Month: July 2026

Rawalpindi: Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited (FFC) has announced a strategic partnership with Norway-based global agricultural solutions provider Yara International to introduce advanced biological and specialty plant nutrition products for Pakistani farmers.

The collaboration aims to bring modern agricultural technologies, world-class crop nutrition solutions, and innovative farming practices to growers across Pakistan.

According to FFC, Yara International, established in Norway in 1905, provides advanced crop nutrition and plant growth solutions in more than 140 countries worldwide. The partnership combines FFC’s 48 years of experience, extensive marketing network, and local agricultural expertise with Yara’s global research capabilities, advanced technologies, and over 120 years of experience in the field.

Under the collaboration, Sona and Yara brands have launched a premium portfolio of biological and specialty plant nutrition products in Pakistan, including Yara Amplix OptiTrackS, YaraVita Crop Boosts, YaraVita Bortracks, YaraVita Frutrelas, YaraVita Solatrelas, and highly soluble calcium fertilizer YaraLiva TropiCoteas.

The formal launch ceremony was held at Sona Tower, FFC Headquarters in Rawalpindi, in the presence of senior leadership from both FFC and Yara International.

Addressing the ceremony, FFC Chief Commercial Officer Muhammad Ali Janjua said that FFC has always played a leading role in promoting modern agricultural technologies and effective crop nutrition solutions to help farmers achieve higher yields, reduce costs and improve profitability.

He said the partnership with Yara International marks an important milestone in introducing global-standard agricultural nutrition solutions in Pakistan. He added that the newly introduced specialty fertilizers and biostimulants have been developed to address challenges posed by climate change, population growth, and evolving agricultural needs by ensuring efficient nutrient delivery, better foliar absorption, and improved crop performance during critical growth stages.

Janjua further stated that these products would be marketed under the NexGen Nutrients platform through FFC’s nationwide marketing and agricultural advisory network, enabling farmers across the country to benefit from advanced farming technologies.

Speaking on the occasion, Yara Africa and Asia Senior Vice President Alexander Macedo said Pakistan has significant potential to enhance agricultural productivity through science-based crop nutrition and sustainable farming practices.

He said the partnership between FFC and Yara would combine global expertise with local agricultural knowledge to provide Pakistani farmers with advanced crop nutrition solutions, innovative technologies, and effective products, ultimately contributing to higher agricultural output, improved farmer incomes, and strengthened national food security.

Bahawalpur: Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia on Tuesday visited the Bahawalpur Drug Testing Laboratory and reviewed its facilities, testing procedures, and operational performance. In-charge Drug Testing Laboratory Dr Muhammad Asad Abrar and Director Health Services Dr. Syed Tanveer Shah were also present on the occasion. During the visit, the Commissioner received a detailed briefing on the laboratory’s facilities, modern drug testing procedures, advanced analytical equipment, quality assurance standards, and ongoing operations. Inspecting various sections of the laboratory, Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia directed the officials concerned to make the drug testing process more efficient, transparent, and timely to ensure the availability of safe, authentic, and high-quality medicines for the public.

He stated that the primary objective of establishing drug testing laboratories was to ensure that medicines meet international quality standards and to safeguard public health. The Bahawalpur Drug Testing Laboratory would play a vital role in ensuring the quality of medicines supplied not only to government hospitals but also to private hospitals and other healthcare institutions across the region.

Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia said the Punjab government places the protection of public health among its highest priorities and that there would be no compromise on the quality of medicines. He emphasized that no one would be allowed to endanger public lives through the manufacture, distribution, or sale of substandard or counterfeit medicines. The Commissioner further directed the authorities concerned to align all stages of the drug testing process with modern international standards while improving transparency, efficiency, and turnaround time. He said these measures would strengthen quality assurance and help ensure the provision of safe and reliable healthcare services to the public.

Lodhran: A local court awarded 14 years rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs one million on a man convicted of raping a three-year-old girl, in a case successfully investigated and prosecuted by Lodhran Police.

