UAF produces 28 more PhDs


Faisalabad: University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) has produced 28 more PhD scholars which raised PhD club to 2,453 so far.



UAF spokesman said here on Monday that among the new PhD scholars included Ambreen Mehmood Awan D/O S. Mehmood Awan, from Institute of Physiology and Pharmacology; Fatima Yousuf D/O Malik Muhammad Yousuf from Department of Biochemistry, Maria Amjad D/O Amjad Pervaiz Zia from Department of Rural Sociology, Rana Muhammad Abdullah S/O Muhammad Amjad Javed from Institute of Microbiology, Amna Ayub S/O Muhammad Ayub Khan from Department of Chemistry, Amna Alam D/O Muhammad Alam Sher from National Institute of Food Science and Technology, Shahbaz Mustafa S/O Ghulam Mustafa from Department of Plant Pathology, Asma Bashir D/O Bashir Ahmad from Department of Physics, Saima Nazir D/O Zaheer Ahmad from Department Rural Sociology, Muhammad Iqbal S/O Ghulam Nabi from Department of Plant Pathology, Muhammad Rehan S/O Muhammad Ramzan from Department of Agronomy, Muhammad Waqar Azeem S/O Abdul Hameed Saqib from Department of Chemistry, Abbas Shoukat S/O Shoukat Ali from Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, Ghalib S
/O Ayaz from Department of Plant Pathology, Muhammad Subtain S/O Bashir Ahmad from National Institute of Food sciences and Technology, Maryium Sajjad D/O Sajjad Anwar from Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Ayesha Ismail D/O Muhammad Ismail from Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Waqar Ahmed S/O Muhammad Ilyas Tahir from National Institute of Food Science and Technology, Muhammad Nadeem Saleem S/O Muhammad Saleem from Department of Agronomy, Muhammad Farhan Ayaz Chishti S/O Muhammad Ayaz Chishti from Institute of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Muhammad Saleem Ashraf S/O Rana Muhammad Ashraf from Institute of Agricultural Extension, Education and Rural Development, Zareen Fatima D/O Qamar Iqbal from Department of Rural Sociology, Sara Farooq D/O Muhammad Farooq from Department of Rural Sociology.



These scholars had passed final examinations for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and title of their thesis were, ‘Evaluation of antioxidant and hypoglycemic potential of Acacia jacquemontii in alloxan induced diabetic rats’, ‘Fertility enhancing potential of nano-formulations of selected nutraceuticals’, ‘People knowledge attitude and practices of fortified food in Punjab, Pakistan.’, ‘Molecular epidemiology and drug resistance pattern of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from human clinical samples, poultry and environment in one health perspective’, ‘Mechanistic and comparative study of reactions occurring in porous nanocages’, Antioxidant effect of Solanum nigrum extract in phenylhydrazine induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity in animal model’, ‘Management of rice blast disease based on plant activators, nutrients and characterization of epidemiological factors of different ecological zones’, ‘Constrained classical and quantum dynamics on curved spaces’, ‘Vulnerability analysis of women waged labourers in ag
riculture sector and its implication for standards and rights at work in Punjab, Pakistan.’, ‘Assessment and management of narrow brown leaf spot disease ( Cercospora oryzae) of rice’, ‘Assessing the sustainability of Rice-wheat cropping system through sesbania green manuring in agro-ecological zones of Punjab using sequential modeling under DSSAT’, ‘Production and characterization of biodiesel from microalgae’, ‘Appraising the Effect of Conventional and Nanofertilizers for Nutrient Use Efficiency and Yield Benefits in Maize Under Saline Conditions’, ‘Resistance enhancement in chilli against bacterial wilt through phenolic antioxidants, chemicals and antibiotics’, ‘Oleoresins, extraction, characterization and end use perspectives’, ‘Genetic diversity of soybeans for response to rhizobia and its impact on yield and quality’, ‘Genetic basis of quality and yield contributing traits under normal and salinity stress in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)’, ‘Ramification of sugarcane bagasse based adsorbent on the qua
lity and stability of degraded edible fats and oils’, ‘Improving soil health and productivity of rice-wheat cropping system through green and brown manuring’, ‘Nutritional enrichment of straw from genetically improved wheat and its effect on production performance of Sahiwal cattle’, ‘Analysis of cropping pattern shift from cotton in Punjab Pakistan: Implications for the cotton revival’, ‘Challenges of Halal meat consumption: A study about the perceptions, knowledge and practices of halal meat consumers in Punjab, Pakistan’ and ‘Challenges and opportunities of CPEC and its impact on Socio-cultural transformation in Punjab, Pakistan’, respectively, he added.



