DUBAI
DUBAI
A street vendor arranges festive items to attract patriotic passers-by ahead of Independence Day celebrations at a roadside stall in the federal capital
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
Monkeys quenching their thirst from rainwater accumulated on the roadside near Daman-e-Koh in the federal capital
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
Azma alleges record-breaking corruption in KPK
LAHORE, Aug 08 (APP): Punjab Minister for Information and Culture, Azma Bokhari, on Friday expressed serious concern over what she termed a surge in corruption cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), claiming that new scandals are emerging almost daily.
In a statement, she said a massive Rs. 40 billion scam in the development sector was recently followed by a Rs. 16 billion corruption case in the Education department. She further alleged that a fresh scandal in the Mineral department has surfaced, involving the awarding of gold mining contracts in five KP districts to favoured individuals at throwaway prices.
“These so-called honest leaders have a track record of corruption that starts in the billions. Their entire legacy revolves around personal gain and plunder,” she remarked, accusing PTI loyalists of treating the KP treasury as personal property.
Azma Bokhari claimed that not a single new development project has been launched in KP over the past one and a half years, while corruption “continues to break records.”
In contrast, she praised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, saying the province has completed a century of development projects under her leadership without a single corruption allegation. “Punjab’s projects are being executed to international standards,” she asserted, adding that corruption, nepotism, and incompetence do not exist in Maryam Nawaz’s dictionary.
Government buildings, public squares, and private premises illuminated with vibrant decorative lights in connection with Independence Day celebrations
BAHAWALPUR
BAHAWALPUR
Banks to open on Saturday for collecting Hajj applications: SBP
KARACHI, Aug 08 (APP): The State Bank of Pakistan Friday, announced that branches of designated banks will remain open on Saturday for the collection of Hajj applications from registered applicants of Hajj 2026.
The central bank has taken the initiative on the request of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony as August 9, 2025 is the last date for submission of Hajj applications by registered applicants of Hajj 2026, said a statement issued here by SBP.
In order to facilitate the collection of Hajj applications from registered applicants of Hajj 2026, the SBP has directed 14 designated banks to keep their concerned branches open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025 throughout the country.
Earlier, in terms of Hajj Policy, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has designated 14 banks (viz. National Bank of Pakistan, Habib Bank, United Bank, MCB Bank, Allied Bank, Bank Alfalah, Zarai Taraqiati Bank, Faysal Bank, Askari Bank, Bank Al-Habib, Habib Metropolitan Bank, Soneri Bank, Meezan Bank and Bank Islami) to collect Hajj applications from registered applicants of Hajj 2026 w.e.f. August 4, 2025 till August 9, 2025 throughout the country.
PRCS marks International Youth Day
ISLAMABAD, Aug 08 (APP): The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) on Friday marked the International Youth Day 2025 with a vibrant and engaging celebration here under the year’s global theme, “Local Youth Action for the SDGs and Beyond”.
The event brought together representatives of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), German Red Cross, Norwegian Red Cross, Turkish Red Crescent, volunteers, youth leaders, and PRCS staff to recognise and amplify the voices, actions, and contributions of youth in advancing humanitarian values and sustainable development goals across Pakistan, a PRCS news release said.
PRCS Secretary General Abaid Ullah Khan welcomed the participants and staff for joining the International Youth Day celebrations at the PRCS.
He said the day was a powerful reminder of the remarkable role young people play in shaping a more compassionate and resilient society.
PRCS Chairperson Mrs Farzhana Naek lauded the energy, innovation and resilience of the Red Crescent youth, stating: “Our young volunteers are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are leading today. Their commitment to serving communities, especially in times of crisis, continues to inspire us all.”
The event also featured a series of dynamic short video stories on climate action, mental health, usage of solar energy and a plantation drive where youth presented locally led solutions to community challenges.