PRA achieves record tax collection

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Tue, 3 Jun 2025, 6:19 PM

LAHORE, Jun 03 (APP):The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has achieved a significant milestone by collecting a record Rs. 26.12 billion in tax revenues during May 2025, reflecting a 23 percent increase compared to the same month last year.

From July 2024 to May 2025, the Authority has collected a total of Rs. 240 billion, marking a 16 percent growth over the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year, the PRA spokesperson told media here Tuesday.

Out of this, she explained, Rs. 225 billion was collected under Punjab Sales Tax, also showing a 16 percent year-on-year increase. Furthermore, Rs. 5.6 billion was generated through the Punjab Infrastructure Development Cess, showing an 18 percent rise, while the Punjab Workers Welfare Fund witnessed a substantial 30 percent growth, with Rs. 9.3 billion collected during the same period.

She added that this performance has been achieved without imposing any new tax or increasing existing tax rates. The PRA credits this success to a robust enforcement strategy and the effective deployment of modern technology. With continued efforts, the Authority is confident of surpassing its annual tax collection target for the fiscal year.

Govt to intensify polio eradication efforts: Mustafa Kamal

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Ali Ali

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Tue, 3 Jun 2025, 6:10 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 03 (APP):Federal Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal on Tuesday reaffirmed government commitment to intensifying polio eradication efforts to ensure a polio-free Pakistan in the near future.

The minister was chairing a review meeting on polio eradication which was attended by key stakeholders, including the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Special Secretary Health, Additional Secretary Health, the National Polio Coordinator, as well as representatives from WHO, UNICEF, and provincial health authorities.

During the meeting, a comprehensive review of the recent nationwide polio vaccination drive was presented.

The meeting was informed that over 45 million children were successfully administered the polio vaccine drops.

National and provincial coordinators shared detailed updates on the ongoing polio eradication efforts, highlighting progress as well as obstacles.

Minister Mustafa Kamal emphasized that protecting children from polio is a collective national responsibility that requires urgent and sustained efforts from all segments of society.

He urged parents to proactively seek out polio workers and ensure the immunization of their children, reminding that safeguarding children’s health is a matter of accountability both in this life and the hereafter.

The minister highlighted that while cancer treatment is possible, polio remains an incurable disease, reinforcing the critical need to eliminate the virus through effective vaccination campaigns.

He called for a significant policy shift to enhance campaign effectiveness and stressed the importance of unity and societal participation in this national mission.

“Only two countries in the world still face the threat of polio,” Mustafa Kamal stated, noting ongoing extensive campaigns in Afghanistan, effectively supported by the Afghan government. He expressed his hope for simultaneous polio-free status for both Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Sialkot to mark World Environment Day

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Ali Ali

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Tue, 3 Jun 2025, 6:10 PM

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SIALKOT, Jun 03 (APP):On the instructions of the Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, special events will be held in Sialkot district on June 5 on the occasion of World Environment Day.

Various programs based on tree plantation campaign, zero plastic awareness, and measures related to conservation of natural resources have been organized by the district administration.

Prepared under the supervision of Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Muhammad Iqbal Sanghera, these events, including a seminar and walk on environmental protection, will be organized at the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce, while tree plantation will be done at the DC office.

The meeting reviewed the preparations for a comprehensive campaign regarding World Environment Day in light of the instructions of the Punjab government.

The campaign aims to promote an eco-friendly lifestyle, curb the use of plastic and implement effective measures against environmental pollution. The Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue directed the Assistant Commissioners of the four tehsils to devise a detailed action plan in consultation with all the relevant departments, industrialists, shopkeepers, offices, shopping malls and local leadership.

He stressed ensuring immediate and effective actions for environmental protection, keeping in mind the instructions of the Punjab Environment Department. The Assistant Commissioners will monitor these activities and ensure their effective measures.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Planning Muzaffar Mukhtar, Assistant Commissioner (AC) Sialkot Anum Babar, AC Daska Usman Ghani, AC Pasrur Sidra Sattar and DC Environment Johar Abbas were also present on this occasion.

Muhammad Iqbal Sanghera said that practical steps for environmental protection will be taken at the district level, keeping in mind the instructions of the Punjab Environment Department. In this regard, the concerned authorities have been directed to direct the Environment Department to play a proactive role in taking proactive and effective actions to ensure sustainable development and environmental protection.

These measures will not only promote environmental protection but will also help in making the public aware of their responsibilities.

SIMAP delegation visits WCCIS

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Ali Ali

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Tue, 3 Jun 2025, 6:03 PM

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SIALKOT, Jun 03 (APP):A delegation from the Surgical Instruments Manufacturers and Association of Pakistan visited the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sialkot (WCCIS) to discuss collaborative opportunities for the upcoming Technology & Innovation Summit (TIS-2025).

The delegation was led by Suleman Ali Mughal, Senior Vice Chairman, SIMAP, and Salman Asif Awan, Chairman, Technology and Innovation Summit Committee and included Sabour Ahmed, Executive Committee Member & TIS Committee Member, and Muhammad Naeem, TIS Committee Member.

The primary objective of the visit was to encourage the chamber to set up a dedicated booth at TIS-2025, scheduled to take place on June 19, 2025, at Cantt View Marquee, Sialkot.

This initiative aims to promote women empowerment through entrepreneurship and innovation, providing a platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase their contributions to the business and technology sectors.

WCCIS President Dr. Mariam Nouman warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed her gratitude for the invitation. She assured the full support and active participation of the chamber in the event.

The visit marks a significant step toward strengthening collaboration between industry stakeholders and women-led business initiatives in the region.

