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Agriculture officers inspect fertilizer, seed outlets in Kunjah

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GUJRAT, Jul 23 (APP):Deputy Director Agriculture (Extension) Gujrat Muhammad Athar Latif, along with Agriculture Officer (Extension) Kunjah Tayyaba Kausar Jarral, conducted inspection visits to fertilizer and seed dealers in Kunjah.
The inspection aimed to ensure the availability of quality agricultural inputs and verify compliance with relevant laws and standards.
Officials examined stock registers, licenses, and the quality of products on sale. The Agriculture Department warned of strict action against violators to protect farmers’ rights.

CM directs accelerated relief efforts as rains wreak havoc in KP

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PESHAWAR, Jul 23 (APP): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has expressed profound grief and concern over the devastation caused by the recent heavy rains and flooding in the province.
He emphasized that all relevant departments are working in close coordination to mitigate further damage in the affected areas.
The Chief Minister highlighted that inter-departmental communication is being maintained continuously, with joint efforts underway to safeguard lives and property.
Rescue 1122 has established emergency camps near rivers, streams, and other vulnerable locations, with relief operations actively ongoing.
He noted that rescue teams were not only responding to flood-related emergencies but were also efficiently managing routine crises. He has issued directives to further expedite Rescue 1122’s relief operations.
The Chief Minister instructed all departments to remain on high alert to address the persistent rainfall and potential flood threats. In tourist-heavy districts, he directed authorities to promptly update visitors on weather conditions to ensure their safety.
Additionally, the chief minister ordered the immediate deployment of heavy machinery to clear roads blocked by landslides and restore connectivity.
He further stated that 24/7 emergency control rooms have been activated across all districts of the province, with district administration officials directed to personally oversee relief efforts.

Faisalabad education board announces names of position-holders in matric exams

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FAISALABAD, Jul 23 (APP):The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Faisalabad announced the annual matriculation examination-2025 results, here on Wednesday.
The formal results will be announced on July 24 in an impressive ceremony, to be held at Divisional Model College at 10a.m. and Commissioner Faisalabad Maryam Khan would preside over the ceremony and award prizes to the position holders.
According to gazette notification issued here on Wednesday, Muhammad Moeez Qamar, Roll No. 478724, clinched the first position by obtaining 1189 marks, out of 1200 marks, in the exam. He is a student of Faisalabad Grammar School (Boys) Kohinoor Nagar, Faisalabad.
The second position was secured by a female student, Maham Mumtaz, Roll No. 413536, from Muhammad Ali Jinnah Girls High School 274-JB, Pensra, Boawana Road Faisalabad, by getting 1187 marks. The third position was clinched by Meerab Virk, Roll No. 408568 from Al-Faisal Girls Grammar High School, Ahmadabad (Gulistan Colony) Faisalabad by obtaining 1186 marks.
In the boys (Science) group, Muhammad Moeez Qamar, Roll No 478724, from Faisalabad Grammar School, Kohinoor Nagar, Faisalabad got first position by getting 1189/1200 marks in the exam. Muhammad Isa Wajid, Roll No. 481018 from Faisalabad School, 289-D, Peoples Colony No. 1, Faisalabad, secured 1184 marks and stood second, while Muhammad Usman Roll No 477329 from Al-Faisal Grammar High School, Ahmadabad (Gulistan Colony) Faisalabad obtained 1183 marks and stood third.
In girls (Science) group, Maham Mumtaz Roll No 413536, from Muhammad Ali Jinnah Girls High School 274-JB, Pensra, Bohawana Road Faisalabad, got 1187 marks and stood first in her group. Meerab Virk, Roll No. 408568 from Al-Faisal Girls Grammar High School, Ahmadabad (Gulistan Colony), Faisalabad, got 1186 marks and remained second in her group.
Two students, Ayman Farooq, Roll No. 428457, from Allied School for Girls, Satiana Banglow, Jaranwala, and Rabia Fatima, Roll No 454785, from Khatame-e-Nabuwat International Model School, Jhang Road, Chiniot, got 1185 marks and secured the third position in the group.
 In General (Boys) group, Hasnain Rabbani, Roll No. 628609, Toba Tek Singh ,stood first with 1091 marks; Muhammad Bilawal Sher, Roll No. 627890, Chiniot got 1084 marks, as well as Faisal, Roll No 629775, Jhang, secured 1084 marks and both secured the second position, while and Ali Ahmad Sabir, Roll No. 628610, Toba Tek Singh, secured 1083 marks and stood third in the group.
 In General Group (Girls), Aqsa Roll No. 580466, Govt Deccan Girls High School, Samanabad, Faisalabad, achieved 1157 marks and got the first position in her group. Samra Rameen, Roll No. 581212, Government Girls Higher Secondary School 202-RB, Gatti, Faisalabad remained second with 1131 marks, and Zahra Batool, Roll No. 582303, Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Chak No 279-RB, got 1117 marks and secured the third position in the group.

