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PAL hosts book launch ceremony of Urdu translation of Russian short stories

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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ISLAMABAD, Jul 15 (APP):Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) hosted a book launching ceremony for the Urdu translation of Russian short stories titled “Roos ki Muntakhib Kahanian” on Tuesday.
The book has been recently published by PAL.
PAL hosts book launch ceremony of Urdu translation of Russian short stories
The event marked a significant milestone in fostering literary exchange and cultural ties between Pakistan and Russia.
The ceremony was presided over by eminent poet and scholar Iftikhar Arif, while the chief guest was Albert Khorev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Pakistan.
Chairperson of PAL, Dr Najeeba Arif, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the importance of literary diplomacy and cultural dialogue.
She expressed PAL’s commitment to promoting global literature in Pakistani languages, stating that translations serve as bridges connecting readers across borders.
She also proposed that an anthology of Pakistani short stories be translated into Russian and published by the Academy’s counterpart in Russia.
Additionally, she expressed her gratitude to Almas Haider Naqvi for his efforts in making the event a success.
In his remarks, Ambassador Albert Khorev praised the initiative and emphasized the role of literature in building mutual understanding between nations.
He acknowledged the historical depth and emotional richness of Russian short stories, and appreciated the efforts of Pakistani translators in bringing them to Urdu-speaking audiences.
He also hinted to establishing liaison between PAL and its Russian counterpart.
In his presidential address, Iftikhar Arif threw light on influences of Russian fiction on Pakistani literature.
He also dilated upon literary contacts of both countries.
The Urdu translation was introduced by Dr. Mujahid Mirza, who also shared his insights and experiences from the translation process.
The ceremony featured thoughtful speeches by distinguished literary figures including Dr. Ludmila Vassilieva, a Russian scholar of Urdu literature, Dr. Asma Naveed, Zahid Kazmi, and Almas Haider Naqvi.
The speakers lauded the literary and cultural relevance of the selected stories and discussed their thematic depth, narrative technique, and resonance with South Asian sensibilities.
Several senior writers, cultural personalities, officers, and diplomats attended this gracious event.
PAL hosts book launch ceremony of Urdu translation of Russian short stories

Steps underway to clear urban areas of rain water: Commissioner

By
Muhammad Zubair
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FAISALABAD, Jul 15 (APP):In line with the directions of Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, special steps are underway to immediately clear urban areas of rain water in the division.
Commissioner Maryam Khan has directed various departments including WASA, Municipal Corporations, district administration to remain alert in the field. She said that in view of the ongoing rains, all machinery should be kept functional and water should not be accumulated at any place.
She directed the WASA authorities to make arrangements of generators at all disposal stations to drain water in case of power outage.
The Commissioner said that all Deputy Commissioners should personally supervise the drainage arrangements during the rains and keep a close eye on the performance of the field teams.
She also appealed to the citizens to take precautionary measures during the rains and immediately inform the concerned quarters in case of any emergency.

