Day: July 10, 2026

Rawalpindi: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations, Malik Tariq Mehboob on Thursday visited the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital to inquire after health of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Muhammad Hafeez, who was injured in the line of duty after being shot by a robbery suspect.

According to police, ASI Muhammad Hafeez sustained gunshot injuries during an operation against a suspect involved in a robbery case the previous day.

During his visit, SSP Operations, Malik Tariq Mehboob met with the doctors to get an update on the officer’s condition and treatment.

He directed hospital staff to ensure that the injured officer with best possible medical care and facilities.

Speaking on the occasion, the SSP said police officers who risk their lives to protect the lives and property of citizens were the nation’s true heroes and deserve every possible support. The department remained committed to the welfare and well-being of its personnel injured in the line of duty, he added.

Peshawar: KP Minister for Health Khaleeq ur Rehman inaugurated the Burns and Plastic Surgery Centre, new dialysis unit, OPD, wards and other healthcare facilities at the Medical Teaching Institution (MTI) Hayatabad Medical Complex.

Chairman Board of Governors Dr. Noor-ul-Iman, Hospital Director Dr. Gulzar Ahmad Khan, Medical Director Dr. Khalid Khan, Director Institute of Kidney Diseases Dr. Kamran Khan, Director Burns and Plastic Surgery Centre Dr. Taheemdullah, Director PECON Dr. Sanaullah and other senior officials were present on the occasion.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, the minister for health said the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is committed to strengthening major teaching hospitals by expanding modern healthcare services, improving the quality of patient care and enhancing institutional capacity. He said the government is utilizing all available resources to ensure quality and accessible healthcare for the people.

He appreciated the efforts of the hospital administration, doctors, nurses and supporting staff, stating that effective leadership, teamwork and dedication have significantly improved healthcare services.

He assured that the government would continue to support and encourage institutions and healthcare professionals delivering outstanding performance.

Khaleeq ur Rehman said the establishment of the Burn Centre has significantly improved treatment facilities for burn victims within the province, eliminating the need for many patients to travel to other cities for specialized care.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to further strengthening the centre by providing the required resources and facilities.

He described the Sehat Card as one of the government’s most important public health initiatives and said that nearly

Rs. 50 billion has been allocated for the programme in the current fiscal year. He added that the inclusion of burn treatment under the Sehat Card would be discussed with the relevant authorities.

He further emphasized that Medical Teaching Institutions play a vital role not only in patients’ care but also in medical education, research and the training of future healthcare professionals.

The government, he said, remains committed to further strengthening these institutions to improve healthcare services across the province.

During the visit, the minister also inaugurated the new dialysis unit, OPD and wards at the Institute of Kidney Diseases. He also visited various departments, interacted with patients undergoing treatment and inquired about the quality of healthcare services being provided.

On the occasion, Director Burns and Plastic Surgery Centre Dr. Taheemudullah briefed the Minister on the institution’s progress.

He highlighted that the centre has considerably expanded specialized burn and reconstructive surgery services, while also strengthening training, research and rehabilitation facilities.

He stressed the need for greater public awareness, preventive measures and effective legislation to reduce burn-related injuries across the province.

Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Policy 2026, aimed at ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services for every citizen, Provincial Information Minister Shafi Jan said on Thursday.

In a statement issued to the media, the minister said the new policy seeks to establish a people-friendly healthcare system by introducing modern technology and strengthening the training of healthcare personnel.

He added that the government would further empower the Healthcare Commission to improve transparency and oversight in the health sector.

He said a modern digital reporting and monitoring system would be introduced to evaluate the performance of healthcare institutions, while maternal and child healthcare services would also be expanded under the policy.

Shafi Jan said the Sehat Card Plus programme would be extended to include outpatient department (OPD) services.

He added that new intensive care units (ICUs), coronary care units (CCUs), trauma centres and burn centres would be established to strengthen secondary and specialized healthcare services across the province.

The minister said underperforming public health facilities would be outsourced to improve service delivery. The policy also envisages the promotion of telemedicine and the introduction of geriatric medicine for senior citizens.

He said further reforms would be introduced in medical teaching institutions, while efforts would be made to address shortages of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff. Ensuring the uninterrupted availability of medicines and vaccines would also remain a key priority.

Shafi Jan said the policy incorporates disease surveillance, access to clean drinking water, sanitation and climate change-related health challenges.

He added that taxes on health-harming products would be imposed, with the revenue earmarked for public wellness initiatives.

The minister also announced that the provincial cabinet had approved amendments to the Motor Vehicles Ordinance and Rules, 1965, relating to the system of personalized vehicle registration numbers.

