Day: July 12, 2026

Rawalpindi: Commissioner Rawalpindi Division, Salman Ghani chaired a meeting to review the performance of local government departments and the functioning of the E-Biz Portal, directing authorities to improve public service delivery and ensure the timely disposal of online applications.

The meeting was attended by Additional Commissioner Coordination Zainia Humayun, officials of the Local Government Department, the Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC), and heads of other relevant departments.

Reviewing public services provided by local government institutions, the commissioner directed officials to make the issuance of birth, death and other registration certificates fully digital, transparent and efficient to spare citizens unnecessary delays and inconvenience.

He instructed the authorities to reduce the processing time for certificates and adopt a uniform, standardised and effective system across all districts of the division. He noted that the integration of the CRMS mobile application with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) had further improved service delivery by ensuring accurate and timely processing of records.

The meeting also reviewed dengue surveillance activities. Ghani directed the Local Government Department to strengthen monitoring of dengue surveillance operations and ensure timely verification of field data to enhance the effectiveness of anti-dengue measures.

A detailed briefing was also given on the performance of the E-Biz Portal. The commissioner said the portal is a key Punjab government initiative aimed at providing businesses with easy, transparent and efficient access to government services through a single online platform.

Officials informed the meeting that nearly 400 business-related services are currently being provided through the portal under a one-window operation. Across Rawalpindi Division, the portal has received 10,894 applications, of which 8,688 have been approved, 387 are under process in various departments, 1,342 are pending with applicants, and 477 have been rejected due to objections.

The commissioner directed all departments to dispose of applications received through the E-Biz Portal within 15 days, stressing that no application should be kept pending without justification. He instructed officials to immediately resolve any technical or administrative issues causing delays.

Ghani said the Punjab government was committed to promote digital governance to provide modern, fast and citizen-friendly services to the public and business community. He urged all departments to strengthen coordination and continuously improve their performance to ensure better service delivery.

Musakhail: Deputy Commissioner, Musakhail Abdul Razzaq Khajak on Saturday inspected the under-construction Nagharbah Road, a Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) project, and expressed strong displeasure over the slow pace of work and use of substandard construction material.

During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner directly contacted the concerned Executive Engineer (CandW) and issued strict instructions, stressing that no compromise on quality would be tolerated in public welfare projects. He directed that the pace of work be accelerated and only high-quality construction material be used in line with government policy.

Musakhail Abdul Razzaq Khajak made it clear that negligence in the project would not be accepted and directed that responsible officials to take measures to accomplish their tasks. He reiterated that transparency, quality, and timely completion were essential to deliver safe and reliable infrastructure for the public.

Peshawar: Rescue 1122 Mardan has has deployed diving teams equipped with essential rescue gear at Kalpani, Shanki Dhand, and Jalala to promptly meet any emergency during rains and floods.

According to Rescue 1122 Mardan, the rescue personnel remain on high alert to prevent drowning incidents and ensure an immediate response to any emergency situation.

Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 teams are also conducting public awareness activities at various locations educating citizens about the dangers of swimming in canals, rivers and deep water.

The public has been urged to avoid bathing in canals, rivers and deep water reservoirs bodies and immediately dial 1122 in case of any emergency. Rescue 1122 emphasized that these preventive measures have been taken to safeguard lives during the ongoing monsoon season and floods.

Wah cantt: A delegation of six Thai Buddhist monks visited the ancient Buddhist heritage sites of Taxila on Saturday, offering religious rituals in a deeply symbolic tribute to the region’s centuries-old Buddhist legacy. The pilgrimage, organized by Karakorum Quest, underscored Taxila’s enduring significance as a spiritual destination for Buddhists from across Asia.

Led by Professor Phramaha Daosayam Klalod, the delegation included Phramaha Teerawat, Sisouk Salirmkhoun, Sompone Sipaseuth, Phouangpasert Phoumavong and Phanthong Phomyxay. The monks began their visit at the Taxila Museum, where officials briefed them on the history of the Gandhara civilisation and showcased its renowned collection of Buddhist sculptures, relic caskets, inscriptions and archaeological treasures recovered from ancient monasteries and stupas.

