ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
A view of the spillways of Rawal Dam being opened as a precautionary measure following a rise in water levels due to recent heavy rains
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
ISPR Interns pay glowing tribute to martyrs
LAHORE, Jul 20 (APP):ISPR Summer Interns have paid glowing tribute to the martyrs of the country, terming them pride of the nation.
According to HEC local chapter sources, the ISPR Summer Internship is successfully ongoing simultaneously in 33 cities of Pakistan and 6,500 students from more than 150 universities are participating in the programme from all over Pakistan.
These interns are being provided with rich training through academic, creative and practical activities. The internship is going on over a six-week duration starting July 7, 2025, and ending August 15, 2025.
The internship program is being conducted simultaneously in over 30 locations across major cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, Gujranwala, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Quetta, Peshawar, Multan, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit, Skardu, and others.
On Sunday while visiting the Shuhada Monument, Army Museum and Army Institute of Military History, they laid flowers at the Martyrs’ Memorial and offered prayers.
The students, while talking to APP here, expressed their feelings and determination, saying that the young generation has to play an important role in taking Pakistan on the path of development. The students expressed their determination that people should all be proud of being Pakistanis and serve the country together.
They said, “we are from the army and the army is from us.”
They said that the Martyrs’ Memorial is not just made of marble and stones, but is made of the blood of our martyrs.
During the ongoing internship programmes, eminent personalities of the country are providing guidance to the students on important topics.
Muhammad Bilal, an internee, said that the Summer Internship Program is a platform to provide new thinking, new vision and practical training to the youth. The Summer Internship is an effective initiative by the Pakistan Army to make the young generation talented.
Nine forced laborers rescued, Sarfraz Bugti orders swift action
QUETTA, Jul 20 (APP):In a decisive move to uphold human rights, Balochistan’s Levies Force rescued nine Hindu laborers from bonded servitude in the Khoda area of Tehsil Naal, District Kalat.
The operation was carried out on orders from Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, following urgent appeals from Senators Poonjo Mal Bheel and Dhanesh Kumar.
Acting swiftly on the Chief Minister’s directive, the Kalat district administration led by Commissioner Kalat launched an early morning raid that resulted in the safe recovery of all victims.
The rescued individuals, originally from Sanghar district in Sindh, had been forcibly employed in agricultural fields by influential landlords.
Two suspects, identified as Babu and Dad Muhammad Baloch, were arrested at the scene. Legal proceedings have been initiated, with the provincial government pledging full accountability.
“Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has issued firm instructions for strict legal action against all involved in this gross violation of human rights,” said a handout issued by CM’s Secretariat.
The rescue has drawn praise from human rights organizations and the Hindu Panchayat, who commended the government’s swift response and strong stance against exploitation of minority communities.
RCCI expresses concerns over 16% GST on rent, arrest powers
RAWALPINDI, Jul 20 (APP):The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has expressed strong reservations over recent policy measures announced by the Punjab government, including the imposition of a 16% sales tax on commercial property rent and the introduction of arrest powers for non-compliance with the newly mandated minimum wage.
RCCI President Usman Shaukat, in an official statement issued on Sunday, criticized the recent decisions of Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) “This new tax regime will significantly raise the cost of doing business for tenants, particularly retailers, across Punjab,” he said and added that the decision will discourage investment, push legitimate businesses into the informal sector, and further strain an already struggling retail and real estate market.
Shaukat further said that the new tax would exacerbate the ongoing slowdown in the property and retail sectors, both of which are still reeling from post-pandemic economic challenges.
“Such measures are counterproductive and will undermine business confidence in the province”, he said.
In addition, the RCCI president voiced strong opposition to a clause in the recently passed Punjab budget that allows for the arrest of business owners failing to implement the new minimum wage of Rs. 40,000.
“This coercive approach is deeply concerning and must be withdrawn immediately,” he said. He observed that thos would open the door to potential misuse by enforcement authorities and would only lead to harassment of legitimate businesses.
While acknowledging the importance of fair wages, Shaukat emphasized the need for economic policymaking to be grounded in current market realities.
“With national inflation now at a historic low of 6%, the rationale behind such a steep wage hike is questionable. A more balanced and consultative approach is needed to ensure economic growth, job creation, and industrial sustainability”, the RCCI president.
The RCCI called on the Punjab government to review both measures and engage in meaningful dialogue with the business community to ensure that policies promote, rather than hinder the economic development.
Security forces foil terror plot in Parod, Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti praises swift action
QUETTA, Jul 20 (APP):In a major breakthrough for regional security, security forces successfully thwarted a terror plot in the Parod area of Balochistan, targeting operatives of the banned group Fitna al-Hindustan.
The operation, executed with precision and speed, drew praise from Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, who lauded the forces’ professionalism and unwavering resolve.
In a statement, Bugti expressed satisfaction over the timely intelligence and rapid response that neutralized the threat.
“The swift reaction to terrorist activity in Parod is commendable. Our security forces have once again demonstrated their readiness and resolve to protect the province,” he said.
Labeling the group a threat to national stability, the Chief Minister reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to decisive action against all enemies of the state.
“Operations against the enemies of the state will continue on all fronts. Any attempt to sabotage the peace of Balochistan will be crushed,” he asserted.
Bugti described the operation as a clear message to hostile elements, declaring that the nefarious designs of Fitna al-Hindustan had been dismantled.
“Their plans lie in ruins. Our forces have defeated their evil intentions,” he remarked.
