Sindh’s women-led poverty fight powers up 400,000 entrepreneurs

Sat, 15 Nov 2025, 5:55 PM

MIRPURKHAS, Nov 15 (APP): In a modest ceremony at village Sohbat Laghari, Union Council Makhan Samoon, Provincial Assembly member and Sindh government spokesperson Sadia Javed reminded the crowd that empowering women was the dream of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, a legacy now being carried forward with “full commitment” by Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. Speaking to community workers on Saturday, Javed handed out loan cheques to women eager to launch small businesses, underscoring the Sindh Rural Support Program (SRSP) as a flagship effort to slash poverty across the province.

The SRSP, rolled out province-wide through the Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO), has earmarked a total of Rs 7 billion for its Community Initiatives Fund, with Rs 1 billion set aside as micro-loans for women entrepreneurs. To date, the scheme has reached roughly 400,000 women, enabling them to start or expand enterprises. CEO Muhammad Dattal Kalhoro highlighted an impressive 99 percent loan recovery rate, a testament, he said, to the “dedication and honesty” of the beneficiaries.

Javed praised the program’s uniqueness: it is wholly owned and led by women, a first in Pakistan, she said, and it has proved critics wrong. “When we first launched this, skeptics claimed it would fail, but it was the women of Sindh—our mothers and sisters—who made it a success,” she declared, adding that the initiative reflects the hard-working spirit of Sindh’s female population.

On this occasion, Mayor Abdul Rauf Ghori hailed the effort as a “revolutionary step” toward social and economic empowerment of vulnerable groups.

Later, Javed toured Brit Women Garments and Sky Garments for men, where District Manager SRSO Syed Shehanshah explained that community-level programs aim to organize, sensitize, and link rural women with broader institutions. The event also drew Regional General Manager Hyderabad Khadim Hussain Shar, Deputy Director Social Welfare Anwar Hussain Khaskheli, and several other officials and media representatives.

The ceremony concluded with a chorus of optimism, as officials pledged to expand the SRSP’s reach and deepen its impact, keeping Benazir Bhutto’s dream of a prosperous, empowered Sindh alive.

City’s face-lifting grand project launched in the Lake District of Mirpur, AJK

Asif Jalal

Sat, 15 Nov 2025, 5:53 PM

MIRPUR, Nov 15 (APP): Under the spirit of the face-lifting of the lake city of Mirpur AJK, construction work on several city roads and streets has been kicked off with a prime focus on the completion of the city road projects under a phased annual development program ending on June 30 next year, official sources said.

In the wake of the ongoing city development program, Mirpur Deputy Commissioner Yasir Riaz on Saturday conducted a surprise inspection of the Mian Muhammad Road being constructed from Chowk Shaheedan to Cricket Stadium, District Administration spokesman Javed Malik told APP here on Saturday.

On this occasion, the DC reviewed the quality pace of the road construction work, he added.

Briefing him about the road, SDO Highways Syed Hassan Shah told him that asphalt (carpeting material) was being laid for quality and durable construction of Mian Muhammad Road from one side to the other so that no part of this important and busiest road of the city was left.

Deputy Commissioner Yasir Riaz instructed the officers and contractors of the Highways Department to ensure 100% quality of the road construction project. If any negligence or carelessness is found in this regard, strict action will be taken, and legal action will be taken against the perpetrators of negligence.

DC also directed the Municipal Corporation staff to immediately remove encroachments on both sides of Mian Muhammad Road, and no concession should be made to anyone in this regard. On both sides of the road, the stalls and illegal sheds outside the shops should be removed, and all kinds of encroachments should be removed from the path for pedestrians, he advised.

The DC also reviewed the encroachments around Chowk Shaheed and directed that the encroachments should be removed within the next three days. On this occasion, State Officer Municipality Humayun Zaraq and the Encroachment Department staff were also present.

State Officer Municipality Humayun Razaq said that notices were being issued to remove all kinds of encroachments on both sides of the road from Chowk Shaheed to the cricket stadium. During this time, the encroachments will be removed on their own; otherwise, the encroachment department staff will demolish the encroachments using heavy machinery, the EO said.

The owners will be responsible for the damages caused in this regard. The estate officer said that those who set up stalls on the sidewalks on the sides of the road and sell goods have also been warned to remove their encroachments and goods immediately; otherwise, their goods will be confiscated.

A large number of citizens spoke to Deputy Commissioner Yasir Riaz, lauding the performance of the authorities towards the steps taken regarding road monitoring, the spokesman added.

