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Plan launched to elevate Rescue-1122 service in all districts with latest equipment: AJK Secretary Relief

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MIRPUR (AJK), Jul 18 (APP):AJK state government Secretary for Relief, Disaster Management and Civil Defense, Chaudhry Muhammad Farid and Patron-in-Chief of International Emergency Team UK, Chaudhry Mehrban Siddique have visited the recently -elevated state of the art control room of Rescue 1122 in  Mirpur, built with the support of a UK-based International NGO – the Muslim Hands and inspected the available means of emergency and rescue services including the due infrastructure comprising vehicles and equipment.
Assistant Director Rescue 1122, Sardar Najam Saduzai and  Director Operation SDMA, Saeed-ur-Rehman Qureshi, briefed them about the functioning of the local unit of the Rescue 1122 service.
The Secretary, lauding Rescue 1122 Mirpur relief services, said an integrated plan was afoot to elevate the Rescue-1122 Service in all AJK districts with the latest equipment.
He expressed the hope that Rescue 1122 Mirpur would make emergency response more active and effective and keep itself on high alert for providing any kind of emergency services round the clock, matching the needs of the modern age to ensure lesser losses in every catastrophic situation.

19th July resolution more relevant today than ever before: Altaf Hussain Wani

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP):Working Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir National Front, Altaf Hussain Wani, has said that the 19th July 1947 Resolution, which called for the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan, holds even greater relevance today in light of current political developments in India.
In a statement issued here today, Wani emphasized that the decision made by the Kashmiri leadership over seven decades ago was not only pragmatic but profoundly visionary.
Citing the rise in intolerance, xenophobia, and the systematic persecution of religious minorities in India, Wani argued that the apprehensions the Kashmiri leadership had in 1947 about Hindu domination and cultural erasure were entirely justified.
 “The revocation of Article 370, the introduction of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) have only reinforced those early fears,” he said.
He described the 19th July Resolution as a historic declaration that showcased the Kashmiri leadership’s resolve to protect the identity, culture, and political future of the region’s majority population.
“The resolution represented the will of nearly 80% of the state’s population and affirmed their inherent right to self-determination,” he stated.
Wani underscored that the Kashmiris’ freedom struggle continues to draw strength from this foundational political statement.
“Despite decades of brutal repression, Kashmiris remain undefeated in their pursuit of freedom from Indian occupation,” he said.
Reiterating the resolve of the Kashmiri people, Wani stated that nothing short of complete freedom would satisfy their aspirations.
He voiced optimism that the time was near when the “chapter of India’s imperial presence in Kashmir would come to an end,” and the people of the region would realize the dream their forefathers envisioned 78 years ago.

Kashmiris to mark Accession to Pakistan Day tomorrow

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP):Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and the world over will observe the Accession to Pakistan Day tomorrow (Saturday) with a renewed pledge to continue the plebiscite struggle for Jammu and Kashmir and its complete merger with Pakistan.
It was on 19th July 1947 that genuine representatives of the Kashmiris unanimously passed resolution of Kashmir’s Accession to Pakistan during a meeting of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference at the residence of Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan in Abi Guzar area of Srinagar, Hurriyat Leader APHC Abdul Hameed Lone said.
The historic resolution called for the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan in view of its existing sentiments, religious, geographical, cultural and economic proximity to Pakistan and aspirations of millions of the Jammu and Kashmir people.
The development had come almost a month before the creation of two sovereign states of Pakistan and India under the Partition Plan of the British Indian colony.
As per the understanding behind the Partition Plan, the Princely States were free to accede to either of the two newly established countries. The decision of 19th July 1947 was a testimony to the fact that the people of Kashmir had linked their future with Pakistan. They took the decision of joining Pakistan to protect their political, religious, social, cultural and economic rights, as they were well aware of their fate under Hindus who had deep-seated animosity for Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir, he added.
The dream of merging with Pakistan, rooted in the July 19, 1947 resolution, remains alive and strong among Kashmir and it is from 1947 that Kashmiris uphold their July 19 pledge with unmatched resilience.
The 1947 accession resolution is not just history; it’s the foundation of Kashmiris’ resistance and continues to inspire Kashmiris’ fight for freedom and rightful alignment with Pakistan. This Accession to Pakistan spirit fuels the Kashmiris’ legitimate quest for the right to self-determination.

