ISLAMABAD: August 18 –
Students on the way while passing through mud at Tarlai after rainfall in the Federal Capital.
ISLAMABAD: August 18 –
A vendor shuttles through Commercial Market, displaying balloons of various shapes to attract the customers.
RAWALPINDI: August 18 –
A vendor arranging and displaying seasonal fruits to attract the customers at his setup along Muree Road.
RAWALPINDI: August 18 –
Students travelling on rooftop of passenger bus at Tralai may cause any misshape and needs the attention of concerned authorities.
ISLAMABAD: August 18 –
Swimming, boating banned in DI Khan under Section-144 amid monsoon flood risk
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.