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India isolated on global stage, while Pakistan’s cultural diplomacy shines: State Minister Huzaifa Rehman

By
NNPS Desk
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Qingdao, China, Jul 10 (APP): As India continues to face diplomatic isolation on major global forums, Pakistan reaffirmed its active and mature presence on the world stage through a dynamic participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) ministerial meeting held in Qingdao.

Representing Pakistan, Minister of State and Special Assistant to Prime Minister for Culture and National Heritage, Huzaifa Rehman, delivered a compelling, thoughtful address while also engaging in high-level bilateral meetings with key regional and international delegates, reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to peace, partnership, and regional integration, said a press release received here on Thursday.

In his address, State Minister Rehman stated, “Pakistan is fully committed to enhancing its cooperation with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization at every level. China is not just a neighbor but a brother, and we are determined to work with all member states to make the SCO a robust, forward-looking, and effective platform.”

He emphasized regional connectivity, protection of shared cultural heritage, and collaborative tourism development, receiving high praise from fellow participants. His remarks reflected both Pakistan’s ancient civilizational depth and a modern diplomatic approach grounded in mutual respect and peace-building.

Rehman’s presence in China is a testament to Pakistan’s evolving foreign policy, which places cultural and tourism diplomacy at its core. It signals a shift from hard power posturing to a more holistic and people-centered global engagement strategy.

India isolated on global stage, while Pakistan’s cultural diplomacy shines: State Minister Huzaifa Rehman

In his concluding remarks, he noted, “Pakistan and China are more than just neighbors — we are brothers at heart. Pakistan deeply values China’s unwavering support at global forums, and we envision a region where culture and tourism drive sustainable peace and unity.”

Pakistan’s active, thoughtful, and culturally aware diplomacy continues to break new ground, offering the world a narrative based on cooperation, heritage, and shared human values.

FDA Finance & Budget Committee approves budget proposals of Rs.9.91bn

By
Muhammad Zubair
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FAISALABAD, Jul 10 (APP):The Finance and Development Committee of Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA) has granted preliminary approval to the budget proposals totaling Rs. 8.9182 billion for the fiscal year 2025-26. However, these proposals will now be presented to the Governing Body FDA for final approval.
The committee, in its meeting held at FDA Complex with Director General FDA Muhammad Asif Chaudhry, accorded the budget approval while Additional Director General FDA Qaiser Abbas Rind, Chief Engineer Mehr Ayub, Chairman Planning and Development Punjab, Secretary Housing, Urban Development and Public Health Engineering Punjab, Secretary Finance Punjab, Deputy Commissioner Faisalabad, and Wasa representatives Syed Naveed Iqbal, Farrukh Rasheed, and Shoaib Rasheed. Directors of Town Planning and Estate Management Junaid Hassan Manj, Asma Mohsin, Sohail Maqsood Panu, Director P&D Asim Mahmood, Deputy Director Finance Humera Ashraf, and other officials were also present on the occasion.
Director General FDA provided details on the current fiscal year’s budget proposals and said that these proposals were meticulously prepared with thorough review and attention to strengthen the organization’s financial stability and administrative structure.
These proposals would also ensure modern and organized administrative, construction and development initiatives by reducing various expenditures and increasing revenue through this budget, he added.
He highlighted that the budget includes proposals of allocation of Rs 6.3622 billion under the Annual Development Program/Additional Annual Development Program.
He said that despite an increase in salaries, non-development expenditures are proposed to be reduced by Rs 56 million.
He further said that the proposals included an increase of Rs.60 million in the revenue target in addition to an expected income of Rs.10 million from the approval of building maps in housing schemes.
DG FDA also mentioned that following the Punjab government directions, the implementation of the solarization project has resulted in an annual saving of Rs.10 million in electricity costs.
He informed that the funds of Rs.10 million have been allocated in the estimates for urban beautification projects, as per the instructions of the Commissioner Faisalabad.
He lauded the efforts of Additional Director General Qaiser Abbas Rind and the officers of Finance Department for preparing the productive budget proposals after a detailed review of administrative and financial matters and other initiatives.
Additional Director General Qaiser Abbas Rind briefed the committee on the preparation of the budget proposals and said that the estimates prioritize improving the administrative structure and increasing revenue.
During meeting, the budget proposals and their estimates were discussed in detail, leading to the unanimous preliminary approval of the budget proposals for 2025-26.

