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Pakistan to launch advanced Remote Sensing Satellite on July 31

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 27 (APP):The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has announced the upcoming launch of Pakistan’s Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS) on July 31, 2025, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC) in China.
This landmark mission marks a significant stride in Pakistan’s pursuit of space technology, promising to dramatically expand Earth observation capabilities. Equipped with state-of-the-art imaging systems, the satellite will support a range of national applications — from precision agriculture and urban planning to environmental monitoring and disaster management.
Its role will be vital in predicting and mitigating the impacts of floods, earthquakes, landslides, glacier melt, and deforestation, while enabling informed decisions for resource management. The satellite will also assist in infrastructure planning and geospatial mapping under national development programs such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
With its integration into Pakistan’s existing space fleet — including PRSS-1 (2018) and EO-1 (January 2025) — the new satellite strengthens SUPARCO’s capabilities and aligns with the goals of the National Space Policy and Vision 2047, positioning Pakistan to emerge as a forward-looking, spacefaring nation.
The launch is not just a technical milestone — it is the continuation of a transformative journey.
According to the official source,Pakistan’s modern space era was reignited in 2011 with the launch of PakSat-1R, a communication satellite developed with Chinese collaboration. That momentum carried forward with PakTES-1A and PRSS-1 in 2018, reinforcing the strategic partnership with China in advancing space science.
In 2024, PakSat-MM1 brought high-speed internet to underserved areas, while the launch of iCube Qamar, a student-built satellite from the Institute of Space Technology (IST), captured stunning images of the lunar surface, showcasing the innovation and promise of Pakistan’s young scientists on a global stage.
Most notably, in January 2025, Pakistan launched its first fully indigenous satellite, Electro-Optical Satellite EO-1, developed entirely by Pakistani engineers and scientists. Designed for agriculture, disaster monitoring, and environmental analysis, EO-1 stood as a bold symbol of Pakistan’s growing technological self-reliance.
Now, with the launch of the latest remote sensing satellite, Pakistan reaffirms its resolve to harness space technology for national progress, sustainable development, and global recognition- a proud moment in our journey from aspiration to achievement.

Two alleged human traffickers held

By
Ali Ali
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0
LAHORE, Jul 27 (APP):Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Lahore Zone claimed on Sunday to have arrested two suspects involved in human trafficking and visa fraud during the targeted raids conducted in Islamabad and Lahore.
FIA spokesperson told the media that the accused identified as Naveed Tahir and Zubair Muhammad were allegedly involved in defrauding innocent citizens by falsely promising overseas employment opportunities.
Naveed Tahir is accused of scamming a citizen out of Rs 1.68 million by falsely offering a job in Lithuania and Zubair Muhammad allegedly collected Rs 700,000 from another individual under the pretext of arranging travel to the United States.
After collecting large sums of money from their victims, both individuals went into hiding.
Further investigation was underway.

NIH confirms three new Polio cases

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 27 (APP):The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad, has confirmed three new polio cases.
According to official sources, two cases were reported from the districts of Lakki Marwat and North Waziristan in South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and one from District Umerkot in Sindh.
A 15-month-old girl from Union Council Takhtikhel in District Lakki Marwat, a six-month-old girl from Union Council Mir Ali-3 in North Waziristan, and a 60-month-old boy from Union Council Chajro in District Umerkot, Sindh, are the latest polio cases confirmed by the laboratory.
With these new detections, the total number of polio cases in Pakistan in 2025 has risen to 17 — including 10 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, five from Sindh, and one each from Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Polio is a highly infectious and incurable disease that can cause lifelong paralysis. The only effective protection is through repeated doses of the oral polio vaccine (OPV) for every child under five during each campaign, along with the timely completion of all essential immunizations.
Despite substantial progress in polio eradication efforts, the continued detection of polio cases underscores the persistent risk to children, especially in areas where vaccine acceptance remains low.
It is crucial for communities to understand that poliovirus can resurface wherever immunity gaps exist. Every unvaccinated child is at risk and can also pose a risk to others.
A special vaccination campaign is currently underway from 21 to 27 July in the bordering Union Councils, synchronized with Afghanistan’s sub-national polio campaign.
In addition, a fractional IPV-OPV campaign began in District Chaman on 21 July and will roll out in the other six districts of Balochistan from 28 July.
Polio eradication is a shared responsibility. While frontline polio workers continue to deliver life-saving vaccines, it is equally important for all parents and caregivers to ensure that their children receive every dose of the polio vaccine.
Communities can protect themselves by actively supporting vaccination efforts, addressing misinformation, and encouraging others to vaccinate their children.

