ISLAMABAD-The National Folk Festival (Lok Mela) will promote cultural tourism as a large number of local tourists come from various parts of the country to enjoy amazing and mega event in the capital. Talking to APP here on Wednesday, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) official said that the biggest folk festival in the country called Lok Mela scheduled to be held from November 3 to 12. It is being organized by the National Heritage and Culture Division at Lok Virsa, he added. The official said that the exceptional festival would encourage and fascinate the folk lovers to throng the federal capital and enjoy the music, traditional dances, arts and handicraft. The cultural nights being part of the unique folk mela would also entrain the tourists, he added.

In connection with Israel’s ground invasion is perhaps the most alarming news of preparations by the IDF to flood Hamas’ expansive network of tunnels with nerve agents. - Advertisement -Nerve agents are categorized as Chemical/Biological Weapons whose use is banned under international law. Using nerve agents against Hamas may prove to be lethal for Israel as the conflict keeps on attaining a no-holds barred character. The use of nerve agents by Israel, if authorized, may have a domino effect for further escalation of the conflict. The use of nerve agents by Israel, if authorized, may have a domino effect for further escalation of the conflict.

Ottawa Senators Lose First-Round Pick, Fire GM Pierre DorionTo say the Ottawa Senators are having a bad day might be the understatement of the NHL season thus far. On Wednesday morning, the NHL announced the Senators will forfeit a first-round draft pick because of the botched trade of Evgenii Dadonov in July 2021. In the wake of the league taking away the pick, the Senators quickly fired general manager Pierre Dorion. According to the NHL’s announcement of the discipline, “Ottawa will forfeit its first-round draft pick in one of the 2024, 2025 or 2026 Drafts. The return for 367 days of DeBrincat: Dominik Kubalik, Donovan Sebrango, a conditional first-round pick and a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

PHOTO: FILEThe illegal immigrants will be evicted from Punjab in phases through specified exit points and will be held in special camps till the process is completed. Tuesday was the deadline for illegal residents to voluntarily leave the country. The federal government had warned the illegal immigrants, especially Afghan nationals, in the first week of October to to leave immediately. A survey conducted on the instructions of the government showed that there were 275,000 undocumented illegal Afghan national residents in Punjab. In the third phase, the preparations were made to systematically organise the deportation of the large number of illegal immigrants.

From The Tribune staff reportsBIRMINGHAM — A Birmingham man is dead four-vehicle wreck in Birmingham on Tuesday, Oct. 31. Archie Lee Robbins Jr., 53, of Birmingham was the passenger of a Chevrolet Silverado pickup involved in a four-vehicle wreck that happened at 12:33 p.m. on Arkadelphia Road at 8 Avenue West. Robbins was taken to UAB Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 1:53 p.m. The Birmingham Police Department is investigating the cause and circumstances surrounding the wreck.

The one-of-its-kind precedence set by the Supreme Court in its Faizabad Dharna Case verdict is again in the spotlight, after review petitions filed by multiple political parties and institutions. PEMRA’s former chief’s allegations of media coverage being manipulated make the Faizabad Dharna situation of 2017 a matter of national importance. The apex court’s ongoing seriousness in hearing review petitions demonstrates its efforts to unravel the truth and make it public knowledge. The events of 2017 though are long over but this case will make strides in upholding accountability and transparency when it comes to free media. In today’s world, the way media propaganda works is no more a secret.

While kerosene, light diesel oil, and LPG saw marginal reductions, the glaring refusal to alleviate the financial burden imposed by petrol and HSD prices raises questions about the government’s priorities. The decision, seemingly favouring revenue generation over public welfare, underscores a lack of empathy for the economic challenges faced by citizens. Expectations were high for a substantial cut in gasoline prices, a hope shattered by the government’s failure to deliver on its promises. This decision not only exacerbates the financial strain on the populace but also reflects a deficiency in effective management of fuel price controls. In these challenging times, the government’s duty should be to ease the financial burden on its citizens, not exacerbate it.

