Day: August 1, 2026

Rawalpindi: Police have finalized comprehensive security arrangements for the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections on refugee seats scheduled to be held on August 2, with more than 4,000 police officers and personnel deployed to ensure peaceful polling.

According to the Regional Police Office (RPO), a total of 175 polling stations have been established across four constituencies covering Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, and Murree.

Regional Police Officer (RPO) Babar Sarfraz Alpa said providing voters with a safe and secure environment to exercise their democratic right was the top priority of Rawalpindi Region Police.

He said all available resources would be utilized to ensure the elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.

The RPO said special security measures, including enhanced surveillance and effective patrolling, would be implemented at sensitive and highly sensitive polling stations.

He added that the security plan would be enforced in letter and spirit with strict monitoring of suspicious individuals, activities, and illegal weapons.

He warned that anyone found violating election laws or the code of conduct would face strict legal action.

The police would maintain close coordination with the district administration, the Election Commission, and other relevant departments to ensure smooth conduct of the polls.

Babar Sarfraz Alpa further said senior police officers would remain present in the field to personally supervise security arrangements and urged citizens to abide by the election code of conduct and immediately report any suspicious activity to the police.

Abbottabad: Additional Secretary of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forests, Wildlife, Environment and Climate Change Department, Syed Habib-ul-Hasan Gilani, on Friday said that forests and wildlife are invaluable natural assets and their protection is a shared responsibility of every citizen.

He expressed these views during a visit to the Shimla Hill Wildlife Display Centre in Abbottabad, where he was accompanied by the Conservator of Wildlife Abbottabad and the District Forest Officer (Wildlife).

During the visit, officials briefed him on the centre’s management, ongoing wildlife conservation initiatives and operational challenges.

Gilani appreciated the centre’s administration, cleanliness and maintenance, stressing that the conservation of wildlife and their natural habitats is essential for maintaining ecological balance. He said the department is continuing practical measures to protect wildlife, improve animal care and promote environmental sustainability, adding that wildlife display centres play a vital role in creating awareness, particularly among the younger generation.

Highlighting the importance of the ongoing Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign, he said tree plantation is an effective way to improve the environment, mitigate the impacts of climate change and restore safe habitats for wildlife. He urged all stakeholders to contribute towards making the campaign a success.

Later, the Additional Secretary planted a sapling at the Shimla Hill Wildlife Display Centre as part of the Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to environmental conservation and afforestation efforts

Multan: The fourth meeting of the Horticulture Agency Multan Board of Directors (BoD) on Friday unanimously approved a budget of Rs 1094 million and resolved to intensify efforts for increasing the agency’s self-generated income and enhancing the city’s beauty.

Managing Director Syed Waseem Hassan chaired the meeting, which was attended by representatives of the Housing, Planning and Development Department, Finance Department, Director General Punjab’s office, Deputy Commissioner’s office, and Director Administration and Finance.

The meeting reviewed the agency’s financial and administrative affairs and discussed measures aimed at strengthening institutional performance and sustainability. Participants agreed to launch vigorous initiatives during the current month to increase the agency’s self-income and improve resource generation.

The board was informed that a comprehensive strategy had been devised to further beautify the city through landscaping, green initiatives and the development of public spaces. Special emphasis was laid on plantation activities, with participants agreeing to take emergency measures to expand tree plantation across Multan.

Speaking on the occasion, Syed Waseem Hassan said all available resources would be utilized to ensure the agency’s stability and long-term growth. He said administrative affairs had witnessed significant improvement under the leadership of Commissioner Multan and efforts were being made to further enhance operational efficiency.

The meeting was also informed that dedicated efforts were underway to restore Shah Shams Park and Jinnah Park to the best condition and provide improved recreational facilities to citizens. The managing director said the city was being beautified through public-private partnership initiatives, which would help create a greener and more attractive urban environment.

The board reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable development, improving public amenities and strengthening Horticulture Agency’s role in making Multan a cleaner, greener and more vibrant city.

