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Minister orders urgent action to safeguard historic Katas Raj temple

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP): Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, has taken serious notice of the reported damage to the ancient Katas Raj Temple in Chakwal, following heavy monsoon rains that have endangered the centuries-old site.
Responding to concerns raised on social and mainstream media, the minister has formally written to the Evacuee Trust Property Board and relevant authorities, seeking an immediate and detailed report on the condition of the temple complex. The rains are believed to have caused water seepage and flooding, placing structural stress on the sacred Hindu site, which is a significant part of Pakistan’s cultural and religious heritage.
Minister Khichi emphasized the federal government’s commitment to preserving the historic complex, assuring full cooperation for restoration efforts. He described the Katas Raj Temple as a “shared national treasure” and a vital symbol of the country’s multicultural identity. “We will extend all possible support to ensure that this unique heritage is protected and preserved for future generations,” he stated.

Punjab Police to start 2nd phase of vacant seats’ recruitment in August

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LAHORE, Jul 18 (APP):Punjab Police and other wings announced to start the next phase of recruitment and promotions in the police department that will begin in August this year.
According to DIG Operations official sources, in August, 24 more DSPs will be promoted to the rank of SP, 45 officers of the inspector rank will be promoted to the rank of DSP, while 450 officers of the sub-inspector rank will be promoted to the rank of inspector.
They said that for the promotion board, the Punjab Police has called for confidential reports (ACRs) from all institutions. After completion of the process, the result of the promotion board will be released the next day, the promotion will also open the way for new recruitment, they informed.

Over 1000 rescued from floodwaters in Pothohar region amid heavy rains

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LAHORE, Jul 18 (APP):Following torrential monsoon rains in the Pothohar region, hundreds of citizens trapped in floodwaters were rescued in large-scale operations carried out by the district administrations and Pakistan Army personnel.
The emergency response was launched after a rain emergency was imposed in Chakwal, Jhelum, and Rawalpindi due to unusually high rainfall.
According to Director General of the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Irfan Ali Kathia, in a statement issued here on Friday, more than 1,000 people were safely evacuated to secure locations in the affected areas. In Jhelum alone, 398 citizens were rescued — 174 by the district administration and 64 by Pakistan Army personnel, while 160 people were airlifted by helicopter to safe zones.
In Chakwal, 209 citizens affected by a sudden cloudburst were relocated to safe places. Of these, 182 were rescued by local authorities and 27 by helicopter. In Rawalpindi, 450 individuals were saved from rising water levels, including six who were airlifted from the flood-prone Nala Lai area.
The DG PDMA emphasized that, on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, timely coordination among PDMA, the army, and district officials ensured that no casualties occurred despite the intensity of the floods.
Authorities have warned that monsoon rains this year are expected to be heavier than normal, with the fourth spell beginning on July 21. Citizens are urged to stay alert, take necessary precautions, and remain in safe locations during adverse weather.
The PDMA reaffirmed its commitment to utilize all available resources to safeguard lives and property throughout the monsoon season.

Ambassador Qureshi meets President of Press Club Brussels 

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BRUSSELS, Jul 18 (APP): Pakistan’s ambassador to Belgium and European Union Rahim Hayat Qureshi Friday met newly elected President of Press Club Brussels Europe Antonio Buscardini. They discussed avenues for deepening cooperation in Brussels and creating synergies. Mr. Buscardini is a seasoned journalist and founder of Travel Tomorrow and CEO of Buscardini Communications.

AIOU announces results of various academic programs

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP):Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has announced the results of the Associate Degree in Education, BA (General), B.Com, and BA (Associate Degree) programs offered in the Autumn 2024 semester.
Students can check their results by logging into the university’s CMS portal.
Furthermore, admissions for the Autumn 2025 semester have been open nationwide since July 1.
A wide range of programs is being offered, from Matriculation to PhD level. Admission forms and prospectuses for all offered programs are available online on the university’s website.
For more information regarding admissions, students may contact the university’s helpline at 051-111-112-268 or visit the regional offices of the university located nationwide.

