Provincial inspection team submits Swat incident report to KP Chief Minister

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Fri, 11 Jul 2025, 9:42 PM

PESHAWAR, Jul 11 (APP):The Provincial Inspection Team has completed its inquiry report on the Swat incident and submitted the 63-page document to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur.

The report identifies systemic flaws in how such incidents are managed and includes recommendations for corrective measures.

Government officials and personnel found negligent in their duties regarding the Swat tragedy have been named, with the report recommending disciplinary action against them.

The Chief Minister has approved disciplinary actions based on the findings. Relevant departments, including the District Administration, Irrigation Department, Local Government, and Rescue 1122, have been directed to complete legal formalities and initiate proceedings within 60 days. Additionally, departments identified for systemic shortcomings must implement corrective measures within 30 days, including issuing new protocols and regulatory frameworks.

A comprehensive framework for river safety and building regulations will be prepared within the same timeframe, with new laws to be enforced immediately.

An oversight committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, will be formed to ensure the report’s recommendations are implemented.

The committee will convert recommendations into actionable KPIs, submit monthly progress reports to the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, and integrate river safety modules into the next monsoon contingency plan. It will also oversee fast-track implementation of measures to enhance Rescue 1122’s capacity. Meanwhile, the Information, Relief, and Tourism Departments will launch large-scale public awareness campaigns across the province.

Key findings from the report reveal that advisories from the PDMA and District Administration were not effectively implemented, while poor coordination among police, revenue, irrigation, rescue, and tourism police exacerbated the situation.

The early warning system was inactive, delaying flood communication. Building regulations and encroachment policies were unclear, and hotel owners failed to inform tourists of hazards. Rescue 1122 faced delays due to inadequate staff and equipment.

The report also highlighted the absence of defined departmental responsibilities for riverbank safety, unclassified risk zones for riverside tourist areas, and weak enforcement of Section 144.

Following the incident, the government launched a province-wide crackdown on riverbank encroachments.

In the past ten days, 127 illegal buildings were sealed, constructions on 682 kanal were demolished, and encroachments on 1,874 kanal were identified, with 1,019 kanal cleared. Additionally, 609 km of riverbed was demarcated, with 174 barriers installed.

The Chief Minister also approved the River Rescue Plan, allocating funds for 36 prefabricated rescue stations (Rs. 66 million), modern rescue equipment (Rs. 739 million), 70 compact rescue stations (Rs. 608 million), and a digital monitoring system (Rs. 200 million). Coordination between Rescue 1122 and district administration has since been improved.

Seminar marks World Population Day

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Kamran Muraad

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Fri, 11 Jul 2025, 9:41 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP):The Punjab Health and Population Department, Rawalpindi in collaboration with The Challenge Initiative – Greenstar hosted a seminar in a local hotel on to commemorate World Population Day. The event aimed to raise awareness about population challenges and promote family planning, reproductive health, and gender equality.

Speakers emphasized the importance of addressing population pressure, resource lacking, environmental issues, and poverty through sustainable development.

The seminar, which was held at a local hotel in Islamabad highlighted goals such as increasing public awareness of population issues, encouraging discussions on critical social challenges, and urging policymakers to prioritize sustainable development.

Key speakers included Aliya Habib, Deputy Chief of Party at TCI GSM; Dr. Naveed Akhtar Malik, Deputy Chief of IRMNCH, Dr. Shireen Sukhan, Director Provincial Welfare Officer and several Punjab Assembly members, including Raja Muhammad Saghir, Tahseen Fawad, Asima Naz, and Ziaullah Shah.

Other notable participants olat the seminar were Muhammad Iqbal Hussain Rizvi, former Peace Committee President, Khubaib Kiyani, Senior Manager for Gender and Youth at TCI GSM, Dr. Naveen Falak of Behbud Association, Dr. Nageena Tauseef of the Family Planning Association of Pakistan and Karamat Rathore, President of the Rotary Club.

