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WCCIS president meets Nepalese ambassador

By
Muhammad Zubair
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SIALKOT, Jul 09 (APP):President Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sialkot (WCCIS) Dr. Mariam Siddiqa, along with other esteemed members, attended an official meeting with Ambassador of Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal to Pakistan Rita Dhital at the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
During the meeting, President WCCIS Dr. Mariam Siddiqa had the honour of presenting the commemorative postal sheet of WCCI Sialkot to Ambassador Rita Dhital, as a token of appreciation and to celebrate the Chamber’s ongoing efforts in empowering women entrepreneurs.
The session was highly productive and insightful, with a focus on exploring collaborative opportunities—especially in surgical instruments and leather goods sectors—where both nations can benefit from mutual trade and knowledge sharing.
President WCCIS Dr. Mariam Saddiqa said that WCCIS sincerely appreciates Ambassador Rita Dhital for her visit and her continued commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and supporting women-led business initiatives.

Commissioner orders emergency response amid rainfall

By
Muhammad Zubair
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LAHORE, Jul 09 (APP):Commissioner Lahore Division Zaid-bin-Maqsood has issued urgent directives to the district administration, WASA, and other municipal departments in response to continued rainfall across the city.
He emphasized the need for full preparedness to manage water drainage, cleanliness, and public safety amid the ongoing weather conditions.
The Commissioner directed that emergency drainage camps be activated at all major stormwater points throughout the city. He instructed WASA to ensure all machinery is operational and that backup systems at disposal stations remain fully functional. “Every disposal station must operate at full capacity, and emergency teams should be ready to respond in case of further heavy rain,” he stressed.
The Commissioner further instructed LWMC teams to begin immediate post-rain cleanliness operations and called for special teams from WASA, LDA, MCL, and CBD to stay mobilized in their respective areas. He also ordered that underpasses be closely monitored and equipped with drainage machinery to prevent water accumulation.
Reporting ongoing rainfall in several parts of the city, he noted that Iqbal Town, Sabzazar, Dhillonwal, and adjoining areas were experiencing moderate to heavy showers. Rain levels are being recorded in real-time at key stormwater drainage points across Lahore.
Directing all Assistant Commissioners (ACs) in the division, the Commissioner ordered that municipal staff be kept fully active to address ponding issues promptly. ACs were instructed to personally monitor water drainage in their tehsils and ensure swift response wherever needed.
The Commissioner also directed the city’s traffic police to maintain smooth traffic flow during the rain and provide alternative routes for citizens where necessary. He appealed to residents to stay away from electric poles and report any emergency situations to the relevant departments.
Zaid-bin-Maqsood reiterated that coordinated, timely action by all departments is essential to ensure the safety and convenience of the public during the ongoing rainfall across Lahore.

NDMA, Jazz collaborate to protect millions from monsoon floods

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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ISLAMABAD, Jul 09 (APP):In response to the ongoing monsoon floods affecting parts of the country, Jazz, Pakistan’s leading digital operator, and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) have successfully collaborated to deliver geo-fenced SMS alerts to millions of at-risk citizens.
According to a news release, the alerts, triggered under the Disaster Early Warning System (DEW-3 – Monsoon), are designed to enhance public awareness and enable timely evacuation or precautionary measures in flood-prone areas.
More than 23 million Jazz users live in regions identified as vulnerable by NDMA, making them the first in need of immediate, location-based risk communication.
The initiative ensures that these individuals receive timely, targeted messages alerting them to impending threats, helping mitigate the impact of natural disasters, and potentially saving lives.
Through partnership, NDMA and Jazz enhance the dissemination of timely information and alerts to vulnerable communities residing in high-temperature zones during heatwave periods.
Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz, said, “This is a powerful demonstration of how public-private collaboration can leverage technology to protect lives and strengthen communities. Our nationwide reach and location-based capabilities make us uniquely positioned to support NDMA in its mission to minimise disaster-related risks. As the monsoon season continues, this remains an ongoing effort aimed at reaching and protecting even more people in harm’s way.”
Team NDMA recognized the partnership with Jazz, which has enabled them to reach vulnerable populations quickly and effectively, using geo-fenced alerts to ensure no one is left uninformed in times of crisis. At the same time, effective mainstream media, social and digital media, and tools like the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile app help the public stay updated on weather patterns and advisories, reinforcing a broader commitment to risk communication and disaster preparedness.
Jazz and NDMA formalised their partnership in March 2025 to enhance Pakistan’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities through the use of advanced digital tools and communications infrastructure.
The SMS alerts were delivered using advanced geo-fencing techniques, allowing NDMA to reach people directly in affected zones with clear, actionable information. These efforts form part of Jazz’s broader strategy to support disaster preparedness and response through the power of technology. The system is designed to be scalable and responsive, ensuring rapid outreach as new risk zones emerge.

