Month: July 2026

Multan: Punjab agriculture department has issued a fresh advisory urging cotton growers to adopt proper crop management practices in view of the prevailing monsoon weather to ensure healthy crop growth and better yields.

According to an official release issued here Friday, farmers have been advised to keep an eye on weather forecasts issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department and act in consultation with agriculture officials.

Officials recommended that in case of continuous rainfall growers should spray a one to two per cent urea solution to meet the nutritional requirements of crop. Once the rains subside, farmers should promptly apply nitrogen and other essential nutrients to promote healthy plant growth and fruit development.

They further stated that ridge-planted and drill-sown cotton crops should be irrigated according to their water requirements. Farmers have also been advised to conduct regular water scouting and irrigate fields only when necessary.

The advisory urged growers to apply fertilizers based on soil analysis and use the second or third dose of nitrogen fertilizer (urea) according to the crop age and condition for maximum benefit.

Officials cautioned farmers against mixing zinc and boron with pesticides during spraying and advised that all sprays should be carried out during the morning or evening hours.

Cotton growers were also advised to consult local agriculture experts before applying four weekly sprays of a two per cent potassium nitrate solution at the flowering stage to improve crop performance.

The agriculture officials said, farmers must follow the recommended guidelines to protect the cotton crop during the monsoon season to achieve better productivity.

Peshawar: A Pakistan Customs constable was martyred and another sustained injuries when unidentified terrorists attacked a Customs Enforcement Squad conducting anti-smuggling operations near the Kohat Toll Plaza in the early hours of Friday.

According to a statement issued by Pakistan Customs, the attack occurred at around 12:15 a.m. while the enforcement team was performing routine anti-smuggling duties. During the assault, Sepoy Jawad Ahmed embraced martyrdom in the line of duty, while another Customs sepoy was injured and was shifted to a medical facility for treatment.

Following the attack, the assailants set the official Customs vehicle ablaze before fleeing the scene. Law enforcement agencies cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to trace and apprehend those responsible.

Pakistan Customs officials expressed profound grief over the martyrdom of Sepoy Jawad Ahmed and extended heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.

The department also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured official.

In its statement, Pakistan Customs paid tribute to the courage, dedication, and supreme sacrifice of Shaheed Sepoy Jawad Ahmed, saying his unwavering commitment to protecting the country’s economic frontiers and combating smuggling would always be remembered with respect and gratitude.

The funeral prayers (Namaz-e-Janaza) of the martyred constable were offered at Customs House, Peshawar, in the presence of senior Customs officials, colleagues, and other mourners. His body was later transported to his native hometown, where he was laid to rest with full state honours.

Reaffirming its resolve, Pakistan Customs said it remained steadfast in safeguarding the nation’s economic frontiers and continuing its campaign against smuggling and other criminal activities.

The department said the sacrifices of its personnel would continue to inspire the organization in fulfilling its national responsibilities and would never be forgotten.

Chiniot: In line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to bring perpetrators of heinous crimes to justice, two accused in a murder case have been convicted owing to effective investigation by Chiniot Police.

District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Naeem Sheikh announced the verdict in a murder case registered at City Police Station. After the charges were proven, the court sentenced Shehzad and Mubashir to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs. 500, 000 each.

The accused were booked at City Police Station in FIR No. 2225/24 under sections 302, 404, 148, 149, 109, and 411 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Speaking on the occasion, District Police Officer Dr. Naveed Atif said that, in accordance with the Chief Minister’s vision, police are ensuring high-quality investigations in murder cases and presenting strong evidence before the courts to secure convictions and ensure offenders are brought to justice.