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Kashmiri journalists mark India’s Independence Day as Black Day by holding protest rally

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MIRPUR (AJK), Aug 15 (APP):Local fraternity, affiliated with national and regional print and electronic media here on Thursday observed India’s Independence Day as black day to express Kashmiris’ full dissociation and hatred against New Delhi for keeping bulk of their motherland illegally at gun point for last 77 years.
They urged the international community to ensure its due role for early peaceful settlement of Kashmir conflict under the spirit of international norms and commitments.
Journalists, besides civil society representatives from all walks of life participated in the protest rally organized under the auspices of Kashmir Press Club Mirpur.
The participants carried black flags and chanted slogans in favour of freedom movement and against human rights’ violation in Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
While strongly condemning India’s usurpation and the inhumane atrocities being inflicted on innocent Kashmiris in the occupied Kashmir, the speakers including Kashmir  Press Club President said that Kashmiris would continue to observe India’s Independence Day as a black day until IIOJK was freed from Indian forced and unlawful rule.
The rally later dispersed peacefully.

PCB, IBCC join forces to promote cricket in schools and colleges

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP):Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IBCC and PCB,  Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) has organized a consultation workshop here to discuss how to promote domestic cricket in schools and colleges level.
The workshop was attended by representatives from educational boards, focused on addressing the challenges faced by students, such as physical fitness, financial limitations, and access to proper facilities.
As a result, inter-school and inter-college cricket tournament is set to start in October 2024.
The winners of the tournament will compete in inter-provincial and national levels and the winner will have a chance to represent Pakistan internationally.
The collaboration will ensure that students receive athletic training, physical fitness sessions, and access to well-maintained cricket grounds.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will provide technical support, while educational boards will help identify young talent.
Executive Director IBCC Dr. Ghulam Ali Mallah said, “This partnership is a huge step forward in supporting our youth. We are excited to see how this will help our players, both on and off the field.”
Director PCB Abdullah Niazi said, “We are committed to finding and developing the next generation of cricket stars. With this initiative, we are laying the groundwork for a stronger future for Pakistan cricket.”
As the tournament begins this October, we invite everyone to support these young cricketers, who could one day represent Pakistan on international level.

Flag hoisting ceremony held at Pakistan embassy Oslo

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OSLO, Aug 15 (APP): Embassy of Pakistan in Oslo, Norway held a flag hoisting ceremony at the embassy premises with great zeal and fervor to mark the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan.

A large number of diaspora from Oslo as well as other cities of Norway including men, women and children attended the ceremony, a press release issued on Thursday said.

Ambassador Saadia Altaf Qazi raised the National Flag to the tune of the National Anthem. Messages of the President and the Prime Minister were also read out on the occasion.

Ambassador of Morocco to Norway, Nabila Freidji graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

The function also included speeches, songs and cultural performances as well as a fancy-dress parade of Pakistani-Norwegian youth in the traditional folk costumes of Pakistani provinces and regions presenting cultural diversity of Pakistan.

The children performed a tableau on a National Song to the huge applause of the guests. In addition, some other individual amateur singers and speakers including a 7-years old young child from Kristiansand (a southern city of Norway) took the stage in a commendable patriotic spirit.

Another highlight of the ceremony was a melodious performance by a PakNorwegian musical band RagaNor, known for its unique fusion of traditional & contemporary music styles, who captivatingly performed Qawwali, Ghazal and Geet, bringing soulful rhythms of Pakistan to Norway.

Ambassador Saadia Altaf Qazi addressed the gathering highlighting the significance of the day. She also distributed appreciation certificates among the program participants.

Parents cautioned about cholera, malaria outbreak outbreak

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SARGODHA, Aug 15 (APP):Experts warned on Thursday that the monsoon season could particularly be dangerous and parents should take precautions to protect their little ones from contaminated water, poor sanitation, and stagnant ponds.

Talking to APP here, medical specialist DHQ Sargodha Dr. Nasaar Ranjha said that children were especially vulnerable to water and vector-borne diseases.

He advised that the monsoon rains should not become a recipe for disaster, and people should always stay ready to tackle cholera and malaria, and ensure safety and well-being of your children. Be prepared, be proactive, and let the rains nourish our lives, not threaten them, he added.

