Dr. Idrees takes over as secretary PCCC, Ms Sabahat as Director CCRI Multan

Mon, 2 Jun 2025, 6:00 PM

MULTAN, Jun 02 (APP): Eminent agriculture scientist Dr. Muhammad Idrees Khan took over the charge of his new responsibilities as secretary of the country’s ace cotton research body, Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC), while Ms. Sabahat Hussain, another senior scientist, assumed the charge as Director Central Cotton Researh Institute (CCRI) Multan, on Monday.

The notifications appointing the two eminent scientists to their new assignments has already been issued by Ministry of National Food Security & Research (MNFS&R), says Sajid Mahmood, the PCCC media focal person and CCRI Multan head of transfer of technology department .

Both the agriculture scientists had joined CCRI Multan as scientific officer in 2001 and bring with them over two decades long experience of research and accomplishments in the cotton sector.

Prior to this appointment, Dr. Idrees served as Deputy Director Research at PCCC and held the position of Director at the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Sakrand. In 2016, he became the head of Plant Breeding and Genetics Department at CCRI, Multan.

Dr. Idrees completed his Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, in 2014, with his research conducted at the University of Georgia, USA. He holds an M.Sc. (Hons.) in Plant Breeding and Genetics from the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, awarded in 1995.

He is a widely published researcher, with over 50 peer-reviewed scientific articles in national and international journals. He is credited with developing more than ten high-yielding cotton varieties and has played a pivotal role as Incharge of the World Cotton Gene Pool at CCRI Multan. From 2012 to 2021, he also served as the focal person for the Pak-US ICARDA Cotton Project at CCRI Multan.

Dr. Idrees had actively supervised numerous M.Sc. and Ph.D. scholars, and has mentored students through various internship programs.

Senior scientist Ms. Sabahat Hussain, after induction in CCRI Multan in 2001, was promoted as senior scientific officer in 2014. She had been working on cotton diseases and their cure, disease-resistant varieties development and planning and implementation of cotton research projects since long.

She completed her M.Sc (Hons) in 1997 from University of Agriculture Faisalabad. She also worked as researcher at National Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (Nibge). She has many research papers to her credit, published in national and international research journals. Her research work mainly focused on diagnosis of cotton diseases, genetic engineering, and tissue culture.

The PCCC and CCRI Multan and Sakrand staff have extended their heartfelt felicitations to both the agriculture scientists.

PDMA warns of thunderstorms, rain in KP from June 2 to 5

Kamran Muraad

Mon, 2 Jun 2025, 5:54 PM

PESHAWAR, Jun 02 (APP): The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Monday issued a weather alert warning of thunderstorms and rain expected to hit most districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa starting Wednesday.

According to the PDMA advisory, the wet weather spell is expected to continue intermittently until Thursday.

Between June 2 and 5, intermittent rain with thunderstorms is forecast for Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Torghar, Shangla, and Kohistan.

Similarly, from June 3 to 4, rainfall is expected in Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Kohat, Bannu, Karak, and Waziristan.

During Eid holidays, heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms are likely in Dir, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, and Mansehra, the PDMA stated.

To prepare for potential emergencies, PDMA has issued directives to all district administrations to ensure readiness, including the availability of heavy and light machinery to handle any untoward incidents.

It urged public to stay away from electric poles, weak buildings, signboards, and billboards during the rain.

Farmers were advised to plan their agricultural activities in light of the weather forecast.

In upper sensitive regions, both tourists and locals have been cautioned to remain alert and take safety measures.

PDMA also directed local authorities in sensitive districts to communicate weather advisories in local languages.

In case of road blockages, authorities have been instructed to provide alternate routes and maintain road connectivity.

PDMA asked tourists to check weather and road conditions by dialling the authority’s helpline 1700 before traveling to scenic areas.

It said that Emergency Operations Center is fully operational, and citizens are encouraged to report any emergency situation via the toll-free number.

