Lahore: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said that the federal government would procure 1.8 million metric tonnes of wheat through the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) to ensure maximum benefits to farmers.

He was chairing a high-level emergency meeting in Lahore today regarding wheat procurement and the difficulties being faced by farmers in obtaining gunny bags. 

Shehbaz Sharif clearly stated that no compromise would be made on the economic welfare of farmers. He said there has been an abundant wheat harvest this year.

He directed the officials concerned to personally oversee wheat procurement opportunities.

The Prime Minister also formed a National Food Security Committee to ensure farmers' facilitation regarding wheat procurement and address their concerns. This committee will take measures within four days to safeguard farmers' interests.

The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain, Attaullah Tarrar, and other relevant officials, where detailed discussions were held regarding wheat procurement strategies.

London: Sadiq Khan secured his place as London's mayor for a historic third term after a tense electoral battle, prevailing over Conservative candidate Susan Hall with 43.8% of the vote.

Sadiq Khan acknowledged the challenges of the recent months, highlighting a campaign marked by relentless negativity. He commended his team for countering fearmongering with facts, hate with hope, and divisive rhetoric with unity.

He expressed these words during his victory speech on Saturday.

However, he faced criticism and jeers on the occasion.

Khan emphasized his commitment to all Londoners, including those who didn't support him, his rival Susan Hall maintained a stoic demeanor throughout his speech, visibly expressing disapproval.

Khan, aware of the polling suggesting a comfortable lead, urged Labour supporters and indifferent Londoners to participate, framing the race as a "close two-horse race."

Despite a slight decrease in voter turnout compared to the previous election, Khan's team gained confidence as Labour secured victories in key constituencies, bolstering their belief in a successful outcome.

Prior to the election results, Labour leader Keir Starmer expressed confidence in Khan's victory, viewing the mayoral race as a crucial milestone on the path to the general election.

Ipoh (Malaysia): Pakistan on Saturday thrashed host Malaysia by five goals in their first match on the opening day of the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament.

Pakistan took the lead when Sufyan Khan struck a goal in the ninth minute. Abu Kamal of the host country levelled the score by scoring a goal in the first half. 

Pakistani players played brilliantly and scored four goals in the second half. Sufyan Khan completed his hat-trick. The national hockey team will play their second pool match against South Korea tomorrow (Sunday) at 3:15pm Pakistan time.

Pakistan Hockey🏑 Team makes a winning start in 𝗔𝘇𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗵 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽..!🇵🇰

Defeating Malaysia 5-4,our team proved their mettle
Special mention to Chairman @ranamashhood for playing crucial role in resolving differences & sending team to Malaysia. #pmyp pic.twitter.com/N9s3WmpS5n

— Prime Minister's Youth Programme (@PMsYouthProgram) May 4, 2024