Day: July 11, 2026

Rawalpindi: Doctors at Al-Shifa Trust(AST) Eye Hospital have warned that persistent heat and high monsoon humidity were contributing to a rise in dry eyes, irritation, redness and blurred vision, urging people to take preventive measures as temperatures remain above normal.

Head of the Orbit and Oculoplastic Department at AST Eye Hospital, Dr Tayyab Afghani, said the combination of intense heat, humidity, dust, pollen, smoke and prolonged exposure to fans or air conditioners could disrupt the eye’s natural tear film, causing irritation and discomfort.

He said people who work outdoors, drive for long hours or spend extended periods in air-conditioned environments were particularly vulnerable.

Dr Afghani said dry eye disease was more than a minor irritation, warning that repeated dryness could cause burning, excessive watering, a gritty sensation and difficulty focusing. Frequent rubbing of the eyes could also damage the eye surface and increase the risk of complications, he added.

He said office workers, students, older adults, contact lens users and people living with diabetes or allergies were more likely to experience symptoms during the current weather conditions.

Dr Afghani urged patients recovering from eye surgery, particularly cataract, glaucoma, corneal or retinal procedures, to use their prescribed eye drops regularly and attend follow-up examinations as advised by their doctors.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, above-normal temperatures are forecast across much of the country from July to September 2026, with prolonged heatwave conditions possible in parts of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan.

Dr Afghani advised people to stay well hydrated, wear sunglasses, avoid rubbing their eyes and minimise exposure to dust and smoke. He also recommended taking regular breaks from digital screens, blinking more frequently, removing contact lenses if the eyes became dry, and using lubricating eye drops only on the advice of an eye specialist.

He urged people not to ignore persistent redness, eye pain, light sensitivity, discharge or sudden blurred vision, saying such symptoms required prompt medical evaluation to prevent complications.

He added that children, outdoor workers and older adults should be monitored closely during periods of extreme heat and humidity, as they were more susceptible to dehydration and weather-related eye irritation.

Sukkur: Aror University of Art, Architecture, Design and Heritage, Sukkur on Friday, organized an Orientation Day for newly admitted students of Fall 2026, Round-2 intake, marking the formal start of their academic journey.

The event was aimed at familiarizing the new batch with the university’s academic environment, facilities, and support systems.

Addressing the students, Prof. Dr Zahid Hussain Khand, Vice Chancellor, welcomed them to the university and underscored the significance of the Foundation Course. He said the course is designed to build essential academic and professional competencies required for success in higher education and future careers.

Dr Khand urged the students to take full advantage of the university’s resources, faculty expertise, and creative environment to develop their skills in art, architecture, design and heritage.

The orientation program concluded with an interactive question and answer session. Students engaged with faculty members and administrative staff to clarify academic expectations, campus policies, and available student services.

As part of the induction process, document verification of the newly enrolled students was also carried out to ensure a smooth transition into university life.

The university administration said the orientation reflects Aror University’s commitment to providing a supportive and enriching learning environment for its students.

Sialkot: The Professional Development Centre (PDC),Grand Asian University Sialkot (GAUS) on Friday conducted a training session titled “Working with Emotional Intelligence” for the workforce of AirSial.

The session was led by Dr.Saqib Anwar Siddiqui,Head of PDC and Waqas Bajwa,Senior Trainer,PDC.

The training focused on strengthening self-awareness,interpersonal communication and emotional regulation as key competencies for a productive and resilient workforce.

This initiative reflects GAUS-PDC’s continued commitment to institutional partnerships and workforce development in the region in line with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). GAUS-PDC remains dedicated to fostering collaborative engagements that promote skill development and sustainable economic growth in Sialkot and beyond.

Rawalpindi: Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Barrister Danyal Chaudhry, has said that the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir firmly believe in development, stability, and public service, and will once again repose full confidence in the leadership of Pakistan Muslim League (N) in the upcoming elections.

He was addressing a gathering in NA-57 Rawalpindi held to review preparations for the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections.

