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Senate session prorogued sine die after completion of agenda

By
Samina Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (APP):The Senate session was prorogued sine die on Friday by the presiding officer, formally concluding proceedings following the completion of the scheduled agenda.
The session wrapped up after all listed items were addressed, with lawmakers holding final discussions on key matters of national significance. No date was announced for the next sitting.
“The President, in exercise of powers conferred by Clause (1) of Article 54 of the Constitution, has been pleased to prorogue the Senate session upon conclusion of its business,” stated the prorogation order, read aloud by Presiding Officer Shahadat Awan, who chaired the sitting.

KP police rendered unmatched sacrifices for peace: Mushtaq Ghani

By
Ali Ali
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ABBOTTABAD, Jul 25 (APP):Former speaker KP Assembly and sitting MPA Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani Friday has said that the officers and personnel of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have rendered unmatched sacrifices for the restoration and maintenance of peace in the province. “Their efforts and bravery will always be remembered,” he stated while addressing the completion ceremony of a professional training course at the Abbottabad Police School of Intelligence.
The ceremony was organized by the Director of the School, Arif Javed Khan, to mark the successful conclusion of the training program.
Senior police officers, including SSP Traffic Qamar Hayat Khan, SSP Investigation Tahir Iqbal Khan, SSP Special Branch Khabir Khan, and others, were present at the event.
The program began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a welcome address by Director Arif Javed Khan, who also thanked MPA Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani for gracing the occasion.
In his keynote address, the chief guest congratulated all course participants on completing their training and lauded the efforts of the Director and staff of the School of Intelligence.
He reiterated the vital role of KP Police in ensuring public safety and peace, and appreciated the department’s continued focus on training and professional development.
At the end of the ceremony, certificates were distributed among the course participants by the chief guest, while Director Arif Javed Khan presented a commemorative shield to MPA Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani.

DG NLPD donates books to Thal University Bhakkar Library

By
Samina Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (APP):Director General of the National Language Promotion Department (NLPD), Professor Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar, presented books published by the department as a gift to the library of Thal University Bhakkar.
Professor Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar handed over the books to two representatives of Thal University Bhakkar, Faisal Shehzad and Rimsha Malik, for the university’s library. Both representatives were nominated by the Principal of the university to visit the NLPD and receive the books for the university’s library from the department, according to a press release issued here on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director General said that the department has a rich collection of valuable books which it wishes to deliver to libraries of public educational institutions across the country so that the love for books continues among the new generation, and they also become familiar with Urdu language and literature through these works.
“Knowledge is a treasure that grows when shared, and no knowledge is complete without the learning of language and literature,” he added.
Executive Director of NLPD Dr. Rashid Hameed said that language and literature play a vital role in the development of any society.
He further stated that the initiative to supply the department’s books to public college libraries is ongoing and will continue in the future.
He added that students would also have access to the department’s books in digital format, as the new publications will be available on the department’s website.

International media visits Cresent Moon Lake, Mingsha Mountain Scenic area in Dunhuang, China

By
Ali Ali
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DUNHUANG, Jul 25 (APP):An international media team visited the Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area and participated in a large-scale public singing event near the desert oasis city of Dunhuang in Gansu Province, China.
The journalists from Pakistan, South Korea, Spain, the United States and other countries who gathered there under “Discover Dunhuang: Light of the Sulk Road” program were mesmerized by enchanting beauty of Crescent Moon Lake, also known as Yueyaquan, which is a stunning body of water located in the desert city.
Surrounded by towering sand dunes, the crescent-shaped lake is a peaceful refuge from the harsh desert environment and an oasis for both tourists and local residents.
The lake is fed by an underground spring and its crystal-clear waters provide a mirror-like reflection of the surrounding sand dunes, making it a popular spot for photography. Visitors can stroll along the lakeside, taking in the tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking views.
One of the main attractions of Crescent Moon Lake is the nearby Singing Sands Mountain, a large sand dune that produces a unique humming sound when the wind blows over its surface. The sound can be heard from a distance, adding to the mystical atmosphere of the area.
In addition to its natural beauty, Crescent Moon Lake is also steeped in history and culture. According to legend, the lake was once a favorite spot for a famous Tang Dynasty poet, Li Bai, who wrote about its tranquil waters and the reflections of the stars in the night sky.
Another interesting historical fact about Crescent Moon Lake is that it was once part of the Silk Road, a major trade route that linked China to the West. Today, visitors can still see the remains of ancient fortifications and structures along the lake’s shore, providing a glimpse into the rich history of the area.
Overall, Crescent Moon Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Dunhuang. Its combination of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural history, and tranquil atmosphere make it one of the most unique and memorable sights in all of China.
Later, the visiting journalists and a large number of foreign and local tourists were stunned by a lineup of the best-known Chinese pop songs that were youthful and energetic and sparked romance and passion among the audience.
In step with the rhythm of the music, tourists waved glow sticks and mobile phone flashlights, transforming the scenic area into a dreamland.
Above the crowd, drone formations performed, changing shapes to depict iconic Dunhuang elements like camels, the Mogao Grottoes’ nine-story building, and the Nine-Color Deer from Dunhuang frescos.
To enhance tourists’ experience, the scenic area has upgraded its infrastructure and incorporated light shows, drone displays and sand screen shows to showcase the rich charm of Dunhuang culture.

