Saturday, December 27, 2025
Home Blog Page 8404

Karachi Test against Bangladesh shifted to Rawalpindi

By
Ali Ali
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP):Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in consultation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board has decided to move the second ICC World Test Championship fixture to Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
According to a PCB press release, the decision to move the fixture has been taken due to the deployment of heavy construction equipment and the need to adhere to tight redevelopment schedules for the National Bank Stadium, which is being prepared for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
This decision allows cricket spectators and fans to watch live action of both the Tests, which serve as a preview of a busy and hectic international season for Pakistan cricket. During this period, the national side will play a total of nine Tests, 14 T20Is, and at least 17 ODIs from 21 August to 5 April.
“We have been guided by the construction experts on the time-lines for the readiness of the venue. They advised that while construction could continue during playing hours, the resulting noise pollution would disturb the cricketers. Additionally, the dust from the construction work could also affect the health and wellbeing of the players, officials, broadcasters, and media.
“Given that construction must continue uninterrupted to ensure the venue is operationally ready for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the PCB, after consulting all stake-holders and reviewing operational and logistical matters, has decided to hold both Tests in Rawalpindi.
“At this stage, we will not like to speculate on the hosting of the second Test in Karachi from 15-19 October and will continue to work closely with the architects and construction experts on the safe and secure hosting of the match, while keeping the England and Wales Cricket Board updated.”
The first Test will begin in Rawalpindi on 21 August, with the second Test starting on 30 August. Meanwhile, in Islamabad, Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ will continue with their series. After a drawn first four-day match, the second four-day match will commence on 20 August at the Islamabad Club, followed by three 50-over matches on 26, 28 and 30 August.
Update on sale of tickets:The following is important information on sale of ticket for both the Test matches at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium:
•Tickets are available online at PCB.tcs.com.pk
•Ticket booth at Aviation Ground, opposite Rescue 1122, Rawal Road, will be operational on 19 August at 11am
•Public car park will be available at Aviation Ground, opposite Rescue 1122, Rawal Road; and Govt. Graduate College Satellite Town, 6th Road

NAB launches probe into Mirpurkhas mega drainage project

By
Ali Ali
-
0
MIRPURKHAS, Aug 18 (APP):The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is set to initiate an inquiry into the Mirpurkhas mega drainage project next week, following orders from the Sindh High Court Circuit Bench Mirpurkhas.
The constitutional petition was filed by Advocate Ghulam Nabi Mavo in High Court Sindh Circuit Bench Mirpurkhas. Advocate Ghulam Nabi Mavo, counsel and petitioner of this case, told APP  here on Sunday.
Mavo claimed that the project, initially valued at less than five billion rupees, has been plagued by issues since its inception, with approximately 40-45% of the work completed so far. He accused authorities of turning the public welfare project into a “milking cow” and urged citizens to come forward with any information or concerns when the NAB investigation team arrives in Mirpurkhas next week.
The inquiry aims to address allegations of corruption, slow progress, and substandard work in the project, which was supposed to be completed by June 2023. Mavo emphasized that the goal is to ensure that public funds are spent for the people’s benefit, and the project’s intended benefits are realized.

Indian Gymkhana vs Khawaja Junaid Legends match ends in tie

By
Ali Ali
-
0
LONDON, Aug 18 (APP):The exhibition hockey match between Indian Gymkhana London and Khawaja Junaid All Stars Hockey Legends ended in a thrilling tie, with both sides scoring five goals each. The match, organized in collaboration with Khawaja Junaid Hockey Academy, Al Mera Foundation and the Noor Project was aimed at promoting hockey and raise funds for orphans and underprivileged children.
The match consisted of four 15-minute halves, showcased the skills of international hockey stars, including Dhanraj Pillay, Stephen Blocher, Juan Escarre, James Tyndall, Pakistan’s Olympian Khawaja Junaid and Rana Ghazanfar Ali, Faiz ur Rehman, Akram Raza, Adeel Ahmad, Throughout the match, the spectators were captivated by the legends’ skills and techniques.
Although the match ended in a draw, Rana Ghazanfar of Pakistan emerged as the top scorer with two goals, while Dhan Rajpala dominated the game with his exceptional performance.
In his post match comments, Indian hockey legend Dhan Rajpala expressed his willingness to visit Pakistan to promote the sport and back the Khawaja Junaid Hockey Academy. “I would be happy to come to Pakistan on a call for the promotion of hockey and to support the children of Khawaja Junaid Hockey Academy,” he said.
Spanish star Juan Escarre shared his fond memories of Pakistan stating, “Whenever there is a hockey event in Pakistan, I will be the first to reach there.”
German hockey legend Stephen Bluscher said he was honoured to participate in the match, held for a noble cause.
Several notables, including British MPs Seema Malhotra and Ruth Cadbury, Lord Rami Rangers and Hounslow Deputy Mayor Muhammad Shakeel witnessed the thrilling contest.
Seema expressed pleasure to see Indian Gymkhana organizing an event of a very high caliber for the first time.
Seema asked Khawaja Junaid and Indian Gymkhana’s  top brass to devise a plan to make the event a part of their annual clander.
Rajpala commended Khawaja Junaid for organizing the event and expressed his willingness to participate in future events in Pakistan. He emphasized the importance of strategic planning and funding for hockey, encouraging Pakistan to follow India’s approach to the sport.
The event highlighted the strong bonds of sportsmanship between the players and underscored the importance of promoting hockey globally.

