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Seven seminary children hospitalised over food poisoning

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LODHRAN, Jul 22 (APP):At least seven children were rushed to hospital after reportedly falling ill due to suspected food poisoning at a local madrassa in Gangay Wala.
According to rescue officials, the incident took place at a seminary where an elderly man allegedly brought chickpeas for the students. Shortly after eating the food, the condition of children deteriorated.
Rescue 1122 teams responded swiftly to the emergency call, arriving at the scene. Immediate first aid was provided before all seven affected children were shifted to DHQ hospital for treatment.
One of the children, identified as Ayan S/o Ramzan (12 years old), was reported to be semi-conscious upon the arrival of rescue personnel. The others were suffering from continuous vomiting.
The victims were identified as Usman (8), s/o Zubair, Arshad (12), s/o Fiaz, Bilawal (9), s/o Atique, Faraz (8) s/o Abdul Ghafar, Hamza (15), s/o Abrar, Samiullah s/o Akmal and Ayan (12), s/o Ramzan.

Standing committee reviews amendments to strengthen workplace harassment Laws for women

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QUETTA, Jul 22 (APP):The Standing Committee of the Balochistan Assembly on Women Development convened an important session to examine proposed amendments to existing workplace harassment laws. The amendment was amid to reinforce protection and ensure safe work environments for women across the province.
The committee meeting chaired by Chairman Fazal Qadir Mandokhail, was attended by MPAs including Deputy Speaker Ghazala Gola, Raheela Hameed Durrani, Rubaba Khan Buledi, Shahida Rauf, Safia Bibi, and Meena Majeed Baloch.
Senior officials in attendance included Assembly Secretary Tahir Shah Kakar, Women Development Secretary Saira Atta, and Special Secretary Abdul Rehman.
The focus of the session centered on the Draft Amendment Bill 2025, which seeks to fortify legal frameworks that ensure equality, respect, and protection for women in professional settings.
Committee members shared strategic recommendations on key clauses, emphasizing the need for robust institutional support.
A major proposal involved revising the procedure for appointing support staff in the Ombudsperson’s office, aimed at enhancing its self-sufficiency and operational capacity. Lawmakers also called for structural reforms to empower the Ombudsperson and ensure timely and just handling of harassment complaints.
“The amendment’s intent is not only to shield women from harassment but to promote a culture of fairness, dignity, and inclusivity across all workplaces,” the committee emphasized.
The proposed legislation is being hailed as a milestone in advancing women’s rights in Balochistan, reinforcing the provincial government’s pledge to build a more inclusive and supportive work environment for women, it added.

DC visits Muhafiz Khana, Land Record Centre

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Sargodha, Jul 22 (APP):Deputy Commissioner Capt (R) Muhammad Wasim on Tuesday visited the Muhafiz Khana and Land Record Centre and reviewed the administrative,  security, and public service of both institutions.
The Deputy Commissioner inspected the building’s interior and exterior, record rooms, fire safety measures, and electrical systems. He directed the staff to ensure the safekeeping and digitization of records, as well as backup arrangements to protect records in case of emergencies.
The DC met citizens and gathered information about the challenges they face in obtaining land-related documents. He directed the staff to provide courteous service, reduce waiting times, and offer complete guidance to citizens.
Muhammad Waseem checked the availability of basic facilities, including drinking water, seating arrangements, air conditioning, and guidance staff. He emphasized that providing facilities to the public was top priority and any negligence or laxity in this regard would not be tolerated.

CM stresses equal importance of mental and physical health

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LAHORE, Jul 22 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that the Punjab government is striving to the utmost for prevention, treatment and  imparting awareness about mental ailments.
In her message on World Brain Day, she said that a healthy mind is essential for positive thinking and constructive decision-making.
Highlighting the significance of the occasion, the CM remarked, “The human brain is an unparalleled creation of the Almighty, a marvel of complexity and capability. World Brain Day reminds us of the critical importance of recognizing, understanding, and addressing mental health challenges.”
She added that neglecting mental health is akin to disregarding life itself. Individuals suffering from mental health conditions not only endure personal pain but also face societal indifference and stigma.
Underscoring the need for a shift in perspective, she stressed, “It is imperative that we treat mental health with the same seriousness and care as physical health. Only then can we build a society that is truly healthy, inclusive, and compassionate.”
CM Maryam Nawaz said that the government is committed to improving mental healthcare facilities and promoting a culture of empathy, understanding, and psychological well-being across Punjab.

