CBD launches national project worth $1.8 billion

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Mon, 24 Nov 2025, 7:33 PM

MULTAN, Nov 24 (APP): The Punjab Agriculture Department has announced the launch of the Wheat Yield Competition 2025-26 across the province. According to a department spokesperson, the competition aims to promote higher wheat productivity, with top-performing farmers set to receive tractors and cash prizes totaling millions of rupees.

At the provincial level, the first prize will include an 85-horsepower tractor, followed by a 75-horsepower tractor for second place, and a 60-horsepower tractor for third place. At the district level, cash prizes of Rs. 1,000,000, Rs. 800,000, and Rs. 500,000 will be awarded to the first, second, and third place winners, respectively.

Farmers owning five acres or more are eligible to apply. Application forms can be obtained at the offices of Assistant Director Agriculture (Extension) and Agriculture Officer (Extension) in all tehsils, or downloaded from the department’s official website. Photocopies of the forms will also be accepted.

However, members of the National and Provincial Assemblies, Senators, their family members, government employees in grade 17 and above, all employees of the Punjab Agriculture Department, and progressive farmers serving on divisional or district committees are not eligible to participate.

The deadline for submitting applications is January 31, 2026. For further assistance, farmers can contact the Agriculture Helpline at 0800-17000 between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm.

Polio eradication ‘within reach’ as Pakistan nears final milestone: Experts

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Mon, 24 Nov 2025, 7:30 PM

ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP):The international and national experts on Monday declared that the global end of polio is now ‘within reach’ urging to sustain momentum through the final, most difficult phase of eradication.

The panel, convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Aga Khan University (AKU), highlighted Pakistan’s dramatic progress over the past three decades, reducing annual polio cases by 99.6% from 20,000 in the early 1990s to 74 in 2024 and only 30 so far in 2025.

Polio eradication ‘within reach’ as Pakistan nears final milestone: Experts

Speakers stressed that the recent detection of wild poliovirus in Germany underscores the global nature of the threat and the importance of continued vigilance.

“Eradicating polio forever is not just the right thing to do, it is the smartest,” said WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Luo Dapeng. “The poliovirus knows no borders. Science tells us eradication is within reach. It is not time to quit.”

The event, titled “How Close Are We? The Last Mile to Polio Eradication,” brought together more than 400 in-person and online participants, including public health experts, government officials, global partners, and students.

Moderated by Dr Ali Faisal Saleem of Aga Khan University Hospital, the panel emphasized that Pakistan’s gains are the result of persistent, evidence-driven work.

State Health Minister for Sindh, Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, called the final phase “the last mile,” urging collective action to reach every child.

Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, Ayesha Raza Farooq, noted that since 1994, Pakistan has eliminated two of the three strains of wild poliovirus and built one of the world’s most sensitive surveillance networks.

“While polio exists anywhere, no one is safe,” she warned. “It is not time to quit; it is time to recommit.”

WHO Director for Polio Eradication Dr Jamal Ahmed emphasized decades of practical success in eliminating polio in challenging regions. “The medical data is clear—vaccines work. The question of whether eradication is possible is settled. What we need now is belief and mobilization.”

Panelists highlighted how advances in genetic sequencing, data-driven interventions, and expanded environmental surveillance are giving Pakistan unprecedented tools to detect and stop transmission.

Former Chief Scientist of the Global Polio Programme Dr Christopher Maher compared the effort to “wrestling with a gorilla”—warning that even with few cases, letting up would invite resurgence.

Experts from Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and Rotary International praised Pakistan’s frontline workers and long-standing partnerships.

Rotary’s National Polio Plus Chair Aziz Memon recalled the journey from 130,000 global cases and 125 endemic countries to only Pakistan and Afghanistan remaining. “The virus cannot hide from us,” he said.

AKU Medical College Dean Dr Karim F. Damji urged continued partnership, emphasizing that polio eradication “is within sight” and can be achieved through persistence, community engagement, and collective action.

Govt committed to showcasing youth sports talent at global standards: Mashhood

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Mon, 24 Nov 2025, 7:28 PM

LAHORE, Nov 24 (APP):Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan has said that the government’s foremost objective is to bring forward the sports talent of Pakistani youth in accordance with national and international standards, enabling them to secure better opportunities and highlighting a positive image of the country.

He expressed these views while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Prime Minister’s Boxing Talent Hunt National League at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) on Monday. UET Vice Chancellor Dr. Shahid Munir delivered the welcome address, while a large number of coaches and athletes from various districts attended the event.

Rana Mashhood said that Pakistan’s youth possess exceptional talent in boxing and other sports, and the Talent Hunt Programme—launched on the special directives of the prime minister—aims to identify and support capable youth who have the potential to excel despite limited resources.

He said that under the programme, young athletes are being provided scientific training, modern coaching, world-class facilities and transparent selection opportunities, which will significantly raise the standard of sports in Pakistan. He added that the National Boxing League would serve as a strong and sustainable platform based on merit, hard work and performance, and would help produce future national and international champions.