He paid tribute to the personnel involved, emphasizing that their success reflects the vigilance and dedication of Pakistan’s security forces.
“They have once again thwarted the enemy’s malicious plans and proved their unwavering commitment to national security,” Bugti added.
Shakeel Qadir urges civil servants to prioritize public service, transparency, accountability
QUETTA, Jul 20 (APP):Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan has underscored the importance of public service, transparency, and performance as the cornerstone values for civil servants.
Speaking at a ceremony organized by the Balochistan Civil Service (Executive Branch) Officers Welfare Association, Shakeel Qadir Khan reminded attendees that government privileges and salaries are sustained by the public especially the underprivileged through their taxes.
“As custodians of public resources, our foremost priority must always be to serve the people,” he affirmed.
The event brought together newly appointed Assistant Commissioners, senior officials, provincial secretaries, and retired officers. Congratulating the new recruits, Khan emphasized that their appointments marks not an end, but a meaningful beginning in their journey of public service.
He urged officers to embrace continuous learning, self-discipline, and responsiveness to public needs, adding that “Without sincerity, diligence, and integrity at every step, one risks falling behind.”
Expressing concern over persistent citizen dissatisfaction with government services, the Chief Secretary called on officers to re-evaluate their attitudes and conduct. He stressed the need to strengthen trust between citizens and the state:
“A large portion of our population still feels underserved. Civil servants must bridge that gap.”
Shakeel Qadir Khan announced that the federal government has finalized a comprehensive civil service reform package, expected to be approved by the Prime Minister on July 23. The reforms aim to enhance training programs, introduce performance-based evaluations, improve compensation structures, and reorganize service classifications. Balochistan, he assured, is ready to implement the reforms gradually through the Balochistan Civil Service Academy and the Services and General Administration Department.
Highlighting the evolving role of civil servants, Khan said that modern governance demands proactive involvement in areas such as education, healthcare, disaster response, anti-polio efforts, urban planning, sanitation, and infrastructure development.
The Chief Secretary also commended the historic launch of the Balochistan Civil Service Academy’s training program for Assistant Commissioners, which will focus on contemporary governance models, public administration theory, and best practices.
Concluding his address, Khan urged the officers to make public service their mission and use their positions to inspire meaningful change:
“All your privileges are tied to the state and the people. Serve them with integrity, competence, and commitment.”
Earlier in the ceremony, Balochistan Civil Service Officers Welfare Association President, Mujeeb ur Rehman Qambrani welcomed the new officers and introduced a ten-point reform proposal to strengthen governance and improve service delivery.
The Chief Secretary personally met each officer, extending warm congratulations and encouragement for their future roles.
WASA fully prepared for next monsoon spell starting from July 21
RAWALPINDI, Jul 20 (APP):Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) is fully prepared for the upcoming monsoon rains expected to start from July 21, as predicted by the Meteorological Department.
WASA Rawalpindi has declared a rain emergency in both Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The agency’s spokesperson said that all necessary arrangements have been made to manage any problems caused by heavy rain.
All field staff leaves have been cancelled and are on high alert to deal with any emergencies. According to WASA Managing Director, the agency is carrying out cleanup operations with heavy machinery to clear mud and blockages from the main Nallah Lai, which helps prevent flooding.
He added that staff and equipment have been deployed at the monsoon emergency camp, and special focus is being given to drainage in low-lying areas.
The WASA Flood Control Room is working round the clock to address public complaints during emergencies.
Citizens have been advised to take safety precautions during the rain spell.
WASA teams are fully prepared to deal with any untoward situation, he added.
Rawal Dam spillway to reopen Monday morning
ISLAMABAD, Jul 20 (APP):The spillway of Rawal Dam will reopen on Monday, tomorrow at 6:00 AM for around five hours to boost reservoir capacity ahead of forecast rainfall in the upper catchment area, NDMA spokesman said.
The NDMA spokesman urged the public to steer clear of all waterfront zones, including riverbanks and water channels, due to heightened safety risks. Travel in low-lying areas should be limited to essential needs during the operation window.
Fishing and boating have been strictly prohibited throughout the spillway release period. He advised the citizens to remain in contact with local administration for real-time updates.
Emphasizing emergency preparedness, NDMA instructed residents to follow official advisories without delay and urged relocation of valuables and livestock to safer locations to mitigate potential flood damage.
Police intensify operation against professional beggars, 65 held
RAWALPINDI, Jul 20 (APP):Police have intensified their operations to curb organized begging and apprehending number of individuals allegedly involved in this illegal activity, said police spokesman on Sunday.
During last seven days, police have detained 65 professional beggars from different parts of the city.
Special teams have been formed to take action against these beggars, many of whom are said to be involved in crimes like theft and drug dealing.
City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani said that police are keeping a close watch on busy roads and highways to stop begging.
He added that this operation was part of the Chief Minister of Punjab’s vision to get the city free from professional beggars.
The crackdown will be continued in the coming days against such elements without any discrimination, he concluded.
29,694 driving licences issued in 24 hours
LAHORE, Jul 20 (APP):Driving licences have been issued to 29,694 people in the last 24 hours.
The Punjab Police, through its City Traffic Police (CTP) departments, is actively involved in issuing driving licences. The process is managed under the Driving License Issuance Management System (DLIMS), which aims to streamline and centralize the issuance of various types of driving licenses.
According to DLIMS sources, more than 51,000 challans were issued for violation of traffic rules, while 44 million fines were imposed; challans were issued for 402 vehicles emitting smoke, 35 vehicles were stopped in police stations.