Governor thanks UAE Ambassador for issuance of five-year visa policy for Pakistanis

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KARACHI, Jul 22 (APP): Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori expressed gratitude to the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi, for the introduction of a five-year visa policy for Pakistani citizens.
He stated that Pakistan and the UAE share decades-long relations that have grown stronger over time.
Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori made these remarks during a meeting with the UAE Ambassador at the Governor House Karachi.
The Consul General of the UAE, Bakheet Ateeq Al-Remeithi, was also present on the occasion. During the meeting, both sides held detailed discussions on bilateral relations, trade, investment, and matters of mutual interest.
Tessori said that Pakistan, particularly the province of Sindh, is keen to further enhance its trade and economic ties with the United Arab Emirates.
Ambassador Hamad Obaid Al-Zaabi congratulated Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori and his family on the successful performance of Hajj and acknowledged the Governor Sindh’s significant role in the implementation of the five-year visa policy. He emphasized that the United Arab Emirates envisions Pakistan as a growing economic and defense power in the region.
Consul General Bakheet Ateeq Al-Remeithi also appreciated the support of Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori and noted that over the past two months, a large number of Pakistanis have been traveling to the UAE, where they are being provided with maximum facilities and assistance.

ICC launches plantation campaign to keep the city clean

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 22 (APP): Islamabad Citizens Committee (ICC) has launched a planation campaign to facilitate providing good living conditions to the citizens of Islamabad, including clean, neat and pollution free environment for their healthy growth.
The campaign will continue till this week. “Our first plantation project was undertaken at Sukh Chain Park in G10/2, Islamabad, said Syed M Siddiq Hasan, President ICC in a statement issued here on Tuesday.
As per the statement, the plants were contributed by Col (R) Syed Zafar Uddin Ahmad, Chairman & CEO of Sigma Motors Ltd, Islamabad.
The startup campaign was attended by the Chairman & CEO of Sigma Motors Ltd, President, Vice President, Gen Secretary and members of Executive Committee of ICC.
All the participants planted one sapling each followed by general plantation carried out by gardeners of the park.
The, ”Rooh i Rawan” of this park, Mr Nadeem had made necessary arrangements for planting these saplings under his personal supervision.
It was a simple but an impressive ceremony. The participants were subsequently entertained to a sumptuous hi-tea arranged by M. Ashraf Malik, Gen Secretary, ICC at his residence.
The ceremony ended with a note of thanks by the President, ICC to all the participants, specially, Col (R) Zafar, Nadeem and Ashraf Malik.
Insha Allah, soon we will be proceeding ahead with this campaign and our next target is plantation in the Model Schools of Islamabad.
The ICC’s Sub Committee on Plantation Campaign will be updating its future course of action in the forthcoming meeting of Executive Committee due on 23rd July, the statement added.

Students’ record correction system digitized

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BISE Rawalpindi
RAWALPINDI, Jul 22 (APP):The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Rawalpindi has introduced a fully online system for correcting student records including names, father’s names, dates of birth, and other key details.
The initiative, aligned with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision and guided by Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, aims to digitize the education system and enhance student convenience, said a press release issued on Tuesday.
The new system allows students to submit rectification applications online, promoting transparency, efficiency, and accessibility. “We are striving to make Rawalpindi Board a model institution that combines transparency, speed, and technology,” said Chairman Khan. The board has also digitized verification processes and NOCs, enabling students to access services from home with ease.
“The initiative eliminates the need for intermediaries, saving students time, money, and resources while ensuring trust and confidentiality”, said Chairman BISE Rawalpindi, Muhammad Adnan Khan

RPO visits safe city project

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Sargodha, Jul 22 (APP):Regional Police Officer (RPO) Muhammad Shahzad Asif Khan on Tuesday visited the Safe City Sargodha project and reviewed the ongoing construction work.
Deputy Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Suhaib Ashraf was also present during the visit. The SP Operations Safe City Sargodha briefed the RPO on the project’s progress, stating that the installation of CCTV cameras and software has been completed.
The RPO stated that the Safe City Sargodha project is in its final stages and will soon be operational, enhancing crime prevention, traffic management, and city surveillance.
The RPO directed the relevant officers to complete all tasks within the specified timeframe.

