ISLAMABAD
A mesmerizing and eye-catching view of Rawal Dam where the surface of the water is covered by floating green weeds, creating a lush, vibrant scene
ISLAMABAD
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets President of Azerbaijan Ilham Alyev on the sideline of the 17th ECO Summit
KHANKENDI-AZERBAIJAN
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets President of Azerbaijan Ilham Alyev on the sideline of the 17th ECO Summit
KHANKENDI-AZERBAIJAN
Security plan for Muharram 9
FAISALABAD, Jul 04 (APP):The district police have issued a security plan for Muharram 9 here on Friday.
Over 138 majalis will be held and 93 processions will be taken out on the day across the district. Over 3,000 police personnel will be deployed on security duty. According to a police spokesman, 17 Majalis and 7 processions will be held in Lyallpur division, 32 Majalis and 26 processions in Iqbal division, 22 Majalis and 18 processions in Madina division, 40 Majalis and 23 processions in Jaranwala division and 27 Majalis and 19 processions will be taken out in Saddar division.
He said that over 3,000 police personnel have been deployed for foolproof security on Muharram 9. They included 5 SPs, 19 DSPs, 14 Inspectors, 85 Sub-Inspectors, 387 ASIs, 176 Head Constables, 1696 constables and lady constables.
Meanwhile, CPO Sahibzada Bilal Umer said that walk-through gates have been installed on the entrance and exit routes of processions and majalis. Metal detectors will be used to search people joining the procession. An alternative traffic plan has also been devised to ensure the smooth flow of traffic in the city.
He said that the district police were making efforts to maintain law and order in the district. Foolproof security is being ensured to all religious majails. Entry points, Imambargahs, and procession routes are also being closely monitored with CCTV cameras from the control room, he added.
Rescue 1122 finalises 9th, 10th Muharram emergency plan across Punjab
LAHORE, Jul 04 (APP):Secretary Emergency Services Department Rescue 1122, Dr. Rizwan Naseer, on Thursday reviewed final arrangements for emergency response during the 9th and 10th Muharram.
According to the Punjab Rescue 1122 spokesperson, more than 12,000 rescuers will be deployed across the province to ensure the safety and timely response during Ashura-related activities.
Dr. Rizwan said that a comprehensive emergency plan has been chalked out, under which 815 ambulances, 2,166 motorbike ambulances and 316 fire and specialised emergency vehicles will be stationed at key points across Punjab.
In the provincial capital, over 1,350 rescuers will be on duty, along with 55 ambulances, 300 rescue motorbikes, and 44 fire and specialised vehicles, he added. The secretary informed that over 1,000 additional rescue posts have been established at sensitive and high-risk locations throughout the province to ensure quick response in case of any emergency.
A Provincial Monitoring Cell will supervise all rescue operations, while district officers will directly oversee operations in their respective areas and provide regular updates, he said.
Dr. Rizwan said that in case of any major emergency or critical situation, rescue teams from nearby districts will be mobilised immediately to assist.
He further assured that routine rescue operations will continue without interruption during Muharram, and alternative routes have been marked to ensure smooth emergency access in congested areas.
“The provision of prompt emergency services to the public will be ensured under all circumstances,” he emphasized, adding that strict disciplinary action will be taken against any negligence or delay in service delivery.
He urged citizens to dial 1122 via mobile app, landline, or PTCL line in case of any emergency.
Digital detox summer camp for kids kicks off at University of Sargodha
SARGODHA, Jul 04 (APP):The University of Sargodha has launched a unique Digital Detox Summer Camp for Kids, hosted by the Pakistan Institute of China Studies (PICS), aimed at providing a screen-free, enriching environment that nurtures creativity, learning, and cultural appreciation among young minds.
Designed to foster confidence, curiosity, and meaningful social interaction, the camp offers an engaging platform for children to discover their talents and build healthy habits. The initiative underscores the importance of holistic development in an age where digital distractions are increasingly prevalent.
Participants are enthusiastically taking part in a wide array of thoughtfully planned activities, including Chinese language classes, traditional Chinese games, calligraphy, arts and crafts, Islamic and ethical studies, physical fitness sessions, open mic events, and cultural discovery modules. A special highlight of the camp is the Chinese Food Festival, which introduces children to the richness of Chinese cuisine and promotes intercultural understanding.
More than just a retreat from screens, the camp serves as a dynamic space for nurturing emotionally intelligent, well-rounded individuals. By blending education, creativity, physical well-being, and cultural exploration, the initiative empowers children to grow intellectually, socially, and ethically.
This forward-thinking program reflects the University of Sargodha’s steadfast commitment to shaping the next generation of confident, mindful, and globally aware citizens. Through such impactful initiatives, the University continues to set a benchmark in promoting balanced development and lifelong learning.
