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Hearing in Sugar cartel case rescheduled on mills’ request

By
Ali Ali
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 4 (APP):The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has rescheduled the rehearing of the cartelization case against the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) and its member mills, following requests from their legal counsels.
The hearings, initially fixed for August 4–7, 2025, will now take place from September 22–25, 2025, said a release issued here on Monday.
The adjournment was sought on the grounds that over fifty mills have filed appeals against the CAT order in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, while others cited unavailability of legal representatives due to the Supreme Court’s summer recess.
While the CCP had scheduled day-to-day hearings in line with the directions of the Competition Appellate Tribunal (CAT), it has allowed a one-time postponement in the interest of fairness and to ensure due opportunity for all parties to present their case.
The Commission will not entertain further delays, and in case of non-appearance or repeated adjournment requests, ex-parte proceedings may be initiated.
The proceedings pertain to show cause notices issued in November 2020 to PSMA and its member mills for alleged cartelization and anti-competitive conduct.
Hearing notices were most recently issued on July 9, 2025, in compliance with CAT’s May 21, 2025 order, which directed the Commission to rehear the matter before a Member or Chairperson not part of the original bench.
It may be recalled that in 2021, the CCP had imposed a penalty of Rs. 44 billion on PSMA and its member mills for cartelization. The order was later set aside by the Tribunal, which held that the casting vote exercised by the then Chairperson in a 2-2 deadlock was not permissible under the Competition Act, 2010 in quasi-judicial proceedings.

Kashmiris face Israeli-Style displacement:Manzoor Dar

By
Ali Ali
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 04 (APP):Manzoor Ahmed Dar, a leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference on Monday stated that August 5, 2019, is a dark chapter in Kashmir’s history that Kashmiris will never forget and it is part of an Israeli-style plan to displace Kashmiris from their homeland.
In an exclusive interview with APP, Manzoor Ahmed Dar said that the fascist Modi government, under the Hindutva agenda, revoked the special status of occupied Kashmir through illegal and unilateral actions on August 5, 2019, which is a grave violation of United Nations resolutions.
He emphasized that India cannot change the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir through such so-called actions.
He further stated that six years have passed since these illegal Indian actions in occupied Kashmir, and India is attempting to alter the demography of the region under the guise of these actions.
India is engaged in efforts to turn the Muslim majority of Kashmir into a minority by issuing fake state subject certificates to settle Indian citizens in occupied Kashmir.
The Modi government is implementing an Israeli-style plan in Kashmir, under which Kashmiri Muslims are being displaced and their properties are being seized.                      The action of August 5, 2019, is part of this plan.                                                            The Hurriyat leader said that the Indian illegal action of August 5, 2019, is a direct attack on Kashmir’s special identity.
The extremist Modi government in India, after committing genocide against Kashmiris, is no  bent on erasing their identity.
Manzoor Ahmed Dar termed India’s actions a blatant violation of UN resolutions, stating that August 5 is a dark chapter in Kashmir’s history that Kashmiris will never forget.            Kashmiris have never accepted India’s illegal occupation, nor do they accept the undemocratic and illegal actions of August 5, 2019.                                                          He clarified that the morale of the Kashmiri people remains high, and martyrdom, arrests, and violence cannot hinder their struggle. They will not hesitate to make any sacrifice to end India’s illegal occupation and achieve the right to self-determination.                            On August 5, Kashmiris and Pakistanis will observe Youm-e-Istehsal to send a clear message to the world that they reject India’s illegal and unilateral actions of August 5, 2019,he stated.