Mashhood said that the promotion of sports is a national priority, as healthy and constructive activities play a key role in personality development, mental and physical growth and social progress. He described Pakistan’s youth as the country’s greatest strength, adding that their encouragement and training are vital for national development.

The chairman directed officials concerned to ensure complete transparency and merit in all stages of the Talent Hunt Programme. He said the government wants every capable young person to come forward, participate in trials and bring pride to the country through their performance.

He said the prime minister is taking comprehensive measures in education, skills, sports and employment to ensure that young Pakistanis can play an active role both nationally and internationally. Pakistan, he added, is now recognised as an emerging country by the global community, which is offering new opportunities in employment, training and education for Pakistani youth.

The Chairman PM Youth Programme said that although Pakistani youth possess world-class talent, the lack of facilities hinders the progress of many. The government, he noted, aims to reach all such talented individuals and provide them with a platform to fully showcase their abilities. He announced that next year the Youth Hunt Programme would include 23 sports, giving every deserving athlete a chance to excel on merit.

He expressed hope that the Boxing Talent Hunt Programme and the National League would prove to be milestones for the promotion of sports in the country and help Pakistan achieve new successes in the sporting arena.

Eman to lead Pakistan Women’s U19 against Bangladesh in T20 series

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Mon, 24 Nov 2025, 7:25 PM

KARACHI, Nov 24 (APP):All-rounder Eman Naseer is set to lead Pakistan Women’s U19 team during the five-match T20 series against Bangladesh.

Women’s U19 from 3-12 December scheduled to take place at the Cox’s Bazar Academy Ground, a PCB communique said.

The series is part of both Pakistan and Bangladesh Cricket’s plan to develop and give exposure to the next generation of Women’s cricketers and also for the build-up towards the third edition of the ICC Women’s U19 World Cup expected to take place in January 2027.

The 15-member squad, announced on Monday, also comprises of eight players who appeared at this year’s ICC Women’s U19 World Cup in Malaysia in January. They include Aleesa Mukhtiar, Areesha Ansari, Komal Khan, Mahnoor Zeb, Memoona Khalid, Ravail Farhan, Shahar Bano and Zoofishan Ayyaz.

Apart from skipper Eman, who bowls leg-spin and bats right-handed, the players who will be making their Women’s U19 debut include left-handed batter Raahima Syed, all-rounder Aqsa Habib, left-arm pacer Ayesha Riaz and right-arm pacer Barirah Saif.

The four non-travelling reserves include Alzoha Hammad, Maria, Nasreen Ashraf and Zainab Khanum. The players are currently undergoing a two-week training camp at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre in Karachi after which they will depart for Bangladesh on 29 November.

The players took part in National Women’s U19 T20 Tournament in September, a three-week fitness and skills camp in October after which 20 probables were called up for the pre-tour camp in Karachi.

15-member squad for Bangladesh tour:

Eman Naseer (captain), Aleesa Mukhtiar, Aqsa Habib, Areesha Ansari, Ayesha Riaz, Barirah Saif, Fizza Fiaz, Komal Khan (wicket-keeper), Mahnoor Zeb, Memoona Khalid, Raahima Syed, Ravail Farhan, Rozina Akram, Shahar Bano and Zoofishan Ayyaz

Non-travelling reserves:

Alzoha Hammad, Maria, Nasreen Ashraf and Zainab Khanum

Support Staff:

Muhammad Masroor (head coach), Shoaib Khan (batting coach), Naeem Tayyab (bowling coach), Jaweria Rauf (fielding coach), Taimoor Mehmood (strength & conditioning coach), Surakhsha Shaker (physiotherapist), Eman Arbab (analyst) and Aisha Jalil (team manager)

Pakistan v Bangladesh Women’s U19 T20 series: (All matches at Cox’s Bazar Academy Ground, Bangladesh) 1st T20 – 3 December,

2nd T20 – 5 December, 3rd T20 – 7 December, 4th T20 – 10 December

and 5th T20 – 12 December.

Filtration plant owners get Dec 15 deadline for new SOPs

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Mon, 24 Nov 2025, 7:23 PM

MUZAFFARGARH, Nov 24 (APP):Dozens of Food Business Operators (FBOs), including operators of Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Filtration Plants, attended a day-long awareness seminar organized by the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) on Monday. The seminar focused on capacity building for proper maintenance to ensure a clean and healthy drinking water supply to citizens. The session concluded with a stern warning that failure to implement the new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) would result in legal action.

The seminar, held in Muzaffargarh, was organized on the orders of PFA Director General Asim Javed. PFA’s deputy director of operations and assistant master trainers delivered detailed lectures to the participants on the new SOPs.

Officials briefed the participants on the updated SOPs, which include hygiene principles, labeling requirements, steps for the installation of new plants, processes for cleaning plants and water tanks, and guidelines for filter replacement.

It was emphasized that details regarding filter replacement and laboratory reports must be uploaded to the FBO Portal on a monthly basis. In addition, FBOs were instructed to maintain proper records of their maintenance activities.

At the conclusion of the seminar, owners of RO plants were issued notices and given a deadline of December 15 to fully implement the new SOPs, with a warning of punitive action for non-compliance.

