LAHORE - Punjab Agriculture Secretary If­tikhar Ali Sahoo said on Friday that directions had been issued to ensure payment of Rs 8500 per 40 kg to the cotton farmers. He presided over the divisional re­view meeting related to cotton situ­ation in Multan, said a press release issued here. He said the federal gov­ernment had given direction to Trad­ing Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) to start purchase of cotton immedi­ately. Iftikhar Ali Sahoo directed regis­tration of cases against all those per­sons who involved in sale of adulter­ated pesticides under MPO Act. The Secretary Agriculture di­rected all the directors and deputy directors to prepare a report about the arrival of cotton, stock position and its quality in these ginning fac­tories on daily basis.

ISLAMABAD - Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir Friday vis­ited Quetta Garrison where he was briefed on recent terrorist at­tack in Zhob. “The Armed Forc­es of Pakistan have se­rious concerns on the safe havens and liber­ty of action available to TTP in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, COAS General Syed Asim Munir reached Iran on his maiden official visit. “COAS General Syed Asim Munir is on a 2 days official visit to Islamic Re­public of Iran. During the visit, COAS will discuss bi­lateral matters related to defence & security coop­eration.

Chief of Army Staff Gen Syed Asim Munir said on Friday Pakistan was concerned over the involvement of Afghan citizens in terrorist activities in Pakistan. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the COAS visited the Quetta Garrison where he was welcomed by the corps commander. The COAS said Pakistan Army was concerned over presence of terrorists in Afghanistan, adding that the Tehreek-e-Taliban was operating openly in Afghanistan. The COAS went on to say that Pakistan expected that the Afghan interim government would not let their soil use for terrorism. The operation against terrorists would continue without any discrimination, the army chief said, adding that army would not settle until the menace of terrorism was uprooted.

A passionate BTS fan and member of the ARMY for six years, Alina spearheaded the initiative to promote Jungkook's solo debut by putting up Seven posters across Gulistan-e-Johar, Karachi. pic.twitter.com/IIna285Y4U — ynmn’s gf⁷🥢 (@pjmnyoon) July 13, 2023While Alina initially did not anticipate a massive response, the excitement and anticipation surrounding the Seven posters in Karachi surpassed her expectations. JungKook — ‘Seven’ Promotional Posters are now up at the famous restaurant in Karachi, Pakistan 🇵🇰📍 Soul Spice, Prime Beach Appartments Block 4Thank you so much to the restaurant staff for accepting the request! #JungKook_Seven pic.twitter.com/jEwek54nVH — BTS Pakistan Streaming 🇵🇰 (@btspkstreaming) July 13, 2023Continuing further, she stated, "All of this is recognised around the world and Korean magazines have mentioned some of our events that happened all across Pakistan. Honestly, we don’t do these events to only get attention from BTS members, although obviously, we do want that, but it's also due to our unconditional love for them just to make ourselves happy."

KARACHI - Pakistan Meteorological Department, on Thursday, forecast hot and dry weather for most parts of Sindh with a likeliness of partly cloudy weather with chances of drizzle in the night or morning along the coast during the next 24 hours. According to the Met Office, the maximum temperatures on Friday would range between 36 to 38 degrees Centigrade in Karachi, 39-41 C in Hyderabad, 41-43 C in Sukkur, 36-38 C in Thatta, 42-44 C in Mohen jo Daro, 42-44 C in Dadu, 38-40 C in Mithi and 42-44 degree Centigrade in Nawabshah. According to the Met Office weather remained dry in the province during the last 24 hours.

Northwestern University baseball head coach Jim Foster ahead of a game on May 16, 2023, against the University of Notre Dame at Wrigley Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)Northwestern University has removed Jim Foster as head baseball coach days after news surfaced of controversy surrounding him. The probe went on to conclude that Foster “made an inappropriate comment regarding a female staff member, and spoke negatively about his staff to other staff members.”Northwestern University baseball head coach Jim Foster prepares for a game on May 16, 2023, against the University of Notre Dame at Wrigley Field. Northwestern has let these student-athletes down.”AdvertisementFoster’s previous coaching stints included six years as head coach at Army West Point, two seasons as associate head coach at Boston College, and nine seasons as head coach with the University of Rhode Island. “He was by far the best coach I’ve ever had,” said Josh Nestor, 39, who played for Foster in 2005 and 2006.

Oak Hill, WV (25901)TodayMainly clear. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph..TonightMainly clear. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.

A statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that the army chief voiced serious concerns over “safe havens” of TTP in Afghanistan. “The Armed Forces of Pakistan have serious concerns on the safe havens and liberty of action available to TTP in Afghanistan,” the statement noted. But the latest statement by the army chief indicates that there is no appetite in Pakistan for talks with TTP. Army chief in IranMeanwhile, Gen Asim is in Tehran on a two-day official visit. This is his first visit to Iran since he was appointed as army chief in November last year.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has commended his coalition government for steering the country in the right direction within a short span of time, despite facing political conspiracies from opponents. Shehbaz identified the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, agreed upon by the previous government, as a significant hurdle to economic revival. Shehbaz expressed gratitude to friendly countries such as China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE for their unwavering support during challenging times. The prime minister underscored the need to regain the country's lost glory through collective wisdom and perseverance. He expressed satisfaction with the overall economic situation, citing improving ratings by international agencies and the UN's positive assessment of human rights in Pakistan.

A Rafale fighter jet performs during the Aero India air show at Yelahanka air base in Bengaluru, India. PHOTO:REUTERS/FILEIndia's defence ministry has given initial approval to purchase 26 Rafale fighter jets for its navy and three Scorpene class submarines, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival in France, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said. The total value of the purchases is expected to be around 800 billion rupees ($9.75 billion), according to one of the sources. India has relied on French fighter jets for four decades now. In 2005, India bought six Scorpene-class diesel submarines from France for 188 billion rupees ($2.29 billion), the last of which will be commissioned next year.

The final standings at the Nations Cup in Riyadh last week, the first country-based Tekken tournament, showed Pakistan at the top, unbeaten, and the rest of the world looking on in awe. The event, called Gamers8, was organized by the Saudi Esports Federation, bringing together 16 national teams from all over the world. Team Pakistan received a cool $500,000 prize money for finishing first. Atif Butt won the Tekken World Tour in 2022, and Imran Khan, who finished the Riyadh tournament without losing a single match, came second at the Evo World Championship in 2022. “That’s just luck you know, it doesn’t mean I’m the best player in the world, but together, Pakistan is strongest.”

Maintaining that he has no issues with volunteers per se, Pawan Kalyan pointed out that if data falls into wrong hands, there will be serious repercussions. He charged that a criminal monarchy is ruling roost in the state and is using volunteers as its private army. DC ImageVIJAYAWADA: Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan has once again cautioned Village and Ward Volunteers that if they collect personal data of citizens beyond the norms prescribed and resort to its misuse, they will be liable for punishment, as the centre is coming up with a legislation on Digital Personal Data Protection. Maintaining that he has no issues with volunteers per se, Pawan Kalyan pointed out that if data falls into wrong hands, there will be serious repercussions. He questioned volunteers for collecting personal data of people, including whether a woman is pregnant and to which party she would vote for.

KARACHI - The Sindh Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed The Prohibition of Preparation, Manufacturing, Storage, Sale and Use of Gutka and Manpuri (Amendment) Bill, 2021, paving the way to try the accused in First Class Judicial Magistrate. Meanwhile, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan Rabita Committee on Thursday nominated its female lawmaker Ms. Rana Ansar for Leader of Opposition slot in the Sindh Assembly. In a statement issued here, the MQM-P’s Rabita Committee nominated its parliamentary leader Ms Rana Ansar for the slot and named MPA from Baldia Town Ali Khurshidi as her replacement. The PTI was the largest opposition party with 30 lawmakers but at least nine of them defied from the party policy. Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan had three MPAs while Jamaat-e-Islami’s Syed Abdul Rasheed was also elected as a member of the Sindh Assembly on Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal’s platform.

The security forces have mounted search operations across the country in the wake of the recent series of terror attacks across the country. PHOTO: REUTERSAt least 12 security personnel were martyred by terrorists in an early morning attack on the Zhob Garrison in northern Balochistan and another attack in the Sui district, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Wednesday. In Sui district, according to the military’s media wing, an exchange of fire took place between the security forces and heavily armed terrorists. He said that the martyred soldiers were the “pride of the nation”. In the latest terrorist attacks to take place in Balochistan, six security personnel were martyred in two separate attacks on the same day earlier this month.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said that the federal government led by the Pakistan Democratic Movement will hand over to an interim setup in August, paving the way for general elections in the country. The prime minister further reiterated that the coalition government would hand over matters to a caretaker setup in August this year. “I assure you that our government will end on August 14, and whenever elections happen, the ECP will announce it," the prime minister had said on Wednesday. Under Article 224 of the Constitution, if any assembly is dissolved before the completion of its term, elections will be held within 90 days. If the assembly is dissolved on the completion of its term, the Election Commission has to conduct the polls within a 60-day period.