Day: July 14, 2026

Lodhran: The livestock department launched awareness drive to protect livestock from the ongoing heatwave affecting South Punjab.

Under the campaign titled “Heatwave Protection, Healthy Livestock and Prosperous Farmers,” livestock owners have been advised to adopt preventive measures to safeguard their animals during extreme temperatures.

The department has urged farmers to ensure a constant supply of clean and cool drinking water, keep animals in shaded areas, and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight between 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Farmers have also been instructed to provide fresh, high-quality green fodder and strictly avoid feeding spoiled or moldy feed.

The advisory further recommended the use of electrolytes and mineral mixtures in consultation with veterinary doctors. During periods of intense heat, farmers are encouraged to sprinkle water lightly on animals or use fans to help reduce heat stress. Special attention should be given to milking, pregnant, and weak animals.

Livestock owners have also been advised to immediately contact veterinary staff if animals exhibit symptoms such as rapid breathing, excessive panting, restlessness, or unconsciousness.

Additional Director Livestock, Dr. Allah Bachaya, said that, in line with the directions of the Government of Punjab and Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ashraf, field staff of the Livestock Department have initiated awareness activities and are visiting livestock farmers to ensure precautionary measures during the extreme weather conditions.

Astore: Former Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, President Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and Leader of the Opposition, Hafiz Hafeez ur Rehman, has expressed deep sorrow and concern over the widespread destruction caused by the recent floods in various parts of Diamer district, particularly in Thor and Buner Das.

In a statement issued here, Hafiz Hafeez ur Rehman said the floods have severely affected the livelihoods of local farmers by destroying agricultural land, standing crops, and drinking water supply systems. He added that the closure of highways and link roads has created serious difficulties for residents and disrupted daily life in the affected areas.

He called on the government to immediately launch rescue and relief operations in the flood-hit areas, conducted a comprehensive assessment of the damages, providing prompt financial compensation to affected farmers, and restore all blocked roads on an emergency basis to ensure the smooth movement of people.

Hafiz Hafeez ur Rehman emphasized that serving the people during natural disasters was the government’s foremost responsibility and should remain above political considerations. He also stated that workers of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) stood in solidarity with the affected communities and would extend every possible support during this difficult time.

Multan: Director Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) Multan, Sabahat Hussain on Monday, advised cotton growers not to let stagnant water remain in their fields for more than 24 hours following recent rains.

According to the spokesperon, CCRI Sabahat said that prolonged water logging deprived plant roots of oxygen and essential nutrients,causing wilting and risking crop death and stressed the need for timely drainage of stagnant water to avoid losses.

Sabahat Hussain directed growers to apply half a bag of urea per acre through irrigation or spray a one percent urea solution on the leaves, if cotton foliage turned yellow after rains.

She also urged farmers to focus on timely weed control, carrying out earthing-up once the soil dried to a workable moisture level and removing any remaining weeds by hand, cause weeds could reduce yields by 25 to 30 percent if left unchecked.

Gujrat: The Child Protection and Welfare Bureau rescued 17 children during an anti-begging drive conducted here on Monday.

According to official sources, the operation was carried out at Gujrat-Bhimber Road, Rehman Shaheed Road, GT Road, Service Mor, Old Chungi and other key areas of the city.

The joint operation was conducted by teams from the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Gujranwala, Labour Department, Rescue 1122, Gujrat Police and the Social Welfare Department.

During the campaign, 17 children, including 10 boys and seven girls, involved in begging were rescued. They were shifted to Gujranwala for completion of legal formalities and further welfare and rehabilitation measures.

Sargodha: Assistant Commissioner Piplan Zafar Iqbal on Monday visited the Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital Piplan to review the provision of healthcare services and inspect availability of medical facilities.

During the visit, the assistant commissioner inspected various departments of the hospital and reviewed the arrangements made for the treatment and care of patients.

He also assessed availability of medicines, cleanliness, and the overall functioning of the hospital. Zafar Iqbal directed the hospital administration to ensure the uninterrupted provision of quality healthcare services and facilitate patients by addressing their medical needs promptly.

He stressed that no negligence in patient care would be tolerated and urged the staff to perform their duties with dedication and professionalism.

Sukkur: Director General of Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), Waqar Hussain Phulpoto on Monday visited the SEPA Sukkur Regional Office where he laid the foundation stone for a new additional office block and inaugurated newly constructed residential quarters for the office staff.

He also reviewed the ongoing development work at the office.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, DG Phulpoto said that in line with the vision and environmental policies of the Sindh Government, SEPA’s regional offices are being upgraded with modern facilities to make them more active and effective.

He said that the construction of the new additional block will bring significant improvement in monitoring environmental matters, institutional performance, and the quality of public services not only in the Sukkur region but also in the adjoining districts.

He noted that nearly 15 years have passed since the establishment of the SEPA Sukkur Regional Office. Due to its location away from the city, there was a pressing need for residential facilities for the staff, particularly officers and employees. Keeping this in view, residential blocks and quarters for directors, senior officers and other staff have been constructed within the office premises, which will provide great convenience to the staff in terms of accommodation and commuting.

During the visit, the DG met with officers and staff of the regional office, listened to their issues, and directed them to perform their duties with honesty, integrity, professional competence, and a spirit of public service. He also stressed the need for effective enforcement of environmental laws, increasing environmental awareness, and accelerating joint efforts for environmental protection.

On the occasion, the staff of SEPA Sukkur Regional Office expressed their appreciation for the DG’s visit, development projects, and provision of residential facilities, and lauded his leadership and initiatives for the improvement of the institution.

The ceremony was attended by SEPA Deputy Directors Mir Murid Ali Talpur and Ajmal Khan Tunio, Law Officer Habib-ur-Rehman, Assistant Directors Dr. Gul Ameer Soomro and Asadullah Tanio, XEN Buildings Works and Services Department Aftab Ali Ansari, and other concerned officers.

Later, DG SEPA Waqar Hussain Phulpoto also visited a biscuit factory and inspected environmental protection measures. Noting the lack of proper treatment of wastewater at the factory, he directed the District In-charge to issue a notice to the factory management.