Jail trial conducted in three May 9 cases

By
Muhammad Zubair
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0
LAHORE, Jul 09 (APP):The jail trial of three cases, including the arson attack on Shadman Police Station and torching of police vehicles, during the May 9 riots, continued on Wednesday at Kot Lakhpat Jail under tight security.
Administrative Judge of the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC), Manzer Ali Gill, presided over the proceedings which lasted until 6:30 PM.
During the hearing, eight prosecution witnesses recorded their statements against the accused while defence counsel completed cross-examination of five witnesses.
The trial proceedings were adjourned until tomorrow for further evidence.
Prominent PTI leaders on bail, including Aliya Hamza and Khadija Shah, appeared before the court, while the attendance of detained leaders such as Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Dr. Yasmin Rashid was also marked.

Motorcyclist swept away in Sharifabad floodwaters, search continues

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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ISLAMABAD, Jul 9 (APP):A motorcyclist was swept away by powerful floodwaters on Wednesday while attempting to cross the submerged Korang Nullah bridge in the Sharifabad area, within the jurisdiction of Koral Police Station.
An official told APP that the missing individual has been identified as Raja Mohsin Dhanyal, son of Mehmood, a resident of Baga Kotli, Sattian. He was returning home after completing his shift at a call center when the incident occurred.
Qasim, an eyewitness, told that the bridge was already submerged due to the strong current of floodwaters, but Mohsin still attempted to ride across. “The water was flowing with a dangerously fast current. He lost control and was swept away within seconds,” he said.
Rescue teams and local police arrived shortly after the incident and launched a search operation, which was still underway at the time of filing this report.
The police official said that all available resources have been deployed to recover the missing individual, and the operation will continue until he is found.

Al-Baraka Bank hosts product-based webinar

By
Muhammad Zubair
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SIALKOT, Jul 09 (APP):A significant product-based webinar was held at a local marquee, bringing together over 70 sports goods and wear exporters from Sialkot and importers from 13 different countries across the globe through online participation.
The webinar was organized by Al-Baraka Bank and was attended by Al-Baraka Bank President Muhammad Atif Hanif, Chairman Sports Association Khawaja Masood Akhtar, office-bearers of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other prominent business figures.
Online importers who attended the seminar included from South Africa, Tunisia, Jordan, Türkiye, Bahrain, Egypt, Algeria and Sudan.
On this occasion, Al-Baraka Bank President Muhammad Atif Hanif stated that similar webinars had previously been conducted between Sialkot exporters and importers from South Africa, Egypt, and Türkiye.
He further shared that a comprehensive Trade Finance Portal has also been developed, which contains complete details of each exporter and importer to strengthen business connections.
Chairman Pakistan Sports Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PSGMEA) termed the webinar a positive development, noting that this platform would open new avenues of international trade for Sialkot’s sports exporters.
He added that there is a strong demand for Sialkot’s products in South America, Europe, and among top global brands, and such initiatives would help connect the local industry with the international market.

Victory over India elevated Pakistan’s stature, says Qasim Noon; stresses Kashmir issue resolution for lasting peace

By
Muhammad Zubair
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MULTAN, Jul 09 (APP):Federal Minister and Chairman Kashmir Committee Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon on Wednesday heaped praise on Field Marshal, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Syed Asim Munir and armed forces for remarkable victory over India in the May 2025 battle, saying it elevated Pakistan’s stature at the international level.
He expressed these views while talking to media persons at Shershah toll plaza in Multan, while on way to his hometown Shujabad and Jalalpur Pirwala, his maiden visit since assuming the charge as federal minister.
Upon arrival at Shujabad, Rana Qasim Noon was greeted with a warm reception, with party workers and people from different walks of life assembled to welcome him with showers of rose petals.
Banners, inscribed with greetings and welcome notes, and party flags dominated the roads in Shujabad city and onward.
Qasim Noon congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Army Chief over the May 2025 triumph.
He told media persons in Multan that he himself and the whole nation was thankful to COAS Syed Asim Munir for the triumph in the four-day war.
He commended the government for highlighting the Kashmir issue at the international level.
He added that resolution of Kashmir issue was imperative to bring normalcy to the relations with the neighbouring country.
He said, the whole nation was proud of soldiers of Pakistan Armed Forces who always defended the motherland and never hesitated in sacrificing their life for the country.
Upon arrival at Shujabad, political personalities, notables of the city from social and political circles besides traders representatives congratulated Rana Qasim Noon for assuming the charge as federal minister and hoped it would prove to be beneficial to achieve development goals in south Punjab.
The federal minister thanked the people of Shujabad for their warm reception and promised to pay attention to development needs of the area.\932

