or alter the treaty,” the statement said, emphasizing the Treaty’s status as a binding international agreement brokered by the World Bank in 1960.
Islamabad further urged New Delhi to “immediately resume the normal functioning of the Indus Waters Treaty and fulfill its treaty obligations, wholly and faithfully.”

Kashmir Committee Chairman elevated to federal minister rank

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 30 (APP):Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon, Chairman of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir and Member of the National Assembly, has been accorded the status of Federal Minister.
A formal notification to this effect has been issued by the Cabinet Secretariat and received by the National Assembly Secretariat.
According to the notification, Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon, in his capacity as Chairman of the Kashmir Committee, has officially been accorded the status of a Federal Minister. The National Assembly Secretariat is currently undertaking all necessary formal procedures in this connection.
It is pertinent to mention that Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon, as Chairman of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir, has consistently raised a strong voice in support of the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
Conferring him the status of a Federal Minister is a commendable step that acknowledges his significant contributions toward the resolution of the Kashmir issue. This step will further strengthen parliamentary efforts on this critical international issue.

Parliament is heart of democracy, true source of state power: CM

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LAHORE, Jun 30 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has emphasized the pivotal role of the parliamentary system in democratic governance, calling it the “heart of democracy and the true source of power in the state.”
In her message on International Day of Parliamentarism, the CM said that a parliament is not merely a law-making body, but a dignified institution that embodies the collective intellect, aspirations, and direction of a nation. “It shapes not only legislation, but also the nation’s consciousness, wisdom, and its path forward,” the CM added.
The CM paid glowing tribute to democratic institutions, extending her salutations to all elected assemblies, especially the Punjab Assembly, for their vital role in upholding and strengthening democracy. She particularly lauded the Punjab Assembly for setting exemplary standards in reinforcing the constitutional supremacy and contributing to the unity of the Federation of Pakistan. “The Punjab Assembly has consistently played a vital role in upholding constitutional values and projecting the strength of the Federation. It stands as a beacon of democratic maturity,” she added.
CM Maryam Nawaz said that steps are being taken to align the Punjab Assembly with modern democratic requirements. “We are transforming our democratic institutions to meet contemporary needs and challenges,” she said.
The CM stated, “We will continue to uphold and nurture parliamentary traditions in light of the democratic vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.”

FNU delegation calls on Haroon Akhtar to promote cooperation in agriculture sector

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 30 (APP): A four-member delegation from Fiji National University (FNU) called on the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan on Monday.

During the meeting, discussions were held on a wide range of topics, including the agriculture sector, sugarcane yield, climate change, and foreign investment opportunities, said a press release issued here.

The visit aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation and learn from Pakistan’s advanced agricultural practices. The delegation is visiting Pakistan from June 30 to July 4, 2025, with a particular interest in modern techniques such as water-efficient irrigation, smart farming, drone and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, and dairy farming.

Speaking on the occasion, Haroon Akhtar Khan said that Pakistan is blessed with abundant natural resources and offers immense potential for investment, particularly in agriculture and allied sectors. “Despite challenges like climate change, the people of Pakistan remain resilient and hardworking,” he noted.

He further emphasized that under the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan has embarked on a path of sustainable economic growth. He highlighted key government initiatives such as the Electric Vehicle Policy, the Industrial Policy, and the revival of the tourism sector as transformative steps toward national progress.

The SAPM also stated that there is great scope to enhance agricultural trade between Pakistan and Fiji, stressing the importance of long-term collaboration.

The delegation praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership and vision for Pakistan’s development.

As a gesture of goodwill, SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan and the FNU delegation exchanged commemorative souvenirs at the conclusion of the meeting.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting with regard to promotion of tourism in the country.

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APP29-300625 ISLAMABAD: June 30 - Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting with regard to promotion of tourism in the country. APP/TZD
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting with regard to promotion of tourism in the country.
APP29-300625
ISLAMABAD: June 30 – 

A delegation of Fiji National University presented souvenir to the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan.

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APP30-300625 ISLAMABAD: June 30 - A delegation of Fiji National University presented souvenir to the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan.
A delegation of Fiji National University presented souvenir to the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan.
APP30-300625
ISLAMABAD: June 30 –

A young volunteer serves chilled drinks to motorcyclist and passersby on the roadside in memory of the martyrs of Karbala.

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APP31-300625 SIALKOT: June 30 – A young volunteer serves chilled drinks to motorcyclist and passersby on the roadside in memory of the martyrs of Karbala.
A young volunteer serves chilled drinks to motorcyclist and passersby on the roadside in memory of the martyrs of Karbala.
APP31-300625
SIALKOT: June 30 –A young volunteer serves chilled drinks to motorcyclist and passersby on the roadside in memory of the martyrs of Karbala.

APP32-300625
SIALKOT: June 30 – A young volunteer serves chilled drinks to motorcyclist and passersby on the roadside in memory of the martyrs of Karbala. APP/MUT/TZD/SSH