BAHAWALPUR, SEP 08 (DNA): The flood from the river Sutlej was playing havoc in the district as water had entered in several more rural areas.

The official sources of the Punjab Emergency Service, Rescue 1122 and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) had confirmed that water had entered in several more villages and inundated thousands

of acres of land. “The water had entered villages Gulab Ghalwan, Khairpur Daha, Dhor Kot, Goth Mitha, Chailay Wahan, Mamna, Kaliar and others.

Head of the Punjab Emergency Service, Rescue 1122 Bahawalpur Dr Baqir Hussain said that rescue teams along with boats and rescue machinery had reached the affected areas and rescue operation was underway.

“People are being evacuated from villages where water has entered and they are being shifted to safe areas,” he said, adding that several relief camps had also been established for flood-affectees.

The official sources in the district management said that water gauge level beneath Empress Bridge on Sutlej river in Bahawalpur had exceeded from 12 feet as over 90,000 cusec water had been flowing beneath

the bridge. They, however, said that machinery was being used day and night to strengthen the embankment of the Sutlej river in Bahawalpur.

ISLAMABAD, SEP 8 (APP): As the world observes International Literacy Day today, President Asif Ali Zardari called for a collective resolve of society including families, communities, civil society, media, and the private sector to ensure the universality, inclusivity and accessibility of education.

“On this International Literacy Day, I call upon all Pakistanis to reaffirm their commitment to this noble cause. Let us envision a Pakistan where literacy is universal, education is inclusive, and knowledge is accessible to all. Together, we can build a society that upholds human dignity, empowers women, and harnesses the full potential of our citizens for peace, prosperity, and progress,” the president said in his message on Day annually observed on September 8.

He said that the Government of Pakistan was committed to advancing universal literacy through stronger public policies, investment in quality education, digital innovations, and community engagement.

“These initiatives reflect the government’s firm resolve to enhance literacy by making education inclusive, accessible, and adaptable to the diverse needs of our people. By strengthening non-formal education alongside the formal system, Pakistan is ensuring that every child, youth, and adult has the opportunity to learn, regardless of age, gender, or socio-economic background.”

Extending greetings to the people of Pakistan and to the global community striving for accessibility of knowledge and learning, said that besides being ability to read and write, literacy was also an enhancement of human cognitive development and a matter of dignity and fundamental human right.

Besides, he said that literacy also empowered individuals with confidence, giving them a voice in society, and opening the door to opportunities that would otherwise remain out of reach. It is also the foundation of personal growth and social progress, enabling citizens to actively participate in economic, cultural, and democratic life.

Calling it a cornerstone of nation-building for Pakistan, the president said that literacy was key to reducing poverty, fostering innovation, strengthening democracy, and ensuring sustainable development. A literate nation is a strong nation—one that can address its challenges with wisdom, resilience, and creativity, he added.

“We must pay special attention to empowering women and girls through education. An educated woman uplifts not only herself but also her family and community, becoming an agent of change and progress. By ensuring literacy and education for women, we invest in healthier families, stronger economies, and a more equitable society. No nation can achieve its true potential if half of its population is left behind,” President Zardari remarked.

Emphasising the collective resolve of families, communities, civil society, media, and the private sector, he said that every individual had a role to play in nurturing a culture of lifelong learning and in ensuring that education becomes the shared wealth of the entire nation.

ISLAMABAD, SEP 8 (APP): Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja, on Monday, explained that the internet disruptions across Asia countries are linked to subsea cable outages, with repairs in progress in the Red Sea and assured that her ministry is in regular contact with the relevant authorities and will provide timely updates through the media.

In an exclusive interview with a local media channel, the Minister explained that the subsea cable cut is a critical issue not only for internet users but also for businesses, particularly those relying on digital exports.

She highlighted that the disruption could impact export targets, with PTCL already issuing a press release on the matter, adding that the IT Ministry and PTA have endorsed the statement and are in continuous contact with international authorities to resolve the issue promptly.

