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Commissioner orders crackdown on encroachments

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SARGODHA, Nov 10 (APP):Commissioner Jahanzeb Awan on Monday ordered municipal authorities to take strict action against encroachments in residential areas.
According to the spokesperson for the Commissioner’s office here, Director Development Bilal Hassan, Parks and Horticulture Authority MD Muhammad Arshad, WASAMD Muhammad Abu Bakkar Imran, Municipal Corporation CEO Majid Bin Ahmed and others were also present in the meeting.
The commissioner emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan to identify and remove encroachments, accompanied by a public awareness campaign.
During the meeting, authorities are instructed to prepare a plan to remove encroachments and construction debris from residential areas.
The meeting also reviewed progress on various initiatives, including the Suthra Punjab program, street lighting, and stray dog control.

Punjab govt launches initiative to promote urban beauty, environment

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LAHORE, Nov 10 (APP):The Punjab government has announced a plan to enhance capacity of the Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) by upgrading its machinery and boosting efforts for urban beautification and environmental improvement.
Official sources from the PHA told APP that the provincial government will allocate an initial
capital of Rs 400 million for this initiative. The funds will be released through a supplementary grant in the financial year 2025-26.
The initial investment will be directed toward gardening, plantation, and urban beautification projects, aimed at transforming cityscapes into more green and sustainable environments.

SALU to Host All Pakistan Women’s Badminton Championship 2025-26

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SUKKUR, Nov 10 (APP):Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU) on Monday geared up to host the All Pakistan Inter University Badminton (Women) Championship 2025-26 from November 24–26.
The event, backed by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), was greenlit at a high-level meeting chaired by VC Meritorious Professor Dr Yousuf Khushk.
Over 30 teams from 32 universities across Pakistan will compete, spotlighting the rise of women’s sports in the country.
Key directives included infusing local games/entertainment, deploying student volunteers, and ensuring top facilities/medical aid.
 “Students have immense potential, we must give them a stage, said Dr Khushk.
The fest will kick off on Nov 24 with an opening ceremony and wrap up on Nov 26 with closing festivities including music and sports fun.
Attendees included Pro-VC Prof Dr Wahid Bux Jatoi, deans, and senior faculty.

Mass wedding brings joy to needy, orphaned girls in DI Khan

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DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Nov 10 (APP):A grand collective marriage ceremony was held in Tehsil Paharpur, Dera Ismail Khan, where nine needy and orphaned girls were joined in the sacred bond of marriage amid a joyous and spiritual atmosphere.
Each bride received a complete dowry package worth Rs 500,000 along with special bridal gifts, while a grand feast was arranged for all guests.
The event was organized by the Minhaj Welfare Foundation and supervised by its District Coordinator, Muhammad Ismail Dhakki, who ensured that all arrangements were made with dignity, transparency, and care.
President of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, Professor Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, attended the ceremony as chief guest. Addressing the gathering, he said the Minhaj Welfare Foundation is committed to serving humanity, spreading love, and supporting the underprivileged.
He congratulated the newlywed couples, offered prayers for their happiness, and distributed gifts among them.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Khurram Nawaz Gandapur, Nazim-e-Aala of Minhaj-ul-Quran International; Hamid Siddiq, Assistant Commissioner Paharpur; Faisal Hussain Mashhadi, Managing Director Minhaj Welfare Foundation International; Professor Dr. Khurram Shehzad; Engineer Sanaullah Khan; and other distinguished guests.
For the past two decades, the Minhaj Welfare Foundation has been organizing collective weddings for needy and orphaned girls across Pakistan. To date, more than 3,700 girls have been married through this initiative, reflecting the foundation’s commitment to compassion and social welfare.
Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Ismail Dhakki said the mission of the foundation is to ensure that no girl is deprived of her wedding due to financial hardships.
The guests also expressed their gratitude to the organizers and praised the foundation for its continued dedication to humanitarian service.

Health dept issues advisory as influenza risk rises in KP

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PESHAWAR, Nov 10 (APP):The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department on Monday issued an emergency advisory across the province amid an increased risk of influenza virus spread, expected to persist until April next year.
According to the Health Department, the advisory has been prepared based on the recommendations of the National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad.
It includes comprehensive guidelines for the prevention, control, and treatment of influenza. The advisory emphasized that vaccination against seasonal flu is an effective preventive measure.
Health authorities have warned that influenza cases are likely to rise from November to April, particularly affecting elderly citizens, children under five years of age, and pregnant women. Individuals with chronic illnesses have been advised to take extra precautions.
The advisory further stated that maintaining hand hygiene and wearing masks can help reduce the spread of the virus. Citizens have been urged to follow the issued guidelines to protect themselves and others from potential health risks.

