‘Punjab launches projects to modernise agriculture sector’

FAISALABAD: Brig (retd) Babar Alauddin, Chairperson of Evaluation, Feedback Inspection, and Monitoring Directorate, said that the Punjab government has launched multi-billion-rupee projects to modernise agriculture sector. 

Speaking at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), he emphasised the importance of food security and agricultural profitability. The projects include interest-free loans through the Kisan Card, solarisation of tube wells, and the distribution of modern farming equipment. UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan highlighted the university’s contributions, introducing over fifty new agricultural varieties. He expressed concern over Pakistan’s agricultural imports and stressed the need for innovation to meet domestic demands and earn foreign exchange. He said that many degree programmes of the University of Agriculture had been replicated in different universities.

He said that the university is also respected in extra-curricular activities all over the world. He said that half of the players who participated in the 1968 Olympics received training from the grounds of UAF and this institution provided prominent players to many teams.

WARDENS GET SOLAR-POWERED CABINS: A pilot project introducing solar-powered cabins at key intersections was inaugurated by City Police Officer (CPO) DIG Kamran Adil.

These cabins, equipped with fans, lights, and seating, aim to provide comfort to traffic wardens during duty. Chief Traffic Officer Farhan Aslam stated that the initiative addresses the long-standing challenges faced by traffic personnel and will be expanded to other intersections in the future.

STUDENT KILLED OVER DISPUTE: An 11th-grade student shot dead his classmate over a dispute related to their friendship.

The assailant, Usman alias Dhoni, also injured his classmate’s younger brother before fleeing. The police later found Usman dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, suspecting suicide after the murder.

ROBBER KILLED IN POLICE ENCOUNTER: A robbery suspect, Qasim, was killed during an alleged police encounter in Razaabad. Qasim, involved in the murder of a constable during a robbery, was in police custody when his accomplices ambushed the officers. In the ensuing gunfight, Qasim was killed, while his accomplices escaped. The police revealed that Qasim had a history of criminal activities.

TRADER RECEIVES EXTORTION THREATS: A trader of Chak 67/JB has received threatening calls, demanding extortion. Mahmoodul Hassan, who owns spare parts and tyre business, reported multiple calls from unknown numbers. The police have registered a case and are investigating the matter.