Day: July 17, 2026

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Feasibility of green bus service nears completion in Kohat


Kohat: The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has advanced plans to modernize public transport, with feasibility studies for the Green Bus Service reaching their final stage across all divisional headquarters, including Kohat. Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Transport and Mass Transit, Samiullah Khan, announced that following approval, the service will first be launched at divisional headquarters before being expanded in phases to district headquarters.



Samiullah emphasized that the initiative aims to provide citizens with safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly travel options. He noted that the Green Bus Service will help reduce traffic congestion, improve urban mobility, and promote sustainable transport solutions.



The Special Assistant directed relevant authorities to address public and transporters’ concerns on a priority basis, ensuring transparency in permits and fares, and improving passenger facilities. He reiterated that reforms in the transport sector remain a provincial government priority under the directives of the Chief Minister.



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Court rejects bail of 4 accused in Islamabad human placenta trade case


Islamabad: The District and Sessions Court of Islamabad on Thursday rejected the post-arrest bail applications of four suspects accused of involvement in the illegal purchase and sale of human placenta.



The decision came after detailed arguments from both the prosecution and defense. Prosecutors told the court that more than 1,000 human placenta samples were recovered during the operation and requested that the bail pleas be dismissed. After reserving its verdict earlier in the day, the court announced its decision and rejected all four applications.



The case was heard by Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka.



During the hearing, defense lawyers argued that placenta is not classified as a human organ and therefore should not be treated in the same category as organs such as kidneys and eyes. They maintained that placenta has recognized medical uses and is used in different treatment procedures.



The defense further told the court that tissues obtained from placenta are sometimes used in medical procedures related to hair restoration. In response, Judge Majoka asked whether such tissues could also be used in hair transplant treatments.



The defense counsel replied that there are different medical methods for hair restoration and said that if a particular procedure was used, placenta-based tissues could have been involved. The lawyers continued to argue that placenta should not be considered a human organ under the relevant legal framework.



During the discussion, the defense also referred to the removal of other body parts during medical procedures, claiming that such material is often disposed of or buried by hospitals. The exchange led to a brief discussion between the court and the defense regarding medical waste management practices.



The prosecution opposed the bail requests and stated that more than 1,000 human placenta samples had been recovered during the raid. Prosecutors also informed the court that all accused were arrested from the location where the alleged activity was taking place.



According to the prosecution, reports from medical experts have already been submitted to the court as part of the investigation record. The prosecution argued that the available evidence linked the suspects to the case and requested the court to reject their post-arrest bail applications.



After hearing arguments from both sides and reviewing the record, Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka reserved the verdict and later announced the decision, dismissing the bail applications of all four accused.



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CPO Rawalpindi meets traders, pledges every possible support to business community


Rawalpindi: City Police Officer (CPO), Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera on Thursday held meeting with office-bearers of the Traders’ Association and pledged every possible support to the business community, assuring them that their concerns would be addressed on a priority through close coordination between the police and traders.



Senior Superintendent of Police (Operations), and Superintendent of Police (Security), also attended the meeting.



The traders’ delegation comprised Shahid Ghafoor Paracha, Tariq Jadoon, Munir Baig, Sajid Butt, Sheikh Hafeez, Rana Khurram, Saifullah Khan, Sardar Saqib, Zaheer Abbasi and other representatives of the business community.



Addressing the participants, CPO Sukhera described the traders’ community as the backbone of the country’s economy and acknowledged its vital contribution to economic growth and social stability.



He said the Rawalpindi Police remained committed to protecting the lives and property of citizens around the clock and would continue working tirelessly to maintain law and order.



He emphasized that establishing a peaceful and secure society was a collective responsibility and called upon the business community to work closely with the police by identifying security challenges and civic issues.



He assured the participants that the police would maintain close coordination with the business community and respond promptly to their genuine concerns.



Speaking on behalf of the Traders’ Association, Shahid Ghafoor Paracha reaffirmed the business community’s unwavering support for the Rawalpindi Police.



He said traders had always stood by the police in efforts to maintain peace and would continue to extend their full cooperation in ensuring law and order.



Traders’ community expressed confidence that the Rawalpindi Police would continue its professional approach and further strengthen measures to prevent crime and ensure a safe environment for businesses and the public alike.



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Minister addresses NIH Board, focuses effects of their decisions on health sector


Islamabad: Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Mustafa Kamal, Thursday addressed the Board of Governors of National Institute of Health (NIH), focusing effects of their actions and decisions on health sector.



While addressing, he welcomed all members, highlighting their responsibilities and role of NIH on country’s health system.



“As a member of the board, you have a huge responsibility on your shoulders,” he said, adding, ” Your decision have far- reaching impacts on patients life.”



Regarding NIH, he said, this Institution occupied central position in our health system, noting it’s role in combating epidemic diseases, diagnosis, research and training, and evidence-based policy making.



Kamal highlighted challenges faced by the country in health sector, adding that the Ministry of Health has undergone large-scale reforms.



He also ensured to take effective measures to build the NIH on modern lines.



“Practical measures to protect people from getting sick are among my priorities,” he said, adding that the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases is increasing day by day.



He focused on real-time detection of disease risks should be strengthened



Kamal said that increasing Universal Health Coverage is among his top priority.



The minister pledged to achieve Pakistan’s goal of vaccine security by promoting local vaccine production and strengthening quality assurance processes.



Reiterating the government’s commitment, Kamal said the Ministry of Health would extend all possible support to the National Institute of Health in fulfilling its mandate and enhancing the country’s public health capacity.



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DC inspects development work in Daska


Sialkot: Deputy Commissioner Owais Mushtaq on Thursday visited Daska tehsil and inspected various ongoing development projects, sanitation arrangements, and civic facilities. During the visit, the DC directed the authorities concerned to strictly implement safety Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at construction sites, remove debris without delay, and cover construction materials with green safety nets, a spokesperson for the DC Office said. While inspecting the ongoing desilting work under the “Suthra Punjab” programme, the deputy commissioner ordered the immediate removal of excavated soil and waste from the drains to ensure a clean environment and better civic services for the public. Assistant Commissioner Daska Saadia Jafar and other local administrative officials were also present.



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Over 325,000 pilgrims register online for Hajj 2027-2030


Islamabad: The digital registration process for Hajj 2027-2030 is continuing through the online Hajj portal, with the number of registered intending pilgrims surpassing 325,000.



According to the spokesperson of the religious ministry, a total of 283,000 pilgrims registered through the Hajj portal, while 43,000 completed their registration using the Pak Hajj mobile application.



Among the registered applicants, 235,000 selected the government Hajj scheme, while 90,000 opted for the private Hajj scheme.



The registered pilgrims include 191,000 men and 134,000 women. The online Hajj registration process will continue until further announcement.



The National IT Board has also developed an online system for the collection of Hajj dues.



Details of the Hajj packages and the procedure for payment will be announced soon.