Senior Vice President (SVP) WCCIS Gulzaib Waqas Awan, Vice President (VP) Rubina Naveed and Women entrepreneurs were also present.

Sana Yousaf murder case solved: accused held within 20 hours: IG Rizvi

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Ali Ali

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Tue, 3 Jun 2025, 5:59 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 03 (APP):Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police have arrested the suspect involved in the brutal murder of 17-year-old TikToker Sana Yousaf within 20 hours of the incident, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi announced on Tuesday.

An official told APP that the case was registered on the complaint of Sana’s mother, who stated that around 5 p.m. on Monday, an unidentified man entered their residence in Sector G-13/1, opened fire on Sana, and fled. The victim sustained two gunshot wounds to the chest and was shifted to a hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

He said Sana’s mother added that the suspect could be identified if presented before her.

He said Sana Yousaf, a native of Chitral, had around 800,000 followers on TikTok and over 500,000 on Instagram. At the time of the attack, she was at home with her aunt, while her mother was at the market, her father at work, and her younger brother in Chitral.

IG Rizvi, speaking to the media, said the attacker had posed as a guest to gain entry into the house before committing the murder.

He said after registering the case, police launched a swift investigation and apprehended the accused, Umar Hayat alias “Kaka,” from Faisalabad within 20 hours.

He said investigations revealed that the suspect had tried to befriend Sana and, after repeated rejections, planned the attack. He added that the police recovered the murder weapon and the victim’s iPhone, which the suspect had taken to destroy evidence.

IG Rizvi said, “This is a case of repeated rejection. The accused made multiple attempts to contact the victim and stalked her persistently.”

IG Rizvi said the suspect had remained outside the victim’s house for over eight hours on May 29, her birthday, attempting to meet her. On June 2, after spending several more hours trying to contact her, he executed his plan and shot her.

IG Rizvi said the Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi remained in constant contact during the investigation and issued timely directives. The Islamabad Police kept him regularly updated.

IG Rizvi said seven police teams led by DIG Tariq, SSP Investigation, SSP Operations, and DSP CIA played key roles in the investigation. He also appreciated the assistance of cellular forensics and social media experts in tracing the suspect.

Blood donation camp

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Ali Ali

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Tue, 3 Jun 2025, 5:59 PM

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Sargodha, Jun 03 (APP):A blood donation camp was organized in collaboration with Shah Foundation at the Red Crescent Thalassemia and Hemophilia Blood Center here on Tuesday.

The camp aimed to support children suffering from thalassemia, and a large number of citizens came forward to donate blood.

The event was attended by notable figures, including Punjabi poet Maysam Abbas, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Usama Ijaz. They visited various departments of the center, reviewed the blood transfusion process, and appreciated the efforts of the medical staff.

Shah Foundation distributed Eid gifts among thalassemia patients, while appreciation certificates were awarded to blood donors. At the end, the organizers expressed gratitude to the donors for their selfless act.

Section 144 imposed

By

Ali Ali

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Tue, 3 Jun 2025, 5:56 PM

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BAHAWALPUR, Jun 03 (APP):Deputy Commissioner Dr. Farhan Farooq has imposed Section 144 across the district from June 7 to June 9.

It prohibits the burning of heads and hooves of sacrificial animals in public places. The order also bans the buying and selling of sacrificial animals outside approved cattle markets and the disposal of animal waste and entrails into manholes, drains, or canals.

A separate order also prohibits swimming, bathing, and boating in rivers, lakes, and canals within the revenue limits of Bahawalpur district. Furthermore, activities such as one-wheeling, motorcycle racing, and riding motorcycles without silencers are also prohibited.

Process to transport pilgrims to Mina to begin after Esha prayers: Director Makkah

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NNPS Desk

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Tue, 3 Jun 2025, 5:49 PM

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By Raziq Ali Shah

MAKKAH AL MUKARRAMAH Jun 03 (APP): Director Makkah Aziz Ullah Khan on Tuesday said that the transportation of Pakistani pilgrims to Mina will kick off after Esha prayers tonight.

Sharing details with APP here, the Director said that over 88,000 pilgrims under the government Hajj scheme will be transported to the world’s largest tent valley via 932 buses before Zuhar prayer tomorrow (8th Zilhaj).

“Initially, 442 buses were designated for transportation as per the Saudi authorities formula, but an additional 490 buses have now been arranged to ensure the timely and historic seat-to-seat shifting of pilgrims to Mina,” he said.

Calling it a landmark development, Aziz Ullah Khan said that each guest of Allah Almighty will have their name and photograph displayed on their designated sofa-cum-bed, along with a gift hamper. Pilgrims can also verify their details using the wristbands provided by the Pakistan Hajj Mission, he said.

In response to a question, he said that the counting of total beds has been completed in collaboration with the Mission’s officials and Saudi Tawafa company A-Rajhi. By the Grace of Allah Almighty the total number of beds is more than the required one, he added.

To another question, the Director said that after spending the day and night in the tent valley tomorrow, pilgrims will proceed to Mount Arafat. Of the total, 64,600 pilgrims — approximately 73% — will travel to Arafat by train, while the rest will be transported by buses.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Hajj Mission has urged pilgrims to strictly follow their scheduled departure times to avoid the risks associated with overcrowding and extreme heat.

It is pertinent to mention that Saudi authorities have stressed the importance of adhering to the government-assigned movement schedules and ensuring compliance at every stage of travel between the holy sites.

It also stressed the necessity of using the approved means of transport, as outlined in the official transportation plan, and refraining from walking between locations during the designated times.