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A woman takes shelter under an umbrella while waiting for transport to escape the scorching summer heat in the federal capital.

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APP42-210825 ISLAMABAD: August 21 – A woman takes shelter under an umbrella while waiting for transport to escape the scorching summer heat in the federal capital. APP/AZD/MAF/TZD/SSH
A woman takes shelter under an umbrella while waiting for transport to escape the scorching summer heat in the federal capital.
APP42-210825
ISLAMABAD: August 21 –

Rescue personnel are conducting flood response training exercises in the River Ravi to prepare for unforeseen emergencies.

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APP26-210825 LAHORE: August 21 - Rescue personnel are conducting flood response training exercises in the River Ravi to prepare for unforeseen emergencies. APP/AHF/MAF/TZD
Rescue personnel are conducting flood response training exercises in the River Ravi to prepare for unforeseen emergencies.
APP26-210825
LAHORE: August 21 – 
Rescue personnel are conducting flood response training exercises in the River Ravi to prepare for unforeseen emergencies.
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LAHORE: August 21 – Rescue personnel are conducting flood response training exercises in the River Ravi to prepare for unforeseen emergencies. APP/AHF/MAF/TZD

AIOU to begin ODL examinations from September 1

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP):Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) announced its final examinations for Spring Semester 2025 from September 1, covering all Open Distance Learning (ODL) programs from Matric to MA/MSc across the country.
The Controller of Examinations Muhammad Zahid Akhtar Khaki, on Thursday stated that all necessary preparations for the examinations have been completed.
Students’ roll number slips have been uploaded on their CMS portals. Examination centers have also been established nationwide, he said.
Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Nasir Mahmood has instructed all regional heads to ensure provision of necessary facilities at the centers so that students may appear in their exams in a conducive and peaceful environment.

Global action needed to tackle climate change challenges: Gilani

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP):Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Thursday said the impacts of climate change are being felt worldwide, stressing that addressing these challenges requires collective action and international cooperation.
He said that climate change is not only undermining economies but also directly affecting the lives of ordinary people, making global solidarity and practical measures indispensable.
He expressed these views while meeting an eight-member students’ delegation from Italy’s Duopassi Foundation, said a news release.
The Chairman said that Pakistan’s greatest asset is its youth, with nearly 60 per cent of the population comprising young people.
He stressed that the younger generation and institutions must take the lead in addressing contemporary challenges.
He also highlighted the role of overseas Pakistanis in strengthening the national economy and underscored the importance of leveraging modern technology to find solutions to pressing issues.
Recalling his official visit to Italy during his tenure as Prime Minister, Gilani mentioned that the Italian Prime Minister had briefed him on Italy’s efforts to preserve its cultural heritage. On that occasion, he had also shared the historical and cultural significance of Multan with his Italian counterpart.
The Chairman underscored that empowering women and minorities has always been among his top priorities. He paid tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan’s first woman Prime Minister, for her pioneering legislation and initiatives for women’s rights.
He also acknowledged the contributions of former Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and former Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza in advancing women’s empowerment.
Highlighting Pakistan’s potential, Gilani stated that there are vast opportunities for investment in the country.
 He noted that health and education are sectors particularly close to his heart, as his forefathers also rendered valuable services in these areas. He said that efforts to improve healthcare facilities and literacy rates have been undertaken in the past and continue to this day.
Briefing the delegation, the CEO of the Duopassi Foundation said that the Foundation is working in critical sectors including health, education, pharmaceuticals, and climate change, and has established partnerships with 17 international universities. She added that consultations were ongoing with a U.S.-based company to address climate change challenges. The Foundation has also initiated projects to combat dengue by eliminating its larvae, setting a target of eradicating dengue within the next 15 years.
She emphasised that international funding is essential to address global challenges and called on developed countries to play their role in this regard. She further informed that a global caucus has been established to focus on health, education, and climate change.
On this occasion, the Chairman Senate highlighted that Pakistan’s Senate committees are also actively engaged in these sectors.
The Standing Committees on Health, Education, Finance, and Commerce are not only legislating but also taking practical measures. He assured the delegation that the Duopassi Foundation could work closely with these parliamentary committees, and the Senate would extend full cooperation.
Advisor to the Chairman Senate, Misbah Khar, briefed the delegation on the objectives of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), describing it as a dynamic new global platform comprising parliamentary speakers from 45 countries. She informed them that in the recent elections held in Malaysia, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani was unanimously elected as the first President of the ISC — a recognition of Pakistan’s leadership role in global parliamentary diplomacy.
She further shared that the next ISC meeting will be held in Islamabad in November 2025, bringing together parliamentary leaders from across the globe. The conference will deliberate on key global issues such as peace, multilateral cooperation, and sustainable development, while also devising practical strategies and a roadmap to address climate change, regional peace, and prosperity.