FDA provides relief to 1079 applicants in five months

Kamran Muraad

Mon, 2 Jun 2025, 5:54 PM

FAISALABAD, Jun 02 (APP): The Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA) provided relief to 1,079 applicants through its one-window counter during the last five months including 149 applications during May 2025.

Presiding over a meeting here on Monday, Director General FDA Muhammad Asif Chaudhary expressed satisfaction on the performance of One Window Counter but directed its staff to accelerate service delivery by using modern techniques.

He stressed the need to develop a comprehensive and effective system for online provision of all services and said that this initiative would help resolve applicants’ issues in the shortest possible time.

He reviewed performance statistics of One Window Counter from January 2025 to date and revealed that 612 applications relating to Estate Management Department were processed while Town Planning-I handled 331 applications.

He said that 115 citizens had received assistance from Town Planning-II and issues of 21 applicants regarding informal settlements (Katchi Abadis) were resolved during this period.

The services provided through the counter included approval of residential and commercial building plans, commercialization of properties, matters related to construction periods for plots, issuance of completion certificates, property transfers, town planning reports, ownership clearance certificates, and various No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) and others, he added.

He instructed the Additional Director General FDA Kaiser Abbas Rind to maintain daily monitoring of One Window Counter for ensuring that there is no decline or interruption in the quality of service provided to the applicants.

He also directed the officers of various departments to closely supervise staff performance and ensure that no file or application should remain pending without valid reason.

Director IT Yasir Ejaz Chattha and Deputy Director IT/Incharge One Window Counter Abdullah Noor briefed the Director General FDA and said that the real-time issuance system for ownership clearance certificates is operating successfully while integrated measures are underway to modernize the delivery of other services.

Chief Engineer FDA Mehar Ayub, Director Town Planning Asma Mohsin, Director Estate Management Junaid Hassan Manj, Deputy Director Katchi Abadi Afzal Ansari and others were also present in the meeting.

CM directs QESCO to ensure supply of electricity in Balochistan

Kamran Muraad

Mon, 2 Jun 2025, 5:49 PM

QUETTA, Jun 02 (APP): Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Monday directed Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) officials to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity throughout the province and adopt a comprehensive and effective strategy to immediately remove the shortcomings in the transmission system.

He gave this directive while chairing a high-level meeting of Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) at the Chief Minister Secretariat.

A detailed review of the electricity transmission and distribution system in the province, public complaints, and power development projects in remote areas was taken up during the meeting.

In the meeting, Chief Executive Officer QESCO Syed Yousuf Shah gave a detailed briefing on the problems being faced by QESCO, the current electricity situation and possible solutions.

Addressing at the meeting, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti directed QESCO officials to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity throughout the province and adopt a comprehensive and effective strategy to immediately remove the shortcomings in the transmission system

He said that QESCO should give top priority to public relief and the complaint system should be made effective in such a way that the complaints of common citizens can be heard and redressed in a timely manner.

The CM gave strict instructions to avoid unnecessary load shedding and unnecessary power outages in the summer and said that providing relief to the public in the summer should be the first responsibility of QESCO.

He stressed on the timely completion of ongoing power development projects in remote and backward areas of the province including Dera Bugti and Bekar and directed that a solid and sustainable plan be made to improve power supply in these areas.

The Chief Minister clarified that the Balochistan government would leave no stone unturned in providing basic facilities to the people and for this purpose, all public sector institutions could have to discharge their responsibilities honestly and dutifully.

Rubina Khalid inaugurates BISP Tehsil office in Bhera

Kamran Muraad

Mon, 2 Jun 2025, 5:46 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jun 02 (APP):Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid Monday inaugurated the BISP Tehsil Office in Bhera.

Secretary Information of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Nadeem Afzal Gondal Chan, was also present on the occasion, along with a large number of party leaders and deserving women from the area, said a news release.

Addressing the participants, Senator Rubina Khalid stated that the newly established office aims to provide registration and payment services to deserving women close to their doorsteps.

This initiative reflects BISP’s strong commitment to ensuring that every deserving woman receives assistance in a dignified and transparent manner—one of the programme’s top priorities.

