Day: July 15, 2026

Peshawar: At least four people were killed and 11 others injured after a house collapsed during torrential rain in the Malageen area of Lachi tehsil in Kohat district.

According to rescue officials, around 15 people were trapped under the debris when the house caved in following the heavy downpour. Rescue 1122 teams launched an immediate operation and successfully retrieved all those trapped beneath the rubble before shifting them to nearby hospitals.

Rescue officials confirmed that four of the victims had died by the time they were recovered, while the remaining 11 injured persons were provided first aid and transferred to different hospitals for further medical treatment. Authorities are monitoring the situation as rescue and relief efforts continue in the affected area.

Peshawar: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Tuesday urged the Saudi government to launch direct flights from Peshawar to Jeddah, Madinah and Riyadh and establish a Saudi consulate in the provincial capital to facilitate pilgrims, workers and other travelers.

He made the remarks while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the new Saudi Airlines (Saudia) office in Peshawar, which he jointly inaugurated with Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al-Malkiy.

The ceremony was attended by Saudia Country Director, officials of the Saudi Embassy, travel agents and members of the business community.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Kundi welcomed the Saudi ambassador to Peshawar and termed the opening of the new Saudia office a positive development for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said the facility would provide improved travel services to people of the province, particularly Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and those travelling to Saudi Arabia for employment.

The Governor said a large number of people from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa travel to Saudi Arabia every year and stressed that direct flights from Peshawar to Jeddah, Madinah and Riyadh had become a pressing need.

He also requested the Saudi Ambassador to facilitate the establishment of a Saudi consulate in Peshawar, saying it would significantly ease access to visa and consular services for the people of the province.

Governor Kundi said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoyed historic and brotherly relations based on mutual trust and cooperation, adding that the Kingdom had always stood by Pakistan in difficult times. He also expressed confidence that enhanced business-to-business contacts would further strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Ambassador Al-Malkiy presented a commemorative shield to the Governor.

Earlier, the Saudi Ambassador visited the Governor House, where Governor Kundi received him warmly, presented Khattak Dance.

During their meeting, the two discussed the longstanding bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and matters of mutual interest.

The Governor briefed the Ambassador on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s mineral, oil and gas resources, hydropower potential, and the historical significance of Peshawar as the cradle of the ancient Gandhara civilization.

Ambassador Al-Malkiy appreciated the hospitality extended to him at the Governor House and praised Governor Kundi’s efforts to project a positive image of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said Saudi Arabia valued its enduring friendship with Pakistan and expressed confidence that bilateral ties would continue to grow stronger.

The Ambassador also recorded his remarks in the visitors’ book, while Governor Kundi presented him with a traditional handcrafted wooden souvenir from Dera Ismail Khan.

Sargodha: The district health authority sealed 35 clinics and issued challans to 39 quacks during a

week-long crackdown. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) District Health Authority Dr Kashif Nabeel Azam informed that deputy district health officers inspected 57 centers during the last week, resulting in the

sealing of 35 illegal clinics while 39 individuals were challaned for practicing without valid licenses.

He added that cases against the violators were referred to the Punjab Healthcare Commission for further legal proceedings. Meanwhile, seven drug inspectors of the district inspected 62 medical stores during the same period.

Astore: Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Amjad Hussain Advocate, has said that the provincial government will ensure the transparent and efficient utilization of development resources, directing them towards the welfare of underprivileged people and the sustainable development of the region.

He emphasized that transparency, timely completion of projects, effective monitoring, and good governance remain the government’s top priorities.

He expressed these views while chairing a high-level review meeting on ongoing development projects organized by the Planning and Development Department and the Communication and Works (CandW) Department.

During the meeting, participants reviewed the progress of various development schemes, discussed challenges, financial and administrative matters, and deliberated on the future course of action. Relevant officials briefed the Chief Minister on the status of different projects and the measures being taken to ensure their timely completion.

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister stated that development funds are a public trust and must be utilized with complete transparency, integrity, and merit. He made it clear that the government would strongly discourage politically motivated or tailor-made development schemes intended to benefit specific individuals or groups. Instead, resources would be allocated solely to projects that serve public needs and the collective interest.

He directed all departments to complete development projects within the stipulated timeframe and put an end to the practice of unnecessary delays and repeated project revisions. He observed that unjustified revisions not only increase project costs but also delay the delivery of development benefits to the public.

Chief Minister further said that alongside accelerating the pace of development, the government would modernize the governance system in line with contemporary requirements. He announced that comprehensive reforms would be introduced in the development sector to strengthen planning, implementation, monitoring, and accountability mechanisms.

He also instructed the concerned departments not to compromise on the quality of development projects, to prioritize public needs, and to ensure continuous monitoring so that all projects are completed on time and according to the required standards, enabling the people of Gilgit-Baltistan to benefit from development initiatives at the earliest.

Astore: Thousands of tourists from Punjab and other plains across Pakistan are heading to the scenic district of Astore to escape the intense summer heat, with popular destinations including Deosai National Park, Domel, Rama, Allah Wali Lake, Rama Lake and other tourist attractions witnessing an exceptional influx of visitors.

The district’s breathtaking landscapes, lush green valleys, snow-capped peaks, cool weather and tranquil surroundings have made Astore one of the country’s most sought-after summer destinations.

Acting on the directives of the Deputy Commissioner, the Astore district administration has put comprehensive arrangements in place to facilitate, guide and protect visitors. Security has been tightened at all major entry and exit points as well as key checkpoints, where effective screening measures are being carried out to ensure the safety of tourists.

Authorities have also mobilized relevant departments to maintain smooth traffic flow, respond to emergencies, provide medical assistance, ensure cleanliness and deliver essential public services at tourist sites. Police, the district administration and other government agencies are working in coordination to provide visitors with a safe, secure and enjoyable travel experience.

Abbottabad: The Board of Governors of Ayub Medical Teaching Institution (AMTI) has appointed renowned cardiologist Prof. Dr. Imran Khan as the institution’s Medical Director for a five-year term.

A graduate of Ayub Medical College and an FCPS fellow, Dr. Imran Khan has received advanced training in clinical and interventional cardiology from leading institutions in Ireland. He has been serving as Chairman of the Department of Medicine and Allied Specialties for the past five years and currently heads the Cardiology Division at Ayub Teaching Hospital, said a notification issued on Tuesday.

He played a key role in launching the Institution-Based Private Practice (IBP) programme in 2018 and has contributed significantly to the development of interventional cardiology services, medical education, emergency care, and clinical research at the institution.

The Board of Governors said the appointment was made in recognition of his distinguished contributions to healthcare, medical education, administration and research, expressing confidence that his leadership would further strengthen patient care and academic excellence at AMTI.