MULTAN, Jul 21 (APP): In a joint initiative to raise awareness about the impact of climate change and the importance of tree plantation, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef (MNS) University of Agriculture Multan and Nishtar Medical University organized an informative seminar on campus.
The seminar was attended by a large number of students and faculty members. The chief guest was the Head of Community Medicine, Nishtar Medical University.
Dr. Muqarrab Ali, Associate Professor at MNS University, briefed participants on the causes of climate change, the damages being caused by environmental shifts, and practical steps individuals and institutions can take to reduce their impact. He shared alarming statistics, noting that the average lifespan of the common person is decreasing by 1.9% due to air pollution, with an estimated reduction of 2.7 years in life expectancy across Pakistan.
Dr. Ali emphasized that with Pakistan’s forest cover at only around 4%, the situation is critical. He pointed out that while Pakistan has only 3–4 trees per person, the international averages are significantly higher – 12,000 in Canada and 3,280 in Australia per individual.
“Young people must play a leading role in planting and maintaining trees to secure the future,” Dr. Ali urged.
Vice Chancellor of MNS University, Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, shared his vision of increasing green cover across South Punjab through coordinated efforts with district governments, universities, and local communities. He reiterated the university’s commitment to conducting large-scale plantation drives to combat climate change.
At the conclusion of the event, the administration of Nishtar Medical University appreciated the initiative taken by MNS University of Agriculture and expressed full support for future collaborative efforts.
Hazards of climate change highlighted
Dr Musadik Malik chairs committee meeting to finalize Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign
ISLAMABAD, Jul 21 (APP):Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr Musadik Malik, chaired a high-level meeting of the Committee on the Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign.
The meeting was convened to finalize strategy and coordination mechanisms for the upcoming national plantation drive.
The participants reviewed the overall plan for tree plantation across Islamabad Capital Territory and the provinces, with a special focus on mobilizing students, schools, public sector organizations and the general public.
The Minister emphasized that August to October is the optimal window for plantation, and called for timely preparations to ensure full advantage of the monsoon season.
The meeting also deliberated on mechanisms for the free provision of saplings to ensure wider participation and accessibility. Emphasis was laid on planting native and climate-resilient species, which contribute positively to the regional ecosystem and avoid unintended environmental harm.
Dr Musadik Malik underscored the urgency of not just planning but ensuring robust implementation, follow-up, and monitoring of plantation activities across all administrative levels. He stressed the importance of inter-provincial coordination and public awareness to make the campaign impactful and sustainable.
The session was attended by Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Aisha Humera Moriani; Secretary of Inter-Provincial Coordination, Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani; Members of the National Assembly Zahra Fatemi and Saba Sadiq; along with senior officers from relevant departments and stakeholders.
H.E Vice Admiral Mohammed Bin Abdul Rahman Al Ghuraybi, Chief of the Naval Staff-Royal Saudi Naval Forces called on Minister for Defence, Khawaja Muhammad Asif.
ISLAMABAD: July 21 –
ISLAMABAD: July 21 – Minister for Defence, Khawaja Muhammad Asif presenting a souvenir to HE. Vice Admiral Mohammed Bin Abdul Rahman Al Ghuraybi, Chief of the Naval Staff-Royal Saudi Naval Forces. APP/MAF/FHA
ISLAMABAD: July 21 – Minister for Defence, Khawaja Muhammad Asif alongwith Additional Secretary Defence, Rear Admiral Amir Mehmoodin a group photo with Vice Admiral Mohammed Bin AbdulRahman Al Ghuraybi, Chief of the Naval Staff-Royal Saudi Naval Forces and KSA Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki. APP/MAF/FHA
Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi chairing a meeting at FIA Headquarters.
ISLAMABAD: July 21 –
Research vital to increase crop productivity: UAF VC
FAISALABAD, Jul 21 (APP):University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali said that agrarian research and modern agricultural practices must reach the farming community for increasing productivity and raising socioeconomic conditions of rural folks.
He was talking to Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) Chief Scientist Agriculture Research Punjab Dr Sajid-ul-Rehman and Additional Chief Scientist Wheat and Vegetable Dr Javed Ahmad during to his visit to AARI.
Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali called for promoting innovation in agriculture through comprehensive practical strategies. He said that the country was blessed with fertile land, four seasons and ecological zones, but per-acre productivity was low compared to the rest of the world.