KSrelief launches third cycle of food security support project in Pakistan
By Rehan Khan
ISLAMABAD, July 04 (APP):The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) on Friday officially launched the third cycle of its Food Security Support Project in Pakistan for 2025 reinforcing its global commitment to humanitarian assistance.
KSrelief will distribute 30,000 food packages across 34 of Pakistan’s most vulnerable districts, benefiting over 210,000 Individuals.
The launch ceremony was attended by Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, and Director of KSrelief’s Pakistan Office, Abdullah Al-Baqami.
This initiative follows the successful completion of the first two cycles, during which 60,000 food packages were distributed in 61 districte spanning Balochistan, Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) over a five-month period.
Each food package weighs 95 kilograms and contains essential staples including 80 kg of flour, 5 liters of cooking oil, 5 kg of sugar, and 5 kg of Daal Chana. Designed to meet the monthly nutritional needs of a family, the packages will be distributed under the direct supervision of KSrelief to ensure transparency and efficiency.
The project is being implemented with the collaboration of National Disaster Management Authority (NOMA), Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), and other local partners. It aims to address food insecurity, enhance nutritional well-being, and support disaster affected and underserved communities throughout Pakistan, Beneficiaries will be identified in coordination with local authonties to ensure the aid reaches the most deserving households.
This project, under the humanitarian initiatives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will be carried out under the supervision of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in Pakistan. The aid will be distributed transparently to those in need, in coordination with the local government.
350 Afghan students arrive in Pakistan to pursue studies under HEC scholarship
ISLAMABAD, Jul 04 (APP):As many as 350 Afghan students have reached Pakistan to pursue studies in top-tier Pakistani universities across diverse disciplines under HEC Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships to Afghan Students (Prime Minister’s Directives). HEC held a reception to welcome the students at the HEC Regional Centre Peshawar, said a press release on Friday.
The development marks a significant milestone in academic cooperation and people-to-people relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The students will undergo a specially designed preparatory course before their admission in the fall semester. In addition, 50 PhDs and 100 Master’s students will also join in September, 2025 to pursue their education in Pakistan.
The Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships Programme is a mega initiative of the Government of Pakistan, under which 4500 scholarships are being awarded to Afghan students.
On their arrival, the students were received by In-charge HEC Regional Centre Peshawar Mr. Nasir Shah and Project Director Allama Iqbal Scholarships Programme Jehanzeb Khan. Representatives of National University of Technology (NUTECH) Islamabad and National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (NUCES-FAST) Faisalabad were also present on the occasion.
The Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships Programme reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Afghanistan to deepening educational collaboration with a spirit of Islamic brotherhood and neighborhood.
Project Director Jehanzeb Khan expressed his enthusiasm in hosting the scholars, stating, “We are honoured to welcome these young ambassadors of Afghanistan to Pakistan. Their presence will not only enrich our academic institutions but will also strengthen the cultural and strategic bond between the two nations.”
PSB issues warning letters to 9 office bearers of Sports Federations
ISLAMABAD, Jul 04 (APP):The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has taken serious notice of officials in various sports federations holding positions beyond the permissible two terms, in violation of the National Sports Policy 2005.
The PSB has issued warning letters to 9 office bearers from different federations who have exceeded the allowed tenure limits.
According to Khuram Shahzad, spokesperson for the PSB, the warning letters emphasize that under Clause 10(a)(5) of the National Sports Policy 2005, the tenure of any office bearer of a federation or association is limited to four years, with a maximum of two terms in any single position. Upon completion of two terms, an individual becomes ineligible to continue in the same office within that federation or association.
However, such individuals may contest for a higher position or seek office in another association at any time.
The PSB also referred to a ruling of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, which upheld the validity of the policy and stated that any sports body seeking affiliation with the PSB and wishing to benefit from its support must comply with the policy in full.
The federations found in violation include the Pakistan Baseball Federation, whose president, secretary and treasurer have exceeded the allowed terms; the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation and Pakistan Judo Federation, where both the presidents and secretaries have overstayed their terms; and the Pakistan Sailing Federation and Pakistan Karate Federation, whose secretary generals are also continuing beyond the prescribed tenure.
The PSB deemed these cases a clear violation of the National Sports Policy.
The letters warn that failure to rectify these violations within 30 days may result in the loss of PSB-related benefits, including eligibility for government grants and official support.
Ayaz expresses grief over Karachi building collapse
ISLAMABAD, Jul 04 (APP):Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Friday expressed deep sorrow and regret over the tragic incident of a residential building collapse in Karachi.
In his statement, the Speaker conveyed heartfelt condolences over the loss of precious lives in the incident.
He extended his sympathies to the families of the deceased, staying that he shares in their grief during this difficult time.
“I stand in solidarity with the bereaved families,” said Speaker Sadiq, offering prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.
He also directed the rescue teams to complete relief operations on an urgent basis and emphasized that the injured must be provided with the best possible medical care.
The Speaker prayed for the elevation of the ranks of those who lost their lives and for patience and strength for their families.