Touching Soil and Trees May Boost Skin Microbes and Immune Health

LONDON: Getting your hands dirty by touching soil, moss, grass and trees may offer more than a connection with nature. Research suggests that regular contact with natural materials can increase the diversity of microbes living on the skin and may also support the immune system. For many people, a walk in the park is mainly a chance to enjoy fresh air, greenery, flowers and birdsong. But researchers say the health benefits of spending time outdoors may be greater when people physically interact with nature rather than simply looking at it.…

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New Provinces in Pakistan: History, Hopes and Hazards of Division

Beyond the Four Provinces: History, Hopes and Hazards of Further Division  by Muhamad Mohsin Iqbal Pakistan’s debate on the formation of new provinces continues to surface with renewed vigour, driven by the practical difficulties of governing a nation whose population now exceeds two hundred and forty million within an administrative framework that has remained largely unchanged since 1970. At present the country comprises four provinces—Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan—alongside the Islamabad Capital Territory and the territories of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Calls for additional units, whether limited…

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Sustainable Rice Production in Pakistan: Tackling Stem Borers

The growing problem of stem borer in rice-growing areas: causes and preventive measures (Ch Bahadur Ali Akbar, M.Sc. Agronomy, Depalpur Campus, University of Agriculture Faisalabad Punjab Pakistan) Rice is one of Pakistan’s major food and cash crops and the livelihoods of millions of farmers are associated with its cultivation. However, in recent years, pest attacks have become a serious problem in rice-growing areas. Among these pests the stem borer, a caterpillar that bores into the plant stem is particularly important. The pest enters the stem of the rice plant and…

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Chaman Khatm-e-Nabuwat Rally Held with Large Public Participation

Chaman: A Grand Rally Held Under the Auspices of Aalmi Majlis Tahaffuz Khatm-e-Nabuwat Chaman (Syed Sardar Mohammad Khondai) A large rally was organized in Chaman under the auspices of Aalmi Majlis Tahaffuz Khatm-e-Nabuwat, in which religious scholars, political and social leaders, transporters, citizens, and children and teachers from various schools participated. The gathering was presided over by District Amir Hafiz Abdul Rasheed, while the chief guest was Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Yusuf. Addressing the gathering, the speakers shed light on the belief of Khatm-e-Nabuwat and said that Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (Peace…

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Pishin Protest: Terrorism Does Not Represent Any Nation, Speakers Say

Terrorism Does Not Represent Any Nation, Portraying it as Pashtun-Baloch Conflict is a Conspiracy to Spread Hatred – Speakers Pishin (Syed Sardar Mohammad Khondai) A protest rally was organized by the All Parties Anjuman-e-Tajiran Pishin against the activities of armed groups and the recent incidents of terrorism and unrest in District Pishin and Saranan, which later turned into a protest gathering. Provincial President of Awami National Party (ANP) Balochistan, Asghar Khan Achakzai, specially participated in the protest rally. The protest meeting was addressed by ANP Provincial President Asghar Khan Achakzai,…

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Attock Meena Bazaar Clothing Shop Fire Brought Under Control

Attock: Fire Breaks Out at Clothing Shop in Meena Bazaar, Brought Under Control A fire suddenly broke out at a clothing shop located near the Small Post Office in Meena Bazaar, Attock city, reportedly due to a possible short circuit. The fire quickly engulfed the clothes and other items inside the shop. Upon receiving the information, Rescue 1122 firefighting teams immediately reached the scene and began relief and firefighting operations. After nearly an hour of continuous efforts, the rescue personnel successfully brought the fire under complete control. No loss of…

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Annual Urs Ceremony Held at Masjid Siddiqia, Mari Kanjur Attock

Annual Urs Celebrations Held at Masjid Siddiqia, Mari Kanjur Attock City By: Ijaz-ul-Hassan A dignified and spiritually uplifting annual Urs ceremony was held at Masjid Siddiqia in Mari Kanjur, Attock, which was attended by a large number of religious scholars, prominent personalities, local dignitaries, and devotees. The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a Naat in praise of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The Naat reciters expressed their devotion and love for the Prophet ﷺ, while the participants attended the gathering with great reverence and…

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Balaj Shafqat Funeral Held in Attock After Gas Explosion Injuries

The funeral prayer of Balaj Shafqat, a prominent businessman associated with the mobile phone trade, was offered at the Central Eidgah in Attock. Report by Bureau Chief Ejaz-ul-Hassan, Attock A large number of people, including members of the business community, journalists, lawyers, police officials, and hundreds of local citizens, attended the funeral prayer. Balaj Shafqat had sustained critical injuries in a gas leakage explosion in Mohalla Shahabad last week. He was initially treated at DHQ Hospital Attock and was later shifted to PIMS Hospital in Islamabad in critical condition. Unfortunately,…

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Sana Arif Set for Asian Games Debut, Ready to Represent Pakistan

Sana Arif Set for Asian Games Debut with Pakistan  Alia Zarar Khan A journey that began with a late introduction to triathlon has now led **Sana Arif to the Asian Games**, where she will don Pakistan’s colours in Japan on  20 September  . Currently based in  Saudi Arabia , the triathlete is preparing to take on one of the most significant challenges of her sporting career, competing in both the **individual and relay triathlon events**. Sana’s selection by the **Pakistan Olympic Association** represents a significant achievement for an athlete whose…

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Siraj Narsi Honored in Washington DC by Pakistani Diaspora Group

Good to see Siraj Narsi President of PAGH Pakistan Association of Greater Houston being honored last night in Washington DC by NRP Non Resident Pakistanis Washington DC group. PAGH is the largest Diaspora organization in North America representing diversity. What an incredible celebration of Pakistan Defense day and 250 years of American Independence. Thank you NRP Non Resident Pakistanis Washington DC group for bringing the galaxy and cross section of notables together last night at the Turf Valley Resort last night. Dr Maqsood Ahmed NRP Non Resident Pakistanis Washington DC…

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