Author name: nenagency

Disaster, National News

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Expresses Grief Over Swabi Cloudburst Flood Losses

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PESHAWAR, August 18, 2025 — Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed profound sorrow over human and material losses caused by a devastating cloudburst and subsequent floods in Swabi. “We stand shoulder to shoulder with affected families in this difficult hour,” he said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to relief. Key Statements from the Governor Context & Climate Concerns This tragedy adds to the wider monsoon-related havoc sweeping KP. With Swabi among the hardest-hit, similar events across the province—including in Buner and Battagram—are linked by officials to unusual weather patterns brought on by climate change. Summary

National News

Over 114,500 Applications Received for Govt Hajj Scheme 2026 — Only 3,500 Seats Left

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ISLAMABAD, August 18, 2025 — Over 114,500 applications have been received so far under the Government Hajj Scheme 2026, leaving just 3,500 seats available, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony announced today. A Ministry spokesperson confirmed that designated bank branches across the country are still accepting applications on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants are urged to submit their forms promptly as the process will close immediately once the seats are filled. The record number of applicants underscores the high demand for Hajj visas under the government’s scheme.(Related: See our internal feature “Government Hajj Scheme Guidelines” for past updates.) Background & Phases Key Figures at a Glance Metric Count Total Government Quota ~129,210 seats Applications Received Over 114,500 Seats Remaining Around 3,500 Application Process & Next Steps

National News, Uncategorized

PMD Forecasts Heavy to Very Heavy Rain Across Pakistan, Warning of Floods and Landslides

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ISLAMABAD, August 18, 2025 — The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a severe weather warning. It forecasts widespread rain, wind, and thundershowers across Pakistan—with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in key regions. Forecast Highlights PMD warns of rain and thundershowers across these areas: Risks of Landslides, Lightning & Structural Damage Strong winds, lightning, and intense downpours may damage fragile structures: Public Safety Recommendations PMD advises: Internal Resources & Utility

International

Supreme Committee Launches 14 New Investment Opportunities at Hatta’s Sustainable Waterfalls

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Dubai, 18 August 2025 — Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the Supreme Committee for the Development of Hatta has unveiled 14 new investment and commercial opportunities at the Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls project. Empowering Local Entrepreneurship The opportunity includes a mix of restaurants, retail stores, and food & beverage kiosks, all spanning a total area of 750 square meters. These spaces are offered rent-free for one year exclusively to Emiratis residing in Hatta—providing a launchpad for small businesses and family-run ventures to flourish in this scenic and cultural hotspot. Aligned with Dubai’s Strategic Vision This initiative supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Hatta Development Master Plan, and aligns with broader societal and economic strategies such as the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and Economic Agenda D33, which focus on sustainable tourism growth and inclusive economic development.

Culture, International

Beijing Music Festival to Kick Off in October

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Beijing, 18 August 2025 — The 28th Beijing Music Festival is scheduled to take place from 10 to 24 October, showcasing global talent from countries including China, Switzerland, Japan, Russia, and the UK. The opening concert will feature the China Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by acclaimed composer Yu Long, at the National Centre for the Performing Arts. —Blending Live and Digital Experiences This year’s festival introduces a public benefit initiative offering both online and offline music services, aimed at expanding access to performances. —Enriching Audiences with Masterclasses and Workshops Beyond performances, the festival will host masterclasses, music workshops, and other interactive activities, designed to engage music lovers and inspire young students throughout the region. —

National News

Govt to Use All Resources for Tree Plantation Campaign: PM

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Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign, part of the broader Green Pakistan Programme, stating that all possible resources and natural solutions would be deployed to enhance forest cover and soil fertility. A Call to National Duty On the campaign launch, the Prime Minister urged citizens to embrace this environmental and climate duty. “Let us unite in this national tree plantation campaign and make it a success in a systematic manner so that a green, healthy, clean and prosperous Pakistan can be our destiny and that of our future generations,” he remarked, emphasizing the collective responsibility of all segments of society. Inclusive Participation and Strategic Themes The campaign embraces multiple themes to highlight widespread involvement. The Prime Minister called upon federal and provincial governments, social and religious leaders, and citizens of all ages and backgrounds to contribute actively. He noted the essential roles of women, youth, and institutions in combating climate change and pledged the campaign would also honor the sacrifices of those martyred during rescue operations. Ambitious Planting Targets and Environmental Context To mitigate climate threats, the campaign targets planting 41 million new saplings from August to October across Pakistan. The Prime Minister stressed the urgency: current forest coverage is a mere five percent—far too low for meaningful environmental protection—but achievable through collective efforts. Recent devastating flash floods underscored the need for strong climate adaptation strategies, including mass plantation drives.

National News

Kamal Directs Medical Support to Flood Victims in KP and GB

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Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal, has directed all departments of the Ministry of Health to immediately provide medical facilities to flood-affected regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). Directives for Relief Effort The minister instructed the prompt supply of essential medicines, vaccines, and medical aid to the victims. He emphasized the need to mobilize all available resources to effectively tackle the medical emergency. Coordination with Disaster Authorities Mustafa Kamal urged close coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and respective provincial governments to ensure the seamless delivery of emergency healthcare. “We must work jointly with NDMA to guarantee uninterrupted medical assistance for those in need,” he stressed. Message of Solidarity Expressing empathy with affected communities, the health minister affirmed, “We stand shoulder to shoulder with the people and families affected by the floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during this difficult time.”

International

TIKA Delivers 15,000 Hot Meals to Flood Victims in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

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Islamabad, 17 August 2025 — The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) has launched a relief operation to assist families severely affected by the recent floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)—one of Pakistan’s hardest-hit regions. First Round of Meal Distribution As part of the initiative, TIKA will distribute 15,000 hot meals to flood-affected communities over the course of one week. On Sunday, the first batch of 2,000 meals—1,000 each in Buner and Swat districts—was successfully delivered. Symbol of Compassion and Solidarity The initiative underscores Turkiye’s enduring solidarity and brotherhood with Pakistan during times of crisis, reinforcing the region’s cooperation and humanitarian commitment.

Asia, International

Books of Xi Jinping on Deepening Reform Published in Two Volumes

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Beijing, 17 August 2025 — The first and second volumes of a comprehensive collection of discourses by Xi Jinping—focusing on the mandate to adhere to and deepen reform in a comprehensive manner—have been officially published. The series was released by Central Party Literature Press and compiled by the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee. Volume One: Speeches from 2012 to 2018 The first volume comprises 73 key works by Xi Jinping, expanding on the concept of deepening reform comprehensively during the period December 2012 to December 2018. Volume Two: New Contributions from 2019 to 2025 The second volume includes 92 pieces dated from January 2019 to April 2025, with several speeches being published for the first time. Significance of the Publications Xi Jinping’s latest thoughts, conclusions, and strategic perspectives in these volumes address fundamental questions—why reform must be comprehensive in the modern era, and how to effectively advance it. These works serve as guiding doctrine for further reform as well as for the broader drive toward national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization.

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