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PTI’s anarchic politics intensified after fading away of Indian war hysteria: Amir Muqam

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SWABI, Jun 02 (APP):Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, States and Frontier Regions and President of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Engr Amir Muqam, here Monday said that the Pakistan Tahrik e Insaf’s anarchic politics has intensified after fading away of the India’s war hysteria.
Speaking to the media here, the federal minister said that like India’s war hysteria, PTI’s chaotic frenzy has also been defeated.
He said the fresh protest call of PTI dubbed the “final protest” will prove to be the last nail in PTI’s coffin, just like the humiliating failure of their “final call.”
Engr Amir Muqam added that PTI has not changed its mindset, mood, or agenda and that Just as “Operation Sindoor” completely failed, the so-called “Operation Release from Adiala Jail” will also fail.
He questioned how those elements who ran away from dialogue now plan to run a mass movement, and said there’s no way such a movement can succeed when the public is not ready to support the PTI after the unfortunate events of May 9.
PTI workers have already seen the true face of their leaders and started to distance themselves from its negative politicking. “The earlier calls of PTI also flopped, and this time too there is neither any threat nor capability—only disgrace awaits them.”
Federal Minister Amir Muqam maintained that the PML-N’s victory in Sialkot is a public acknowledgment and confidence in the leadership of former Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif who achieved success on every front.
Engr Amir Muqam said that people of KP are fed up with negative politics and long marches of PTI and wanted resolution of their problems. He said cases of corruption started to surface in KP and problems of masses especially youth has increased manifold.

Lukashenko to visit China on 2-4 June

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MINSK, Jun 2 (BelTA/APP): Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko will visit the People’s Republic of China on 2-4 June.

The Belarusian head of state will meet with his Chinese counterpart in Beijing. At first the two leaders will meet in a one-on-one format and then in an informal setting. Aleksandr Lukashenko and Xi Jinping are set to discuss the state and prospects of Belarus-China relations, implementation of joint projects and the promotion of multilateral initiatives,BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian leader.

International cooperation will also be high on the agenda.

A number of other negotiations and meetings are to be held during the visit.

Dubai Fitness Challenge to take place in November

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DUBAI, Jun 2 (WAM/APP): The organising committee of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) has announced that its ninth edition will take place from 1st to 30th November, coinciding with the “Year of the Community”.

The committee also unveiled a bold, refreshed brand identity, which celebrates its transformative impact on the city’s health and wellbeing. The announcement was made at a special gathering held to thank the government entities, schools, corporate entities, partners, fitness establishments and local communities that have helped make the annual event a resounding success.

Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council and CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, began the ceremony with gratitude for every individual, organisation, government partner and stakeholder who has helped shape the success of DFC, noting that more than 13 million people have taken part over eight editions.

Launched in 2017 by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, the DFC embodies his vision to transform Dubai into one of the world’s most active cities.

Driven by this visionary leadership, the initiative’s ongoing success supports the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, reinforcing the city’s position as a global leader in both business and lifestyle.

Commenting on the impact of DFC, he said, “With 2025 declared the Year of Community in the UAE, I am confident that this year’s edition will once again unite friends, families, and organisations in the shared pursuit of a healthier, more active lifestyle.”

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said the Dubai Fitness Challenge has played a key role in encouraging healthier lifestyles and advancing the D33 Agenda’s vision of making Dubai the best place to live, work, and visit. He added that the initiative’s refreshed brand reflects its dynamic spirit and ongoing impact, as it continues to enhance well-being and strengthen Dubai’s global standing.

Alongside the refreshed brand, the 2025 highlight calendar was revealed, featuring 30 days of free and inclusive fitness events, fitness villages, community hubs, classes, and activities.

This year’s Challenge will feature a brand new flagship event: Dubai Yoga, which will bring the 30-day Challenge to a close with a sunset yoga session on 30th November.

Returning events include the Dubai Ride, presented by DP World on 2nd November; Dubai Stand-Up Paddle on 8th-9th November; and Dubai Run, presented by Mai Dubai, on 23rd November.

The 2024 edition saw a record-breaking 2,735,158 participants – a 14 percent increase from 2023. Data from 2024 highlights DFC’s lasting impact: 18 percent of participants reported improved physical fitness, 15 percent noted enhanced psychological wellbeing, and 14 percent experienced greater self-esteem and reduced anxiety.