The meeting was attended by former Mayor Rawalpindi Sardar Naseem Khan, MPAs Ziaullah Shah and Riffat Abbasi, former MPA Raja Arshad Mahmood, Chief Coordinator Raja Abdul Basit Miskeen, AJK candidates Ahmed Raza Qadri and Yasir Lone, along with other political and organizational leaders.

Barrister Danyal said PML-N has always championed public service, merit, development, and national unity, while opponents have nothing to offer but chaos and baseless allegations.

“PML-N leadership prioritized public welfare in every difficult situation and took practical steps for national progress. The people of Azad Kashmir are discerning and will decide based on performance and development” .

He urged workers to reach out to people door-to-door, highlight the government’s people-friendly policies, and demonstrate unity, discipline, and positive politics. “PML-N workers are the party’s real asset. Their hard work and public trust will ensure a resounding victory” .

The Parliamentary Secretary expressed resolve to accelerate the journey of development, prosperity, and public welfare in Azad Kashmir under the party leadership.

The meeting also deliberated on electoral strategy, organizational matters, public outreach, and workers’ responsibilities. Participants pledged to run an effective campaign and ensure the success of party candidates.

Astore: The Gilgit-Baltistan Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency and eliminating corruption, stating that the accountability process in all government departments is being carried out strictly in accordance with the law and on merit.

According to the spokesperson for the Anti-Corruption Establishment, several cases and inquiries related to the Food Department are currently under investigation. In line with a decision of the Gilgit-Baltistan Cabinet, the scrutiny of the assets of Food Department employees has also been initiated.

The spokesperson further stated that investigations are also underway into a reference received from the Chief Secretary’s Office concerning serious allegations against two employees of the Food Department. The inquiry is being conducted in accordance with the relevant legal procedures.

The statement noted that certain individuals are attempting to influence these inquiries and investigation teams through various negative tactics. A social media campaign is reportedly being used to create controversy around the investigations and portray them as actions motivated by personal interests.

The Anti-Corruption Establishment emphasized that such negative propaganda will not affect the transparent, impartial, and lawful investigation process. The institution will continue its proceedings in accordance with the principles of merit, transparency, and the rule of law, and indiscriminate legal action will be taken against anyone found involved in corrupt practices.

The spokesperson also stated that legal action has been initiated against individuals attempting to influence ongoing investigations or damage the institution’s reputation through social media. Such individuals will be held accountable in accordance with the law.

Faisalabad: A proclaimed and record-holding drug trafficker was killed in an alleged police encounter in Jaranwala tehsil while the police recovered more than 100 kilograms (kg) hashish and weapons from his vehicle.

Police spokesman Tariq Jutt said here on Friday that the incident occurred within the jurisdiction of City Jaranwala police station during an operation carried out on the directions of City Police Officer (CPO) Faisalabad Tanveer Hussain.

He said that SHO City Jaranwala police station Sub Inspector (SI) Muzaffar Khokhar accompanied by ASI Ghulam Abbas and other police personnel had established a checkpoint near Punjab Hospital on Lahore Road to intercept suspected criminals.

The police signaled a suspicious car to stop, but its occupants allegedly opened fire on the police party and fled the scene.

The police team immediately launched a chase and intercepted the vehicle near 240 Mor after surrounding the suspects.

The police directed the outlaws for surrender but they once against opened blunt fire on the police party.

During encounter, one of the accused sustained injuries and was taken into custody while his accomplices managed to escape from the scene. The injured accused was shifted to hospital, but in vain as he succumbed to his injuries later.

Police identified the deceased as Zubair alias Zubairi Cousin resident of Islampura Jaranwala and he was a record-holding narcotics dealer wanted by police in more than a dozen criminal cases.

A search of the suspect’s vehicle led to the recovery of more than 100 kilograms hashish along with weapons which were taken into police custody as evidence while further legal proceedings are under progress.

A special team was also constituted which started manhunt to arrest the escapees, he added.