48 transplants, implants completed in just two months under Sehat Card programme

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PESHAWAR, Jul 23 (APP): In a revolutionary progress in free treatment under Sehat Card programme, about 48 transplants and implants are completed in just two months, said Advisor to Chief Minister on Health, Ihtisham Ali in a press statement issued here on Wednesday.
He stated that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was firmly committed to providing free and quality healthcare to its citizens through the flagship Sehat Card programme.
He revealed that more than PKR 37 billion were spent on the treatment of citizens under this initiative in the previous financial year, while a record PKR 41 billion has been allocated for the current fiscal year.
Every rupee of this substantial allocation is being spent on ensuring free healthcare services so that no citizen is deprived of treatment due to financial constraints, he added.
He continued that the “Sehat Transplant and Implant Card” has now been formally integrated as a regular feature of the Sehat Card programme, bringing new hope to patients battling life-threatening conditions.
In just the past two months, a total of 48 successful transplants and implants have been carried out under this initiative, with an overall expenditure of PKR 118 million.
Providing further details, the Health Advisor stated 23 kidney transplants were conducted at a cost of approximately PKR 45 million while 4 liver transplants were performed, costing around PKR 25 million.
He added that 21 children received cochlear implants, bringing joy to families at a total cost of PKR 48 million.
He emphasized that these life-saving services are available in both public and private hospitals across the province to ensure no patient is left untreated or forced to travel far for care.
Health Advisor termed this initiative a new beginning under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, marking another revolutionary step in the healthcare sector.
“This is just the beginning. Our mission is to ensure that every citizen of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has access to all levels of healthcare from basic to the most complex without any financial burden, he remarked.

SWMC performance reviewed

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Sargodha, Jul 23 (APP):Commissioner Sargodha Division Jahanzeb Awan on Wednesday presided over a meeting of Sargodha Waste Management Company and reviewed the performance of Company over the past three months.
In the meeting, key areas such as cleanliness, contractor performance, public complaints, monitoring reports, and the penalty system were reviewed, said a spokesperson for the Commissioner office here.
SWMC CEO Rana Shahid Imran briefed the meeting that the contractors were fined Rs 278.73 million in July, Rs 394.83 million in June, and Rs 356.29 million in the last 15 days of April for poor performance.
He said that monitoring teams conducted 2,958 inspections during the current month, adding that the Punjab government had allowed the deployment of one supervisor for every two union councils to improve monitoring.
He also informed that all waste workers’ salaries would be paid through bank accounts to ensure transparency. On the occasion, the DC directed the Assistant Commissioners to ensure implementation of government policies, gather feedback from the public, and monitor contractors’ performance and establishment of control rooms at tehsil level to promptly address public complaints.
He also directed that penalty system should be effective and not just a paperwork exercise.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of the Punjab government’s flagship programme in improving cleanliness and providing employment opportunities to over 100,000 people.
He directed the administrative officials to ensure the program’s success through hard work.

