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Motorbikes, three-wheelers sale increases 32.5% to 1,518,752 units during FY 2025

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Motorbikes

ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP): The sale of motorbikes and three-wheelers in the country has witnessed an increase of 30 percent during the fiscal year 2024-25 as compared to sales of the last year 2023-24.

During the year under review, as many as 1,518,752 motorbikes and three-wheelers were sold against the sale of 1,150,112 units during July-Jun (2023-24), according to the Pakistan Automobile Manufacturing Association (PAMA).

The sale of Honda motorcycles surged by 27.42 percent from 1,003,253 units to 1,278,424 units whereas the sale of Suzuki motorcycles also rose by 54.51 percent from 16,876 units to 26,076 units during the year under review.

The sales of United Auto motorcycles increased to 146,018 units from 82,683 units during last year while the sale of Road Prince motorbikes increased by 13.44 percent to 22,046 units from 16,049 units.

However, the sale of Yamaha motorbikes went down to 5,709 units from 6,562 units, witnessing a decline of 12.99 percent.

Meanwhile, the sale of Road Prince three-wheelers rose by 87.95 percent from 1,303 units to 2,449 units, while the sale of Qingqi three-wheelers also surged to 10,982 units from 5,977 units.

The sale of Sazgar three-wheelers increased by 71.74 percent from 15,014 units to 25,786 units, whereas the sale of United Auto three-wheelers decreased by 44.43 percent from 2,095 units to 1,164 units, the data added.

CIS updates cooperation agreement on public health protection

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MINSK, 11 July (BelTA/APP): A meeting of the expert group to draft a protocol to amend and supplement the cooperation agreement on public health protection was held at the headquarters of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) on 10 July, the press service of the CIS Executive Committee told BelTA.

Participating in the meeting were representatives from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, the CIS Executive Committee, and the Secretariat of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly.

The agreement, adopted in 1992, is a foundational international treaty for intergovernmental cooperation in healthcare within the CIS framework. Over 30 years, its implementation has shown that several provisions require revision and expansion to reflect current realities and advancements in healthcare systems.

During the meeting, experts reviewed comments and proposals from several member states regarding the draft protocol.

Given that the proposed amendments account for more than half of the current document’s text, the experts agreed on the need to develop a new version of the agreement and largely approved its content. However, some provisions still require further discussion, which is scheduled to take place in the fourth quarter of this year, taking into account the positions of CIS member states.

NEOC warns of landslides in northern regions including Gilgit-Baltistan, AJ&K

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP): The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), on Friday released a warning for potential landslides in northern areas, notably Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K).
According to the alert, isolated heavy rainfall is expected in the valleys of Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Diamir, Ghanche, and Shigar.
Widespread heavy rain is also likely in Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Haveli, Bagh, and adjoining areas of AJ&K.
Potentially affected areas include Upper Kohistan (RD 200–240), Diamir and Astore (RD 340–380), Gilgit (RD 400), and Nagar (RD 460) along the Karakoram Highway (KKH). Multiple locations along the Jaglot–Skardu Road (JSR), particularly in the Rondu region, are also at risk of landslides, mudslides, and rockfalls.
Authorities and residents in high-risk zones are advised to remain vigilant for potential slope failures, landslides, and ground subsidence.
Travel to vulnerable areas should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Relevant departments have been instructed to ensure the availability of emergency personnel and machinery in the identified areas and remain on standby for a rapid response.
NDMA said it is actively coordinating with the GBDMA and SDMA to implement proactive response measures and safeguard affected communities.
The public is strongly urged to stay informed through official alerts disseminated via television, radio, SMS, and the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application.
NDMA remains in close coordination with relevant authorities to monitor the evolving situation and ensure the timely dissemination of warnings.