FESCO to replace 25 two-phase transformers with three-phase

By
Ali Ali
-
0
FAISALABAD, Aug 18 (APP):The Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) will replace 25 transformers of two-phase with three-phase for redressing the complaints of low voltage in different areas of the FESCO region.
A spokesman said here on Sunday that Chief Executive Officer (CEO) FESCO Engineer Muhammad Amir approved the replacement of 25 two-phase transformers in different subdivisions and this project would be completed within next fortnights.
These transformers would be replaced in Gol Fowara Model Town-B in City Subdivision, main Katchery Bazaar Street No.4 in Civil Line Subdivision, Lasani Town and Tariq Town in Islampura Subdivision, Suharwardi Town in Sargodha Road Subdivision, Bawa Chwk Street No.1 in Muslim Town Subdivision, C-Block Edan Garden and Madina Town in Madina Town Subdivision, Waheed Park in Mansoorabad Subdivision, Chak No.197-RB in Gattwala Subdivision, Astana in Jaranwala Road Subdivision, Usman Town in Niamat Colony Subdivision, Anwar Abad in City Jaranwala Subdivision, Chak No.23-GB in Faisalabad Road Subdivision, Chak No.109-GB in Haidar Ali Shah Subdivision, Chak No.136-RB in Chak Jhumra No.1 Subdivision, Chak No.143-RB in Chak Jhumra No.2 Subdivision, G-Block Gulistan Colony in Tariq Abad Subdivision, Chak No.201-RB Talanwan in Mannanwala Subdivision, A-Block Millat Town in Millat Town Subdivision, Naseer Abad in Hajji Abad Subdivision, Mehriyya Masjid near Qureshian in City Lalian Subdivision, Chak No.50 in Rural Lalian Subdivision, Jhang Road in Chiniot No.1 Subdivision and Siddique Abad in Chiniot No.2 Subdivision, he added.

Youth, experts vow to curb OWB amid increased risk of air pollution, carbon emissions

By
Ali Ali
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP):The experts and young people at a youth training workshop on learning not to burn household waste have vowed to curb open waste burning (OWB) which was the leading source of air pollution and carbon emissions in all the major cities of the country.
The Institute of Urbanism (IoU), with the support of the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE), organized a youth capacity-building workshop titled ‘Let’s Learn Why Not to Burn’.
The event brought together a diverse group of experts, stakeholders, students, and members of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme’s (PMYP) Green Youth Movement (GYM) clubs to address the critical issue of open waste burning (OWB) and explore sustainable alternatives to it, a news release said.
The OWB is primarily employed as a waste disposal technique in countries where waste management infrastructure is limited. Since only 60 – 70% of the generated waste is collected in urban areas of Pakistan, many communities and front-line waste workers resort to OWB as a cheap alternative to get rid of accumulated waste.
According to estimates, OWB contributed around 0.9 Mt CO2e in 2017-18 in Pakistan. Recognizing the threat, it poses the Government of Pakistan included the prevention of OWB as one of the five priority areas under the National Clean Air Policy 2023 and has also placed a complete ban on the burning of municipal, agricultural and hazardous waste under the mitigation objectives of the NDCs. Yet, the implementation framework for preventing the practice remains weak.
Senior Program Coordinator at IoU, Ayesha Majid underscoring the severity of the issue said, “OWB is a big source of carbon emissions and air pollution in Pakistan. It also contributes to the issue of smog, which has become the fifth and extremely dangerous reason in many of our major cities. Eliminating the practice therefore is critical for the environment and public health”
Senior Program Fellow at IoU, Dr. Ejaz Ahmad highlighting other environmental implications mentioned, “the release of toxic gases and harmful microplastics from open waste burning contaminates our air and environment. This practice endangers public health and requires immediate cessation”.
During the fishbowl session aimed at finding sustainable alternatives to OWB, Head of Environmental Sciences at AIOU, Dr. Sofia Khalid highlighted that “mostly people burn single-use plastic bags, rags, and leaves as they are not considered to have any further use. In addition to better systems from the government, we also need to focus on improving the knowledge of communities and sanitary workers about the harmful impact it has on their own and their community’s health.”
Responding to that, Founder of Eco-organics Fertilizer, Aqsa Arshad emphasized that “green and brown waste if properly utilized would not need to be burned as it can be converted into compost and biofertilizers and subsequently be sold for a profit. Just over the past few months my start-up has diverted a significant amount of waste from dumping sites and converted into 500 kg of compost instead.”
Highlighting the role of behaviour change in making the practice of segregation common, Raza Javaid, Founder, of Waste Hero, said, “Mismanagement of waste including OWB is also a behavioral issue. We as a community need to take ownership of our waste and stop considering it as just a nuisance. Waste has a lot of potential and we can see how other countries are leveraging it. We also need to change our perception of waste and those who choose to work with it for a sustainable future.”
Participants, including students, also shared their perspectives. Usama Imtiaz from QAU noted that “the primary challenge in waste management is the lack of awareness,” while Talha Ajmal from COMSATS emphasized that “leveraging digital platforms can be a powerful tool in raising awareness and curbing open waste burning practices.”
The Institute of Urbanism remains dedicated to fostering a greater understanding of the hazards associated with OWB and advocating for sustainable waste management solutions across Pakistan.