UN Women and Zalmi Foundation Sign MoU to Promote Women’s Empowerment through Sports and Skills Development

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP):UN Women Pakistan and Zalmi Foundation have entered into a landmark partnership aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls through sports, leadership, and economic empowerment initiatives. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Islamabad marks the beginning of a strategic collaboration that combines the global expertise of UN Women with the grassroots reach of Zalmi Foundation.
The partnership will focus on creating inclusive spaces for women and girls by launching flagship initiatives that span women’s cricket and football leagues, vocational training programmes, mentorship opportunities, and community engagement efforts. These initiatives are designed to foster confidence, leadership, and economic independence among women while challenging stereotypes and breaking barriers in male-dominated spaces.
Speaking at the ceremony, Jamshed M. Kazi, Country Representative of UN Women Pakistan, emphasized the transformative potential of sports in advancing gender equality:
“At UN Women, we believe that every woman and girl has the right to realize and reach her full potential — whether in classrooms, at workplaces, in communities or on sports fields. This partnership with Zalmi Foundation is not just about games and competitions; it is about dismantling barriers, defying stereotypes, and opening doors to leadership and opportunity. Sport has the power to change lives by teaching teamwork, resilience, and confidence. Together, we are creating spaces where women’s voices are heard, their talents celebrated, and their dreams within reach.”
Main Abbas, Chief Operating Officer of Peshawar Zalmi/Zalmi Foundation, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment:
“We believe in the transformative role of sports in shaping a more inclusive society. By joining hands with UN Women, we aim not only to promote women in cricket but also to strengthen broader efforts for women’s empowerment in Pakistan.”
Under the agreement, women’s sports leagues will be launched across Pakistan, featuring regional talent identification, structured tournaments, coaching camps, and leadership sessions. Parallel to this, vocational training programmes will offer skills in stitching, design, and entrepreneurship, enabling women to establish sustainable, home-based businesses. UN Women will provide technical guidance on gender mainstreaming, facilitate awareness on women’s rights, and enhance visibility through mentorship and media outreach.
Beyond sports and training, the collaboration will prioritize mentorship, leadership development, and community mobilization. Inspiring stories of women breaking barriers will be highlighted through strategic storytelling, while recognition awards and advocacy initiatives will reinforce institutional engagement and public awareness.
This MoU reflects a multi-dimensional commitment to advancing women’s empowerment in Pakistan, harnessing the dual power of sports and economic opportunities to inspire inclusion, resilience, and ambition across communities.

Gilani calls for enhanced Pakistan-Libya cooperation in energy, agricultural exports, SME

