Veteran bureaucrat Khawaja Ejaz Sarwar passes away

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RAWALPINDI, Apr 05 (APP):The Rawalpindi district police, under the directives of City Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi Syed Khalid Hamdani, organized a walk in the Gujar Khan Circle area to sensitize the masses regarding the hazards and prevention of drugs here on Saturday.

A large number of traders, students, citizens and police officers participated in the awareness walks.

The walks aimed to provide awareness to the citizens about the harms of narcotics and its prevention.

Special awareness pamphlets were also distributed during the walks and awareness banners were also displayed at different points.

Police Officers also delivered lectures in Masajids and different educational institutions and said it was not the sole responsibility of any law enforcement agency, rather it was the collective responsibility of all citizens to play their role in creating awareness among the masses against drugs, the police spokesman said.

Seven motorcyclists arrested for one-wheeling

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PESHAWAR, Apr 05 (APP):Launching a crackdown, City Traffic Police Peshawar here Saturday arrested seven motorcyclists for one-wheeling on Northern Bypass.

City police has also impounded motorcycles and sought written guarantee from parents of motorcyclists.

Chief Traffic Officer, Haroon Rashid Khan has also warned parents and bikers strict action and said that the one-wheeling has claimed lives in past and city police is vigilant to prevent youngsters from indulging in this useless practice.

He said that police is endeavoring to improve traffic system in the city and to protect lives of innocents.

Sultans batters hold top three fastest PSL century records

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MULTAN, Apr 05 (APP):The fast and furious style of batting in Twenty20 cricket not only enchants fans but also enables batters to achieve astonishing feats. Who could forget the swashbuckling 36-ball century by Usman Khan for Multan Sultans against Quetta Gladiators in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2023.

Just like many other traditions of Multan, aggressive batting has become a trademark of the Multan Sultans franchise.

Incidentally, the top three fastest centuries in PSL history have been scored by batters from this popular franchise. Rilee Rossouw hammered a 43-ball hundred against Quetta at the Sultans’ home ground in Multan in 2020. He then bettered that feat by two deliveries against Peshawar Zalmi in Rawalpindi during the 2023 edition. But Usman Khan needed only 24 hours to eclipse that record, scoring a breathtaking 36-ball century – also against Quetta at the same venue.

To meet the demands of high-impact, modern T20 cricket, Multan Sultans have employed specialised power-hitting coaches. England’s renowned Julian Wood previously trained their batters, while Yahya Khan currently oversees the development of modern power-hitting techniques.

Data revealed that Multan Sultans batters were particularly ruthless against anything back of a length, amassing 1,466 runs off spinners delivering that length. Pacers have also been punished, conceding 1,447 runs off back-of-length balls and 1,941 off short deliveries.

In addition to Rossouw and Usman Khan (discovered by Multan Sultans), other notable players to have represented the franchise with distinction include Australian dasher Tim David, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Kumar Sangakkara, Sohaib Maqsood, Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed.

MD NPF Rizvi inspects D-One site, orders fast-track development

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 05 (APP):Managing Director National Police Foundation (NPF), Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, visited the D-One Society site on Saturday to inspect ongoing development activities.

An official told APP that the MD Rizvi was briefed by the NPF Directors and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) about the current progress and future plans for the project.

MD Rizvi directed concerned officials to accelerate the pace of development work, ensuring timely completion for the benefit of all stakeholders.

“National Police Foundation is a welfare institution for the Pakistan Police,” said Rizvi, adding that the organization also plays a vital role in serving the needs of ordinary citizens.

MD Rizvi said the foundation’s real estate projects are designed to benefit a wide range of people, including both police officers and the general public.

MD Rizvi highlighted key ongoing projects, including “NPF Hamara Ghar” in Hyderabad, “NPF D-One” in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, “NPF Sagho Agro Farms” in Rawalpindi, and “NPF Al-Raheem Residencia” in Lahore, which offer unique booking and investment opportunities.

Police officers and citizens can benefit from these initiatives by visiting the official website of the National Police Foundation, he added.