Punjab University extends admission date for M.Phil, Ph.D students

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LAHORE, Jul 18 (APP):Punjab University has extended the last date for admissions in various disciplines of MPhil, PhD programs. Earlier, the last date was July 17.
Controller Examination PU, M. Rauf Nawaz Friday told APP that now, candidates have been given another chance. Candidates will be able to apply for MPhil, PhD programs till 12 midnight on July 21.
Earlier, admissions are ongoing in MPhil, PhD programs at Punjab University.
Candidates will be able to apply through the online portal till 12 midnight on July 21.

NCA honours legendary maestro Mehdi Hassan in weekly dedication series

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP):The National College of Arts (NCA) on Friday, honoured legendary maestro Mehdi Hassan in a weekly dedication series dedicated to celebrating Pakistan’s cultural icons.
In a statement issued here, it is stated that NCA believed in the power of legacy and the importance of celebrating those who have shaped our cultural and intellectual landscape.
“Each week, NCA dedicates a special feature to one of Pakistan’s remarkable Poets, Writers, Artists, and Academicians,” the statement read.
The campaign aimed to keep their stories alive, inspiring current and future generations with their achievements and contributions.

Police begins investigations after man dies of electric shock

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MULTAN, Jul 18 (APP):A man died of severe electric shock that he reportedly suffered from an 11 KV power distribution line passing by the roof of his house in the city’s suburbs, rescuers said on Friday.
Rescue 1122 spokesman, quoting attendant of the deceased, said, Abid (35) s/o Ghulam Hussain, had moved to the roof top to sleep there. He suffered electric shock from the 11KV line passing by the roof near Bahawalpur Bypass Chowk. Rescuers said, the incident was reported to them around 8am, adding that they had responded minute(s) after receiving information. They said that the incident had occurred some 30-35 minutes before it was reported to Rescue 1122. Rescuers applied Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) procedure to bring him back to life but all went in vain.
Body of the deceased Abid was shifted to DHQ Hospital. Mumtazabad police also reached the spot. Police said, they are investigating.

PDMA Punjab issues alert for 4th spell of monsoon rains across province

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LAHORE, Jul 18 (APP):The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a weather alert ahead of the fourth spell of monsoon rains, forecasting strong winds, dust storms, and rainfall across most districts of Punjab from July 20 to July 25.
According to PDMA on Friday, heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds is expected in northern and central Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Gujrat, Jhelum, and Gujranwala. Other areas such as Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Sargodha, and Mianwali are also likely to receive rainfall during the forecast period.
Rainfall has already been predicted for South Punjab, including Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar, from July 18 to July 23.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia stated that, on the directives of Chief Minister Punjab, alerts have been dispatched to all district administrations. Relevant departments including Health, Irrigation, Communication and Works, Local Government, and Livestock have also been notified to remain on high alert.
Citizens have been advised to take precautionary measures during the anticipated weather conditions. The public is urged to stay indoors during storms and avoid unnecessary travel. People are especially warned against staying under open skies during lightning and thunderstorms.
In case of emergency, citizens can contact the PDMA helpline at 1129 for assistance.

Rubina Khalid strongly condemns terrorist attack on constabulary van in Balochistan

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP):Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a Balochistan Constabulary van in Mastung, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives.
“I strongly condemn the cowardly terrorist attack on the Balochistan Constabulary van in Mastung,” said Senator Rubina Khalid in her statement.
She expressed grief over the martyrdom of the security personnel in the attack and offered prayers for the early recovery of the two injured officials.
“The sacrifices of our martyrs for the security and stability of Pakistan will never go in vain,” she asserted.
“Terrorists do not want peace under any circumstances, and to eliminate this menace, we must remain united,” Senator Khalid emphasized.
She also expressed solidarity with the families of the martyrs, praying for their strength and patience in this time of grief.
“May the martyrs be granted the highest ranks in the hereafter,” she added.