Chinese power supply company intensifies bird protection measures in Anyang

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LODHRAN, Apr 14 (APP):Cultural day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and traditional fervor across the district,here on Monday.

The central cultural rally,led by Deputy Commissioner(DC),Dr.Lubna Nazir was organized from the DC office to Ghosia Chowk.

According to a spokesperson,senior district officials including Additional Deputy Commissioner(ADC) (Revenue),Syed Waseem Hassan, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Muhammad Asad Ali,Assistant Commissioner(AC) Iram Shahzadi,CEO District Education Authority Israr-ul-Haq, and Chief Officer District Council Muhammad Ali participated in the rally wearing traditional Punjabi attire and turbans.

In addition to the rally,a series of traditional sports events such as Kabaddi,Tug of War, and rugby matches were organized,drawing large crowds and promoting regional games.

Speaking at the occasion,DC Dr. Lubna Nazir emphasized the importance of cultural identity,stating,“Nations thrive when they remain connected to their language and culture.

It was vital to instill love for our mother tongue,traditional dress and cultural heritage in the young generation.”She highlighted Punjab’s rich legacy rooted in the land of five rivers,known for its hospitality, peace and affection.

Cultural rallies were also held in all three tehsils of the district.

Schools across the district organized various cultural programs to mark the occasion,engaging students in the celebration of Punjab’s traditions.

SC directs to complete trials of May 9 suspects in four months

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 14 (APP):The Supreme Court has directed to provide all necessary documents, including the charge sheet to all accused and make sure their legal rights are protected.

A three member bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi and comprising Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui and Justice Shakeel Ahmad was hearing miscellaneous petitions regarding the May 9 episode, Monday here.

The court issued a notice to former Punjab Governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema and adjourned the hearing until Thursday.

Appeals filed by the Punjab government against suspects, including Tayyaba Raja, were disposed of.

The court directed that trials in these cases must be completed within four months. It also emphasized that all accused must be granted their legal rights, including the provision of charge sheets and relevant documents. Chief Justice Afridi remarked that these points will be clearly outlined in the court’s written order.

The Court rejected the bail request of Ali Raza, a suspect in the attack on Jinnah House, and observed that most of the suspects to be released if the court accepts medical conditions as a valid ground for bail.

Crackdown in Bahria Town: 9 sheesha cafes shut, 64 held

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 14 (APP):In a coordinated move, the district administration and police teams conducted surprise raids late Monday night, shutting down nine sheesha cafes operating illegally in Bahria Town’s Civic Center.

The operation, aimed at curbing unauthorized indoor hookah services, resulted in the arrest of 60 men and 4 women allegedly linked to the businesses.

FIRs have been registered against all the arrested accused, and further investigation is in progress.

According to the spokesman of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration, 110 hookah devices, along with flavoured tobacco products, were confiscated during the raids.

The crackdown follows growing concerns over violations of public health regulations and indoor smoking bans. Officials emphasized that the cafes were operating without permits and failed to comply with safety standards.

The spokesman said that the operation began shortly after midnight, with teams entering multiple establishments suspected of offering sheesha services discreetly. Patrons and staff present during the raids were detained for questioning.

District officials highlighted that the action aligns with broader efforts to enforce anti-smoking laws, particularly in indoor spaces. “These facilities posed risks to public health and ignored legal guidelines,” stated a spokesman. “We will continue targeting non-compliant businesses.”

Health experts warn that sheesha use, often perceived as safer than cigarettes, carries significant risks, including exposure to higher levels of toxic chemicals.

Authorities confirmed that further inspections are planned across the district to identify similar operations. Residents have been urged to report illegal shisha services via dedicated hotlines.

The crackdown marks a renewed push to uphold public health laws, with officials vowing zero tolerance for unauthorized hookah businesses.

PM hails foreign remittances crossing record $4 bln mark in a month

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NNPS Desk

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 14 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday expressed his pleasure as foreign remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis in a month crossed the $4 billion mark for the first time in the country’s history, terming it a reflection of their trust in the government’s policies.