CDA’s auction generates record Rs. 17.14 billion on day one

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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ISLAMABAD, Jul 15 (APP):Capital Development Authority (CDA) raised a record Rs. 17.14 billion on the first day of its three-day open auction of commercial plots at the Jinnah Convention Centre on Tuesday.
Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, personally oversaw the auction proceedings, ensuring transparency and fairness.
The auction, which runs from July 15 to 17, marks a significant milestone for the authority, with six high-value plots sold on the opening day alone.
The standout sale of the day was Plot No. 13 in Blue Area (G-8), which fetched approximately Rs. 7.24 billion. Plot No. 14 in the same area was auctioned for Rs. 4.16 billion, while Plot No. 12 garnered Rs. 3.60 billion.
In Sector I-14, Plot No. 3-A was sold for nearly Rs. 749 million, Plot No. 3B for Rs. 709 million, and Plot No. 10A for
Rs. 669 million.
CDA officials noted that the total revenue generated on the first day exceeded the reserve prices by 33%—a clear sign of market enthusiasm.
The auction was closely monitored by senior CDA officials, including Member Estate Talat Mahmood, Member Finance Tahir Naeem, Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza, and Member Planning Dr. Khalid Hafiz.
A special committee led by Member Finance and comprising the DG Resource, DG Building Control, DG Law, and others was also formed to ensure transparency.
“This is a historic achievement,” said CDA Chairman Randhawa while addressing participants. “The strong participation of investors shows the trust they place in CDA’s policies. We have worked day and night to bring Islamabad to this point, and we are just getting started.”
Randhawa emphasized that all auction activities followed strict merit-based procedures, with a strong focus on public interest. “Every rupee raised through this auction will go back into the city—for development, beautification, and better public services,” he said.
CDA has introduced several incentives to encourage greater investment.
Buyers making lump-sum payments within one month will receive a 5% rebate, with an additional 5% rebate offered for payments made in US dollars.
To support investors, CDA organized an Investment Expo alongside the auction, where various departments—including Environment, Planning & Resource, MCI, and Sports & Culture—set up information booths.
A dedicated facilitation team was also deployed to assist investors throughout the process.
Chairman Randhawa announced that new residential sectors are in the pipeline to address Islamabad’s housing demand.
He also reiterated CDA’s commitment to modernizing city services in line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s digital vision.
“CDA is moving toward a digital, paperless, and cashless future,” Randhawa said, highlighting plans to promote digital streamers and smart screens across the capital.
The event drew wide participation from the business community, including representatives from the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce, Pakistan Stock Exchange, traders, civil society, and media.
The Chairman expressed special thanks to journalists from the National Press Club for their real-time coverage.
The auction will continue on July 16 and 17, offering a total of 46 plots and commercial units from key locations such as Blue Area and other commercial centers.

Woman killed, six injured as roof collapses in rain

By
Muhammad Zubair
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0
FAISALABAD, Jul 15 (APP):A woman was killed and six people including two children were injured when roof of a dilapidated house collapsed due to rain, in tehsil Jaranwala on Tuesday.
According to Rescue-1122 sources, the incident took place in Chak No 375-GB Jandanwala.
The dead was identified as Shamim Akhtar, wife of Shahid Iqbal while the injured included Ali (10), Ladi (4), Abrar (40), Bushra (25), Javed Iqbal (25) and Khadija Bibi.
The dead body and critically injured were shifted to THQ Hospital.