This year’s theme, “Empowering youth to freely shape their families while contributing to a better world,” underscored the seminar’s focus on enabling young people to make informed choices.

NA Committee forms sub-committee to investigate railways audio leak, reviews major issues

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Kamran Muraad

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Fri, 11 Jul 2025, 9:41 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP):The National Assembly Standing Committee on Railways, chaired by MNA Rai Hassan Nawaz Khan, has constituted a sub-committee to probe the audio leak involving the Divisional Superintendent of Pakistan Railways Karachi and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pakistan Railways.

The committee met late Friday night at Parliament House in Islamabad for its 11th session.

The sub-committee, to be convened by MNA Shafqat Abbas, will also include MNAs Ibrar Ahmad, Sadiq Ali Memon, and Syed Waseem Hussain. It is tasked with examining inquiry reports and presenting its findings within 30 days.

During the session, a report presented by the Commissioner of Dera Ghazi Khan regarding the land at Mouza Sonaki in Muzaffargarh was rejected by the committee.

To resolve the long-standing dispute over ownership, the committee summoned the Senior Member of Punjab’s Board of Revenue and the Commissioner of Dera Ghazi Khan for the next meeting.

Railways Minister briefed the committee on recent improvements in passenger amenities. “Water filter plants and coolers have been installed at major stations, and we plan to expand these facilities,” the minister said.

He also assured that the quality of food and cleanliness at stations is being monitored regularly, with janitorial services outsourced to waste management firms.

Members raised concerns over the winding-up of state-owned enterprises such as the Railway Construction Company (RAILCOP), Pakistan Railway Advisory and Consultancy Services (PRACS), and Pakistan Railway Freight and Transportation Company (PRFTC).

The minister explained that the closure was part of the government’s right-sizing policy. “These services are now being handled directly by Pakistan Railways,” he added.

The committee recommended reassigning experienced employees from the dissolved companies to relevant departments.

The committee was informed that Pakistan Railways’ petition regarding the Shalimar Hospital land dispute in Lahore was refused by the Attorney General’s office.

The committee urged the ministry to reapproach the office to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.

The committee also took stock of the Royal Palm Golf and Country Club leasing process, which is being supervised by the Supreme Court.

A pre-bid meeting held in April saw participation from 16 firms, with bid openings scheduled for July 22.

Pakistan Railways currently provides only 5–8% of national freight services.

The CEO acknowledged the gap and said that outsourcing to international firms is underway to expand capacity.

The minister added that interest from multinationals would help boost the service soon.

On the long-awaited ML-1 railway track upgradation project, the committee was informed that the Punjab Chief Minister had shown willingness to finance Rs. 350 billion for the dualization of railway tracks in the province.

The committee expressed concern over 47 railway officers who are living abroad while drawing full salaries and benefits.

The minister assured that these cases are under review, and a detailed report will be presented in the next meeting.

Additionally, the committee directed the ministry to repair the Red Bridge over the Kabul River in Nowshera, particularly the pedestrian walkway.

The meeting was attended by several MNAs, including Ramesh Lal and Waseem Qadir (via Zoom), as well as senior officials from the Ministry of Railways and Pakistan Railway.

