Category: District

Bahawalpur:Experts emphasized the need to promote agro-finance in the banking sector to boost the agriculture economy in the country at a seminar jointly organized by National Institute of Banking and Finance and Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Islamia University Bahawalpur here.

The seminar was also supported by the State Bank of Pakistan. Addressing the seminar, finance expert and business head of a bank, Yahya H. Walah said that modern technology had brought about a great revolution in the field of agriculture. 'We will have to take new initiatives and introduce modern technology and devices to boost the agriculture economy,' he viewed. He urged students of the Faculty of Agriculture to play their due role in the agriculture field to strengthen efforts being made to put the agriculture economy on track of development.

Joint Director, National Institute of Banking and Finance, State Bank of Pakistan, Mubashar Tayyab, opined that the State Bank would extend its full cooperation to youths and graduates who wanted to play their role in boosting the agriculture economy. He urged the youth to benefit from the offers of the State Bank of Pakistan in this regard.

Dean, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Prof-Dr. Tanveer Hussain Turabi told the participants that agriculture scientists, who completed their degrees at the Islamia University Bahawalpur, had been playing an important role in research in agriculture.

Rawalpindi:The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Rawalpindi has declared a drought emergency in Rawalpindi and water restrictions have been imposed.

According to Managing Director (MD) WASA Rawalpindi Muhammad Saleem Ashraf, the WASA Rawalpindi always strives to provide water, sewerage and drainage facilities to the citizens as per the vision of the Punjab government. However, due to the recent drought, rapidly growing population, various commercial activities and limited resources, the agency is facing severe difficulties in fulfilling its responsibilities, he told here Saturday.

In view of the confronted situation, it has been decided to impose a drought emergency in Rawalpindi, he added.

He informed that a water conservation campaign had been launched across the city. Due to lack of rain during last three months, there was a sharp decline in water level of the dams and underground reserves, due to which it has become difficult to maintain a balance between demand and supply.

Rawalpindi city requires 68 million gallons water, while 51 million gallons water is being provided from the existing resources, he said adding, keeping this in mind, a campaign has been started to prevent unnecessary use and waste of water while the proper use of water is being encouraged. Fines are being imposed on the violators and their connections are being disconnected for wastage of water and unnecessary use.

Solid steps are also being taken for better maintenance of the sewerage system.

The citizens have also been requested to cooperate with WASA authorities. The citizens should keep in mind that the sewer lines are only for drainage of waste water and not for dumping garbage and rubbish. The household consumers and hotel owners are requested to put used ghee or other items containing ghee or butter in a container and throw them in the dustbin instead of throwing into the sewer system.

The consumers are advised to follow the instructions otherwise, various measures including warning notices, fines and disconnection may be taken against the violators.

The public is appealed to be careful in using water in view of the possible shortage of water and not to waste water.

The MD also visited different city areas and reviewed the ongoing actions against the consumers involved in water wastage.

Rawalpindi:The security forces have killed fifteen Khwarij in two separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province.

On reported presence of Khwarij, an intelligence based operation was conducted by the security forces in general area Hathala, Dera Ismail Khan District, an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release said on Saturday.

During the operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij's location and as result, nine khwarij including their ring leaders HVT Farman Saqib, Kharji Amanullah Toori, Khwarji Saeed Liaqat and Khwarji Bilal were sent to hell.

The killed khwarij were involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area and were highly wanted by the Law Enforcement Agencies.

In another operation conducted in general area Miran Shah, North Waziristan District, six khwarij were effectively neutralized by the security forces.

However, during intense fire exchange, Lieutenant Muhammad Hassaan Arshaf age: 21 years, resident of District Lahore, leading his troops from front, fought gallantly and embraced Shahadat along with his three men. The three soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice include Naib Subedar Muhammad Bilal age 39 years, resident of District Dera Ismail Khan, Sepoy Farhat Ullah age: 27 years, resident of District Lakki Marwat and Sepoy Himat Khan (age: 29 years, resident of District Mohmand).

'Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Kharji found in the area as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our resolve,' it added.

Multan:The Punjab Agriculture Department, in collaboration with a private fertilizer company, organized a mega seminar on early cotton cultivation here on Saturday.

The seminar was attended by Members of the Provincial Assembly Rana Muhammad Saleem, Malik Lal Muhammad Joiya, and former MPA Rana Ejaz Ahmad Noon. Secretary Agriculture, Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo participated as the chief guest, while more than 2,000 farmers attended the event.

