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PFA discards 2,270kg diseased poultry at Tollinton Market

By
Ahmed Waheed
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LAHORE, Jul 22 (APP):The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) carried out a large-scale crackdown in the early hours of Tuesday at Tollinton Market, Lahore’s largest meat market, targeting the sale of diseased and underweight chickens.
During the operation meat safety task force discarded 2,270 kilograms of diseased and underweight chickens.
Food safety teams set up checkpoints and inspected 89,000 kilograms of meat. A total of 25 meat warehouses and suppliers were checked, and fines were imposed on three for violating the Punjab Pure Food Regulations.
PFA Director General Muhammad Asim Javaid told media that the chickens were found suffering from flu, weakness and low weight and were intended for supply to various shops within Tollinton Market. A veterinary specialist accompanying the team confirmed that the poultry was unfit for human consumption. He said that on-the-spot disposal was ensured and the entire operation was conducted under the supervision of senior PFA officials.
He said that selling or preparing meat from diseased birds is a criminal offence. He said that the PFA is carrying out strict monitoring of meat suppliers, warehouses, and poultry vendors operating in and around Tollinton Market.
He added that PFA is actively working to implement a meat handling and delivery system in line with international food safety standards. He has requested the public to report any suspicious activities related to meat supply on the PFA’s 1223 helpline.

NBF hosts awards ceremony to honor authors, writers

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Jul 22 (APP): National Book Foundation (NBF), under the Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training, organized an awards and recognition certificate ceremony at the Islamabad Club to honour the authors and writers who have contributed their works to the Foundation.

Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, was the chief guest on the occasion, said a press release issued here on Tuesday.

Guests of honour included Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State for Education and Professional Training, Farah Naz Akbar, Parliamentary Secretary and Hassan Saqlein, Additional Federal Secretary for Education and Professional Training.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said that in today’s era of electronic media, promoting a book culture and connecting people with books was both an important and challenging task.

“I am proud that this responsibility is being carried out by our Ministry through the National Book Foundation. The Foundation continues to organize literary and intellectual activities to attract people towards books. It is especially vital to bring the younger generation closer to books, for which new, modern ideas and intellectual initiatives are needed,” he said.

The minister emphasized that while the world was rapidly progressing, Pakistan must accelerate its pace of work to keep up.

“In the next thirty years, time will change in ways we cannot even imagine. Keeping pace with the modern era and remaining relevant globally is a huge challenge, one that requires the dedicated services of our writers, poets, researchers, and scientists. The National Book Foundation is fulfilling this responsibility commendably,” he added.

He said that encouraging the writers through such ceremonies was a significant step that generated new inspiration, ideas and innovations.

“Such initiatives and national-level encouragement for art and artists are essential. These authors, writers, and intellectuals are experts in their respective fields, and I congratulate them all,” he remarked, appreciating the NBF’s continued literary and academic efforts.

On this occasion, Dr. Siddiqui, along with Minister of State Wajiha Qamar, Parliamentary Secretary Farah Naz Akbar, Federal Secretary Nadeem Mehboob, and NBF Managing Director Dr. Kamran Jahangir, distributed awards and recognition certificates among the authors.

Dr. Kamran Jahangir thanked the distinguished guests and expressed special gratitude to the chief guest Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Minister of State Wajiha Qamar, and Parliamentary Secretary Farah Naz for their support and personal interest, saying that such literary activities would not be possible without their cooperation.

The event was also attended by former Managing Directors of the NBF, Dr. Inam-ul-Haq Javed and Rao Muhammad Aslam.

Among the poets and writers who received awards were Dr. Maqsood Jafri, Mehboob Zafar, Dr. Nisar Turabi, Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, Abu Ahmed Akif, General Muhammad Tahir, Kokab Khawaja, Naeem Fatima Alvi, Dr. Amjad Bhatti, Abdul Wajid Tabassum, Muhammad Arif, Muhammad Shoaib Khan, Raj Muhammad Afridi, Dr. Saleem Ullah, Professor Javed Mohsin, and several others.

Senior Joint Secretary Syed Junaid Akhlaq from the Ministry of Education and senior officials from various literary and educational institutions were also present. The proceedings were conducted commendably by Nazia Rehman.

PU awards 10 PhD degrees

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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LAHORE, Jul 22 (APP):Punjab University (PU) has awarded PhD degrees to ten scholars in various academic disciplines, marking a significant achievement in their academic and research pursuits.
According to a university spokesperson, the degrees were conferred in the fields of Biological Sciences, Islamic Studies, History, Mathematics, Sociology, and Chemistry. The scholars who completed their doctoral research include Saira Ahmad and Kokab Farooq in Biological Sciences, Abdul Ghani and Atika Aslam in Islamic Studies, Zhou Wei, Gao He, and Ma Dandan in History, Sufyan Asif in Mathematics, Javed Iqbal in Sociology, and Anila Tabassum in Chemistry.

