ISLAMABAD: June 03 –
State Minister for Railways & Head of PM’s Delivery Unit Bilal Azhar Kiyani chairs a meeting attended by DG SIFC Major General Asad Cheema and other senior officials in federal capital.
ISLAMABAD: June 03 –
Eid economy: A festival that feeds dreams of South Punjab’s livestock heroes
M Atif Ismail
MULTAN, Jun 03 (APP):As the blessed days of Eid ul Azha approach, roads of South Punjab’s villages echo with hope, hustle, and the sound of cattle. For many, it’s not just a religious occasion but a season of fulfilled dreams and long-awaited income.
Muhammad Hussain, a small farmer at Pipli Adda (Vehari), raises cattle all year round with devotion. “This is our crop,” he says, gently brushing his prized bull. “I don’t grow wheat only but I grow bulls also. Eid is our harvest season.” He feeds them hand-cut grass, sings to them, and decorates them in anticipation of buyers who arrive from cities seeking healthy, majestic animals for sacrifice.
Hussain is not alone. Thousands like him across South Punjab invest months of labor, love, and money into rearing animals, hoping for good returns during Eid. The region, known for its agricultural soul, transforms into a thriving economic machine fueled by livestock trade in these sacred days.
Connecting the dots is Malik Nadeem, a middleman at Chak No 34/WB, who facilitates deals between farmers and city customers. “I bring animals from remote villages to Multan, Vehari, and Lahore markets. It’s not easy, but this is our season to earn after a year of struggle,” he shares while supervising the loading of cattle onto loader rickshaws, mini-trucks under the summer sun.
The economy doesn’t stop at the sale of animals. A parallel network of support emerges. Allah Dittah, a young grass seller from Chah Darkhanwala, says he sells fodder bundles twice the usual rate before Eid. “People buy the best for their animals in these days.” His stall outside the local mandi never sleeps during the Eid week.
Then there is Sufi Nazeer, who sells ornamental accessories for animals including necklaces, bells, colorful ropes, and embroidered sheets. “When a child loves his bull, he decorates it like a bride,” he stated. His Eid sales cross five figures, a boost that sustains his family for months.
The story continues even after the sacrifice. Allah Rakha, another social figure, collects animal hides door to door. “I collect them for a village welfare trust after seeking permission from district authorities.
In the city streets, butchers like Irfan Jutt become the busiest hands of Eid. Originally from Vehari, Irfan travels to Lahore every Eid for work. “People book me months in advance. I earn in three days what I can’t in three months back home,” he says while sharpening his tools, eyes set on a better future.
For the people of South Punjab, Eid ul Azha is more than a tradition, it’s livelihood also. A festival that turns rural backyards into bustling livestock hubs, small stalls into profit centers, and skilled hands into sought-after services.
From sun-scorched cattle pens to decorated market stalls, this sacred season brings joy wrapped in hard-earned rupees. A billions rupee economy driven by faith, effort, and the dreams of those whose lives revolve around animals.
Rescue 1122 holds mock drill for floods
SIALKOT, Jun 03 (APP):Rescue 1122, in collaboration with the district administration, organized a mock drill at Kambaran-wala on the Upper Chenab Canal to deal with the flood situation in a timely manner.
According to the rescue spokesperson, on the special instructions of the founder Director General Punjab Emergency Service Dr. Rizwan Naseer, under the supervision of Regional Emergency Officer Gujranwala Syed Kamal Abid, District Emergency Officer (DEO) Engineer Naveed Iqbal organized a mock drill at Kambaran-wala on the Upper Chenab Canal to prepare for the flood.
Deputy Commissioner Sialkot Saba Asghar Ali issued orders to all the relevant institutions of the district to participate in the mock drill on the special instructions of PDMA. All departments set up stalls of flood-related equipment in mock drills in view of the flood situation.
