ANF recovers 44 kg of drugs worth Rs 6.4 million in 5 operations

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Wed, 6 Aug 2025, 4:14 PM

MULTAN, Aug 06 (APP):The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) conducted a successful operation in the Kabirwala area and discarded 60 kilograms of expired ‘Khoya’ (a dairy product widely used in sweets).

Under the special directives of Director General Muhammad Asim Javed, PFA’s food safety teams inspected two khoya production units located in 21 Ghugh, Kabirwala. During testing, the khoya was found to be adulterated with starch, rendering it substandard and unsafe for consumption.

As a result, 60 kilograms of adulterated khoya was destroyed on-the-spot, and First Information Report (FIR) was got registered against the both unit owners at Haveli Koranga police station.

DG PFA Muhammad Asim Javed stated that strict legal action would be taken against those involved in the production of counterfeit or adulterated food.

He urged the public to report food-related complaints via the PFA helpline 1223.

7th Agricultural Census 2024: “Integrated Digital Count” unveiled

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Wed, 6 Aug 2025, 4:11 PM

ISLAMABAD, Aug 6 (APP):Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday officially launched the results of the 7th Agricultural Census 2024” Integrated Digital Count,” a landmark in Pakistan’s statistical history covering agriculture, livestock and farm machinery.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, he acknowledged the remarkable efforts of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) for introducing innovation, transparency, and precision in data collection and will go long way for country economic growth and prosperity.

He emphasized that Agriculture was the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, contributing significantly to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), exports and employment.

The 7th Agricultural Census is a historic step forward in economic reform and data-driven policymaking, and aligned with URAAN Pakistan initiative, under the 5Es framework that aims at transforming Pakistan in to $3 trillion economy by 2047.

The Census-2024 represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of agricultural planning in Pakistan for the first time; the country has successfully implemented a fully integrated digital approach utilizing advanced technologies such as real-time mapping, geo-tagging and automated data systems to collect accurate and timely information from the field with efficient resource management.

The insights derived from this extensive data collection will play a critical role in shaping forward-looking agricultural policies, optimizing resource allocation, and enabling data-driven decisions at both federal and provincial levels.

Most importantly, the findings would directly contribute to improving the livelihoods of millions of farming households by ensuring that policies are responsive, inclusive and grounded in reality.

This would also enable targeted interventions and effective resource allocation

The 7th Agricultural Census executed after 14 years leveraged advanced technology, including ERP systems, GIS dashboards, geo-tagging, real-time synchronization linked to centralized dashboards for quality assurance and to streamline data collection and analysis.

The census revealed significant increase of agriculture farm households to 11.7 million from 8.3 million farm households from 2010, while cultivated area increased from 42.6M acres (2010) to 52.8M acres (2024).

It said that 79 percent of the cultivated area is irrigated by canals and tube-wells.

The livestock population has reached 251 million, growing at 3.18 per cent per annum since 2006, goats (95.8M), cattle (55.8M), buffaloes (47.7M), sheep (44.5M), camels (1.5M) asses (4.8M).

PBS Chief Statistician Dr Naeem uz Zafar said the 7th Agricultural Census 2024 represented far more than just a statistical achievement which stood as a ground breaking innovation in governance and public data systems.

By incorporating real-time data monitoring, implementing widespread and structured training programs, and integrating cutting-edge Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, he said this census has set a new gold standard for how large-scale data collection exercises should be conducted in the future.

Member (SS/RM,) Project lead/ focal person for Agriculture Census, Muhammad Sarwar Gondal said the much-anticipated results of Pakistan’s first-ever Integrated Digital Agricultural Census successfully compiled in just four months.

“This historic digital census has generated crucial data that will drive economic growth and serve as a cornerstone for evidence-based policy planning,” he said.

Gondal said the success of this large-scale operation was made possible through the dedicated efforts of over 7,000 trained personnel, the coordinated support of provincial departments and valuable collaboration with the FAO and academic institutions.

A flood-affected woman, along with her child, prepares traditional bread near the banks of the Chenab River, as rising floodwaters in the background keep surrounding rural areas on high alert during the monsoon season.

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Wed, 6 Aug 2025, 4:11 PM

APP31-060825Multan — APP31-060825 MULTAN: August 06 – A flood-affected woman, along with her child, prepares traditional bread near the banks of the Chenab River, as rising floodwaters in the background keep surrounding rural areas on high alert during the monsoon season. APP/QSM/TZD/SSH

A flood-affected woman, along with her child, prepares traditional bread near the banks of the Chenab River, as rising floodwaters in the background keep surrounding rural areas on high alert during the monsoon season. — APP31-060825
MULTAN: August 06 –

May 9 trial convictions followed lawful judicial process: Azam Tarar

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Wed, 6 Aug 2025, 4:10 PM

ISLAMABAD, Aug 06 (APP):Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar on Wednesday apprised the National Assembly that convictions in May 9 cases were the outcome of a lawful judicial process, adding that there was no role of the government.

Responding to a point raised in the National Assembly by Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, he said that once a case reached the trial stage, it was the court’s domain to conduct proceedings and deliver judgments. “This is a lawful process; objections can be raised, but the forum to do so is also the court,” he said.

Citing a recent example, he referred to Jamshed Dasti’s case in which the Lahore High Court granted interim relief after hearing arguments, despite objections raised against the composition of the bench. He said similar principles applied to the current cases, and if interpretation of constitutional provisions like Articles 63(g) and (h) was required, it would ultimately be determined by the Election Commission and the courts.

The minister said that in criminal law, separate trials could take place if the consequences or participation differed in each case.

