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Five notorious criminals surrender during Katcha area operation

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LAHORE, Jul 18 (APP):Punjab Police on Friday achieved a major breakthrough in their ongoing crackdown on criminal elements in the Katcha region of southern Punjab, as five members of a notorious dacoit gang surrendered along with 100 stolen cattle.
A police spokesperson said the operation, led by Muzaffargarh Police in the Alipur Katcha area, followed a week-long standoff during which the gang failed to mount effective resistance.
The surrendered gang members were identified as Qalandar Bosan, Allah Nawaz Bosan, Shahzad Bosan, Faiz Rasool Bosan and Sajid Bosan. According to police, they handed over four Kalashnikov rifles and two repeaters during their surrender and publicly announced their decision to renounce criminal activities.
The suspects face numerous charges, including terrorism, murder, attempted murder, robbery, and banditry.
District Police Officer Dr. Rizwan Khan supervised the operation and later returned the recovered livestock to residents of Sonhare Shah village.
Inspector General of Punjab Police Dr. Usman Anwar praised the operation as a “remarkable success” in the province’s ongoing efforts to restore law and order in the Katcha region.

CS Balochistan,MD Green Tourism Pakistan discusses tourism development

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QUETTA, Jul 18 (APP):Chief Secretary (CS) Balochistan, Shakeel Qadir Khan, met with Managing Director (MD) of Green Tourism Pakistan, Hasan Azhar Hayat, to explore collaborative strategies for revitalizing tourism in the province.
The discussion centered on unlocking Balochistan’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty to attract both domestic and international visitors.
Shakeel Qadir Khan emphasized Balochistan’s unique positioning in Pakistan’s tourism landscape, home to ancient historical landmarks,expansive coastlines and pristine beaches.
“Balochistan’s cultural and natural assets deserve global attention,” he stated.“We are initiating revolutionary reforms to strengthen our tourism infrastructure and bring new destinations to life.”
Green Tourism Pakistan’s Sustainable Vision Hayat shared the organization’s national mission to elevate tourism through improved accessibility, upgraded infrastructure and eco-friendly initiatives.
Hayat noted that sustainable tourism has boosted local economies and set benchmarks for responsible development.
Both the officials agreed that security, quality infrastructure and international-standard services are prerequisites for long-term success. Khan stressed that with improved policies and a unified national strategy,Pakistan can position itself as a competitive global destination.
“Tourism is a powerful engine for economic growth and foreign exchange earnings. With deliberate planning, Balochistan can take its rightful place on the global tourism map,” he added.
Chief Secretary Khan highlighted plans to upgrade Hinglaj Mata Mandir into an international religious tourism site. The temple, a revered Hindu pilgrimage destination, draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The initiative reflects a commitment to cultural inclusion and heritage preservation.
The discussion also addressed “Blue Tourism” a modern, sustainable approach to coastal tourism that emphasizes marine experiences, ecological protection and socio-economic uplift of coastal communities.
Concluding the dialogue, both officials stressed that inter-provincial collaboration and federal support are vital for fully realizing Pakistan’s tourism potential. A robust tourism sector,they affirmed, can catalyze job creation, revenue generation, and inclusive development across the country.

Mother killed, infant injured as motorcycle slips under truck

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KHANEWAL, Jul 18 (APP):A tragic road accident near Pull 14 in Jahanian, Khanewal district, claimed the life of a woman and left her infant son injured when their motorcycle skidded and slipped under a moving truck.
According to rescue sources, the deceased was identified as Sidra Saleem, wife of Muhammad Saleem, aged 32, resident of Pull 14, Kot Bahara. Her nine-month-old son, Muhammad Ali, was also on the motorcycle and sustained injuries in the incident.
Rescue 1122 teams responded swiftly, provided the injured child with first aid, and shifted him to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Jahanian, for medical treatment.
Local authorities are investigating the incident. Eyewitnesses report that the motorcycle lost control due to a slippery road surface, leading to the fatal accident.