DDMC Keywan Hassan and District Emergency Officer Engineer Naveed Iqbal reviewed the mock drill and also visited the stalls. Rescue 1122 presented a practical demonstration of operations during floods, set up a first aid field camp and also presented a demonstration of rescuing people trapped during floods to a safe place and searching for those who drowned.
On this occasion, DDMC Keywan Hassan paid tribute to the Rescue and all the departments for conducting the successful mock exercise and termed the flood preparations as satisfactory.
District Emergency Officer (DEO) Engineer Naveed Iqbal said that the purpose of such mock exercises is to test the professional capabilities of Rescue 1122 and other departments as well as to test the operational capabilities of the equipment so that better measures can be taken to prevent possible floods and mutual cooperation can be established between the district departments so that relief can be provided to the people quickly in times of emergency.
Rescue Scouts along with Rescue 1122 also participated in the mock drills under the leadership of District Jamil Janjua.
dditional Director Livestock Dr. Waseem, District Entomologist Saharish Khalid, Operation Manager SWMC Mujahid Mehmood, District Health Muhammad Qateel, Assistant Director Social Welfare Abrar Abdullah, Rose Welfare President Ashfaq Nazar and Mian Sarfaraz, Pir Ghulam Hussain and others were also present on this occasion.
DPO vows ongoing support for families of police martyrs
PESHAWAR, Jun 03 (APP):District Police Officer (DPO) Suleman Zafar met with the families of police martyrs in a special session held at his office, reaffirming the department’s unwavering commitment to honoring the sacrifices of fallen officers.
During the heartfelt meeting, DPO Zafar individually interacted with each family, listened to their concerns, and assured them of full assistance in addressing their needs. He emphasized that the sacrifices made by the martyrs in the line of duty for peace and security will never be forgotten.
“Our martyrs are national heroes who laid down their lives without hesitation for the safety of our people,” said the DPO. “Their sacrifices are a guiding light for us, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with their families.”
He also pledged continuous support in key areas including education, healthcare, and other essential services for the families of the deceased officers.
The martyrs’ families expressed gratitude for the respect and recognition shown by the police leadership, stating that such gestures reaffirm the value of their loved ones’ ultimate sacrifice.
FDA directed to maintain excellent performance
FAISALABAD, Jun 03 (APP): Director General (DG) Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA) Muhammad Asif Chaudhary has directed officers to enhance departmental performance.
Presiding over a meeting here on Tuesday, he also instructed in-charge officers of various departments to ensure staff adherence to discipline and expedite official tasks. He assigned a task to Additional Director General FDA Qaiser Abbas Rind for regular monitoring to improve the office system.
During the meeting, he also reviewed departmental performance and urged the FDA officers to ensure staff attendance and prompt service delivery. Meanwhile, the Additional Director General FDA said that regular inspections of all departments would continue to maintain a pleasant and clean office environment.
He said that staff should be well aware of high cleanliness standards, proper care and protection of all office equipment and property. He said that FDA staff would always be present at One-Window Counter during office hours to avoid inconvenience for the applicants.
All complaints would be addressed immediately and without delay to further strengthen public trust in FDA’s services, he added. The ADG also directed for maintaining transparency and discipline in financial matters by ensuring timely entries of receipts and payments.
All financial rules would be given special consideration and pre-audits of accounts should receive particular attention to prevent any irregularities or discrepancies, he added.
Director IT/Deputy Director Admin Yasir Ejaz Chattha, Deputy Director Finance Humaira Ashraf and others were also present in the meeting.
SCCI expects growth-oriented, industry friendly budget
PESHAWAR, Jun 03 (APP): Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry have pinned high hopes and the expectations that the upcoming budget 2025-26 will be growth oriented, industry friendly and tax-free.
SCCI president Fazal Moqeem Khan, senior vice president Abdul Jalil Jan, vice president Shehryar Khan and members of the chamber executive committee in a joint statement here on Tuesday stated that the business community expects a comprehensive industrial package, which is essential in sustainable economic growth and development.