Peshawar university faces closure as salary, pension crisis deepens; students’ futures in limbo

By
Samina Ch
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PESHAWAR, Aug 04 (APP):The University of Peshawar is facing a complete shutdown starting Monday, as faculty members have been forced to go on strike due to months of unpaid salaries and pensions.
Non-teaching staff have also been severely affected, with many households struggling to afford basic necessities. Pensioners have reportedly been left without their dues, adding to the growing unrest.
A Joint Action Committee (JAC) of university staff, including the teachers’ association, administrative officers, Class-III, IV, and sanitary workers, announced an indefinite strike through a press release.
The committee declared the shutdown of all administrative offices of the university from August 4 to 6 as the first phase of the strike, with the complete closure of all offices including the controller of examinations starting August 7 onward.
They demanded the immediate payment of July and August salaries and pensions, including the 10pc adhoc relief allowance and the 20pc disparity reduction allowance.
The committee further demanded payment of the remaining 50pc of salaries owed to Grade 17 to 22 staff.
The JAC also demanded settlement of four months’ outstanding salary dues from the 2023–24 financial year, and one month’s dues from the 2024–25 financial year.
The committee criticized the university administration for its apathy and delay in new admissions, and called on the provincial government to take immediate notice of the issue.
The situation has raised serious concerns about the future of thousands of students, whose academic progress now hangs in the balance.
Despite repeated appeals for support, the provincial government appears to have turned a blind eye. The absence of a functional provincial Higher Education Commission (HEC) has further exacerbated the crisis.
In comparison, Punjab, with a population of 130 million, has 35 public universities, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with over 40 million people, has 34.
Critics also highlight developmental imbalances, citing the establishment of a university in Swabi by the Awami National Party (ANP), despite a lack of basic infrastructure such as washrooms in some areas. The move ultimately failed to gain lasting political support from the local population.
Experts and civil society members are now calling for urgent intervention and structural reforms to prevent educational institutions from becoming casualties of political neglect.

Commissioner directs for transfer of garbage daily

By
Samina Ch
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0
RAWALPINDI, Aug 04 (APP):Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Engineer Aamir Khattak on Monday directed officials of the Rawalpindi Waste Management Company(RWMC) to remove garbage from the transfer station daily.
During a visit to Liaquat Bagh Transfer Station to inspect cleanliness arrangements, he instructed to elevate the station boundary walls and take other measures to prevent pollution.
The commissioner said that the success of the “Suthra Punjab” drive depends on ensuring 100 per cent cleanliness at the village level.
The drive was not just a cleaning campaign but a vision and a change in the lifestyle which all have to adopt.
The Commissioner further directed that the village committees notified by all the Deputy Commissioners should be activated immediately so that effective monitoring of cleanliness and other activities could be made possible.
He gave a clear directive that the scope of the cleaning campaign should not only be restricted to the urban areas but also to the rural areas.
At the same time, the officers were instructed to launch an awareness campaign among the public so that the citizens could join this program.
CEO RWMC Rana Sajid Safdar, Senior Manager Operations Dr. Hamid Iqbal and AC City Iman Zafar were also present and gave a briefing about cleanliness and garbage transfer to the commissioner.

District  khyber honors martyrs on Police Martyrs’ Day

By
Samina Ch
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PESHAWAR, Aug 04 (APP):A solemn and dignified ceremony was held in District Khyber on the occasion of Police Martyrs’ Day to honor the sacrifices of fallen police personnel.The event was attended by a large number of police officers, families of the martyrs, children, and local dignitaries.
The proceedings began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a salute at the Martyrs’ Memorial and a collective prayer for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks.
Among the attendees were Rai Mazhar Iqbal, SP Investigation Ruh-ul-Amin, DSP Headquarters, circle officers, and other senior police officials. As a gesture of respect and remembrance, gifts were distributed among the children of the martyrs. Speakers at the event paid glowing tributes to the courage and selfless sacrifices of the police personnel.
In his address, DPO Rai Mazhar Iqbal said, “Khyber Police have always demonstrated unmatched courage in the fight against terrorism. Our brave officers laid down their lives on the front lines, and we take pride in the fact that Khyber has the highest number of martyrs among the merged districts.”
He added that five officers from the district were honored with the Tamgha-e-Shujaat ,underscoring the district’s legacy of valor and commitment. “Our martyrs are our pride and a guiding light in our history. Their sacrifices remind us that the protection of our homeland demands unwavering resolve. We will continue their mission and strive for lasting peace,” he affirmed.
The ceremony concluded with special prayers for the martyrs and a renewed pledge by the Khyber Police to uphold their duty in ensuring public safety and peace.

