NDMA advisory highlights’ rain with thundershowers expected in KP
Youth killed outside of court
Pakistani pilgrims to get major facility at entering Iraq: visa fees waived, special flights announced
ISLAMABAD, Aug 7 (APP): Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Iraqi Ambassador Hamid Abbas Lafta announced a slew of measures aimed at easing travel restrictions and enhancing convenience to facilitate Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iraq for Arbaeen.
The landmark decisions were reached during a high-level meeting on Wednesday between the two sides who promised to make the journey smoother and more accessible for thousands of devotees.
Both sides agreed that Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iraq for Arbaeen would no longer need to surrender their passports upon arrival. The meeting decided that the Pakistani pilgrims would be issued visas by the Iraqi Embassy, bypassing travel agents and the quota for Pakistan pilgrims would be increased.
It was also decided that special flights would be operating from Pakistan for Pakistani pilgrims while a new consulate will be opened in Karachi and both sides initiate a crackdown on agents charging excessive fees from pilgrims. The meeting also decided Visa waiver agreement on diplomatic and official passports while it was requested for the visa fee waiver for the ordinary pilgrims.
The decisions aim to provide equal facilities to Pakistani pilgrims, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Mohsin Naqvi thanked the Iraqi counterparts for their cooperation, while Ambassador Lafta extended an invitation to visit Iraq.
In a swift follow-up, Naqvi secured approval from Federal Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif to allow Iraqi airlines to operate special flights, with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) also set to announce its schedule soon. This development marks a significant improvement in travel arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims, promising a more convenient and accessible journey to Iraq.
PFA Sheikhupura cracks down on unhygienic food
SHEIKHUPURA, Aug 07 (APP):The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) in Sheikhupura is actively working to ensure the quality and safety of food supplies in the district here on Wednesday.
According to PFA Spokesperson, on the instructions from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the PFA has mobilized its teams for a district-wide inspection campaign.
In the past day, 89 food-related businesses were inspected, resulting in over Rs 135,000 in fines for violations of hygiene standards and poor sanitation.
Additionally, 52,660 liters of milk were checked and 500 liters of substandard milk, 120 grams of biscuits and 500 grams of China salt were destroyed on the spot.
Corrective notices were also issued to several food establishments.
Deputy Commissioner Dr Waqar Ali Khan emphasized the importance of providing clean food to the public, stating that the PFA is dedicated to ensuring the quality and safety of food for the people of Sheikhupura
Jashan-i-Azadi stalls attract buyers
ISLAMABAD, Aug 7 (APP): As the countdown has started for the celebration of Independence Day, falling on August 14, a large number of stalls displaying national flags, bunting, dresses and other accessories of the capital city are attracting buyers.
A large number of patriotic youngsters especially children can be seen around these stalls daily for buying flags, bunting, badges and Jashan-i-Azadi dresses to finalize their preparations.
While to keep the interest of kids intact in these celebrations, the flag-coloured toys are also on display for the attraction. “The stalls carrying green and white coloured Jashan-i-Azadi accessories set up at different nook and corners have not only added a charm to the beauty of the capital but revived a patriotic spirit among the citizens”, Shahzad Malik, a government employee said.
“I have visited different Jashan-i-Azadi stalls with my children today to buy them flags, buntings and other stuff of their interest, taking advantage of the pleasant weather”, he said while talking to APP.
The capital has worn a green and white look with several Jashan-i-Azadi stalls as well as decorated vehicles with flags plying on different roads.
A working woman, Farhat Jabeen said, “We should not only make our children buy flags, bunting and other accessories to celebrate this day but educate them about the historical struggle of our national heroes and workers of Pakistan Movement for the creation of Pakistan and how they can contribute to make this country a better place”. She said the idea of tree plantation on August 14 will make this day more purposeful and contribute to reducing environmental hazards being faced by the country due to climate change.
A roadside stall holder, Tahir Khan said, “The occasion of Independence Day gives us the opportunity to earn a handsome amount through selling flag-coloured items. Most of our customers are youth and children who buy these things to decorate their vehicles and homes.” This year too, vendors like me are expecting good sales as youth looks enthusiastic to prepare for Independence Day celebrations and then posting selfies on social media, he said.
“On the demand of customers, I have displayed good variety of Jashan-i-Azadi dresses for kids as majority like to wear green and white clothes on the day”, he continued.
Every year on Independence Day, youth and children express more excitement toward celebrating this important occasion and their motivation comes through the variety of stalls displaying unique items to attract them.
“I bought buntings and flags to decorate my home and car as well as shirt, pin badge, glasses and mask to wear on the Independence Day while my little sister has just bought a toy”, Shahwaiz, a nine-year-old said.
“I have not shown my stuff to my friends so that I can have a unique look on the day which no one imitate”, he said.
Independence Day is celebrated on August 14 by the nation every year through showing great zeal and enthusiasm.
The public and private departments have planned to arrange a number of activities including seminars, conferences, competitions, dialogues and other activities while paying tributes to the national heroes and highlighting their sacrifices for the creation of the country.