Punjab CM’s green tractor scheme boosts modern farming: Sheikh Aftab

Asif Jalal

Sat, 15 Nov 2025, 5:49 PM

ATTOCK, Nov 15 (APP): Member of the National Assembly and Member of the Supreme Judicial Council Sheikh Aftab Ahmed has said that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is taking concrete and revolutionary measures to bring about a genuine agricultural transformation in the province, and providing maximum relief to farmers is the government’s top priority.

He expressed these views on Saturday while addressing the audience as chief guest at the tractor distribution ceremony held in the District Council Hall Attock under the second phase of the Chief Minister Punjab High-Power Green Tractor Scheme. The event was attended by Assistant Commissioner Attock Inza Abbasi, PML-N ticket holder Malik Hamid Akbar Khan, Director of Agriculture Rawalpindi Division Shahid Iftikhar Bukhari, Deputy Director of Agriculture Attock Dr. Muhammad Javed, agricultural officers, farmers, and a large number of notables.

Briefing the participants, Deputy Director of Agriculture Dr. Muhammad Javed said that under the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, 150 high-power green tractors had already been distributed among eligible farmers during the first phase, while another 178 tractors were being allotted through balloting in the second phase. He said that the Punjab government is providing a subsidy of Rs. 1 million per tractor. These tractors, he added, are compatible with modern agricultural implements and will significantly reduce both the time and cost of cultivation while increasing per-acre yield.

Speaking on the occasion, Malik Hamid Akbar Khan said that the PML-N government is reshaping Punjab’s agriculture sector through farmer-friendly policies. He added that subsidies on fertilizers, easy loans under the Kisan Card, the provision of modern machinery, and quality agricultural research have resulted in substantial improvements in the sector, leading to better financial stability for farmers.

According to agricultural experts, the positive effects of the government’s policies are clearly evident, with the average per-acre wheat yield increasing from 32 maunds to 38 maunds, marking an 18% rise this season. Similarly, subsidies on DAP fertilizer, drip irrigation systems, a 70% discount on laser land leveling, and the use of advanced seed varieties have improved water efficiency and boosted overall agricultural production. The Agriculture Department expects Punjab’s total wheat output this season to reach 21 million tons, a major milestone for the country’s food security.

Concluding his address, Sheikh Aftab Ahmed congratulated the successful farmers and the administration, stating that the objective of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is not merely tractor distribution but to equip farmers with modern technology, relief packages, and a conducive environment, enabling Punjab’s agriculture to become a modern and self-sufficient economic sector. He said that these initiatives will not only uplift farmers economically but also strengthen Pakistan’s overall economy.

Security forces, youth together form shield against terror: Barrister Danyal

Asif Jalal

Sat, 15 Nov 2025, 5:45 PM

ISLAMABAD, Nov 15 (APP): Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Barrister Danyal Chaudhry, speaking at the Westminster Annual Sports Day at the Islamabad Sports Complex on Saturday, delivered a powerful message of hope and resilience.

He declared that Pakistan’s youth will ultimately defeat terrorism, setting a spirit tone for an event attended by students, parents and distinguished guests.

Presiding as Chief Guest, Barrister Danyal said the confidence and discipline displayed by young athletes showed that Pakistan’s future is secure. He expressed his joy and satisfaction that these children equipped with knowledge and strong values will lead the nation beyond the shadows of extremism.

Security forces, youth together form shield against terror: Barrister Danyal

He stressed that education, character building and sports are powerful tools in shaping a peaceful and progressive society. These elements form the foundation for a nation determined to resist and overcome forces of violence, Barrister claimed.

Highlighting international achievements of Westminster students, he said many had earned distinctions and represented Pakistan with honour on major global platforms. These successes, he added, reflected the true and peaceful face of Pakistan.

The event showcased an impressive lineup of performances, including acrobatic displays, karate demonstrations and a series of races. Students displayed remarkable teamwork, physical fitness and an eagerness to excel.

Barrister Danyal remarked that such events are central to Westminster’s approach to youth development. They provide young minds with the confidence and discipline needed to thrive in an environment of growth and opportunity.

Barrister said Pakistan is in safe hands with a generation that value knowledge and hard work. Their spirit promised a strong and enlightened future for the country,he added.

In his concluding remarks, he paid tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan’s security forces. He greatly appreciated their efforts to establish peace in the country and said that their bravery has cleared the path for a more peaceful tomorrow.

