Category: District

Sargodha: District General Secretary Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) Women's Wing, Shazia Bano, has reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for the Kashmir cause, urging the international community to play its role in resolving the longstanding dispute.

Talking to reporter on Sunday, she emphasized that Pakistan is a key stakeholder in the Kashmir issue and that the PML-N government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, is raising the matter at every global forum. 'Every citizen of Pakistan stands with the people of Kashmir.

The current government would continue its diplomatic, political, and moral support for the Kashmiri people,' she stated.

Shazia Bano highlighted that the PML-N has consistently advocated for the freedom and fundamental rights of Kashmiris. She asserted that the slogan 'Kashmir Banega Pakistan' (Kashmir will become part of Pakistan) resonates across the nation, causing distress within the Indian government.

Condemning on India's actions in Kashmir, she described the human rights violations as the worst form of oppression. She expressed confidence that the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people in their struggle for independence would not go in vain.

She concluded by reiterating that under PML-N's leadership, Pakistan would persist in raising its voice for Kashmir's self-determination at every platform, ensuring that the issue remains a priority on the global stage.

Mirpur: The Centre for Peace, Development, and Reforms (CPDR) hosted a Youth Climate Resilience Workshop in Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJ and K) on Saturday.

The event brought together young climate advocates, researchers, and policymakers to develop innovative solutions for tackling climate challenges in the region.

Seasoned environmental experts emphasized the urgent need for building adaptive capacities among young leaders to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change in AJ and K. The region is highly susceptible to extreme weather events, glacial melting, and environmental degradation.

The workshop featured interactive discussions and expert-led sessions, allowing participants to explore and discuss solutions to address climate vulnerabilities in their communities. CPDR committed to evaluating proposals from participants and reconvening for future discussions and potential implementation.

In his closing remarks, Irtaza Muhammad, Director Programs of CPDR, emphasized the organization's commitment to fostering climate-conscious leadership among AJ and K's youth. "Youth are at the forefront of the climate crisis, and their active participation is key to driving sustainable solutions," he stated.

Multan: Women University Multan stands as the sole higher education institution in South Punjab exclusively catering to women,offering education across 27 disciplines and is in dire need of new hostels and classrooms.

Students as well as their parents,especially from remote areas including Laiba, Zainab, Mahim and some others appealed Punjab government to address the issue of hostel shortage.Spread over 40 acres, the university comprises a 13-acre City campus and a 27-acre Mati Tal campus

The university, under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor (VC),Dr. Kalsoom Paracha,attracts a large number of students, particularly from remote areas of South Punjab.However,a severe shortage of hostel facilities remains a significant challenge.Currently,the university accommodates 1,400 students in its hostels,while over 3,000 applications are rejected annually due to limited capacity. When media discussed the issue with VC,she remarked"It deeply saddens me to reject these requests,adding that she has repeatedly pursuing the issue.

She hoped that she would succeed to manage new hostels.

Women University Multan has witnessed a continuous rise in student enrollment,creating an urgent need for additional classrooms and resources.To a query about students strength and new building,she apprised,every department requires at least three extra rooms to effectively manage the growing number of students.

The university also faces challenges in its transport system,operating 10 buses with only six drivers.

"Managing transport with limited staff is an ongoing struggle," Dr. Paracha noted.

Despite these hurdles,the institution remains committed to academic excellence.We have adjusted drivers by ensuring different timings,Dr.Paracha stated.

In addition to its academic offerings,the university was taking significant strides toward women's empowerment.

A skill development program was set to launch soon,focusing on equipping students with practical skills. Furthermore,the university is emphasizing IT education and preparing to introduce Artificial Intelligence(AI)classes, with discussions underway with the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

The university's dedication to providing M.Phil and Ph.D.programs across various departments underscores its commitment to academic and professional advancement.

Women University Multan continues to be a beacon of hope and progress for the women of South Punjab,striving to overcome challenges while fostering a brighter future,she concluded.

Lodhran: The agriculture department set an 88,000 acre early cotton sowing target for district Lodhran.

Deputy Director Agriculture Malik Zafar told reporter here on Saturday said that the early cotton sowing drive was in full swing. He said that seminars, road shows, corner meetings and social media platforms were being used for maximum early cotton sowing.

The official said that early cotton sowing on 2000 acres has been completed so far while the drive would continue till the end of March. He hoped that they would easily achieve the sowing target and urged the farmers to sow maximum cotton and get handsome revenue. The field staff is paying visit to various parts of the district on a daily basis and providing guidance to farmers about the crop. The government is taking every possible measures for the revival of the cotton crop, he concluded.

Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced a special Ramadan relief package for deserving families, official sources said on Saturday.

Under this initiative, the provincial government will provide Rs. 10,000 to each selected family during the holy month of Ramadan.

As per details, 5,000 families will be chosen from each of the 115 constituencies across the province.

The selected families will receive a Rs. 10,000 cheque in the first ten days of Ramadan.

To ensure fair distribution, the government has assigned different departments to oversee the selection process.

Sources said a total of Rs. 8 billion will be allocated for the Ramadan package. The entire distribution process will be monitored directly from the Chief Minister's House.

Rawalpindi: Rawalpindi district police arrested five gamblers and recovered Rs 16200 stake money, three mobile phones and other items from their possession, said a police spokesman here on Saturday.

He informed that Waris Khan police conducted a raid and arrested five gamblers namely Rashid, Nazir, Saif, Murad and Naveed, who were allegedly involved in betting while playing cards.

Police recovered Rs 16200, three mobile phones, and other items from their possession.

A case has been registered against the accused while further investigation is under process.

Superintendent of Police, Rawal, Muhammad Haseeb Raja said that gambling is the root cause of other evils and those involved in such crimes do not deserve any concession.