Pakistan, Belarus ink energy & transport agreements

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 5 (APP):Pakistan and Belarus signed multiple cooperation agreements on energy, transport, and communications during a high-level delegation visit to Belarus this week.

Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, and Belarusian Energy Minister Denis Moroz inked the memoranda of understanding (MOUs) on the final day of talks. The agreements cover joint projects in energy infrastructure, industrial collaboration, and postal services, with plans to formalize terms during the PM’s upcoming visit, said a press release issued here.

“This visit has laid the groundwork for practical partnerships,” said Khan, who also met Belarus’ transport and communications ministers. He noted that both sides aim to convert past discussions into “measurable progress,” particularly in transport networks and energy solutions.

Denis Moroz expressed his best wishes for Pakistani delegation, stating that Belarus is committed to ensuring greater collaboration with Pakistan across various sectors and assured that tangible progress will be seen in the near future.

The Pakistani delegation, which included the State Bank’s deputy governor and senior officials from communications, economic affairs, and commerce ministries, held talks on expanding trade and investment. Details of the PM’s visit were finalized during the trip, which precedes a planned November 2024 visit by Belarus’ president to Pakistan.

Khan described the agreements as a “foundation for long-term ties,” stressing the need for “urgent action” on transport corridors to enhance regional connectivity.

Envoy interacts with Pakistani media in France

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NNPS Desk

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PARIS, Apr 05 (APP):Pakistan’s ambassador to France Mumtaz Zahra Baloch interacted with the representatives of Pakistani media based in Paris at the embassy of Pakistan.

A wide range of discussion followed encompassing Pakistan-France relations and issues relating to Pakistani community in France.

The ambassador appreciated their role in promoting Pakistan’s perspective and culture in the French society and expressed full commitment of the embassy of Pakistan in facilitating the Pakistani community in France.

PFA cracks down on adulterated food, imposes Rs. 190,000 fine

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MULTAN, Apr 05 (APP):The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has intensified its crackdown on adulterated and unsafe food products across key areas of Multan, including Pul Muzaffarabad, Bahawalpur Road, Chungi No. 5, Tatypur, and Makhdoom Rasheed.

As part of its ongoing operations to ensure food safety and protect public health, PFA’s food safety teams conducted inspections at juice production units, milk shops, sweet shops, and bakeries to assess compliance with hygiene and safety standards.

During the enforcement drive, 200 litres of adulterated food items were seized and safely discarded. Violations of food safety regulations resulted in fines amounting to Rs. 190,000 against six food business operators.

A juice production unit on Bahawalpur Road was fined Rs. 50,000 for manufacturing substandard mango-flavoured drinks, while a milk shop at Chungi No. 5 faced a Rs. 15,000 penalty for water adulteration. Two bakeries in Tatypur and Makhdoom Rasheed were collectively fined Rs. 80,000 for using unhygienic and prohibited ingredients in their products.

Additionally, a sweet shop near Pul Muzaffarabad was penalised Rs. 20,000 for using open spices and the banned substance monosodium glutamate (commonly known as China salt) in food preparation.

PFA Director General Muhammad Asim Javed stated that strict action was taken against all vendors found guilty of producing or selling substandard and harmful food. He reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to protecting public health and warned that legal action would continue without compromise against violators of food safety laws.

CM orders fast-track establishment of 13 new Sahulat Bazaars across Punjab

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LAHORE, Apr 05 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the authorities concerned to expedite the establishment of 13 new Sahulat Bazaars across the province, with a firm deadline for completion set for August 13.

Chairing a meeting on Saturday, the chief minister instructed the launch of new markets in Nowshehra Virkan, Burewala, Kabirwala, Sangla, and Jalalpur. She also called for expansion of existing facilities in Bahawalpur, Attock, and Murree.

Stressing the need for swift action, she directed the district administrations to immediately allocate land and prepare comprehensive plans for the bazaars’ establishment. Highlighting sustainability, she added, “Shifting to solar energy will reduce electricity costs by 70pc, and these savings must directly benefit the people.”

