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Food prices dip ahead of Eid : CM

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LAHORE, Jun 06 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed satisfaction over the recent downward trend in food prices across the province.
In a statement issued here on Friday, the CM noted a marked decrease in the prices of key kitchen staples including tomatoes, onions, coriander, mint, lemons, garlic, ginger, green chillies, and potatoes. “Compared to the same period last year, the price of lemons has dropped by Rs. 85, green chillies by Rs. 10, ginger by Rs. 60, while mint and coriander have also become more affordable,” she observed.
Additionally, she highlighted that the price of potatoes has fallen by Rs. 15, onions by Rs. 75, tomatoes by Rs. 5, local garlic by Rs. 75, Chinese garlic by Rs. 55, and ginger by Rs. 25.
This positive trend, she said, is the result of improved supply chain management ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Acting on the Chief Minister’s directives, a substantial increase in the supply of vegetables to Lahore was ensured. The administration reported the arrival of 30 additional trucks of potatoes and onions, 13 trucks of tomatoes, 2 trucks of ginger, 6 trucks of garlic, 7 trucks of green chillies, and 3 trucks of lemons.
The CM was informed that prices of essential pulses, including gram, mash, lentils, black gram, and gram flour, have also decreased by up to Rs. 30 per kilogram.
CM Maryam Nawaz directed the relevant authorities to take concrete measures to maintain the reduced prices of nine essential vegetables.
She instructed the Price Control Department, Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, and district administrations to ensure strict monitoring of prices and market supply.

KP’s CM arrives to celebrate Eid ul-Azha in Dera

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DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Jun 06 (APP): Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sardar Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has arrived in his hometown, Dera Ismail Khan to celebrate Eid ul-Azha.
Commissioner Dera Ismail Khan Division, Zafar-ul-Islam, and Regional Police Officer(RPO), Syed Ashfaq Anwar received him upon his arrival here on Friday.
The Chief Minister will offer Eid prayers and perform the animal sacrifice at Al-Amin House.
The law enforcement agencies have implemented strict security arrangements throughout the city to ensure a peaceful and safe environment for the people during the Eid holidays.
 During his stay, the Chief Minister is expected to meet with the general public, as well as with party workers and leaders.
 These meetings are likely to include discussions on various party affairs and political matters.

PM departs for Pakistan after visit to Saudi Arabia

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Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif departs for Pakistan from Jeddah, after completing his two day official visit of Saudi Arab. Governor of Jeddah, Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi seeing off Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at Jeddah Airport on June 6 2025.
JEDDAH, Jun 06 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Friday departed for Pakistan after completing his two day visit to Saudi Arabia.
Governor Jeddah Prince Saud bin Abdullah Jalawi, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al- Malkiy, Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq and high level diplomatic officials saw off the prime minister at the Jeddah airport.

CM extends Eid greetings, urges nation to embrace spirit of sacrifice, unity

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LAHORE, Jun 06 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has extended heartfelt Eid-ul-Azha greetings to the Muslim Ummah, particularly the people of Pakistan.
In her message, the CM said, “On this blessed occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, we offer our deepest gratitude to Allah Almighty. I rejoice that, following the historic success of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, we are now blessed to celebrate the sacred festivities of Eid.”
The CM said, “As we celebrate Eid, we must not forget the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the face of Indian aggression, Fitna-ul-Hindustan. We cannot overlook the innocent children who were victims of terrorism, nor the men, women, and children martyred in the brutal attacks on Gaza, one of the worst humanitarian tragedies of modern times. Nor can we forget the residents of Pakistan’s underserved communities, especially those living in Punjab’s slums.”
She added, “Eid-ul-Azha is not only about rituals, but about remembering the spirit of sacrifice. This is also a time to reflect on the last sermon of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), Khutba Hajjatul Widaa, which remains a timeless charter for human dignity, equality, and justice.”
The CM shared her joy over initiatives taken for youth, stating, “The joy of this Eid has been magnified by acknowledging our talented students who have received Honhaar scholarships and laptops. On this occasion, we must go beyond the symbolic sacrifice of animals, we must also sacrifice arrogance, ego, and hatred.”
Highlighting the true essence of the day, Maryam Nawaz Sharif said, “The great legacy of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) is not merely a ritual, it is a profound act of submission and devotion. The purpose of Qurbani is to purify the soul, promote piety, and affirm our obedience to Allah Almighty.”
She added, “Eid-ul-Azha is a renewal of our pledge to live and die for the sake of Allah. The sacrifices of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS) are eternal lessons in obedience and devotion.” She said, “On this sacred day, it is our moral and religious duty to include the underprivileged in our celebrations. Eid becomes truly meaningful when shared with those in need.”

