Crackdown on sugar hoarders and profiteers planned

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Wed, 23 Jul 2025, 3:08 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP):National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Punjab Governor and sitting Member of the National Assembly, Mian Muhammad Azhar.

In his condolence message, the Speaker extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to attain elevated ranks in Jannat.

He also prayed for sabr-e-jameel for the family during this difficult time.

“May Allah Almighty forgive the departed soul and grant the bereaved family patience and strength. Ameen,” said Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.

Audit report not reflective of current reforms: Power Division clarifies

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Wed, 23 Jul 2025, 3:06 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP):The Power Division on Wednesday clarified a news appeared in a section of press related to an audit report, stating that it pertains to the fiscal year 2023–24 and does not reflect the performance or actions of the present government.

According to the spokesperson for the Power Division, the audit report under discussion is outdated and covers a period prior to the current administration’s tenure. “This is not a report of the current financial year, and it must not be viewed in the context of the reforms and corrective measures introduced by the present government,” he added.

The Power Division added that the report is preliminary in nature and is subject to review, further documentation, and evidence submission. “The findings will be examined across relevant forums, and final figures are yet to be presented,” it said, urging stakeholders not to draw conclusions from the initial observations.

The spokesperson said that both the ministry and the government were already aware of the systemic challenges in the power sector, particularly the long-standing issue of overbilling and inaccurate meter readings. “This has been repeatedly highlighted by Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari,” the spokesperson added.

In response to these concerns, the Power Division said the government has launched decisive and far-reaching reforms. Among these initiatives is the introduction of the “Power Smart” app under the “Apna Meter, Apni Reading” campaign. “This technological intervention allows electricity consumers to record their own meter readings, helping to reduce billing discrepancies,” the spokesperson added.

More than one million consumers across the country have already downloaded the Power Smart application, which is being hailed as a major step toward transparency and consumer empowerment.

According to the Power Division, losses in the power sector were recorded at Rs 591 billion in June 2024. As a result of policy reforms and efficiency measures, these losses have now been brought down by Rs 191 billion.

The spokesperson said that the upcoming year has been designated as “the year of reliable service for electricity consumers” by Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari.

Chase, Hope attain career bests in ICC Rankings

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Wed, 23 Jul 2025, 3:05 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP):All-rounder Roston Chase and captain Shai Hope of the West Indies have achieved career best positions in the ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings after some fine performances in the first two T20Is of their five-match home series against Australia, which the visiting side leads 2-0.

Chase, who struck 60 off just 32 balls in the first T20I in Kingston and scored 76 runs in two matches, has advanced 37 places to 98th among batters and seven places to a career-best second position in the all-rounders’ list that is led by India’s Hardik Pandya, said a press release.

Chase’s previous best was the eighth position that he had reached in December last year.

In the latest weekly update that considers performances in the Bangladesh-Pakistan series and those of a tri-series in Zimbabwe also featuring New Zealand and South Africa, among other matches this past week, wicketkeeper-batter Hope has attained a career-best 10th position after scoring 64 runs in two matches, including a 39-ball 55 in the first match.

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh has gained three slots to reach 23rd position, West Indies’ batter Brandon King is up four places to 30th while the Bangladesh pair of Tanzid Hasan (up 18 places to 37th) and Towhid Hridoy (up two places to 39th) are others to make notable gains in the top 50 of the batting rankings.

Devon Conway of New Zealand and Jaker Ali of Bangladesh are in joint-53rd position after gaining three and 17 places, respectively, while Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman (up eight places to 79th) and Cameron Green of Australia (up 34 places to 88th) have also progressed.

In the bowling rankings, Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman’s three wickets in two matches have lifted him back into the top 10 as he has advanced 17 places to reach ninth position while his team-mates Mehedi Hasan (up nine places to 16th), Tanzim Hasan Sahib (up nine places to 37th) and Shoriful Islam (up 14 places to 43rd) have also moved up the rankings.

New Zealand’s Matt Henry (up 13 places to 29th) and Ish Sodhi (up two places to 33rd), Australia’s Sean Abbott (up eight places to 44th), and Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed (up 12 places to 49th) are others to move up the list.

NDMA launches daily Coordination Conference to tackle monsoon risks

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Wed, 23 Jul 2025, 3:02 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP):The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has initiated a series of daily National Monsoon Coordination Conferences at its National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), aimed at ensuring robust preparedness and a unified response to monsoon-related challenges across Pakistan.

NDMA launches daily Coordination Conference to tackle monsoon risks

This daily conference is aimed at serving as a centralized platform to assess evolving monsoon threats such as flash floods, riverine flooding, urban inundation, landslides, and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). Based on these assessments, timely arrangements and response strategies are formulated to mitigate the impact of anticipated hazards.

The series of National Monsoon Coordination Conferences, convened at NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), was initiated on the special directives of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

Senior representatives from Provincial and District Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs/DDMAs), the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Rescue and Civil Defence units, Irrigation Departments, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and various national and international humanitarian organizations participated in the sessions to strengthen preparedness and ensure a coordinated response to monsoon-related risks across the country.

