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Auqaf department opens properties for flood victims

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
PESHAWAR, Aug 19 (APP):Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department has announced to open Waqf properties for the assistance of flood victims.
In a special video message, Provincial Minister for Auqaf and Religious Affairs, Muhammad Adnan Qadri, said that KP government is utilizing all available resources to support people that are affected by recent floods.
The minister further stated to facilitate affected people; properties owned by Auqaf department have been opened to relief to victims. He said that assessments are being carried out for rehabilitation of damaged mosques particularly Masjid Wali Khorasan Pir Baba and other places of worship. He added that reconstruction work would soon commence with the support of philanthropists and donors.
The minister expressed firm resolve that the government would not rest until the complete rehabilitation and resettlement of the flood victims.

Departments directed to remain alert, improve capabilities to deal emergencies

By
Asif Jalal
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PESHAWAR, Aug 19 (APP): Additional Chief Secretary Planning and Development Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ikram Ullah Khan has directed that departments must continue to remain proactive and further enhance their capabilities to provide immediate assistance in any unforeseen emergency situations.
He expressed these views during a review meeting held at office of Commissioner Hazara Division regarding the ongoing monsoon rains, flooding and preemptive measures.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Hazara Division Fayaz Ali Shah, Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad Sanaullah Khan, Station Commander Pakistan Army, heads and representatives of line departments including Galiyat Development Authority, Sui Gas Department, Hazara Electric Supply Corporation (HAZECO), Cantonment Board, NHA, Police and other relevant bodies.
Additional Chief Secretary expressed satisfaction over response of relevant departments during the recent heavy rains, cloudbursts and flash floods across various districts of the province and emphasized that departments should remain alert and also enhance capabilities to deal emergencies.
He warned that two to three more monsoon rain spells are expected directing district administrations and departments to improve their preparedness and coordination accordingly.
Deputy Commissioners from all districts of Hazara Division participated via video link and shared updates regarding the recent incidents of heavy rainfall and cloudbursts including the resulting loss of life and property. They also briefed the meeting about preventive measures being taken for upcoming monsoon spells.
Commissioner Hazara Division informed the meeting that teams of clinical psychologists have been dispatched to districts of Mansehra and Battagram to assist citizens affected by the disaster in overcoming trauma and mental health challenges. Additionally, with the support of Pakistan Army, essential relief items and food supplies have been sent to the affected areas.

High level defence delegation of Azerbaijan calls on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Sidhu

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): A high-level defence delegation led by Agil Gurbanov, Deputy Minister & Director General of Defence, Azerbaijan called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff Pakistan Air Force (PAF) here Tuesday at Air Headquarters.

During the meeting both dignitaries engaged in extensive and fruitful discussions on matters of mutual interest. The talks underscored a shared commitment to fostering defence collaboration with a particular focus on training, modernization and technical expertise, said a press release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The Air Chief extended a gracious welcome to the distinguished guests, reiterating that Pakistan and Azerbaijan enjoy long standing religious, cultural and historical bonds which serve as the bedrock of enduring brotherly relations between the two countries.

During the meeting, Chief of the Air Staff shared insight into various ongoing modernization projects of Pakistan Air Force’s operational construct, force goals and plans for the force structure with a keen focus on future warfare.

The Air Chief also reiterated PAF’s unwavering support to provide capacity-building assistance to the Air Force of Azerbaijan in upgradation of it’s human resource, maintenance parameters and operational training.

Agil Gurbanov lauded the exemplary professionalism of PAF personnel and appreciated the extraordinary strides made by Pakistan Air Force through indigenization and development of advanced aerospace technologies.

He expressed Azerbaijan’s keen interest in expanding military-to-military collaboration, specifically in joint training programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Underscoring the importance of joint training initiatives through bilateral exercises between the two Air Forces, the visiting dignitary emphasized that such cooperation would enhance shared learning, interoperability and professional excellence.

He also conveyed Azerbaijan’s strong desire for collaboration across Multi Domain Operations, noting that Pakistan Air Force’s rich operational experience provides a valuable model for Azerbaijan.