PM Coordinator on Commerce met APDA to discuss vehicle import policy

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP):PM Coordinator on Commerce on Wednesday met All Pakistan Car Dealers And Importers Association (APDA) to discuss vehicle import policy .
The Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, held a meeting with representatives of the APDA to discuss their policy recommendations for the upcoming framework on the regulated import of used vehicles, set to take effect from September 2025, said a release issued here.
The delegation presented proposals focusing on environmental and road safety compliance, including pre-shipment inspections to ensure emissions and structural standards, as well as transparent valuation mechanisms for imported vehicles, said a press release issued here.
Recommendations were also shared on foreign exchange arrangements and revisions to the existing depreciation framework to align with market realities.
During the discussion, it was highlighted that taxes and tariffs for the coming year would require careful consideration.
The Coordinator reaffirmed that respective wings of the Ministry of Commerce and other relevant stakeholders would be consulted, and the association’s views would be incorporated before finalizing decisions.
The meeting emphasized the government’s commitment to creating a transparent and balanced automotive trade policy that addresses industry concerns while ensuring regulatory compliance and consumer welfare.

YPF delegation meets Balochistan Assembly Speaker to discuss youth issues

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP): A Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF) delegation, led by President Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, MNA, met with Provincial Speaker Capt. (R) Abdul Khaliq Khan Achakzai in Quetta to discuss youth-centric challenges.

Key issues, including unemployment, law and order situation, alarming number of out-of-school children, political polarisation and preparations for the YPF Grand Convention, were reviewed. The Speaker assured full support for
youth empowerment initiatives.

The YPF delegation also briefed the Provincial Speaker on the preparations for the upcoming YPF Grand Convention, scheduled for the first week of September. Key aspects such as the formation of a dedicated training team and the formulation of resolutions, bills, and amendments to strengthen youth representation were discussed. Both sides agreed on the need for collaborative efforts, and the Speaker assured full cooperation and support in this regard.
The discussion further touched upon the grave implications of political polarization and the urgent need to counter divisive narratives. The YPF delegation underscored that out-of-school children are particularly vulnerable to negative influences and emphasized the importance of inclusive education. President YPF, Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, MNA, shared the Forum’s ongoing policy development initiatives and highlighted the critical role of parliamentarians in articulating the needs and aspirations of the youth with clarity and purpose.
Additional points of discussion included the influence of the tribal system on youth opportunities, the necessity of ensuring equitable access to employment for the youth of Balochistan, and concerns regarding the negative portrayal of law and order conditions by sections of the media—despite the presence of progressive initiatives. The delegation called for decisive action against the spread of misinformation and proposed active engagement with the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting.
General Secretary YPF, Nawabzada Mir Jamal Khan Raisani, expressed serious concern over the lack of media coverage of positive youth-oriented initiatives and the widespread dissemination of misleading content through both social and electronic media. President YPF, Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, MNA, reaffirmed the Forum’s unwavering commitment to the national cause and expressed confidence that through collective resolve, the challenges faced by youth in Balochistan could be effectively addressed.
Following the meeting, the delegation was given an official tour of the Assembly Hall of the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan.
The visit concluded with a tour of the Assembly Library, where the delegation received a detailed briefing on the library’s historical significance and its vital role in supporting the legislative process. The session highlighted the library’s extensive collection of legal, historical, and research-based resources, and its continued dedication to fostering informed policymaking and knowledge development among members of the Assembly.

