Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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Young artists showcase creativity at Alhamra summer workshop


Lahore: The Lahore Arts Council (LAC) is successfully hosting its Summer Art Workshop attended by a large number of students and children in training sessions on painting and calligraphy. The young children demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm and artistic talent.



Participants received hands-on instruction in a variety of visual arts, including portrait painting, abstract art, drawing, and traditional calligraphy. The workshop provides an inspiring platform for aspiring artists to refine their creative skills while experimenting with different techniques, colors, and artistic expressions.



The vibrant atmosphere reflected the passion of young participants, who are creating impressive artworks using brushes, pencils, and calligraphy tools under the guidance of experienced instructors.



The primary objective of the Summer Art Workshop is to promote art and culture while encouraging the younger generation to engage in positive and creative activities, said a press release here on Friday.



The initiative aims to provide a productive environment where participants can develop their artistic abilities and make meaningful use of their summer break.



Students attending the workshop appreciated the initiative and expressed gratitude to the Lahore Arts Council for providing them with an opportunity to learn, explore, and showcase their creative potential.



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Suthra Punjab Authority intensifies flood relief and sanitation operations in Ferozewala


Lahore: In line with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision, the Suthra Punjab Authority has stepped up its relief and sanitation efforts in flood-affected areas, working closely with the district administration to provide timely assistance to affected communities.



Director General of the Suthra Punjab Authority, Umar Javed, paid an emergency visit to a flood relief camp in Ferozewala to review ongoing sanitation operations and assess field arrangements.



During the visit, the DG inspected the performance of sanitation workers deployed under the Suthra Punjab initiative and evaluated the effectiveness of cleanliness operations in the affected areas. He directed the concerned officers to remain present in the field and ensure strict monitoring of all operational activities.



Javed emphasized the need for further improvement in sanitation operations through effective supervision and instructed officials to ensure the timely provision of high-quality sanitation services to residents.



He said that the district administration and the Suthra Punjab Authority are working round the clock to maintain cleanliness in flood-hit areas and provide maximum relief to the public.



The Director General also met with the frontline sanitation workers, appreciating their dedication and commitment to delivering essential public services under challenging conditions. He described their contribution to operational activities and public service delivery as commendable.



Reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to public welfare, Umar Javed stated that serving the people remains the organization’s top priority and that all available resources are being utilized to provide relief and restore sanitation services in flood-affected areas.



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Sargodha wins divisional U-23 badminton championship:


Sargodha: The Sargodha Division Inter-District Under-23 Badminton Championship (men and women) concluded at the Sports Gymnasium Sargodha on Friday, with players from across the division competing under the annual sports calendar of the Punjab Youth Affairs and Sports Department.



The championship, organized under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the patronage of Provincial Minister for Sports Faisal Ayub Khokhar, featured teams from Sargodha, Bhakkar, Khushab and Mianwali.



Sargodha emerged as the overall champion in both the men’s and women’s team events, defeating Mianwali and Bhakkar, respectively.



In the individual competitions, Ahmad Niazi of Bhakkar won the men’s singles title by defeating Tahir Sultan of Sargodha, while Sana Ramzan of Sargodha clinched the women’s singles title after defeating Iman of Bhakkar.



Bhakkar dominated the doubles events, with Ahmad and Haseeb winning the men’s doubles title and Iman and Maryam claiming the women’s doubles crown.



Divisional Sports Officer Rana Nadeem Anjum and District Sports Officer Sargodha Saima Manzoor distributed trophies and souvenirs among the winners at the prize distribution ceremony.



Speaking on the occasion, Rana Nadeem Anjum said the Punjab government was committed to providing young athletes with opportunities to showcase their talent and help prepare them to represent Pakistan at the international level.



International badminton player Muhammad Rizwan also distributed sports equipment among promising athletes. Sports officials, coaches and players attended the closing ceremony.



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Pakistan, Turkiye agree to strengthen railway cooperation, revive ITI freight train


Lahore: Pakistan and Turkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding long-term cooperation in the railway sector, with both countries agreeing to promote joint investment, technology transfer and modernization projects during a high-level meeting held in Ankara.



According to the PR spokesperson on Friday, the understanding was reached during a delegation-level meeting between Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu on the second day of the Pakistani minister’s official visit to Turkiye.



The two sides agreed to restore the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) freight train service at the earliest and develop it into a permanent commercial trade corridor. They described the ITI freight corridor as a strategic initiative for enhancing trade and regional connectivity among South Asia, Central Asia and Europe.



During the meeting, the Pakistani delegation briefed the Turkish side on the upgradation of the Rohri-Taftan Main Line-3 (ML-3), stating that the project would significantly improve regional trade and freight operations through Iran. Progress on the Karachi-Rohri Main Line-1 (ML-1) project was also shared, while Turkish companies were invited to invest in the remaining sections of the railway network.