He also mentioned precedents from cases involving former prime ministers where multiple references were filed for separate matters, adding that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had faced all such cases in the courts in accordance with the law.

He advised that Parliament was not the forum to decide the merits of ongoing prosecutions, adding that the constitutional framework required respect for judicial independence. “Our responsibility is to improve the legislative process and ensure an enabling environment in the House,” he said.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting to review progress regarding Jinnah Medical Complex.

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Wed, 6 Aug 2025, 4:10 PM

APP40-060825PM-Islamabad — APP40-060825 ISLAMABAD: August 06 - Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting to review progress regarding Jinnah Medical Complex. APP/MAF/TZD

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting to review progress regarding Jinnah Medical Complex. — APP40-060825
ISLAMABAD: August 06 –

A view of the high flood water level in the Chenab River near Head Muhammad Wala, as the river is rising rapidly due to monsoon rains, prompting an alert for nearby communities and posing a threat.

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Wed, 6 Aug 2025, 4:09 PM

APP30-060825Multan — APP30-060825 MULTAN: August 06 – A view of the high flood water level in the Chenab River near Head Muhammad Wala, as the river is rising rapidly due to monsoon rains, prompting an alert for nearby communities and posing a threat. APP/QSM/TZD/SSH

A view of the high flood water level in the Chenab River near Head Muhammad Wala, as the river is rising rapidly due to monsoon rains, prompting an alert for nearby communities and posing a threat. — APP30-060825
MULTAN: August 06 –

PAA achieves early takeoff with timely completion of Karachi Runway Project

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Wed, 6 Aug 2025, 4:09 PM

ISLAMABAD, Aug 06 (APP):The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has successfully completed the Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC) works on the main runway (07L/25R) at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, well ahead of schedule.

The PQC phase, which began in late December 2024 as part of the major runway rehabilitation project, was officially completed on 30 July 2025, nearly one month before the originally planned deadline. This significant progress was made possible through the use of advanced slipform paving technology and round-the-clock construction shifts, which maintained continuous momentum despite operational challenges.

In addition to the PQC works, the Airfield Lighting (AFL) system has also reached a major milestone. A complete set of modern equipment — including runway and taxiway lights, taxi guidance signs, high-grade electrical cables, and constant current regulators — has been procured from globally recognized aviation suppliers and is currently undergoing installation.

Meanwhile, final touches such as runway centerline markings and taxiway surface painting are in progress. These finishing tasks are part of the concluding phase of the runway upgradation initiative, which aims to improve both safety and efficiency for domestic and international flight operations.

This achievement highlights the PAA’s dedication to enhancing aviation infrastructure in line with international standards, ensuring operational readiness and future scalability of Pakistan’s busiest airport.

“We are proud to reach this important milestone ahead of schedule. It reflects the hard work of our engineering teams, contractors, and project management staff, all working with a clear commitment to excellence,” said a PAA spokesperson.

The Pakistan Airports Authority reiterates its commitment to modernizing airport facilities and delivering high-performance infrastructure that meets the growing demands of air travel in the region, he added.

Interior Minister strongly condemns terrorist attacks by Fitna-e-Hindustan on security forces in KP

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Wed, 6 Aug 2025, 4:08 PM

ISLAMABAD, Aug 06 (APP):Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi has strongly condemned two separate terrorist incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, terming them cowardly attacks carried out by the enemies of peace, and labeled the perpetrators as agents of Fitna-e-Hindustan. The minister expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of several security personnel and assured the nation that such acts would not deter Pakistan’s resolve in the war against terrorism.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Interior Minister condemned the deadly attack on a Frontier Corps (FC) vehicle in Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The attack claimed the lives of four brave personnel, including Lance Naik Mehmood Shah, Sepoy Shahid, Sepoy Rauf, and the vehicle’s driver Shahpoor. The FC team was on duty when it was ambushed by terrorists believed to be backed by hostile foreign elements.

“We salute the supreme sacrifices of our brave sons of the soil,” said Mohsin Naqvi. “These heroes laid down their lives for the protection of Pakistan. Their blood will not go in vain, and we will never forget their courage.”

He extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs and assured them of the nation’s full support in this moment of grief. “The entire nation stands united with the bereaved families. Their pain is our pain, and their sacrifices will forever be remembered as symbols of national pride and resilience.”

In another tragic incident, the Interior Minister also condemned a targeted attack on police officials near Warsak Road in Peshawar, which resulted in the martyrdom of Inspector Ali Hussain and two other individuals. Naqvi expressed deep sorrow over the loss and paid glowing tribute to the martyred police officer.

“Inspector Ali Hussain was a fearless officer of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police. He stood at the frontline in the fight against terrorism,” said the Interior Minister. “We salute him and all the brave men and women who continue to protect our country at the risk of their lives.”

Naqvi emphasized that these attacks only strengthen Pakistan’s determination to root out terrorism and its facilitators. “Such cowardly acts by Fitna-e-Hindustan and its proxies cannot shake our resolve. The fight against terrorism is not over, and we will continue till the last terrorist is eliminated from our soil.”

The Minister also directed law enforcement agencies to intensify intelligence-based operations and enhance security measures, especially in vulnerable areas. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of every citizen.

The country continues to grapple with cross-border terrorism and sabotage attempts by anti-Pakistan elements, but government officials, the armed forces, and security institutions have vowed to continue their mission without fear or compromise, he concluded.

Students from the University of Arts, Design and Heritage painting national flags on each other’s faces during a rally for Jashan-e-Marka-e-Haq and Independence Day in connection with upcoming 78th Independence Day celebrations outside Press Club.

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Wed, 6 Aug 2025, 4:06 PM