Day: July 24, 2026

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China, Pakistan Launches joint Desert Horticulture Research Initiative


Beijing: Tarim University has inaugurated the China-Pakistan Science and Technology Backyard on Desert Horticulture in Multan, Pakistan.



Tailored to the local arid and semi-desert terrain, the project leverages Tarim University’s flagship disciplines to conduct joint research and teaching programs with Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, addressing key challenges in dryland agriculture.



Under this initiative, the two institutions will jointly develop drought-resistant horticultural crops, promote water-saving farming practices, and establish field demonstration bases.



Adopting an integrated field-research model, the project bridges classroom theory and on-farm practice to cultivate top agricultural talent, CEN reported on Thursday.



Furthermore, a regular joint postgraduate training scheme will be launched to facilitate faculty and student exchanges.



Both universities will also share crop germplasm resources and research findings, enabling Pakistani and Chinese students to sharpen their practical skills in real-world agricultural scenarios.



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Two Chenab heads remain in high flood


Gujrat: High flood levels continued at Head Khanki and Head Qadirabad on the Chenab River on Thursday, while Head Marala remained at medium flood level.



According to official sources, Head Marala recorded an upstream inflow of 174,404 cusecs against a downstream discharge of 157,404 cusecs, staying within medium flood conditions.



Downstream, water levels escalated as Head Khanki recorded an upstream inflow of 255,502 cusecs and a downstream outflow of 250,102 cusecs. Similarly, Head Qadirabad registered an inflow of 267,159 cusecs upstream and a discharge of 252,159 cusecs downstream, maintaining high flood status at both barrage points.



Meanwhile, the situation at Mangla Dam on the Jhelum River and across local streams remained normal. The water level in the Mangla Dam reservoir was recorded at 1,183.90 feet, with an incoming flow of 73,889 cusecs and a controlled outflow of 10,000 cusecs.



Official sources further confirmed that seasonal channels remained within safe operational bounds, with Bhimbar Nullah recorded a discharge of 1,874 cusecs and Munawar Tavi recording 7,547 cusecs.



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Sindh education foundation organized school partners conference


Nawabshah: The District Office of Sindh Education Foundation (SEF), Shaheed Benazirabad, organized a School Partners Conference at Peoples School Junior Branch on the theme of Annual Planning and Improving School Performance in accordance with SEF Standards.



The conference was attended by SEF Regional Head Shaheed Benazirabad Maqbool Ahmed Laghari, District Head Mumtaz Ali Chandio, district office officials, SEF team members and a large number of school partners from across the district.



Addressing the participants, Regional Head Maqbool Ahmed Laghari said that the performance of schools can be significantly improved through the provision of quality education, a transparent administrative system and effective annual planning. He urged school partners to strictly implement SEF policies and standards and ensure a quality learning environment for children.



During the conference, participants were given detailed briefings on school profiling, maintenance of school records, administrative affairs, faculty management, teaching standards, improvement in students’ learning outcomes, overall school performance and school ranking.



Technical guidance on various operational and academic matters was also provided. A question-and-answer session was held at the end of the conference, during which school partners shared their concerns and suggestions. SEF officials responded in detail and issued practical guidance for addressing the issues in a timely manner. The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to further strengthen school performance in line with SEF standards, ensuring the provision of quality, inclusive and effective education for children.



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Governor assures support for improved healthcare facilities in KP


Peshawar: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Thursday assured the Peoples Doctors Forum (PDF) of taking up their issues with the provincial government for resolving problems faced by the medical community.



He was talking to a delegation of the Peoples Doctors Forum, led by Dr Janbaz Afridi, which called on him at Governor House.



The delegation demanded establishment of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical College and Benazir Hospital in Peshawar along with provision of modern medical facilities in existing hospitals across the province.



Governor Kundi appreciated the forum’s proposals and suggestions, saying that the doors of Governor House were open for people and professionals to raise their issues.



The Governor said the provincial government had failed to establish new hospitals and nursing colleges according to the growing needs of the population. He stressed the need for learning from the good initiatives taken by other provinces.



He also highlighted the importance of establishing a Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT)-type healthcare facility in KP.



Governor Kundi said healthcare initiatives such as Al-Shifa Camp in Dera Ismail Khan were helping patients, while organisations including Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), Sundas Foundation and Ittifaq Kidney Centre could play an important role in strengthening medical services in the province.



He said despite sacrifices and challenges, the people of KP deserved development, adding that resources allocated under the former FATA reforms, including Rs100 billion annually, should be effectively utilized for the welfare of the people.



The Governor said tourism and sports sectors also needed attention, adding that the launch of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Champions League (KCL) was aimed at engaging youth and promoting the positive image of the province.



He expressed concern over frustration among youth and said practical steps were required to provide them opportunities. Members of the People Doctors Forum thanked Governor Kundi for listening to their concerns.



The People Doctors Forum was joined by a number of doctors on the occasion from various healthcare institutions, who expressed their support for the forum’s objectives and proposals. The meeting concluded with the cutting of a cake to mark the birthday of PPP President Asif Ali Zardari.



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CPO listens to public complaints in open court


Faisalabad: CPO Tanveer Hussain listened to people problems related to the police department here on Thursday. During ‘khuli kutchery’ held at his office, he issued instructions to the officers concerned to redress the outstanding issues of the people timely.



On this occasion, the CPO said that providing prompt and effective justice to the people at their doorstep is their top priority. The aim of the open court is to resolve the complaints of the citizens and their problems on a priority basis.



He said that service delivery in police stations is being ensured, as per the vision of the CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif.



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Economic empowerment of minorities, women remains priority of Punjab govt: Minister Arora


Lahore: Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, on Thursday visited the Head Office of the Rural Community Development Programme (RCDP), where he was warmly received by Muhammad Murtaza, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of RCDP and Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Microfinance Network.

During the visit, the Minister held a comprehensive meeting with representatives of the microfinance sector to discuss strategies for promoting financial inclusion, with particular focus on the economic empowerment of religious minorities, women, and other marginalized communities.

Addressing the meeting, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora emphasized that financial inclusion is a powerful instrument for reducing inequality, empowering vulnerable segments of society, and creating equal opportunities for sustainable economic growth. He stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Government of Punjab is committed to ensuring inclusive development and equal economic opportunities
for every citizen without discrimination.

The minister underscored the importance of expanding access to affordable and inclusive financial services for religious minorities, women, and low-income households, enabling them to become financially independent and active contributors to the province’s socio-economic development.

Participants also discussed the role of microfinance institutions in advancing human rights and strengthening financial resilience among underserved communities. Both sides agreed to enhance collaboration to make microfinance initiatives more effective and accessible across Punjab.

Representatives of the Pakistan Microfinance Network reaffirmed their commitment to expanding comprehensive financial services through the Network’s platform, while the Rural Community Development Programme (RCDP) pledged its continued support for initiatives aimed at promoting the financial independence and economic well-being of minorities and women.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to stren
gthening partnerships and undertaking joint initiatives to promote financial inclusion, social protection, and sustainable economic opportunities for vulnerable and marginalized communities throughout Punjab.