Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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RPO chairs RPCC meeting to review law and order, crime prevention


Rawalpindi: Regional Police Officer (RPO) Rawalpindi Babar Sarfraz Alpa on Friday held the monthly meeting of the Regional Police Coordination Committee (RPCC) to review the law and order situation and measures to curb crime across the region, while directing foolproof security arrangements for Chehlum processions and religious gatherings as well as the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections.



The RPO directed all district police and units to strengthen coordination and upgrade policing in line with modern requirements to ensure effective law enforcement.



He also ordered enhanced security for Chinese nationals, other foreign citizens, CPEC projects, and key installations, directing officers to conduct daily inspections and warning that negligence would not be tolerated.



Babar Sarfraz Alpa instructed supervisory officers to personally monitor investigations into cases involving women and children and ensure the early disposal of pending cases.



He also directed police to intensify efforts to arrest proclaimed offenders, trace absconding suspects in cases with incomplete challans, and improve investigations to secure convictions.



The meeting also decided to intensify the crackdown on illegally residing foreigners and stressed strict implementation of the Tenancy Act through the effective use of the Hotel Eye and Travel Eye software systems.



The RPO further ordered tighter security at inter-provincial and riverine checkpoints and called for increased search, combing, intelligence-based operations, and snap checking across the region.



Emphasizing the force’s commitment to public safety, Babar Sarfraz Alpa said protecting the lives and property of citizens remained the top priority of Rawalpindi Region Police, adding that the force was fully prepared to respond to any untoward situation.



He said the RPCC had significantly improved coordination among law enforcement and other institutions, further strengthening policing across the region.



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Sindh Governor, US delegation discuss multi-sector investment ties


Karachi: Governor of Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi met a high-level delegation of American business leaders at the Governor House on Friday.



The meeting focused on promoting investment in Pakistan particularly in Sindh and explored opportunities for cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), infrastructure, dairy, livestock, agriculture, information technology and other key sectors.



The delegation was led by Muhammad Hanif Channa of the Embassy of Pakistan in the United States. Other members included Jamal Khawaja, President of Friends of Pakistan; Arif Zafar Mansoori, Chairman of Friends of Pakistan; Naveed Anwar, President of the Pakistan American Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce; Rana Khurram Malik, Vice President of the Pakistan American Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce; Naeem Zamdar, CEO of One AI; Engineer Maqsood Kambo, President of TSI Engineering; Haroon Inam, CEO of DG Matrix; Zain Jeevanjee, CEO of Insure123; as well as prominent Pakistani business leaders Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, Arshad Wali Muhammad, Ahmed Chinoy, and others, a communique said.



Welcoming the delegation, Governor Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi said that Pakistan and the United States enjoy longstanding relations based on mutual trust, respect, and shared interests, which can be further strengthened through enhanced trade, investment, and economic cooperation. He said that Pakistan is a secure, attractive, and emerging investment destination offering a business-friendly environment, a large consumer market, a young workforce, and profitable investment opportunities.



Governor Hashmi said that the Federal Government is fully committed to facilitating foreign investors, while Sindh offers immense opportunities in infrastructure, artificial intelligence, information technology, agriculture, dairy, livestock, and several other sectors. He invited American investors to explore these opportunities and contribute to strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.



He said that Pakistan is a peaceful, responsible, and sovereign state that has consistently pursued a policy of regional peace, stability, and mutual respect. He stated that Pakistan has never initiated aggression against any country; however, whenever its sovereignty, territorial integrity, or national interests are challenged, the entire nation stands united alongside its Armed Forces.



Referring to the recent regional tensions, the Governor said that under the prudent leadership of the Prime Minister and the professional military strategy of the Field Marshal, Pakistan successfully defended its borders and effectively thwarted hostile designs.



Members of the American business delegation appreciated Sindh’s investment-friendly environment, government policies, and economic potential, expressing strong interest in investing and collaborating in the fields of artificial intelligence, infrastructure, agriculture, dairy, livestock, information technology, and other key sectors.



They noted that Pakistan’s economic potential, skilled workforce, and business opportunities make it an attractive destination for international investors.



Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-United States economic partnership by expanding cooperation in trade, investment, advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, agriculture, infrastructure, and other strategic sectors.



They also expressed confidence that enhanced private-sector engagement would further deepen bilateral relations, create new employment opportunities, facilitate technology transfer, and generate significant economic benefits for both countries.



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PPL discovers gas, condensate at Shah Bandar Block in Sindh


Karachi: Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has announced a new gas and condensate discovery at its exploratory well Rahi X-1 in the Shah Bandar Block, located in Sujawal district of Sindh.