Meanwhile, UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Sarwar Khan has congratulated the students on completion of their degrees and said that the university was taking all possible measures to produce skilled manpower in addition to ensuring tangible research work and outreach programs.



ACP hosts launch of Neelofar Abbasi’s Novelette ‘Zaib-un-Nisa Intizar Mein Hai’


Karachi: Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi organized the launch of novelette “Zaib-un-Nisa Intizar Mein Hai” by renowned broadcaster, TV artist, and writer Neelofar Abbasi at Haseena Moin Hall.



The event was chaired by Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, and attended by President Arts Council of Muhammad Ahmed Shah, Qasim Jalali, Zaheer Khan, Akhlaq Ahmed, Iqbal Latif, Saadia Rashid, Azra Rasool, Neelofar Abbasi, Maqsood Yousafi, and Sohail Shams, who all shared their thoughts during the event.



In his presidential speech, Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui stated that such an event is rare, and this is all thanks to Neelofar Abbasi.



He shared that Neelofar had no initial connection with literature; she was a student of science. It was Qamar Ali Abbasi who honed this diamond. Qamar Abbasi was a great creative figure, and we must pass on our civilization to future generations.



He further mentioned that the novelette has brought the past to life before our eyes. According to the theme, “Zaib-un-Nisa Intizar Mein Hai” is a significant work, as many have faced similar challenges in difficult times. He congratulated Neelofar on this remarkable novelette.



President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Muhammad Ahmed Shah highlighted that achieving fame while maintaining respect is not an easy task. Neelofar Abbasi’s book sends a strong message that women are not weak. She has worked extensively in radio and television.



Shrajeel terms 2025 as year of development & progress of Sindh


Karachi: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Monday said 2025 year is the year of development and progress as Sindh Govenment had already started development projects in Karachi and other districts of the Sindh province.



Following the inauguration by Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the first phase of Shahrah Bhutto has been opened to the public. Additionally, work on the Yellow Line BRT is proceeding diligently, with efforts continuing day and night.



Speaking to the media here at the Sindh Assembly Media Corner, Senior Sindh Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon, announced that the Transport Department is also developing bus depots. He added that the Sindh government plans to introduce double-decker buses for the citizens of Karachi this year. Additionally, an EV taxi service will be launched for the youth, with EV taxis made available to the public through easy installment plans.



He said that the Sindh government was undertaking large-scale road development projects across the province. He emphasized that the progress being made by the Sindh government in the health sector is unparalleled in Pakistan. Additionally, rapid work is underway on the Hub Canal to address Karachi’s water shortage.



Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that, similar to how journalists from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad were invited to visit the Sindh government’s projects, journalists from Sindh will also be given the opportunity to tour these initiatives. He highlighted that significant progress is being made across all departments of the Sindh government. He praised Syed Nasir Shah for his commendable work in the energy sector. Furthermore, the Chief Minister of Sindh has emphasized that efforts are underway on a desalination project, which aims to convert seawater into potable water for the people. Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has directed all ministers to ensure the delivery of facilities promised to the public during the elections.



In reply to a question, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that the Chief Minister of Sindh has encouraged the entire business community to step forward and invest in various sectors. The Sindh government is in discussions with multiple companies to attract investment in Pakistan. However, due to IMF conditions, establishing new industrial zones is currently not feasible. He highlighted the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone as an excellent opportunity for domestic and foreign investors, traders, and businessmen. He further mentioned that Chinese investors have expressed interest in investing in the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone.



In response to another question, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that the leadership of the Pakistan Peoples Party, including Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister, has made it clear that the PPP’s stance on the issue of canals is very firm. The PPP will not accept any canals being constructed on the Indus River.



In response to another question, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that an appropriate toll is imposed on all public-private partnership projects to ensure that investors who have partnered with the government can recover their investments.