PSB issues show cause notice to PNF

By
Ali Ali
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ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (APP):The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has issued a show-cause notice to the Pakistan Netball Federation (PNF) for failing to respond within 72 hours regarding what PSB termed a misleading claim about the results of the Asian Youth Netball Championship 2025.
According to Khurram Shahzad, PSB Spokesperson, the Board had expressed serious reservations over PNF’s claim that the Pakistan Youth Girls’ Team secured first position in the championship held in Jeonju, South Korea.
On July 13, 2025, PSB formally sought a clarification from the federation within three days. However, no response was received within the given timeframe.
On Friday, PSB escalated the matter by issuing a formal show-cause notice to the federation. The notice stated that the federation’s failure to respond reflects a deliberate disregard for official correspondence and accountability, which could be interpreted as an implicit admission.
The notice further highlighted that on July 9, 2025, PNF had formally claimed in a letter that the team had secured first place, whereas official results show Pakistan finished sixth. Despite being fully aware that PSB’s cash reward policy applies only to medal-winning teams, the federation still demanded a financial reward under that policy.
The misleading claim was also propagated through TV interviews and public statements by PNF Chairman Mudassar Razzaq Arain, who publicly declared a gold medal victory, thereby intentionally misleading the public and stakeholders.
PSB stated in the notice that these actions are in direct violation of Rule 21(1)(vi) of the PSB Constitution and Clause 5(1)(vi) of the Pakistan Code of Ethics and Governance in Sports. These provisions mandate accurate and timely information from federations and prohibit the misuse of authority.
The notice added that the false claim was made in pursuit of official recognition and financial reward, which constitutes not only an ethical breach but also a violation of the trust placed in the federation.
The PSB has instructed the federation to submit a written explanation within seven days from the date of issuance of the notice, justifying why a fine of one million rupees should not be imposed for this serious misconduct. Failure to respond within the stipulated period will lead to unilateral action, and the matter will be referred to the PSB Board for further disciplinary and financial measures under the applicable rules.

