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Two proclaimed offenders held

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FAISALABAD, Aug 19 (APP):The police arrested two proclaimed offenders wanted in double murder cases.
According to a police spokesman on Tuesday, a team of Dijkot police held a proclaimed offender, Muhammad Yar, wanted in a double murder case and he had been at large for the last four-year. The accused had killed Sumera Bibi and Zeeshan.
Meanwhile, Satiana police arrested an accused, Shafique, after seven years who was involved in killing Muhammad Ishtiaq and Gulzar.

Senators announces five day salary to flood victims

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP):Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Tuesday announced donating five days’ salary of senators for the rehabilitation of flood victims.
 He said senators could also contribute more if they wished.
Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar also announced donating his one-month salary to support relief efforts in flood-hit areas.

AIOU opens registration for convocation 2025; deadline set as August 31

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP):Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU)  started its registration of convocation 2025 with  deadline fixed as August 31, 2025.
The graduates who completed their programs between Autumn 2022 and Autumn 2024, with 70% marks or above, are eligible to apply for participation.
The colorful convocation ceremonies will be held in major cities of Pakistan: Islamabad (November 12), Quetta (November 23), Lahore (December 7), Peshawar (December 21) and Karachi (January 4, 2026). The prestigious gatherings will be graced by the President of Pakistan, governors and federal & provincial ministers, who will award degrees and gold medals to the successful graduates, said a press release on Tuesday.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood, stated this convocation is not only the recognition of the student’s hard work and achievements but also a lifelong honor and an inspiring message of encouragement for future generations, adding, “The university is striving to provide maximum facilitation to all eligible graduates so that they may complete their registration on time and become part of this grand celebration of their success.”
Eligible students can register online at https://convocation.aiou.edu.pk.
For further information, graduates may also contact the Controller of Examinations, Muhammad Zahid Akhtar Khaki, at 051-9571717 or via email at convocation@aiou.edu.pk.

Three-day symposium on `Radiation Techniques in Health and Environment’ continues in Islamabad

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP):A three-day international symposium on “Radiation Techniques in Health and Environment” continued at the Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS) for the second day with over 100 experts exploring the role of radiation technologies in various sectors.
The event is jointly organized by the Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS), the Association of Academies and Societies of Sciences in Asia (AASSA), and the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP).
Bringing together leading scientists, medical experts, and policymakers from Asia and beyond, the symposium aims to explore the role of radiation technologies in healthcare, diagnostics, cancer treatment, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
More than 100 specialists, scientists, and academicians are participating in person, while around 50 international delegates have joined virtually.
The inaugural session was opened with welcome remarks by Prof. Dr. M. Aslam Baig, Secretary General PAS and Symposium Coordinator, followed by addresses from Dr. Masood Iqbal, Member Science at the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), and Prof. Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik, President PAS.
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Nuri Yurdusev, President AASSA, as a chief guest, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the significance of regional and global scientific collaboration.
He reaffirmed AASSA’s support for Pakistan Academy of Sciences in hosting international scientific events.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Riffat M. Qureshi, Director Administration PAS and Focal Person of the Symposium.
The symposium featured plenary lectures and invited talks on radiation techniques in health and environment, radionuclide toxicity and remediation, biomedical imaging, adaptive radiotherapy, and cancer treatment innovations.
Scholars from Bangladesh, China, Korea, Malaysia, and Pakistan presented their research, while young scientists showcased posters of their work.
The symposium will continue on August 19–20 with technical sessions on nuclear medicine, radiation safety, environmental applications, AI-driven imaging, and next-generation technologies.
The event will close with an award ceremony for best posters and a technical tour of radiation facilities.