Misbah Khar welcomes global delegations to Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 10 (APP):Advisor to the Chairman Senate and Ambassador to the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference (ISC), Misbah Khar, on Monday welcomed high-level delegations from Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Liberia and Uzbekistan to Islamabad for the ISC meeting.
Opening the series of bilateral engagements, Khar received the Saudi delegation, noting the historic and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
She expressed optimism about the Kingdom’s prospective membership in the ISC and said both countries share a common vision of peace, dialogue and sustainable global progress.
Khar also met Lancen Haddad, Vice President of Morocco, praising Morocco’s longstanding partnership and active role within the ISC framework.
Vice President Haddad commended Pakistan’s initiative in hosting the conference and reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to strengthening parliamentary cooperation.
During her meeting with the Liberian delegation, led by Richard Nagbe Koon, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Khar reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to promote inter-parliamentary collaboration based on peace, respect and inclusivity.
Speaker Koon lauded Pakistan’s leadership and expressed Liberia’s readiness to contribute to the ISC’s objectives.
Welcoming Alisher Tukhtaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan, and his delegation, Khar appreciated Uzbekistan’s constructive engagement and the two sides agreed to explore future memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to enhance cooperation and shared development goals.
Concluding the day’s meetings, Misbah Khar extended Pakistan’s warm hospitality to all visiting delegations, expressing confidence that the ISC will strengthen global parliamentary dialogue and serve as a platform for promoting peace, unity and cooperation among nations.

Wheat sown over 3 mln acres as Punjab targets 16.5 million in 2025-26

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 10 (APP):Wheat sowing has gained strong momentum across Punjab, with more than 3 million acres already cultivated as the province aims to achieve its ambitious target of 16.5 million acres for the 2025–26 season.
Dr. Anjum Ali Buttar, consultant at the Punjab Agriculture Department and former director general of the department, told Wealth Pakistan that the ongoing sowing campaign is progressing well, particularly in the Barani (rain-fed) regions of Rawalpindi and Dera Ghazi Khan divisions.
“The conditions in the Barani areas are very conducive this year due to sufficient soil moisture following the September floods,” Dr. Buttar said. “Hopefully, wheat will be cultivated over 95 percent of the target area by November 30.”
According to the Agriculture Department, the optimal window for wheat sowing in Punjab will close by the end of November. Farmers have been advised to complete sowing before the deadline to ensure maximum yield.
The department has recommended several high-yield varieties for this season, including Akbar-2019, Dilkash-2020, Fakhar-e-Bhakkar, Aruj-2022, Nishan, Pakistan-2013, Faisalabad-2008, MH-2021, MA-2021, Subhani-2020, and Wafaq-2023.
Dr. Buttar said there is no shortage of agricultural inputs in the province, with around 100,000 bags of certified wheat seed available through the Punjab Seed Corporation and private sector companies. He added that under the post-flood relief package, the provincial government is extending all possible support to farmers, including the provision of interest-free loans for Rabi (winter) crops.
Weather experts have also expressed optimism about this year’s wheat crop, noting that the recent floods have improved soil fertility in many areas. Muhammad Riaz, former director general of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, told Wealth Pakistan that the floodwaters deposited nutrient-rich alluvial material in agricultural lands. “The floods helped the soil retain moisture and enhanced its organic content, making it more productive,” he said. “However, in areas where floodwaters remained stagnant for long periods, sand deposits have caused some damage to the soil’s physical structure.”
Riaz added that overall, improved soil conditions and favorable weather are expected to support good wheat yields this year. He recalled that similar post-flood conditions in 2022 had also led to a bumper wheat harvest across the province.
With improved weather, better soil conditions, and adequate input supplies, Punjab’s agriculture authorities expect the province to achieve its wheat sowing target by the end of November, setting the stage for a potentially strong harvest in the upcoming Rabi season.

NA Speaker expresses sorrow over passing of educationist Dr. Arfa

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 10 (APP):Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the passing of the renowned educationist, scholar and social thinker, Dr. Arfa Sayeda Zehra.
In his condolence message, the Speaker paid rich tribute to Dr. Arfa’s invaluable contributions to education, literature and social development.
He remarked that her demise marks the loss of a brilliant mind and an intellectual beacon who devoted her life to the pursuit of knowledge, research, and the promotion of critical thought.
Ayaz Sadiq said that Dr. Arfa Sayeda Zehra’s remarkable services in the field of education and her lifelong efforts for intellectual and social enlightenment will continue to inspire generations to come.
The Speaker extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family and admirers of the late scholar.
He also prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the departed soul a high place in Jannat-ul-Firdous and to bless the bereaved family with patience and strength to bear this irreparable loss.

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman departs for Bangladesh visit

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 10 (APP):Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has departed for a visit to Bangladesh, the party’s spokesperson confirmed on Monday.
According to JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghauri, Maulana Fazlur Rehman will address a series of religious, reformist, and spiritual gatherings during his stay.
He will also participate as the chief guest at the International Khatm-e-Nabuwwat Conference.
The JUI-F chief is also scheduled to attend annual gatherings at various religious seminaries across Bangladesh.
In his honour, special receptions will be organised in Dhaka, Sylhet, and several other cities, the spokesperson said.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman is accompanied by senior JUI-F leaders, including Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Maulana Asad Mahmood, Maulana Saeed Yousaf, and Mufti Ibrar Ahmed.

102 female teachers to be promoted to Grade 20

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LAHORE, Nov 10 (APP):The School Education Department has announced the promotion of 102 female teachers to Grade 20.
According to sources within the department, documents for 114 female teachers have been forwarded to the Provincial Services Department for processing.
While there are 102 available seats in Grade 20, a total of 114 teachers’ papers have been
sent for consideration. These teachers will undergo evaluation in the Provincial Promotion
Board-II, the sources confirmed.