Tourists, Murree residents urge CM Punjab for notice broken cable car, chair lift service in Patriata

By
Ali Ali
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP):The tourists and residents of Murree on Sunday decried the out of order cable car and chair lift service in Patriata demanding Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz to take notice of the situation and negligence of the authorities concenred.
The Patriata Cable Car has broken down for a year but not a single effort was made by the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab and the government of Punjab to fix the out of order tourism service, said Tariq Mehmood, a Murree resident and frequent tourist told APP who was heading a foreign tourists’ group that went disappointed after finding the service unavailable.
“Murree is the most famous tourist destination of Pakistan and the closest to Islamabad where people from all over the country come to beat the heat during summers. The hotel industry here is thriving but there is lack of public washrooms provided by the government at such a big tourist destination and there is often a shortage of water here,” he added.
Tariq mentioned that Patriata which is one of the highest point of Punjab province has a chair lift and a cable car. The government of Punjab has spent crores of rupees on the cable works. The staff for managing this is drawing salaries sitting at home. This chair lift has been lying down inactive for a year and no one thought of repairing it. Due to which the department lost crores of revenue, he said.
Punjab Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz did a great job by announcing the glass train project but she should also pay attention on neglected important tourist sites so that the country’s resources were not wasted, he added.
The tourists while expressing their views mentioned that such places and facilities were important landmarks promoting culture, tourism potential and natural beauty that was tempting for every tourists but negligence of the official authorities was deplorable. They also urged the quarters concerned to take proactive action to address the issue and provide better tourism facilities.

FESCO issues shutdown programme

By
Ali Ali
-
0
FAISALABAD, Aug 18 (APP):The Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) has issued shutdown programme for Monday for repair, maintenance and expansion of electricity lines.
According to the programme, power supply from Akbar Abad, Allied Hospital, Sahil, Model Town, Eidgah Road and Cres Textile feeders linked with 132-KV Allied Faisalabad grid station will remain suspended from 8 a.m. to 12 noon while Hashim feeder attached with 132-KV Chak No.582-JB grid station will observe shutdown from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday (August 19).
Similarly, electricity supply from Forest Park, Interloop, Sabboana, MK Sons, new MK Sons, Lahore Road, Firdous, Niagra, Rafiq Spinning, Lathianwala, Fakhar Abad, Farooq Spinning and Khurarianwala City feeders connected with 132-KV Khurarianwala grid station, Kathoor, Ramzan Shaheed and Mochiwala Road feeders originating from 132-KV Gojra grid station will remain suspended from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. whereas Gojra Road (Naradada), Jalal Abad, Sain Wazir Ali, Katchery Bazaar, 466 Road, Salooni Jhal, Peoples (Sharif Abad) and Rasiyana feeders linked with 132-KV Sammundri grid station will observe load shedding from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on August 19.
Meanwhile, power supply from SHM, UET, Nimra, Kamal Mills, Zafar Fabrics and ZA Corporation feeders attached with 132-KV Khurarianwala grid station will remain suspended from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. while Abdullah Shah Shaheed feeder connected with 132-KV Lalian grid station, Maddoana, al-Mehmood and new Satiana feeders originating from 132-KV Satiana grid station, Interloop and Wapda City feeders linked with 132-KV Khurarianwala grid station will observe shutdown from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Monday (August 19, 2024).