Professor Dr. Shoukat Iqbal Khattak highlights role of Pakistani Diaspora in educational diplomacy

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP):Renowned Pakistani academic and world-ranked researcher, Professor Dr. Shoukat Iqbal Khattak,  currently a Full Professor at Jimei University in China, has called for greater utilization of Pakistan’s diaspora as a powerful tool of educational diplomacy.
Speaking at a morning show of a state-run news channel, he stressed that Pakistan possesses an extraordinary talent pool which, if strategically connected with global opportunities, can significantly uplift the country’s image and development prospects.
He noted that Pakistan has produced outstanding professionals in engineering, medicine, business, and entrepreneurship. “In the academic fraternity, particularly in China, Pakistani scholars are already excelling. In many universities, they are among the top in terms of academic achievements,” he said.
Sharing his personal accomplishments, Dr. Khattak recalled, “In 2023, I was ranked as a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (Cross-Field), and in 2024, I was listed among the world’s top 2% scientists by Stanford–Elsevier. Out of 111 highly cited Chinese authors, I was one of them.” He emphasized that such recognitions reflect Pakistan’s growing contribution to global academia.
Highlighting the broader role of the Pakistani diaspora, Dr. Khattak stressed the importance of educational diplomacy. “Our government and embassies can utilize academics and experts abroad as ambassadors. They are well-integrated into their local culture, enjoy credibility, and can promote Pakistan effectively. By leveraging their expertise and connections, we can open new opportunities and benefit from China’s technological development,” he explained.
He added that Pakistani embassies are already working to strengthen digital connections, but greater efforts are needed to project Pakistan’s academic and technological potential. He suggested closer collaboration between embassies, government officials, academic institutions, and media to highlight Pakistan’s positive image.
Highlighting Pakistan’s perception in China, Dr. Khattak said, “Around 73 percent of Chinese people view Pakistan as a favorable country. We must invest more energy in media and education diplomacy to capitalize on these opportunities.”
Touching upon tourism, he pointed out the potential of the vast Chinese market. “China’s growing economy has given rise to a strong outbound tourism sector. Pakistan’s cultural diversity, food, and hospitality can attract more Chinese visitors. They are particularly fond of Pakistani-style Chinese cuisine and dishes like biryani,” he remarked.
Dr. Khattak also underlined the vital role of universities in national progress. “Each university is an ecosystem that drives development. A city grows and prospers because of the vibrancy and contributions of its students,” he said, adding that China itself is a living example, where cities have flourished around dynamic universities that became centers of innovation, talent, and economic activity.

21 held with narcotics, weapons

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SARGODHA, Aug 19 (APP):The police on Tuesday arrested 21 criminals, including a woman, and recovered narcotics and weapons.
According to a press release issued by DPO office, teams of different police stations conducted raids and arrested 21 criminals besides recovering 80 litre liquor, 2.2-kg hashish, 1.24 kg Ice, 11 weapons, including pistols, guns and rifles.
The outlaws were identified as Nasreen Bibi, Asif, Ashaan, Suleman, Murtaza, Kashif, Hamza, Yasir and others.

Gilani, Ethiopian envoy discuss trade, climate, global cooperation

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP):Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday met Ethiopian Ambassador Dr. Jamal Beker Abdulla and discussed bilateral ties, trade, investment, environmental cooperation, and regional as well as global issues.
As part of the meeting, Gilani, senators, and the ambassador planted a sapling in the Friendship Garden at Parliament House to mark the ongoing tree plantation campaign.
Gilani said Pakistan and Ethiopia enjoyed historic ties and welcomed the opening of the Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad and the start of direct Ethiopian Airlines flights between Karachi and Addis Ababa.
He termed both steps as key milestones in expanding relations and stressed the early signing of an air services agreement to boost trade and investment.
He thanked Ethiopia for supporting Pakistan’s candidature for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council (2025–26) and noted that cooperation at regional and international forums had further deepened ties.
Highlighting the role of parliamentary diplomacy, he pointed to the Pakistan–Ethiopia Parliamentary Friendship Group and called for stronger delegation exchanges and people-to-people contacts.
Gilani underlined that economic diplomacy was central to Pakistan’s foreign policy and urged efforts to diversify trade. He highlighted Pakistan’s well-known exports—including rice, surgical instruments, pharmaceuticals, and FIFA-standard footballs—as potential areas for Ethiopia to import.
 He also identified opportunities in IT, science, education, and vocational training.
On climate change, the Chairman Senate praised Ethiopia’s Green Dialogue Program and emphasized joint initiatives for a sustainable future. He also invited Ethiopia’s parliamentary leadership to attend the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference in Islamabad this November.
Ambassador Dr. Jamal Beker Abdulla endorsed Gilani’s views, praised his role in promoting Pakistan’s international relations, and assured Ethiopia’s continued cooperation.
He said that both countries shared common interests that could help strengthen their friendship further.