COMSTECH, ACE-B conduct Bioinformatics Workshop in Mali to strengthen Genomic Research in OIC states

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 27 (APP):The OIC Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), in collaboration with the African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Science (ACE-B) and MD-BIONET, successfully held an international workshop in Bamako, Mali, on genome data analysis of genetic and infectious diseases.
The training workshop, titled “Bioinformatics Training on Genome Data Analysis of Genetic and Infectious Diseases,” was conducted in a hybrid format and brought together around 150 participants, including public health professionals, PhD scholars, clinicians, and molecular biologists from across the OIC region, said a press release issued here Sunday.
The initiative aimed to bridge the knowledge gap in genomic data interpretation and analysis — a critical yet underdeveloped field in many OIC member countries due to limited access to specialized training.
In his virtual opening remarks, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of COMSTECH, expressed gratitude to the Malian authorities for their hospitality and praised the Pakistani expert trainers — Dr. Waseem Haider (COMSATS University Islamabad) and Dr. Zaira Rehman (Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi) — for their valuable contributions.
“This program reflects COMSTECH’s strong commitment to fostering scientific collaboration and empowering professionals across the OIC member states, particularly in the emerging fields of genomics and bioinformatics,” Prof. Choudhary said.
The official opening ceremony was presided over by Prof. Mahamadou Diakité, Rector of the University of Technical Sciences and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), who acknowledged COMSTECH’s vital role in advancing scientific research and capacity-building in Mali and the broader West African region.
The workshop marks a significant step toward strengthening genomic research infrastructure and expertise in West Africa, paving the way for improved healthcare outcomes through cutting-edge scientific knowledge.

Independence Day to be celebrated with renewed spirit, national unity

By
Ali Ali
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RAWALPINDI, Jul 27 (APP):This year, Independence Day will be celebrated with a renewed spirit and vibrant enthusiasm lighting every heart with the flame of patriotism and national unity as it also marks a tribute to the recent victory of our armed forces over the enemy.
These views were expressed by Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi, Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema, while presiding over a meeting in his office regarding Independence Day celebrations.
The meeting was attended by AC Saddar Hakim Khan, AC Cantt Saad Rehman, and assistant commissioners of other tehsils via video link.
On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner informed that the Independence Day festivities will commence on August 1 and continue until the night of August 13.
On August 14, a flag-hoisting ceremony will be held simultaneously across the country, with participation from all tehsils of Rawalpindi.
He added that streets, markets, and neighborhoods across the city and tehsils will be adorned with national flags, while government buildings will be decorated in green and white with special lighting. Competitions of national songs will also be organized. Additionally, there will be a contest among tehsils for best arrangements, and commendation certificates will be awarded for outstanding efforts.
The Deputy Commissioner stated that, keeping in view the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) on August 14 or 15, all celebratory events will conclude by the night of August 13, so that the atmosphere of Chehlum may also be duly observed.
He further emphasized that in August, the “Clean Punjab” campaign will be carried out with greater dedication and diligence to ensure a clean and vibrant environment throughout the district during the celebrations.

Strong Pakistan a prerequisite for Kashmir’s freedom: Nazir Qureshi

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 27 (APP):Patron Kashmir Campaign Global, Nazir Ahmed Qureshi, on Sunday emphasized that a strong and stable Pakistan was essential for the realization of freedom of Kashmir, reaffirming the country’s vital role as both a principal party to the dispute and a resolute advocate for the Kashmiri right to self-determination on international platforms.
“Pakistan is not only a principal party to the Kashmir dispute but also a consistent and committed advocate of the Kashmiri cause,” Qureshi said during a meeting with the representatives of the United Kashmir Journalists Association (UKJA).
Qureshi commended Pakistan’s diplomatic, moral and political efforts in highlighting the plight of Kashmiris without delay and emphasized that a strong, stable, and resilient Pakistan was essential to achieving the long-cherished goal of Kashmir’s freedom.
Referring to recent developments, he noted that Pakistan’s unprecedented success in countering Indian aggression from May 4 to May 10 has significantly boosted its regional standing and enhanced its image globally. “India, which once claimed regional supremacy, has seen its narrative weakened,” he remarked.
Qureshi observed that this recent triumph against India has rekindled hope among Kashmiris and given fresh impetus to their ongoing freedom struggle. He asserted that the people of Kashmir remained unwavering in their determination and will continue their resistance regardless of the challenges ahead.
Underscoring the strategic importance of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Qureshi called for its transformation into a true “base camp” of the freedom movement. He stressed the need for greater unity, coordination, and mutual respect among various Kashmiri political and social groups to strengthen their collective efforts.
He also underscored the deep ideological connection between Pakistan and Islam, describing it as the “fortress of Islam” and stressing the need to strengthen it across all dimensions—political, economic, and social. Expressing unwavering optimism, he noted that while freedom movements naturally face periods of hardship, the dawn of Kashmir’s liberation is inevitable.
Addressing the challenges faced by the Kashmiri diaspora, particularly those who have migrated to Pakistan due to conflict, Qureshi agreed on the establishment of a comprehensive databank.
This initiative, he said, would help identify and support deserving families in areas such as livelihood, healthcare, and education. He noted that many individuals within the community were willing to contribute to this noble cause and emphasized the urgent need for organized data to streamline assistance efforts.

