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Six criminals held

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SARGODHA, Jul 23 (APP):Police on Wednesday arrested six criminals and recovered narcotics and weapons from their possession.
According to police spokesperson,the teams of different police stations conducted raids within their jurisdiction and nabbed six accused namely as Akram,Zia,Qaisar,Khurram,Azhar and Azam,besides recovering 40 litres of liquor,400 grams of hashish,03 weapons from them.
Separate cases were registered against the accused.

Wajiha Qamar meets WFP country director to boost school nutrition and parenting initiatives

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP):Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, Ms. Wajiha Qamar met here on Wednesday, with Ms. Coco Ushiyama, Country Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) Pakistan, to strengthen collaboration in school nutrition, early childhood development, and parenting support across the country.
Ms. Qamar expressed appreciation for WFP’s continued support in improving children’s health and educational access, particularly through its school meals programme in food-insecure districts, said a press release.
She highlighted the Ministry’s growing focus on holistic child development, including the rollout of parenting manuals AGHOSH and PARVARISH, which aim to equip caregivers with knowledge on nutrition, emotional care, and school readiness.
“We recognize that a hungry child cannot learn,” said Ms. Qamar. “Our goal is to build stronger foundations for learning by integrating nutrition and parenting awareness into Pakistan’s education system, especially in the early years.”
Ms. Coco Ushiyama commended the Ministry’s leadership in placing child well-being at the center of education policy. She reaffirmed WFP’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s national priorities through joint programmes that link food security with education, gender equity, and community resilience.
The two sides discussed opportunities to scale up school meal programmes, integrate parenting education into nutrition interventions, and explore targeted initiatives in remote and marginalized communities.
The meeting concluded with a mutual resolve to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 4 (Quality Education), through coordinated government-WFP efforts.

District administration bans swimming in streams, nullahs due to heavy monsoon rains: AC

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Youngsters swimming in a pond of water to keep themselves cool during a hot weather near Rawal Dam
APP01-130623 ISLAMABAD: June 13 - Youngsters swimming in a pond of water to keep themselves cool during a hot weather near Rawal Dam. APP/ADZ/MAF/ZID
HASSAN ABDAL, Jul 23 (APP):Assistant Commissioner (AC), Aqsa Imtiaz, on Wednesday, said that the district administration had banned recreational activities and swimming in streams and nullahs to prevent any untoward incident during the rainy season.
She stated this during her visits to different Mozas to check the water level in streams and nullahs after heavy rains.
Sanitary Inspector Kamran,  Senior Engineer Zulfiqar Butt and other concerned staff were present on the occasion.
 The AC urged the people to cooperate with the administration to save lives during the monsoon season and informed Rescue 1122 in an emergency situation.
She directed the police to implement the ban strictly during the rains.

Action against overpriced sugar sellers in ICT; several shops sealed, one arrested

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP):The Islamabad district administration on Wednesday launched a crackdown on retailers charging above the official sugar price and several shops have been sealed and shopkeepers arrested as part of the ongoing operation led by price control magistrates.
According to the spokesman of ICT administration, in response to rising complaints about overpriced sugar in markets, the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has intensified its action against profiteers.
Acting on the directives of Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, price control magistrates carried out surprise inspections in various parts of the city.
Several grocery stores were found selling sugar at rates higher than those set by the government. As a result, multiple shops were sealed, and one shopkeepers were taken into custody for violating official price guidelines.
Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon has directed that action must be taken without discrimination against all retailers who fail to comply with the notified sugar rates. He instructed officials to ensure that no store is allowed to overcharge, and strict penalties should be imposed where violations are found.
The crackdown aims to ensure price stability and protect citizens from unjustified increases in daily-use commodities. Memon emphasized that any officer found negligent in enforcing the official sugar rate in their assigned area would also face disciplinary action.
“Strict enforcement is necessary. If sugar is being sold at inflated prices in any locality, the concerned area officer will be held accountable,” he stated during a meeting with monitoring teams.
The district administration has also urged the public to support the effort by reporting shops that are charging more than the official rate. “We request citizens to help us identify those selling sugar at inflated prices. Their cooperation is important to keep prices under control,” the DC said.
To improve monitoring, the Additional Deputy Commissioner General has been tasked with submitting detailed reports on price compliance across all zones of Islamabad. The goal is to maintain transparency in market operations and address pricing irregularities quickly.
Teams of price control magistrates will continue inspections in both urban and rural sectors, including busy commercial areas and small neighborhoods. They have been told to check not only sugar prices but also other essential items listed under government-fixed rates.
DC Memon has also warned shopkeepers against hiding their rate lists or refusing to display them. All retailers are required to clearly show the official price list at a visible spot inside their shops. Any violation will lead to legal action.
In a recent public message, the ICT administration reiterated that the government’s notified rate of sugar must be implemented without exception. Authorities said that profiteering during times of inflation adds an extra burden on households and will not be tolerated.
The public has been encouraged to report any complaints related to overpricing through official helplines and mobile applications launched by the administration.
Officials said that all administrative officers have been instructed to maintain a visible presence in their areas, especially during peak shopping hours, and coordinate with local traders to ensure compliance with the rules.