President of Uzbekistan to pay a working visit to Turkmenistan

By
NNPS Desk
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TASHKENT, Aug 04 (UzA/APP) : At the invitation of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay a working visit to Turkmenistan on August 4-5 to take part in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.
The event will be held in the Avaza National Tourist Zone. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, heads of foreign states and governments, and leaders of international and regional organizations will attend it.
The Conference agenda includes pressing issues related to the development of international cooperation in enhancing transport connectivity and simplifying trade procedures, economic transformation, increasing resilience to climate change and environmental challenges, and advancing the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. The adoption of the Avaza Political Declaration and a Program of Action is expected.
During his visit to Turkmenistan, the President of Uzbekistan will also take part in an event dedicated to preparations for the Seventh Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State and will hold a series of bilateral meetings.

PM orders advance weather alert system for tourist destinations

By
Najam ul Hassan
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GILGIT, Aug 4 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday stressed that an advanced weather alert system must be established for tourist destinations based on seasonal forecasts, and local populations should be resettled away from natural water passageways to help prevent emergencies in the future.

Chairing a meeting regarding the recent floods and rehabilitation work in Gilgit Baltistan, the prime minister said that keeping climate change in view, early warning systems, preparedness for relief operations, and construction of climate-resilient infrastructure in vulnerable areas should be ensured.

NDMA and the Ministry of Climate Change should jointly establish a forecasting and monitoring center for Gilgit-Baltistan in the coming months, the prime minister said adding that a comprehensive system must be developed for immediate rescue and assistance in emergency situations.

He instructed NDMA to ensure close cooperation with provincial governments and relevant institutions to enhance rescue and relief efforts.

“All rehabilitation measures for those affected by the recent monsoon must be completed promptly,” the prime minister said emphasizing that a survey of damage to roads and infrastructure should be conducted, and communication links in all affected areas must be restored on a priority basis.

The prime minister also expressed sorrow over the loss of lives during recent rains and floods in the area.

The prime minister, highlighting Pakistan’s minimal contribution to global emissions, the prime minister stressed that despite the fact that Pakistan contributed almost zero emissions, it was among the top ten nations most affected by climate change-induced disasters. “Despite Pakistan’s near-zero emissions, we suffer huge devastation every year due to global warming,” he noted.

Appreciating the rescue operations and efforts of NDMA, PDMA, the Ministry of Communications, district administration, and rescue personnel, the prime minister directed NDMA to provide all necessary assistance to the provincial government.

The provincial administration and Chairman NDMA briefed the meeting on the losses caused by the heavy monsoon, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan, the expected weather conditions, and actions taken so far.

The Ministry of Climate Change also informed the meeting about progress on the installation of an early warning system for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF).

It was reported that on July 21 2025, heavy rainfall occurred due to cloudbursts in Thak-Babusar, Thor, Kundus, and Ishkoman areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, resulting in damage to tourists and local populations. Over 600 people were rescued, and damaged roads were repaired and reopened to restore connectivity.

Five tent villages were established for rescue operations, and 10 helicopters along with 2 C-130 aircraft were deployed to transport stranded tourists and individuals to safe locations.

The operation involved participation from the Pakistan Army, NDMA, district administration, police, GBDMA, Rescue 1122, and health workers.

The Ministry of Communications briefed on damage to roads, bridges, and infrastructure caused by rains and floods. The prime minister instructed that all damaged infrastructure be rebuilt with climate resilience in mind.

The Ministry of Climate Change also updated the meeting on the ongoing installation of the GLOF early warning system. The prime minister directed NDMA to fully cooperate with the Ministry to complete the system installation within the next two months and ordered third-party validation of the system’s deployment.

Additionally, he instructed the Minister for Water Resources to remain in Gilgit-Baltistan to complete consultations and planning for a better water management system.