Perry’s Production, Raddysh on PK, Prospect Talk, Calgary Trade Talk, and Other Blackhawks BulletsWelcome to November, Blackhawks fans! But here we are with Perry having six points in nine games after posting just 25 in 81 games in Tampa last year. Back in camp, Taylor Raddysh made a joke about the Blackhawks never using him on the penalty kill. Just a month later, Raddysh has become a staple on the PK, which ranks 7th in the NHL at 86.7% so far. He’s big, tough, and can play the right side on the back end.

This year’s Lok Mela - Pakistan’s largest folk festival - will be held from Nov 3 to Nov 12 at the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa), Islamabad. The festival will showcase the richness of Pakistan’s cultural diversity, featuring provincial pavilions, shopping stalls, food stalls and musical programmes. Under the theme “Peace and Harmony through Cultural Diversity”, Lok Mela 2023 will highlight the contributions of people from diverse communities to Pakistan’s cultural identity. A large number of master craftsmen, folk artists, musicians and folk dancers from all over Pakistan are expected to participate in the festival. Lok Mela 2023 is a unique event that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan.

Photo: ExpressThe Bahawalnagar Rice Research Station stands as an imposing structure, equipped with ample resources, yet it has failed to introduce any new rice varieties despite being located in a region known for rice production. The research station, inaugurated in 2012 at a cost of Rs148 million, was established to develop extra-long grain rice varieties for South Punjab and provide high-quality rice seeds. It was meant to encourage modern production techniques, host seminars, and provide training to benefit farmers and the local rice industry. The owner of a local rice factory explained that Bahawalnagar houses around 200 rice factories, and its parboiled rice enjoys international recognition. The once-promising Rice Research Station, meant to lead the way in rice innovation, remains an unfulfilled promise.

A common place for themed decorations is the fireplace and there are many types of decorations you can place in, on or around your fireplace.

A common place for themed decorations is the fireplace and there are many types of decorations you can place in, on or around your fireplace.

Those funds spread out over too long a period of time, have little to no effect. Talkshows mention nothing about plans for the economy. Party representatives speak of past indignities, nothing of the future. Other than the speech of PMLN boss Mian Nawaz, who gave an optimistic assesment of Pakistan’s path to prosperity in the future, no others have mentioned the economy at all. While political party representatives argue over level playing fields, voters look to them with ever less hope of having answers to questions that impact their daily lives.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed on Tuesday highlighted Pakistan’s historical commitment to the Palestinian cause, emphasising the importance of recognising the legitimate political organisation, Hamas, and its significant role in representing the Palestinian people. Referring to Israel’s recent bombardment of hospitals in Gaza, Senator Mushahid condemned these actions as “war crimes”, calling for an immediate cessation of such heinous acts. Mushahid highlighted Pakistan’s strong solidarity with Palestine, referencing the formal invitation extended to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) at the 1974 OIC in Pakistan, where Yasir Arafat was in attendance. Emphasising the democratic process in Gaza, Mushahid underscored the legitimacy of the elected party, Hamas, and its subsequent rise to power following what were deemed as fair elections in the Middle East. She said that even Save the Children – an international organisation - reported that thousands of children in Gaza had lost their lives.

KARACHI-University of Karachi has announced the entry test-based online admissions for the academic year 2024 for the morning session in BS, B.Ed (H), and B.E., programs as well as in Doctor of Pharmacy (morning and evening program), Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Department of Visual Studies in the morning shift. The in-charge KU Directorate of Admissions Dr Saima Akhtar advised students to visit the official web portal (www.uokadmission.edu.pk) to access information regarding admissions including eligibility requirements, online admission form, prospectus, and admission-related guidelines. She shared that for the first time, the University of Karachi has launched a four-year BS degree program in Sports Business Management. She informed that the KU would conduct the entry test through its own assessment and testing service, i.e. She shared that the admissions in the open merit BS programs will be offered from December 17, 2023.