NEPRA notifies relief of PKR 4.0349 per unit for KE under April 2025 FCA

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 09 (APP):The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has issued its decision regarding K-Electric’s (KE) petition of provisional monthly Fuel Charges Adjustment (FCA) requested for April 2025, indicating a relief of PKR 4.0349 per kWh.
This will be passed on to customers in their July 2025 bills, said a press release issued here on Wednesday.
NEPRA has provisionally retained an amount of PKR 0.8 billion in respect of adjustments on account of partial load, open cycle and degradation curves along with start-up cost pursuant to NEPRA’s Decision regarding Generation Tariff for the control period July 2023 onwards from the FCA for April 2025 to be adjusted against the pending claims of KE to ensure that consumers are not burdened at later stage.
Fuel charge adjustments are incurred by utilities due to global variations in fuel prices used to generate electricity, and the changes in generation mix. These costs are reflected in customer bills following NEPRA’s scrutiny and approval.
Customers also benefit from negative FCA in their bills when global fuel prices decrease. Rates charged to customer bills are determined by NEPRA and notified by the Federal Government.
As per the Regulatory Authority’s decision, the FCA shall be applicable to all the consumer categories except lifeline consumers, domestic protected consumers, Electric Vehicle Charges Stations (EVCS) and prepaid electricity consumers of all categories who opted for prepaid tariff.

PBM to launch integrated E-governance system for enhanced social protection

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 9 (APP):Director General of Operations at Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) Professor Dr. Zeeshan Danish announced on Wednesday that PBM will implement an e-governance and digital system at the district level to enhance transparency, broaden outreach, and improve the efficiency of its welfare services.
Speaking during a high-level meeting at PBM’s headquarters, he said this initiative reflects the organization’s commitment to integrity and innovation in serving Pakistan’s vulnerable communities.
He expressed confidence that the transformation will enable PBM to mark new milestones of success and progress in social protection, ultimately benefiting more individuals in need and improving transparency and accountability within welfare operations.
The meeting, convened under the directives of Managing Director PBM Senator Captain Shaheen Khalid Butt, brought together more than fifty senior officers in person, with regional participants joining remotely via Zoom. In the initial session, attendees identified challenges hindering PBM’s daily operations and offered practical solutions for improvement.
Dr. Danish stated that MD Butt had issued clear instructions to prioritize prompt, dignified assistance to patients, students, and other applicants. A comprehensive performance review was conducted during the session, leading to decisions aimed at restructuring PBM and improving the effectiveness of ongoing public welfare projects. Additional plans include a nationwide awareness campaign focusing on the prevention of life-threatening diseases such as thalassemia and cancer.
The meeting also emphasized strengthening PBM’s collaborations with other welfare organizations to manage rising demands and resource constraints. It was agreed that professional training courses will be introduced to enhance the skills and productivity of PBM employees.
Concluding the session, Dr. Danish expressed appreciation for the active involvement and insightful suggestions offered by attendees. He voiced optimism that these reforms will empower PBM to reach more people in need and mark new milestones in social welfare and protection.

Summer semester exams of SAU undergraduate program to begin on July 16

By
Muhammad Zubair
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0
HYDERABAD, Jul 09 (APP):The Controller of Examinations at Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, has announced that the summer semester examinations for undergraduate degree programs will commence on July 16, 2025.
These examinations pertain to optional summer semester comprising 12 credit hours, and will be conducted for students enrolled in all faculties of the university, including the Khairpur College of Agriculture and Management Sciences and the Umerkot Campus. The exams are scheduled for students of 2K17 DVM, and 2K18, 2K19, 2K20, 2K21, 2K22, and 2K23 undergraduate batches.
Examination forms are currently being accepted with the regular fee until July 14, 2025, while forms may also be submitted with a late fee on July 15 and 16.
The Controller of Examinations further emphasized that students must meet the required attendance criteria to be eligible to appear in the exams.
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