Over 15,000 rescuers on high alert across Punjab

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LAHORE, Jul 18 (APP):Punjab Emergency Services Department, Rescue 1122 on Friday placed over 15,000 rescuers and 800 boats on high alert across the province in response to the ongoing monsoon rains and flood threats.
According to Rescue 1122 spokesperson,109 people have lost their lives due to rain-related incidents since June 25,while 745 individuals have been provided with emergency services.
Out of those rescued,307 were administered first aid on site and 438 critically injured persons were shifted to hospitals.
As part of flood evacuation efforts,214 people were safely relocated from vulnerable districts including Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan,Layyah,Rajanpur,Nankana Sahib and Jhelum.Rescue teams also transported 370 individuals and 176 livestock from flooded areas.
On July 17,heavy downpours led to the rescue of 72 persons in Rawalpindi,128 in Jhelum, and 54 from low-lying areas of Faisalabad while 16 fatalities were reported across various districts.
The highest number of deaths due to the recent rains have been reported in Lahore (24),Faisalabad (15), Sheikhupura (11),Rawalpindi (10),Okara (8) and Bahawalnagar (7) while 34 deaths were reported in other parts of the province.
Most casualties resulted from collapsing residential structures and dilapidated buildings,the spokesperson said.
Since June 25,Rescue 1122 has responded to 351 building collapse incidents,22 electrocution cases,61 traffic accidents,seven falling incidents,four lightning strikes and 35 other emergencies.
Rescue 1122 continues to operate under high alert across Punjab to deal with ongoing and potential flood emergencies,added spokesperson.

PM seeks plan to encourage private sector investment in shipping

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed the relevant authorities to formulate a comprehensive plan to encourage private sector investment in Pakistan’s shipping sector.

Chairing a meeting regarding reforms in shipping sector here, the prime minister stressed that steps should be taken to establish the National Shipping Corporation on corporate lines.

He emphasized that the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Uzbekistan railway line was set to usher in a new era of trade in the region as trade goods from Central Asia will be transported worldwide through Pakistani ports.

He said improvement in the railway and shipping sectors was crucial for transit trade, noting that the transportation of goods for Pakistani shipping lines was a valuable opportunity to earn precious foreign exchange for the country.

He also directed to take steps to increase the number of ships in the maritime fleet that will also help saving foreign exchange spent on Pakistan’s freight.

The prime minister instructed the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Pakistan National Shipping Corporation to present reforms and a sustainable business model for the sector.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and other senior officials.

Pakistan supports Kashmiris strongly, Pak Army, Kashmiris’  pride and honor: AJK Minister

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MIRPUR (AJK), Jul 18 (APP):Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Minister for Rehabilitation Javed Iqbal Badhanvi has said Pakistan was Kashmiris strong advocate and Pak Army stood as  our pride and honor and raised the  image,  honor and prestige of Pakistan the world over by establishing the history of gallantry and valor giving befitting response to the Indian unprovoked aggression recently.
Talking to journalists at Kashmir Press Club here , he said that the valiant armed forces of Pakistan stood as the custodian of the Kashmiris  besides the entire Pakistani nation and the country.
The minister said that since Pak Army was always our protector, besides the entire nation of Pakistan, people across the country including Azad Jammu and Kashmir had great respect and for the Pakistan Army’s vibrant role for the national defense of ideological and geographical frontiers of Pakistan besides AJK.
Badahanvi, while reposing full trust in the leadership of the sitting PPP AJK President Chaudhry Yasin,  said Yasin continually stood as the PPP, AJK  chapter President of Azad Kashmir and would remain so in future.
Categorically dispelling the impression of any in-house change in Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, the minister said “There is no possibility of in-house change in Azad  Jammu and Kashmir.
” Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq’s government is working for the improvement of nation-building institutions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir besides the speedy progress and prosperity of the region,” he added.
Responding to series of questions, the minister disclosed that appointments would be made to the vacant positions of in the AJK Election Commission, Accountability Bureau, Services Tribunal and AJK  High Court judges as per the rules.
Former General Secretary,  Mirpur Bar, Chaudhry Muhammad Bashir Tabassum Advocate, former Vice President Chaudhry Ashiq Hussain, eminent lawyer Sardar Azim Khan and Chaudhry Muhammad Altaf  Advocate Ankh were also present on the occasion.
Earlier, he expressed grief over the demise of the brother of Kashmir Press Club Mirpur, President, Syed Abid Hussain Shah and offered Fateha for the departed soul.