According to the police spokesperson, the convict, Mukhtiar alias Phanni, sexually assaulted the minor girl after taking her from outside her house while she was playing. Following the incident, City Police registered a case on October 4, 2024, on the complaint of the victim’s father and launched investigation.

District Police Officer Capt (R) Ali Bin Tariq, said that it was a victory for justice and a reflection of the professionalism demonstrated by the investigating officers and prosecution. He said that all legal formalities were being fulfilled to secure exemplary punishments for offenders involved in heinous crimes.

Bahawalpur: Under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision of “Beautiful Punjab,” Commissioner Bahawalpur Division Irfan Ali Kathia and Deputy Commissioner Bahawalpur Syed Hassan Raza visited Mango Orchard Park to review the progress of ongoing beautification, restoration, and revamping project. During the visit, Deputy Commissioner Syed Hassan Raza briefed the Commissioner on the progress of the ongoing development works and the project’s implementation status.

Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia directed the authorities concerned to expedite the installation of high-quality turf in the park’s green areas, undertake extensive tree plantation, and complete all beautification measures at the earliest so that residents of Bahawalpur could enjoy a lush, attractive, and pleasant recreational environment. He said that providing quality recreational facilities to the public was among the Punjab government’s key priorities and that parks across the city were being upgraded in line with the Chief Minister’s vision of creating a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful Punjab.

The Commissioner further directed that every phase of the park’s restoration should adhere to the highest standards of quality, cleanliness, aesthetics, and sustainability so that the project fully meets public expectations. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Syed Hassan Raza said the revamping of Mango Orchard Park would be completed within the stipulated period while maintaining the highest construction and landscaping standards. He expressed confidence that, upon completion, the park would provide the people of Bahawalpur with a modern, attractive, and well-equipped recreational destination, offering improved leisure opportunities and a healthier environment for families and visitors.

Multan: Commissioner Multan Division Amir Karim Khan on Tuesday inaugurated the newly renovated central chowk at Sadar Bazaar, completed through a public-private partnership with the support of the private sector.

The project has transformed one of the city’s busiest landmarks with a modern design, attractive landscaping and aesthetically enhanced surroundings, adding to the area’s visual appeal.

Speaking on the occasion, the Commissioner said the initiative reflects Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision of developing Multan into a modern, green and citizen-friendly city. He said the district administration is actively working to restore and beautify major public spaces while encouraging public-private partnerships to accelerate urban development.

Officials briefed the Commissioner that a special design for the project was prepared by Infrastructure Development Authority Punjab (IDAP), while the beautification work was completed with the cooperation of the private sector.

The upgraded chowk now presents a more vibrant and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.

Amir Karim Khan said the administration is implementing a comprehensive strategy to preserve Multan’s historical and cultural identity while introducing modern urban improvements.

He added that the enhancement of key public spaces will not only restore the city’s beauty but also provide citizens with a cleaner, more pleasant and aesthetically appealing environment.

Muzaffargarh: A tree-lined stretch on the outskirts of Muzaffargarh has become a natural refuge from the scorching summer heat, with residents claiming the temperature there remains 10 to 12 degrees Celsius lower than in the city due to its dense canopy of mature trees. Located along the old Rangpur Road from Chungi No. 9 to Khanpur Bagga Sher, nearly 10-kilometre-long road was lined with hundreds of naturally grown trees, creating a cool and pleasant environment even during peak summer. Residents said several of the trees were 50 to 60 years old, while local communities had continued plantation efforts over the years, further increasing the green cover. The area, locally known as ‘Thandi Sarak’ (Cool Road), attracts visitors from Muzaffargarh city and surrounding localities who come to enjoy the shade and cooler weather.

Despite the intense heat affecting most parts of the district, people living in the area said they often experience comfortable conditions and, at times, do not even require electric fans during the day because of the dense tree cover. Local residents, including Arshad, Hafeez and Khuda Bakhsh, urged citizens to plant more trees, saying afforestation was one of the most effective ways to reduce rising temperatures and combat the impacts of climate change. They stressed that expanding tree cover in urban and rural areas would not only provide relief from extreme heat but also improve environmental sustainability and public health.