Punjab govt unveils Rs1.2b citrus revival plan to boost production, exports

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
LAHORE, Jul 22 (APP):Punjab Minister for Agriculture & Livestock, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, chaired the third meeting of the Chief Minister Punjab Citrus Development Task Force at Agriculture House on Tuesday, where key initiatives under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision for citrus revival were reviewed.
The meeting was attended by Vice Convener Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha, Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo and other senior officials.
Minister Kirmani emphasised that citrus, especially kinnow, is Punjab’s signature fruit, but climate change, diseases, and reduced fruit quality have led to declining productivity and exports. To address this, the Punjab government has launched a comprehensive Rs. 1.2 billion Citrus Revival Programme under the Chief Minister’s Kisan Package. The programme focuses on establishing certified nurseries, introducing modern agricultural technologies, expanding exports, and supporting farmers through technical assistance.
Key initiatives include the creation of a Citrus Park, integration of citrus orchards with the Kisan Card platform, and employment of 100 interns and 100 professionals annually over three years. The government plans to bring private fruit nurseries under a legal framework and link them with diagnostic laboratories. The Bank of Punjab’s Rs. 30 million loan scheme for establishing citrus nurseries was welcomed as a boost to agribusiness.
The minister stressed the need for a robust value chain, third-party verification, and daily monitoring of institutional performance. Model citrus farms will be developed on 50 acres each in Sargodha and Toba Tek Singh, while a mobile App will be launched to support certified nursery registration and monitoring.
Efforts are also underway to strengthen the Citrus Research Institute in Sargodha and build research capacity to introduce better seed varieties and techniques. The upcoming Punjab Fruit and Vegetable Board, approved by the CM, will offer strategic planning for citrus, olives, mangoes, and off-season vegetables across 800 acres in selected districts.
Secretary Agriculture Iftikhar Ali Sahoo said high-quality, disease-free citrus plants will be available at affordable prices and public-private partnerships will help establish modern orchards and processing units in Layyah, Pattoki, and other areas.
Vice Convener Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha noted that Pakistan’s citrus exports have declined from USD 200 million to USD 130 million, highlighting the urgency of improving varieties and providing technical support to farmers. The meeting concluded with directives for clear operational planning and enhanced farmer guidance.

Sindh Governor inaugurates 2nd Healthcare Expo

By
NNPS Desk
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KARACHI, Jul 22 (APP): Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori on Tuesday inaugurated the Second Healthcare Expo.

Speaking at the inauguration, he said that the event was not merely an exhibition but the beginning of a vision. The Governor emphasized that improving the healthcare sector in Pakistan should be a top priority. He urged the healthcare experts to send their proposals to the Governor House, adding that he would personally present them to the concerned authorities in Islamabad.

He expressed the hope that in the coming years, significant improvements would be visible in the healthcare sector and that the initiatives being taken would soon yield positive results.

Tessori congratulated all participants, organizers, and partners. He noted that health was the foundation of a nation’s development and a healthy society was essential for progress in education, the economy and social stability.

He further stated that healthcare expos served as excellent platforms to highlight research, modern technology and medical facilities. These events bring together not only local but also international experts, promoting the exchange of ideas and experiences, and paving new directions for the healthcare sector, he said.

Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori added that the current government and concerned institutions were already working on reforms in the healthcare sector. I’m confident that this three-day expo will promote new thinking, effective strategies, and collective spirit, he concluded.

RDA seals marketing office of Illegal housing scheme

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
RDA
RAWALPINDI, Jul 22 (APP):In a decisive move to curb illegal development activities, the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA)enforcement squad has sealed the marketing office of the illegal housing scheme Capital Smart City Phase-III, along with an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) of a private bank located within the premises.
The action was carried out under the direction of the Director General RDA, Kinza Murtaza, targeting violations of approved Layout Plans (LOP) and unauthorized construction.
According to an RDA spokesperson, the sponsor of Capital Smart City Phase-III was involved in the illegal booking of plots located at Airport Avenue, Rawalpindi. The development proceeded without obtaining the mandatory No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from RDA and was engaged in unauthorized advertisement and illegal construction activities, in clear contravention of the Punjab Development of Cities Act 1976 and the Punjab Private Housing Schemes and Land Subdivision Rules 2021.
Despite prior notice, the sponsor failed to comply with RDA directives, prompting enforcement action.
The sealing operation was conducted by Assistant Director Planning Ali Raza, Inspectors Muhammad Tariq, Imran Hussain, in coordination with the Chontra Police Station.
For verification and updates regarding approved housing schemes, the general public is advised to contact RDA or visit the official website www.rda.gop.pk, he added.

Test to appoint head teachers

By
Ahmed Waheed
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LODHRAN, Jul 22 (APP):A test for appointing head teachers was held in the district on Tuesday. For the first time, regular teachers are being selected for headship positions through a standardized test.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Lubna Nazir visited the examination center established at Government Higher Secondary School Lodhran to oversee the arrangements. The applications for head teacher posts were invited from July 7 to July 12. A total of 3,796 teachers submitted applications, and 3,011 candidates appeared in the online assessment.
In Lodhran district alone, 40 candidates participated in the test—comprising 6 female and 34 male applicants.
The online test consisted of 100 multiple-choice questions, each carrying one mark, to be completed in 100 minutes. The examination center in Lodhran was equipped with uninterrupted electricity and internet to ensure a smooth testing experience.
Under the supervision of Chief Executive Officer Education Lodhran, Dr. Israr-ul-Haq, the exam was conducted with utmost transparency and efficiency.

Seven seminary children hospitalised over food poisoning

By
Ahmed Waheed
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0
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

By
Kamran Muraad
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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

By
Ahmed Waheed
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0
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.
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