CNS confers military awards on naval personnel

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NNPS Desk

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Fri, 11 Jul 2025, 9:39 PM

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KARACHI, Jul 11 (APP): Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Naveed Ashraf conferred awards of Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Miltary), Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-i-Basalat and awards on naval personnel during an investiture ceremony held here on Friday at Bahria Auditorium.The recipients of Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) were included Cdre Rashid Mahmood Sheikh, Cdre Tasawar Iqbal, Cdre Aamir Iqbal, Cdre Rashid Nazir, Cdre Zeeshan Shahid, Cdre Dr. Nadeem Kureshi, Cdre Dr. Tariq Mairaj Rasool Khan, Cdre Dr. Attaullah, Cdre Muhammad Umair, Cdre Shahid Wasif, Cdre Saqib Habib, Cdre Faisal Iqbal Qazi and Capt Syed Atif Hussain Bukhari PN, said a press release issued by Directorate General Public Relations (Pak Navy).The recipients of Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military) were included Capt Naveed Ahmed PN, Cdr Imran Raza PN, Cdr Babar Ibne Saleem PN, Cdr Najeeb Ullah Khan Niazi PN, Cdr Rizwan Ullah PN, Surg Cdr Mohsin Raza Khan PN, Cdr Imtiaz Muhammad PN, Cdr Muhammad Anwer PN, Lt Cdr Syed Noman Masood PN, Lt Cdr Waleed Arif and Lt Cdr Muhammad Umar PN.The recipients of Tamgha-i-Basalat (Military) were Cdr Munawar Ahmed Bhatti PN, Cdr Naeem Ahmed Khan PN, Sadam Hussain PMT-I and Zain Ali PMT-II.

Some 31 awards of TK(M)-I, 53 awards of TK(M)-II and 99 awards of TK(M)-III were also conferred upon MCPOs, CPOs and Sailors of Pakistan Navy. Moreover, Letters of Commendation from Chief of the Naval Staff were awarded to 60 Officers, MCPOs/CPOs/Sailors and Navy civilians.

The ceremony was attended by a large number of senior, serving and retired officers of Pakistan Navy.

Pakistan reaffirms regional engagement, condemns rights violations in IIOJK: FO Spox

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Kamran Muraad

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Fri, 11 Jul 2025, 9:37 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP):Foreign Office Spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan Friday in his weekly media briefing shed light on Pakistan’s diplomatic engagements, regional security concerns, and reiterated its condemnation of human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The Spokesperson, highlighted the country’s active multilateral diplomacy, evolving bilateral relations, and firm positions on key foreign policy issues.

He mentioned that the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar was currently leading the Pakistani delegation at the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The forum was discussing political and security issues impacting the Asia-Pacific region with the goal of fostering peace and cooperation through dialogue, he said.

On the sidelines of the ARF meeting, he said Senator Dar held bilateral meetings with leaders from Malaysia, Canada, Australia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Russia, the European Union, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. These interactions focused on strengthening economic ties, trade, education, and cultural exchanges, as well as addressing regional and global challenges.

The Foreign Office Spokesperson also highlighted the visit of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Minister of National Defence Yasar Güler to Islamabad. Co-chairs of the Joint Commissions under the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), the Turkish officials discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, and investment. The inaugural meeting of the Joint Commission reviewed the progress of twelve standing committees under the HLSCC, he added.

In parallel, he said a Pakistani delegation led by Special Assistants to the Prime Minister, Ambassador Syed Tariq Fatemi and Haroon Akhtar Khan, met with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk in Moscow. Discussions covered wide-ranging cooperation including trade, energy, agriculture, and investment. Pakistan reiterated its desire to deepen ties with Russia, recognizing its stabilizing role in global affairs.

He added that a key development was the inaugural round of Additional Secretary-level talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan held in Islamabad on July 7. The talks, he said focused on trade, refugee repatriation, regional connectivity, and security cooperation. “Pakistan underscored its concerns over terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan and urged Kabul to take concrete actions against groups threatening Pakistan’s security,” he said.

He also shed light on the 9th round of Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Poland took place in Warsaw on July 4. Delegations reviewed cooperation across various sectors including energy, defence, mobility, and higher education. Both countries agreed to enhance engagement through high-level visits and multilateral cooperation, with the next round to be held in Islamabad in 2026, he said.

The spokesperson announced that July 13 will mark the 94th Youm-e-Shuhada-e-Kashmir (Kashmir Martyrs Day), commemorating the 1931 massacre of 22 Kashmiris in Srinagar. He denounced ongoing human rights abuses in IIOJK, including recent restrictions on Ashura preparations and the humiliating treatment of a Kashmiri youth by Indian forces.