She further stressed that providing high-speed internet is a key priority for the government, with a focus on improving accessibility and performance, adding that, through strategic initiatives aimed at expanding digital networks and promoting technological advancements, the government is working to ensure that every user has access to fast and reliable internet services.

Responding to a query, she mentioned that international authorities have not yet provided a specific timeline or clear details regarding the resolution of the issue.

However, she assured that the Pakistani government is actively monitoring the situation and working closely with the relevant parties.

She also emphasized that the public will be promptly informed of any further updates through media channels as soon as new information becomes available.

Responding to another query, she mentioned that a project with China is underway to enhance Pakistan’s internet infrastructure, adding that after the successful landing of subsea cables in Karachi and Gwadar, two additional cables are planned.

One of these cables is expected to land by the end of this year, with another scheduled for next year. She highlighted that these projects are part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen connectivity and ensure more stable internet services for both users and businesses in the region.

In concluding remarks, she added that the government is set to lay down three new submarine internet cables to enhance digital connectivity and support the rollout of 5G services in Pakistan, adding that this initiative will increase bandwidth capacity, reduce outages associated with older cables like AAE-1 and SMW-4, and provide more reliable internet infrastructure.

ISLAMABAD, SEP 8 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Monday, highlighting the Kashmir and Palestine issues posing threats to regional and international peace, said that Pakistan continued to advocate for greater utilization of negotiations and mediation for a peaceful settlement of disputes.

The deputy prime minister, addressing the curtain-raiser ceremony for the upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) scheduled to be held in November, said that there was an increasing tendency toward unilateralism, bloc politics, and defiance of the UN Charter.

Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, diplomats, Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference Ek Nath Dhakal, and parliamentarians attended the event.

“Without security, there can be no peace, and without peace and security, there can be no development… Humanity faces numerous interlinked crises threatening international peace, security, economic stability, and sustainable development. Long-standing unresolved disputes, from Kashmir to Palestine, continue to pose threats to regional and international peace,” Dar said

He said that the world was witnessing the adverse impacts of climate change and climate-induced disasters and structural deficiencies in the international financial system were aggravating global inequalities and poverty, undermining our development goals.

He stressed the need to address the vicious cycle of poverty and rising global inequality through reform of the international financial architecture.

He said in today’s complex and interconnected world, platforms like the ISC were essential for bringing together parliamentary leaders from across the region to engage in dialogue and exchange ideas.

The deputy prime minister said that the ISC could play a vital role by promoting dialogue, mutual respect, and engagement.

“Such initiatives reflect Pakistan’s broader foreign policy, which is rooted in the principles of the UN Charter: sovereign equality of states, non-interference, the right to self-determination, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.”

He recalled that Pakistan’s election to the United Nations Security Council with overwhelming international support reflected its growing role in international peace and security.

“We continue to advocate for greater use of negotiations, mediation, regional and sub-regional organizations, and the good offices of the Secretary-General for the peaceful resolution of disputes.”

Calling for addressing the threat of climate change, he said Pakistan was once again facing devastating floods that have displaced millions, inflicted colossal human and economic losses, and posed serious challenges to its recent gains in sustainable development.

He expressed the hope that the ISC to be held in November, would bring even more global voices to the table and develop into strong partnerships and practical solutions to achieve peace, security, and development.

BAHAWALPUR, Sep 08 (APP): The flood from the river Sutlej was playing havoc in the district as water had entered in several more rural areas.

The official sources of the Punjab Emergency Service, Rescue 1122 and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) had confirmed that water had entered in several more villages and inundated thousands of acres of land. “The water had entered villages Gulab Ghalwan, Khairpur Daha, Dhor Kot, Goth Mitha, Chailay Wahan, Mamna, Kaliar and others.

Head of the Punjab Emergency Service, Rescue 1122 Bahawalpur Dr Baqir Hussain said that rescue teams along with boats and rescue machinery had reached the affected areas and rescue operation was underway.

“People are being evacuated from villages where water has entered and they are being shifted to  safe areas,” he said, adding that several relief camps had also been established for flood-affectees.