He added that his country is especially eager to learn PAF’s complete methodology of Multi Domain warfare to strengthen its own capabilities. The dignitary reiterated Azerbaijan’s intent to revamp its entire training system, beginning from the academy level, and acknowledged Pakistan Air Force as a trusted partner in guiding this transformation.

He expressed confidence that cooperation with PAF would significantly contribute to the modernization and professional growth of Azerbaijan Air Force.

The visit of the Azerbaijani Defence Delegation to Air Headquarters, Islamabad reflects the mutual commitment of Pakistan and Azerbaijan to further deepen their strategic partnership, while reinforcing the shared aspirations for regional peace, security and stability.

KP Govt. stands with flood victims, restoration and compensation to be ensured: Arshad Ayub

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
MANSEHRA, Aug 19 (APP):Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Minister for Local Government, Elections and Rural Development, Arshad Ayub, on Tuesday visited Mansehra to review rescue, relief, and rehabilitation arrangements in flood-affected areas of Hazara Division.
He chaired a high-level meeting attended by Provincial Minister for Drinking Water Pakhtun Yar Khan, MNA Gustasp Khan, MPA Munir Hussain Lughmani, Deputy Commissioner Mansehra Mian Behzad Adil, and officials from Local Government, TMAs, WASA, Rescue 1122, and the C&W Department.
Officials briefed the ministers on the loss of lives and property and ongoing relief measures. Speaking on the occasion, Arshad Ayub said that on the directives of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, all provincial departments were working together to assist flood victims.
He assured that the provincial government would ensure full restoration of infrastructure in all affected areas and stands with the people in this hour of need.
The minister announced that Rs100 million had already been transferred to the Deputy Commissioner’s account for relief operations. He further said that Rs2 million would be provided to the family of each deceased and Rs400,000 to each injured, while compensation would also be given for property and infrastructure losses. He added that permanent measures would be taken to protect vulnerable communities from future flooding.
Provincial Minister for Drinking Water, Pakhtun Yar Khan, told the media that the government would soon begin restoration of water supply schemes and urged the public to avoid dumping waste or encroachments in drainage channels.

