BAHAWALPUR: The Islamia University Bahawalpur (IUB) and the Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China, signed an agreement on Friday to establish “Sino-Pak Joint Laboratory” for the promotion of modern agriculture.

According to an IUB press release, the agreement was signed by IUB Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Kamran and Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences President Chang Hong through video-link.

According to the agreement, both sides decided to cooperate in agricultural research to promote sustainable agricultural technology for producing high-quality crops. It said that agricultural development would also ensure environmental protection by effectively utilising agricultural resources, scientific research and developing workforce.

It was agreed that both varsities would work to prepare technical, advisory and competent manpower for the promotion of the agricultural industry in their respective areas. To achieve this, there would be mutual exchange of teachers, researchers and students, joint research projects, conferences, seminars and sharing of resources.

SUICIDE: A house wife and a mother of two allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself with a ceiling fan in her house in Buch Villas in DHA Multan on Friday.

According to the DHA police station, Humera Shehzad (37) had a quarrel with her husband Shehzad about a week ago, after which Shehzad left her and disappeared. She allegedly hanged herself in his absence. The police have taken the body in custody for legal formalities.

POWER DISRUPTION: The heavy rainfall in Multan on Thursday night have caused extensive damage to Mepco’s electricity distribution system and suspended power to many parts of the city.

A Mepco press release on Friday said that five of its large electric poles collapsed, disrupting electricity supply in many areas, including Wapda Town, MDA Colony, Hassanabad, New Multan, Shah Rukn-e-Alam Colony among others.

Mepco said that new poles were being installed and power would be restored as soon as the installation was completed.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2025