“Indian armed forces are operating with impunity, with license to kill,” Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan said, reiterating Pakistan’s call for an end to extrajudicial killings and for the international community to take notice of the situation.

Commenting on Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s claim of attacking 13 Pakistani airbases, the FO Spokesperson termed the remarks “distortions and misrepresentations” and a “violation of international law.” He reminded that Pakistan had downed multiple Indian aircraft and rejected India’s attempts to glorify aggression.

On Afghanistan, the Spokesperson acknowledged ongoing concerns about terrorist sanctuaries and stressed that Pakistan continues to engage with Kabul in good faith, hoping for more responsible action from the Afghan side.

In response to questions about declassified U.S. documents on Pakistan’s role during the Soviet-Afghan war, the spokesperson noted, “What is in the past is in the past,” emphasizing Pakistan’s current efforts to chart a peaceful and cooperative future for the region.

Addressing climate change, the Spokesperson said Pakistan remains one of the most vulnerable nations despite its negligible contribution to global emissions. He reiterated Islamabad’s leading role in advocating for climate finance and justice for developing countries.

Responding to questions on remarks made by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari regarding the potential extradition of individuals of concern, the Spokesperson clarified: “He did not name anyone. The government’s position remains consistent and unchanged.” He directed inquiries to the PPP’s official spokesperson for further clarification.

The Spokesperson deferred a direct response on the status of U.S. aid under former President Donald Trump but indicated that dialogue with Washington on all matters, including aid and cooperation, is ongoing.

Asked about hypothetical global conflict scenarios involving China, the Spokesperson declined to speculate but reaffirmed the strength of Pakistan-China relations, describing China as “our iron brother” and a strategic partner.

Governor Kundi meets Maulana Fazlur Rehman to discuss political, security issues

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Muhammad Zubair

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Fri, 11 Jul 2025, 9:34 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Friday met Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman at his residence.

The meeting was also attended by former Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani, senior PPP leader and former federal minister Khursheed Shah, Syed Tahir Ali Shah, former federal minister Maulana Asad Mehmood, former Deputy Speaker Zahid Akram Durrani, JUI-F provincial leader Maulana Lutfur Rehman, and Asjad Mehmood.

During the meeting, the leaders discussed the prevailing political situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, formulating a joint strategy for the upcoming Senate elections, and the deteriorating law and order situation in the province.

Matters related to corruption, provincial rights, and the growing sense of deprivation among the residents of the merged districts were also deliberated upon.

Minister Salik inaugurates Business Center to Promote Workers’ Welfare

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Kamran Muraad

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Fri, 11 Jul 2025, 9:32 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP): Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, inaugurated the newly established Business Center at F-6 Markaz, Islamabad, aimed at enhancing the welfare of industrial workers.

Constructed under the Workers Welfare Fund (WWF), the center marks a significant milestone in advancing the financial sustainability of the organization.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony on Friday, Chaudhry Salik Hussain announced that the revenue generated from the Business Center would be utilized for education, healthcare, housing, and other welfare services for workers and their families.

Commending the dedication and efforts of WWF’s leadership, he noted that the project reflects how public service and financial self-reliance can be achieved through sincerity and vision. He also lauded WWF Secretary Zulfiqar Ahmed for his progressive vision in transforming the Fund into an institution committed to serving the working class.

Earlier, WWF Secretary Zulfiqar Ahmed briefed that the project was completed within the stipulated timeframe, maintaining full transparency and high standards of quality.

He expressed confidence that the center is expected to generate enough revenue to recover its construction costs within a year.

He further expressed hope that the Workers Welfare Fund would become a self-sustaining and profitable organization by 2030, directly benefiting industrial workers and their families.

Zulfiqar Ahmed also mentioned WWF’s swift progress toward digitalization, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information Technology and in line with the Government of Pakistan’s directives.

He said an agreement has already been signed, enabling workers and their families to check the status of their applications from home with just a single click.

On the occasion, Chaudhry Salik Hussain presented commemorative shields to Secretary WWF Zulfiqar Ahmed and officers of the Works Section in recognition of their service.

