Women’s District Sports Gala kicks off in Haripur with vibrant opening ceremony
The District Women’s Sports Gala commenced in Haripur with a colorful opening ceremony held at the Curtis Ground Hall. The event was formally inaugurated by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Misbah, who praised the enthusiasm and talent of participating female athletes. The gala witnessed participation from schools, colleges, and university-level players across a wide range of sports including netball, tug of war, throwball, table tennis, badminton, volleyball, basketball, and athletics.
On the opening day, several competitions were held successfully, drawing cheers from attendees. Haripur’s female athletes have previously represented the district in national and international competitions, earning gold medals and numerous awards, and bringing pride to the region. The district government and the Department of Sports are actively supporting such events to encourage student participation across all educational institutions. Organizers emphasized that such platforms play a crucial role in showcasing women’s capabilities and providing them with opportunities to grow and excel in the field of sports.
PDMA Issues Heatwave Alert Across KP as Temperatures Soar
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a heatwave advisory for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, forecasting an increase in temperature from May 20 to 24, 2025. According to PDMA, daytime temperatures may rise 5 to 7 degrees Celsius above normal, especially in southern and central regions of the province. Due to extreme heat, there are also warnings of dust storms and strong winds, prompting authorities to urge citizens to take precautionary measures. The advisory further notes potential risks of heatstroke and stress on water reservoirs due to dry weather, along with a possible acceleration in glacial melting in upper regions.
District administrations, rescue departments, paramedics, and healthcare units have been instructed to remain alert and ensure the functionality of heatstroke centers. Citizens are advised to limit exposure to sunlight, especially between 10 AM and 5 PM, and increase water intake. Farmers have been asked to take special care during harvesting, while awareness campaigns will be launched to keep the public informed.
PDMA also instructed travelers to check their vehicle engine water levels and tire pressure before travel. In case of emergencies, citizens can contact PDMA’s fully operational Emergency Operations Center via helpline 1700.
Special Guard of Honour ceremony was held at Yadgar-e-Shuhada GHQ Rawalpindi
A Special Guard of Honour ceremony was held at Yadgar-e-Shuhada, General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi, in honour of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M). On this solemn occasion, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir laid a floral wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada and offered Fateha to pay tribute to the martyrs of Pakistan.
The Field Marshal dedicated this honour to the entire nation, the Armed Forces of Pakistan, and in particular, to the martyrs and veterans of both civil and Armed Forces & Law Enforcement Agencies. COAS expressed that, “This honour is a tribute to the entire Pakistani Nation and the valiant men and women of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, particularly the martyrs who stood like a ‘Wall of Steel’ against Indian unprovoked, cowardly and unlawful aggression against Pakistan.”
Nationwide public holiday declared on May 28 for Youm-e-Takbeer
A public holiday will be observed across Pakistan on Tuesday, May 28, to commemorate Youm-e-Takbeer, the day Pakistan conducted its nuclear tests and became an atomic power.
All government and semi-government offices, as well as educational institutions, will remain closed on this occasion. The Federal Government had previously included May 28 in its list of public holidays for December 2024, and a notification to this effect was issued last year.
The Sindh government and the Pakistan Stock Exchange had also earlier announced a public holiday for May 28 to mark Youm-e-Takbeer. Special ceremonies, seminars, and rallies are planned across the country to celebrate the historic day.
Punjab declares summer vacations for educational institutions due to heatwave
The Punjab government has announced summer vacations for all public and private educational institutions across the province in response to the prevailing heatwave conditions.
According to a notification issued by the School Education Department, all government and private schools will observe summer holidays from May 28 to August 14. Owing to the intense heat, the second shift in public schools will commence its summer break effective from tomorrow (the day after the announcement).
Separately, the Punjab Higher Education Department has also issued a notification for summer vacations in colleges and universities. These institutions will remain closed from May 28 to August 14, with academic activities resuming on August 15.
The notification clarified that classes for 4-year BS programs in universities will continue as per their existing schedule. Furthermore, examinations conducted by educational boards and universities will proceed according to their previously announced timetables.
Pakistan Storms into West Asia Baseball Cup Final with Emphatic 14-1 Win Over India
Pakistan delivered a commanding performance to defeat arch-rivals India by a staggering 14-1 margin, securing their place in the final of the West Asia Baseball Cup.
Playing in Iran, Pakistan asserted dominance from the outset, putting India under pressure by scoring five runs in the very first inning. They further solidified their lead with another five runs in the third inning, effectively taking control of the match.
Third baseman Hussain was a standout performer for Pakistan. Center fielder Waseem Akram and hitter Muhammad Rehan also made significant contributions to the victory. On the pitching front, Muhammad Haris was exceptional, conceding only 1 run and achieving 4 strikeouts in 4.1 innings. Relief pitchers Syed Mohib Shah and Husain Imam compounded India’s woes by claiming 5 outs in 2.2 innings.
India’s performance was marred by fielding lapses, committing 10 errors, and a lackluster batting display. Their bowlers also struggled, issuing 8 walks that provided further opportunities for Pakistani batsmen.
Pakistan will now face Palestine in the tournament final tomorrow.
Federal Cabinet approves promotion of General Asim Munir to Field Marshal
The Federal Government has formally approved the promotion of General Syed Asim Munir (Nishan-i-Imtiaz Military) to the esteemed rank of Field Marshal. The decision was made during a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
According to an official statement, General Asim Munir’s promotion to Field Marshal was sanctioned in recognition of his exceptional strategic planning and for decisively defeating the enemy during Operation Bunyan Marsoos.
In another significant decision, the cabinet also unanimously agreed to continue the services of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, whose current term of service was nearing completion.
Field Marshal Asim Munir has expressed profound gratitude to Almighty Allah upon receiving the distinguished rank, dedicating the honor to the entire Pakistani nation, the Armed Forces of Pakistan, and particularly to the civilian and military martyrs and ghazis.
In a statement, Field Marshal Munir conveyed his thanks to the President of Pakistan, the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet for the confidence reposed in him. He described the Field Marshal rank not as an individual achievement but as an honor for the entire Armed Forces and the nation.
“This honor is a sacred trust of the nation, and millions like Asim are ready to be sacrificed to uphold it,” he affirmed. He further reiterated that the accolade belongs to the collective spirit and sacrifices of the Pakistani people and its defenders.