Kendall Jenner fuels romance buzz after Hawaii getaway

German Consul General Thomas E Schultze has extended Independence Day greetings to the people of Pakistan, praising the long-standing friendship between Pakistan and Germany and calling for stronger bilateral relations. In his message marking Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, Schultze said the occasion was a time to celebrate the country’s creation while recognising the resilience, diversity and ambitions of its people. He noted that Pakistan and Germany will complete 75 years of diplomatic relations on October 15. He described the anniversary as an important milestone in the history of relations between the two countries. Schultze said economic links between Pakistan and Germany predated the establishment of formal diplomatic relations. He recalled that Siemens opened its first office in Lahore in 1922. According to the German diplomat, the relationship between the two countries rests on reliability, trust and sustainability. He said these principles had helped create lasting cooperation and opportunities that benefit both sides. Schultze highlighted the importance of economic ties between the two countries. He said Germany is Pakistan’s largest trading partner and the biggest importer of Pakistani products within the European Union. He also pointed to the significance of the EU’s GSP+ trade arrangement for Pakistan. Around 90 per cent of Pakistan’s exports to the European Union benefit from the scheme and enter the bloc’s market without customs duties, he said. The German consul general also highlighted the role of Pakistani women in the country’s future. He said women across Pakistan were making contributions in leadership, education, entrepreneurship and community development. Their efforts, he added, were helping create opportunities and inspiring younger generations. Schultze also spoke warmly about his experience in Pakistan. Having served in the country since last year, he praised the hospitality and warmth of the Pakistani people. He said Pakistan had gained a special place in his heart and expressed his appreciation for the relationship between the two countries. The German diplomat said he looked forward to working toward further strengthening Pakistan-Germany relations in the years ahead.

The Sindh government has approved the introduction of a Facial Recognition Attendance Monitoring and Evaluation System (FRAMES) in public schools as part of a broader effort to improve governance, transparency and accountability in the education sector. The decision was taken during a meeting of the School Education Department chaired by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. The meeting was attended by Education Minister Sardar Ali Shah, the chief secretary and other senior government officials. During the meeting, the education minister gave a detailed briefing on the proposed system and informed participants that all technical preparations for its implementation have been completed. He said the project is designed to introduce data-driven governance and improve monitoring of teachers and non-teaching staff across government schools. According to the briefing, the first phase of the project will begin in six districts, with one district selected from each division of Sindh. Registration of teachers and non-teaching employees in these districts has already been completed, paving the way for the system’s launch. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced that the new attendance system will become operational in the selected districts from August 17. If the pilot phase is successful, it will be expanded gradually to all districts across the province. Under the FRAMES system, attendance of teachers and school staff will be recorded through facial recognition technology. Officials said the system will automatically record employees’ arrival and departure times, creating a secure, accurate and tamper-proof attendance record. The education department also informed the meeting that geo-tagging of government schools has been completed. Officials said the system has been designed to function effectively even in remote areas with weak internet connectivity, ensuring uninterrupted monitoring throughout the province. Murad Ali Shah said improving teachers’ attendance is essential for raising educational standards and ensuring quality education for students. He said every child has the right to receive quality education, and achieving that goal requires teachers and school staff to perform their duties regularly and responsibly. The chief minister emphasized that the use of modern technology would strengthen accountability and improve discipline within the education system. He said digital monitoring would help eliminate irregularities, increase transparency and provide education authorities with reliable data for decision-making. He directed officials to establish an effective support and monitoring mechanism during the initial implementation phase. He also instructed the education department to provide schools with all necessary technical assistance and training to ensure the smooth operation of the new system. Officials said information collected through the facial recognition platform will help education authorities evaluate attendance patterns, improve administrative oversight and identify areas requiring further reforms. They added that the initiative is expected to enhance institutional discipline, strengthen governance and improve the overall performance of public schools.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that the party’s founder is undergoing treatment at a prison hospital due to high blood pressure or any other medical condition. In a fresh statement, Barrister Gohar said he had personally verified the matter with the relevant authorities. He added that he had also informed the PTI founder’s family about the actual situation after confirming the facts. He urged the media and social media users to avoid spreading unverified information regarding the health of the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi. He stressed that only confirmed information should be shared to prevent the spread of misinformation. Barrister Gohar said false reports about the health of political leaders create unnecessary confusion and concern among supporters and the public. He appealed to journalists and the public to act responsibly and verify facts before publishing or sharing any news. Reiterating the party’s stance, Barrister Gohar maintained that the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi are being unjustly held in prison. He said the party continues to demand that both be provided proper medical care and be released. The statement comes after speculation on social media claimed that the PTI founder had been shifted to the prison hospital for treatment. Barrister Gohar rejected those claims and insisted that such reports were inaccurate, calling on everyone to rely only on verified information regarding the health and condition of the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast another spell of rain and thunderstorms in upper and central parts of the country from August 17 to 21. The weather system is expected to bring rain with strong winds and occasional heavy showers. The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority said monsoon currents were continuing to move into the upper parts of the country. The Met Office also expects a westerly wave to reach northern areas on August 17, which could further strengthen the weather activity. Punjab is likely to receive rain and thunderstorms at intervals from August 16 to 21. Rawalpindi, Murree, Galyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Sialkot, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad and Wazirabad are among the areas expected to be affected. Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali and Noorpur Thal may also experience showers and thunderstorms during the forecast period. Southern and central districts of Punjab are expected to see rain mainly on August 20 and 21. These areas include Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan. Authorities have warned that intense rainfall could trigger urban flooding in low-lying parts of Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Lahore between August 17 and 20. There is also a risk of landslides in vulnerable mountainous areas, particularly Murree and Galyat. Tourists and travellers have been advised to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of severe weather. Farmers have been asked to adjust agricultural activities according to the forecast and protect livestock from adverse weather conditions. The PDMA has instructed district administrations to strengthen emergency arrangements and prepare risk-mitigation plans. Officials have been directed to maintain round-the-clock staffing and coordinate closely with relevant departments for a quick response. Authorities have also been told to provide timely information about safety precautions and possible evacuation plans through electronic and social media platforms. Drainage systems are to be inspected, desilted and cleared before heavy rainfall. Heavy machinery is also being positioned at vulnerable locations where blocked drainage or flooding could create emergencies. Motorway Police have been directed to issue regular traffic and road-condition updates and guide motorists during the rainy spell.