SABS Varsity hosts workshop on reviving cultural heritage through ceramic art

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Muhammad Zubair

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Fri, 11 Jul 2025, 9:29 PM

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HYDERABAD, Jul 11 (APP):In an inspiring initiative to reconnect with the region’s rich artistic traditions, Shaheed Alla Uksh Soomro (SABS) University of Art. Design and Heritages, Jamshoro here on Friday hosted a two-days seminar and workshop titled “Echos of the Past: Reviving Cultural Heritage Through Ceramic Art”. The event was led by Ghaffar Mohiudin, a PhD scholar at the University of Granada, Spain and Assistant Professor at the University of Gujrat, Punjab. The workshop was coordinated by faculty member Muhammad Hassan Kashigar.

The workshop aimed to bridge Islamic art and architecture with contemporary ceramic practices, emphasizing the embodiment of heritage in modern sculpture.

The program commenced with an interactive session, introducing participants to the workshop’s agenda and engaging them in an enriching dialogue about traditional art practices, specifically focusing on Kashigari, the ancient tile art deeply rooted in the region’s history.

The participants received a detailed overview of traditional materials, their significance in heritage crafts, and their modern-day relevance. The sessions included live demonstrations of engobe application on greenware terracotta tiles and the classic Kashi technique on top of tiles. Each participant created a 6″x6″ tile, learning through hands-on practice and guided instruction.

Workshop highlights included: Pattern making using provided handouts, Design and sketching of unique Islamic-inspired motifs, Transfer of designs to terracotta bisque tiles, Surface treatment demonstrations, including skim milk smoke firing (open smoke fire) and gold leaf application and finally Practical firing sessions, allowing participants to experience traditional methods first-hand.

The final segment featured a display of participants’ finished ceramic tiles and a reflective discussion on the cultural and spiritual connections fostered through the creative process.

Prof. Ghafar Mohiudin emphasized the importance of such initiatives and said, “Art is a language of memory. Through ceramics, we not only preserve Islamic Art but give it new life in contemporary forms.”

Professor Ghaffar Mohiuddin met with the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Dr. Arabella Bhutto and appreciated the efforts of SABS University in promoting the ceramics department.

Sindh govt announces cash reward for Karate Championship winners

By

Muhammad Zubair

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Fri, 11 Jul 2025, 9:23 PM

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KARACHI, Jul 11 (APP):The Sindh government has announced Rs. 600,000 reward for the players from Sindh who delivered an outstanding performance in the South Asian Karate Championship.

Meanwhile, a sponsorship cheque of Rs. 1.83 crore has also been provided to the street children’s team of Lyari Football Academy, which is set to participate in the Norway Cup 2025.

These announcements were made by Sindh Sports Minister Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Mehr during a meeting with athletes in Karachi on Friday.

The meeting was attended by the players who won medals for Pakistan in the South Asian Karate Championship, and presented their medals to the sports minister.

As spokesperson stated that among the standout performers for Pakistan in the South Asian Karate Championship were Ayana Noel Arthur (1 gold), Samra Ijaz Pracha (1 bronze), Arisha Nadeem (1 silver, 1 bronze), Abdul Rehman (3 bronzes), and Saharsh Taseeq (2 bronzes).

The sports minister said, “These young athletes from Sindh are our pride, as they have brought glory to Pakistan on the global stage.”

He added that the Sindh government is taking all possible measures to encourage women’s participation in sports and nurture young talent. On this occasion, the street children’s team of Lyari Football Academy also met with the sports minister, having received financial support to participate in the Norway Cup 2025. The team will compete in the tournament held in Oslo, Norway, from July 26 to August 2.

The meeting was also attended by Sports Secretary Abdul Aleem Lashari, Additional Secretary Asad Ishaque, Assistant Director Fareed Ali, and officials from the Sindh Olympic Association, including Ahmed Ali Rajput and Asghar Baloch, among others.