Duststorm, rain-thunderstorm likely in upper parts from June 2–5; Very hot and dry weather expected during Eid in plains

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 02 (APP):The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast duststorms and rain-thunderstorms in upper parts of the country from June 02 (evening/night) to June 05, with possible isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms in some areas. Meanwhile, plain areas of the country are likely to experience very hot and dry weather during the upcoming Eid holidays.
According to the Met Office, moist currents were penetrating northeastern parts of the country, while a westerly wave was likely to approach the upper regions on June 03. Under the influence of this system, widespread weather activity is expected across several regions.
From the evening/night of June 02-05, scattered duststorms and rain-thunderstorms, some with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms, are expected in Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Mansehra, Battagram, Shangla, Kohistan, and Abbottabad.
Additionally, from June 03 (evening/night) to June 04, similar weather patterns are likely in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Kohat, Bannu, Karak, and Waziristan. Duststorms are also likely in parts of southern Punjab during the same period.
For Eid-ul-Adha (June 07 to 09), rain-wind and thunderstorms are expected in Dir, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, and Mansehra, mainly during evening and night hours.
Windstorms, hailstorms, and lightning may cause damage to weak infrastructure including electric poles, trees, vehicles, and solar panels.
The farmers are urged to plan agricultural activities in line with the forecast.
The general public, especially travelers and tourists, are advised to exercise caution and stay informed.
All relevant authorities have been advised to remain alert and take precautionary measures to avoid any untoward incidents.

Workshop organized to review, validate data findings

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 02 (APP):The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) on Monday organized  a high-level data validation workshop to to review and validate findings from the Food Systems Policy Coherence (FSPC) study in Pakistan.
The workshop brought together stakeholders from agriculture, health, environment, trade, academia and social sectors to review and validate findings from the FSPC study in the country.
The workshop was part of GAIN’s global efforts to foster inclusive, sustainable, and resilient food systems in response to growing challenges such as malnutrition, climate change, and fragmented policy responses, said a press release.
With Pakistan among the countries participating in the multi-country FSPC initiative, the study aims to enhance alignment and coherence of policies across sectors to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Farrah Naz, Country Director, GAIN Pakistan, emphasized the urgency of integrated policy action.
“Fragmented policies were no longer sufficient to meet today’s complex food system challenges. This workshop marks an important milestone in fostering dialogue across sectors and grounding our analysis in local realities,” she added.
The FSPC diagnostic tool—developed under the Nourishing Food Pathways program in collaboration with Akademiya2063 , It includes two key modules including foundational module, assesses structures, coordination, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring mechanisms to support food system transformation.
Key policies module examines coherence among sectoral policies in agriculture, health/nutrition, trade, environment, and social protection.
The workshop created a space for cross-sector collaboration and joint analysis, contributing to a stronger evidence base for future action.
Faiz Rasool, Head of Policy and Advocacy at GAIN, highlighted the broader vision and said that this is more than a validation workshop—it is a step toward a nationally owned process of building policy coherence to transform Pakistan’s food system.
Only through alignment and collective effort can we meet the nutrition and sustainability needs of our population”, he added.
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment to integrate feedback into the final Policy Coherence analysis and engage policymakers in advancing food systems transformation in Pakistan.

Several shopkeepers fined for substandard food, poor hygiene

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DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Jun 02 (APP):The Food Safety and Halal Food Authority is taking effective steps to ensure availability of safe and quality foods for citizens.
As part of efforts, a team of the authority visited several markets in the city to take stock of food items’ quality and cleanliness conditions.
During the inspection, poor cleanliness and a decline in food quality were observed in some shops.
As a result, they imposed fines on several shop and food point owners for selling substandard food and maintaining poor hygiene conditions.
The concerned shopkeepers were issued directives and their licenses were also renewed.
Moreover, the Food Authority held a meeting with soda water plant owners, informing them about food safety regulations and strictly instructing them to comply with these rules.

MoRA urges strict adherence to Saudi laws during Mashair Days

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By Raziq Ali Shah
MAKKAH AL-MUKARRAMAH, Jun 02 (APP):The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony (MoRA) on Monday advised Pakistani pilgrims to comply fully with Saudi regulations, particularly during Mashair days in Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifa and Jamarah.
Issuing an advisory ahead of Hajj starting from 8th Zilhajj (June 4 – Wednesday), Secretary Religious Affairs Dr Syed Ata Ur Rehman emphasized the importance of following the instructions of Saudi authorities without argument.  “At the holy sites, including Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifa, and Jamarah, all arrangements during the Hajj days are managed by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and its approved Makatib.”
Dr Rehman also advised pilgrims to avoid all political and communal discussions and debates.
He cautioned Pakistani pilgrims that violating Saudi laws and engaging in prohibited activities could bring a bad name for the country, and stressed that individuals would be responsible for their own actions.