Sindh govt decides to expedite clean-up operation against dacoits in kacha

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
KARACHI, Aug 19 (APP):Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, presiding over a high-level meeting, decided to strengthen and expedite the operation to combat dacoits in the kacha areas of Larkana and Sukkur divisions and to demolish all illegal hydrants in Karachi to improve the water supply in the city.
The meeting was attended by Corps Commander Karachi Lieutenant General Owais Dastgir, Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, Home Minister Zia Ul Hasan Lanjhar, DG Rangers Major General Muhammad Shamreez, Secretary Home Iqbal Memon, IG Police Ghulam Nabi Memon, Principal Secretary Agha Wasif, Additional IGs of CTD, Special Branch, and representatives from other security agencies.
The Chief Minister stated that his government has adopted a clear policy of an offensive strategy in combating crime in the Kachha area. The police have been instructed to confront the dacoits, force them to surrender, and disarm them.
It was noted that the operation in the Kachha areas of Larkana and Sukkur divisions began in 2024 and was intensified from October 2024 through innovative technology, with 729 targeted intelligence-based operations launched and 261 search and sweep operations conducted.
The meeting was informed that law enforcement agencies (LEAs) faced challenges due to inaccessibility, but the utilisation of innovative technology by police and rangers helped overcome the issue of inaccessibility and facilitated encounters with the dacoits.
Sindh Police, in close coordination with Sindh Rangers and supported by intelligence agencies, progressed step by step, establishing strong fortified bases, and began dismantling the dacoits’ hideouts. Known criminal hideouts and facilitators’ dens were destroyed, burnt, and levelled to the ground.
From January 2024 to August 15, 149 dacoits were neutralised, including 10 each in Sukkur and Ghotki, 40 in Kashmore, and 89 in Shikarpur. The police arrested 582 dacoits, including 41 in Sukkur, 33 in Ghotki, 186 in Kashmore, and 322 in Shikarpur.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah stressed that peace and security must be maintained strictly in the Kachha area under all circumstances. He warned that kidnappings for ransom would not be tolerated and stated that the objective of the meeting was to decisively eliminate the dacoits from the area.
Since 2024, joint operations have been ongoing in Katcha area by the police and Rangers, and the Chief Minister called for these operations to be intensified and conducted with full vigour.
Murad Shah assured that robbers who surrender their arms will be dealt with leniency.
A decision was made to accelerate ruthless operations in the Kachha area. For this purpose, the Chief Minister established a high-level monitoring committee headed by the Home Minister, including the Secretary Home, DG Rangers, IG Police, and other officials to oversee the operation’s progress. An additional high-level committee was also formed to oversee the effective implementation of operations and to make decisions.
Briefings from various agencies on progress in the Kachha area were presented to the Chief Minister. He mentioned that the Sindh government has equipped the police with modern weapons, and through technological support, significant operational successes have been achieved, with expectations of further results.
The government decided to keep the Punjab government informed and involved regarding the operations in Kachha.
The meeting also agreed that developmental work would begin in Kachha areas, including road network construction and the provision of education and health facilities to uplift local communities.
The Chief Minister emphasised that peaceful residents of the Kachha area also deserve security and protection, and that safeguarding lives and property would remain a priority.
The operation in the Kachha regions of Larkana and Sukkur divisions is being intensified, as per the decisions made at the high-level meeting. To support the crackdown, internet services will be suspended for an extended period in the Kachha regions, and all social media accounts used by dacoits will be blocked. The locations of mobile towers to be shut down were identified and shared during the meeting.
Greater coordination among all law enforcement agencies operating in Kachha was stressed, and the police, Rangers, and other agencies were commended for their excellent work in the ongoing operations.
The meeting, also joined by Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab and senior officers from the water board, significant water challenges facing Karachi were discussed in detail. The discussion highlighted several pressing issues, primarily stemming from the city’s ageing infrastructure, which has led to low water pressure, frequent bursts, and leakages, consequently facilitating illegal tapping of water supplies.
The concerns raised by the water board included the absence of real-time flow and pressure monitoring at critical junctions hinders effective management. There are considerable delays in enforcement, irregular audits, and insufficient accountability.
Unbilled or under-billed connections persist due to inadequate digitalisation and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping. Additionally, certain areas lack proper documentation and metering, making them vulnerable to theft.
The meeting also revealed that criminal syndicates illegally tap into main supply lines, fill tankers without authorisation, and sell unfiltered water at inflated prices. These illicit operations are supported by entire systems of pipes, valves, and pumps, maintained with impunity, resulting in significant financial losses for the Corporation.
In response to these challenges, the water board has initiated several proactive measures, including a crackdown on Illegal connections, a consistent strike against illegal connections and hydrants. Disconnection of water supply to chronic defaulters and a police station dedicated to water-related issues is currently in progress at COD.
The meeting decided to speed up the process of establishing the KW&SC Tribunal. It was pointed out that legal reforms are underway, with improvements made to the community reporting system and ongoing internal reforms. Initiatives for water metering and monitoring, as well as master planning, are also being implemented, including the introduction of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, tax surveys, and enhanced GIS and asset management.
Looking ahead, the meeting concluded with a decision to amend the legal and regulatory frameworks to enforce penalties on water theft and effectively recover dues. A partnership with Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) for enforcement is also deemed necessary, given the scale of water theft, illegal hydrants, and the tanker mafia. This partnership aims to provide robust enforcement support that extends beyond the utility’s internal mechanisms, along with plans for the augmentation of water sources, infrastructure rehabilitation, and institutional strengthening

SECP, PBC affirm ongoing collaboration for business facilitation and regulatory reforms