With unity, education and the strength of our youth,Pakistan is moving confidently towards progress and stability, Barrister concluded.

KP CM inaugurates 40.8MW Koto HPP in Lower Dir

Asif Jalal

Sat, 15 Nov 2025, 5:43 PM

PESHAWAR, Nov 15 (APP): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Muhammad Sohail Afridi formally inaugurated the 40.8 megawatt Koto Hydropower Project in Lower Dir district on Saturday.

The project, completed at a cost of Rs 21.7 billion, was expected to generate 207 million units of electricity annually, forecasting an annual income of Rs 2.4 billion for the province.

During a briefing session on the project, CM Afridi emphasized that provincial government was executing a long-term strategy to leverage hydropower resources as a cornerstone for economic development.

He stated that these clean and affordable energy projects will be crucial for employment generation and industrial development across the region.

The Chief Minister also announced that the province’s first dedicated power transmission line is under construction. This line is designed to facilitate the distribution of electricity from eleven different hydro projects. He further committed that power generated from local houses would be supplied to industries at concessional rates, assuring full government support for its power distribution system.

Following the inauguration, CM Muhammad Sohail Afridi also inaugurated newly completed 18.5-kilometer Torming-Razgram Road, which was built at a cost of Rs 1.5 billion.

Seminar at KUST stresses youth’s role in combating corruption, promoting national harmony

Asif Jalal

Sat, 15 Nov 2025, 5:40 PM

KOHAT, Nov 15 (APP): An important seminar on “Combating Corruption and The Role of Youth in National Peace and Harmony” was held at Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST) on Saturday, bringing together faculty, students, and officials to highlight the pressing need for collective efforts against corruption.

Commissioner of Kohat Division, Moatasim Ballah Shah, attended the event as chief guest. In his address, he underscored the social, economic, and administrative harms of corruption, stressing that the younger generation must step forward to play a constructive role in eradicating the menace. “Youth are the future leaders of the nation,and their active participation is vital in building a transparent and prosperous society,” he remarked.

The seminar was presided over by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Syed Zafar Ilyas, who emphasized that universities are not merely centers of education but nurseries for character building and social responsibility. He urged students to adopt values of peace, tolerance,and harmony, describing them as the foundation of a developed and cohesive society.

A large number of professors, faculty members, and students from various departments attended the seminar. Participants engaged in interactive discussions, raising questions on anti-corruption awareness and the social role of youth. Speakers reiterated the importance of positive and active contributions by young people for the betterment of the country and nation.

At the conclusion of the event, commemorative shields were presented to the chief guest and the vice chancellor. Students expressed their firm resolve to continue efforts at all levels to fight corruption and promote national harmony.

Police arrest groom, 11 others for aerial firing

Asif Jalal

Sat, 15 Nov 2025, 5:37 PM

PESHAWAR, Nov 15 (APP): Tehkal police on Saturday arrested twelve suspects including a groom allegedly involved in aerial firing and recovered arms.

Police acted on information received regarding indiscriminate firing during a wedding ceremony held at Forest Bazar.

During the raid, police arrested twelve individuals and recovered one LMG, one M4 rifle, two Kalashnikovs, and one pistol from them.

A case has been registered under the relevant sections of the law.

PFA equips all inspection vehicles with modern milk-testing kits : DG

Asif Jalal

Sat, 15 Nov 2025, 5:35 PM

LAHORE, Nov 15 (APP): The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has equipped all inspection squad vehicles across the province with modern milk-testing kits as part of an intensified drive to ensure food safety under the directives of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

According to PFA Director General Asim Javed, the upgraded vehicles will conduct on-spot testing of milk shops and milk carrier vehicles to ensure quality checks at every stage from farm to consumer.

The DG said citizens may also have samples of milk used in their homes tested free of cost through PFA squad vehicles or by visiting the authority’s offices. He added that milk collection centres, shops and suppliers will maintain complete daily records of milk received and sold, while milk handlers at dairy farms, supply chains and retail outlets are being provided food safety training.

Asim Javed further informed that milk and water testing laboratories are being established at all divisional headquarters to strengthen regulatory oversight. He said the authority has adopted a zero-tolerance policy on adulteration, and violations will result in legal action, licence cancellation and heavy fines.

The DG added that, on the instructions of the Chief Minister Punjab, a stricter law is being finalised to eliminate the adulterated milk mafia. He added that firm measures have tightened the space for those involved in food adulteration across the province.