Pakistan Red Crescent Society provides relief to AJK families

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MIRPUR (AJK), Jul 18 (APP):The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has distributed PKR 15,000 in cash assistance to each of 200 families affected by recent cross-LoC hostilities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
In this regard, the cash distribution ceremony on Friday was held at the President Secretariat in the state metropolis and was attended by national and international dignitaries. The PRCS, in collaboration with the Turkish Red Crescent, provided the assistance as part of their humanitarian commitment to support those affected by the conflict.
On this occasion, in her address, PRCS Chairperson Farzana Naek expressed deep empathy for the affected families and extended her heartfelt condolences to those who lost their loved ones, were injured, displaced, or deprived of their livelihoods due to the firing at the Line of Control.
She also highlighted the significance of the cash assistance, stating that it would enable families to meet their immediate needs. The PRCS had also provided assistance to strengthen first aid services during the crisis management situation along the LoC, she further added.
The Turkish Red Crescent’s Acting Head of Delegation, Erkan Avci, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the people of AJK during challenging times. He stated that the cash assistance was part of their joint humanitarian mission with PRCS.
The IFRC Head of Delegation in Pakistan, Farid Abdul Qadir also praised the resilience of the people of AJK, noting their strength in the face of adversity.
Chairman of PRCS AJK Branch, Sardar Shafiq Ahmed Khan also appreciated the efforts of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and expressed gratitude for the invaluable support in reaching the most vulnerable communities.

Resolution of Kashmir issue guarantee of peace: PM

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council was the only guarantee of the rights of the Kashmiris and peace in the region.
In a message on the occasion of Kashmir Accession Day, he said the government and people of Pakistan will continue to extend diplomatic, moral and political support to the Kashmiris.
“Kashmir Accession Day is celebrated every year on July 19, 1947, in memory of the Srinagar session of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference,” he noted
He said, “On that day, the brave people of Kashmir passed a resolution to accede to Pakistan for the state of Jammu and Kashmir.”
He said, “The story of the unending sacrifices of Kashmiris that began in 1947 is not only continuing today, but the brutality and oppression of one million Indian troops have failed to break the resolve of Kashmiris and with the passage of time, the spirit of freedom of Kashmiris has strengthened.”
“Today, like their ancestors the third generation of Kashmiris is also determined to achieve their right to self-determination,” he remarked.
The prime minister said, “The decades-long struggle of the brave Kashmiris against illegal occupation shows their patriotism and genuine desire for freedom.”

Muqam highlights Pak commitment for Kashmir cause on Youm-e-Ilhaq-e-Pakistan

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP):Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, Engr Amir Muqam has issued a special message on the occasion of Youm-e-Ilhaq-e-Pakistan, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support to the Kashmiri people’s legitimate struggle for self-determination and their historic decision to accede to Pakistan.
Highlighting the significance of the day, Amir Muqam said that July 19, 1947 marks a defining moment in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, when the people of the region, through a unanimous resolution passed by the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference, decided to join Pakistan based on religious, cultural, and geographical affinities.
“Despite fighting three wars with India, Pakistan continues to uphold its principled stance for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions,” he stated.
Amir Muqam condemned the decades-long Indian military occupation of Jammu and Kashmir, terming it a blatant denial of the Kashmiri people’s fundamental rights. “India’s brutal oppression and continuous violations of human rights have only strengthened the resolve of Kashmiris, who have repeatedly expressed their desire to join Pakistan,” he added.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to extending unwavering moral, political, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people until their just demand for a UN-mandated plebiscite is fulfilled.
“On this historic day, we salute the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people and assure them that Pakistan will never abandon their cause. The dream of Ilhaq-e-Pakistan remains alive in the hearts of every Kashmiri,” Amir Muqam concluded.

