BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua/APP): Animated blockbuster “Ne Zha 2” is set to conclude its theatrical run in the Chinese mainland by the end of Monday, having generated a total box office of 15.44 billion yuan (about 2.16 billion U.S. dollars) after smashing numerous records, according to ticketing platform Maoyan.
“Ne Zha 2” to conclude China run with over 15 bln yuan box office: ticketing platform
8 killed, 26 injured in blast at chemical factory in India’s Telangana
NEW DELHI, June 30 (Xinhua/APP): At least eight people were killed and 26 others injured, some seriously, on Monday in a reactor blast inside a chemical factory in the southern Indian state of Telangana, police said.
The blast took place in the Pashamylaram industrial area of Patancheru, Sangareddy district, about 48 km northwest of Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana.
Police suspect the death toll may increase, given the critical condition of some of the injured.
Reports said around 150 workers were present inside the factory at the time of the blast.
Preliminary investigations carried out by the police revealed that a reactor exploded during routine operations at the factory, triggering a massive fire and thus prompting emergency response teams to rush to the site.
Television images showed columns of thick black smoke rising from the factory.
Senior police official V Satyanaryana told the media the firefighters were trying hard to bring the blaze under control.
SCO proved world is listening Pakistan, not India: Khawaja Asif
ISLAMABAD, Jun 30 (APP): Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Monday said that Pakistan’s stance was recognized and upheld during the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, where India was unable to assert its position.
Speaking to a private news channel, the minister said that Pakistan’s position was based on facts and justice, which is why it was acknowledged at the SCO platform, despite Indian efforts.
He strongly criticized India for what he called “water terrorism”, accusing New Delhi of attempting to hold 240 million Pakistanis hostage by manipulating shared water resources.
“No party has the right to unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, which remains binding under international law,” he emphasized.
Answering a question, he said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political future is in decline, especially after India’s failure on military and diplomatic fronts. He further said that Modi was trying to salvage political respect through fabricated narratives.
“After repeated setbacks, Modi’s era of misleading the public is coming to an end,” he stated.
PM for taking immediate practical steps to promote tourism sector
ISLAMABAD, Jun 30 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) to take immediate practical steps to promote tourism in the country.
“Public and private sectors should work together to facilitate international tourists’ travel to Pakistan’s tourist destinations,” the prime minister issued directions while chairing a meeting held here to review promotion of tourism sector in the country.
The prime minister said special measures should be taken to boost domestic tourism and encourage local tourists to visit recreational sites and planning should be done for long-term investment in the tourism sector.
He said vast potential existed to earn foreign exchange reserves by promoting tourism in the country.
“Allah Almighty has blessed the country with natural resources and timeless beauty,” he said adding that due to snow-covered mountains, forests, rivers, plains, deserts, and other natural assets in the northern areas, our country is in no way less than any other nation when it comes to tourism.
The prime minister further instructed that Pakistan should be introduced abroad as a tourism brand.
“With cooperation from the provinces, steps should be taken across the country to promote tourism,” he said adding that “under the vision for national development, we will make Pakistan one of the leading tourist destinations in the world”.
During the meeting, the prime minister was presented with proposals on how to harness the full potential of Pakistan’s tourism sector.
To promote tourism, steps such as the promotion of northern tourist destinations, medical tourism, and other initiatives can be taken, the meeting was informed.
The meeting was attended by minister for information and broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, minister for railways Hanif Abbasi, minister for Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan affairs Engineer Amir Muqam, minister for national heritage Aurangzeb Kitchi, advisor to Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, Special Assistant Huzaifa Rehman and senior government officials.
Mohsin reviews Muharram security arrangements of Central Imambargah
ISLAMABAD, Jun 30 (APP):Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, accompanied by Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, visited the Central Imambargah Asna Ashari in Sector G-6, Islamabad, to review security and administrative arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram.
During the visit, the Interior Minister inspected the security protocols put in place to ensure the safety of mourners. He met with the administrators of the Imambargah, who expressed satisfaction over the ongoing arrangements and coordination with security agencies.
Mohsin Naqvi said that a comprehensive and integrated security plan has been devised for Muharram across the country. He emphasized that strict surveillance and monitoring of miscreants is being carried out, and that the security alert level has been raised to thwart any potential threats from “cowardly enemies.”
Naqvi also announced that approval has been granted for the deployment of army personnel in Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and all provinces to assist the civil administration during Muharram. “The army will remain present to support local authorities in maintaining peace and order,” he stated.
The Interior Minister was briefed on the arrangements by DIG Islamabad Police, while Federal Secretary for Interior Khurram Agha and SSP Shoaib were also present during the visit.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for all religious activities during the holy month.
Railways generate over Rs 13.547 bln by leasing land
ISLAMABAD, Jun 30 (APP):Pakistan Railways has generated over Rs 13.547 billion in revenue by leasing its valuable commercial and agricultural land over the past five financial years, aiming to transform the department into a profitable entity.
“The department has been leased out around 14,042 acres of railway land for various purposes through competitive bidding,” an official from the Ministry of Railways told APP.
The official said that Pakistan Railways leases its land through open auctions under the Railway Property and Land Rules, 2023, which were approved by the Federal Cabinet.
He said the efforts to generate non-fare revenue are being led by the Real Estate Development and Marketing Company (REDAMCO), a subsidiary of the Ministry of Railways.