He said the government had also approved the Occupational Safety and Health Rules 2026, which would ensure safer working environments across all institutions.

Under the new rules, companies would be required to provide protective equipment to employees and comply with workplace safety standards. Institutions employing more than 50 workers would appoint safety representatives, while those with over 100 employees would designate safety officers.

Shafi Jan further said the cabinet had authorized the Wildlife Department to sign a memorandum of understanding with the International Crane Foundation to promote the conservation of crane species and their habitats.

He added that the government had approved the expansion of the Safwat Ghayur Shaheed Memorial Hospital in Peshawar and sanctioned the transfer of land for the establishment of an Excise Police Station at the Jamrud Complex in Khyber district.

Faisalabad: A 9-year-old boy drowned while bathing in the Rakh branch canal on Thursday. According to Rescue-1122, Abdullah (9) s/o Nisar, was taking a bath in canal water near Gol Masjid, Sammundri road, when he went into deep waters and was swept away by strong waves. A rescue team searched and fished out the body and handed it over to the heirs.

Hyderabad: SAFCO Microfinance Company (SMCL) convened a high-level Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with representatives of State Life Insurance and TPL Insurance to explore affordable insurance and savings solutions aimed at strengthening the financial security of low-income households across Pakistan.

The session brought together senior professionals from the insurance industry, development finance experts and the SAFCO management team to discuss practical products that could protect microfinance clients against unexpected financial shocks while encouraging savings and long-term household stability, said a press release issued here on Thursday.

Addressing the participants, Dr. Muhammad Suleman G. Abro, Founder and Chief Executive Officer SAFCO, emphasized that sustainable financial inclusion extends beyond access to credit. He stated that integrating protection and savings solutions with microfinance can significantly reduce the vulnerability of low-income families and help them build stronger and more secure livelihoods. He reaffirmed SAFCO’s commitment to working with strategic partners to develop responsible and affordable financial solutions for underserved communities.

Speaking on the occasion, Syed Sajjad Ali Shah, Managing Director of SAFCO Microfinance Company, highlighted SAFCO’s continued efforts to introduce innovative products that respond to the evolving needs of its clients. He noted that the organization currently serves more than 165,000 active borrowers through a network of 72 branches across Pakistan, with nearly 72 percent of its clients being women. He expressed confidence that the proposed collaboration would enable SAFCO to gradually introduce insurance and savings solutions that complement its financing services and improve the overall financial well-being of its clients.

Representing TPL Insurance, Kamran Bakhshi shared international and local perspectives on inclusive insurance and highlighted opportunities for collaboration between insurance providers and microfinance institutions to design affordable products for underserved segments of society.

On behalf of State Life Insurance, Senior Executive Ms. Syeda emphasized the importance of expanding insurance coverage among low-income households through partnerships with microfinance institutions. She noted that such collaborations could play a vital role in enhancing social protection and reducing the financial risks faced by vulnerable families.

During the interactive discussion, participants exchanged practical insights from the field and identified key client needs that should guide the development of future insurance and savings products.

Faisalabad: Juvenile Driving Permits have been launched to allow youngsters aged 16 to 18 years to legally ride motorcycles after fulfilling mandatory safety and testing requirements.

Spokesman of City Traffic Police (CTP) Dr. Ismail said that the initiative aims to encourage lawful driving practices, strengthen traffic discipline, and reduce road accidents involving underage riders.

He said that in line with the directives of Punjab government, eligible teenagers between the ages of 16 and 18 could now obtain a special Juvenile Driving Permit with the written consent of their parents or legal guardians to ride motorcycles.

He said that the prescribed fee for a 16-year-old applicant had been fixed at Rs1,015/- while a 17-year-old applicant would have to pay Rs515/-. A fee of Rs65 had been set for the mandatory traffic signs test, he added.

He said that the applicants would be required to submit their original B-Form, the Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) of their father, mother, or legal guardian, along with one passport-size photograph of both the applicant and the guardian.

He made it clear that no Juvenile Driving Permit would be issued without the consent of parents or a legal guardian.

Every applicant would have to successfully pass both the traffic signs test and the practical road test before the permit could be granted, he added.

He said that the Juvenile Driving Permit would only authorize the holder to ride motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 125cc.

He said that wearing a helmet and observing all prescribed road safety measures would remain mandatory for permit holders at all times.

He appealed the parents and young riders to take advantage of the facility while strictly adhering to traffic laws and safety regulations. Responsible driving habits among young motorists would contribute significantly to making roads safer for everyone, he added.