Literary Organisations, NGOs urge masses to support flood victims on ‘World Humanitarian Day’

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World Humanitarian Day
Hina Durrani
ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP):World Humanitarian Day on Tuesday celebrated around the globe including Pakistan with enthusiasm and fervor.
On this occasion, literary organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have united to appeal to the nation for collective support for flood-affected families across the country.
In an exclusive interview with APP, Director General of the National Language Promotion Department (NLPD), Prof. Dr. Mohammad Saleem Mazhar, said that literary and cultural organisations all over the world exist to serve humanity by advocating love, peace, and prosperity for all human beings. “These organizations share and celebrate joy and happiness collectively, and stand with people in times of sorrow,” he remarked.
He regretted that in Pakistan, a large number of people had lost their loved ones, homes, and livelihoods due to the recent devastating floods, particularly in the northern areas.
“In this crucial time, the victims need our help and support just to survive. It is the need of the hour for all of us to come forward and fulfill our moral and ethical duty to help them,” the DG NLPD urged.
He expressed hope that literary and cultural organisations, along with NGOs in Pakistan and abroad, would recognize their responsibility and work for the noble cause of humanity.
Talking to APP, Zohaib Chaudhry, Director of Planning and Promotion at the Sadequain Foundation, called upon literary organisations, NGOs, and the public at large to stand in solidarity with flood victims across the country. “This is a time that demands compassion, unity, and collective responsibility. By extending our support, we not only help rebuild shattered lives but also reaffirm our shared commitment to humanity.”
Concluding his remarks, Zohaib emphasized the importance of working together to “spread hope where despair lingers and light where darkness has fallen.”
In another interview with APP, Executive Director of the Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights (PCHR), Shafique Chaudhry, said that humanitarian action was not only about providing relief but also about protecting the inherent dignity and rights of every individual. He expressed concern over the recurring floods in different areas of Pakistan which have devastated communities, leaving millions in urgent need of shelter, food, healthcare, and livelihood support.
He called upon social organisations, government bodies, civil society, and the international community to stand in solidarity with flood-affected families and ensure that humanitarian relief and rehabilitation are carried out in line with human rights principles. He reaffirmed that his organisation, PCHR, would remain dedicated to advocating for a human rights–based approach to humanitarian action, where recovery efforts are guided by justice, equity, and respect for human dignity.
Speaking to APP, Ateeq Afridi, CEO of the youth-led non-profit organisation Act of Kindness, said that on this World Humanitarian Day, his organisation stood in solidarity with communities facing hardship, loss, and displacement.
“Humanity is our shared responsibility, and every act of kindness, no matter how small, creates ripples of hope,” he added.
He urged the government, the masses, overseas Pakistanis, and NGOs to come forward to help the victims of the recent floods in different parts of the country that claimed many lives and destroyed thousands of homes.
 “In this hour of need, they are looking to us. They are part of us. Let us stand united with them and support them,” Afridi appealed.

Compensation payments to flood victims begin under special package: Saif

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PESHAWAR, Aug 19 (APP):The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has started the process of compensating flood victims under a special package, said Advisor to the Chief Minister on Information Muhammad Ali Saif here.
On the instructions of the CM, the compensation package has been doubled, he said, adding that under this package, compensation for those who lost their lives in the floods has been increased from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 2 million.
Saif further stated that Rs 850 million has been released to all districts for compensation payments.
He emphasized that the provincial government stands firmly with the flood victims in this difficult time.
He said that since more rain has been forecast, the public should stay away from streams and rivers and take precautionary measures.
Saif also advised citizens to report any untoward incident by calling the emergency helpline 1700.

Heavy rain in Sargodha

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Sargodha, Aug 19 (APP):Following 53mm of rain in Sargodha city on Tuesday morning, the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) cleared rainwater from major roads and restored traffic flow.
Managing Director Azizullah Khan said efforts were underway to clear water from other
roads as well.
He said that extra teams had been deployed in low-lying areas to facilitate drainage. “Staff from main roads have also been redeployed to these areas”, the MD mentioned.
He informed that all disposal stations were fully operational, and the drainage operation
was going on.