To a question, the official said the department has also decided to accelerate its ongoing anti-encroachment operations against land grabbers nationwide to reclaim railway land from individuals, groups, and even business organizations.
Under the directives of Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, anti-encroachment operations have been launched across the railway network. A joint procedural order was issued to all divisional superintendents for the retrieval of encroached land.
“These operations are being conducted with the assistance of the Railway Police and the district administrations of the respective provincial governments,” he added.
In a recent operation in the Lahore Division, the department successfully conducted a major anti-encroachment drive in the Mehmood Booti area, reclaiming 15 acres of prime land worth Rs 50 billion.
The official revealed that the recovered land had been illegally developed into a housing society, which also housed seven factories, seven markets, and two petrol pumps.
“Pakistan Railway authorities have sealed the housing society, commercial markets, and petrol pumps during the operation,” he said.
Pakistan down Japan in Asian Netball C’ship match
ISLAMABAD, Jun 30 (APP):Pakistan defeated Japan by 79-39 goals in the 4th match of Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship-2025, at Jeonju Hwasan Gymnasium, Jeonju-si, South Korea.
According to details, Leya Raza Shah, Alisha Naveed, Haleema, Sarina Hussain, Jasmine Farooq, Farah Rasheed , Amani, Parisa , Sumayya Ahmed and Alina were played outstanding during the match from Pakistan.
Results: 1st Quarter:PAK-16/Japan-9; 2nd Quarter: PAK-39/Japan-17; 3rd Quarter: PAK- 60/ Japan- 26; 4th Quarter: PAK- 79/Japan-39.
Chairman, Pakistan Netball Federation, Mudassar Arian, President, Sameen Malik, Secretary General, Muhammad Riaz also congratulated the Pakistan team on win against Japan with a heavy margin of 79-39 goals.
Pakistan in Pool- B of this mega event and Pakistan will played next match against Maldives on Tuesday, respectively. Now, Pakistan in the top of Pool-B with 8 points.
Eleven teams are participating in the championship and are divided into two groups; Group-A: Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong and India; Group-B: Chinese Taipei, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Maldives and Saudi Arabia. Pakistan will play five league matches in Group-B.
Tarbela Dam spillway likely to open amid ongoing monsoon flood threats
TARBELA, Jun 30 (APP):As torrential rains continue to trigger flash floods across various parts of the region during the ongoing monsoon season, authorities have warned of a possible opening of the Tarbela Dam’s Service Spillway within the next two days.
The warning comes amid rising water levels and anticipated flood conditions during the 2025 flood season.
The Superintending Engineer of Survey and Hydrology, Residency Tarbela Dam Project, issued a public notice stating that the situation may lead to a low to moderate flood scenario in the Indus River. Residents in low-lying and riverbank areas are being urged to exercise extreme caution.
The region has already witnessed significant destruction due to recent flash floods, with infrastructure, crops, and homes damaged in multiple districts. With more rainfall expected, the situation remains precarious.
Authorities have advised all concerned departments to take necessary precautionary measures and ensure timely arrangements. The general public is strictly warned to stay away from the Indus River to avoid any loss of life or injury.
Ahsan Iqbal urges officers to play role in export-led growth
LAHORE, Jun 30 (APP):Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof Ahsan Iqbal on Monday urged the officers to play a leading role in enabling export-led growth, digitising government operations, building climate resilience, improving infrastructure delivery and ensuring inclusive development.
He said this while inaugurating a modern classroom at the Pakistan Administrative Staff College (PASC), National School of Public Policy (NSPP) Lahore, and commenced the 123rd National Management Course (NMC).
Addressing the participants, the minister said the civil servants must play their vital role for Pakistan’s transformation, adding that the system must be reformed to deliver better outcomes.
He introduced the STAR model — Stable, Transparent, Agile and Responsible — as a governance framework to guide civil service transformation.
Prof Ahsan Iqbal presented a comprehensive roadmap for governance reforms and institutional performance improvement, emphasising the transition from a procedure-focused to a mission-driven bureaucracy.
The minister said the country is facing a crucial moment requiring data-driven, technology-enabled and accountable governance.
Ahsan said: “We must build institutions that are policy-consistent and shielded from political volatility, ensure transparency in decision-making, foster agility to respond to changing demands and instill responsibility in the use of public resources.”
The minister commended the role of civil servants to make the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a success which showed the dedication of Pakistan’s civil servants, adding that civil servants of various ministries worked with dedication, commitment and unity, and they made the CPEC successful in all stages.
Prof Ahsan Iqbal outlined the government’s long-term economic vision under the banner of ‘URAAN Pakistan’, which aims at making Pakistan a $1 trillion economy by 2035. He said the strategy is built on the five pillars of the 5Es: Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment, Energy & Infrastructure and Equity & Empowerment.
Referring to Islamic teachings, he reminded the participants that public service is a responsibility and leadership in Islam is a duty, not a privilege.
The minister encouraged the course participants to take part in the training with a spirit of service, creativity and commitment to the national development.
Kerb currency market
KARACHI, Jun 30 (APP):Following were the Opening Rates of foreign currencies in kerb market issued by the Exchange companies Association of Pakistan, here on Monday.
F.C. BUYING SELLING
INTER BANK 283.76 283.80
USD 285.50 286.10
EURO 334.50 336.40
GBP 391.30 393.65
JPY 1.97 1.98
AED 77.80 78.10
SAR 76.15 76.40