Describing the visit as a profoundly spiritual experience, Phramaha Daosayam Klalod called Taxila “a sacred land where the light of the Buddha’s teachings once illuminated the hearts of countless seekers.” He said the journey offered an opportunity to reconnect with one of Buddhism’s most revered historical centres and to pay homage to its enduring spiritual heritage.

Accompanying the delegation, Irfan Karim said visits by Buddhist pilgrims from Thailand and other Asian countries continue to promote religious tourism and deepen cultural ties with Pakistan. He noted that Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the foremost centres of the ancient Gandhara civilisation, remains a powerful symbol of the region’s shared Buddhist heritage and growing international appeal.

Larkana: The Deputy Commissioner Larkana Tariq Manzoor Chandio said that the Government of Sindh is making continuous efforts to promote healthy activities among the youth. As part of these efforts, sports grounds are being developed and revitalized across the province so that young people can fully showcase their talents through sports.

He expressed these views while addressing the inauguration ceremony of a newly constructed basketball court at the Khuhra Sports Complex in Larkana on Saturday.

He said that the Commissioner of Karachi has played a significant role in promoting basketball. “I myself have been a basketball player, and it was my desire to establish a basketball court in Larkana because the city has tremendous talent. It is essential to promote sports, as healthy sporting activities lead to a healthier society,” he added.

He further said that Larkana has always been a host city for sporting events. With the Sindh Games being held in Sukkur this year, he expressed his commitment to making efforts to organize sports competitions in Larkana as well.

Earlier, Ghulam Muhammad Khan Rajput, Regional Director Sports for the Commissioner Karachi, speaking at the welcome ceremony, said that basketball competitions are being held in Larkana after a long gap.

He stated that the vision of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was to promote healthy activities through sports. Under that vision, sports grounds were developed, and during Benazir Bhutto’s tenure, Pakistan also hosted the SAF Games.

He added that with the Sindh Games currently being held in Sukkur, he would also request the Deputy Commissioner of Larkana to organize sports competitions in Larkana, especially since he himself has been a distinguished sportsman.On the occasion, Sajjad Ahmed Khoso, Amir Sharif, Muhammad Mehfooz Makani, and representatives of the Basketball Association were also present.

They presented the traditional Sindhi gift, the Ajrak, to the Deputy Commissioner of Larkana and other distinguished guests.Before the ceremony, Deputy Commissioner Tariq Manzoor Chandio met with the players and formally inaugurated the basketball court

Chakdara: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday called for the immediate withdrawal of the decision to impose taxes in Malakand Division, saying the region’s people, along with those in the erstwhile tribal districts, were already facing poverty, insecurity and economic hardships.

Addressing an all parties conference organised by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in Chakdara against the tax imposition, the Governor said the people of the region could not bear any additional financial burden due to limited employment opportunities, lack of industries and slow pace of development.

He urged Chief Minister, as the province’s chief executive, to play an effective role in getting the decision reversed. He said if the chief minister was unable to resolve the issue, he should state it clearly so that he himself could pursue the matter.

The Governor called upon all political parties, the business community and the people of Malakand Division to launch a united constitutional and democratic struggle against the tax decision.

He also said the federal government’s announced Rs100 billion development package for the erstwhile FATA had yet to be implemented and called for immediate action in this regard.

Kundi also criticised the provincial government’s proposed media law, saying a free press was the voice of the people and could not be suppressed through legislation.

The conference was attended by leaders of various political parties, traders’ bodies and civil society, including provincial and former federal ministers, who unanimously rejected the tax decision and vowed to continue a peaceful, constitutional and democratic campaign until it was withdrawn. They also agreed to adopt a joint strategy on the issue.

PMLN divisional president and Former provincial minister Malik Jahanzeb, former minister of state Shahabuddin, Awami National Party provincial secretary general Hussain Shah Khan Yousafzai, former governor Shaukatullah Khan, PPP central secretary general Engineer Humayun Khan, and PPP KP president Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha attended the conference.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf KP president Junaid Akbar, former federal minister Najmuddin Khan, former minister of state Malik Azmat Khan, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam district chief Sirajuddin, former provincial minister Shah Raz Khan, and Malakand Division Trade Union president Abdul Rahim were also present.

Representatives of various political parties, traders’ organizations and civil society also participated in the conference.