ADB joint review mission visits BISP headquarters to assess progress on integrated social protection programme

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Mon, 24 Nov 2025, 7:22 PM

ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP):In a significant development underscoring Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its social safety net, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Joint Review Mission visited the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Headquarters today to assess progress on the Integrated Social Protection Development Program (ISPDP) and its Additional Financing (AF).

The visit marked a renewed commitment to deepening collaboration on initiatives that directly support millions of vulnerable families across the country.

Chairperson BISP Senator Rubina Khalid and Secretary Amer Ali Ahmad warmly received the delegation and praised ADB’s continued role in reinforcing Pakistan’s social protection systems.

Senator Rubina Khalid emphasized the centrality of the National Socioeconomic Registry (NSER), describing it as a highly sensitive, national-level database that all provinces must recognize and utilize responsibly.

She noted that BISP’s services are provided strictly on the basis of need, without discrimination of ethnicity, language, province, or political affiliation, and proposed joint dashboards with provincial governments to ensure secure and efficient data-sharing while maintaining robust data protection standards.

Highlighting BISP’s key initiatives, the Chairperson shared that 11 million children are currently enrolled under the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif Programme.

She added that provinces, in consultation with BISP, can assume greater roles in education and health sectors, especially in areas where BISP services are not yet available.

Future avenues of cooperation with ADB were also discussed, with both sides expressing interest in expanding work on human resource development through skill-building programmes, strengthening awareness and outreach efforts, and designing climate resilience and asset transfer initiatives to support marginalized communities.

ADB Mission Leaders Ms. Xin Long (virtually) and Co-Mission Leader & Principal Public Sector Specialist Mr. Laisiasa Tora commended BISP for its strong commitment, institutional determination, and continued progress. They reaffirmed ADB’s sustained cooperation and productive partnership with BISP.

The meeting was attended by ADB officials including Mr. Mansoor Ali Masood, Senior Project Officer; Mr. Fayyaz Khan, Project Officer (Education); Mr. Charles Felix Simbillo, Associate Project Officer; Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, TA Team Leader/NSPS; and Mr. Noman Ali, Program Implementation Specialist. From BISP, Additional Secretary Dr. Asmat Nawaz and all Director Generals participated and contributed to the discussions.

LHC grants bail to Ducky Bhai in gambling app promotion case

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Mon, 24 Nov 2025, 7:22 PM

LAHORE, Nov 24 (APP):The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday granted bail to YouTuber Saad ur Rehman, widely known as Ducky Bhai, in the case pertaining to the promotion of a gambling application.

Justice Shehram Sarwar Chaudhry approved the post-arrest bail petition and ordered the release of the accused upon submission of surety bonds worth Rs. 1 million.

The court announced the verdict on bail petition following completion of arguments by the parties.

Ducky Bhai had approached the LHC for bail after dismissal of his similar petitions by a judicial magistrate on September 22 and an additional sessions judge on October 2.

Ducky Bhai was arrested by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) at Lahore Airport on August 17.

The NCCIA Lahore had registered an FIR, accusing Saad ur Rehman of offences under various provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 — including Sections 13 (Electronic Forgery), 14 (Electronic Fraud), 25 (Spamming), and 26 (Spoofing) — as well as Sections 294-B (Offering prizes for commercial purposes) and 420 (Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

The FIR alleges that members of the public invested their earnings in gambling and betting apps, suffering financial losses. It claims that Ducky Bhai promoted platforms such as 1xBet, Bet365, B9 Game, and Binomo on his YouTube channel and reportedly served as a “country manager” for one of them.

FDA forms 6-member committee for auction of plots

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Mon, 24 Nov 2025, 7:21 PM

FAISALABAD, Nov 24 (APP): A six-member auction committee has been formed to auction commercial and residential plots in various housing schemes under the control of Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA). The auction will take place at the FDA Complex on November 26.

Director General FDA Muhammad Asif Chaudhry issued a notification regarding the auction.

Junaid Hassan Manj, Director Estate Management-I, will serve as the convener of the committee, while the committee members include the Deputy Director Estate Management-I, Deputy Director Finance, Deputy Director Town Planning, Deputy Director Town Planning-II, and Assistant Director Estate Management-I.

The DG has emphasized ensuring complete transparency in the auction process and providing full guidance and facilities to citizens interested in participating.

According to official sources, at least 20 plots will be auctioned in Medina Town, Millat Town, and Quaid-e-Azam Block on Samundari Road. Additionally, 99 shops and 45 plots in commercial centers in the Ahmednagar area will also be available for bidding.

Shops located on different floors of FDA-owned Gulistan Plaza in Millat Chowk Gulistan Colony, two 5.5-kanal plots in Madina Town near the hockey stadium, and plots allocated for banks in the Iron Market, Ahmed Nagar, and Millat Town will also be auctioned.

Details of the plots and properties selected for auction are displayed outside the FDA office and in various squares throughout the city.

Pakistan, Zimbabwe play 4th T20 amid foolproof security

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Mon, 24 Nov 2025, 7:20 PM