Tourists are also at high risk as regulating food and water hygiene could be tough during travel, he said, adding that those traveling to endemic areas or forest regions must exercise caution. Regular exercise, a diet rich in vitamins A and C, zinc and probiotics could build immunity in children and older adults, he further added. “Diarrhea, gastroenteritis and other infections can be largely prevented by washing hands properly,” he added. He recommended that consuming boiled and filtered water and warm food stored properly in containers with lids can prevent diseases in the rainy season.

Draining stagnant water and disposing of food waste and debris can also prevent vector-borne diseases, Dr points out.

Rain washes out day three of first four-day match

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP):The third day’s play of the first four-day match between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ here at the Islamabad Club was washed out due to persistent rain.
The umpires called off the day an hour after the lunch was taken. Saad Khan and Kamran Ghulam will resume for Pakistan Shaheens tomorrow as they lead by 245 runs with six wickets in hand. The first ball on day four is expected to be bowled at 9:45 a.m.
Scores in brief: At close of play Day 3- Bangladesh ‘A’ 122 all out, 44.3 overs (Mahmudul Hasan Joy 65; Naseem Shah 3-24, Mir Hamza 3-33, Mohammad Rameez Jnr 2-41).
Pakistan Shaheens 367-4, 90 overs (Umar Amin 177, Saud Shakeel 76, Mohammad Huraira 39, Saad Khan 31 not out, Kamran Ghulam 20 not out; Hasan Murad 2-49, Tanzim Hasan Sakib 1-67, Nayeem Hasan 1-81). Pakistan Shaheens lead by 245 runs.

Danyal bags Independence Tenpin Bowling Cup title

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP):Danyal Ijaz has won the 6th ITBA Independence Tenpin Bowling Cup at Leisure City Jinnah Park, Rawalpindi.
Danyal obtained first position with 370 points while Waqas Parekh got 2nd position with 330 points and Rana Shehzad remained 3rd.
Players of Islamabad took part in the tournament.
General Secretary, Islamabad Tenpin Bowling Association, Saleem Baig who was the chief guest on the occasion distributed prizes among the players.

Police arrest drug pusher with 20 kg drug

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RAWALPINDI, Aug 15 (APP):Banni police while conducting a raid managed to arrest a drug pusher and recovered 20 kg opium from his possession.
During investigation, the accused, Muhammad Zubair, revealed that he was involved in supplying drugs to educational institutions in different areas of the city.
Banni police also impounded a rickshaw which was in use of the accused. Other members of the gang, accomplices and facilitators would also be arrested, SP Rawal, Faisal Saleem said.
City Police Officer, Syed Khalid Hamdani appreciated SP Rawal, SDPO Waris Khan and Bani Police for arresting a the drug smuggler and recovering a huge consignment of opium.
Strict action in accordance with the law was being taken against the drug pushers, he added.
The crackdown against drug dealers would continue to end the drug scourge, the CPO said.

SNGPL disconnects 13 more connections over violations

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LODHRAN, Aug 15 (APP):The Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) UFG Control Task Force raided and disconnected 13 more meters, including one bogus meter.
According to details, in Taunsa, a user whose meter was previously disconnected had installed a bogus meter.
The task force team, led by Yaqub Khan, conducted a raid and discovered a bogus meter, one meter installed incorrectly, and another meter with a suspicious broken counter.
Four connections were disconnected from Multan over a suspicious counter broken in Multan.
One user’s meter was found suspicious due to a missing seal and was immediately disconnected. Additionally, two users whose meters were on non-billing status and installed at the site had their meters disconnected, and further departmental action was recommended. Three users’ meters, which were installed far from the service and causing leakage-related losses to the department, were also disconnected.
Furthermore, four users who were found guilty of supplying gas to more than one household had their extensions removed. The disconnection of the bogus meter in Taunsa Sharif has led to the recommendation of filing an FIR.

