Month: August 2026

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700 SPAL workers deployed for Urs, Chehlum


Lahore: On the occasion of the 983rd annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh and Chehlam of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), Suthra Punjab Agency Lahore (SPAL) has launched a special cleaning plan.



According to CEO Shehryar Arif Khan, more than 700 workers are performing cleaning duties in Data Darbar, procession routes and adjacent areas during Urs, which continues from August 2 to 4, while more than 180 workers will ensure cleaning arrangements around Data Darbar in three shifts.



Under the special plan, cleaning teams have been deployed at important places including Bazaar Nooria, Chowk Nawabshah, Kashmiri Bazaar, Mochi Bazaar, Dabi Bazaar, Paniwala Talab, Tarnam Chowk, Ravi Road, Azadi Flyover, Bhati Chowk, Lower Mall and Karbala Game Shah.



Awareness camps have also been established by the Community Interface Social Mobilizer Wing of Suthra Punjab Agency to raise the awareness of cleanliness among the citizens and provide waste bags, while arrangements have also been made for immediate redressal of complaints related to cleanliness from the headquarters control room of Suthra Punjab Authority.



According to the CEO, additional waste containers have been installed at Data Darbar and adjoining roads, while instructions have also been issued for manual sweeping, water sprinkling, mechanical washing and lime sprinkling on streets, markets and procession routes adjacent to Data Darbar during Urs.



He said that cleaning teams will be present around Imambargahs, Majlis and Data Darbar at all times to provide a clean and better environment to pilgrims and citizens.



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Punjab govt committed to protecting minority rights: Arora


Lahore: Punjab Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, on the special directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, visited Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Jaya in Malaysia to promote interfaith harmony, religious tolerance and faith tourism.



He received a warm welcome from the local Sikh community, said a handout issued here on Sunday. The minister was received by the Gurdwara management, former President Avtar Singh Terry, President Dalbir Singh, General Secretary Manisha Kaur and other Sikh community leaders. The Pakistani delegation included Community Welfare Attach© at the High Commission of Pakistan in Malaysia Hamza Naveed, Sardar Jaskaran Singh, Sardar Pulvinder Singh and Hafiz Muzammil.



During the meeting, both sides discussed matters of mutual interest, strengthening religious ties, promoting faith tourism and enhancing people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and the Sikh diaspora in Malaysia.



Conveying a special message from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora invited members of the Sikh community to visit Pakistan in November to participate in Gurpurab celebrations and pay obeisance at the country’s sacred Gurdwaras.



He said the Government of Pakistan, the Punjab Government, the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and the Evacuee Trust Property Board were committed to providing world-class facilities, comprehensive security arrangements and a peaceful environment for Sikh pilgrims from around the world.



The minister said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab Government was taking practical measures for the restoration, preservation and development of historic Gurdwaras while ensuring better facilities for pilgrims. He added that the chief minister’s vision for protecting minority rights, safeguarding religious freedom and preserving sacred religious sites reflected Pakistan’s commitment to inclusive governance and interfaith harmony.



Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said the purpose of his visit to Malaysia was to promote interfaith harmony, religious tolerance and project Pakistan’s peaceful and positive image at the international level. He reaffirmed the Punjab Government’s resolve to strengthen relations with the global Sikh community and further promote religious tourism.



At the conclusion of the visit, the Sikh Sangat of Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Jaya honoured Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora and members of the Pakistani delegation by presenting them with traditional Siropas.



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PFC CEO calls for stronger Pakistan-China AI cooperation


Lahore: Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Chief Executive Officer, Mian Kashif Ashfaq on Sunday said the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape was undergoing a major geopolitical shift, urging Pakistan to strengthen its AI capabilities through strategic international cooperation, investment in infrastructure and workforce development.



Chairing a meeting of the PFC Board of Directors here, he said that for Pakistan and other developing countries, the promise of ‘AI for all’ would depend not only on access to technology but also on their ability to build, adapt and govern AI as active participants in its future.



He appreciated Chinese President Xi Jinping’s announcement at the opening of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai in which China pledged to support developing countries, including Pakistan, in advancing AI innovation, application and governance.



Mian Kashif said China’s approach extended beyond providing access to technology by supporting skills development and strengthening institutional capacity, creating opportunities for sustainable AI growth in partner countries.



He observed that China’s outreach coincided with parallel efforts by the United States to expand international technology partnerships and secure AI-related supply chains, underscoring the growing geopolitical significance of artificial intelligence.



He stressed that Pakistan’s National Artificial Intelligence Policy should align with key priorities highlighted at the WAIC, particularly in expanding AI infrastructure, attracting investment and developing skilled human resources.



The PFC CEO also called for practical cooperation with China and other WAIC member countries in areas including research partnerships, workforce development, computing infrastructure and technology transfer.