KP-EZDMC hosts help-desk to support EDF grant initiative

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PESHAWAR, Jul 18 (APP):Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development and Management Company (KP-EZDMC) in collaboration with IBDP and UN-IOM, hosted a one-day help desk at KP-EZDMC Tower to support the Enterprise Development Fund (EDF) 2025 grant initiative, said a press release issued here on Friday.
 A large number of entrepreneurs and business representatives from diverse sectors visited to explore this opportunity.
The help desk was facilitated by KP-EZDMC and managed by IOM staff provided detailed guidance and assisted in registering eligible businesses for interest-free, non-repayable grants.
This initiative reflects KP-EZDMC’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusive economic growth by enabling access to finance for startups and small & medium enterprises across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Four state-of-the-art operation theaters start functioning in DHQ Hospital, D I Khan

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Dera Ismail Khan , Jul 18 (APP):Four state-of-the-art operation theater units have been established at the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital Dera Ismail Khan to enhance surgical care and improve healthcare delivery for patients in the region.
Equipped with the latest medical technology and modern surgical equipment, the new operation theaters mark a significant step forward in providing quality healthcare services in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to hospital officials, these advanced surgical units are the first of their kind available from Kohat to the southern belt, making Dera Ismail Khan a central hub for modern surgical facilities.
Hospital administration expressed confidence that the new units will not only cater to the growing healthcare needs of the local population but also serve patients from neighboring districts seeking specialized surgical treatment.
“These modern operation theaters are a major milestone in improving patient care standards in the region,” said a hospital official. “We are committed to ensuring accessible, safe, and efficient medical services for all.”
The initiative reflects the government’s broader efforts to upgrade healthcare infrastructure and expand access to modern medical treatment across underserved areas.

IRSA releases 386,300 cusecs water

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP): Indus River System Authority (IRSA) on Friday released 386,300 cusecs water from various rim stations with inflow of 423,000 cusecs.

According to the data released by IRSA, the water level in River Indus at Tarbela Dam was 1530.00 feet which was 128.00 feet higher than the dead level of 1402.00 feet. Water inflow and outflow in the dam was recorded as 270,800 cusecs and 270,400 cusecs, respectively.

The water level in River Jhelum at Mangla Dam was 1188.00 feet, which was 138.00 feet higher than its dead level of 1,050 feet. The inflow and outflow of water was recorded 44,700 cusecs and 8,400 cusecs, respectively.

The release of water at Kalabagh, Taunsa, Guddu and Sukkur was recorded as 250,200, 196,400, 239,500 and 265,000 cusecs, respectively. Similarly, from River Kabul, a total of 37,600 cusecs of water released at Nowshera and 45,200 cusecs released from River Chenab at Marala.

Pak team to feature in World Squash events

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP):Pakistan junior team departed to Egypt on Friday to feature in the World Junior Individual Squash Championships and World Junior Team Squash Championships, taking place in Egypt from July 21 to August 1.
The Pakistan contingent is all set to make their mark on the world stage, led by Sqn Ldr Atif Kamran (Team Manager) and Coach Faraz Muhammad, the talented young players are ready to give it their all in the championships, said a press release.
The players include Anas Ali Shah, Abdullah Nawaz, Umair Arif and Yahya Khan.
The Pakistani contingent departed from Islamabad International Airport, filled with enthusiasm and pride to represent Pakistan.