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  • Sugar crisis in Pakistan worsens as wholesale markets ‘shut down’

    Sugar crisis in Pakistan worsens as wholesale markets ‘shut down’

    ISLAMABAD: The President of the All-Pakistan Traders Association (APTA), Ajmal Baloch, has strongly criticised what he called the government’s failure to shut down of wholesale market in Pakistan, warning that markets in Islamabad will remain indefinitely closed due to supply shortages and pricing disputes, ARY News.

    Speaking to the media, Ajmal Baloch stated that the logic is not understandable, given that the price is being purchased at high rates and sold at a loss. A pricing model he described as “illogical and unsustainable.”

    Ajmal Baloch asked officials to immediately issue sugar stocks to retail and wholesale markets, warning that if the situation remains the same, traders will be forced to shut down grocery stores and wholesale hubs across the country.

    Earlier this month, Ajmal Baloch exposed that most sugar mills in Central Punjab had run out of their stock, while mills in South Punjab had suspended sugar supply for four consecutive days, causing the sugar crisis in Pakistan. He emphasised that 70 percent of mills in Central Punjab were non-operational due to exhausted reserves.

    Ajmal Baloch also condemned the crackdown of the government on retailers, noting that stores that don’t have sugar are being closed, which he called unfair. “Arresting grocery store owners won’t fix the problem,” he said. “We need to talk to the people involved to solve this issue.”

    Experts say the recent sugar shortage is due to problems like weak rules and the strong influence of sugar mill owners in politics.

    Also, climate issues have caused the expected sugar production to drop from 7 million to 5.8 million metric tons this year.

    Read More: Weekly inflation rises amid surge in sugar, gas prices

    Earlier, Short-term inflation, measured by the Sensitive Price Index (SPI), increased by 2.3 per cent year-on-year during the week ending August 21, mainly due to higher prices of sugar and gas, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported on Friday.

    This marks the fifth consecutive weekly rise in SPI-based inflation.

  • 24/7 online certificate verification facility introduced for students

    24/7 online certificate verification facility introduced for students

    ISLAMABAD: In a landmark move to shift manual processes towards digitilisation, the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) has rolled out its Customer Care Desk (CCD) Portal, enabling Pakistani students to have online certificate verification within 24 hours.

    The transformative move was inaugurated by Federal Minister for Education, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui. He praised the initiative as an innovation to simplify administrative processes and enhance transparency in academic documentation.

    The CCD Portal remains active with 24/7 online support for students across Pakistan and abroad.

    According to IBCC Executive Director Ghulam Ali Mallah, the system not only allows users to have online certificate verification, but they can also track the status of their document verification using a QR code-based tracking feature.

    “The public’s convenience is included in our top priority,” Ghulam Ali Mallah stated, noting that the portal had experienced six months of beta testing before its public release.

    The service is also customised for overseas Pakistani students and parents. Those who send queries via email are guaranteed a response within 24 hours, which is an alternative for those who can’t visit in person.

    Students can avail services such as online certificate verification, lodging complaints, and requesting document-related services.

    All these services are accessible through a single digital platform. The CCD aims to minimise processing delays and foster efficient communication between students and the IBCC.

    Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui applauded the launch, describing it as a “critical advancement in digitising education services,” and emphasised its role in making academic procedures more student-friendly and transparent.

    Read More: National Big Data Portal’ launched in Pakistan

    Earlier, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal here inaugurated the ‘National Big Data Portal’, calling it a transformative step in Pakistan’s digital evolution.

    The platform, developed by LUMS and supported by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), is designed to centralize and democratize access to public data, making it more usable for researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and citizens. 

  • President Zardari urges support for flood-hit victims

    President Zardari urges support for flood-hit victims

    ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed profound sorrow over the flood destruction during the intense monsoon weather across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit Baltistan, ARY News reported.

    President Asif Zardari, in his official statement, extended deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and assured all affected people that the government is with them during this hard time and will assist them by all means.

    Asif Zardari recognised the severe losses and economic burden due to the flood destruction, including the loss of lives, livestock, and crops. He also expressed deep compassion for farmers whose farming income was devastated and emphasised the need for quick recovery efforts.

