Day: July 28, 2026

Sargodha: A delegation from a leading Chinese educational, scientific and agricultural research company on Monday visited the University of Sargodha (UoS) to explore cooperation in agriculture, research, commercial projects and academic exchange.

According to the UoS spokesperson, the delegation, led by General Manager Luan Xiujing, held a meeting with UOS Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Qaisar Abbas to review the progress on ongoing collaborative projects and discuss future initiatives. The two sides exchanged views on agricultural mechanization, drone-based crop spraying, commercial ventures, industrial exhibitions and expanding academic collaboration between Pakistan and China.

The vice chancellor told the delegation about the university’s research activities, particularly in agriculture, and highlighted efforts to strengthen industry-academia linkages. He said the university was working on the commercialization of research and had introduced more than 80 patents in recent years.

Prof Dr Qaisar Abbas also said the university had signed several agreements with Chinese institutions and companies in the fields of education, agriculture, technology, pharmaceuticals, medicine and trade, which were contributing to stronger bilateral cooperation. The Chinese delegation expressed satisfaction over the progress of ongoing collaborative projects and reaffirmed its commitment to expanding cooperation with the university. It also invited UoS officials to visit China to further strengthen academic and industrial partnerships.

Later, Prof Abbas presented a souvenir to Mr Luan Xiujing. Director of the Pakistan Institute of China Studies Prof Dr Tahir Mumtaz Awan and Prof. Dr. Abdul Rehman of the College of Agriculture also attended the meeting.

Dera ismail khan: Security preparations for the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) were reviewed here on Monday, during a meeting with caretakers of Imambargahs from the city circle, where measures for the peaceful conduct of religious programmes and enhanced security were discussed.

The meeting was held on the directions of District Police Officer Dera and was chaired by DSP City Syed Saghir Gilani. The participants discussed the schedule of Chehlum programmes, stressing strict adherence to designated timings and the implementation of comprehensive security arrangements.

Speaking on this occasion, the DSP urged organizers to accord top priority to security in view of the prevailing situation and to immediately report any suspicious person or activity to the police.

He said that the district police were taking all necessary measures to ensure the peaceful observance of Chehlum and safeguard the lives and property of citizens.

Peshawar: Adviser to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Climate Change, Forests, Environment and Wildlife, Pir Musawar Khan, on Monday stressed the need for effective measures to protect the environment and strengthen climate resilience during a visit to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He was briefed on the agency’s performance, reforms, achievements and future plans. Officials informed him about key initiatives, including online monitoring of industrial emissions, digitalization of environmental approvals, GIS mapping of industrial units and promotion of environmental awareness.

The adviser appreciated the agency’s efforts in enforcing environmental laws and controlling pollution, saying that a clean and healthy environment was the basic right of every citizen. He directed officials to further strengthen monitoring systems, public awareness campaigns and the adoption of environment-friendly technologies in the industrial sector.

Pir Musawar Khan also assured full government support for addressing institutional challenges, including staff shortages, establishment of district-level offices and provision of modern equipment.

Secretary Climate Change, Forests, Environment and Wildlife Junaid Khan and other senior officials attended the briefing.

Muzaffargarh: Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Monday raided a Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) office in Kot Addu and arrested six retailers for illegally extorting money from deserving women.

According to the FIR, the retailers were arrested during the raid for their involvement in illegal deductions from eligible women beneficiaries at the BISP office.

The retailers, instead of providing free mobile SIMs to the women as required, were illegally charging Rs. 1500 from each deserving woman in exchange for the SIMs, the FIR stated.

SIM cards, biometric devices, mobile phones and identity cards were recovered from the retailers during the action. A case has also been registered against the arrested retailers at FIA Dera Ghazi Khan.

The FIR further stated that the role of facilitators among BISP and NADRA office officials would be determined during the course of investigation.

Rawalpindi: Managing Director Horticulture Agency Rawalpindi Ahmed Hassan Ranjha on Monday said tree plantation was not merely a campaign but a national responsibility aimed at providing future generations with a healthy, clean and pleasant environment.

He said climate change, rising pollution and increasing temperatures had made tree plantation one of the most pressing needs of the time. In line with the vision of the Government of Punjab and the special directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Horticulture Agency was implementing comprehensive measures to transform Rawalpindi into a greener, more beautiful and environment-friendly city.

The managing director said the agency was carrying out extensive tree plantation drives, seasonal flower cultivation, lawn rehabilitation, installation of ornamental plants and other environment-friendly initiatives in parks, green belts, roadsides, public squares and other public spaces across the city. These efforts, he said, were aimed at enhancing the city’s beauty while ensuring cleaner air and a healthier living environment for citizens.

Ahmed Hassan Ranjha said trees played a vital role in producing oxygen, reducing air pollution, lowering temperatures, preventing soil erosion and preserving biodiversity. A green city, he added, not only ensured environmental sustainability but also contributed significantly to the physical and mental well-being of its residents.

He said the Horticulture Agency was continuing the beautification and rehabilitation of parks, improvement of nurseries and development of green infrastructure through modern horticultural practices. Thousands of saplings were being planted across different parts of the city, while equal attention was being paid to the protection and maintenance of existing trees to ensure their long-term sustainability.

The managing director urged citizens, educational institutions, civil society organizations, the business community and the youth to actively participate in the tree plantation campaign by planting at least one tree and taking responsibility for its care and maintenance. He said planting a tree alone was not enough, stressing that its protection and proper growth were equally important.

Ahmed Hassan Ranjha said building a clean, green and beautiful Rawalpindi was a shared responsibility of both the government and the public. He reaffirmed the Horticulture Agency’s commitment to advancing the vision of the Government of Punjab by utilizing all available resources and expertise to strengthen tree plantation initiatives, improve parks and develop green belts with the objective of making Rawalpindi one of the most beautiful and environmentally sustainable cities in Pakistan.

Multan: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr. Faisal Saleem on Monday imposed Section-144 across Multan district as a precautionary measure ahead of the monsoon season.

According to a notification issued by the district administration, swimming, bathing and playing in rainwater, rivers, canals, drains, lakes and ponds have been banned for 30 days.

The notification also prohibited the operation of rafts, boats and other watercraft on the River Chenab without prior permission from the competent authority, citing public safety concerns during the monsoon season.

The restrictions will remain in force across the district from July 26 to August 25, 2026.

DC Saleem warned that strict legal action would be taken against those found violating the order.

He also urged citizens, particularly children and young people to avoid venturing into rainwater and water channels during the monsoon season to prevent drowning and other accidents.