Day: July 28, 2026

Abbottabad: Dr. Nauman Awan, a researcher from Sajikot, Abbottabad, has been ranked among the world’s top five percent scientists in the SciRank Global Scientist Index 2025, earning international recognition for his contributions to research.

Dr. Awan, who serves as an Assistant Professor at the Strategic Research Institute (SRI) of the Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU), Malaysia, was recognized alongside Associate Professor Dr. Ahmed Jamal Abdullah Al-Ghabouri and Professor Dr. Hiram Ting, highlighting the university’s growing global research profile.

The Global Scientist Index ranks researchers based on the number of published scientific papers and the citations they receive. Dr. Awan’s research focuses on Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), Business Analytics, and Sustainable Supply Chain Management. He has published more than 100 research papers in international journals, which have received over 3, 000 citations, with an H-index of 26.

Expressing gratitude over the achievement, Dr. Awan said the honour reflected the collective efforts of his mentors, colleagues, and collaborators. He thanked SRI Director Professor Dr. Mohamed Falahat for his continued guidance and acknowledged Professor Muhammad Imran Qureshi of Teesside University, United Kingdom, for his long-standing academic mentorship.

Besides his research work, Dr. Awan is the founder of the global research and industry network Connecting Asia, which brings together more than 13, 000 researchers from over 40 countries. He also serves as Managing Editor of the Scopus-indexed journal EBJM. University officials described the recognition as a major milestone for APU’s Strategic Research Institute and a reflection of the institution’s commitment to world-class research.

Multan: Former Member of Punjab Assembly Syed Ahmed Mujtaba Gilani expressed deep sorrow over the demise of the mother of former VC Bahauddin Zakariya University Prof Dr Tariq Mahmood Ansari.

He visited the residence of the bereaved family and offered condolences to Prof Dr Tariq Mahmood Ansari, Shahid Mahmood Ansari, General Manager Tez Gas Company Mian Nasir Mahmood Ansari, sociologist Adil Mahmood Ansari and other family members on the passing of their mother, wife of the late senior businessman Mian Shauq Muhammad Ansari.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Mujtaba said that the greatness of a mother was the purest reality of human life, as she devoted her entire life to the upbringing and well-being of her children. He said a mother’s love was selfless, marked by countless sacrifices, sleepless nights, patience and unconditional affection without expecting anything in return. He observed that a mother not only nurtured her children physically but also played a vital role in their moral, emotional and spiritual development. He added that a mother’s prayers and support were among the greatest blessings bestowed upon a person. Gilani said mothers held the highest place of honour in all civilisations because they were the source through which Allah granted the gift of life to humanity. He described a mother as the foundation of the home, the soul of the family and the greatest refuge for her children. Later, Fateha was offered and prayers were held for the eternal peace of the departed soul and for strength and patience for the bereaved
family to bear the irreparable loss.

Multan: A man was killed, while two others sustained injuries after a motorcycle collided with a tractor-trolley near Hassan Sawali chowk here on Monday.

According to Rescue-1122, the tractor-trolley was taking a wrong u-turn when the motorcycle collided with a vehicle. Consequently, Muhammad Tanveer, 25, s/o Ghulam Hussain suffered serious injuries and died at the scene.

Rescue teams promptly reached the spot, and provided first aid to the injured, and shifted them to Nishtar hospital.

After completing medico-legal formalities, police handed over the body to the deceased’s heirs.

Faisalabad: Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA) Director General Muhammad Asif Chaudhry on Monday directed that special safety measures be strictly implemented at under-construction buildings located in FDA-controlled residential colonies and commercial markets during the ongoing monsoon season.

He was chairing a meeting to review matters pertaining to under-construction buildings in view of the monsoon season. The meeting was attended by Directors Asma Mohsin, Junaid Hassan Manj, Suhail Maqsood Pannu, Afnan Saeed Sindhu, and other officers. He particularly instructed that excavation work should be halted immediately at construction sites involving basement development whenever there was a risk of heavy rainfall.

He directed Area Inspectors to maintain strict monitoring and ensure that all safety arrangements were fully implemented to prevent any untoward incidents. He sensitized the owners of under-construction buildings, builders, consultants, architects, structural engineers, and supervising engineers that appropriate shoring and support systems must be used during deep excavation to stabilize the surrounding soil.

He further instructed that protective fencing and clearly visible warning signs must be installed, while all necessary technical measures should be adopted to safeguard nearby buildings and infrastructure during excavation. He stressed that all construction activities must strictly comply with safety regulations and ensure the protection of human life and property.

He further said that unauthorized persons, particularly children should be kept away from construction sites, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) must be ensured and the relevant authorities should be contacted immediately in the event of any emergency. The FDA Director General warned that failure to comply with the building bye-laws and government directives could result in criminal proceeding against the responsible persons, sealing of the property, cancellation of the approved building plan and the imposition of heavy fines by the FDA.

He also appealed to the public to immediately inform the FDA if they observe inadequate safety arrangements at any under-construction building or identify any threat to human life so that timely action could be taken.

Muzaffargarh: In line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to promote agricultural development and empower youth, the Punjab government has formally launched a revolutionary internship programme for 1, 500 agriculture graduates across the province.

Deputy Director Agriculture (Extension) Muzaffargarh, Tahir Bhatti, said the selected agriculture graduates would receive a monthly stipend of Rs70, 000 under the programme. He added that 46 internship slots had been allocated for Muzaffargarh district.

He said applicants must possess a BSc (Hons) Agriculture degree, hold a domicile of the respective district, and be no more than 27 years of age as of the application closing date.

Tahir Bhatti further said that interested candidates could download the application form from the official website of the Punjab Agriculture Department and submit the duly completed form along with the required documents to the Office of the Deputy Director Agriculture (Extension) by July 30, 2026.

He clarified that candidates who had previously availed themselves of the internship scheme would not be eligible to apply again.

Gujrat: The Punjab Food Authority inspected 60 food outlets across Gujrat district during an enforcement drive against food safety violations.

According to a PFA spokesperson, improvement notices were issued to 15 food business operators, while six food outlets were fined a total of Rs66, 000 for violating food safety regulations.

During the inspections, officials confiscated and destroyed 18 kilograms of expired and prohibited food items.

The spokesperson said the Punjab Food Authority would continue inspections and legal action to ensure the availability of safe and quality food for the public.