Cattle market sees sharp price hike ahead of Eid-ul-Azha

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 02 (APP):The cattle market of twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad has witnessed a significant surge in prices over the past few weeks, leaving many buyers struggling to afford sacrificial animals for Eid-ul-Azha.
The prices of goats, cows, and buffaloes have increased by up to 30% compared to last year, citing rising feed costs and demand.
A local buyer Ali Asad while sharing his experience said “I had budgeted PKR 50,000 for a goat, but now I’m being quoted PKR 70,000 for the same quality and this increase is putting a lot of pressure on middle-class families like mine.”
He told that the rates of goats, sheep, buffalos, and cows were overstated, forcing people to go home empty-handed.                   He further said a small goat that cost Rs 55,000 last year now costs up to Rs 100,000, while a heifer that cost Rs 150,000 last year now costs Rs 240,000.
Another buyer, Muhammad Arshad, expressed frustration over the high prices, saying, “We are  forced to compromise on the quality or size of the animal. Many people might end up buying smaller or less expensive animals.” Buyers feel traders were  charging unfair prices due to lack of regulation. A standardized pricing mechanism for sacrificial animals is necessary to ensure fairness,he stated.
He said some buyers were even turning to online platforms to purchase sacrificial animals, which has become increasingly popular since the pandemic.
He said the government has announced measures to regulate the market and ensure fair prices, but many believe more needs to be done to make Eid-ul-Azha accessible to all.
Commenting on high prices,cattle market owner Muhammad Imtiaz said “We are selling at high prices due to increased feed costs and transportation expenses.”
He said high demand for sacrificial animals during Eid-ul-Azha drives up prices adding that prices of fodder, labor, and other inputs have gone up, so they have to adjust prices accordingly.
“We aim to make a fair profit while meeting the demand for quality animals”,he stated.
He said despite the price hike, enthusiasm among buyers remains high, but many are struggling to afford the animals.                       395

QAKLF Dara organizes literary session on eve of ‘Yum e Takbir’

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DARRA ADAM KHEL, Jun 02 (APP):The Qasim Ali Khan Literary Forum (QAKLF) of Darra Adam Khel on Monday organized a literary session and poetry gathering in connection with “Yum e Takbir” at Ollas Khan Park Library here.
The event was held under the patronage of the forum’s president, Malik Muhammad Umar Afridi Khog, and featured a poetry gathering presided over by noted poet Khushal Khan Hamraz.
A large number of writers, poets, and people from various walks of life participated in the event.
The program began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Farooq Ustad. Following that, local poets including Malik Muhammad Umar Afridi Khog, Mukarram Khan, Malik Jan, Khushal Hamraz, Shafiullah, Mumtaz Ghamgeen, Touid Alam, Rahim Shah Faqir, Malik Akbar Khan, Syed Kamal, Jahanzeb Malyar, Zarghon Shah, Asim Khan, and librarian Shafiullah recited their poetry. Their performances were met with great appreciation from the audience.
A special prayer was offered at the end for the integrity and solidarity of the country.
Meanwhile, Malik Umar Khog announced a special meeting of the Qasim Literary Forum on June 15 to discuss organizational matters and other key issues. All members have been requested to attend.

Ayub Teaching Hospital enhances patient care with new facilities

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ABBOTTABAD, Jun 02 (APP):Ayub Teaching Hospital has taken a commendable step forward in patient care by introducing “Patient Shifting Carts”, aimed at easing the transfer process for patients within the hospital. This initiative is set to greatly reduce the physical discomfort experienced by patients and the operational challenges faced by medical staff during transfers between wards, emergency units,operation theatres, and other departments.
The carts were handed over to Hospital Director Dr Sajjad Ahmed Afridi by Dean and CEO Professor Dr Saqib Malik, under the special directive of Chairman of the Board of Governors, Professor Abid Jameel.
The hospital administration believes this development will significantly enhance the quality of patient care and reinforce their mission to provide timely and improved medical services to the public.
In a parallel development, Prof Dr Alam Zeb Swati has assumed additional responsibilities as the Dean and CEO of Ayub Medical College, while continuing his role as Medical Director. He succeeds Professor Dr Saqib Malik, whose progressive initiatives and contributions have left a lasting impact on the institution and are considered a memorable part of its history.
These back-to-back developments reflect Ayub Teaching Hospital’s unwavering commitment to advancement in healthcare and leadership excellence for the benefit of the people of Hazara Division.