PSB forms inquiry committee over irregularities, athlete disappearances during FISU Games

By
Ali Ali
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ISLAMABAD, Jul 27 (APP):The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has constituted a three-member inquiry committee to investigate serious irregularities during the FISU World University Games 2025 held in Germany, including the reported disappearance or escape of two athletes, questionable selection of team officials, disciplinary breaches, and logistical issues.
The committee, headed by Director PSB Lahore, has been tasked with submitting a comprehensive report within 15 days.
According to a notification issued with the approval of the PSB Director General, the Pakistani contingent’s participation in the Games revealed significant administrative failures. These included lack of transparency in the selection of team officials, discipline issues, logistical mismanagement, and the alarming disappearance of two student-athletes.
All team officials, except for one coach, were officials from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) or affiliated universities — a fact that has raised concerns regarding the transparency and merit of their selection. As per HEC, two student-athletes were reported missing or suspected of fleeing during the event.
Additionally, the Pakistani women’s 4x400m relay team was disqualified from the competition, and a judo athlete competed without proper coaching support and without an official competition uniform.
In light of these developments, the PSB has established a three-member inquiry committee comprising Director PSB Lahore Noor-us-Sabah as chairperson, with Nasrullah Rana and Saif-ur-Rehman Rao as members.
The committee will thoroughly examine the selection process and transparency behind the nomination of athletes and officials by HEC. It will assess whether each official’s inclusion in the delegation was in accordance with established procedures and clearly define their responsibilities.
The investigation will also focus on the circumstances surrounding the disappearance or escape of the two athletes, develop a timeline of events, and identify any individuals responsible for negligence or misconduct. It will further analyze the reasons behind the disqualification of the women’s relay team, including potential shortcomings in their preparation, selection, or oversight.
As outlined in the Terms of Reference (ToRs), the committee will also determine why the judo athlete was not provided with an appropriate competition uniform and why she competed without a coach. The committee will recommend disciplinary action against those found guilty of mismanagement, negligence, or dereliction of duty.
The committee is required to present a detailed report within 15 days of the notification’s issuance.

ICT Police bust illegal meat supply in Sangjani; arrest foreign national among accused

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 27 (APP):Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) and arrested a foreign national after recovering donkey meat and live donkeys in the jurisdiction of Sangjani Police Station, following a formal complaint from the Islamabad Food Authority.
A public relations officer told APP on Sunday that a team from the Food Authority intercepted a suspicious vehicle bearing registration number RLE-8701 on GT Road near the Rawalpindi-Islamabad toll plaza around 11:00 PM on July 26. Upon inspection, officials found donkey meat stored in unhygienic conditions and two live donkeys being transported.
He said the FIR was lodged under Sections 11, 12, 13, and 14 of the ICT Food Safety Act 2021. Police added that one of the suspects is a foreign national who has been formally nominated and taken into custody.
He said the suspects failed to present any legal documents, licenses, or official health clearance for the transportation of meat. The recovered donkey meat was destroyed on the spot while the location associated with the suspects was sealed.
He said investigators also seized mobile numbers and a company WiFi devices found in the suspects’ possession, which are now being examined for further leads.
He said samples have been sent for laboratory analysis, and police are probing the broader network possibly involved in the illegal meat supply chain.
Islamabad Police reiterated their firm resolve to safeguard public health and said that strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty of violating food safety laws.

