Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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Governor launches Independence celebrations by planting a sapling at Governor House


Karachi: The Governor of Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi has officially inaugurated a 14-day Independence Day 2026 celebrations by planting a sapling as part of a tree plantation campaign at the Governor House here on Saturday.



The central theme of the Independence Day 2026 celebrations has been set as “Long Live Pakistan Forever. ”



Briefing the media persons regarding the celebrations, the Governor said that “Long Live Pakistan Forever” conveys the message of national unity, patriotism and the security and stability of the country.



The entire nation stands united with its armed forces, state institutions and national interests. Hashmi said that August is the month of celebration, independence and national unity.



Launching the Independence Day celebrations with a tree plantation campaign reflects environmental responsibility and national duty, he said.



The Governor said that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) strongly encouraged tree plantation and trees are an assets for the future generations.



He said that tree plantation must become a national responsibility to address the challenges of climate change. A modern urban forest is being established at the Governor House, Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi said adding that the Pakistan Muslim League (N) Sindh chapter and members of civil society will help promote the message of tree plantation and afforestation.



Briefing about the schedule of Independence Day events, vhe said that on August 3 Laptops will be distributed to outstanding students. On August 6 a special educational program on the Pakistan Movement and the struggle of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah will be held for students.



Students will also visit the Quaid-e-Azam House and watch a documentary on the Pakistan Movement.



A grand mushaira (poetry recital) on the themes of the freedom movement and patriotism will be organized on August 8 and on August 10 aspecial program for female students highlighting the services of Madar-e-Millat Fatima Jinnah will be held.



He informed that a National Minorities Day will be observed on August 11 and on August 12 Speech and debate competitions will be organized to mark Youth Day.



On the evening of August 13 the main Independence Day ceremony will be held at the Governor House, he said adding that national flag-hoisting ceremonies will take place at the Governor House, Mazar-e-Quaid and other locations on August 14.



The Governor further said that the Pakistan envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam is stronger and more stable than ever before.



Hashmi said that Pakistan will never compromise on its freedom, sovereignty and national dignity. He said that Pakistan will promote the message of peace, mutual respect and ‘Live and Let Live’ to the world.



He said that during the recent Indian aggression, Pakistan’s armed forces successfully thwarted the enemy’s designs.



Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has played an effective role in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the region, he added.



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Data Ganj Bakhsh urs to begin on Aug 2, all arrangements completed


Lahore: The 983rd annual urs of Hazrat Ali Hajveri, commonly known as Data Ganj Bakhsh, will begin on Sunday, August 2, with devotion and respect, for which all arrangements for three-day celebrations have been completed.



In the opening ceremony of the urs, special prayers for the security, peace and stability of the country will be organised, while in view of the arrival of thousands of pilgrims, arrangements have also been made for the distribution of langar on a large scale. A foolproof security plan has been implemented on the occasion of the Urs, CCTV cameras have been activated and a modern control room has been set up to monitor all activities.



A large number of volunteers have also been deployed to guide and serve the pilgrims so that they can be provided with all possible facilities. Meanwhile, Commissioner Lahore Nauman Yousaf reviewed the arrangements for Data Darbar and chaired a special administrative meeting at Hajveri Hall, in which Deputy Commissioner Lahore Captain (retd) Muhammad Ali Ijaz, along with officials of LWMC, WASA, Rescue 1122, LESCO, Punjab Food Authority and the Darbar administration attended.



The meeting directed to ensure foolproof arrangements for cleanliness, traffic, electricity, water, emergency services and security during the Urs, while all relevant institutions were ordered to remain on high alert and maintain mutual communication so that the best facilities can be provided to the pilgrims.



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Rana Mashhood urges PML-N workers to ensure active participation in AJK polls


Lahore: Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said on Saturday Kashmir is an integral part of Pakistan and urged the PML-N workers to perform their polling day responsibilities with dedication during the ongoing Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections.



Addressing a PML-N workers’ convention in PP-172, Rana Mashhood said the party was synonymous with performance and development, adding that it had consistently delivered on its commitments and provided opportunities for young people to play a meaningful role in national progress.



He said the youth were the nation’s greatest strength and criticised remarks by the federal interior minister describing young people as “cockroaches, ” asserting that Pakistan’s youth should instead be regarded as the country’s frontline force.



The chairman said the PML-N had worked in every sector for Pakistan’s stability and prosperity and stressed that democracy remained the only path to the country’s sustainable development. He said a system established through the power of the vote was the strongest system.



Referring to regional and national affairs, Rana Mashhood said India continued to pursue anti-Pakistan policies, but the nation had demonstrated its unity and strength under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. He said the entire nation stood united under the green crescent flag.



He said the development journey initiated by former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in Punjab was being carried forward by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Hamza Shehbaz and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.



Highlighting the country’s economic situation, he said the government had saved Pakistan from default through prudent policies and hard work, adding that the country’s economy was stabilising and international ratings were improving. He expressed confidence that the governments of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz would complete their constitutional five-year terms.