CM appreciates WB’s development support

By
Samina Ch
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KARACHI, Jul 25 (APP):Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, in a high-level meeting with a World Bank (WB) delegation led by Regional Vice President for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAAP) Ousmane Dino, expressed deep appreciation for the Bank’s continued partnership, particularly its robust support during and after the catastrophic floods of 2022.
       The meeting held at CM House was attended by Provincial Ministers, Sharjeel Memon, Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Nasir Shah, Sardar Shah, Saeed Ghani, Jam Khan Shoro, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, Special Assistant to CM Saleem Baloch, PSCM Agha Wasif, Chairman P&D Najam Shah, Secretary Local Govt Wseem Shahmshad, and others.
      The World Bank delegation includes Country Director Bolormaa Amgaabazar, Special Assistant to Regional Vice President Lobna Hadji, Regional Practice Director Ms Faida M. Saadah, and Regional Practice Director Ms Almud Weitz and others.
       The Chief Minister highlighted the strong collaboration between the Government of Sindh and the World Bank across multiple development sectors, with the Bank’s total active portfolio in the province now standing at $4.012 billion.
     “The World Bank has been an essential partner in Sindh’s development journey,” said the CM. “Their timely support during the flood recovery period, and their sustained engagement across key sectors have been instrumental in helping us meet our goals,” he added.
      The World Bank is currently supporting Sindh in a broad range of sectors, including Sindh People’s Housing for Flood Affectees, education, health, agriculture, rural WASH, Karachi urban infrastructure, energy, social protection, and post-flood reconstruction.
      The Chief Minister emphasised the provincial government’s development priorities, particularly in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), health, education, energy, and investment in human capital.
Despite the productive collaboration, the Chief Minister also flagged several challenges requiring urgent attention:
    Shah noted the absence of a dedicated World Bank Procurement Specialist in Karachi following the untimely passing of Uzma Sadaf, who had provided critical support during project evaluations. This vacuum has led to significant delays and disruptions in procurement and evaluation processes.
    The Chief Minister urged the Bank to station a qualified procurement expert in Karachi to streamline project implementation.
     In 2022, Sindh, Pakistan, experienced devastating floods that affected over 12.36 million people, damaged 2.1 million houses and resulted in 1,100 deaths. The floods also caused extensive destruction to schools, roads, agriculture, and livestock.
      In response, the World Bank and international partners have committed to rehabilitation efforts. They are facilitating the construction of resilient housing, with validations for 2 million of the planned 2.1 million houses completed. Over 1.3 million bank accounts have been opened for aid, and 600,000 houses have already been built.
The initiative promotes gender inclusivity, with 300,000 land titles awarded to women, and has created over one million jobs for those affected. As recovery continues, the collaboration between the government and international partners is vital for rebuilding communities and restoring livelihoods.
S Zone-Specific WASH Strategy for Climate-Resilient Development, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, discussing the WASH project, announced a targeted, technology-led WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) plan to serve rural communities based on local water availability and climate conditions.
“Each village deserves a solution tailored to its geography,” the CM said. “This strategy ensures sustainability, equity, and resilience.”
Murad Shah said that the findings show that 48 per cent villages can access groundwater sources, 38 per cent are near surface water (within 2,000 feet of canals), 23 per cent are close to LBOD/RBOD drains, and 14 per cent still need a viable water solution
The CM said that to bridge this gap, the province is divided into six WASH zones, including coastal, arid, agricultural, and flood-prone areas. Solutions are being designed using drone surveys, AI mapping, and geo-tagging, with support from partners.
A robust Monitoring & O&M system is being developed, along with the reuse of treated wastewater for mini forests and livelihood initiatives, the CM said. He stated, “This is more than infrastructure,” said CM Shah. “It’s about creating climate-resilient, dignified living for every household in Sindh.”
     Highlighting the importance of modern urban transport infrastructure, the CM reiterated his government’s request for additional financing of over $170 million for the Karachi Urban Mobility Project (KUMP). The World Bank has so far committed only $86 million, falling short of the required funds to realise the project’s scope fully.
       CM Shah urged the Bank to expedite the approval of the Project Operations Manual for Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project – Phase II (KWSSIP-II). This is the only condition remaining for loan effectiveness. He called on both the World Bank and project management to ensure completion before the deadline of August 21, 2025, warning against any further extensions.
SELECT Project: Under the Sindh Early Learning Enhancement through Classroom Transformation (SELECT) project, all school construction contracts have been signed. However, due to implementation delays, they cannot be completed by the original loan closing date of April 30, 2026. The CM requested a one-year extension until April 2027 to ensure successful completion. The World Bank delegation agreed to extend the project after meeting the required formalities.   The Strengthening Social Protection Delivery Systems in Sindh project, which is progressing well and now includes seven additional districts, is currently set to close in December 2027. Given the scale and recent momentum, the CM requested a one-year extension to fully realise project objectives.
The Chief Minister emphasised that Sindh remains committed to enhancing institutional capacity and transparency in project implementation. He thanked the World Bank for its continued support and called for sustained collaboration and faster decision-making to ensure the timely delivery of critical development interventions across the province.
The World Bank delegation acknowledged the issues raised and assured the CM of their commitment to addressing the challenges and advancing mutual development priorities.

Police apprehend motorbike lifters in operation

By
Ali Ali
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CHICHAWATNI, Jul 25 (APP):The city police here on Friday arrested two members of  a motorbike lifter gang.
The police spokesman said that a police team on a tip off,  nabbed  two criminals identified as Usman and Shahid  and rcpvered 10 stolen motorcycles and illegal weapons from their custody.
The police registered a case against the accused and started further investigations.

Young man dies, another injured in road mishap under Tatlay Aali police station’s limits

By
Ali Ali
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NOWSHERA VIRKAN, Jul 25 (APP):A young man here on Friday killed while another sustains injuries in road accident in Budhha Goriya area under jurisdiction of Tatlay Aali police station.
The police spokesman said the accident occurred due tyre burst of a motorcycle.
A man identified as Umair 25 years old died on the spot while Arbaz sustained injures in the accident, he added.
A Rescue 1122 team provided first aid to the injured and shifted him to District Headquarter Hospital (DHQ) in critical condition, he added.