Future designers shine: NTU FSD hosts final-year fashion show

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 27 (APP):Final-year students of the BS Fashion Design program at the National Textile University (NTU) Faisalabad showcased their creativity, vision, and technical skill during an impressive fashion show held as part of their academic evaluation. Emphasizing themes of sustainability and cultural relevance, the show reflected the growing global trend of conscious and innovative fashion.
Future designers shine: NTU FSD hosts final-year fashion show
The event, a key feature of the final semester, drew attention from prominent figures in the fashion and textile industry. A large number of fashion professionals, designers, and academics attended the show, offering praise and encouragement to the graduating batch for their originality and craftsmanship. The students presented a diverse range of concepts—from deeply symbolic collections to garments inspired by Pakistan’s cultural and architectural heritage. The runway featured themes that ranged from minimal modern aesthetics to bold experimental structures, with some students also exploring sustainable design practices and paper upcycled materials. One of the standout presentations came from Laiba Javed Rai, who described her display as a symbolic tribute to the life cycle of an eagle. “My garments represent the strength and transformation of an eagle. When its beak breaks and wings weaken, it renews itself and rises again, soaring with even greater power. This metaphor reflects my own journey as a designer,” she shared. She added that her collection is entirely handcrafted, incorporating bead weaving techniques and created using upcycled paper materials to promote sustainable fashion. Her work drew special praise from her mentors, Professor Afzal and Professor Umar, who declared her a ‘future star in fashion design’ due to her originality, skill, and thoughtful execution. Another student, Roha, drew attention for her geometrically inspired garments. “My design takes its inspiration from the architectural form of Faisal Mosque in Islamabad. I translated that geometric beauty into textile art using the smocking technique,” she said, explaining the detailed fabric manipulation used in her pieces. According to university faculty, the show is an integral part of the students’ final evaluation, and marks are awarded based on creativity, execution, presentation, and thematic coherence. “This fashion show is not just a display — it’s a culmination of four years of hard work, learning, and evolution,” said one of the supervising professors. Fashion industry guests praised the emerging talent and noted that such events bridge the gap between academia and the commercial fashion world. Many participants were offered mentorship opportunities and industry networking leads. The event concluded with applause from guests, recognition from faculty, and a shared sense of accomplishment among the students. For many, it marked not just the end of their academic journey, but the beginning of their careers in the competitive world of fashion design.

CCLC approves Pakistan’s Green Building and Rainwater Harvesting Codes developed by PEC

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 27 (APP):In a major step toward sustainable development and climate resilience, the Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases (CCLC), under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar, has approved the Green Building Code of Pakistan (GBCP-2023) and the Rainwater Harvesting Provisions for the Building Code of Pakistan (RWH-BCP-2023). Developed by the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), these landmark codes were presented by Federal Secretary for Science and Technology Sajid Baloch while Registrar PEC Engr. Khadim Hussain Bhatti and senior PEC officials were also present in the meeting. The CCLC appreciated PEC’s efforts for developing the codes which are applicable in the whole country.
The Green Building Code of Pakistan (GBCP-2023) introduces national standards for buildings with four or more stories, focusing on site sustainability, indoor air quality, energy and water conservation, emissions reduction, and protection of local biodiversity. Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the code does not apply to single-family or low-rise dwellings, or buildings that do not use electricity, fossil fuels, or water.
The code is also a structural benchmark under the IMF’s Climate Public Investment Management Assessment (PIMA), underscoring its strategic importance.
Complementing this initiative, the Rainwater Harvesting Provisions for Building Code of Pakistan (RWH-BCP-2023) outline mandatory systems for rainwater collection, storage, filtration, and reuse for both potable and non-potable use. These provisions apply to all residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, and are intended to address Pakistan’s pressing water scarcity challenges by reducing dependence on municipal water sources.
To support enforcement, the CCLC approved amendments in two core PEC bye-laws: the Conduct and Practice of Consulting Engineers Bye-Laws, 1986, and the Construction and Operation of Engineering Works Bye-Laws, 1987. These amendments legally incorporate both codes under Section 25(1) of the PEC Act, 1976. The draft Statutory Regulatory Orders (SROs) have been legally vetted by the Ministry of Law and Justice, ensuring full compliance with federal legislative procedures.
Once approved by the federal cabinet, the GBCP-2023 and RWH-BCP-2023 will be implemented throughout Pakistan. Their enforcement will be carried out by the relevant provincial and federal authorities, engineering bodies, and development departments.
 Extensive consultations were held during the drafting process with stakeholders from all provinces and regions, including Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and various federal ministries. With broad-based support and legal backing, these codes represent a national commitment to sustainable, climate-resilient construction and water management practices.
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