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP):Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, on Thursday stressed the need to expand cooperation between Pakistan and Libya in energy, sustainable infrastructure, agricultural exports, SME financing, fintech, and Islamic banking.
“Strengthening economic partnership in these areas would give new momentum to bilateral relations, foster financial innovation, and contribute to long-term stability and shared prosperity” he expressed these views during a meeting with a high-level delegation from Libya’s sovereign fund, the Libya African Investment Company (LAFICO).
According to a news release, the delegation was led by Jehad Jamal Al-Buragh (Director-designate, LAFICO), Tariq Mahmood, CFA (Managing Director & CEO, Pak-Libya Holding Company), Deputy Managing Director Mr. Basheer B. Omar Matoug, and Aamir Zareef Khan (SEVP & Company Secretary, Pak-Libya Holding Company).
Welcoming the delegation, the Chairman highlighted the decades-long partnership between Pakistan and Libya, strengthened by the establishment of the Pak-Libya Holding Company in 1978.
He commended the recent turnaround of the institution under its new leadership, noting its stronger governance framework, diversified investment portfolio, and enhanced role in SME, renewable energy, and private sector financing.
Jehad Jamal Al-Buragh, Director-designate of LAFICO, expressed appreciation to the Chairman Senate for giving priority to the meeting, noting that it reflected the importance Pakistan attaches to bilateral economic relations.
He reaffirmed that LAFICO remains strongly focused on Pakistan, is actively exploring new avenues of growth, and is committed to synergizing investments between the two countries.
Tariq Mahmood, CFA, Managing Director & CEO of Pak-Libya Holding Company, briefed the Chairman that the institution is now moving on a positive trajectory after a successful turnaround, and is once again focused on its original mandate as a Development Finance Institution.
He highlighted that Pak-Libya is now working to synergise investors from both Pakistan and Libya, creating joint opportunities in priority sectors.
He further informed that delegations from the textile and pharmaceutical sectors are already engaged, and that a road show is being planned to attract wider participation and investment interest. In addition to project financing, Libya’s Central Bank reserves could be beneficially placed with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), thereby reinforcing Pakistan’s fiscal buffers and reflecting Libya’s confidence in bilateral financial cooperation.
He also paid tribute to the contribution of Libyan board members of Pak-Libya Holding Company in corporate governance, investment strategy, and risk management, particularly through their leadership of the Audit and Risk Committees.
Both sides underlined the importance of taking practical steps to enhance cooperation in renewable energy, agriculture value chains, IT and fintech, and Islamic banking. The Chairman assured the delegation of the full support of the Upper House of Parliament and encouraged Libya to take maximum benefit of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) as a “one-window operation” to facilitate trade and investment. He also appreciated Pak-Libya Holding Company’s initiatives in providing relief to flood-affected communities, extending small loans on easy terms, and promoting investment opportunities in underserved sectors.
The delegation informed the Chairman that LAFICO is actively exploring new investment opportunities in Pakistan in pharmaceuticals, textiles, mining, energy, and other industries, while also engaging with chambers of commerce to build stronger business-to-business linkages.
Advisor to the Chairman Senate, Aizaz Khan, briefed the delegation on the role of SIFC in creating a fast-track, investor-friendly environment, reaffirming that the Senate’s committees are fully engaged in promoting growth and a conducive climate for foreign investment.

