SME Chamber delegation meets SIAL chairman


Sialkot: Sialkot International Airport Limited (SIAL) Chairman Abdul Ghafoor Malik met a delegation from the SME Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sialkot on Saturday.



The delegation comprised President SME Chamber Sialkot and General Secretary Ittehad Founder Group Mian Muhammad Khalil, Vice President SME Chamber Sialkot Sheikh Khalid Mahmood, Senior Vice President SME Chamber Sialkot Muhammad Ijaz Ghouri, Member Board of Directors SIAL Rana Sohail and Senior Member SME Chamber Sialkot Khurram Butt.



During the meeting, the delegation congratulated Chairman Abdul Ghafoor Malik on assuming his new responsibilities and extended their heartfelt best wishes for a successful and productive tenure. They expressed confidence that under his leadership, Sialkot International Airport would continue to strengthen its role in supporting trade, industry, and economic development in the region.



4, 123 people issued Himmat Card in Bahawalpur


Bahawalpur: Around 4, 123 eligible persons with disabilities in Bahawalpur district have so far been issued Himmat Card following the programme introduced by the Punjab government.



A meeting of the District Welfare and Rehabilitation Unit was held under the chairmanship of Additional Deputy Commissioner (Headquarters) Dr. Ayesha Khan to review measures aimed at the rehabilitation and social inclusion of persons with disabilities. During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that each beneficiary received Rs. 10, 500 in financial assistance every quarter. It was also shared that the distribution of Himmat Cards among children enrolled in the Special Education Department is progressing rapidly.



The meeting reviewed the implementation of the Punjab Government’s directives regarding the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, the resolution of their issues, and the facilities being provided to help them become productive members of society.



Addressing the participants, Dr. Khan directed that the 50 percent fare concession for persons with disabilities on public transport must be implemented without exception. The meeting was informed that the devices being provided include hearing aids, electric tricycles, and electric wheelchairs.



British-era Bara Gali forest track offers visitors glimpse into Galiyat’s untouched heritage


Nathiagali: The historic Bara Gali Forest Track, nestled in the heart of the Galiyat region, continues to attract nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts with its centuries-old forests, breathtaking mountain scenery and well-preserved natural landscape. Dating back to the British colonial era, the trail remains one of the region’s most scenic and ecologically significant walking routes.



The forest track was originally developed during British rule when Bara Gali served as an important hill station and summer retreat. The British established rest houses, forest inspection routes and walking trails across the Galiyat hills to connect settlements and facilitate forest management. Many of these pathways, including the Bara Gali Forest Track, have survived largely in their original form, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the area’s rich natural and historical heritage.



Stretching through dense pine, fir, cedar and oak forests, the trail provides panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, cool mountain breezes and a peaceful environment away from urban life. Unlike many commercial tourist destinations, the Bara Gali Forest Track has retained much of its pristine character, making it a popular destination for hikers, photographers, birdwatchers and eco-tourists seeking an authentic experience of Galiyat’s wilderness.



In recent years, the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) and the Forest Department have undertaken efforts to promote eco-tourism while protecting the fragile ecosystem of the region. Authorities have encouraged visitors to explore the trail responsibly, avoid littering and help preserve the area’s biodiversity, which is home to a variety of native wildlife and plant species.



Officials have appealed to tourists to respect the natural environment, stay on designated trails and avoid activities that could damage the forest ecosystem.



They emphasized that conserving the historic Bara Gali Forest Track is essential not only for protecting its ecological value but also for preserving an important reminder of the region’s colonial history and natural heritage for future generations.



Case registered over alleged blasphemous social media post


Attock: Police have registered a case at Basal Police Station over an alleged social media post accused of disrespecting Islamic sanctities, officials said on Saturday. According to police, the first information report (FIR) was lodged following a complaint regarding an allegedly objectionable post shared on Facebook.



Following the registration of the case, police initiated legal proceedings and launched an investigation to ascertain the facts and identify those responsible. Officials said all aspects of the matter were being thoroughly examined and stressed that the investigation would be conducted strictly in accordance with the law. They added that appropriate legal action would be taken on the basis of the findings of the inquiry.



Police have not released further details about the suspect or the contents of the social media post, stating that the investigation is ongoing.



Heavy Rain and Landslide Risks Forewarned in Murree over Next 10 Days;DPO Issues Advisory for Tourists


Murree: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast high winds, thunderstorms, and intermittent heavy rainfall across Murree, Galliyat, and surrounding areas from July 25 to August 3. In response, District Police Officer (DPO) Murree, Dr. Muhammad Raza Tanveer, has issued a security and traffic advisory to ensure the safety of tourists and local residents.



According to the Meteorological Department, heavy downpours are expected at various locations in Murree and Galliyat from July 25 to August 2. Warning of potential hazards, DPO Murree stated that continuous rains pose a serious risk of landslides, falling rocks, and flash flooding in seasonal streams. He urged citizens and tourists to completely avoid going near streams and to refrain from unnecessary stops in landslide-prone areas.



DPO Dr. Muhammad Raza Tanveer directed visitors traveling to Murree to check weather and road conditions beforehand via the “Safe Tourism App. ” He advised motorists to observe strict lane discipline, use fog lights and windshield wipers while driving, and refrain from illegal overtaking or parking on narrow and dangerous turns to maintain smooth traffic flow.



Dr. Muhammad Raza Tanveer further confirmed that Murree Police, traffic wardens, and emergency rescue teams have been put on high alert to keep roads clear and manage any unforeseen situations.



He appealed to the public to contact the police helpline and control room immediately in case of an emergency or if assistance is needed during travel.



Rain Emergency Desk established at CM House


Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has established a Rain Emergency Desk at the Chief Minister House, here on Saturday.

Citizens can call the toll-free helpline 0800-91915 or any rain-related emergency information or assistance. The Public Complaint Cell numbers 021-99202047, 021-99207349 and 021-99207568 are also operational. The Emergency Desk will be staffed 24 hours a day to receive and register public complaints. The Sindh Chief Minister has directed all local government institutions, water and sewerage authorities, commissioners and deputy commissioners (DCs) across the province to remain on high alert.

The Chief Minister has issued special instructions to the Traffic Police to ensure effective traffic management during the rainfall. District police have been directed to remain fully mobilized to assist the civil administration and traffic police, Murad Ali Shah said. All relevant departments must remain fully prepared at all times to respond to any emergency during the rains, the Chief Min
ister emphasized. Protecting the lives and property of the public remains the government’s top priority, he added.