Livestock card holders urged to clear outstanding dues


Faisalabad: Additional Director Livestock Faisalabad Rubina Anjum has urged livestock farmers to immediately clear all outstanding loans and other liabilities obtained under the Phase-I Livestock Card Scheme by depositing dues at the Bank of Punjab, otherwise, the defaulters would not be eligible to benefit from the upcoming Phase-II programme.



Appealing to livestock breeders and farmers, she said that Punjab government had almost completed preparations for the launch of Phase-II Livestock Card Scheme, under which only those beneficiaries who had fully repaid their Phase-I financial obligations within the prescribed timeframe would qualify for fresh assistance.



She said that livestock farmers who had yet to repay loans or other outstanding liabilities under the first phase should deposit their dues without delay at the Bank of Punjab branches to avoid disqualification from the new scheme.



Rubina Anjum said that Livestock Card Program had been launched to provide livestock farmers with easy access to financial assistance for purchasing fodder, animal feed, vaccines and meeting other essential livestock management expenses, thereby enhancing milk and meat production while strengthening the rural economy.



She urged livestock breeders to take full advantage of the government’s initiative by fulfilling the prescribed conditions and completing their outstanding payments at the earliest.



She warned that the farmers who remained in default would not only be deprived of the benefits available under the Phase-II Livestock Card Scheme but could also face difficulties in availing themselves of future government financial assistance programs.



The livestock farmers seeking further information or guidance should contact the district offices of Livestock Department or the department’s helpline at 08000-9211 for assistance, she added.



PML-N leader claims ‘external forces’ behind unrest in Azad Kashmir


Chiniot : Senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Sheikh Qaiser Mahmood on Sunday expressed concern over the recent unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that “anti-national elements”, particularly India, were attempting to destabilise the region through propaganda and covert activities.



In a statement, Mahmood said the people of Azad Kashmir had consistently stood with Pakistan and its armed forces, but claimed that the recent wave of protests was being exploited by hostile forces seeking to undermine peace. He alleged that India was using agents, sleeper cells and social media campaigns to divert international attention from the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir.



The PML-N leader said the government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, remained committed to safeguarding the rights of the people of Azad Kashmir and addressing their concerns through dialogue and development initiatives. He added that efforts were continuing to resolve what he described as the legitimate demands of the Kashmiri people.



Mahmood also expressed solidarity with the people of Azad Kashmir and Pakistan’s security institutions, saying the residents of Chiniot and PML-N workers stood united against what he termed attempts to create instability. His remarks reflect his political views, and the allegations regarding India’s role have not been independently verified.



Teenager drowns in swimming pool,woman electrocuted


Muzaffargarh: A teenage boy and a woman died in separate incidents of drowning and electrocution in Kot Addu and Layyah,rescue officials said on Sunday.



According to Rescue 1122,Muzammil,r/o Pital drowned while bathing in a swimming pool in Kot Addu.



Rescue teams reached the scene and pulled him out of the water,after which cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was administered.



However,he could not be revived and was shifted to a nearby hospital.



In a separate incident,a 35-year-old woman died after receiving an electric shock in the Darbar Hassan Shah area of Layyah while switching on a pedestal fan, rescuers said.



Rescue officials said the woman was found unconscious with no signs of breathing and CPR was immediately started and continued for around 10 minutes.However,she could not survive.



The identity of the woman could not be ascertained immediately.Later,her family refused to shift the body to hospital.



Man allegedly shoots dead brother after domestic dispute in Attock


Attock : A minor domestic dispute turned fatal in Attock district when a man allegedly shot dead his younger brother before fleeing the scene, police said on Sunday.



The incident occurred in Formli village within the jurisdiction of Hazro police station, where an argument between the two brothers reportedly escalated into violence. Police said the suspect, identified as Majid, allegedly opened fire on his younger brother, Rashid, killing him at the scene.



The victim’s body was shifted to the Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital in Hazro, where medico-legal formalities and a post-mortem examination were conducted.



Police have registered a case and launched a search operation to arrest the suspect, who remains at large. Further investigation into the incident is underway.



