EPA makes uniform mandatory for field officers

Lahore: The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab has made it mandatory for field officers to wear uniforms starting from February 1, 2025. The notification, issued by Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, Director-General of EPD, outlines the new directive.

According to the notification, uniforms will be compulsory for all field officers, with the exception of senior inspectors and higher-ranking officials, for whom wearing a uniform will be optional. The decision is based on the Motor Vehicle Rules of 2013, which require uniforms for personnel working in the field.

The notification also directs consultation with Deputy Commissioners to finalize the uniform's design.

Mastercard collaborates with foodpanda to fuel the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy

Karachi: Mastercard has once again collaborated with foodpanda to boost digital payment in Pakistan and support the nation's transition toward a cashless economy.

According to data from the State Bank of Pakistan, currency in circulation (CIC) in the country increased by 11.2% during the first half of 2024. The partnership introduces initiatives designed to encourage the use of digital payment methods over cash on delivery (COD).

By leveraging foodpanda's extensive network, Mastercard will drive awareness and usage of secure, rewarding payment options for millions of consumers across the country.

Muhammad Nana, senior vice president, Digital Partnerships, Eastern Europe Middle East, and Africa region (EEMEA), Mastercard. said, 'By combining our global expertise in seamless and secure payment technologies with foodpanda's vast reach, we are making digital payments more accessible and convenient for consumers across the country.'

Police arrest kite supplier with over 3000 kites

Rawalpindi: Rawalpindi District Police on the directives of City Police Officer, Rawalpindi are making efforts to control kite flying and managed to arrest a kite supplier on recovery of over 3000 kites and 20 kite flying string rolls, said a police spokesman here on Tuesday.

He informed, that Taxila police arrested a kite supplier namely Abdul Shakoor and recovered 3000 kites and 20 kite flying string rolls.

Police also impounded a mazda truck being used for supply of kites.

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

Superintendent of Police, Potohar directed the police teams to accelerate operations against kite sellers and flyers.

First family Gur festival held in Abbottabad

Abbottabad: The Agriculture Departments of Abbottabad and Mardan, in collaboration with Model Farm Services Tuesday organized the inaugural Family Gur (Jaggery) Festival at the Agriculture Department office in Abbottabad.

Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad Sanaullah Khan inaugurated the event, which attracted significant participation from local farmers, citizens, and women.

Tehsil Chairman Lower Tanawal Junaid Khan Tanoli, Model Farm Services President Rashid Khan, District Agriculture Officers Mardan Amjad Khan and Malik Ijaz from Abbottabad, Field Officer Masood Tanoli, and retired agricultural officials participated in the event.

The festival aimed to encourage local farmers and showcase pure, chemical-free Gur products. Over 1,200 kg of gur were sold during the event. Additionally, stalls featuring olive oil and seeds for maize and wheat were set up.

Speaking at the event, Director of the Sugar Crops Research Institute, Mardan, Syed Asghar Ali, highlighted that sugarcane is cultivated on 92,000 hectares in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with yields ranging from 560 to 1,000 maunds per hectare under modern farming practices.

"Farmers increasingly prefer jaggery production due to low sugarcane procurement rates", he added.

The initiative was praised by participants, who expressed a commitment to organizing similar events to promote Hazara's agricultural products across the province.

ACP hosts commemorative event on 100th anniversary of Jamiluddin Aali

Karachi: Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi organized a remarkable event to celebrate the 100th birthday of the renowned poet, writer, critic, and creator of patriotic songs, Jamiluddin Aali. Event was presided over by Hamid Shafqat, with distinguished speakers including Dr. Fatima Hassan, Iqbal Latif, Rajo Jamil, Mirza Naseeruddin, Dr. Rukhsana Saba, Humaira Kasuri, and Khalid Moin.

Event began with the screening of a documentary film, "Khawab Ka Safar," which chronicled the life and literary journey of Jamiluddin Aali. Documentary, written by Dr. Fatima Hassan and presented by Murad Jamil, set the tone for the evening.

In his presidential address, Hamid Shafqat reminisced about Jamiluddin Aali's style and character. He shared how Aali, often seen in his signature Jinnah cap and sherwani, he also said that while noble families hadn't contributed much, but , Jamiluddin Aali as a noble, had made significant contributions to literature. He also spoke of Aali's generosity, stating that he would always ensure that his staff was well-fed before retiring for the night, reflecting his deep empathy for the people of Pakistan and its underprivileged classes.

Efforts afoot to provide technical training to Balochistan Levies Force: DG

Quetta: Director General of Balochistan Levies Force, Abdul Ghaffar Magsi on Tuesday said that efforts would be taken to provide technical training alongside with the required training, tools, and skills to maintain law and order situation in the province.In a statement issued here, he said that the Levies Force in Balochistan is a unique force as it is community-based and has a direct connection with the public.The Levies Force has earned a distinct reputation for bravery, courage, and honor throughout its century-long history.He further said that in 80 percent of the areas where the Levies operate, the crime rate is insignificant.He emphasized that Levies personnel are always at the forefront in maintaining law and order, as well as in disasters including earthquakes, accidents, floods, and other events.He urged the Levies personnel to always stay connected with the public and remain prepared to protect them so that the public holds them in high regard.He also advised them to maintain such a sta ndard that even terrorists are afraid of the Levies Force.Magsi directed that the Levies personnel should avoid harassing people and always remain vigilant to safeguard the public's life and property.He urged the Levies personnel to utilize all their capabilities to provide professional services, stay alert for the protection of citizens' lives and property, and take strict action against miscreant elements.