A pilot project for solar conversion has already been successfully completed at the Sahulat Bazaar in Township, Lahore. Following its success, the chief minister approved the release of over Rs 690 million to support the transition of other bazaars across Punjab to solar power.

She also ordered for immediate removal of any bureaucratic hurdles delaying the setup of markets in Jhelum, Muzaffargarh, and Narowal, and ordered for swift identification and allocation of land for markets in Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalnagar, Attock, and Murree.

“The primary goal of these Sahulat Bazaars is to provide affordable food to underprivileged communities,” she said. “In line with the vision of PML-N Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, we are committed to eliminating inflation and ensuring access to essential goods for all,” she added.

A view of an excavator and tractor cleaning local water canal to improve agricultural water supply

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APP09-050425 MULTAN: April 05 - A view of an excavator and tractor cleaning local water canal to improve agricultural water supply. APP/QSM/FHA

Family enjoy boat ridding at Indus River

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APP10-050425 HYDERABAD: April 05 – Family enjoy boat ridding at Indus River. APP/AKS/FHA

Shepherds guarding a herd of cows heading towards a grazing field

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APP08-050425 MULTAN: April 05 - Shepherds guarding a herd of cows heading towards a grazing field. APP/QSM/FHA

Smoke rises from Margalla Hills due to a forest fire in the Federal Capital, triggering environmental concerns and emergency response efforts

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APP01-050425 ISLAMABAD: April 05 – Smoke rises from Margalla Hills due to a forest fire in the Federal Capital, triggering environmental concerns and emergency response efforts. APP/SAK/FHA

Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal talking to media persons during his visit to the Central Drugs Laboratory

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APP15-050425 KARACHI: April 05 – Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal talking to media persons during his visit to the Central Drugs Laboratory. APP/SDQ/FHA

Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal chairing a meeting during his visit to Central Drugs Laboratory

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APP14-050425 KARACHI: April 05 – Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal chairing a meeting during his visit to Central Drugs Laboratory. APP/SDQ/FHA

Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Barrister Danyal Chaudhry addressing a press conference at PTV Headquarters

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APP06-050425 ISLAMABAD: April 05 - Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Barrister Danyal Chaudhry addressing a press conference at PTV Headquarters. APP/SMR/FHA

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Mr. Mohammad Aurangzeb addressing a press conference at PTV Headquarters

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APP04-050425 ISLAMABAD: April 05 - Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Mr. Mohammad Aurangzeb addressing a press conference at PTV Headquarters. APP/SMR/FHA

4 tourists die in Shangla road mishap: Police

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PESHAWAR, Apr 05 (APP):At least four tourists died and one injured when a Swat-bound car plunged into a ravine in the Matta Aghwan area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Shangla district on Saturday.

Police and Rescue 1122 spokesperson Rasool Khan Sharif told APP that the tourists were travelling to Swat from Shangla through the Bisham-Swat road and met with the accident in the Matta Aghwan area.

They said that four tourists died on the spot and one person was injured in the accident.

Police and Rescue teams reached the spot and retrieved the dead bodies. The injured was shifted to the Alpuri district headquarters hospital Shangla.

The deceased were identified as Hassan Khan, Jawad Khan, Mohammad Umair and Hamad Khan and injured Dilawar Khan. Overspoeding was stated to be caused of the accident.

Bilawal pays tribute to martyrs of Democracy

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LARKANA, Apr 05 (APP):Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari arrived at the mausoleum of the Martyrs of Democracy, ancestors Bhutto Family Graveyard in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on Saturday.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari visited the mausoleum of the Leader of the People, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He recited Fatiha (prayers) at the mausoleum of the Daughter of the East, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari laid flowers at the mausoleums of Shaheed Mir Murtaza Bhutto and Shaheed Mir Shah Nawaz Bhutto.

He also visited the mausoleums of the Mother of Democracy, Begum Nusrat Bhutto, and Begum Ameer Bhutto.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Martyrs of Democracy.

Gold prices decrease by Rs.5,500 to Rs320,000 per tola

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