Federal Ministers Engineer Amir Muqam, Abdul Aleem Khan, Attaullah Tarar, Mian Moeen Wattoo, Dr. Musadik Malik; Adviser Rana Sanaullah; PM’s Coordinator Shabbir Ahmed Usmani; Governor Gilgit-Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah; Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Gulbar Khan; Chairman NDMA Inam Haider Malik; and other senior officials and government representatives.

ANF recovers over 102 kg of drugs worth Rs 12.2 million in 8 operations

By
Samina Ch
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0
RAWALPINDI, Aug 04 (APP):The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), conducting 8 operations across the country, recovered as many as 102.22 kilograms of drugs worth more than Rs 12.2 million and arrested 10 suspects, including 3 women, said an ANF Headquarters spokesman on Monday.
He informed that 1 kg of hashish hidden in a juicer machine was recovered from an accused near the Islamabad Motorway Toll Plaza.
The accused confessed to selling drugs to students of educational institutions.
During another operation,490 grams of opium hidden in the guitar of a passenger going to Qatar were recovered at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi.
As much as 79 ice-filled capsules weighing 460 grams were recovered from the stomach of a passenger going to Jeddah at Allama Iqbal International Airport.
Similarly,20.450 kg of ice was recovered from a parcel sent to New Zealand from a courier office located near the GPO in Islamabad and 2 women were arrested.
In another action, 1.2 kg of ice was recovered from a parcel sent to New Zealand from a courier office located in Korangi, Karachi.
1 kg of ice was recovered from the bag of a woman riding a passenger bus near Zero Point Othal.
 As much as 70 kg of hashish was recovered from the secret compartment of a rickshaw on Sariab Road, Quetta, and 2 accused were arrested.
7.620 kg of hashish was recovered from a vehicle near Mansehra Toll Plaza, and 2 accused were arrested.
Cases have been registered against the arrested suspects under the Narcotics Control Act, and further investigations are underway.

One killed, two injured over land dispute

By
Samina Ch
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0
FAISALABAD, Aug 04 (APP):A scuffle between two groups left a man dead and two others critically injured at a nearby village of Mamunkanjan police station on Monday.
According to Rescue-1122, the brawl took place over a land dispute in Chak No 494-GB
where three people who were working in their fields were attacked by the rival group.
As a result, Muhammad Amin, 40, was killed while Muhammad Arshad and Noor Ahmed
suffered bullet injuries.
The rescue team sifted the body to Mamukanjan police station while the injured were shifted to the THQ hospital, Tandlianwala.

Eight OPEC+ countries to increase oil production in Sep

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ASTANA, Aug 04 (Kazinform/APP) : The eight OPEC+ countries, namely Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman met virtually on 3 August 2025, to review global market conditions and outlook, Kazinform News Agency learned from opec.org.
“In view of a steady global economic outlook and current healthy market fundamentals, as reflected in the low oil inventories, and in accordance with the decision agreed upon on 5 December 2024 to start a gradual and flexible return of the 2.2 million barrels per day voluntary adjustments starting from 1 April 2025, the eight participating countries will implement a production adjustment of 547 thousand barrels per day in September 2025 from August 2025 required production level,” a statement reads. It is noted that this is equivalent to four monthly increments.
According to the statement, “the phase-out of the additional voluntary production adjustments may be paused or reversed subject to evolving market conditions. This flexibility will allow the group to continue to support oil market stability.” “The eight OPEC+ countries also noted that this measure will enable the participating countries to accelerate their compensation.
The eight countries reiterated their collective commitment to achieve full conformity with the Declaration of Cooperation, including the additional voluntary production adjustments that were agreed to be monitored by the JMMC during its 53rd meeting held on April 3rd 2024.
They also confirmed their intention to fully compensate for any overproduced volume since January 2024. The eight OPEC+ countries will hold monthly meetings to review market conditions, conformity, and compensation. The eight countries will meet on September 7, 2025,” reads the statement.

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