Day: July 17, 2026

Quetta: Population Welfare Department organized an awareness event on the occasion of World Population Day in Khuzdar on Thursday. The awareness event was attended by a large number of women participated, the aim of the event was to raise awareness about population balance, family planning, maternal and child health, the needs of the young generation and their better future.

The event was addressed by District Population Welfare Officer Dr. Khalida Umar, Field Medical Officer Dr. Lubna Ali, Population Welfare Officer Saira Ghulam Dastgir and Abdul Halim. In her address, District Population Welfare Officer Dr. Khalida Umar said that the development of any country and society would not depend only on the size of the population but on the balanced and effective use of available resources.

She said that only economically stable families could provide their children with quality education, better medical facilities and a bright future, while unbalanced population growth often causes families to face economic, educational and health-related problems.

She said that the purpose of family planning is not to limit the population but to protect the health of the mother and child, ensure the prosperity of the family and the sustainable development of the society.

She mentioned that the Population Welfare Department is also providing free consultation and various medical facilities to the public for this purpose.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Lubna Ali, Saira Ghulam Dastgir and Abdul Halim said that the purpose of celebrating World Population Day is to highlight the needs, dreams and importance of guiding and supporting the young generation for a better future.

They said that the youth are the valuable assets of any nation, therefore, it is imperative to pay special attention to their education, health, mental development and positive character building.

The speakers urged the parents to adopt responsible family planning so as to ensure better education, health and upbringing of the children.

They also appealed women to make full use of the facilities provided by the Population Welfare Department and to spread awareness in this regard in their homes and society as well.

At the end of the event, information brochures on family planning, maternal and child health, and youth welfare were distributed among the participants, while a commitment was expressed that such awareness activities would be continued in the future to create awareness among the public.

Quetta: Deputy Inspector General of Police Loralai Range, Junaid Ahmed Sheikh, visited Sanjawi where he convened a Police Darbar to listen to the concerns of police personnel.

During the session, police employees presented their professional and administrative issues. The DIG gave detailed consideration to the matters raised and issued immediate instructions for the resolution of several problems on the spot.

He emphasized that the welfare of police officers and timely redressal of their grievances remain among the department’s top priorities, enabling them to perform their duties more effectively.

Later, DIG Junaid Ahmed Sheikh visited the homes of police officers who were martyred in the Mangi Dam incident. He met with the families of the martyrs, offered condolences, and recited prayers for the elevation of their ranks.

Speaking on the occasion, Junaid Ahmed Sheikh said that both the nation and the police department take pride in the sacrifices of their officers.

He reaffirmed that the morale of the police force remains high and that the police will continue to stand at the forefront in the fight against terrorism.

He assured the families of the martyrs that they are not alone, as the police department stands firmly with them in every difficult moment.

He added that the sacrifices made by the martyrs for the defense of the homeland and the protection of the people are a source of pride and honor for the entire nation.

The police department, he pledged, will continue to provide full support and encouragement to the families of the martyrs at every level.

Quetta: A key meeting of the Departmental Sub-Committee (DSC) was held under the chairmanship of Secretary Communications and Works, Babar Khan, to review proposed development projects in Usta Muhammad and Sohbatpur districts.

The meeting was convened in line with the vision of Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti, the special directives of Provincial Minister for Communications and Works Mir Saleem Ahmed Khosa, and under the daily supervision of Secretary Babar Khan to ensure that development schemes are launched without delay.

The session was attended by Chief Engineer Naseerabad Zone Muhammad Bashir Nasir, officials from Planning and Development (PandD), Finance, and relevant Executive Engineers. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on various road infrastructure projects. Officials presented comprehensive briefings covering feasibility, estimated costs, technical aspects, and proposed completion timelines.

The committee emphasized that ongoing development projects must be completed within the stipulated timeframe and to the highest standards, ensuring safe and improved travel facilities for the public. Recommendations were also made for the approval of new road infrastructure schemes, including construction and repair projects.

It was decided that all legal, administrative, and technical requirements for the approved projects would be completed promptly to allow practical work to begin at the earliest.

Speaking at the meeting, Secretary Babar Khan stressed that transparency, quality, and timely completion must be ensured in all development initiatives. He directed officials to strengthen monitoring systems and warned that negligence or unnecessary delays would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Quetta: The Traffic Police Quetta has intensified its ongoing safety campaign requiring tractor trolley owners to cover their vehicles with tarpaulin sheets.

Speaking on the occasion, SSP Traffic Police Muhammad Baloch said that the campaign has begun to show positive results, as many tractor owners have started covering their trolleys with tarpaulin. The initiative aims to prevent sand, gravel, soil, bricks, and other construction materials from spilling onto roads during transportation, thereby reducing traffic accidents and minimizing environmental pollution.

He explained that the use of tarpaulin on trolleys not only helps reduce road accidents and material spillage but also improves traffic flow. This measure, he added, will enhance the safety of motorcyclists, pedestrians, and other road users by protecting them from potential hazards.

The SSP urged tractor and truck owners to fully comply with traffic laws and safety guidelines by ensuring their trolleys are properly covered. He emphasized that with the cooperation of citizens and transporters, the rate of traffic accidents can be significantly reduced. He further noted that keeping Quetta clean and pollution-free is a shared responsibility, and every individual must play their part in achieving this goal.

Quetta: Security forces have killed three more Khwarij terrorists as the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC), and Balochistan Police continue the joint Operation Shaban following the terrorist attack on the Mangi Dam Police Station.

Security sources said the total number of terrorists killed during Operation Shaban has risen to 91. They added that the terrorists were being targeted through coordinated air and ground operations.

The sources said security forces were conducting effective operations against terrorists belonging to Fitna al Khwarij in the area. As a result, several terrorist hideouts have been successfully targeted.

Since July 5, security forces have killed a total of 129 terrorists during Operation Shaban and other intelligence-based operations (IBOs), according to the security sources.

The sources said Operation Shaban would continue across Balochistan until the last terrorist would be eliminated.

Quetta: The Regional Meteorological Center has forecast extremely hot and dry conditions across most districts of Balochistan over the next 48 to 72 hours.

According to the Regional Meteorological Center Quetta, a seasonal low is lying over Balochistan while moist currents from the Arabian Sea are penetrating into the province. As a result, very hot conditions are expected in Nokkundi, Washuk, Dalbandin, Kharan, Noshki, Sibi, Naseerabad, Jhal Magsi, Usta Muhammad and surrounding areas.

The forecast also indicates rain, windstorms and isolated thunderstorms in Khuzdar, Awaran, Wadh, Kalat, Surab, Mastung, Quetta, Ziarat, Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Musakhail, Loralai, Kohlu and adjoining areas, while coastal regions such as Gwadar, Pasni, Ormara and Jiwani are likely to experience partly cloudy to cloudy weather.

Strong gusty winds are expected in most parts of the province during the afternoon and evening, raising concerns about travel disruptions and public safety. The maximum temperature recorded was 45.5°C in Nokkundi, while the minimum was 32°C in Gwadar.

Authorities have urged residents to take precautions against the heatwave and dust storms, advising vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and outdoor workers to remain hydrated and avoid unnecessary exposure.