He said collaborative research and development work is essential to address the issues faced by farmers for a sustainable growth.
Dr Sajid-ul-Rehman said that they were making an all-out effort to address the agricultural challenge and ensure the sector on scientific basis. He said that collaborative work between both institutions will bring tangible results in term of varieties and climate resilient agriculture.
The meeting also discussed the new projects and internship programs.
Hasnain Akhtar sets highest break in u21 round
ISLAMABAD, Jul 21 (APP):Pakistani cueist Hasnain Akhtar achieved a remarkable feat by making a 111 break, the highest break in U21 round matches of the IBSF World Masters, U17, U21, and Men 6Red Snooker Championships 2025, held in Manama, Bahrain.
In U21 Round, Ahsan Ramzan (Pak) beat Bhavya Pipaliya (India) 3-0 (98-4, 54-32, 57-46); Hasnain Akhtar (Pak) beqt Khaled Gazali (Sri Lanka) 3-0 (100(53,41)-1, 111(111)-1, 67-40); Langyi Ryan Li (Hong Kong) beat Ahsan Ramzan (Pak) 3-1
(72-64, 53(33)-18, 1-74(43,31), 65(54)-36); Hasnain Akhtar (Pak) beat David Nistor (Romania) 3-0 (48-44, 79-29, 71(40)-2). After U21 Round Matches Player Qualify for knockout last 30 Round.
In 6 Red Result, Muhammad Asif (Pak) beat Punait Saqer (Bahrain) 4-2 (39-12, 8-43, 35-22, 45-8, 21-34, 41-16) and Chang Yu Kiu (Hong Kong) beat Shahid Aftab (Pak) 4-0
(48-0, 27-16, 33-6, 43-4).
Pakistan, Australia to boost cooperation in energy and mining sectors
ISLAMABAD, Jul 21 (APP):Federal Minister for Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Neil Hawkins, discussed on Monday strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy and mining sectors, with a focus on investment, technology transfer, and skills development.
During the meeting, the Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing energy security and welcomed Australian expertise, particularly in the fields of mining and renewable energy.
He encouraged Australian companies to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan’s expanding energy sector.
The High Commissioner praised Pakistan’s recent economic progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, noting that improvements in the current account and profit repatriation mechanisms have revived the confidence of multinational companies operating in the country.
He expressed strong interest from Australian mining firms in exploring Pakistan’s mineral-rich regions and proposed collaboration between Australian universities, mining companies, and Pakistani institutions to launch specialised training programs in modern mining technologies.
“This initiative will help develop local expertise and support the growth of Pakistan’s mining industry,” Hawkins said.
Pervaiz Malik welcomed the proposal, stating, “Pakistan values Australia’s advanced mining capabilities. We are eager to build partnerships that strengthen local skills and attract investment into our mineral and energy sectors.
He assured full government support to facilitate such collaborations.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to strengthen institutional linkages and explore joint ventures in the energy and mining sectors to promote mutual economic growth.
Cloudy,humid weather forecast for city
LAHORE, Jul 21 (APP):Cloudy and humid weather continued in the city on Monday with the Meteorological department forecasting similar conditions over the next 24 hours.
According to MET officials, heavy monsoon rains are expected to trigger flash floods in local streams and nullahs across several northern and upper regions, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Buner, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, the hill torrents of DG Khan, northeast Punjab, and Kashmir from July 21 to 25.
Urban flooding is also likely in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Okara, Nowshera, and Peshawar during this period.
Landslides and mudslides may lead to road blockages in vulnerable hilly areas, particularly
in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The MET department further warned that heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning could damage
fragile structures such as roofs and walls of dilapidated houses, electric poles, billboards,
solar panels, and vehicles.
Officials said that moist currents from the Arabian Sea are currently entering the country
while a westerly wave is affecting the western and upper regions.
Rainfall was recorded in several areas, including Islamabad, Murree, Sialkot, Balakot, Parachinar,
Malam Jabba, Kakul, Cherat, Garhi Dupatta, Kotli, Muzaffarabad, Khuzdar, Sibbi,
Tharparkar, Sukkur, and Mithi.
The highest temperature on Monday was recorded in Nokundi and Dalbandin, where the
mercury soared to 45°C. In Lahore, the temperature reached a maximum of 34°C.