Other activities including horse dances, patriotic songs, musical nights, circus shows, fireworks and bands playing the national anthem are also part of the festivity.
The main buildings of the federal capital, like other parts of the country, will be illuminated on the occasion of Independence Day.
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D.C Larkana directors departments to solve BF of employee’s cases
LARKANA , Aug 07 (APP):Deputy Commissioner Larkana Dr. Sharjeel Noor Channa on Wednesday instructed the officials of all the departments of Larkana district to clear the cases of the benevolent fund as soon as possible so that the employees and their relatives do not suffer to get financial benefits.
He expressed these views while presiding over a meeting on Benevolent Fund cases of employees in the Durbar Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
He directed the officials of all the departments to submit the Benevolent Fund cases as soon as possible to be resolved at earliest. He said there should be no complaint in back log and the new cases should be investigated immediately.
OWFDs providing services 24/7 at all Airports to Overseas Pakistanis
ISLAMABAD, Aug 7 (APP):Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) had established One Window Facilitation Desks (OWFDs) at all International Airports of the country and providing the services to Overseas Pakistanis.
An official source told APP here on Wednesday, he said that OWFDs are located at each terminal (International arrival/departure) for the assistance of overseas Pakistani passenger’s round the clock.
Courteous and trained officials deputed at OWFDs to ensure provision of high quality of facilitation and assistance to overseas Pakistanis. Existing infrastructure at OWFDs has been upgraded. Besides additional facilities, the service delivery at facilitation counters at various airports has also been improved with added staff/services.
To a questioned he said that OWFDs providing various services including necessary assistance to the overseas Pakistanis at the time of arrival and departure.
Coordination among the various agencies/departments functioning at the airport to ensure smooth arrival and departure of overseas Pakistani passengers.
Special assistance to overseas Pakistanis who are physically challenged, senior citizen and passengers not maintaining good health.
Assistance in lost and found baggage and for improvement in services/complaints at airports, these counters are contacted.
Necessary guidance is also provided to overseas Pakistanis for their connecting flights and travel advisory for their destinations within Pakistan.
He said that information material about OPF and its projects/schemes at all international arrival/departure lounges.
OPF also extends all possible help and provides facility of ambulance service, free of cost, from airport to deceased/ disabled OPs native town/ village. OPF staff deputed at airports facilitates deceased’s family in clearance of human remains and coordinates with ambulance for its timely transportation.
OPF Airport Facilitation counters remain vigilant to any repatriation of overseas Pakistanis from abroad and extends every possible assistance for their onward journey to their home towns.
Monsoon tree plantation drive organized
CHICHAWATNI, Aug 07 (APP):A local community comprising businessmen and people belonging to other fields on Wednesday organized a tree plantation drive during monsoon season.
The speaker on the occasion highlighted the importance of plantation of trees for healthy environment and motivated the people in that regard.
The organizer of the campaign was Principal, Joint Forces Public School, Muhammad Hoshiar Puri.
The participants also planted trees on the occasion
Safi condemns India’s use of pellet guns in IIOJK
Pakistan embassy observes Youm-e-Istehsal in Ottawa

ISLAMABAD, Aug 7 (APP):The Pakistan High Commission in Ottawa and its three Consulates in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver observed “Yaum-e-Istehsal-e- Kashmir” to commemorate the fifth anniversary of India’s illegal and unilateral actions of August 05, 2019.
On this day India’s BJP-RSS government scrapped the special constitutional status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) by revoking Article 370 and 35-A of the Indian Constitution, a press release issued on Wednesday said.
Photographic exhibitions were organized to express solidarity with Kashmiris in the face of Indian atrocities which were attended by a large number of audience. Additionally, a documentary illustrating the crimes committed in IIOJK, was unveiled, granting attendees a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the Kashmiris.
In a video message on this occasion, the Acting High Commissioner Faisal Kakar said, “the illegal and unilateral actions of Modi government have opened a new chapter in the tortured history of the occupied territory. The gross and systematic human rights violations committed with impunity by 9 lac Indian occupation forces have escalated since 2019.”
Kakar reiterated, “India is trying to consolidate the occupation and impose what it ominous refers as “Final Solution” to the occupied territory through a mix of legal, administrative, demographic and electoral measures.”
“A key element of India’s so-called “Final Solution” is to transform Kashmir from a Muslim majority State to a Hindu majority territory in blatant violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention and the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. Hence, it is imperative for the international community to recognize and confront the rampant human rights abuses occurring in the area,” he added.
The acting high commissioner reaffirmed Pakistan’s unflinching support to the brave and resilient Kashmiri people in their struggle for freedom from illegal Indian occupation.
He demanded immediate lifting of the military siege and communications blackout, rescinding India’s illegal and unilateral actions, release of illegally arrested and incarcerated Kashmiris, repeal of the draconian laws enabling impunity to Indian occupation forces and access of the international human rights organizations and media, to evaluate the human rights situation in the occupied territory.








