Day: July 27, 2026

Multan: The first meeting of the committee monitoring cotton varieties, constituted on the special directives of Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahu, was held here on Sunday at the Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture.

Director General Pest Warning and Quality Control of Pesticides Punjab, Dr. Amir Rasool, presided over the high-level meeting.

During the meeting, participants presented comprehensive recommendations regarding new cotton varieties, testing methodologies, and the establishment of a more effective research framework. The forum reaffirmed its firm commitment to promoting modern agricultural research and ensuring that its practical outcomes reach farming communities effectively.

The delegation thoroughly reviewed research activities, experimental fields, and candidate cotton varieties currently under trial. During the visit, key factors including yield potential, resistance to pests and diseases, and overall performance under varying weather conditions were closely assessed.

Speakers during the session underscored that the National Cotton Varietal Trials programme plays a fundamental role in approving high-yielding varieties, ensuring the steady availability of quality seeds, and ultimately boosting the country’s overall cotton production.

Member Research, Development and Policy (NSDRA) Dr. Qamar Shakeel, along with prominent cotton breeders and agricultural experts from both the public and private sectors, attended the session.

Hyderabad: The Commissioner Hyderabad Division Fayyaz Hussain Abbasi participated as a special guest in the closing ceremony of the six-week annual Gurukal Summer Camp organized under the auspices of Hyderabad Hindu Panchayat.

President of Hyderabad Hindu Panchayat Dr. Chandi Ram, Professor of Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro and Founder of Gurukal Program Dr. Kamleshwar, Dr. Pradeep Kumar, Engineer Ashok Sufi, Engineer Dharam Bajaj, Advocate Jhammat Mill, respected personalities of the Hindu community, parents and children were also present.

On this occasion, children presented tableaus on various social topics, including climate change.

Addressing the event, Commissioner Hyderabad Fayaz Hussain Abbasi said that the prior responsibility of parents is to support their children’s character building, moral training and high human appreciation so that they can become responsible and talented citizens in the future.

In addition to creating awareness of philanthropy, moral appreciation and social responsibility among them, he praised the excellent performance of the children and the tableaus presented on social topics, saying that such activities play an important role in shaping the positive character of the new generation.

On this occasion, the President of Hyderabad Hindu Panchayat Dr. Chandi Ram said in his speech that the Hindu community should participate more in welfare activities.

He said that if we give fifty tolas of gold as dowry to our daughters, it is our social responsibility to dedicate one tola to the welfare and betterment of the community and society.

Dr. Pradeep Kumar said that Hyderabad Hindu Panchayat organizes Gurukal Summer Camp every year to train the new generation academically, morally and socially, to make them play a positive role in the society, establish a good reputation and the right way to become a responsible citizen can be shown.

Sargodha: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Khushab, Dr. Jahanzeb Labar, on Sunday directed the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) to launch an emergency drainage operation following heavy monsoon rainfall across the district to ensure immediate relief for citizens.

Managing Director (MD) WASA, Imran Bajwa, supervised the field operations by visiting central markets, low-lying areas, and disposal stations to monitor the clearance of accumulated rainwater from main roads and urban centers.

He instructed field staff to maintain maximum operational efficiency and warned that no negligence would be tolerated in the drainage process. All available disposal machinery, including suction pumps, jetting units, and water bowsers, has been deployed at full capacity to clear stagnant water.

The MD WASA stated that disposal stations across Khushab and surrounding areas are operating round the clock to mitigate the risk of urban flooding in residential zones.

Meanwhile, DC Dr. Jahanzeb Labar urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy downpours and to stay away from open manholes and low-lying sectors. He further advised residents to report any localized drainage complaints to the district administration’s helpline for prompt intervention.

Faisalabad: The police have paid tribute to martyred Head Constable Muhammad Alam Sher on his 18th death anniversary.

Police spokesman said here on Sunday that DSP Sadar Circle Shahid Ali along with his team visited grave of the martyred police officer and presented a ceremonial salute. He also laid floral wreaths and offered ‘Fateha’ for the eternal peace of departed soul.

He said that Head Constable Muhammad Alam Sher had embraced martyrdom 18 years ago while displaying exceptional courage during an armed encounter with dacoits in the line of duty.

His sacrifice continued to inspire serving police personnel in the discharge of their professional responsibilities, he added.

He said that sacrifices rendered by police martyrs constituted a glorious chapter in the history and served as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of law enforcement officers.

He said that the police martyrs are a priceless national asset and a source of immense pride for the department. Their sacrifices can never be forgotten.

Police department is resolve to utilize all available resources for the welfare, assistance and support of children and families of police martyrs by acknowledging their enduring sacrifices for the peace and security of the society, he added.

Muzaffargarh: A woman who was critically injured by her husband over a domestic dispute passed away during treatment at a hospital, police sources said on Sunday.

According to the spokesperson, the incident took place in the Patti Sultan Mahmood Sharqi area of Kot Addu, where a woman identified as Azma Bibi was seriously wounded on July 22 after her husband, Ejaz Ahmed, allegedly attacked her with an axe.

Following the assault, she was rushed to Nishtar Hospital Multan in critical condition, where she succumbed to her injuries during treatment on Saturday.

Police stated that a case was registered. The accused husband has already been arrested by law enforcement agencies. Further investigations was underway.

Hyderabad: The Sindh Persons with Disabilities Protection Authority (SPDPA), under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), Government of Sindh, hosted a special reception to honour Mr. Abid Lashari, Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, President of National Disability and Development Forum (NDF) Pakistan, and Mr. Javed Rais, in recognition of their prestigious Tamgha-e-Imtiaz civil award.

The reception was hosted by Mr. Farooq Ahmed Laghari, Director General, SPDPA, and attended by senior officials of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, including Mr. Farman Ali Tanwari, Regional Director DEPD Karachi Region, Dr. Ratna Dewan, Director Finance, and Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed, Director Operations. The distinguished guests warmly welcomed both Tamgha-e-Imtiaz recipients and appreciated their outstanding services for the empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Abid Lashari, Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to SPDPA and the DEPD for organizing the reception.

He stated that the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities has consistently encouraged the initiatives of NDF Pakistan and extended valuable technical and financial support, enabling the organization to expand quality rehabilitation, inclusion, and empowerment services for persons with disabilities across Sindh.

Mr. Lashari further emphasized that the strong partnership between the Government of Sindh and civil society organizations serves as a successful model for advancing the rights, dignity, and equal opportunities of persons with disabilities.

Mr. Javed Rais, while thanking SPDPA and DEPD, appreciated the honour and encouragement extended to the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz recipients. He reaffirmed his commitment to continue serving society and promoting the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

The ceremony concluded with appreciation for the contributions of both awardees and a renewed commitment by SPDPA and DEPD to strengthen collaboration with organizations working for disability inclusion and empowerment throughout Sindh.