According to a press release issued on Friday, the discovery marks the fourth consecutive hydrocarbon find made by PPL as the operator of the Shah Bandar Block.



PPL holds a 63 per cent working interest in the block, while Mari Energies Limited has a 32 per cent stake. Sindh Energy Holding Company Limited and Government Holdings (Private) Limited each hold a 2.5 per cent working interest.



The statement said the Rahi X-1 exploratory well was spudded on June 17, 2026 and drilled to a measured depth of 2,612 metres to assess the hydrocarbon potential of the Upper Sands of the Lower Goru Formation.



Based on drilling results and interpretation of wireline log data, a hydrocarbon-bearing zone was identified and subsequently tested through a cased-hole drill stem test (DST).



During testing, the well produced 0.493 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (MMscfd) and 12 barrels of condensate per day at a wellhead flowing pressure of 133 pounds per square inch through a 32/64-inch choke from the A-Sand of the Lower Goru Upper Sands.



PPL said the discovery reflected its continued commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s energy security through accelerated exploration and development activities.



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Fatima Jinnah awakened political consciousness among Muslim women: Ahmed Mahmood


Lahore: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) South Punjab President and former Punjab governor Makhdoom Syed Ahmed Mahmood paid tribute to Madar-e-Millat Fatima Jinnah on her 133rd birth anniversary, describing her as one of Pakistan’s greatest national figures, whose leadership inspired Muslim women across the Subcontinent to participate in politics and the Pakistan Movement.

In a statement issued here on Friday, Ahmed Mahmood said Fatima Jinnah played a pivotal role alongside the Founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (RA), during the struggle for independence. He said her determination, courage, and unwavering support strengthened the movement for the creation of Pakistan while encouraging women to play an active role in the country’s political awakening.

He said Fatima Jinnah’s contributions extended well beyond the creation of Pakistan. According to him, she emerged as a symbol of democratic resistance by challenging a military rule and contesting the 1965 presidential election against General A
yub Khan, upholding democratic principles and constitutional values.

Makhdoom Ahmed Mahmood said Fatima Jinnah’s sacrifices, principled leadership, integrity, and commitment to the people continue to inspire Pakistanis, particularly women. He said her life demonstrated the indispensable role of women in strengthening democracy, promoting national stability, and contributing to Pakistan’s development.

He said the Pakistan Peoples Party remained committed to the ideals of democracy, human rights, equality, and constitutional supremacy, which he said reflected the vision of Madar-e-Millat. He added that the party renewed its pledge to continue working for a progressive, democratic, and prosperous Pakistan in line with her ideals.

The PPP South Punjab president further said that under the leadership of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari, the party was determined to uphold Fatima Jinnah’s principles and work towards building a peaceful, dignified, and welfare-oriented state.

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Minister reiterates govt commitment to ensure sustainable livelihood opportunities


Islamabad: Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah on Friday said the government, under the vision of Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, was implementing comprehensive social protection programmes to ensure quality healthcare, education and sustainable livelihood opportunities for deserving citizens across the country.



The minister made these remarks during his visit to the headquarters of the Zakat Foundation of America in Chicago, where he was accompanied by Consul General of Pakistan in Chicago Zaman Mehdi, said a news release issued here.



Highlighting the performance of his ministry, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah said institutions working under the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety were implementing targeted initiatives for poverty reduction, financial inclusion, skills development, healthcare, education and social welfare to improve the lives of vulnerable families.



Upon arrival, the minister was warmly received by Zakat Foundation of America Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Demir, Advisor Planning and Development, Farukh Raza and members of the Foundation’s team.



During the visit, Khalil Demir gave a detailed presentation on the Foundation’s global humanitarian work, informing the minister that the organization was operating in more than 40 countries. He said its programmes included orphan care, disaster relief, education for out-of-school children, provision of clean drinking water, skills development, rehabilitation services, mental health support and a broad range of humanitarian initiatives.



The federal minister thanked the Zakat Foundation of America for inviting him to participate in the Turkish Cultural Festival and lauded the organization’s humanitarian services around the world. He particularly appreciated the Foundation’s welfare initiatives in Pakistan and acknowledged its contribution to supporting vulnerable communities.



Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in poverty alleviation, human development and social welfare in Pakistan. At the conclusion of the visit, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah invited the leadership of the Zakat Foundation of America to visit Pakistan. Prominent members of the Pakistani diaspora in Chicago also attended the event.



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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.