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), led by Chairperson Akif Saeed, held a meeting with the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) to review recent reforms and discuss future initiatives for strengthening Pakistan’s corporate sector and capital markets.
The engagement reaffirmed SECP’s vision of aligning regulatory measures with the evolving needs of the business community and underscored PBC’s role as a key stakeholder, said a press release issued by the SECP on Tuesday.
The SECP outlined major reforms to encourage corporatization, including the complete digitalization of company incorporation and reduced compliance requirements. These measures facilitated a record of over 35,000 new company registrations in 2024–25.
Initiatives such as the Financial Institutions Portal, Electronic Mortgage Register, and Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) registry were highlighted for enhancing transparency and efficiency.
Under its capital market reform agenda, key achievements included the listing of Government Debt Securities on the PSX, a streamlined IPO regime, and new frameworks for online-only, Shariah-compliant, and agri-commodity futures brokers.
Furthermore, frameworks for digital NBFCs, mutual funds, and a Digital Distribution Platform are expected to catalyze expanded access to finance.
Chairperson SECP appreciated PBC’s active collaboration in advancing the sustainability agenda, including its support for the ESG Sustain Portal and its role as a key partner in gender-inclusive reforms, particularly for the Family-Friendly Awards under the Prime Minister’s Directive.
He emphasized the need to promote reporting under the ESG Disclosure Guidelines and to strengthen capacity-building initiatives for stakeholders.
Javed Kureishi, CEO of PBC, acknowledged the SECP’s proactive efforts to promote ease of doing business and foster a conducive business environment. PBC members also appreciated the SECP’s consultative approach on the CSR Bill, emphasizing that CSR should remain voluntary, align with ESG principles, and be supported by reforms and enhanced transparency in existing mechanisms.
Both parties agreed to strengthen collaboration on areas of mutual interest, with quarterly coordination meetings to be held for this purpose. They reaffirmed their commitments to a continued dialogue on key regulatory and market reforms to ensure balanced regulation and business facilitation.

CM issues high alert for civic agencies amid monsoon rains

By
Asif Jalal
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0

 KARACHI, Aug 19 (APP): Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah has ordered all relevant agencies to remain on high alert as heavy monsoon rains continue to affect the region.
Expressing profound sorrow over reports of fatalities during the rains, the CM emphasized the urgent need for strict monitoring of drains and nullahs to mitigate urban flooding.
To ensure a prompt response, Shah directed that all necessary machinery and personnel be kept on standby for the swift disposal of rainwater. He specifically instructed the Mayor of Karachi to confirm that the equipment is operational, and staff are mobilized for immediate action.
Considering the severe weather conditions, the public is advised to avoid unnecessary travel.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of maintaining coordination among the district administration, police, and municipal bodies at all times.
Additionally, Shah has instructed the traffic police to remain vigilant in low-lying and high-traffic areas, guiding the public during the inclement weather. Citizens are urged to keep a safe distance from electric poles and fragile infrastructure to ensure their safety.
To keep the public informed about the evolving weather situation, the monitoring system has been enhanced, as reported by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah.

Ahsan reviews preparations for CPEC’s upcoming JCC meeting, PM’s expected visit to Beijing

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal Tuesday chaired a meeting to review preparations for the forthcoming session of the Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as well as the Prime Minister’s expected visit to Beijing.

The minister emphasized that the future of CPEC must be anchored in quality rather than quantity, noting that only carefully selected, high-impact projects will be advanced to ensure sustainability and to strengthen Pakistan’s institutional capacity, a news release said.

Reflecting on his recent visit to China, he informed that, on behalf of the Prime Minister, he extended an invitation to President Xi Jinping to visit Islamabad in 2026 to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

He further noted that the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit would mark the formal launch of CPEC Phase-II, with both sides expected to set clear priorities and agree on tangible, measurable outcomes.

Underscoring the imperative to expand Pakistan’s trade and export footprint in China, the minister directed that unnecessary delays in visa processing be addressed on priority so that genuine businesspersons were facilitated smoothly and without hurdles.

He also instructed the preparation of an outcome-focused plan to diversify exports, strengthen industrial linkages, and maximize benefits from enhanced market access under CPEC cooperation.

On human resource development, Professor Ahsan Iqbal underlined the importance of fully utilizing the 10,000 training opportunities offered by China across multiple sectors.

He directed that a transparent framework be instituted to ensure that the right people receive the right training, aligned with institutional needs, so that Pakistan derived durable capacity-building and organizational gains.