The official sources in the district management said that water gauge level beneath Empress Bridge on Sutlej river in Bahawalpur had exceeded from 12 feet as over 90,000 cusec water had been flowing beneath the bridge. They, however, said that machinery was being used day and night to strengthen the embankment of the Sutlej river in Bahawalpur.

ISLAMABAD, SEP 8 (APP): Over three thousand Kashmiris, including APHC leaders, human rights defenders, journalists and students are being held in illegal detention across India and Jammu and Kashmir, subjected to relentless threats, torture and suppression, simply for demanding their inalienable right to self-determination and exposing the savage human rights violations perpetrated by Indian forces in the occupied territory.

  According to a report published by Kashmir Media Service today, the majority of these detainees, including women, have been subjected to harsh charges under draconian laws like the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and are being held in total isolation within prisons.

  As part of the BJP-RSS regime’s vindictive policy, more Hurriyat leaders, activists, youth, and human rights defenders, including APHC Chairman Masarrat Aalam Butt, Muhammad Yasin Malik, Shabbir Ahmad Shah, Aasiya Andrabi, Naheeda Nasreen, Fehmeeda Sufi, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, Ayaz Akbar, Pir Saifullah, Merajuddin Kalwal, Shahid-ul-Islam, Farooq Ahmed Dar, Syed Shahid Shah, Dr Hameed Fayaz, Bilal Sidiqi, Molvi Bashir Irfani, Ameer Hamza, Abdul Ahmad Parra, Zaffar Akbar Butt, Dr Muhammad Qasim Fakhtoo, Dr Muhammad Shafi Shariati, Ghulam Qadir Butt, Umar Adil Dar, Saleem Nanaji, Muhammad Yasin Butt, Noor Muhammad Fayaz, Hayat Ahmed Butt, and others, remain the worst victims of political vendetta, continuing to languish in different jails in occupied Kashmir and India.

                 They have been imprisoned on fabricated charges, with many shifted from IIOJK to far-off jails inside India.

                     The report said this cruel move is aimed at breaking their commitment to the ongoing freedom movement as well as hurting the families of the detainees emotionally and financially.

                        Criminal elements in the notorious Tihar Jail in New Delhi have tortured and humiliated several Kashmiri prisoners, including illegally detained Kashmiri leader Shabbir Ahmed Shah, Indian Parliament member Engineer Abdul Rashid, Ayoub Pathan of Beerwah, Bilal Mir of Qamarwari, Amir Gojri of Srinagar and Arshid Tanch of Kupwara.

                   The harassment crosses all limits whenever Kashmiris begin their prayers, as deliberate attempts are made to disturb and provoke them.

                  Prisoners involved in serious crimes have brutally tortured jailed Kashmiri political leaders and activists and threatened them with dire consequences. This shows that, in line with the BJP government’s policy, jail authorities are using new tactics to harass Kashmiri detainees.

                      It is worth mentioning that the BJP-led Indian regime has killed many imprisoned Kashmiri youth in staged encounters. Senior APHC leaders, including Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai, Altaf Ahmed Shah, and Ghulam Mohammed Bhat, also died during their incarcerations.

                 Even a mentally challenged resident of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Tabarak Hussain, who had inadvertently crossed the Line of Control in Rajouri district, was not spared and was killed in the custody of the Indian army.

                 Earlier, another resident from AJK’s Rawalakot, Zia Mustafa, who had mistakenly crossed the LoC on January 13, 2003, was arrested and later killed in the custody of Indian occupation forces. At that time, Zia’ s family had lodged a missing report at a local police station. Zia Mustafa, an under-trial prisoner in judicial custody, was taken out of Kot Bhalwal Jail, Jammu, and killed in a fake encounter near the LoC in October 2021.

                 The report also highlighted the continued illegal detention of Kashmiri journalists, including Irfan Meraj, and prominent human rights defenders, including Khurram Pervaiz.

               Meanwhile, APHC spokesman Adv Abdul Rashid Minhas, in a statement issued in Srinagar, demanded the release of all political prisoners and appealed to the international community to increase pressure on India to grant Kashmiris their inalienable right to self-determination and resolve the Kashmir dispute.