    President Asif Zardari lauded the tireless efforts of the armed forces and emergency rescue teams for helping the affected people during these national crises. “In this hour of trial, our forces have set a remarkable example of public service,” he stated.

    Asif Zardari directed the Sindh government to be vigilant and remain ready for the incoming surge in flood and stressed proactive measures to minimise further damage.

    President Asif Zardari compared the way people handled the floods in 2010 and 2022 to show how flexible they were, and he stated that the people of Pakistan can face tough situations with bravery and a strong will.

    Asif Zardari’s words during the tough times have given hope to the affected people, farmers and families that the government is with them during this tough time.

    Read More: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa floods cause huge livestock loss

    Earlier, as a result of flood destruction during the monsoon, the province’s livestock sector not only lost lives, but also faced shocking financial losses.

    According to the KP Livestock Department, the initial estimates of the losses indicate damages exceeding Rs 1.57 billion.

    The department, in its recent report, has mentioned seven flood-affected districts, exposing the death of over 5,000 livestock animals and over 10,000 poultry birds.

  • Toyoake City to implement two-hour smartphone limit for residents

    Toyoake City to implement two-hour smartphone limit for residents

    TOYOAKE: In an innovative move to address rising concerns over extreme screen time, the city of Toyoake in Aichi Prefecture has introduced a viral draft ordinance endorsing that residents limit their daily smartphone use to two hours outside of work and school commitments.

    Mayor Masafumi Koki publicised the proposal during a plenary session of the city assembly, highlighting that the ordinance is unenforceable and carries no legal or financial penalties. “This is not about enforcement, it’s about encouraging better digital habits,” Mayor Masafumi Koki stated.

    The viral ordinance also includes screen time guidelines according to the users’ age, directing elementary school children to stop device use by 9:00 p.m., and middle school students and older by 10:00 p.m.

    These recommendations are compatible with national sleep health guidelines, and their purpose is to reduce the physical and mental health risks related to lengthy device exposure.

    If the ordinance gets approved, the new rule will start on October 1, 2025, making Toyoake the first city in Japan to suggest limits on screen time for everyone.

    This idea comes after a survey by Japan’s Children and Families Agency in March 2025, which found that young people in Japan use smartphones, tablets, and computers for more than five hours a day on weekdays.

    Some people are debating the proposal online, with some saying that the two-hour limit is not practical. However, Mayor Koki explained that the goal of the rule is to encourage families to talk about screen time and promote responsible use of devices, not to take away personal freedoms.

    Read More: Google Phone revamped with Material 3 Expressive design

    Earlier, Google has silently introduced a visual renovation to its default Phone app for Android devices, introducing the Material 3 Expressive design language.

    The update aims to deliver a cleaner, more modern user interface, and it has started mixed reactions among users, as they were stunned by the sudden change in their dialer layout.

  • Anthony Ippolito to portray Sylvester Stallone in ‘I Play Rocky’

    Anthony Ippolito to portray Sylvester Stallone in ‘I Play Rocky’

    Actor Anthony Ippolito has landed the role of a young Sylvester Stallone in ‘I Play Rocky,’ a feature about the making of 1976’s boxing film.

    Developed by Amazon MGM and directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Peter Farrelly, the feature will chronicle Stallone’s fight to star in ‘Rocky,’ which he wrote, and it won an Oscar for Best Picture.

    Sylvester Stallone’s dream of writing and starring in the film faced many challenges as several studios rejected to give him the titular role in the film.

    The Hollywood actor reportedly refused offers of up to $360,000 for the script due to his insistence on playing the lead role.

    His determination finally paid off when a studio agreed to buy his script for $35,000 and cast him as the lead in ‘Rocky.’

    The upcoming feature from Amazon MGM will shed light on his struggle and determination to play the titular role in the 1976 film.

    Anthony Ippolito, who portrayed veteran Hollywood actor Al Pacino in ‘The Offer,’ has been roped in to portray Sylvester Stallone.

