Day: July 20, 2026

Multan: Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Punjab, Director General Haider Murtaza, visited Rahim Yar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur and Jhang districts to review the ongoing distribution of free Benazir SIMs and the establishment of digital wallet accounts under the Benazir Social Protection Wallet initiative. During his visits to SIM distribution centres, the DG inspected arrangements for beneficiary women, monitored the issuance and activation of SIMs, and reviewed the progress of digital wallet registration. He also interacted with women beneficiaries, listened to their concerns and suggestions, and directed the staff to ensure prompt assistance and improved service delivery.

Haider Murtaza inspected waiting areas, seating arrangements, drinking water, ventilation and other essential facilities, stressing that elderly, disabled and pregnant women should be given priority during the SIM issuance process. He further directed the staff to provide complete guidance to beneficiaries regarding the new digital wallet system so they could fully benefit from the initiative. Speaking to the media, he said the Benazir Social Protection Wallet, launched in line with the directives of President and Prime Minister of Pakistan, marked a significant step towards the financial empowerment of deserving women.

Under the new system, beneficiaries will receive personal digital wallet accounts through which financial assistance will be transferred directly, while payment notifications will be sent via SMS. He said the digital wallet system would enhance transparency, eliminate illegal deductions and give women complete control over their financial assistance. He added that BISP was leveraging modern technology to promote financial inclusion and provide secure, dignified and convenient financial services to deserving families.

The DG also informed beneficiaries that the Benazir SIM was being provided free of cost by the Government of Pakistan and that no fee should be paid to anyone for obtaining it. He advised women to keep the SIM secure, avoid sharing it or its PIN with anyone, and obtain it only from authorized BISP centres. Beneficiaries were also reminded to bring their original Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) and mobile phone when collecting the SIM. Haider Murtaza said the BISP would continue taking effective measures to ensure the successful implementation of the digital wallet system, transparent payments and improved services so that government financial assistance reaches deserving families efficiently and with dignity.

Multan: The district administration has finalized all arrangements and security plan for the three-day 787th Urs celebrations of Sheikh-ul-Islam Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya Multani, being started from Monday. A meeting of district departments regarding Urs arrangements was held at the shrine with Deputy Commissioner Dr. Faisal Saleem in the chair. Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue Hafiz Muhammad Mudassir, Additional Deputy Commissioner Finance Mohsin Nisar, Assistant Commissioner City Azka Sehar and other district officials attended the meeting. DC Dr Faisal Saleem said the administration would provide the best hospitality facilities to devotees visiting the Urs. He said that excellent sanitation and security arrangements would ensure a pleasant experience for all participants of Urs celebrations.

A comprehensive plan has been prepared for the accommodation, food arrangements and smooth traffic management for devotees, the DC added. All district departments will set up their camps at Fort Qasim Bagh throughout the three-day Urs celebrations. Police will remain alert to ensure an immediate response in any emergency situation. Complete screening of areas surrounding the shrine and designated accommodation points has been carried out. Special arrangements, including cold water stalls, would be established for devotees in view of the intense summer heat.

Chiniot: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ayesha Rizwan, accompanied by Chief Officer Municipal Committee Muhammad Arif, visited Quaid-e-Azam Park and reviewed recreational facilities, cleanliness, beauty, and other arrangements provided to citizens.

The DC inspected the overall condition of the park and issued instructions to the Chief Officer Municipal Committee to take comprehensive steps for its improvement.

She directed that quality and lush grass be planted in the park, and that plants and trees be trimmed regularly to further enhance the park’s beauty.

She also directed authorities to make swings and benches fully functional, repair damaged equipment immediately, and modernize the lighting system to make it more effective.

She stressed improving the beauty of the internal and external parts of the park and repairing and restoring the walking track. ‘Quaid-e-Azam Park is an important recreational place for the citizens, therefore special attention should be paid to its maintenance and renovation so that the people of the city, especially women, children and senior citizens, can have a clean, safe and pleasant environment,’ she said.

The DC directed concerned officers to complete all work related to the improvement of the park as soon as possible and not to compromise on quality.