China’s Jinyi Lake: A New Industrial City Rising from the Barren

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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BEIJING, July 15 (APP):“This is a temperature and humidity-controlled robot production line, and across from it is the dormitory building…,” recently, a group of university graduates, including Liu Yuxuan from China Jiliang University, visited the Jinyi Lake Sci-Tech Innovation Hub in Jindong District, Jinhua City, for an immersive job exploration.
Chen Rongheng, General Manager of Zhejiang Hengdong Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., acted as their guide, leading them to experience the vitality and charm of the “Central Zhejiang version of Songshan Lake”. “As a technology company, we pay the most attention to a place’s business environment. Facts have proven that choosing Jindong was the right decision for us.” In 2023, Chen Rongheng was invited to visit the Jinyi Lake Sci-Tech Innovation Hub. Chen recalled that on that day, their group climbed a small hill and listened to local officials introduce the area’s development plans. They were immediately drawn to Jindong’s vibrant energy and top-notch business environment, and decided on the spot to relocate “Hengdong Technology” to Jindong.
With the establishment and growth of Hengdong Technology, Jinyi Lake — spanning 27.77 square kilometers and developed by Jindong District as a technology innovation hub modeled after Guangdong’s Songshan Lake — has rapidly emerged as a new urban landmark integrating industry, city, and culture. High-level innovation platforms such as the Jinhua Shuanglong Talent and Innovation Center, Zhejiang University Jinhua Institute, and Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Jinhua Institute have successively settled in the area. Projects like the full industrial chain park for new energy vehicle components and the industrialization of humanoid robots are thriving. From platform building to talent aggregation, from technological research to industrial upgrading, every step is solid and powerful, showcasing the vigorous momentum of innovation-driven development.
“The speed of development in Jindong is astonishing. Just two years ago, the place where our company is now located was still a small hill, and today it has become a modern industrial park,” said Chen Rongheng, A good platform is essential to attract outstanding talent. “The working environment and development prospects here are excellent, and I hope to work here.” After the visit, Liu Yuxuan and others expressed more expectation and confidence the prospect of working here.
“We also grew step by step in Jindong.” Recalling the scene when they first settled in the Jinhua Science and Technology City, Dai Linghao, one of the first talents introduced to the Jinyi Lake Sci-Tech Innovation Hub, was filled with emotion. On December 30, 2022, the Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Jinhua Institute (Zhejiang Central Laboratory) was inaugurated. In early January 2023, Dai Linghao brought his team to settle in the Jinhua Science and Technology City. “Initially, neither the accommodation nor the office building were ready, so I often had to commute between Jinhua and Hangzhou.” Dai Linghao said that over the past two years, Jindong has established a talent service system featuring “comprehensive contact, all-time access, and full-process guarantees,” solving the “urgent, difficult, and worrisome” problems that hindered talent from putting down roots, such as household registration, children’s education, and housing security.
“Now there’s no need to shuttle between two cities — all our work, living, and other needs can be met right here at Jinyi Lake,” Dai Linghao said with a smile, pulling out a marathon medal. This March, ten thousand runners gathered by Jinyi Lake for the 2025 Jinyi Lake Zhejiang Half Marathon Team Race. Dai, together with 40 key researchers from the laboratory, ran the 21.0975-kilometer “Sci-Tech Innovation Eco Track,” embodying through action the “mutual journey” between innovation talents and urban development. Focusing on the 27.77 square kilometers surrounding Jinyi Lake, Jindong District is making every effort to foster this mutual journey between youth, talent, and the city — enabling more youthful dreams to set sail here, and allowing the flowers of talent to bloom in abundance on this land of promise.
The once barren hills overgrown with weeds are now transforming into a sci-tech innovation highland teeming with talent and surging momentum. “Jinyi Lake’s first-class ecological environment has become the most crucial factor attracting enterprises and talent to take root and pursue their dreams. In the first half of 2025 alone, the platform has attracted several sci-tech innovation projects to land, including Yitech’s humanoid robots and QCraft’s global headquarters for commercial vehicle autonomous driving systems.” The head of the High-Tech Service Center Office of Jinyi New Area (Jindong District), Jinhua City stated that Jindong will continue to build an optimal business environment centered on efficiency and rooted in openness and inclusiveness, enabling enterprises and talent to thrive “like fish in water” and “birds returning to the forest.” They aim to build the Jinyi Lake Sci-Tech Innovation Hub into an International Sci-Tech Demonstration City, the Central Axis of Cities in Central Zhejiang, and a Valley of Youth Entrepreneurship Vitality, showcasing to the world a “new model for technological innovation and green transformation in China’s industrial new areas.”

Drainage readiness reviewed at Jail Chowk Station

By
Muhammad Zubair
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0
GUJRAT, Jul 15 (APP):On the special directives of Commissioner Gujranwala and Administrator of the Municipal Corporation of Gujrat Syed Naveed Haider Shirazi, Chief Officer of the Municipal Corporation of Gujrat Khaleeq Dad Gara visited the Jail Chowk Disposal Station.
The chief officer inspected the functionality of all motors and expressed satisfaction over their operational condition. He directed the staff to ensure a prompt response during rainfall and stressed the full mobilization of field teams to maintain uninterrupted drainage in urban areas.
He further emphasized timely maintenance and cleanliness of machinery to ensure efficient performance.