He also said Pakistan had played a mediatory role during the Iran-US conflict and noted that the conflict had temporarily pushed up oil prices across the region.



Earlier, polling duties were assigned to party workers for the second phase of AJK elections. The convention was attended by Javed Sarwar Bhatti, Mian Adnan Sanaullah, Malik Zeeshan, Syed Imran Ali Shah, Yameen Mughal, Akbar, Mian Waleed, Hafiz Zohaib, Rana Naushad, Dr Fauji, Azhar Chaudhry, Riaz Mughal and other party leaders and workers.



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Karachi Mayor inaugurates Khawaja Ajmer Nagri-Manghopir Road Dual Carriageway project


Karachi: Mayor of Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, has inaugurated a 1, 800-meter-long modern dual carriageway project from Khawaja Ajmer Nagri Chowrangi to the Dedex Factory on Manghopir Road, completed at a cost of more than Rs. 412 million (Rs. 41. 20 crore).

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor of Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad, members of the KMC City Council, elected representatives, and a large number of local residents.

Addressing the ceremony, Mayor of Karachi said that work is progressing rapidly on modern infrastructure, improved roads, water supply and drainage projects across Karachi to provide citizens with high-quality municipal services.

He said that under the project, modern roads measuring 10. 25 meters in width on each side have been constructed. The project has been completed with curb blocks, a modern central median, road markings, an efficient drainage system, and other essential civic facilities.

The Mayor stated that the project will significantly improve traffic
flow in the area while providing citizens with a safer and more comfortable travel experience.

He further announced the completion of a 700-meter-long, 48-inch diameter water supply line rehabilitation project at a cost of Rs. 86. 895 million. Under this project, 16 T-connections were installed, approximately 4, 000 leakages were repaired, 2, 400 illegal water connections were removed, and new 4-inch diameter water supply lines were laid in 54 streets, resulting in a significant improvement in the area’s water supply system.

He added that the project also included the installation of 53 double-arm street lights and the desilting (winching) of the sewerage drain along with improved drainage arrangements to provide modern and sustainable civic facilities.

The Mayor Karachi said that, in line with the Pakistan Peoples Party’s public service manifesto, Karachi’s development journey is progressing rapidly, and strengthening the city’s infrastructure while ensuring quality municipal services remains the governme
nt’s top priority.

Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that no proper road had ever been constructed in the area in the past. Various political parties came to power and made grand promises, but failed to deliver practical results.

He remarked that Karachi is a bouquet of diverse ethnic communities, and everyone must play their role in preserving and enhancing its beauty. He added that the Pakistan Peoples Party has resolved a long-standing issue faced by the people of Manghopir.

The Mayor said that representatives of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari are working practically in every area of Karachi. He added that critics and opponents would be answered through performance, and that the promises made by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the Pakistan Peoples Party would be fulfilled so that the public could clearly see who made promises and who honored them.

He described the road project as a long-cherished dream of the local residents that has finally become a reality. According to him, the newly constr
ucted road will substantially improve connectivity between District Central and District West while providing a better transportation facility for citizens.

The Mayor noted that despite the ongoing monsoon rains, development work across Karachi continues uninterrupted, and elected representatives are taking practical steps to resolve public issues. He said that sincere leadership fulfills its promises and that the Pakistan Peoples Party firmly believes in serving the people.

He further stated that, under the directives of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the Chief Minister of Sindh, councillors, UC chairmen, town chairmen, the Deputy Mayor, and other elected representatives are continuously working to complete public welfare projects.

The Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab emphasized that the Pakistan Peoples Party believes in the politics of service rather than the politics of credit, and that anyone working in the public interest will receive the party’s full support. He also thanked allied par
ties and local elected representatives for their cooperation in completing the project.

The Mayor said that Sindh has an active local government system with powers devolved to the grassroots level, enabling citizens to directly approach their UC chairmen, councillors, town chairmen, the Deputy Mayor, and the Mayor to resolve civic issues. He stressed that other provinces, particularly Punjab, also need strong local governments and empowered mayors to ensure better municipal services at the local level.

He concluded by saying that development projects worth billions of rupees are being completed across Karachi and that the city’s progress will continue in the future. He appealed to the public to support the politics of development and public service so that Karachi can become an even better and more modern city.

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CM Maryam expresses grief over demise of Iqbal Channar


Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed profound sorrow over the demise of Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar, the father of Punjab Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channar. In a condolence message, the chief minister extended her heartfelt sympathies and condolences



to the bereaved family. She said the late Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar would be remembered for his valuable political and public services, adding that his contributions would continue to inspire people for years to come.



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Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan resumes charge as acting governor Punjab


Lahore: Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan on Saturday assumed charge as the acting governor Punjab in the absence of Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan.



Deputy Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar would act as Speaker Punjab Assembly and a notification has been issued by the PA Secretariat to this effect.



Governor Punjab Sardar proceeded on a 10-day visit to Iraq and Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan will take over constitutional role as head of the province in the former’s absence.