While quoting certain reports regarding slapping new taxes in the upcoming budget, the senior office bearers said that the business community believes that the government could refrain from taking steps that could further burden the existing taxpayers.
Office bearers said that SCCI has always been vocal and demanded that the tax net has to be broadened and in order to meet the budget targets; there is a need to bring non-tax paying sectors into the tax net.
We expect that the Finance Minister will introduce measures that support and promote exports.
The business leaders expressed strong desires to implement policies that promote macroeconomic stability, control inflation, and ensure a stable exchange rate.
This stability provides a conducive environment for businesses to plan their investments and operations effectively, they added.
Office bearers furthermore said that the business community expects the government to introduce policies and reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business in Pakistan.
They advised that the government must introduce investment incentives and measures that encourage both domestic and foreign investments.
This may include tax breaks or exemptions for specific industries, subsidies for research and development, access to credit facilities, and measures to promote entrepreneurship and innovation, they elaborated.
Senior office bearers emphasized the need to enhance industrial competitiveness, promote exports, broaden the tax base, and eliminate structural inefficiencies in the economic framework.
The business leaders noted that the SME sector, which serves as a backbone of economic activity and employment, continues to struggle due to limited access to finance and an unsupportive regulatory framework.
SCCI office bearers urged the government to prioritise industrial growth and exports in the budget for FY26 by widening the tax base, capping business income tax at 25pc, abolishing the Super Tax, and reversing recent controversial amendments to the Income Tax Ordinance.
They called for a harmonised GST system, faster refunds, gradual reduction of sales tax, and abolition of the additional sales tax to reduce informality.
Hanif Abbasi, Uzbek envoy discuss Railway transit corridor project
ISLAMABAD, Jun 3 (APP):Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Ali Shir Takhtae held detailed discussions on Tuesday regarding the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Transit Corridor project.
The meeting was focused to further strengthen cooperation in the railway sector and to devise a joint strategy for the completion of this historic project, said a news release.
During the meeting, the leaders described the project as a milestone for regional economic growth and the consolidation of trade ties.
Consensus was reached to finalize cooperation on this approximately 850-kilometer long railway connectivity project, which included the construction of a new 647-kilometer railway line through Afghanistan.
This corridor will become the first direct railway link between Central Asia and South Asia, opening new avenues for trade and economic collaboration in the region.
Hanif Abbasi said, “Upon completion of this project, Pakistan will gain the shortest and most efficient route to Central Asia, which will not only increase trade volumes but also strengthen the region’s economy on a solid footing.”
He further added, “This railway corridor will significantly reduce transit time and transportation costs, benefiting all stakeholders.”
He mentioned that the corridor is expected to handle an annual freight capacity of 15 million tons, which will tremendously boost export and import volumes in the region.
The Minister termed this project a historic milestone that will provide Central Asia direct access to Pakistan’s ports, facilitating easier access to global trading markets.
Hanif Abbasi emphasized the strategic importance of the project as a key component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, stating, “This project will not only reinforce economic ties but will also play a pivotal role in promoting regional peace and stability.”
Ambassador Ali Shir Takhtaev highlighted the vast investment opportunities in Pakistan’s railway sector and the potential to enhance bilateral trade relations.
He stressed that collaborative efforts could foster economic prosperity and create new employment opportunities for the people of both countries.
Both leaders appreciated the potential positive impacts of this project in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan, describing it as a beacon of development and harmony for the region.
They reiterated their commitment to deepening cooperation in the railway sector and continuing work on joint development projects.
Hanif Abbasi pledged to leverage Uzbekistan’s expertise to modernize Pakistan’s railway system and enhance its operational efficiency through robust reforms.
The meeting, both parties reaffirmed their dedication to promoting regional cooperation, activating economic corridors, and advancing mutual development through sustained joint initiatives.