Planning Ministry ensures full transparency in infrastructure development spending: Ahsan Iqbal

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Jul 15 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday reaffirmed the government’s firm commitment to ensuring full transparency and accountability in all infrastructure development-related spending and contracts.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the FIDIC Asia Pacific Mid-Year Conference, the minister said, “Our ministry, as the custodian of Pakistan’s development budget, is fully committed to ensuring the fullest possible transparency in all infrastructure projects and contracts.”

Highlighting the critical role of public investment governance, Iqbal said economic growth cannot be sustained without high-quality, transparent procurement and infrastructure management.

“As an engineer myself, I understand that infrastructure is not just about concrete and contracts. It is about building institutional credibility, enabling long-term finance, and delivering services that improve lives,” he remarked.

Ahsan Iqbal praised the role of the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) in offering globally recognized contract standards that go beyond technical guidance. It provides language of trust when used appropriately.

He said, “These contracts promote transparency in procurement, fair and balanced risk allocation, time and cost predictability, and structured rules-based dispute resolution.”

These are not theoretical ideals for countries like Pakistan, where infrastructure projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) are increasingly multi-finance, cross-border, and large-scale the need for dependable internationally recognized frameworks has never been more urgent, he added.

The minister said that use of FIDIC base contracts standards is increasing evident across Pakistan infrastructure landscapes.

These frameworks, when thoroughly adapted to a legal and institutional contact provides clarity enrolls, legal enforceability, and operational discipline—essential elements in complex, multi-stakeholder project environments.

Looking ahead, Iqbal expressed hope that the conference would produce actionable recommendations for better enforcement of these contract standards. “In times of macroeconomic pressure, every rupee we spend must deliver the highest possible value. We should aim for near-zero waste in all infrastructure contracts,” he stressed.

President, PM discuss country’s political, security, economic situation

By
Najam ul Hassan
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ISLAMABAD, Jul 15 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Tuesday called on President Asif Ali Zardari here and discussed matters related to the country’s political, security and economic situation.

During the meeting, they also discussed the law and order situation of the country and steps being taken against terrorists.

The prime minister informed the president about the government’s initiatives to improve the country’s economy.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to work together to ensure the stability, development and prosperity in the country.

Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Advisor to the prime minister on Political affairs Rana Sanaullah were present in the meeting.

Leadership camp for orphaned children concludes at Kalam

By
Muhammad Zubair
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0
PESHAWAR, Jul 15 (APP):The leadership camp jointly arranged by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) and Alkhidmat Foundation for orphaned children concluded in Kalam, Swat valley on Tuesday.
The camp titled ‘Shining stars leadership camp’ was attended by a number of orphan students. The camp featured both indoor and outdoor sessions, various individual and group events, healthy recreational activities, Naat recitation, speech competitions and a cleanliness drive.
The orphan students from the Orphan Family Support Program took part in a wide range of educational and character-building activities as well.
The primary goal of the leadership camp was to nurture leadership qualities, build confidence and empower these courageous orphaned children. Under the guidance of expert trainers, several training and creative sessions were conducted.
As part of the “Clean and Green Pakistan” initiative, the participants also organized a cleanliness drive in the Kalam Ushu Fores.

Rescuers’ performance reviewed in Sialkot

By
Muhammad Zubair
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0
SIALKOT, Jul 15 (APP):Administrator/Regional Emergency Officer Gujranwala Syed Kamal Abid visited Rescue Central Station Sialkot and reviewed in details the rescuers performance.
According to rescue spokesperson, during the visit, he reviewed parade of the evening and morning shifts.
District Emergency Officer (DEO) Engineer Naveed Iqbal presented a report to the Administrator regarding the performance of the rescue station and rescuers.
Later, the Regional Emergency Officer also listened to emergency calls in the rescue control room and reviewed the EMDS system.
Regional Emergency Officer expressed satisfaction with the capabilities of the rescuers and also gave instructions to the rescuers.
Furthermore, he said that they should always keep their records updated and that rescuers should practice in every shift to improve and hone their operational skills so that timely assistance can be provided in the event of any emergency or disaster.
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