Chiniot: A ceremony was held to distribute allotment certificates of 39 acres, 3 kanals and 2 marlas of agricultural land to 17 farmers of Chiniot district under the ‘Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar’ program of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Ayesha Rizwan said the ‘Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar’ program is a guarantee of economic independence for farmers and marks the beginning of a new era of prosperity.

She said successful candidates were selected on the basis of transparency and merit, and congratulated the beneficiaries.

The DC added that the Revenue Department will provide land ownership to deserving farmers, while the Agriculture Department will extend full support including loans.

She described the day as memorable in the history of Chiniot, as the campaign to improve financial conditions of landless farmers has begun in practice. Under this historic initiative, farmers will be able to earn their livelihood and the program will prove to be an important milestone in rural development.

Providing land to landless farmers is practical proof of the government’s people-friendly vision, she added.

Representatives of parliamentarians and Muslim League leaders said the Punjab government is effectively implementing farmer-friendly policies, and the program will increase agricultural production and strengthen the rural economy.

They noted that the Chief Minister is taking historic steps for farmers’ prosperity and the project will provide honorable employment to thousands of deserving families. The successful farmers thanked Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and called the project a new ray of hope.

Sargodha: Commissioner Sargodha Division Hafiz Shoaib Ali visited various parts of the city on Friday to review the ongoing rainwater drainage operation following the latest spell of rainfall.

According to the spokesperson for the Commissioner’s office here, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Hussain Ahmad Raza Chaudhry and Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Managing Director Abu Bakar Imran, the Commissioner inspected Kutchery Bazaar, City Road, low-lying localities and other rain-affected areas.

During the visit, the officials from WASA and the district administration briefed him on the progress of drainage operations and the measures being taken to clear accumulated rainwater. The Commissioner directed all relevant departments to remain in the field until complete drainage of rainwater is achieved and to ensure maximum relief for citizens.

He warned that no negligence or delay in the drainage operation would be tolerated and instructed authorities to utilise all available machinery and manpower efficiently.

On the occasion, the DC informed the Commissioner that WASA, the district administration, the Cantonment Board and Suthra Punjab teams were jointly carrying out drainage operations across the city.

He said disposal stations, heavy pumps and underground storage tanks had been kept fully operational to ensure the timely removal of rainwater.

WASA Managing Director Abu Bakar Imran also remained in the field, supervising the operation alongside field officers to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of drainage activities.

Dera ismail khan: The funeral prayers for two policemen martyred in a terrorist attack at Shah Alam Morr in the jurisdiction of Chaudhwan Police Station were offered with full state honours here at Ejaz Shaheed Police Lines on Friday.

Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Faqir Ahmad and Constable Wazir Ahmad embraced martyrdom in the terrorist attack earlier today. The funeral was attended by Station Commander Brigadier Muhammad Abu Bakar, Regional Police Officer (RPO) Dera Ghulam Mubashir Mekan, District Police Officer (DPO) Dera Ziauddin Ahmad, Deputy Commissioner Hikmatullah Wazir, SP CTD Iftikhar Ali Shah, senior civil and police officials, Pakistan Army officers, government representatives, local elders, members of civil society, and the families of the martyrs.

A smartly turned-out police contingent presented a guard of honour to the coffins wrapped in the national flag, while floral wreaths were laid in tribute. Special prayers were offered for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks, lasting peace in the country, and the safety of the nation.

Following the funeral, RPO Ghulam Mubashir Mekan and DPO Ziauddin Ahmad met the bereaved families, expressed heartfelt condolences, and assured them of the police department’s full support during this difficult time.

Speaking on the occasion, the RPO paid tribute to the martyrs, describing them as a source of pride for both the nation and the police force. He said their sacrifices would never be forgotten and vowed that the perpetrators of the attack, along with their facilitators, would be arrested and brought to justice at the earliest.

He reaffirmed that the Dera Region Police would continue its fight against terrorism with unwavering determination, professionalism, and national spirit until the menace was completely eradicated.