The meeting reviewed progress in priority areas, including the Multan–Sukkur Motorway, IT graduate training initiatives,
computational infrastructure for artificial intelligence, industrial relocation and industrial parks, mining, special economic zones, and agriculture. The minister instructed that data-driven studies be undertaken on China’s industrial relocation trends and that Chinese market segments matching Pakistan’s export strengths be mapped comprehensively.

He observed that China imported goods worth over US$2 trillion annually and stressed that Pakistan must strategically aim to capture at least US$30–50 billion of this trade through targeted competitiveness and sectoral readiness.

He further directed that an outcome-oriented study be completed to identify high-potential sectors and products for export to China, with the objective of creating an exportable surplus, attracting sustained investment, and strengthening the balance of payments over the medium term.

He reiterated the need for policy continuity and institutional reforms to realize long-term CPEC gains, and affirmed close engagement with the private sector, academia, and research institutions in industrial cooperation, technology, agriculture, energy, and human resource development.

The meeting concluded with instructions to all stakeholders to finalize actionable deliverables ahead of the JCC session and the Prime Minister’s visit to Beijing.

The Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives would coordinate with relevant departments to ensure robust preparation and effective outcomes.

Muqam hands over huge consignments of relief goods for Swat floods’ victims

By
Kamran Muraad
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SWAT, Aug 19 (APP):Federal Minister Engr Amir Muqam here Tuesday handed over huge consignments of relief goods sent by the Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to the relevant authorities for its distribution among flood victims of Swat.
Muqam met with flood victims and assured allout support and assistance from the Federal Government.
He said that rehabilitation of floods affected population in KP was a big challenge, expressing the hope that federal and provincial governments with the support of the nation will successfully handle it quickly.
Engr Amir Muqam said that politics on floods situation should be avoided, and that we irrespective of political affiliations need to work hard to help address suffering of the affectees.
He said that Malankand division was largely affected by the natural calamity.
Engr Amir Muqam lauded the spirit of communities, NGOs and philanthropists for their generosity and assistance in this hour of needs.
He said that floods have badly damaged agriculture, peach and apple orchards and communication infrastructure in Shangla, Buner, Swat and relief to affected farmers would be provided.
Amir Muqam noted that shopkeepers and traders were also suffered after goods were washed away.
He said that the government’s top priority was to rescue the stranded people, shift the injured to hospitals and provide relief and assistance till the rehabilitation of the last victim.
Engr Amir Muqam said that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was personally monitoring rescue and relief operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and huge consignments of relief goods were being dispatched to the flood affected areas.

NDMA issues alert as torrential rains threaten Punjab, KP, Balochistan in next 12–24 hours

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Tuesday issued a nationwide weather alert, warning of heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides across multiple regions over the next 12 to 24 hours.
According to the advisory, torrential downpours are expected in northern Punjab, including Murree, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal, and Attock. Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel.
Moderate to heavy showers are forecast in Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, and Chiniot, while intermittent rain is likely in Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, and Sargodha. Localized waterlogging may occur in low-lying areas.
Southern and central Punjab districts—Bhakkar, Layyah, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan—are also expected to receive rainfall, with risks of flash flooding and stream overflow.
In northern regions, including Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—particularly Chitral, Dir, Kohistan, Bajaur, and Mohmand—heavy rain may trigger landslides and soil erosion. Local administrations are monitoring vulnerable zones and have advised precautionary measures.
Several districts of Balochistan, including Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Qilla Saifullah, Loralai, Mastung, Noshki, and Barkhan, are likely to experience heavy rainfall. Torrential showers are also forecast in Sibi, Dera Bugti, Sui, Kharan, Khuzdar, Kalat, Awaran, Turbat, Washuk, Hingol, and Gadani. The NDMA cautioned that flash floods may affect low-lying and urban areas, while landslides remain a threat in hilly terrain.
Traffic disruption is anticipated along the Karakoram Highway and adjoining routes, including Tor Ghar, Battagram, Shangla, Lower Kohistan, and Hunza roads, due to possible landslides and blockages.
The NDMA has directed provincial and district administrations, PDMAs, rescue services, and law enforcement agencies to remain on high alert and ensure the availability of personnel and equipment for immediate response.
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