Climate expert urges smarter urban planning as monsoon rains intensify

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP):Environmental expert Zainab Naeem on Wednesday said that the recent wave of heavy rains and cloudbursts across Pakistan reflects the growing impact of climate change, compounded by urban planning challenges and environmental degradation.
Talking to a private news channel, she said that although the government is increasingly recognizing these issues and taking steps in the right direction, there is still more room for collective efforts.
She emphasized that while monsoon rains are part of the region’s climate pattern, the current intensity and frequency of cloudbursts are not routine.
She highlighted the government’s efforts to initiate discussions on urban resilience and acknowledged Islamabad as one of the few cities with a formal master plan.
She noted that even there, encroachments on green zones and dry riverbeds have caused damage. “When you build on natural waterways, destruction becomes inevitable during heavy rains,” she explained.
She stressed the need for involving climate experts in city planning alongside engineers and architects.
She said that the government has shown growing awareness about environmental issues, but more practical, on-the-ground implementation is required.
While pointing out that Pakistan contributes less than 1% to global carbon emissions, she said the country still suffers some of the worst consequences of climate change.
She called for the protection of forests around cities, reforestation in mountainous areas, and a stronger focus on local-level climate resilience.

Police recover huge quantity hashish in operation against drug mafia

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NOWSHERA VIRKAN, Jul 23 (APP):The Khiali police station’s team on Wednesday arrested a drug pusher identified as Ahsan Ullah and recovered hashish 1200 grams in an operation against the drug mafia.
The police spokesperson said the district police had launched a crackdown against the drug peddlers on the directions of City Police Officer (CPO), Gujranwala, Rana Ayaz Saleem.
The police registered a case against the accused and started further prob.

PMD forecasts partly cloudy, humid weather in KP

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PESHAWAR, Jul 23 (APP):Pakistan Meterological  Department (PMD) has forecast partly cloudy and humid weather over most parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Scattered to fairly widespread rain showers with thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds is expected in Chitral (Upper & Lower), Dir (Upper & Lower), Swat, Malakand, Buner, Shangla, Kohistan (Upper & Lower), Kolai Palas, Battagram, Torghar, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, Peshawar, Kohat, Hangu, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, North & south Waziristan, Tank and D.I Khan districts.
Similarly, heavy to very heavy rain fall is also expected at isolated places during the forecast period.
The heavy to very rain may generate flash floods in local nullahs/canals/rivers Chitral, Dir, Swat, Buner, Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Torghar, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Mardan, Swabi, Kurram and Khyber Districts.
The risk of urban flooding is likely in the main cities of the province.
During the wet spell landslides could affect the vulnerable points in Chitral, Dir Swat, Buner, Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Torghar, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Kurram and Khyber Distracts.

Rawal Dam spillways reopened as rain raises water level beyond limit

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APP18-270824 ISLAMABAD: August 27 – A view of the spillways of the Rawal Dam being opened, this measure is being taken as a precaution due to rising water levels in the dam caused by recent heavy rains.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP): The district administration of Islamabad decided to reopen the dam’s spillways on Wednesday to manage the rising water, as Rawal Dam’s water level crossed the safety threshold following continuous rainfall.

According to the spokesperson of the ICT administration, heavy and uninterrupted rainfall in Islamabad pushed the water level in Rawal Dam to 1,749 feet, slightly above its prescribed limit. After reviewing the situation, the administration decided to reopen the dam’s spillways to control the excess water.

Official sources confirmed that the spillways were opened at 11 a.m. today. The step aims to ensure safe water discharge and prevent any overflow that could impact surrounding areas.

The district administration has also directed all relevant departments to implement precautionary measures. Authorities have been instructed to remain alert and follow standard procedures during the water release.

Residents living in nearby areas have also been advised to stay cautious. The administration urged people in low-lying and adjoining localities to remain informed and take necessary safety steps.

There have been several instances in recent days when the spillways were opened due to rising water levels. With forecasts predicting more rain, officials say the situation is being closely monitored.

All concerned departments, including the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration, Rescue 1122, and the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), remain on high alert. Rescue and emergency teams have been placed on standby to handle any emergency.

Meanwhile, the public has been asked to avoid unnecessary movement near the spillway and dam areas during the water release operation.

Officials reiterated that the measure is a routine response to prevent flooding and ensure the safety of infrastructure and nearby communities.

Continuous rain in Islamabad over the past few days has led to waterlogging in various parts of the city. Drainage teams have been deployed to clear blocked water channels, and field staff are inspecting low-lying zones.

Authorities have urged citizens to report any emergencies via the helplines established by the district administration.

The administration stated that it will issue further updates if the situation changes and has appealed for public cooperation during this period.