He added that Pakistan should use its participation in international AI forums to advocate for inclusive global AI governance frameworks that address the development needs of emerging economies and help reduce technological inequalities.



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ICT Police deploy 3, 000+ personnel under seven-layer security plan for Chehlum procession


Islamabad: Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police have finalised a comprehensive seven-layer security plan for the main Chehlum procession in the federal capital, deploying more than 3, 000 police officers and personnel to ensure the peaceful and secure observance of the event on Monday.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said on Sunday that the main Chehlum procession in G-6 is a high-security event and all available resources have been mobilised to maintain peace, public safety and smooth conduct of the procession.

He said more than 3, 000 police officers and personnel will perform security duties, while all DIGs, SSPs and SPs will remain deployed to supervise security arrangements on the ground. Police personnel from all divisions, including women officers, will also be deployed at various points along the procession route.

The IGP Rizvi said the security plan comprises seven layers, including inner and outer cordons, flank deployment and rooftop security, while snipers
and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) commandos will be positioned at vantage points to strengthen security.

He said every participant will be required to pass through three security checkpoints before entering the procession to ensure comprehensive screening and public safety.

Rizvi said Islamabad Police, Rangers and other law enforcement agencies will jointly perform security duties, while the Safe City surveillance system, digital monitoring through modern cameras and mobile control rooms will remain fully operational to ensure real-time monitoring and prompt response to any emergency.

The IGP Rizvi said Islamabad Police is committed to maintaining both security and public convenience, adding that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure peace, discipline and the protection of mourners during the Chehlum procession. He urged citizens to cooperate with security personnel and follow official instructions to help ensure the event passes peacefully.

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NDMA warns of rising river levels across Pakistan this week


Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday warned that water levels in Pakistan’s major rivers are expected to rise significantly between Aug 2 and 4, prompting flood alerts across several regions and urging the public to avoid unnecessary travel to flood prone areas as heavy monsoon rains continue to intensify.



According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), high-level flooding has been recorded in the Lehri River at Head Gogi, while medium-level flooding is under way in Nullah Palkhu at Wazirabad.



The authority said low-level flooding continues at Kalabagh, Chashma, Guddu and Sukkur along the Indus River, as well as at Head Nari on the Nari River.



On the Chenab River, high level flows are expected at Marala, while low to medium level flows are forecast at Khanki and Qadirabad. Water levels are also expected to rise in the Jhelum, Ravi and Kabul rivers and their tributaries.



The NDMA warned that streams linked to the Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi rivers could experience medium to high flows, while water levels in the Ravi and Sutlej will depend on releases from Indian reservoirs.



The authority also cautioned about the risk of flash floods in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, as well as seasonal streams in central and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Balochistan.



It further warned of urban flooding and rainwater accumulation in low-lying areas of Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Hyderabad, Badin, Thatta and other parts of Sindh.



The NDMA advised people to avoid unnecessary travel to flood-hit areas, refrain from crossing floodwaters on foot or by vehicle, monitor weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling, and strictly follow instructions issued by local authorities.



It urged the public to stay updated through the official Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application for timely weather warnings and emergency information.



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ICT admin issues rain alert, directs monitoring of low-lying areas, nullahs


Islamabad: Islamabad’s district administration has issued a weather alert and directed field officers to remain active ahead of possible rainfall.



The administration instructed all Assistant Commissioners to monitor 100 percent of low-lying areas and drainage channels and ensure the availability of de-watering pumps and other machinery to prevent water accumulation and traffic disruptions.



According to the district administration, Additional Deputy Commissioner General Sahibzada Yusuf directed all Assistant Commissioners to move into the field and closely monitor conditions across their respective areas.



He instructed officials to keep a constant watch on low-lying localities and nullahs where rainwater could accumulate during showers. The administration also asked officers to maintain coordination with sanitation staff so that any drainage-related issues can be addressed without delay.



The ADC General emphasized the need to ensure the availability of de-watering pumps and other equipment required for water drainage operations. Relevant teams have been advised to remain prepared to respond if rainfall leads to waterlogging in any part of the city.



To avoid traffic congestion during rain, the administration has also called for coordination with the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP). Officials were directed to develop a joint plan aimed at maintaining traffic flow on major roads and key intersections.



The district administration said field teams would continue monitoring weather conditions and respond where necessary. Authorities are focusing on preventive measures to reduce the impact of rainfall on daily life and public movement.



Sahibzada Yusuf also urged residents to cooperate with authorities and report any emergency situation immediately to the relevant departments. He said timely information from citizens can help response teams act quickly and address issues related to drainage, traffic, or public safety.



The administration said all concerned departments have been placed on alert and will remain ready to respond in case of rainfall-related emergencies.