Day: July 16, 2026

Bahawalpur: Commissioner Bahawalpur Division Irfan Ali Kathia visited the water filtration plants located in Shahdrah and Habib Colony to review the quality of drinking water being supplied to the public, inspect the operational performance of the facilities, and assess sanitation, filtration systems, and maintenance arrangements. The Commissioner was accompanied by Assistant Commissioner Bahawalpur City Iqra Mubeen, Chief Officer, Municipal Corporation Mian Muhammad Asif, and officials of the Punjab Saaf Pani Authority. During the visit, Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia inspected various sections of the filtration plants and received a detailed briefing on their daily operations, water supply, machinery, filter replacement schedules, maintenance procedures, and overall performance.

Reviewing the measures taken to ensure water quality, the Commissioner emphasized that providing citizens with clean, safe, and high-quality drinking water remains one of the Punjab Government’s highest priorities. He said that no negligence in achieving this objective would be tolerated. He directed the concerned officials to keep all water filtration plants fully operational at all times to ensure the uninterrupted availability of safe drinking water to residents around the clock. The Commissioner further instructed that machinery should be repaired and maintained on time, filters replaced according to prescribed schedules, and all technical equipment kept in proper working condition to ensure uninterrupted service. He stressed that there should be no compromise on water quality, directing the relevant departments to conduct regular testing of water samples, continuously monitor the filtration systems, and rectify any technical faults immediately.

Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia also instructed officials to monitor the performance of all filtration plants on a daily basis and ensure that any operational disruption or equipment malfunction is addressed without delay to prevent inconvenience to the public. The Commissioner also reviewed sanitation arrangements at the facilities and directed the concerned departments to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness both inside the plants and in the surrounding areas. He emphasized that maintaining hygienic conditions is essential for ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water.

During the inspection, Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia interacted with citizens visiting the filtration plants to collect drinking water. He sought their feedback on the quality of water, the facilities available, and the overall performance of the plants. After listening to their suggestions and concerns, he instructed the relevant officials to prioritize public convenience and complete all necessary improvements promptly. Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to public welfare, the Commissioner directed the concerned departments to ensure continuous monitoring of the filtration plants, timely maintenance of machinery, effective sanitation arrangements, and strict quality control measures so that citizens continue to receive safe, clean, and reliable drinking water in line with the government’s public service vision.

Dg khan: At least three persons were killed while four others injured after a passenger bus overturned near Pir Adil in Dera Ghazi Khan on Wednesday.

According to Rescue 1122 officials, the emergency call was received about the traffic accident that a passenger bus overturned near Pir Adil.

Rescue teams immediately rushed to the scene with eight emergency vehicles.

Officials said that three persons were killed while four sustained injuries in the accident and were shifted to hospital for medical treatment.

Rescue personnel launched a prompt rescue operation, providing first aid to the injured before shifting them to a nearby hospital. The bodies were also shifted for legal formalities. The identification process of bodies was underway.

The rescue operation was supervised by District Emergency Officer Engineer Ahmad Kamal.

Sargodha: Secretary Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Punjab Azmat Mehmood and Commissioner Hafiz Shaukat Ali on Wednesday visited the old building of District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital Mianwali to review arrangements for the establishment of Maryam Nawaz Medical College.

Accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner Shahid Abbas Kathia,the officials inspected the site to assess the feasibility of starting classes and setting up student hostels.

During the briefing,the Principal Sargodha Medical College Professor Dr.Waris Farooqa informed the delegation that the old main buildings of the DHQ Hospital would be utilized for academic blocks,laboratories and administration while the trauma center would be converted into a student hostel.

He stated that the building meets all requirements for a medical college and confirmed that classes would expected to commence in December.

The Commissioner Hafiz Shaukat Ali remarked that the setup of the medical college was a significant welfare initiative by the Chief Minister Punjab and the incumbent government would release a substantial amount of Rs.400 million for the project.

He directed the Executive Engineer (XEN) Buildings to complete the tendering process for the restoration and repair of the old hospital building without any delay.

The DC instructed to ensure all arrangements for the procurement of furniture and other necessary equipment were finalized,the Commissioner concluded.

Sargodha: Kirana Police on Wednesday foiled an alleged fake dacoity claim after an investigation revealed that the complainant had staged the entire incident.

According to police sources, a man identified as Shehbaz, resident of the Kirana area, called the Police Emergency Helpline 15 and alleged that a gang of eight armed dacoits had entered his house while he was alone. He claimed that the suspects held him at gunpoint and fled after snatching Rs. 3 million in cash from his home.

Upon receiving the information, the police immediately launched an investigation and discovered that the alleged dacoity had never taken place and the caller himself had fabricated the story.

The police recovered the entire amount from Shehbaz’s possession and arrested him. He was sent behind bars for further investigation.

Nathigali: Special Assistant to the Chief Minister (SACM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Tourism, Culture, Archaeology and Museums, Malik Adil Iqbal, asked public to plant more trees in their area to nurture healthy environment.

He made these remarks during a visit to Galiyat where he planted a sapling as part of the ongoing tree plantation campaign.

Malik Adil Iqbal, said that tree plantation was essential for preserving the natural beauty of Galiyat, promoting forest cover, and maintaining a clean and green environment. He urged the public to actively participate in plantation drives and regard the protection of trees as a national responsibility.

Officials of the Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) and other concerned departments were present on the occasion.

Peshawar: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Wednesday said the province’s youth possessed immense talent but lacked quality sports facilities and modern training, pledging all-out efforts to promote sports, nurture young athletes and improve sports infrastructure across the province.

Addressing an interactive session organized by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Writers Association at the Governor House, he said providing modern sports facilities and professional coaching was essential to enable talented athletes to compete successfully at national and international levels.

The session discussed sports promotion, development challenges and future strategies in the province. It was attended by International Sports Press Association (AIPS) Asia Secretary General and Pakistan Sports Writers Federation President Amjad Aziz Malik, KP Sports Writers Association President Asim Shiraz, Secretary Shahid Afridi and a large number of sports journalists.

Governor Kundi distributed awards and certificates among distinguished sports journalists in recognition of their services.

He regretted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa did not have a single fully developed first-class cricket stadium and said athletes continued to face an acute shortage of playgrounds and basic sports facilities.

He said many players failed to progress in international competitions due to the lack of quality infrastructure, modern coaching and advanced training.

The Governor said promoting sports would not only provide positive opportunities for youth but also strengthen peace, harmony and healthy social values.

He said that more than half of Pakistan’s national cricket team players belonged to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reflecting the province’s exceptional sporting talent.

Expressing concern over the decline of squash and hockey, he said Pakistan had dominated world squash for 16 consecutive years, but no player had matched the achievements of Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan in recent decades, while the country’s national game, hockey, also required urgent revival measures.

Governor Kundi said preparations for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Champions League were in full swing and the opening ceremony would be held on July 18.

He said six teams would participate in the league, with each team required to include one national cricketer.

He thanked Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for issuing the no-objection certificate (NoC), saying it would help boost cricket in the province.

He said sponsorship had already been arranged for several players and more talented athletes would be supported to help them represent Pakistan at national and international forums.

The Governor also praised the achievements of athletes from the province, including Pakistan’s mountain adventurer Samar Khan, describing her as a source of pride and inspiration for young people.

He announced that a special ceremony would soon be held in honour of the families of martyred journalists of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and reaffirmed that Governor House would continue supporting sports promotion, youth development and the welfare of the journalist community.