Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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WSSC launched cleanliness drive in neighborhood councils of UC Dewala

Dera ismail khan:A cleanliness drive launched by The Water and Sanitation Services (WSSC) DI Khan was in full swing in various neighbourhood councils of union council Dewala, here in Dera Ismail Khan.

On the special instructions of Chairman Board of Directors WSSC-DIKhan Naimat Ullah Khan and the Chief Executive Officer WSSC-DI Khan Dr. Mohsin Habib, a cleanliness drive is underway in village and neighborhood councils of various union council including UC Dewala.

The WSSC-DI Khan has constituted special teams that would carry out cleanliness drive at the village and neighborhood council level.

Under the supervision of Supervisor Abdul Rehman Khan and Chief Sanitary inspector Javed Khan. WSSC teams are working day and night under the leadership of Team Incharge Mubarak Ali in cleaning the drains and streets of Basti Dewala, Nad Ali Shah, Chah Syed Munawar Shah, Madina colony and Basti Tareen areas and making the roads and paths clean.

This cleaning process is being carried out on a daily basis so that the residents of the area can be provided with a clean and healthy environment.

The people of the area have appreciated this effort of WSSC in great words. A local resident said, 'This is the first time that our streets and drains have been cleaned in such an effective and organized manner. We are grateful to the WSSC team,' Muhammad Jamshed said.

'The way Dr. Mohsin Habib and Naimat Ullah Khan and WSSC team have cleaned our streets is truly commendable. This initiative is very important for the health and cleanliness of the area.'

Chief Executive Officer WSSC DI Khan Dr. Mohsin Habib said that providing cleanliness is our top priority. WSSC's team is working day and night to provide a clean and healthy environment to the public. We are committed to maintaining the standards of cleanliness.

Chairman Board of Directors WSSC-DIKhan Naimat Ullah Khan said that the role of WSSC was important in cleaning the city and sanitation situation had improved due to its efforts.

The Chairman directed all sanitary inspectors to ensure the quality of cleanliness within their limits and immediate action should be taken on complaints received from the public.

He called for raising awareness among the general public about the importance of keeping the environment clean.

He appealed to the citizens not to throw garbage in drains but it should be placed in designated places so that it could be disposed of easily.

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IUB’s World University Ranking improves

Bahawalpur:The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) is continuously advancing in global rankings.

Director Quality Enhancement Cell Prof. Dr. Muhammad Asadullah Madani said on Wednesday the IUB is continuously improving teaching and research while focusing on sustainable development goals. The varsity has achieved an important milestone by achieving subject-wise rankings in the 2025 Times Higher World University Rankings by subject.

The Islamia University of Bahawalpur has been ranked 401-500 in the field of Engineering, 401-500 in Life Sciences, 501-600 in Medicine and Health, 501-600 in Social Sciences, 601-800 in Business and Economics, 601-800 in Computer Science and 601-800 in Physical Sciences in the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

It is worth mentioning that the Islamia University of Bahawalpur has shown significant improvement in many subjects compared to the previous year. In particular, the department of Engineering improved from 501-600 to 401-500, Medicine and Health improved from 601-800 to 501-600, and Life Sciences improved from 601-800 to 401-500. Director Quality Enhancement Cell Prof. Dr. Muhammad Asadullah Madani congratulated the Deans, Chairpersons, Principal Officers, and the Quality Enhancement Cell team. He said that this achievement strengthens the position of the Islamia University of Bahawalpur as a leading institution of higher education in Pakistan.

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DC Tank terms resolution of peoples’ issues as top priority

Tank:Deputy Commissioner Tank Tanveer Khan on Wednesday held an open court (Khulli Katcherri) to resolve problems of people.

Addressing the forum held at his office, the DC remarked that resolving peoples' problems was the top priority of the district administration.

He said the district administration was accountable to the public, taking all possible measures to address public issues promptly.

He urged upon the public to highlight administrative shortcomings, adding, the positive criticism would always be welcomed.

The deputy commissioner personally answered the public's questions, and his efforts were appreciated by the participants.

During the open court, most complaints were related to electricity, Sui-Gas, Education and Health departments. He also issued immediate instructions to address these complaints and assured that defending public rights and administrative reforms were among his priorities.

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Meeting held to explore sesame value addition to boost exports, profitability

Islamabad:Director General/Chief Scientist Agriculture (Research), Dr Sajid-ur-Rahman, chaired a high-profile stakeholders' meeting organized by the Directorate of Oilseeds at the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, to explore value addition in sesame and enhance its profitability.