    Read more: ‘Expendables 4’ makes headlines for the wrong reasons

    Reportedly, the actor had his eyes on the role since the project was announced and sent an unsolicited audition tape directly to the producers.

    After reviewing his audition tape, the makers handed Anthony Ippolito the role to play the younger self of Stallone in ‘I Play Rocky.’

    Peter Gamble wrote the script for the feature, while producers include Toby Emmerich Christian Baha

    It is to be noted here that the ‘Rocky’ franchise is considered one of the most successful sports film franchises of all time.

    The films, including its ‘Creed’ spin-offs, have grossed over $1.7 billion at the worldwide box office.

  • Summer vacation 2025 extended till Sept 7

    Summer vacation 2025 extended till Sept 7

    MULTAN: The administration of Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU) Multan has announced an extension of the summer vacations for 2025.

    According to an official notification, “Based on the recommendations of the Deans Committee and others during the meeting held on 18.08.2025, the summer vacations for 2025 are extended until September 7, 2025.”

    The notification further stated that all hostels (for both male and female students) will reopen on the same date.

    Earlier, the Punjab government issued a notification detailing revised school timings for all public educational institutions across the province, according to state-run news agency APP.

    Schools are scheduled to reopen on August 15, 2025 following the summer vacation.

    According to the School Education Department’s notification, Single-shift schools will operate from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM, Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, they will close at 11:30 AM.

    For double-shift schools, the morning shift will be held from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM, Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, the morning shift will conclude at 11:30 AM. The evening shift for double-shift schools will begin at 2:00 PM and continue until 6:00 PM from Monday to Thursday, while on Fridays, the shift will run from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

    The revised schedule is designed to facilitate a smooth academic transition post-vacation while considering weather conditions and logistical requirements across the province.

  • UAE private sector to get 3-day paid holiday

    UAE private sector to get 3-day paid holiday

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced a three-day paid holiday for employees working in the private sector on the eve of Prophet Muhammad’s (Peace Be Upon Him) birthday.

    According to a report published by Khaleej Times, the birthday of Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) will be observed on Friday, September 5, in the UAE۔

    Due to the holiday being combined with the official weekend (Saturday and Sunday), the majority of employees will receive a three-day weekend. The holiday, which is observed by many devout people worldwide, falls on the religious day of 12 Rabi Al Awwal in the Hijri calendar.

    Previously, the United Arab Emirates declared September 5 to be the official day of the national holiday for government personnel. For them, this also means a three-day vacation. In the meantime, Fridays are already off for Sharjah’s public sector workers as part of their regular weekends.

    A unified holiday policy in the UAE ensures that employees in both the public and private sectors receive equal time off throughout the year.

  • Sophie Turner says social media ‘almost destroyed’ her as teen star

    Sophie Turner says social media ‘almost destroyed’ her as teen star

    British actor Sophie Turner is opening up about the impact of social media on her mental health while working on ‘Game of Thrones’ during her teenage years.

    Turner was only 13 years old when she debuted as Sansa Stark on the HBO show. She went on to star in all eight seasons of the show.

    While her role in ‘Game of Thrones’ garnered her widespread praise, the actor revealed that it also exposed her to social media.

    “Social media was just really becoming a big thing after I started on ‘Game of Thrones,’ so I got a couple of years of peace and quiet and then I had to adjust,” Sophie Turner said.

    The actor added, “It had such a profound impact on my mental health, like more than I could tell you. It almost destroyed me on numerous occasions.”

    Read more: Sophie Turner recalls ‘worst’ moment from ‘The Dreadful’ shoot

    She then expressed concerns about the child actors who are leading HBO’s upcoming ‘Harry Potter’ series.

    The lead trio of the show includes newcomers such as Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout.

    “I look at the kids who are about to be in the new ‘Harry Potter’ and I just want to give them a hug and say, ‘Look, it’s going to be okay but don’t go anywhere near [social media]. Stay friends with your home friends, keep living at home with your family, make sure your parents are your chaperones’ — it’s so important to have that grounding adjacent to the big, crazy stuff that you do,” she said.