Senator Rubina Khalid further emphasized that BISP is the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, and the credit for implementing this programme goes to President Asif Ali Zardari.

She highlighted the unique aspect of BISP that recognizes the women as the head of the household.

Currently, 10 million families are benefiting from the programme, which is designed to bridge the gap between household income and essential expenses for low-income families.

She added that, under special instructions from President Asif Ali Zardari, financial support is being provided to deserving women in a transparent and respectful manner. Referring to Bibi Shaheed’s famous words, “Skill is your asset,” she noted that the Benazir Hunarmand Programme has been launched to provide technical training, helping families become self-reliant and contribute positively to the country’s economy.

Senator Rubina Khalid clarified that there is no fee for the BISP survey. To participate, individuals must bring their national identity card, children’s B-form, a recent electricity bill, and an active mobile number.

She also highlighted the Benazir Nashonuma Programme, which provides nutritious food and financial assistance to pregnant and lactating women and children under the age of two, aiming to prevent stunting.

Moreover, she mentioned that under the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif Programme, educational stipends are awarded to children who maintain at least 70% school attendance. Special incentives are given to girls to promote female education.

Chairperson BISP reminded everyone that all official messages are sent only from the number 8171. “Do not trust messages received from any other number or source,” she stressed.

She reiterated that corruption and irregularities will not be tolerated under any circumstances, and strict action will be taken on any such complaints.

Earlier, while addressing the ceremony, Nadeem Afzal Gondal Chan expressed his gratitude to Senator Rubina Khalid and the entire BISP team for inaugurating the Tehsil Office in Bhera, which will greatly benefit the local community.

Zong 4G partners with Mashion Bazaar 2025 as official title partner

Kamran Muraad

Mon, 2 Jun 2025, 5:46 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jun 02 (APP): Zong, Pakistan’s leading technology Innovation Company, partnered with Mashion Bazaar 2025 as the official title partner, ensuring exceptional connectivity throughout the two-day lifestyle event.

According to a news release, this collaboration underscored Zong’s unwavering commitment to empowering women-led businesses and fostering cultural integration through digital innovation.

Mashion Bazaar, a well-recognized platform for showcasing women entrepreneurs and small businesses, provides emerging brands with the opportunity to grow, network, and connect with diverse audiences. The 2025 edition of Mashion Bazaar brought together an exciting fusion of fashion, food, music, and creativity, fostering a dynamic environment that celebrated innovation, inclusivity, and community spirit.

Zong made a vibrant appearance at the event with Z-Street by Zong; an immersive, high-energy experience zone designed to captivate the Gen Z audiences. The space featured engaging VR games, an interactive photo booth, and hands-on access to Zong’s latest digital offerings, capturing the energy and curiosity of the next generation of users.

Andleeb Aslam, Zong’s official spokesperson, shared her thoughts on the collaboration: “Our partnership with Mashion Bazaar reflects Zong’s unwavering dedication to empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering inclusive growth through technology. By blending culture, creativity, and connectivity, we’re not only supporting small businesses, we’re building meaningful connections across people, passions, and possibilities.”

Through this partnership, Zong continues to strengthen its position as a purpose-driven brand at the forefront of Pakistan’s digital transformation; committed to delivering excellence, enabling entrepreneurship, and celebrating diversity & culture in all its forms.

Ali Pervaiz participates in Baku energy week, meets Azerbaijani President

Kamran Muraad

Mon, 2 Jun 2025, 5:38 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jun 02 (APP): Federal Minister for Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik, participated in the Baku Energy Week in Azerbaijan, reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening regional energy cooperation.

On the sidelines of the event, the Minister held a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, where both sides discussed strategies to enhance bilateral energy collaboration, said a news release received here on Monday.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong resolve to deepen its energy partnership with Azerbaijan, highlighting the vital role of regional cooperation in advancing energy security and sustainable development.

The meeting underscored mutual interest in exploring new avenues of collaboration, with a focus on energy diversification, trade, and investment opportunities within the evolving global energy landscape.