Bannu celebrates Pakistan’s historic win in under-16  Volleyball championship

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PESHAWAR, Jul 22 (APP):The District Sports Association expressed immense joy over Pakistan’s thrilling victory against Iran in the Under-16 Volleyball Championship held in Thailand.
The players from Bannu played a pivotal role in the team’s success, earning praise from officials and locals alike.
A special ceremony was held to honor the young athletes, attended by players, officials of the Bannu Sports Association, and proud parents. The father of volleyball player Junaid spoke at the event, saying, “Bannu’s soil nurtures talented youth who bring glory to the nation.” He highlighted that despite limited resources, athletes from the region have excelled not only in volleyball but also in hockey and cricket.
He dedicated the victory to Pakistan’s security forces and victims of terrorism, acknowledging their sacrifices for the country’s peace. “Given the right opportunities, our youth can compete with the best in the world,” he added.
The triumphant players were given a hero’s welcome upon their return to Bannu. The city erupted in celebration, with drum beats, garlands, and cheers filling the streets. The historic win has reignited pride in local sports and renewed calls for better facilities to nurture young talent.

Pakistan’s young golfers shine at ISF World School Golf C’ship in Morocco

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 22 (APP): Pakistan’s Ace Junior Golf League (AJGL) concluded its historic debut at the inaugural ISF World School Golf Championship 2025, held at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat, Morocco, with a commendable performance by nine young ambassadors who showcased resilience, skill and sportsmanship on the international stage.
The championship, held from July 16 to 20, brought together over 200 junior golfers from 17 nations. Pakistan’s team faced stiff competition, challenging course conditions, and an elite field of players, yet emerged as a symbol of promise and growth in junior golf.
The championship course tested every aspect of the game with green speed 11, thick roughs and a professional tournament yardage stretching over 6,454 yards. Despite the demanding layout, Pakistani golfers demonstrated poise and perseverance.
In the Girls Under 18 division, Shazmina Fatima Khan (Islamabad, RGC, 17) secured 8th position with scores of 95-98-88-98, finishing at 379 strokes. Zarnima Mariam Khan (Islamabad, RGC, 17) scored 95-96-90-86, ending 10th with 377 strokes, while Khaeeesha Nafees (Lahore, LGGC, 17) tallied 90-104-105-113, placing 13th with 421 strokes.
In the Boys Under 18 division, Zoay Qureshi-Ur-Rehman (RBCC, 13) stood out with scores of 96-91-88-96 to finish 8th at 371 strokes. Mohsin Mohoy Ud Din (Lahore, LGGC, 13) scored 95-105-103-112 to place 12th with 415 strokes. Muhammad Wajahat Anwer (Lahore, RGCC, 16) posted consistent rounds of 91-94-92-94, also finishing 12th with 371 strokes.
In the Boys Under 15 division, Muhammad Musa Khan (Islamabad, RGC, 13) played impressively with rounds of 89-90-87-91, placing 11th with 357 strokes. Hamza Moeed Yousuf (Lahore, LGGC, 13) scored 89-96-93-91, ending 14th with 369 strokes, while Fazeel Ahmad (Lahore, LGGC, 13) posted 97-94-91-103 to finish 18th with 385 strokes.
As a team, Pakistan placed 6th with a total of 1,098 strokes. Morocco claimed the top spot with 854 strokes, followed by Thailand (868), and Chinese Taipei (874).
The championship wasn’t just a sporting event but also a cultural experience featuring Nations’ Night, heritage exhibitions, and ISF Academy workshops focused on anti-doping and injury prevention, creating a holistic environment for young athletes.
AJGL’s international debut is credited to the tireless efforts of Dr. Asma Shami, Chairperson, and Munazza Shaheen, Head of Delegation, whose commitment and leadership played a pivotal role in preparing the young team through a structured development framework.
Tournament Director Mounya Amalou, a former LET Tour player, praised the Pakistani contingent for their discipline, etiquette, and inspiring attitude on and off the course.
Gen. Hilal, Patron-in-Chief of AJGL, appreciated Dr. Shami and Shaheen’s leadership, acknowledging their role in enabling junior golfers to represent Pakistan with pride at a global platform.
Bangladesh’s delegate, Mr. Farid, lauded the camaraderie between Pakistani and Bangladeshi golfers, expressing hope for future joint regional tournaments.
In her remarks, Dr. Asma Shami said, “I am overwhelmed by the success and the large participation of junior golfers. It’s a humble effort contributing towards Pakistan’s golf development. I am grateful to all who supported our dream.”
Ahsan Umar, Executive Director, PSF/ISF Championship, added, “We aim to hold more international events with AJGL in future. I appreciate Dr. Shami and Munazza Shaheen for making our first ISF World School Golf Championship a success.”