    It is worth noting here that HBO plans to premiere ‘Harry Potter’ series sometime in 2027.

  • PM Shehbaz signs deal for Pakistanis to work in Belarus

    PM Shehbaz signs deal for Pakistanis to work in Belarus

    ISLAMABAD: In the wake of strengthening Pakistan-Belarus relations, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a meeting with Belarusian Interior Minister in Islamabad to facilitate skilled Pakistani individuals to work in Belarus, ARY News reported.

    This agreement will open new employment opportunities for Pakistani professionals and extend people-to-people ties.

    The MoU signing followed a welcome ceremony by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, presented to a Belarus high-level delegation led by their Interior Minister, Aleksandr Lukashenko during their recent visit to Pakistan.

    The official meeting not only aimed at strengthening Pakistan-Belarus relations, but also marked a next step ahead in the extension of diplomatic momentum after PM Shehbaz Sharif’s recent trip to Minsk in April 2025.

    During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed greetings for Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and stated Pakistan’s willingness to host him in the near future.

    Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that Pakistan and Belarus are improving their relationship by the passage of time, supported by mutual respect and growing cooperation.

    In response, the Belarusian Interior Minister, Aleksandr Lukashenko, thanked them for the warm hospitality and acknowledged Belarus’s promise to enhance collaboration across multiple sectors. He also visited Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), discovering strategies for connected governance and identity management.

    Both sides expressed a mutual desire to work together in different sectors, such as trade, technology, education, and internal security.

    The meeting reflects a broader strategic intent not only to strengthen Pakistan-Belarus relations but also to transform diplomatic goodwill into actionable partnerships.

    Read More: Ishaq Dar visits UK to boost Pakistan-UK relations

    Earlier, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, visited the United Kingdom for an official visit of three days focused on expanding Pakistan-UK relations and bilateral collaboration across multiple sectors.

    The Foreign Office explained that the visit reflects Pakistan’s promise to promoting inclusive diplomacy, fostering Pakistan-UK relations and leveraging innovation for socio-economic development.

  • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa floods cause huge livestock loss

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa floods cause huge livestock loss

    PESHAWAR: In recent Khyber Pakhtunkhwa floods during monsoon, the province’s livestock sector has not only lost lives, but also faced shocking financial losses, ARY News reported.

    According to the KP Livestock Department, the initial estimates of the losses indicate damages exceeding Rs 1.57 billion.

    The department, in its recent report, has mentioned seven flood-affected districts, exposing the death of over 5,000 livestock animals and over 10,000 poultry birds.

    The animals’ food has also been destroyed, worth Rs 286 million, raising serious concerns about the survival of the remaining animals and food security.

    The report indicates the stats of deceased in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa floods, including 1,091 goats, 1,682 calves, 1,089 cows, 822 buffaloes, and 544 sheep.

    In district-wise breakdowns, Buner got the hardest hit, including 875 cows, 703 buffaloes, and 748 goats perished, and 9,000 poultry birds lost in Buner alone.

    Significant livestock casualties have also been reported from other districts such as Swat, Shangla, Bajaur, Batagram, Lower Dir, and Mansehra.

    In Swat, 112 cows, 71 buffaloes, and 218 goats died, while Shangla recorded 63 cows, 38 buffaloes, and 116 goats.

    The floods badly impacted 336 animal shelters across Mansehra, Shangla, Buner, and Swat, further intensifying the crisis for rural communities who totally depend on livestock for livelihood.

    Read More: Pakistan’s Recurring Nightmare: A Comparative Look at the Devastating Floods of 1998, 2022, and 2025

     

    Authorities highlight that these are just initial figures and may rise as access improves to remote areas still cut off by floodwaters.

    The destruction of animal food and infrastructure during the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa floods poses long-term risks to livestock sustainability and rural income recovery.

    According to the recent update from the UN OCHA, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has faced the worst impact from the monsoon season in Pakistan in 2025.

    There have been 465 deaths, 2,113 homes destroyed, and 23,430 people displaced. Buner district was particularly hard hit, with 237 deaths and more than 700 homes damaged, highlighting the seriousness of the disaster.