Punjab CM seeks plan for provision of agri inputs to wheat farmers

By
Muhammad Zubair
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LAHORE, Jul 10 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has sought a plan for provision of agriculture inputs to wheat farmers on support price.
She presided over a meeting on Thursday which discussed green tractor, model agriculture, tube-well solarization, agri educate, wheat programme, super seeder, citrus, pothohar and agri transformation.
Formal approval of agriculture projects phase two had been given.
The CM said that wheat growers would not be left alone and new project would be given before the crop cultivation.
A proposal regrading advance subsidy to reduce input expenses on wheat was being considered. It was decided to give Rs 100 billion interest-free loan to farmers under Kisan card phase 2. Registrartion of 4,200 agricultural suppliers had been done for Kisan card phase 2. Two thousand agri interns would be trained in September besides starting field service in October. As many as 7,988 applications had been received under the CM solarization of agriculture tube-wells while 500 applications had been found fake in physical inspection. As many as 652 solarization of tube-wells had been completed while Punjab CM directed to complete solarization till September.
Wheat farmers had received 700 free tractors under wheat support programme.
Maryam Nawaz ordered for completing provision of 5,000 super seeders till October. Measures had been launched to manufacture agricultural machinery with support of China in Punjab. Twenty types of high-tech machinery would be provided to farmers as per the direction of Punjab CM. Formal approval of water courses lining project had been given for conserving water for farmers.

DPM Dar reaffirms strong Pakistan-Sri Lanka ties at ASEAN Regional Forum

By
Kamran Muraad
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KUALA LUMPUR, Jul 10 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar Thursday met with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Hon. Vijitha Herath on the sidelines of the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting, reaffirming the enduring strength of Pakistan-Sri Lanka bilateral relations.
During the meeting, both ministers expressed satisfaction over the robustness of ties between the two countries and pledged to further deepen cooperation in key areas. The discussions focused on high-level political exchanges, expanding economic partnerships, religious tourism, and educational collaboration, a DPM’s Office news release said.
DPM Dar emphasized the importance of promoting people-to-people contacts and sectoral cooperation, noting that the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is rooted in shared regional interests and historical bonds.
The two ministers also held in-depth discussions on regional and global developments, including recent geopolitical shifts in South Asia and beyond. They agreed on the need to strengthen multilateral collaboration and continue supporting peace, stability, and inclusive growth across the region.

DPO holds open court

By
Muhammad Zubair
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GUJRAT, Jul 10 (APP):District Police Officer (DPO) Gujrat Mehr Muhammad Riaz held an open court at Rehmania Police Station to hear public grievances and ensure their timely resolution.
A large number of citizens from Rehmania and surrounding areas participated in the event and shared their concerns directly with the DPO.
He listened to each complaint individually and issued on-the-spot directives to the concerned officers for prompt action.

CM Bugti paying special attention on improvement of education: Raheela

By
Kamran Muraad
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QUETTA, Jul 10 (APP): Balochistan Education Minister Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani on Thursday said that Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti was paying special attention to improve quality of education as knowledge was key sources of the progresses of any nation.
She said this while visiting various education institutions in district Pishin.
Special Secretary Schools, Director Schools, Director Colleges and other officials accompanied her during visit.
The Education Minister met with the teachers and students where they informed the Minister about their issues and other related education problems.
Raheela Hameed Khan Durran assured them that she would take possible measures to address issues related the education for betterment of education.
She also directed to immediately activate non functional computer laboratories, science laborites and libraries in the area.
She stressed the students to focus their education because the education is the only way of the development saying that government is taking steps to provide all facilities to the students in educational insinuation to improve standard of education in the area.
She said that it was responsibility of the teachers to play their role to educate the students in modern way with the aim to use their abilities for betterment of the country and the province in future.
The Education Minister urged the teachers to ensure their attendance in the educational institutions saying that no compromise would be made on absence of teachers.
She said that she would continue the surprise visit to educational institutions in respective district of the province for improvement of the education.

Iranian envoy calls on Aleem Khan, vows to strengthen bilateral ties

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Jul 10 (APP): The Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, H.E. Reza Amiri Moghaddam called on Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and discussed strengthening the existing bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest.