Pakistan achieves capacity to produce 3m olive plants annually

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP):Pakistan has achieved self-sufficiency in olive plant production, with the capacity to produce up to 3 million plants annually through local nurseries.
Pakistan would earlier import 700,000 to 800,000 olive plants each year but now it can fully meet demand through domestic resources, Principal Scientist at Centre of Excellence for Olive Research and Training (CEFORT)Chakwal Dr. Muhammad Ramzan Anser told to Wealth Pakistan.
He said CEFORT have developed protocols, facilitated private nurseries, and transferred technology to the private sector to ensure a consistent supply of quality plants for growers.
“CEFORT has screened 86 olive varieties from different countries and selected 22 for commercial use” he added.
DR. Ramzan said Pakistan has successfully cultivated world-class varieties, including Greek Koroneiki, Italian Coratina and Frantoio, and Spanish Arbequina and Manzanilla.
Highlighting support for growers, Dr. Ramzan said that CEFORT will place agriculture graduates in various clusters to guide and train farmers, and is also working to develop the capacity of 100 master trainers in both public and private sectors in the Potohar region.
He said CEFORT has also standardized recipes for olive-based products such as pickles, jams, chutneys, and bakery items. currently, there are 20 commercial brands in Punjab and around 48 nationwide using our formulations.
Since 2017, about 40 cold press units for olive oil extraction have been installed across the country. He said given the rising scale of cultivation, we will require hundreds of such units in the coming years.
Dr. Ramzan underlined the potential of the Potohar region, where over 700,000 acres of barren and rocky land are well-suited for olives. Olives thrive in this type of land where no other commercial activity exists.
Reflecting on the sector’s development, he said Pakistan that trials began in 2008-09 across Punjab’s districts and ecological zones, and by 2015 farmers were provided with tested varieties and technical support.
“CEFORT remains the first olive centre in Pakistan offering full value-chain R&D support” he remarked.
It is worth mentioning here that under a newly launched initiative, the Punjab government plans to bring 3,625 acres of land under olive plantation. Applications have been invited from eligible growers to apply for the three-year subsidy-backed programme by November 15.
He said this is the first project of its kind in Pakistan whereby all wings of the agriculture department will be facilitating farmers in an integrated manner.
In the first year, olive trees will be planted on 1,000 acres, with farmers receiving a subsidy of Rs57,960 per acre. A total of 583,625 olive plants will be planted during the course of this project (2025-28), with each acre accommodating 161 plants.
Farmers owning a minimum of five acres of land can apply for the project, with preference given to clusters where olive cultivation already exists. However, the availability of drip irrigation is a mandatory requirement for farmers planning to establish olive orchards on five acres or more.
He said farmers will also be required to maintain the land for a minimum of 10 years, with the obligation to replace any dead plants at their own expense.

Wang Yi’s visit to Islamabad of special significance: Chinese scholar

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Wang Yi urges India to take actions to stabilize bilateral relations
BEIJING, Aug 21 (APP):Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s ongoing visit to Islamabad this time is of special significance as it comes at a critical juncture of evolving global and regional dynamics, Prof. Cheng Xizhong, Senior Research Fellow at the Charhar Institute said on Thursday.
The ongoing adjustments in major power relations and the accelerated transformation of the South Asian regional situation, along with the evolving interactions among countries within and outside the region, have created a complex environment.
Against this backdrop, the Sixth Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue serves not only as an institutionalized communication mechanism for bilateral ties but also as a platform to coordinate positions, enhance strategic mutual trust, and jointly respond to external changes. By firmly seizing strategic opportunities, the two sides can advance their common interests through synergized efforts, he said in a statement here.
Prof Cheng said that after visiting India, Foreign Minister Wang Yi immediately visits Pakistan, sending a clear signal to the Pakistani side that no matter how China-India relations change, the ironclad friendship between China and Pakistan will never change.
He termed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as an important symbol of China-Pakistan strategic cooperation and added during this visit, the two sides are likely to discuss plans for expanding specific cooperation projects, such as transportation infrastructure, energy and electricity connectivity, and arrangements for facilitating cross-border trade. At the same time, the two sides will also focus on carrying out cooperation in such fields as industrial cooperation, agricultural modernization, digital economy and green energy.
China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. During this visit, the two sides will explore ways to strengthen coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs and accelerate the building of a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, he added.
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APP22-210825 ISLAMABAD: August 21 - Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal addressing at launching Economic Census Results.
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ISLAMABAD: August 21 – Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal addressing at launching Economic Census Results.
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ISLAMABAD: August 21 – Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal addressing at launching Economic Census Results. APP/SMR/MAF/TZD
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ISLAMABAD: August 21 – Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal giving away a shield to Chief Statistician Dr. Naeem uz Zafar during launching ceremony of Economic Census Results. APP/SMR/MAF/TZD Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal addressing at launching Economic Census Results. 

Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal launching Economic Census Results.

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APP20-210825 ISLAMABAD: August 21 - Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal launching Economic Census Results. APP/SMR/MAF/TZD
Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal launching Economic Census Results.
APP20-210825
ISLAMABAD: August 21 – 
Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal launching Economic Census Results.
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ISLAMABAD: August 21 – Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal launching Economic Census Results. APP/SMR/MAF/TZD
Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal launching Economic Census Results.
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ISLAMABAD: August 21 – Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal in a group photograph during launching ceremony of Economic Census Results. APP/SMR/MAF/TZD