Bilawal seeks report  from Sindh CM on rain related damages

By
Ali Ali
-
0
Bilawal
KARACHI, Aug 18 (APP):Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has sought a detailed report from the Chief Minister (CM) of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, regarding the damage caused by the ongoing rains across the province and the measures taken by the provincial government to assist the affected people.
The PPP Chairman expressed his deep concern over the damage caused by the heavy rains in various parts of Sindh. He instructed the CM to provide a comprehensive report on the damages and relief efforts in Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, and other areas across the province.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari remarked that the Sukkur and Larkana divisions are once again bearing the brunt of climate change effects. He directed the mayors of Sukkur and Larkana to ensure the swift drainage of rainwater from the low-lying areas of these cities.
He further instructed that an immediate investigation be conducted into the breach in the dam in Khairpur district, emphasizing the need to minimize the damage and provide prompt assistance to the affected people.
Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stressed that the Department of Relief and Rehabilitation and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) must fulfil their responsibilities in assisting the rain-affected communities.
He assured the victims that the PPP would stand by them and provide unwavering support during this difficult time.

SNGPL apprehends 11 more gas pilferers

By
Ali Ali
-
0
LODHRAN, Aug 18 (APP):The Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) UFG Control Task Force successfully apprehended eleven more gas pilferers red-handedly.
According to details, six consumers were found tampering with meters to steal gas, resulting in losses for the department in terms of UFG (Unaccounted for Gas). Their meters were disconnected, and further departmental action has been recommended.
In Jalalpur Pirwala, three meters were disconnected due to domestic meters being used for commercial purposes, specifically in schools, causing significant financial losses to the department. Fines have been recommended in these cases.
Additionally, in Multan, a domestic meter used for commercial purposes was also disconnected.
The user put resistance by gathering people, but later handed over the meter before the police arrived.
One user’s meter was disconnected because it was installed far from the service, leading to gas leakage and losses for the department. Furthermore, three users had their meters relocated closer to the service due to similar issues.
Five users were also found in violation of OGRA regulations for supplying gas to multiple homes from a single connection and their extensions were removed.
The Task Force Incharge stated that the department was committed to ensuring the safe and reliable supply of gas within its network and remains vigilant against any activity that threatens national interests.

Efforts being made to extend relief, basic facilities to masses: Chairman Senate

By
Ali Ali
-
0
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
MIAN CHANNU, Aug 18 (APP):Chairman Senate, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, on Sunday, stated that every possible effort was underway to extend relief and basic facilities to the masses and they should be relieved of inflation.
He expressed these views while addressing a convocation as the chief guest at a private college.
“We are giving the incumbent government the right advice, and I am hopeful that we will soon steer the country out of crises and set it on the path to progress. All political parties should play their role in the country’s development and prosperity”,  he maintained.
Gilani congratulated the students who completed their degrees, especially their parents. He said that the youth should make the nation proud with their education and skills and it must become an essential part of the country’s economic development along with their families.
The educated youth needs to bring about significant change in society with their acquired education, he said and added that they should introduce new research and innovations in their respective fields.
“Our youth is second to none in terms of talent and capability”, Chairman Senate observed.
Later, speaking to the media, he said that Arshad Nadeem was a national hero and he commended him for winning a gold medal for the country in the Paris Olympics.
He said that their elders were among those who made Pakistan, and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has rendered great sacrifices for the restoration of democracy. The 1973 constitution given by the late Prime Minister Zulfikar  Ali Bhutto was a monumental achievement while differences of opinion were the beauty of democracy, he informed.
“Each one of us should work together for the national interest, he said adding that all political leaders must set their direction with the country’s interests in mind”, Gilani suggested.
He said that the current situation demands that all political parties put aside their differences, come together on one platform, and play their role in solving the public’s problems and working towards the country’s development and prosperity.
Chairman Senate said that efforts would be made to establish a university campus in Mian Channu. He also mentioned that the South Punjab province was part of the PPP manifesto, and sooner or later, South Punjab would become a separate province.
He stated that if all political factions performed their duties well, the country would witness stable development and prosperity.
Among others, CEO Sana Ullah Complex,  Dr Afzal Bodla,  Ex MNA, Pir Aslam Bodla,  Pir Nadeem Bodla, Mushtaq Khagha, Haider Zaman Qureshi and Dr Aftab Ahmad Khan were in attendance.
1...8,4038,4048,405...31,176Page 8,404 of 31,176

ABOUT US

Serving the nation since 1947 by providing an accurate, objective, uninterrupted flow of news to the people, the national news service is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to transform the existing news operations into a forward-looking service – APP Digital for its diverse subscriber-base and the public.

Contact us: news@app.com.pk

FOLLOW US

Copyright © Associated Press of Pakistan