Millions of Hajj pilgrims performing symbolic stoning of devil in Jamarat

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By Raziq Ali Shah
MINA, Jun 06 (APP): Millions of Muslims are engaged in the symbolic ritual of stoning the devil in Jamarat, a practice that signifies Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim’s defiance of Satan and embodies steadfast faith and obedience to Allah Almighty.
Before dawn, over 1.6 million pilgrims commenced the sacred ritual of casting seven stones at each of the three concrete walls symbolizing the devil in Jamarat valley, near the holy city of Makkah.
Over the course of three days, pilgrims will continue hurl pebbles at the three stone pillars, known as Jamarat, in a profound act of defiance against evil, marking one of the final rites of Hajj.
The ritual commemorates Hazrat Ibrahim’s stoning of the devil at the three spots where it is said Satan tried to dissuade him from obeying Allah Almighty’s order to sacrifice his son, also the prophet Hazrat Ismail (AS).
The Pakistan Hajj Mission in Makkah has already announced specific guidelines for ‘Rami al-Jamarat’ following the latest Saudi directives.
Each Maktab has designated timings for ‘Rami’ on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, and every ‘Nazim’ must ensure pilgrims perform the ritual as per their allocated slot. Pilgrims are advised to proceed in groups under their Nazim’s supervision.
73% of Pakistani pilgrims—around 64,600—have traveled from Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Jamarat by train, while the rest used buses. This year, pedestrian movement to Jamarat has been restricted.
Saudi authorities have scheduled the sacrifice time for Pakistani Hujjaj at 12:30 AM on the night between the 10th and 11th of Dhul-Hijjah. Pilgrims should complete the first day’s ‘Rami’ before midnight.
Pilgrims in Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah  and Jamarat  expressed deep satisfaction with the well-managed arrangements, praising the cleanliness, food, medical care, and smooth transportation.
“Our time in Mina was smooth and straightforward. We arrived and completed the stoning of the devil at Jamarat within five minutes,” said Sheikh Handed from Sialkot, after performing the ritual at dawn.
Sajid Wasti, a pilgrim from Rawalpindi credited the seamless coordination between the Ministry of Religious Affairs Islamabad and the Saudi government. He thanked all stakeholders for a peaceful and spiritually fulfilling experience.

LCCI lauds FTO for swift resolution of tax grievances

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LAHORE, Jun 06 (APP): The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and members of the industrial sector have praised the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) for his exceptional performance in resolving genuine tax-related complaints within a record timeframe of just 45 days.
Talking at an awareness session held on Friday, Coordinator to the FTO, Saif Ur Rehman, emphasized the importance of a prompt grievance redressal mechanism for businesses, particularly in light of the complex tax issues often faced by industrialists. Prolonged disputes, he noted, can severely disrupt business operations and cash flow.
Participants lauded the efforts of Federal Tax Ombudsman Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, recipient of Sitara-i-Imtiaz and Hilal-i-Imtiaz, for leading an efficient and transparent process that has significantly improved confidence among taxpayers.
LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad Arain, Senior Vice President Engr. Khalid Usman, and Vice President Chaudhry Shahid Nazir Arain, along with chamber members, acknowledged that the swift action taken by the FTO not only benefits individual complainants but also contributes to a more business-friendly environment.
“This kind of timely intervention enhances trust in the taxation system, encourages voluntary compliance, and removes the burden of lingering disputes, enabling businesses to concentrate on growth and innovation,” the LCCI leadership stated.
They further noted that the FTO’s role remains pivotal in promoting fair taxation practices and facilitating the industrial sector’s development.