Public service remained mission during nearly two-year tenure in Faisalabad: outgoing DC


Faisalabad: Outgoing Deputy Commissioner Capt (R) Nadeem Nasir said that public service remained the hallmark of his nearly two-year tenure in Faisalabad and the district administration implemented a series of development and governance initiatives during this period for improving civic infrastructure, resolving public issues and creating business-friendly environment. He expressed these views while addressing a farewell ceremony organized by the Faisalabad Press Club (FPC) during his visit to the club. FPC President Bilal Dogar, Secretary Shaukat Wattoo, Group Leader Shahid Ali, senior journalist Maqbool Ahmad Lodhi, Senior Vice President Mian Kashif Fareed, Hanan Bukhari, Rana Zahid Iqbal, Muhammad Kashif, Mohsin Farooq and other office-bearers attended the ceremony.



Speaking on the occasion, Capt (R) Nadeem Nasir said that his posting in Faisalabad would always remain one of the most memorable periods of his professional career. He said that affection, trust and cooperation extended by the people of Faisalabad during his tenure would always hold a special place in his memory. He said the district administration consistently focused on providing pleasant environment for citizens and facilitating the business community through sustainable urban development projects. As part of these efforts, the beautification of Kutchery Bazaar in the historic Clock Tower area had been successfully completed which enhanced commercial and cultural landscape of the city, he added.



The outgoing Deputy Commissioner said that merit, transparency and prompt resolution of public grievances remained central to his administrative approach throughout his tenure. He said the administration worked tirelessly to address civic issues and improve the delivery of public services across the district. Highlighting achievements, he said the district administration had retrieved more than 15,000 acres of government land from illegal occupants during the past two years, describing the anti-encroachment drive as one of the administration’s major accomplishments. He further informed that approval had been granted for the reconstruction, rehabilitation and repair of the road from District Council Chowk to Kutchery Bazaar Chowk, and work on the project would commence shortly.



Capt (R) Nadeem Nasir said that district administration in collaboration with the divisional administration had also completed repair and rehabilitation of major city roads, significantly improving road infrastructure and ensuring smooth and safe travel for commuters. Appreciating the role of media, he thanked journalists for highlighting public issues in a constructive manner. He said that responsible journalism had greatly assisted the administration in identifying citizens’ concerns and resolving local problems more effectively through close coordination between the media and government institutions. The participants acknowledged the outgoing Deputy Commissioner’s administrative services and extended their best wishes for his future assignments, appreciating his efforts for the development and betterment of Faisalabad during his tenure.



Governor says Pakistan emerged stronger after regional tensions, urges joint efforts for peace in KP


Buner: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Sunday said Pakistan had successfully thwarted attempts to malign it on the international stage and demonstrated responsible diplomacy that earned global recognition as a promoter of peace.



Addressing a Pakistan Peoples Party workers’ convention in Buner district, the Governor said efforts were made to declare Pakistan a terrorist state in the wake of the Pulwama incident, but those attempts failed. He said Pakistan gave a strong response to aggression against it, after which world leaders contacted the country’s leadership to seek a ceasefire.



Kundi said Pakistan played a constructive role in promoting peace during recent regional tensions, adding that the international community, including the United States, China, Russia and Gulf countries, had appreciated Pakistan’s balanced and responsible stance.



He said Prime Minister, Field Marshal, Deputy Prime Minister and the Interior Minister played an important role in safeguarding national interests and effectively presenting Pakistan’s position before the world.



The Governor paid tribute to former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and President Asif Ali Zardari for their contributions to strengthening the country’s defence capabilities.



He said Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto laid the foundation of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, Benazir Bhutto advanced the missile programme. At the same time, Asif Ali Zardari facilitated the acquisition of JF-17 Thunder technology, further enhancing the country’s defence.



Kundi said lasting peace would pave the way for economic growth and investment, adding that Pakistan had the potential to become a major destination for investment.



Highlighting the potential of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he said the province was rich in natural resources, hydropower, water, oil, gas, minerals, tourism and religious tourism, but sustainable peace was essential for development.



He said he had consistently urged the provincial government to work jointly with the federation, in accordance with the Constitution, to ensure durable peace in the province so that it could emerge as a hub of investment and prosperity.



The Governor described party workers as the party’s greatest asset and said the doors of the Governor House would always remain open for them.



He also congratulated the district leadership, organisers and workers on holding a successful convention and appreciated their commitment, discipline and dedication.