Livestock Department Kohat launches plantation campaign

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KOHAT, Jul 18 (APP):The District Director Livestock Kohat, Dr. Asif Junaid, on Friday formally launched a plantation campaign in the premises of the Livestock Kohat office and hospital.
The campaign, initiated under the special instructions of Deputy Commissioner Kohat Abdul Akram Chitrali, aims to promote a green and clean environment.
On this occasion, various types of fruit and shade trees were planted, and staff members, hospital administration, and representatives from various departments also participated in the ceremony.
In his address, Dr. Asif Junaid emphasized the importance of planting trees in dealing with challenges like climate change and environmental pollution. He stated that the Livestock Department will carry out tree plantation in all veterinary centers across the district to ensure a healthy environment.
The campaign received appreciation from APCA Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Vice President Suleman Khan and Assistant Director IT Rashid Khan, who highlighted the positive role of a green environment in health institutions.
During the ceremony, participants pledged to play a full role in making this national campaign a success, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in environmental protection.
Dr. Asif Junaid appealed to the public to participate fully in this campaign and plant at least one tree each.

Finance Minister, meets U.S Secretary Commerce; USTR to strengthen trade ties

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP):A delegation led by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb held a productive meeting with U.S Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and United States Trade Representative (USTR), Ambassador Jamieson Greer in Washington, D.C on Friday.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress in enhancing trade and economic ties, a cornerstone of Pakistan-U.S bilateral relations. They reaffirmed their commitment to exploring opportunities to strengthen these ties in all possible areas of mutual benefit, according to press release issued by finance ministry here.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb emphasized that the U.S remains Pakistan’s largest trading partner and underscored Pakistan’s interest in expanding cooperation in both traditional and non-traditional sectors, including IT & tech sector, minerals and agriculture,to foster a mutually beneficial relationship.
Both parties expressed optimism that ongoing trade talks would yield positive outcomes, benefiting the economies of both countries.

Sindh Minister for Energy, Development, and Planning, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah and others at the introductory ceremony at a local hotel in connection with the upcoming IEEEP Fair 2025, being organized by Badr Expo from 16th to 18th September 2025 at the Expo Centre Karachi.

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Sindh Minister for Energy, Development, and Planning, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah and others at the introductory ceremony at a local hotel in connection with the upcoming IEEEP Fair 2025, being organized by Badr Expo from 16th to 18th September 2025 at the Expo Centre Karachi.
APP53-180725
KARACHI: July 18 –
Sindh Minister for Energy, Development, and Planning, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah and others at the introductory ceremony at a local hotel in connection with the upcoming IEEEP Fair 2025, being organized by Badr Expo from 16th to 18th September 2025 at the Expo Centre Karachi.
APP54-180725
KARACHI: July 18 – Sindh Minister for Energy, Development, and Planning, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah addresses at the introductory ceremony at a local hotel in connection with the upcoming IEEEP Fair 2025, being organized by Badr Expo from 16th to 18th September 2025 at the Expo Centre Karachi. APP/ABB

IHC reserves verdict on plea regarding QAU’s hostel, summer session

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP):The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday reserved its verdict on students petition against the order for termination of summer session by Quaid-e-Azam University and the vacating of hostels.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro reserved the decision on the students’ petition.
 During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer said that the principle was fixed that the child would improve in the summer session. The university’s registrar said that there are dues which have not been paid yet. 1138 students are illegally residing in hostels. We have to restore our writ. Children start protesting after some time. Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro said that the children should sit and study. What are they doing? It does not seem right that the police have put handcuffs on them.
The petitioner’s lawyer said that will they do this to all the children because of two or four students? Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro asked the university officials, “Are you parents, do parents do this to their children?” Yes, you filed FIRs against the students.
The university registrar said that we had to file the FIR under compulsion, the hostel is in a bad condition, he is not fit to live in, in the previous fight they had burnt the hostel.
 The petitioner lawyer said that the hostel fee challans should be called, the summer fee has been taken.
 The university lawyer said that they will not suffer any harm in terms of education. The university registrar said that the summer session is for two months, now the time is less.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro asked the university registrar if you do not want to fight, then do not respond.
The court reserved the decision on the students’ request.