Each participating entity is encouraged to share its operational status, challenges, resource needs, and coordination issues to build a common operational picture and enhance inter-agency collaboration.

The platform allows for identifying strengths and addressing weaknesses in real-time to streamline national response capabilities.

NDMA reiterated its commitment to ensure round-the-clock coordination, timely dissemination of alerts, and proactive engagement of all stakeholders to minimize disaster risk and safeguard lives and infrastructure during the ongoing monsoon season. National Monsoon Coordination Conference will continue on a daily basis at NEOC throughout the monsoon spell.

Youth commits suicide over domestic issues

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Wed, 23 Jul 2025, 3:02 PM

JAUHARABAD, Jul 23 (APP):A youth here on Wednesday committed suicide by consuming poisonous powder over domestic issues in Naseem Colony.

The Rescue sources said Muhammad Shehzad, 18 years old, were shifted to District Headquarter Hospital (DHQ) in critical condition, where he died.

The police have registered a case.

Sidra Foundation hosts two-day exposure visit to Khanspur for working professionals

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Wed, 23 Jul 2025, 2:58 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP):Sidra Foundation, a non-profit organization, in collaboration with Youth Parliament Pakistan, District Youth Office Abbottabad, and Galyat Development Authority (GDA), hosted a two-day exposure visit to Khanspur for working professionals.

The event brought together youth entrepreneurs, clinical psychologists, and media professionals under one roof to provide them with a space for networking and a stress-free environment, said a press release issued here on Wednesday.

Esteemed speakers included Rehan Khan, CEO of Sidra Foundation; Osama Nadeem, Chairman of Youth Parliament Pakistan; Maroof, an entrepreneur running her own initiative eHub; Syeda Yasmin, Newscaster at PTV Peshawar; Sidra, a clinical psychologist with the HIV/AIDS program; Sardar Yasi, CEO of Heaven Group; Wazeer Khan, CEO of Marketing Fawad Ali, social activist and entrepreneur; and others.

Fun activities such as archery, balloon shooting, and cricket were also arranged to engage the participants.

Each individual was given the chance to plant a sapling in the cricket ground under the GDA tree plantation drive on the final day of the two-day activity. A total of 150 saplings were planted.

At the end, shields were distributed among the speakers and the winners of the various fun competitions. Certificates of participation were also given to all participants.

DG Rescue 1122 visits DIKhan, reviews emergency response preparedness

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Wed, 23 Jul 2025, 2:53 PM

DERA ISMAIL KHAN , Jul 23 (APP):Director General Rescue 1122 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dr. Muhammad Tayyab Abdullah, paid an official visit to Dera Ismail Khan to review the operational preparedness of emergency response units in the district.

During the visit, the DG inspected the Rescue 1122 Control Room, Station 11, District Office, and the Emergency Response Point established along the Indus River. He was accompanied by Commissioner Dera Division Zafar-ul-Islam Khattak, Regional Police Officer (RPO) Syed Ashfaq Anwar, and Deputy Commissioner Abdul Nasir Khan.

Director Operations Dr. Mir Alam Khan and District Emergency Officer (DEO) Engineer Fasihullah received the dignitaries and briefed them on ongoing operations.

Prior to the field visit, a high-level meeting was held under the joint chairmanship of DG Rescue 1122 and Commissioner Dera. Senior officers from various line departments participated in the session. The Director Operations and DEO presented a detailed briefing on the department’s performance and current emergency management strategies.

As part of the visit, Rescue 1122 conducted three mock drills simulating flood response scenarios. These exercises aimed to ensure timely and effective response during potential flood emergencies and to enhance the practical skills of the rescue personnel.

The DG expressed satisfaction over the professionalism and efficiency demonstrated by the Rescue 1122 teams and appreciated the dedication of the staff in maintaining high standards of emergency services.

Fake milk production unit unearthed

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Wed, 23 Jul 2025, 2:49 PM

SARGODHA, Jul 23 (APP):A Punjab Food Authority (PFA) team unearthed a fake milk production unit operating in a house in Warraich Town in Bhalwal tehsil.

According to a press release issued here, counterfeit milk was being produced with chemicals, dry milk powder, and ghee. During the raid, the PFA team seized 635 kilograms of dry milk, 32 kilograms of ghee, and a substantial quantity of unidentified chemicals, used in preparation of the adulterated product.

The authorities registered a case against the accused at the local police station, and the individuals involved were taken into custody. Additionally, the vehicle used for supplying the fake milk was impounded. All equipment and machinery used in the production process were also confiscated.

The Food Authority urged the public to support their ongoing crackdown against food adulteration mafias and to report any suspicious activity by calling the PFA helpline.

Pakistan to feature in World Jr Padel C’ship

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Wed, 23 Jul 2025, 2:47 PM