Sindh CM meets U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to discuss strengthening USAID partnership

By
Ali Ali
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KARACHI, Jul 25 (APP):Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah met with Ms. Elizabeth Horst, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States of America to Pakistan, to discuss the progress and future of U.S. development assistance in the province.
The meeting was held at CM House and was attended by provincial ministers  Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Principal Secretary to CM Agha Wasif, Chairman P&D Board Najam Shah.
The USA delegation members were Consul General Scott Urbom, Deputy Consul General Jai Nair, Chief Political & Economics Section Shelley Saxen, Political Officer Trevor Earnshaw, Political Specialist Saleh Shah and Staff Assistant Charles Besnard.
The two sides reviewed completed initiatives and explored future collaboration opportunities in the fields of education, water and sanitation, health, climate resilience, and municipal services.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to deepening its partnership with USAID. He outlined several areas where USAID’s continued support is critical:
The CM said that his government seeks USAID’s assistance in addressing post-2022 flood reconstruction needs, with over 20,000 schools fully or partially damaged. The province aims to restore educational infrastructure and scale up quality teaching through ICT and teacher training.
Murad Shah said that under the WASH project, there is a dire need for immediate rehabilitation of 799 water supply schemes, 444 drainage systems, and 1,212 RO/UF plants is underway. He proposed an additional 504 filtration units for schools and health facilities.
Climate-Resilient Settlement Planning:
The CM said that his government is launching GIS-based planning in 3,000 rural villages, aiming to benefit 264,000 households and protect 1.5 million people living outside high-risk flood zones.
The Chief Minister sought co-financing with USAID for constructing new Basic Health Units (BHUs), Rural Health Centres (RHCs), and Mother & Child Health Centres in underserved areas. Upgrades of existing BHUs and hospitals to modern standards are also planned, including solar energy systems and telemedicine support.
Laboratory Expansion and Disease Surveillance: Ms. Elizabeth Horst, US Chargé d’Affaires, was told that was expanding its lab network, including BSL-III level facilities in Karachi and BSL-II labs in all district headquarters hospitals. USAID’s technical and financial assistance is requested for equipment, personnel training, and lab information systems development.
The Chief Minister appreciated USAID’s long-standing partnership, highlighting the successful completion of several transformative programs.
Municipal Services Delivery Program (MSDP): The CM said that the MSDP concluded in June 2025, the project revitalised water supply, sewage disposal, and solid waste management systems in Jacobabad. Equipment and infrastructure have been handed over to local councils. “However, the Government of Sindh (GoS) awaits the reimbursement of the remaining committed amount of $3.501 million from USAID,” he said.
Improved Access to Water and Sanitation Services (WASH), The WASH implemented in District Umerkot and District Tank (KP) with a cost of $7.6 million, the project successfully improved WASH infrastructure and community engagement. Rehabilitation of non-functional water supply schemes has been completed.
Pakistan Climate Financing Activity (PCFA): A $ 10 million USAID initiative being executed by Chemonics is supporting Sindh in mobilising climate finance. A dedicated Climate Planning & Development Unit (CPDU) is being proposed to institutionalise these efforts.
Concluded in August 2024, the SBEP program constructed 106 schools in 10 districts for $165 million, enhancing access to quality education for thousands of students.
The Chief Minister praised USAID’s instrumental role in supporting Sindh’s development journey and expressed hope that the collaboration will continue to grow in scale and impact. “USAID has been a transformative partner in advancing inclusive, resilient, and people-centred development in Sindh,” he stated.  Elizabeth Horst acknowledged the Sindh government’s proactive role and reiterated the United States’ commitment to supporting Pakistan’s sustainable development through focused and effective cooperation.

DYAs organizes educational tour, special session on interfaith harmony for minority youth

By
Samina Ch
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0
PESHAWAR, Jul 25 (APP):The District Youth Affairs (DYAs) Hangu on the directions of the Deputy Commissioner Hangu Gohar Zaman Wazir and Director Youth Affairs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Noman Mujahid, organized a 3-day educational and cultural tour of Hassan Abdal, Mansehra and Murree for the youth of the minority community.
During the tour, the youth participated in healthy activities and also visited various historical and religious places of the Hindu community.
On this occasion, Pandit Zeeshan Kumar also organized a special session on Interfaith Harmony for the youth to make them aware of the beauty of nature and religious and cultural traditions.
Under the guidance of Youth President Sandeep Kumar Sindhu, the youth fully enjoyed the beauty of Galiyat, Murree and Mansehra.
The tour ended with special thanks to the Deputy Commissioner Hangu Gohar Zaman Wazir and District Youth Officer Hangu Razaullah Wazir.
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