In response to another question, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that Imran Khan took a watch, sold it, and falsely claimed that the proceeds were used to build a road, which he described as a lie. He asserted that every case against Imran Khan is valid. He added that if the government or the Nawaz League engages in negotiations with the opposition, the PPP would appreciate it.



12 SACM appointed in Sindh


Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister has appointed 12 more Special Assistants to CM with immediate effect.

According to notification issued here by Chief Secretary on Monday, Sindh Chief Minister, while exercising powers conferred under section 4(1) of Sindh Special Assistant (Appointment, Powers, Functions, Salaries, Allowances and Privileges), appointed Pir Syed Afzal Shah, Liaquat Ali Askani, Tanzella Ume Habiba, Amir Hamza Rais, Muhammad Raza Haroon, Khair Muhammad Shaikh, Amanullah Khan Mehsud, Kulsoom Chandio, Muhammad Ali Rashid, Muhammad Ali Bhutto, Hussain Aslam and Veerji Kolhi as Special Assistant to CM Sindh.

PFA destroys 500-kg contaminated meat


Lahore: The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) on Monday foiled an attempt to supply 500-kg contaminated meat during a grand operation in the Bakra Mandi (goat market). According to a spokesman for the authority, the operation had been conducted upon a tip-off of the vigilance team during which 500-kg tainted meat was destroyed. The meat, which posed serious health risks, was found to have been sourced from diseased and dead animals.



As per DG Food Authority Asim Javed, the diseased animals were slaughtered and their remains were incinerated. Upon inspection, it was revealed that the meat from these animals was not only unfit for human consumption but could lead to various health issues if consumed. The animal owners were found to be in violation of regulations, lacking the mandatory Health Fitness Certificates required for slaughtering animals.



The DG emphasized that consuming such contaminated meat could result in severe health complications and increase the risk of infectious diseases. He also condemned the actions of the fraudulent mafia who driven by the greed for higher profits were essentially selling diseases rather than food.



Day of Defenders of the Motherland: Honoring valor, legacy of Uzbekistan’s armed forces


Islamabad: The armed forces of Uzbekistan have emerged as a cornerstone of national pride and security, reflecting the country’s renewed strength under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.



The Uzbek Embassy, in a statement, said the reforms initiated by the government in recent years have fundamentally transformed the country’s military structure and capabilities, enabling Uzbekistan to ensure its national security, border protection, and societal stability.



The Day of Defenders of the Motherland, celebrated annually on January 14, pays tribute to the valiant service of the Uzbek armed forces. The statement highlighted the unwavering dedication of military personnel, who uphold the country’s sovereignty and peace while embodying the spirit and traditions of their great ancestors.



The Uzbek Constitution, recently amended through a nationwide referendum, has paved the way for further strengthening the country’s defense potential. The ongoing reforms aim to enhance the combat readiness of troops and modernize the armed forces to meet contemporary security challenges.



The “Uzbekistan-2030” strategy, adopted under a presidential decree, underscores the prioritization of defense advancements. Over the past three years, more than 35 conceptual directive documents have been developed to refine troop preparation methods, drawing from the best practices of developed nations.



The statement also outlined key advancements in military training and readiness. Combat and special training hours for permanent-readiness brigades have increased significantly, with 70% of exercises conducted practically and 50% taking place at night under conditions simulating real combat.



Since 2018, the intensity of troop readiness exercises has increased by 2.5 times. Modular training systems have been implemented, focusing on combat coherence at various levels, while professional skills development remains a priority.



The Uzbek Ministry of Defense has expanded its infrastructure, establishing 19 specialized training centers compared to just two five years ago. These centers have garnered international recognition, with military specialists from the United States, United Kingdom, France, and other nations proposing joint experience-sharing initiatives.



Uzbekistan currently operates over 20 general-purpose training grounds, with 16 designated for hosting international military events. The Armed Forces actively engage in joint exercises with foreign counterparts, ensuring the continued evolution of their capabilities.



In the face of global geopolitical shifts and evolving security threats, Uzbekistan’s Armed Forces stand as a powerful, mobile, and well-equipped entity safeguarding the peace and harmony of the nation – a testament to the vision of New Uzbekistan.