Addressing the seminar, Agriculture Secretary Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo emphasized that cotton holds a crucial place in the national economy. This year, a target of one million acres has been set for early cotton cultivation. He said that all possible resources and measures were being utilized to achieve this goal, with approximately 40 percent of the total target to be cultivated in the Multan division.

The process of early cotton sowing has officially commenced today. The Punjab Agriculture Secretary also announced that the Chief Minister has approved a financial assistance package of Rs 25,000 for farmers adopting early cotton cultivation. Additionally, agricultural scientists have been assigned a special task to develop climate-smart cotton varieties. Experts have been tasked with discovering varieties capable of yielding at least 40 maunds per acre.

He said that practical steps are being taken to ensure affordable access to quality agricultural inputs. All stakeholders must play an active role in achieving the early cotton sowing target. The availability of high-yield cotton seeds in the market is being ensured, and the private sector's cooperation in the awareness campaign is commendable. The success of the cotton production target depends on the full cooperation of farmers.

The seminar was attended by Directors General of Agriculture Abdul Hameed, and Dr. Amir Rasool, Consultant to the Agriculture Department Dr. Muhammad Anjum Ali and Dr. Asif Ali, President of Kisan Ittehad Khalid Khokhar, and FAS Manager Dr. Saeed Iqbal, along with a large number of farmers.

Multan:The Punjab Auqaf Multan Zone has set a new benchmark in revenue recovery, collecting Rs. 621.58 million from defaulters over the past six months, marking a 61% increase compared to the previous year.

The impressive achievement comes under the leadership of Zonal Administrator Rana Tariq Ali, who credited the success to a dedicated team effort and stringent enforcement measures.

Speaking to reporter, Rana Tariq Ali highlighted that the revenue recovery was significantly higher than the Rs. 385.11 million collected during the same period last year. The increase reflects a more aggressive approach in reclaiming outstanding dues and ensuring the efficient utilization of Auqaf properties. The drive is being conducted in line with the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the Secretary Auqaf Punjab, aimed at securing Auqaf-owned land and properties from illegal occupants. To facilitate the efforts, law enforcement agencies have also been engaged, further strengthening the crackdown on defaulters.

Breaking down the recovery figures, the four Auqaf circles in Multan collectively contributed to the record earnings. Auqaf Circle One reported over Rs. 10.62 million in rental income, along with Rs. 2.82 million from outstanding dues and Rs. 2.67 million from transfer fees. Circle Two followed with Rs. 6.20 million from rental collections, Rs. 1.87 million from transfer fees, and Rs. 1.14 million from overdue payments. Meanwhile, Circle Three recorded Rs. 10.41 million in lease revenue and Rs. 8.54 million from goodwill payments, further contributing to the overall surge in recoveries. Khanewal Circle also played a crucial role, reporting Rs. 3.91 million in rental income and Rs. 8.09 million in outstanding dues.

Officials say the unprecedented recovery underscores the effectiveness of robust monitoring mechanisms, strict enforcement, and proactive governance, reinforcing the commitment to financial discipline and sustainable management of Auqaf assets.

Rawalpindi:The 24th batch of the Friends of Police Internship Program, launched according to the vision of Inspector General of Police, Punjab Dr Usman Anwar, has concluded here at Rawalpindi Police Lines Headquarters.

According to a police spokesman, the students from various educational institutions participated in the internship program.

Member Provincial Assembly (MPA) Asma Naz Abbas attended the closing ceremony of the internship program as a special guest.

Senior police officers gave lectures to the students on various aspects of police work and policing in the two-week internship program, which was organized on the directives of IGP, Punjab Dr Usman Anwar.

Under the internship program, the students were aware of police station work, Police Khidmat Markaz, Front Desks, various police Apps, Traffic Police, and legal and judicial proceedings.

During the program, the students also visited Special Initiative Police Stations, Police Lines Headquarters, Command and Control Room, Traffic Headquarters, Police Khidmat Markaz, Liaquat Bagh, and the Legal Branch and gained practical knowledge about policing. The internship program aims to create awareness about policing.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Investigation said that the internship program would help in further improving community policing with the cooperation and consultation of the students and youth. The young generation could play an important role in improving police work and service delivery, he added.

The aim of the internship program is to make the citizens, especially young students, help in effective policing, crime and drug prevention, especially in educational institutions and solving other social problems and community policing, the SSP Investigation said.

At the end of the ceremony, the MPA and SSP distributed certificates among the students who participated in the Internship Program.