TOBA TEK SINGH: Strengthened PakistanChina relations will play a crucial role in controlling livestock diseases and unlocking growth potential, leading to increased per-animal production and addressing livestock health challenges.Experts said during a Sino-Pak workshop on the Control of Major Livestock Diseases on Friday.

The event was organised by the Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, UAF, in collaboration with teh China Agricultural University.

The opening session was presided over by Dean Faculty of Veterinary Sciences Prof Dr Farzana Rizvi. Prof He Cheng from China Agricultural University, DG Research Livestock and Development Department Punjab Sajjad Hussain, and Dr Kashif Saleemi also addressed the gathering.

Prof Rizvi said that half of Pakistan`s GDP from agriculture consists of livestock. Improving animal genetics will enhance production. The livestock sector faces challenges due to diseases, climate change, and other factors, and collaborative efforts between Pakistan and China are essential for addressing these issues.

Developing livestock on modern lines can not only meet domestic needs effectively but also contribute to earning foreign exchange.

KILLED: Two alleged robbers were killed in an encounter with Faisalabad`s Nishatabad police on Friday.

According to a police spokesperson, near the Small Industrial Estate in Khalid Town locality, the Dolphin police squad of Nishatabad police station chased four dacoits who were fleeing after looting people. The Nishatabad police joined the Dolphin squad, resulting in an exchange of gunfire between the police and the bandits.

Two of the robbers were wounded and later succumbed to their injuries.

They were identified as Rehman Iqbal of Chak Bhai Wala and Sajawal Mohsin of Shadab Colony.

The other two accomplices managed to escape.

The spokesperson claimed that both killed outlaws were wanted by the police in more than one dozen robberies.