E-Filing, Office Automation System to enhance efficiency: DC

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MUZAFFARGARH , Jul 23 (APP):Deputy Commissioner Usman Tahir Jappa chaired a meeting regarding implementation of E-Filing and Office Automation System (EFOAS) across government departments in Muzaffargarh.
The meeting focused on the features and functionality of the paperless working system aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency and promoting digital governance. During the session, departments were briefed on the operational aspects of EFOAS and its benefits in improving institutional work-flows.
The DC said that EFOAS would bring greater transparency to financial operations and facilitate easier monitoring of expenditures through a fully digital system. He stated that all departments must ensure accurate data entry and timely reconciliation within the platform. “The EFOAS will significantly strengthen financial discipline, ensure transparency, and support effective decision-making,” he added.
Officials from the Finance, Accounts, and Development wings were present at the meeting.

Junaid Chaudhry stresses urgent climate action through Gwadar sustainable development

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP):Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Wednesday underscored the pressing need to integrate climate resilience into Pakistan’s development agenda, particularly in Gwadar, where the government is actively promoting Chinese-local partnerships to drive sustainable economic growth.
During a meeting with a delegation from the Gwadar Press Club led by its President Ismail Umar, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment for combating climate change while simultaneously improving livelihoods through resource-based development.
He highlighted Gwadar’s immense potential and emphasized leveraging local resources responsibly to build climate-resilient infrastructure.
Junaid Chaudhry noted that initiatives such as setting up fisheries value-addition units and date processing plants would not only stimulate the local economy but also promote environmentally sound practices. “Our approach is to build Gwadar’s economy while ensuring it does not come at the cost of the environment,” he said.
The minister revealed that a 2,000-ton cold storage facility is already operational at Gwadar Port, playing a key role in minimizing post-harvest losses. He also addressed the urgency of climate adaptation, pointing to the operational trial of a 12,000-gallon capacity desalination plant, aimed at solving water scarcity, a major climate-related challenge in the region.
In a green initiative, Junaid Chaudhry announced plans for a community-based tree plantation campaign in partnership with the Gwadar Development Authority, urging every household to plant at least one climate-suitable tree. “A greener Gwadar is essential for a sustainable future. Community participation is key,” he stated.
Human resource development also featured in his remarks, as the minister emphasized aligning vocational training with international standards. This, he explained, would prepare Pakistan’s youth for overseas employment, especially in climate-sensitive sectors where green skills are in high demand.
Furthermore, in a step to enhance sustainable trade logistics, Chaudhry shared that the Karachi Cotton Association has agreed to route cotton imports through Gwadar Port. This move is expected to reduce transport emissions and improve supply chain efficiency by bringing Gwadar to the forefront of national trade logistics.
Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry’s multifaceted vision for Gwadar reflects a broader commitment to sustainable development — one that tackles climate change head-on while unlocking the region’s socio-economic potential.

Egypt envoy proposes, Pak- Egyptian bilateral PTA

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP): Dr. Ihab Mohamed Abdelhamid Hassa, Ambassador of Egypt to Pakistan on Wednesday proposed the establishment of a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Pakistan and Egypt to facilitate smoother trade relations.
Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, held a meeting with the Ambassador of Egypt to discuss avenues for enhancing bilateral trade between Pakistan and Egypt, said a press release issued here on Wednesday.
The Ambassador observed that despite the two countries collectively representing a significant share of the global Muslim population, the existing trade volume remained low.
He emphasized the need to strengthen trade relations and apprised that he had already met with chairmen of various chambers of commerce in Pakistan to explore possible collaborations.
To institutionalize cooperation, the Ambassador recommended signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and its Egyptian counterpart, as well as the formation of an Egypt-Pakistan Business Council focusing on sectors including spices, pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, and food products.
The Ambassador recommended signing a Memorandum of Understanding between Pakistan Ministry of Commerce and its Egyptian counterpart, along with the formation of an Egypt-Pakistan Business Council focusing on key sectors including spices, pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments and food products.
The Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce assured that the Ministry of Commerce would extend full support for these initiatives and facilitate measures aimed at enhancing trade linkages between the two countries.
The meeting reaffirmed the Ministry of Commerce’s commitment to fostering stronger trade relations with Egypt and underscored its resolve to create an enabling environment for exporters and investors.