Sindh CM felicitates Muslims on performing Hajj

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CM Sindh Murad Ali
KARACHI, Jun 06 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah Friday, extended felicitations to millions of Muslims who had the honor of performing Hajj, stating that “the obligation of Hajj teaches us steadfastness and sacrifice in the face of difficulties.”
The Sindh CM, according to a statement issued here, emphasized that during the blessed hours of Hajj, prayers should be offered for the solidarity, integrity, peace and prosperity of our country, and may Allah Almighty protect Pakistan from economic hardships and the conspiracies of enemies.
Murad Shah urged Hujaj e Karam to remember their Palestinian and Kashmiri brothers in their prayers. People should include the poor and needy around them in their celebrations as well, he added.

Fahd Haroon meets CM G-B on digital media’s role in promoting regional growth

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 06 (APP): Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Digital Media Fahd Haroon, met with Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Haji Gulbar Khan and Special Assistant to CM (SACM) on Commerce and Youth Affairs Zabiullah, along with other officials.
The meeting focused on exploring collaborative efforts to leverage digital media and public communication to further highlight Gilgit-Baltistan’s internationally acclaimed tourism sector, said a press release.
Recognized by leading global travel platforms as one of the top destinations for 2025, Gilgit-Baltistan continues to attract significant attention for its natural beauty and vibrant culture. Discussions also encompassed the empowerment of youth and the promotion of commerce in the region, underscoring a shared commitment to sustainable economic growth.
Fahd Haroon emphasized the importance of digital platforms in amplifying the region’s profile on the world stage and engaging a broader audience, while the Chief Minister, Minister/SACM, and other officials reaffirmed their dedication to driving progress across multiple sectors.
This collaborative dialogue marks a significant step in strengthening partnerships that aim to enhance Gilgit-Baltistan’s economic and social development through innovative communication strategies.

Motorway Police continue crackdown against overcharging on Eidul Azha

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 06 (APP): The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) have continued their enforcement drive during Eid holidays to curb overcharging and overloading on highways and motorways across the country.
According to an official spokesperson, the NHMP responded to various complaints from passengers and took action against transporters violating fare and load regulations. As a result, more than Rs 31,64000 were refunded to overcharged passengers traveling in different cities. In addition, authorities imposed fines exceeding Rs 18.1 million on vehicles found guilty of overloading.
Officers are conducting strict checks on vehicles to ensure compliance with safety and fare regulations. These checks are in effect on both motorways and national highways, and efforts are underway to maintain smooth and safe travel during the Eid rush.
NHMP teams are also holding roadside safety briefings to raise awareness among drivers and passengers. Drivers are being reminded to always wear seat belts, observe speed limits, avoid driving while tired, and follow traffic rules.
The NHMP has urged the public to report any incidents of overcharging, overloading, or unsafe driving. Complaints or requests for assistance can be made by calling the Motorway Police Helpline at 130, which remains active throughout the holiday period.

Security Forces killed two Indian sponsored terrorists

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RAWALPINDI, Jun 06 (APP): Security Forces killed two Indian sponsored terrorists in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the general area of Kolpur, Kachhi District of Balochistan.
“Security Forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in the general area of Kolpur, Kachhi District of Balochistan, on the reported presence of terrorists belonging to the Indian proxy, Fitna al Hindustan. During the conduct of operation, own forces effectively engaged the Fitna al Hindustan terrorists’ location, and after an intense fire exchange, two Indian sponsored terrorists were sent to hell,” said an ISPR news release.
Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the Fitna al Hindustan killed terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous Indian sponsored terrorist activities in the area.
Sanitisation operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area, as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian sponsored terrorism from the country and reaffirm the nation’s unwavering resolve to bring the perpetrators of terrorism to justice.