UOS hosts IT project exhibition
Sargodha, Jun 03 (APP): The University of Sargodha (UOS) on Tuesday organized a top IT project exhibition, featuring cutting-edge capstone projects by final-year students in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Cyber Security.
UOS Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas inaugurated the exhibition, accompanied by industry leaders, including CEOs of renowned software houses and startups. On the occasion, Dr. Abbas commended the students for their technical brilliance and encouraged them to remain committed to innovation and lifelong learning.
The Vice Chancellor said that the UOS’s commitment to fostering practical learning environments and equipping graduates with industry-relevant skills.
The exhibition showcased a range of innovative projects, including a Blind Guide System, Medi-Robot, AR-based 3D Modeling Application, Smart Livestock Care Mobile App, and AI-powered Notes Assistant. Other projects focused on AI-driven solutions for crop health monitoring, pest control, and fruit maturity assessment.
The event aimed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, promoting collaboration and hands-on learning among emerging IT professionals.
The exhibition was widely appreciated by both academic and industry participants, marking a significant milestone in promoting student-led innovation at the University of Sargodha.
Devcom launches World Environment Day celebrations with awards and conference
ISLAMABAD, Jun 03 (APP):Devcom-Pakistan kicked off World Environment Day celebrations by hosting the Pakistan Environmental Awards and Conference of Best Practices 2025, centered on the theme “Beyond Plastic Waste – Navigating Climate and Environmental Risks.”
The event gathered policymakers, environmental experts, and sustainability advocates to address Pakistan’s pressing ecological challenges here on Tuesday.
Prominent figures, including Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Dr. Sebastian Paust from the German Embassy, Vice Admiral (Retd.) Ahmed Saeed of the National Institute of Maritime Affairs, and Dr. Zaigham Abbas of Pak-EPA, emphasized the urgent need to combat plastic pollution and climate threats.
The Federal Minister for Board of Investment called for strict measures against single-use plastics, declaring, “A cleaner Pakistan begins with the choices we make today.”
Munir Ahmed, founder of Devcom-Pakistan, warned that plastic pollution is a “ticking time bomb” and stressed the importance of waste segregation and circular economy practices.
Dr. Zaigham Abbas urged businesses to adopt sustainable packaging and waste management, while Vice Admiral (Retd.) Ahmed Saeed highlighted the dangers of marine pollution in Pakistan’s waters.
The ceremony honored sustainability leaders, including SinoHydro Dasu-Mansehra Power Transmission Line for eco-friendly energy infrastructure, Capital Smart City for urban sustainability, and OGDCL for environmental compliance.
Individuals like Rina Saeed Khan (wildlife conservation) and Teacher Usman (community rainwater harvesting) were also recognized.
Environmental journalists, including Jamal Shahid (Dawn) and Afshan S. Khan (The News), received awards for their impactful reporting.
The event reinforced the need for stronger policies, corporate accountability, and public engagement to tackle plastic pollution and climate risks.
World Environment Day, observed globally on June 5, is this year hosted by South Korea with a focus on ending plastic pollution.
Pakistan’s initiatives aim to drive meaningful action toward a sustainable future.
2,000 Kg of unsafe meat seized near Chakri
ISLAMABAD, Jun 3 (APP): In a swift and vigilant operation, the Motorway Police on Tuesday recovered around 2,000 kilograms of unhealthy meat from two suspicious vehicles near Chakri during a routine patrol.
According to the spokesperson of the Motorway police, the officers stopped two Suzuki carry vans after noticing suspicious activity during routine checks. On inspection, they found the vehicles were loaded with a large quantity of contaminated meat.
Officials from the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) Rawalpindi were immediately called to the scene. After checking, they confirmed that the meat was not safe for human consumption and could pose serious health risks.
The drivers and the vehicles were handed over to the Punjab Food Authority for further action. Police from Chakri Station also reached the spot and initiated legal action.