Faisalabad: University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) conducted its first postgraduate entry test for postgraduate admissions including MS/MPhil/MSc (Hons), MBA/MBA (Executive) and PhD programs for the academic session 2026-27, in which around 3,000 applicants appeared. UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali constituted committees to ensure foolproof arrangements for the entrance test and facilitate the candidates. UAF Vice Chancellor directed the committee and concerned officials to ensure transparent, smooth and disciplined conduct of the examination, with all necessary arrangements put in place for the convenience of the applicants.

Director Graduate Studies Dr Muhammad Khalid Bashir said that online registration for the second entry test would remain open from July 21 to August 10, 2026. He urged interested candidates to apply within the stipulated deadline and take advantage of the opportunity to pursue postgraduate education at UAF.

The University spokesman said that the UAF had maintained its leading position in the fields of agriculture and forestry. According to the Subject Ranking 2026, UAF was ranked 33rd worldwide in Agriculture and Forestry and 1st in Pakistan in the same subject area, reflecting its academic and research excellence. The UAF continues to provide opportunities for advanced education and research in diverse disciplines and was committed to preparing highly skilled graduates and researchers to address emerging national and global challenges.

The university’s postgraduate programs offer students an opportunity to pursue advanced studies in a research-oriented academic environment supported by qualified faculty and modern facilities. Further details regarding degree programs, eligibility criteria, and admission procedures were available on the UAF website and postgraduate admissions portal. For queries, applicants can contact the Directorate of Graduate Studies at 041-9200189, 041-9200161-70 (Ext. 3701, 3702, 3703), or email [email protected], he added.

Chiniot: Federal Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh visited a free medical camp organized at Chak No. 146, JB, Bhakri Jhuk, met with patients, reviewed medical facilities, and appreciated the services of doctors and medical staff.

Talking to the media, the Federal Minister said providing quality health facilities to the people is the government’s top priority.

He noted that the lack of medical facilities in rural areas is a major challenge, which is being addressed through mutual cooperation between the government and philanthropic organizations.

The camp was organized in collaboration with Islamia Hospital Chiniot, with support from the local administration, social figures, and volunteers.

Qaiser said a Business-to-Business conference between Pakistan and China is underway in Islamabad to promote investment in the pharmaceutical and health sectors. Practical agreements worth about $40 to $42 million have been signed, under which Chinese companies will invest in medicine manufacturing and the pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan, creating new employment opportunities and strengthening the country’s economy.

He stressed that all political parties must rise above their differences and agree on a Charter of Economy to ensure economic stability and investment promotion.

He added that Pakistan’s economic growth rate has been about 3.7 percent, but a further increase in the pace of investment and economic development is indispensable to improve the standard of living of the people.

The Federal Minister said more than 500 patients have been examined and various medical tests conducted at the free medical camp so far. Many people received a medical check-up for the first time in their lives.

He added that such camps are very important for the people due to the lack of hospitals and diagnostic facilities in the area.

Wah cantt: An 8-member delegation from South Korea, consisting of monks, scholars, and religious tourists, visited Taxila Museum and the ancient Buddhist site of Dharmarajika Stupa.

While briefing the delegation, officials said the artifacts housed at the museum are more than 2,000 years old, dating back to when Buddhist monks lived in Taxila, the center of the ancient Gandhara civilization.

They added that the Taxila site and the museum have great potential to attract national and international visitors interested in experiencing the unique historical sites of antiquities and human settlements of Gandhara Buddhist heritage.

Head of the delegation, Most Venerable Monk Jong Lim, told newsmen that Pakistan holds great significance for the Korean people as the land is the birthplace of Buddhism. He noted that the first monk, Marananatha, who brought Buddhism to Korea in 384 AD, belonged to Pakistan.

Project Director Gandhara International Research Centre, University of Lahore, Dr. Kyosoon Park said she has worked for two decades to build a bridge between Korean Buddhists and Pakistan.

She said this visit by Korean monks and scholars would help promote a soft image of Pakistan and attract more religious tourists.

The delegation toured key Buddhist heritage sites and appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to preserve Gandhara artifacts and promote religious tourism.