The prime minister, in a statement, also thanked the Pakistani expatriates for sending a record $4.1 billion during March this year, taking the current fiscal year’s foreign remittance volume to $28 billion.

He said that a surge of 37.4% in foreign remittances was recorded compared to March last year.

He said that the announcement of a record increase in remittances during the ongoing Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad reflected the dedication, passion, and trust of overseas Pakistanis in the country’s economy and the government’s policies.

Calling them a valuable asset, Prime Minister Shehbaz said that overseas Pakistanis working tirelessly abroad not only made the nation proud but also strengthened the national economy through remittances.

He said that the entire nation was proud of hardworking overseas Pakistanis and the incumbent government was fully committed to providing them with all necessary facilities.

Agriculture dept urges tomato farmers to take preventive against early blight threat

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SIALKOT, Apr 14 (APP):The agriculture department on Monday directed tomato farmers to take immediate preventive measures to protect themselves from the attack of early blight.

Talking to media,Director Pest Warning and Quality Control of Pesticides,Department of Agriculture (Plant Protection),Dr. Maqsood Ahmed said that early blight was a common and harmful disease of tomato which was spread by a fungus called “Alternaria Solani”.

Director Pest Warning and Quality Control of Pesticides added that this disease attacks the leaves,stems and fruits and circular brown spots appear on the affected parts, which negatively affects the yield and quality.

He said that the symptoms of this disease include brown circular spots appearing on the affected parts of the plant, wilting and falling of the leaves,black stripes or spots on the stems and hard,dark spots on the fruit that cause rot.

Dr.Maqsood Ahmed said that to prevent this disease,healthy,disease-resistant varieties should be cultivated.

Director Pest Warning and Quality Control of Pesticides said that farmers should immediately remove and destroy the plants or leaves affected by this disease,apply preventive sprays of fungicides such as Score,Reus and spray Amistar Top if symptoms of the disease appear.

Timely treatment of early blight and implementation of preventive measures can save the tomato crop from damage.

Farmers should regularly monitor the crop and ensure treatment with the advice of the agriculture department if symptoms appear.

Ceremonies organized to celebrate “Punjab Culture Day”

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NOWSHEHRA VIRKAN, Apr 14 (APP):On the directions of Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, various ceremonies on Monday organized on official level in the district to celebrate “Punjab Culture Day” to promote the province’s culture.

Deputy Commissioner Gujranwala, Naveed Ahmed, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue), Shabbir Hussain Butt, Assistant Commissioner, City Iqra Mubeen and other high ups of the district administration wore traditional Punjabi dresses in the ceremonies .

AC chair meeting to remove encroachments in city

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TANDO MUHAMMAD KHAN, Apr 14 (APP):Assistant Commissioner (AC), Muhammad Yusuf on Monday said that the tehsil administration would utilize all resources for eliminating encroachments from the city and trader representatives would taken into confidence in that regard,

He was chairing a meeting regarding anti-encroachment drive urged the traders to cooperate with administration for making the drive successfull.

Municipal Committee Chairman, Tadno Muhammad Khan, Syed Shahnawaz Mohsin Shah Bukhari, Vice Chairman, Abdul Karim Sheikh, CMO, Ijaz Mallah, DSP, Mujahid Shah and President Trader Federation, Shabir Memon and officials of other concerned departments attended the meeting.

The Highway department officials briefed the meeting that the department was planning to start construction of roads in the city and removing encroachments was necessary to complete this task.

The anti-encroachments drive would be started from April 16, it was decided in the meeting.

The AC directed the administration to launch awareness campaign on social and electronic media about anti-encroachments operation in city.

He said that the drive would also help smooth flow of traffic in the city.

“Malaysia emerging as a key destination for Pakistani youth”: Ahsan Raza

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 14 (APP):High Commissioner of Pakistan to Malaysia Syed Ahsan Raza Shah on Monday said Malaysia is emerging as a key destination for Pakistani youth.

Speaking at the first annual Overseas Pakistanis Convention 2025 here at Jinnah Convention Centre (JCC), he termed the convention, a landmark event that is being held with regards to overseas Pakistani diaspora.