The meeting brought together experts from the public and private sectors, including industry leaders, researchers, and representatives from various organizations, to collaborate on strategies for boosting sesame value addition and expanding its market reach.

According to the Directorate, the event was attended by representatives from sesame export companies, value addition industries, seed companies, farmer groups, and organizations such as the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) and the Pakistan Chamber of Agriculture. Experts from institutions including the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF), and the National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIAB) also participated.

The meeting outlined several key initiatives to strengthen the sesame industry. Collaborative efforts will focus on enhancing the sesame value chain by improving production, ensuring quality, and integrating with global markets.

It was decided to establish specialized cropping and industrial zones for sesame cultivation and processing, promoting efficient value addition. Plans were also announced to set up an internationally accredited laboratory to ensure compliance with global standards.

Participants emphasized the need to explore new markets in Europe, the USA, and the Middle East, aiming to expand the global footprint of Pakistani sesame. Local entrepreneurs will be supported through initiatives to develop small- and medium-scale value addition enterprises.

A working group will be formed to promote Pakistani sesame at international expos and expand its market reach, ensuring sustained growth and profitability in the sector.

'This initiative will not only maximize profitability but also contribute to foreign exchange earnings, paving the way for Pakistan to become a competitive player in the global sesame market,' Sajid told reporter.

The meeting concluded with a collective resolve to develop strategic frameworks and partnerships to fully realize the potential of sesame as a key agricultural export.

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OGRA in collaboration with FBR, OCAC, launched mobile application, ‘Raahguzar

Islamabad:The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), in collaboration with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC), has launched a state-of-the-art mobile application, 'Raahguzar.'

This innovative app, utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, enables users to pinpoint legal petrol pumps and outlets across the country, marking a significant step in the digitization of Pakistan's oil supply chain.

The launching ceremony, held at OGRA head office in Islamabad, was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), FBR, Customs, the Explosives Department, and representatives from OCAC and the Oil Marketing Association of Pakistan (OMAP).

The 'Raahguzar' app offers a user-friendly platform for consumers, district governments, and law enforcement agencies to identify illegal outlets or 'dabba stations.' Additionally, consumers can use the app to lodge complaints related to illegal outlets, overcharging, or quality concerns, ensuring transparency and empowering stakeholders.

The event was chaired by Chairman OGRA, Masroor Khan, alongside Member Oil and Finance. In his address, Khan emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative. 'This journey began with discussions between OGRA and FBR in August 2024, highlighting the urgent need for digitizing the oil supply chain. The launch of 'Raahguzar' is the first phase of a broader track-and-trace system aimed at promoting accountability, preventing economic leakages, curbing illegal activities, and enhancing the oil industry's integrity,' he stated.

Khan further added, 'This initiative will serve as a game-changer in addressing the challenges posed by illegal petrol pumps and malpractices, contributing significantly to the growth and sustainability of the oil sector in Pakistan.'

The launch of 'Raahguzar' reflects OGRA's commitment to leveraging technology for effective governance and fostering a transparent and accountable energy ecosystem.

For further details or to download the 'Raahguzar' app, visit OGRA's official website or contact the OGRA helpline.

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CCP approves asset acquisition of CCML by SSIL

Islamabad:The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has granted approval for the acquisition of certain assets, including land, equipment and machinery of Crescent Cotton Mills Limited (CCML) by Sultan Spinning Industries (Private) Limited (SSIL).The CCP defined the relevant product market as 'yarn,' segmented into cotton, synthetic, and blended yarn, based on differences in production, consumer preferences and pricing, said a press release issued here on Wednesday.The assessment determined that CCML holds a minimal market share, which will diminish further post-transaction as the assets will no longer contribute to its operations.In contrast, SSIL's market entry is anticipated to invigorate competition by introducing a new participant in the yarn industry. This is expected to stimulate competitive pricing, innovation and increased product availability, benefiting consumers and the broader market.The CCP's Phase I assessment concluded that the transaction poses no risk of lessening of competition. Instead, it paves the way for enhanced consumer choice and encourages fair competition. Additionally, the transaction involves the transfer of existing assets rather than the consolidation of market share, ensuring no additional barriers to entry for potential new competitors.The SSIL, a private limited company incorporated under the laws of Pakistan, has not yet commenced operations but intends to engage in the manufacturing and sale of yarn once operational. Meanwhile, the CCML, a publicly listed company, remains engaged in the manufacturing and sale of yarn.