NDMA warns of potential flooding in several regions

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP): The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), under the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), has issued an advisory urging the public to take precautionary measures in anticipation of moderate to heavy monsoon rains expected to affect multiple regions of the country between Sunday to Tuesday, (July 13 and 17, 2025).
The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) has issued a hydrological outlook and an impact-based weather alert for a three-day period commencing Sunday, July 13, 2025. The forecast indicates moderate to heavy monsoon rainfall across various regions of Pakistan, attributed to intensified moisture inflow from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, coupled with an active westerly wave system.
As a consequence, substantial rises in river flows are expected—most notably in the Indus, Kabul, Jhelum (upstream of Mangla), and Chenab rivers.
Currently, Tarbela, Taunsa, and Guddu barrages are at low flood levels, while Kalabagh and Chashma are at medium flood levels. Taunsa is also expected to rise to medium flood level, with low to medium flows likely to persist in Indus river stations throughout the coming week.
River Chenab at Marala and Khanki is expected to reach low flood levels, while River Kabul at Nowshera is also forecasted to attain low flood level. Rain-induced swelling is anticipated in River Swat and River Panjkora along with their associated streams and nullahs.
Torrential flows in D.G. Khan and Rajanpur torrents are likely to re-activate with medium to high flows during the upcoming weather spell. In Balochistan, streams and nullahs in north-eastern districts including Jhal Magsi, Kachhi, Sibi, Qila Saifullah, Zhob, and Musakhel may experience high flows. Additionally, localized flash flooding is expected in river networks of southern Balochistan districts such as Khuzdar, Awaran, Lasbela, and Qalat. At present, Tarbela Dam is at 74% storage capacity and Mangla Dam is at 44%.
NDMA advises residents living near rivers, streams, and nullahs to stay vigilant for sudden surges in water levels, especially during heavy rainfall and nighttime. Communities in flood-prone areas should identify safe evacuation routes, secure household items, vehicles, and livestock at elevated locations, and prepare emergency kits with essential supplies, including food, water, and medicines sufficient for 3 to 5 days. District Administration, particularly in northeastern and central Punjab, should prepare dewatering equipment to manage water accumulation due to heavy downpours.
Public is strongly urged to remain updated through official flood warnings broadcasted via television, radio, mobile alerts and Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application. All citizens are reminded to avoid crossing causeways, low bridges, and flooded roads. NDMA remains in close coordination with relevant authorities to monitor the situation and ensure timely dissemination of alerts.

Balochistan Governor condemns killing of passengers in Dub Sar-Dakai

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QUETTA, Jul 11 (APP):Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhel on Friday strongly condemned the killing of unarmed passengers in Dub Sar-Dakai area of Balochistan and termed the incident as barbarity.
He said that the brutal terrorist elements who are playing with the lives of unarmed citizens would not deserve any concession
In a statement, the Governor Balochistan said that the peaceful situation in Balochistan would not be disturbed under any circumstances.
He urged the law enforcement agencies to arrest the involved elements as soon as possible and bring them to justice and take concrete steps to protect the lives and property of citizens.
The Governor stressed the need for joint efforts of the government and the people to eradicate all forms of terrorism and sabotage, cleanse the land of terrorists, and make Balochistan a cradle of peace and harmony.

7 drug suppliers netted, over 11 kg charas recovered

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RAWALPINDI, Jul 11 (APP):The Rawalpindi Police on Friday continued the crackdown against drug suppliers and arrested seven accused with more than 11 kilograms charas from different areas.
According to a Rawalpindi Police spokesperson, the Sadiqabad Police detained three accused recovering 4.65 kg charas from their possession.
The Taxila Police nabbed with accused recovering some 2.47 kg of the contraband item from him.
Similarly, the Rawat, Kahuta and Wah Saddar Police also detained one accused each with 1.68 kg, 1.65 kg and 760 grams charas, respectively.

BAJK, i-Consult Consortium sign agreement for CBS implementation

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In a major step toward digital transformation and financial modernization, the Bank of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (BAJK) signed a landmark agreement on Friday with i-Consult Consortium for the implementation of a state-of-the-art Core Banking System (CBS).

This strategic initiative marks a new era of innovation, transparency, and customer-focused services in the region’s banking sector.

The consortium includes leading technology partners—MegaPlus, i-Consult, Silverlake, and i-TANS—who will collaborate on the Core Banking System with an objective to elevate BAJK’s infrastructure to global standards, significantly enhancing service accessibility, operational efficiency, and transparency across Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The high-profile signing ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq; Speaker of the AJK Legislative Assembly, Chaudhry Latif Akbar; Finance Minister and Chairman of BAJK’s Board of Directors, Abdul Majid Khan; and BAJK President Shahid Shehzad Mir, along with senior government officials and representatives from the participating organizations.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq hailed the agreement as a milestone in the region’s financial evolution.

“We are fully committed to transforming the Bank of Azad Jammu and Kashmir into a modern, secure, and efficient institution. Our people deserve a banking system that inspires trust and facilitates safe investment,” he said.

He further announced the government’s intention to expand the bank’s operations throughout Pakistan and AJK, with the goal of upgrading it to a scheduled bank. The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of an efficient banking system in managing the 25% of national remittances received by AJK.

BAJK, i-Consult Consortium sign agreement for CBS implementation

Finance Minister Abdul Majid Khan echoed the significance of the initiative, calling the Core Banking System the “backbone of modern banking.”

“This transformation will not only enhance transparency and performance but also enable better service delivery to remote and underserved communities,” he said adding the agreement reflected broader vision of a robust, digitized financial infrastructure for Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaker of the AJK Legislative Assembly, Chaudhry Latif Akbar, congratulated all stakeholders involved in the agreement and expressed optimism about the bank’s future growth and modernization.