Shah emphasized the significant presence of Pakistanis in Malaysia, noting that the country hosts one of the largest Pakistani communities in Southeast Asia.

He highlighted that many Pakistanis have migrated a century ago from northern regions of Pakistan such as Buner, Hazara, and Haripur, seeking opportunities in Malaysia’s growing economy.

He also mentioned the recent visit of the Malaysian Air Chief, whose father hails from Haripur, reflecting the deep-rooted connections between the two nations.

Shah further said that Malaysia have become a favourable destination for our youth due to advanced economy and brighter future.

The High Commissioner acknowledged the increasing number of Pakistani students in Malaysia, with over 400 currently enrolled in various universities.

About counsellor and community services in 2024, he said the Pakistani High Commission in Malaysia issued 31,983 passports, 1188 emergency travel documents, 2841 Nadra services and 9800 visas, indicating active engagement with the community.

The High Commissioner expressed gratitude to the Government of Pakistan and the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) for organizing this landmark convention. He also proposed designating April 14 or any other day as “Pardesi Day” to honor the contributions of overseas Pakistanis annually.

Vehari road construction gains pace

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MULTAN, Apr 14 (APP):Commissioner Amir Kareem on Monday visited construction site of Vehari road project that connect Multan,Khanewal and Vehari districts.

The project,costing Rs.12 billion,was launched under the directives of Punjab Chief Minister(CM) Maryam Nawaz.

The Commissioner said that 74.8-kilometre stretch—covering 19.20 km in Multan,6km in Khanewal and 49.60 km in Vehari was being constructed simultaneously in all three districts.

The Commissioner was briefed that in Vehari,12km of earthwork,6km of sub-base and 3 km of base work were completed,while in Khanewal,3km of earthwork and 1.5 km of sub-base were finished and in Multan,4km of sub-base was completed.

Officials expected that between 2 to 6 km of roadway in each district will be fully constructed by June.

The Commissioner directed concerned departments to ensure the road completion within one year.

“Populated sections will have a proper drainage system on both sides to prevent water accumulation and damage to the road,”he highlighted.

He emphasized strict quality control and timely execution.The Punjab government,he added,ensured uninterrupted funding for swift completion.

A separate Rs.13 billion scheme for the construction of an additional carriageway was approved by Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC),further expanding the project’s scope.

Superintending Engineer Highways,Ghulam Nabi said technical teams were mobilized and asphalt plants were now operational to expedite construction.

Executive Engineer Highways,Haider Ali and other concerned officials were also present during the inspection.

Barrister Danyal, U.S. congressmen discuss trade, tariff relief

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 14 (APP):Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Barrister Danyal Chaudhry, met with three senior US Congressmen at the US Embassy to discuss Pakistan’s trade potential, the recent pause in tariffs by President Trump and investment opportunities in key sectors.

Barrister Danyal highlighted the tariff suspension as a chance to strengthen bilateral trade, stating, “This opens doors to position Pakistan as a competitive partner through investments in mining, tech, and renewable energy.” The talks emphasized Pakistan’s reforms to attract foreign investment via transparent governance.

The U.S. delegation acknowledged Pakistan’s mineral resources and their role in diversifying global supply chains. Both sides agreed to advance technical collaboration, security cooperation, and sustainable development frameworks. Plans for joint working groups to streamline sectoral partnerships were also finalized.

President extends greetings to Sikhs on Vaisakhi

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Najam ul Hassan

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ISLAMABAD, Apr 14 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday extended greetings to the Sikh community in Pakistan and around the world on the joyous occasion of Vaisakhi.

Vaisakhi is a symbol of Pakistan’s beauty in its cultural and religious diversity, the president said in a message.

He said the Sikh community was playing a prominent role in the development and prosperity of Pakistan.

The president emphasized that the constitution of Pakistan provided complete religious freedom, equal rights, and protection to minorities.

He also reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding the principles of interfaith harmony, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence and prayed for the happiness, progress, and safety of the Sikh community.

TPC’s meeting held for arresting killer soon

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KOHAT, Apr 14 (APP):A special meeting of the Togh Peace Committee (TPC) on Monday was held in Hujra Malik Mehboob Khan regarding the non-arrest of the killers of Taimur Khan.