The minister congratulated Reza Amiri Moghaddam on Iran’s significant success in the war against Israel and called it a source of pride for every Pakistani. He said that the people of Pakistan and Iran are bound by deep-rooted religious and fraternal ties which will continue to grow stronger over time, said a press release issued here on Thursday.

The participants of meeting also offered “Fateha” for the martyrs who lost their precious lives in the war against Israel.
Ambassador Moghaddam expressed heartfelt gratitude for Pakistan’s steadfast support, praising the unity shown by the Pakistani government, public, and media. He framed Iran’s military and ideological resilience as a divine blessing, stating that the nation had stood firm against the “Zionist mindset and aggression.” This victory among the greatest blessings of Almighty Allah, he said.

Both leaders agreed that the war has clearly defined allies and enemies, exposed the true picture of countries like India and Israel to the world.

They expressed gratitude to Allah Almighty for the triumph and reaffirmed their reliance on His Mercy for the future. Minister also extended Pakistan’s full cooperation to Iran and assured that the Ministry of Communications will take joint initiatives to enhance collaboration in the transport and infrastructure sectors between these two countries.

TDAP help desk launched at SCCI

By
Kamran Muraad
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SARGODHA, Jul 10 (APP): The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) on Thursday launched a help desk at the Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) fulfilling a long-standing demand of traders and exporters.
According to SCCI spokesperson here, the help desk aims to facilitate the chamber’s members and regional exporters in promoting the export of various products, including pink salt, salt handicrafts, wooden products, kinnow, mangoes, and other agro-products.
SCCI President Khawaja Yasir Qayyum said that the TDAP help desk will serve as a vital source of information and provide guidance to exporters on government facilities, subsidies, and participation in international exhibitions.
He said: “TDAP help desk is the result of our long-standing efforts and struggle. We are confident that this initiative will not only benefit the chamber’s members but also take the region’s exports to new heights,” Khawaja added.
The president invited all members to stay in touch with the TDAP help desk to maximize their exports and take advantage of the facilities provided.

27 dead, 1,285 injured in Punjab road accidents

By
Kamran Muraad
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LAHORE, Jul 10 (APP):Twenty-seven people were killed and 1,285 others injured in 1,122 road accidents in Punjab during the last 24 hours, according to a report, issued by the Punjab Emergency Service (PES), commonly known as Rescue-1122, here on Thursday.
As many as 574 people with serious injuries were shifted to different hospitals, while 711 with minor injuries were treated at the incident site by the rescue medical teams.
The data analysis showed that 719 drivers, 54 underage drivers, 144 pedestrians and 449 passengers were among the victims of road crashes. The statistics show that 193 accidents were reported in Lahore, which affected 322 people, placing the provincial capital at top of the list, followed by Faisalabad with 69 accidents and 81 victims, and at third Multan with 69 accidents and 80 victims.
According to the data, 1,080 motorbikes, 71 auto-rickshaws, 106 motorcars, 23 vans, 11 passenger buses, 36 trucks and 96 other types of vehicles and slow-moving carts were involved in the road accidents.

DC orders measures for swift rainwater drainage

By
Ali Ali
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FAISALABAD, Jul 10 (APP):Deputy Commissioner (DC) Captain (retired) Nadeem Nasir conducted a thorough inspection of various parts of the city and assessed the post-rain conditions besides supervising drainage operations.
He went to Bilal Road, Iqbal Stadium, Nishatabad and Kohinoor Chowk as these areas are known for their susceptibility to water accumulation during heavy rainfall.
During visit, Deputy Commissioner issued strict directives for the immediate mobilization of all available machinery to ensure prompt drainage of rainwater.
Emphasizing urgency of the situation, he made it clear that WASA teams must remain in the field until complete water evacuation is achieved across all affected zones.
“No delay in the drainage process will be tolerated”, DC warned and said that the district administration has set its top priority to provide timely relief to the citizens and prevent any disruption to daily life.
He further emphasized the importance of prompt action to avoid traffic congestion and minimize public inconvenience.
Managing Director (MD) WASA Sohail Qadir Cheema said that entire drainage machinery is functioning at full capacity to ensure a quick return to normalcy across the city. The field staff will remain deployed until the last drop of rainwater has been drained, he added.
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