DC Panjgur martyred by banned Baloch outfit: CM Bugti

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QUETTA, Aug 15 (APP):The Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti, said on Thursday that intelligence information and evidence indicate that the Deputy Commissioner of Panjgur, Zakir Baloch, was martyred by the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).
He emphasized that there is no sympathy for those who receive funds from the Indian agency RAW to kill innocent people.
The family of the martyred Zakir Baloch will not be left alone, with the Balochistan government providing a job to his widow according to her qualifications and covering the education expenses of his children.
While addressing a press conference at CM Secretariat, he  condemned the killing of a woman with a hand grenade on August 13, questioning how such an act aligns with Baloch traditions.
The Chief Minister of Balochistan stressed that the youth must be made aware that those who commit such acts are enemies of the country and are funded by RAW.
He warned that the government’s patience should not be mistaken for weakness and that strong action will be taken against those who challenge state authority.
Denouncing the killing of DC and a woman, he stated that such actions are against Baloch traditions and that the government will not tolerate any acts against the state.
The CM further mentioned that the government has intelligence reports and evidence that the banned BLA was involved in the incident, which was similar to an earlier incident in Nushki.
He reiterated that the government will ensure that the children of laborers will receive an education and that the martyred Zakir Ali Baloch’s children will be taken care of by the Balochistan government. His widow will be given a government job according to her qualifications, and the government will bear the expenses of their children’s education.
Mir Sarfaraz Bugti also announced the establishment of 21 centers in Balochistan on Independence Day and thanked Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and other members of parliament for their support.
He also discussed the West Management Project in Quetta, which was inaugurated without any cost to the government. Bugti mentioned that the crisis related to passports in Chaman was resolved through negotiations, with the government now providing passports to the people of Chaman at the state’s expense.
CM Bugti stressed that the government’s focus is on providing education and business opportunities to the youth, particularly the children of laborers, who will be sent to Islamabad for 16 years of education, after which they will serve in various fields. He emphasized that the child of a laborer will receive an education and contribute to the development of Pakistan and Balochistan.
He announced that the Government College in Hoshab will be named after the martyred Zakir Ali Baloch.  The Balochistan government values its martyrs and will not abandon their families; a systematic approach will be taken to care for them. It is our duty to support the families of these martyrs.
He mentioned that the Balochistan government is working on a reform agenda that will soon lead to significant breakthroughs, including the improvement of outdated laws. The government plans to equip 30,000 youth in Balochistan with skills and send them abroad so they can contribute to their families, province, and country.
The Chief Minister addressed the issue of unemployment in Balochistan, stating that to control this growing problem, the government will provide business opportunities and employment abroad for the youth.
Opportunities will also be provided to students who topped their districts. The impact of these changes will soon be visible. He appealed to the public not to be part of conspiracies, as some youth are being pushed into a situation where hope and light are scarce, while those leading them are living luxurious lives elsewhere.
Bugti also mentioned that three agreements were made with the Baloch Solidarity Committee, but all were broken by the committee. Despite this, the government has shown restraint.
He reiterated that while the government is open to negotiations, it will not compromise on the state’s authority. There will be no sympathy for those involved in terrorism, and despite offers, those who challenge the state’s authority and kill workers and ordinary people will be dealt with harshly.
Responding to questions, Bugti stated that children of workers registered with the Workers Welfare Board will be provided with education.
The government is determined to eliminate nepotism.
Bugti emphasized that the government’s desire is to manage borders, which is their constitutional right. However, if there are issues, the government is open to dialogue.
He reiterated that the people of Chaman are their own, and they are willing to talk to them. Nine crore rupees have already been allocated for passports for the people of Chaman, and the government will continue to serve the public.
He deplored that the entire Balochistan knows that money was given for positions at Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University, and the officers appointed at the divisional level are known for their integrity.
However, only those who meet the merit criteria will be hired. Recruitment for these positions will be based on merit, CM Bugti vowed.

Monsoon rains expected across most parts of country till August 18

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP):The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) anticipated more rains, wind and thundershower with isolated heavy rains in various regions of Pakistan until August 18th.
According to the forecast, more rain was expected in catchment areas of Neelum and Jhelum rivers in Azad Kashmir, while districts Barkhan, Bolan, Harnai, Jaffarabad, Kohlu, Musakhel, Nasirabad, Sherani, Sibi, and Zhob of Balochistan and the Mirpur Khas Division, Dadu, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Larkana, Mithi, Matiari, Sanghar, and Sukkur of Sindh, a news release said.
The rainfall may cause flooding in various urban areas and increase water flow in steams and nullah, particularly in the Neelum and Jhelum rivers in AJ&K. Hilly areas may experience landslides, mudflows and flash flooding.
NDMA urges all relevant authorities and the public to take necessary precautions to mitigate the potential impacts of flooding and landslides. NDMA issued instructions to all relevant departments to alert Emergency Response Teams and mobilized resources to ensure a swift response to any arising situations. Tourists are advised to avoid traveling to these areas during the forecasted period.
The public is advised to remain vigilant and follow instructions from local authorities. NDMA advises the public to stay informed and download ‘Pak NDMA Disaster Alert’ mobile app for timely alerts and closely monitor weather reports.