ISLAMABAD
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, attended the send-off ceremony as Chief Guest at Islamabad International Airport, joined by senior officials from the Government of Pakistan, NDMA, and the Embassy of Palestine
ISLAMABAD
ERI welcomes Punjab’s ban on use of 13 insecticides to protect rice quality, public health
LAHORE, Aug 8 (APP): Dr Arshad Makhdoom Sabir, Chief Scientist at the Entomological Research Institute (ERI), on Friday welcomed the Punjab government’s move to ban the sale, distribution and use of 13 specific insecticides on paddy crops, calling it a vital step to safeguard the international reputation and quality of Pakistan’s renowned basmati and non-basmati rice.
The banned pesticides include: Chlorpyrifos, Acephate, Buprofezin, Hexaconazole, Methyl Bromide, Carbendazim, Carbofuran, Methamidophos, Phorate, Imidacloprid, Monocrotophos, and Triazophos, he said.
These chemicals were causing serious harm to the environment, polluting water sources, and posing health risks to farmers and consumers. The ban will also help Pakistan meet international safety standards for pesticide residues in food, he told Wealth Pakistan (WealthPK).
He noted that many of these pesticides are also banned or strictly regulated in major rice-importing countries such as the EU, USA, and Japan due to their toxicity and environmental persistence.
“Chlorpyrifos and Carbofuran, for instance, have been banned in over 50 countries for their harmful effects on human health and pollinators like honeybees,” he told Wealth Pakistan.
Dr Sabir emphasised that growing global awareness about pesticide safety has pushed Pakistan to align with international standards to ensure its rice exports remain competitive in premium markets.
To replace the banned pesticides, he recommended the adoption of safer alternatives, including biological controls and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices.
“These involve using natural predators, crop rotation, and pest-resistant rice varieties.”
Pakistani rice exporters have also hailed the initiative, calling it a prudent measure to prevent future rejections of rice shipments in markets such as the EU and the US.
“The ban must remain in place permanently to avoid recurring issues,” said Taufiq Ahmad Khan, former senior vice-chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP).
Talking to Wealth Pakistan, he stressed that exporters should not suffer the consequences of pesticide misuse, urging the Punjab Agriculture Department and Plant Protection Department to consistently educate and guide farmers toward safer pest control practices.
He noted that the incidence of rice shipment rejections has already declined over the past year, largely due to collaborative efforts between exporters and the plant protection authorities.
Taufiq expressed optimism that the sustained implementation of environment-friendly policies —both by the government and farmers — will enhance the global acceptance and competitiveness of Pakistani rice.
He hoped that the use of environmentally friendly pesticides on paddy crop would help make such a rice produce available in the domestic market that is not injurious to human health.
A motorcyclist along with his children buying festive items, including a national flag and outfits printed in national colours, from a roadside stall in connection with Independence Day celebrations
ISLAMABAD
Artists performing during the Marka-e-Haq Independence Day celebrations at Shakir Museum late at night
LAHORE
LAHORE
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting to review the progress of reforms in IT Sector and restructuring of NITB
ISLAMABAD
NDMA dispatches 18th humanitarian consignment for Gaza
ISLAMABAD, Aug 08 (APP): The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday dispatched the second chartered flight in its latest series of humanitarian assistance for Gaza, Palestine.
An aircraft loaded with 100 tons of dry ration packs, MREs and essential medicines departed Islamabad International Airport for Amman, Jordan, as part of Pakistan’s humanitarian relief for the people of Gaza.
The mission was launched under the directive of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to supporting those affected by the crisis.
This consignment marks Pakistan’s 18th humanitarian shipment to Gaza, bringing the total relief sent to 1,815 tons. The first flight in this series departed on August 7, 2025 with an equal load of relief items. Both missions reflect Pakistan’s deep solidarity and unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their time of immense hardship.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, attended the send-off ceremony as Chief Guest at Islamabad International Airport, joined by senior officials from the Government of Pakistan, NDMA, and the Embassy of Palestine in Islamabad.
In his remarks, the Chief Guest commended NDMA’s effective coordination and logistics management in ensuring the timely delivery of critical aid. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to supporting Palestine, grounded in shared values, Islamic brotherhood, and a moral duty to stand with the oppressed.
Pakistan prays for the safe arrival of the consignment and for lasting peace in Palestine, hoping this assistance will bring some relief to the courageous people enduring severe challenges.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting to review the progress of reforms in IT Sector and restructuring of NITB
ISLAMABAD
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting to review the progress of reforms in IT Sector and restructuring of NITB
ISLAMABAD
Regional Transport Ministers’ conference in October, 27 countries invited
ISLAMABAD, Aug 08 (APP): Pakistan will host a two-day Regional Transport Ministers’ Conference in October, 2025, bringing together ministers, ambassadors and head of departments from 27 countries and leading international organizations.
The decision was finalized at a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, who approved key arrangements for the event, said a press release issued on Friday.
The Conference is scheduled to take place in Islamabad on October 23 and 24, 2025 with the aim of strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing road connectivity and improving transportation infrastructure across the region.
Invited countries include Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Malaysia, Nepal, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, UAE, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Morocco and Kenya.
In addition, heads and representatives of major International Organizations such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Road Organization (IRO) are also being invited to participate in the Conference.
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan stated that the Regional Transport Ministers’ Conference will have a significant and positive impact on Pakistan’s transportation sector and enhance regional harmony as well. Federal Ministers for Railways, Commerce, Aviation, and Maritime Affairs will also participate in hosting the event.
The high-level meeting chaired by the Federal Minister for Communication Abdul Aleem Khan also reviewed the proposed agenda of the two-day event which will feature multiple sessions, cultural programs and discussions on avenues for mutual cooperation.
Senior officials and the Federal Secretary for Communications presented various recommendations to ensure the successful organization of the Regional Transport Ministers’ Conference.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, attended the send-off ceremony as Chief Guest at Islamabad International Airport, joined by senior officials from the Government of Pakistan, NDMA, and the Embassy of Palestine in federal capital
ISLAMBAD