Islamabad: The federal government is committed to overcome the challenge of growing plastic pollution and all the stakeholders concerned are being approached and taken on board to make Pakistan a plastic-free country.

This resolve was expressed by Prime Minister's Coordinator on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam, while addressing the concluding ceremony of the Margalla Hills Half-Marathon in Islamabad on Sunday.

She highlighted the unprecedented importance of the role of the young people in weeding out plastic pollution from the society and supporting government's efforts in this regard.

The 21-km long marathon was jointly organized by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Islamabad Wildlife Management Board and various civil society organisations.

The event started from the Trail-5 and was attended by around 200 marathoners. Women and children also participated in the marathon.

Lahore: The delegation of Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation met Governor Punjab, Muhammad Balighur Rehman, at Governor House Lahore on Sunday.

 The delegation comprised Chairperson Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, Cecilia Lazaro,  founder and Executive Director of Akhuwat Foundation, Akhuwat  Foundation, Abubakar Siddique and others.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman said that good work of welfare organizations which are serving the humanity  should be acknowledged as it motivates other people too.

Governor Punjab said that those who dedicate their lives for humanity are great. Governor Punjab while appreciating the welfare services of Amjad Saqib, head of Akhuwat Foundation, said that conferment of  Ramon Magsaysay Foundation Award on him is honour for the country. He said that in Pakistan, Akhuwat, Edhi, Indus Foundation and other organizations like them are playing an important role alongside the government in poverty alleviation and social development. Governor Punjab said that people to people cobtact is very important in the relations between the two countries.

He said that many foreign delegations meet him and tell him that got a different perception about Pakistan from media before visiting, but they found it otherwise. The participants of the delegation thanked the Punjab Governor for inviting them to the Governor House. While expressing their views, they said that the people of Pakistan are very hospitable. On this occasion, the delegation was also given a visit to the Governor's House.

Meanwhile, Punjab Governor Muhammad Balighur Rahman expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of senior politician, Afzal Tarar. Governor Punjab also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the late Afzal Tarar's daughter, Saira Afzal Tarar and other bereaved family members. He said that the late Afzal Tarar was a man of principles. The deceased served the country and the nation with sincerity, he added. Governor Punjab said that his services for the country and the party will be remembered. He prayed that Allah Almighty raise the ranks of the deceased and give patience to the bereaved.

Besides, Punjab Governor Muhammad Balighur Rahman attended the  walima ceremony of the sons of Vice Chancellor, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal at a local hotel in Lahore.  Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood thanked the Punjab Governor  for attending the walima ceremony of his sons.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Minister of Law, Nazir Tarar, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, provincial ministers, vice chancellors of universities and important personalities attended the Walima ceremony.

Karachi: Right-arm fast bowler Fatima Sana was ruled out of Sunday's second T20I against West Indies Women at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi due to an ankle niggle on Sunday

During the 16th over of West Indies innings in Friday's T20I, Fatima had experienced discomfort in her right ankle while bowling.

Following an assessment on Fatima’s injury after the match, the team management decided to rest her from Sunday's match.