Local dignitaries, Municipal Representatives, social figures, and heirs of Taimur Khan attended the meeting.

Expressing grief over the non-arrest of the killers, the participants urged the police to take effective measures to arrest the killers soon.

The participants decided to meet the Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam, DIG, and DPO Kohat soon regarding the case, so that the people involved in the crime would be brought to justice soon.

Education provides guidelines for a successful life: RD, AIOU

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TANDO MUHAMMAD KHAN, Apr 14 (APP):Regional Director (RD), Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Hyderabad Campus, Syed Ata Hussain Musavi on Monday said that Education had pivotal role in an individual’ s life as it provided guideline for a successful life.

While addressing a training workshop here at private school, he said education was basic right of every person.

The RD said that AIOU was playing important role to provide education to people of remote area at their doorsteps in the country.

He that the university had been considered an important educational institute of Asian and its students were playing vital role in development of the region.

Musavi said that students were a future asset of the country.

Meeting held to review arrangements for “Admission Campaign 2025”

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KOHAT, Apr 14 (APP):On the special instructions of Deputy Commissioner Abdul Akram Chitrali, an important meeting on Monday was held at Government High School No. 2 Kohat to review arrangements for the “Admission Campaign 2025”.

The meeting was presided over by the school Principal Muhammad Umar Khan.

Sarhad Rural Support Program (SRSP) Program Manager Rais Khan, active member of the District Human Rights Committee, Isar Ali Bangash, Vice Principal Muhammad Riaz Khattak, and other teachers attended the meeting.

During the meeting, the importance of the admission campaign was highlighted and it was decided that a grand ceremony regarding the admission campaign would be organized soon .

The ceremony will be attended by Deputy Commissioner Kohat Abdul Akram Chitrali, District Education Officer Zahoor Khan, a large number of parents, teachers and students.

An awareness walk will also be organized at the end of the ceremony to promote the importance of education among the public and encourage children to enter school.

Two brothers killed in a brawl

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SARGODHA, Apr 14 (APP):Two real brothers were shot dead by their rivals after a domestic dispute here at chowpal village under the jurisdiction of Sahiwal police station on Monday.

Police said that the victims were identified as — Bilal (14) and Munawer (22).

Police was investigating the double murder case.

Niece killed for honor

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SARGODHA, Apr 14 (APP):A man killed his niece for honor here in the jurisdiction of Harnoli police on Monday.

Police said that Nusrullah (55), resident of Bala Shareef was doubtful over the character of his niece — Mehnaz Gill (22). On the day of incident,he killed her after opening fire at her.

Police concerned and Rescue 1122 teams reached the spot, shifted the body to hospital for necessary legal formalities.

Further investigation was under way.

Crackdown against unfit vehicle continues

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SARGODHA, Apr 14 (APP):District police impounded 54 vehicles and imposed Rs 230,000 fine over various violations during the last month.

Police said here on Monday that following the direction of District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Suhaib Ashraf,the team intensified the operation against unfit public service vehicles. Police issued 866 challan tickets, leading to fines amounting to Rs 230,000 over various violations.

The police also took legal action against 97 drivers for driving without a license, and the licenses of 27 negligent drivers were revoked. Additionally, 33 cases were registered against both drivers and vehicle owners.

The police spokesman emphasized that strict action will be taken against vehicle owners and bus terminal managers found negligent in ensuring safety and was committed to holding accountable those who put the lives of others at risk, he added.

14 power pilferers nabbed

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SARGODHA, Apr 14 (APP):Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) caught 14 pilferers involved in electricity theft from main lines and meter tampering during an ongoing crackdown here on Monday.

The task force teams raided various areas of the district and caught –Tanveer Khan, Hakeem Khan, Saqlain, Bakht Khan, Abdul Saboor, Waleed Khan, Hafizullah, Farzand Arain,Tariq,Jameel and others.

The police registered cases against them.

CTO Zeeshan pays surprise visit to F-6 Markaz, reviews traffic arrangements

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