Month: July 2026

Hyderabad: On the request of the deputy commissioner Tharparkar Abdul Haleem Jagirani, the commissioner Mirpurkhas division has imposed section 144 with immediate effect, banning cultivation on government and grazing land as well as the cutting of trees across Tharparkar district for a period of 90 days.

According to a statement issued on Monday, following the enforcement of section 144, the deputy commissioner directed all assistant commissioners in the district to ensure strict implementation of the order. He instructed them to take legal action against those found violating the restrictions in accordance with the law.

Kohat: A woman died and 25 others were hospitalized after suspected food poisoning at a condolence gathering in Sher Kot area , the official sources said on Monday.

The incident occurred in the Sher Kot area, where a group of women had gathered at a private residence to offer condolences.

The sources said the women fell seriously ill shortly after consuming food served at the gathering.

The Rescue 1122 teams transported the victims to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, Kohat, where one woman was pronounced dead while the remaining patients were admitted for treatment.

The hospital authorities said the affected women were receiving medical care, while officials were investigating the cause of the suspected food poisoning.

Dera ismail khan: A comprehensive plan to improve traffic management, public transport and urban facilities in Dera Ismail Khan was finalised during a meeting chaired by Assistant Commissioner Dr Muhammad Hamid Siddiq.

The meeting focused on addressing key issues affecting traffic flow, parking, encroachments, public transport regulation and commuter safety.

The meeting was attended by officials from the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA), Excise and Taxation Department, Industries Department and Traffic Police.

The participants agreed to revise public transport fares through a transparent, scientific and distance-based mechanism. A new fare schedule will be prepared in consultation with transport unions to ensure fairness for both commuters and transport operators.

The meeting also approved measures to improve parking facilities at hospitals, commercial plazas and other busy locations, remove illegal encroachments, upgrade basic amenities at bus terminals and implement a comprehensive traffic management plan to ensure smoother traffic flow across the city.

The officials further decided to launch a special campaign for the registration of unregistered auto-rickshaws, carry out joint operations against unregistered vehicles, establish designated vending markets for handcart operators and utilise reclaimed government land for public parking and other welfare projects.

The meeting also resolved to continue strict legal action against the illegal use of LPG cylinders in public transport vehicles and against unauthorised LPG businesses in the district.

Dr Siddiq directed all relevant departments to ensure timely implementation of the decisions, strengthen inter-departmental coordination and submit regular progress reports to help develop a safer, more organised and modern traffic system while improving civic facilities and providing greater convenience to the public.

Rawalpindi: A diverse array of artworks depicting Pakistan’s cultural richness, social values and natural landscapes took center stage at the Punjab Council of the Arts (PCA) Rawalpindi where masterpieces by senior artists were displayed during a painting exhibition. The concluding session drew to a vibrant close.

The exhibition attracted a large gathering of artists, writers, intellectuals, academics, students and art enthusiasts from across the region, who praised the creative depth and technical excellence of the displayed pieces as a significant contribution to the city’s artistic heritage.

Speaking as the Chief Guest at the closing ceremony, Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Culture, Punjab, Shazia Rizwan emphasized that visual arts serve as a vital reflection of a nation’s cultural identity.

She highlighted that the government, under CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bukhari, is committed to promoting the arts, preserving heritage, and creating platforms for artists to showcase their talent.

Director PCA Rawalpindi Muhammad Shakoor reaffirmed the council’s dedication to backing local creators and strengthening regional cultural activities.

He extended gratitude to exhibition organizer Azeem Iqbal, acknowledging his efforts and planning in bringing senior artists together on a single platform.

The ceremony concluded with Shazia Rizwan distributing certificates of appreciation and commemorative awards to the participating artists in recognition of their creative contributions.

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.