President BAJK, Shahid Shehzad Mir, described the agreement as a “revolutionary step” toward world-class banking.

“The implementation of CBS and digital channels will significantly upgrade our service standards, ensuring our customers enjoy a seamless, modern banking experience,” he noted.

BAJK, i-Consult Consortium sign agreement for CBS implementation

With a network of 88 branches across the region, BAJK is positioning itself as a leader in digital banking transformation, aiming to drive financial inclusion, empower local communities, and contribute meaningfully to the region’s economic growth.

“This partnership signifies a major digital transformation. Silverlake is committed to delivering a robust, scalable, and secure banking solution tailored to BAJK’s needs, ensuring compliance with global standards while empowering customers with real-time, 24/7 banking services, “ said Co-CEO, Silverlake, David Lim.

Over 1,600 trucks queuing up at Belarusian border to enter EU

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MINSK, 11 July (BelTA/APP): More than 1,600 trucks are waiting to enter the EU ahead of the weekend, BelTA learned from the State Border Committee of Belarus.

The busiest border crossing is the Latvian border checkpoint Paternieki (Grigorovshchina on the Belarusian side): a total of 645 trucks are queuing up here. Over the week, its personnel have accepted 40% of the normal number of trucks.

Since Monday, the personnel of the Lithuanian border checkpoint Medininkai (Kamenny Log) have been clearing an average of 14% of the normal number of trucks per day. The Lithuanian border checkpoint Salcininkai (Benyakoni) has been handling no more than 32% of the normal number of trucks since the beginning of the week.

There are 130 passenger cars waiting to enter Lithuania and Poland. The busiest border crossing for passenger cars is the Lithuanian border checkpoint Medininkai (Kamenny Log), where 90 passenger cars are queuing up to enter the EU. Ten buses are also waiting to enter the EU in front of the Medininkai checkpoint and another nine buses – near the Polish border checkpoint Terespol (Brest).

Secretary education lauds AIOU’s efforts in educating out of school children

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP):Federal Secretary for Education and Professional Training, Nadeem Mahbub has said that Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has emerged as a strong, active and effective partner in efforts being made under the “Accelerated Learning Program (ALP)” to bring approximately 26 million out-of-school children in the country into the educational fold.
This he said while speaking at the launch ceremony of the “Pakistan Non-Formal Education Statistical Report 2023-24” held at the university yesterday.
The Secretary of Education emphasized that Pakistan faces several challenges in the field of education, and addressing them requires a significant role from non-formal education.
He stressed that Allama Iqbal Open University, through its wide outreach, modern teaching resources, and comprehensive planning, is providing quality education to those children who, for various reasons, have been left out of the formal education system.
Appreciating the services of the university, he expressed hope that other educational institutions would also learn from this model and contribute effectively to increasing the literacy rate in the country.
Addressing the ceremony, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Nasir Mahmood said that there is a need for serious efforts at the national level to integrate out-of-school children into the educational system. He added that, fortunately, their partner organizations are committed to achieving this goal. He explained that the university, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Pakistan Institute of Education, is providing education up to the matriculation level to children from underprivileged areas, especially girls.
Dr. Nasir Mahmood further stated that over 1.3 million children are currently receiving education under the ALP project. The university aims to include all out-of-school children in the education system and achieve 100% literacy in the country.

Shipping Activity at Port Qasim

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KARACHI, Jul 11 (APP):Shipping activity was report at the port where three ships, Southern Wolf, Yashar and African Kite carrying Palm oil, LPG and Coal, berthed at Liquid Cargo Terminal, Engro Vopak Terminal and Pakistan International Bulk Terminal respectively on Thursday.
Meanwhile two more ships, Southern Robin and ASL Ixora with Chemicals and Coal also arrive at outer anchorage on today morning.
A total of seven ships were engaged at PQA berths during the last 24 hours, out of them a grain cargo carrier ‘Atlantic Sakura’ left the port on today morning, while two more ships, Yashar and IVS Phoenix are expected to sail on today.
Cargo volume of 98,683 tonnes, comprising 79,735 tonnes imports cargo and 18,948 export cargo carried in 459 Containers (459 TEUs Imports & 0 TEUs Export) was handled at the port during last 24 hours.
There are 12 ships at Outer Anchorage of Port Qasim, out of them three ships, Kedros, Southern Robin and ND Aristeia & another ship ‘Zervos’ carrying Soya Bean Seed, Chemicals, Coal and Mogas are expected to take berths at FAP, EVTL, PIBT and FOTCO respectively on today 11th July, while two more ships, Kumasi and X-Press Kohima are due to arrive at outer anchorage.