Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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.

Rawalpindi: PMAS-AAUR to implement KPI-based performance tracking, transparent governance, and HEC-aligned academic benchmarks under a new institutional framework aimed at transforming the varsity into a model institution.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman announced these structural reforms while chairing the inaugural Institutional Quality Circle (IQC) Board meeting at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR).

Organized by the university’s Directorate of Quality Enhancement (DQE), the high-level session brought together university deans, directors, department chairpersons, and administrative heads.

Speaking at the forum, Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman emphasized that continuous quality evaluation, systematic stakeholder feedback, and high-impact research are central to driving the university’s academic elevation.

Director DQE Prof. Dr. Muhammad Javaid Asad briefed attendees on aligning instructional methodologies and administrative workflows with national accreditation standards.

The board concluded by approving an actionable monitoring mechanism to enforce quality control protocols across all academic and operational departments.

Rawalpindi: Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi has been placed on high alert as heavy monsoon rain continue to lash Rawalpindi and Islamabad, according to Rescue 1122 Media Coordinator Muhammad Usman Gujjar.

He said rescue personnel have been deployed along Nullah Lai and in low-lying areas, including Katarian, Gawalmandi, and other flood-prone locations. The teams will remain on duty throughout the rainfall period to respond promptly to any emergency situation.

Muhammad Usman Gujjar urged the public to exercise extreme caution during the monsoon season. He advised parents to keep children away from Nullah Lai and electricity poles during rain.

Motorists were also urged to drive at reduced speeds and remain vigilant on waterlogged roads. Residents living in vulnerable areas have been advised to move to safer locations before the onset of urban flooding. The Rescue 1122 spokesperson further warned people to avoid taking shelter under weak or dilapidated roofs, refrain from crossing streams and flood channels, and stay away from tourist destinations due to the risk of heavy rainfall.

He appealed to citizens to immediately contact the Rescue 1122 emergency helpline by dialing 1122 in case of any emergency.

Dera ismail khan: The district administration launched a major crackdown on illegal diesel agencies and suspected smuggled petroleum products in the district, seizing around 200,000 litres of fuel and shutting down several unauthorized dispensing units during a joint operation.

The operation was led by Assistant Commissioner Dr. Muhammad Hamid Siddiq in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Pakistan Customs, district police and Civil Defence. The raids were carried out at multiple locations, including Eastern Circular Road, Bannu Road and Bypass Road, where authorities inspected premises allegedly involved in the illegal storage and sale of diesel and petrol.

During the operation, five illegal diesel dispensing units were confiscated while 12 others were sealed. Officials also recovered approximately 150,000 litres of diesel and 50,000 litres of petrol suspected to have been smuggled into the country.

Authorities further seized dispensing equipment, pipelines, fittings, fire extinguishers and five expired fire extinguishers. Later, all seized petroleum products and equipment were handed over to Pakistan Customs for safe custody and further legal action.

The district administration also recommended that Pakistan Customs confiscate the suspected smuggled petroleum products under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act and initiate legal proceedings against those involved.

Speaking on the occasion, Assistant Commissioner Dr. Muhammad Hamid Siddiq said the district administration remained committed to protecting public safety, curbing illegal businesses, preventing the sale of smuggled petroleum products, safeguarding government revenue and ensuring strict enforcement of the law. He said indiscriminate action against those involved in unauthorized fuel storage, illegal petroleum trade and the sale of smuggled fuel would be continue.