Pakistan also invited Turkish public and private sector companies to participate in Pakistan Railways’ infrastructure projects. Both sides discussed the possibility of Turkiye’s participation and technical cooperation in the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Corridor (UAPRC).



A detailed presentation was given on Pakistan Railways’ digital transformation, modern signaling systems, rolling stock upgradation and private sector participation. The two countries agreed to enhance cooperation in technology transfer, digital railway solutions, capacity building and modern operational systems.



The meeting also explored opportunities for joint investment, joint ventures and local manufacturing at Pakistan Railways’ Carriage Factory in Islamabad, concrete sleeper factories and engineering workshops. Both sides expressed interest in utilizing Turkish technology for the local production of railway equipment, passenger coaches and freight wagons.



Pakistan and Turkiye also agreed to promote cooperation in railway manufacturing, outsourcing, industrial collaboration and greater private sector participation. Detailed presentations on railway projects, regional connectivity and investment opportunities were delivered by both delegations.



Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said Pakistan would fully benefit from Trkiye’s experience, investment and advanced technology in the modernization of Pakistan Railways.



The two countries reaffirmed their resolve to transform bilateral railway cooperation into practical projects, joint investments and initiatives aimed at promoting regional economic growth and connectivity.



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IGP orders enhances security across province ahead of Friday congregations


Lahore: Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abdul Kareem ordered enhanced security arrangements across the province, including Lahore, to ensure public safety during Friday congregations.



According to a Punjab Police spokesperson here on Friday, the IGP directed all field formations to ensure strict security of mosques, imambargahs, shrines, markets and other sensitive locations.



He ordered an increase in patrolling around mosques, imambargahs, commercial centres and major roads, while personnel deployed at inter-provincial border police checkpoints were instructed to remain on high alert.



The IGP directed police to maintain close surveillance of anti-state and disruptive elements, including Fitna al-Khawarij and other hostile groups.



He further ordered enhanced checking of suspicious vehicles, individuals, and luggage at entry and exit points of Lahore and other major cities.



Search, sweep and combing operations around mosques, imambargahs, foreign consulates as well as other important and sensitive installations were also ordered to continue.



Abdul Kareem instructed senior police officers, including district police officers, to remain present in the field and personally review security arrangements.



He said maintaining law and order and protecting the lives, property and belongings of citizens remained the foremost priority of Punjab Police.



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Kitchen items’ prices fall by 0.91pc


Islamabad: The Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI)-based weekly inflation decreased by 0.91 percent during the week ended on July 30, 2026, for the combined consumption group, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported on Friday.



According to PBS data, the SPI for the week under review declined to 357.61 points from 360.88 points recorded in the previous week. On a year-on-year basis, the SPI increased by 9.05 percent.



The weekly SPI, with base year 2015-16=100, covers 17 urban centres and 51 essential items for all expenditure groups.



The SPI for the lowest consumption group (up to Rs 17,732) decreased by 1.19 percent to 345.63 points from 349.80 points.



Likewise, the SPI for consumption groups of Rs 17,733-22,888, Rs 22,889-29,517, Rs 29,518-44,175 and above Rs 44,175 declined by 1.37 percent, 0.97 percent, 0.81 percent and 0.68 percent, respectively.



During the week, out of 51 items, prices of 27 items (52.94 percent) increased, six items (11.77 percent) decreased, while 18 items (35.29 percent) remained unchanged.



On a week-on-week basis, the items that witnessed decrease in prices included tomatoes which declined by 22.96 percent, followed by chicken 11.20 percent, electricity charges for Q1 9.06 percent, bananas 0.70 percent, sugar 0.16 percent and pulse moong 0.15 percent.



On the other hand, the prices of onions witnessed the highest increase of 7.62 percent, followed by diesel 4.17 percent, eggs 3.16 percent, petrol 2.46 percent, wheat flour 2.00 percent, potatoes 1.93 percent, LPG 1.90 percent, pulse gram 1.44 percent, vegetable ghee (2.5kg) 0.71 percent, pulse mash 0.69 percent, pulse masoor 0.64 percent and firewood 0.15 percent.



On the other hand, prices of tomatoes declined by 22.96 percent, followed by chicken 11.20 percent, electricity charges for Q1 9.06 percent, bananas 0.70 percent, sugar 0.16 percent and pulse moong 0.15 percent.



On a year-on-year basis, prices of potatoes declined by 30.89 percent, followed by pulse gram 19.89 percent, chicken 19.56 percent, sugar 17.48 percent, salt powder 14.09 percent, pulse masoor 12.80 percent, eggs 8.38 percent and pulse moong 7.38 percent over the corresponding week of last year.



Major annual increases were recorded in the prices of tomatoes by 228.71 percent, followed by onions 95.36 percent, wheat flour 78.65 percent, LPG 51.76 percent, diesel 37.42 percent, petrol 23.28 percent, gents sponge chappal 16.69 percent, mutton 16.06 percent, chilies powder 15.20 percent, bananas 14.69 percent, beef 13.44 percent and bread 9.69 percent, according to the PBS.