Day: July 18, 2026

Hyderabad: A lawyer who has filed a petition in the Sindh High Court against collection of illegal parking fee told the media here on Friday that he would take his legal battle to a logical conclusion by ensuring that the illegal parking fee collection was stopped.Advocate Faisal Mughal while speaking at Hyderabad Press Club claimed that the unlawful fee was being collected not only in the jurisdiction of Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (HMC) but also in the areas which fall under Cantonment Board Hyderabad, Pakistan Railways and National Highway Authority (NHA).

He contended that the public parks world over were considered public amenities but in Hyderabad the visitors were being extorted for parking fee outside the parks.Advocate Mughal referred to the laws regulating the HMC, CBH and other government departments, arguing that the parking fee collection was not provided in those laws.He apprised that Town Municipal Corporation (TMC) Qasimabad on June 2 allowed parking fee collection outside the D Park in contravention of the Sindh Government’s ban against the fee.The lawyer said the SHC Hyderabad Circuit Bench had issued notices to all respondents to submit a reply on July 21, summoning the concerned officials of the HMC in person.

Rawalpindi: The increasing number of stray dogs in Rawalpindi and nearby areas has become a serious concern for residents, especially children, women, and elderly people.

Stray dogs are often seen in residential areas, parks, markets, and around schools, making many people feel unsafe. Citizens have called on the authorities to take effective and long-term action to solve the problem.

Talking to reporter a resident, Hassan Nawaz, said that groups of stray dogs are frequently seen in several neighbourhoods, creating fear among children and older people. He urged the local authorities to adopt a permanent and humane plan instead of temporary measures.

Another resident, Abrar Ahmed, said that vaccination, sterilization, registration, and proper monitoring are necessary to control the stray dog population. He added that close cooperation between the district administration, local government, health department, and veterinary authorities is needed for a lasting solution.

Health experts warned that dog bites can spread rabies, a dangerous disease. However, they said that immediate medical treatment and anti-rabies vaccination can prevent the disease.

They advised people not to approach or disturb stray dogs. If someone is bitten, the wound should be washed immediately with soap and clean water, and the person should go to the nearest hospital for medical care and an anti-rabies vaccine.

Sialkot: Deputy Commissioner Sialkot Awais Mushtaq, during a visit to Sambrial tehsil, reviewed healthcare facilities, sanitation arrangements, civic services and ongoing administrative affairs.

According to a spokesperson, the deputy commissioner visited the Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital, where he met patients and inspected the pathology laboratory, drug store, pharmacy, outpatient department (OPD) and emergency ward.

He directed the hospital administration to shift the emergency ward to the new building and relocate the paediatrics and gynaecology wards to newly constructed blocks. He also emphasized maintaining cleanliness, ensuring the availability of medicines and providing quality healthcare services to patients.

Earlier, the deputy commissioner inspected green belts, sanitation work being carried out under the Suthra Punjab programme, drainage channels, the disposal station, Rehri Bazaar and the Main Bazaar. He instructed the relevant departments to strengthen the sanitation system, maintain cleanliness in markets and streets, and ensure the regular upkeep of green belts.

He also ordered the construction of a protective boundary wall around the disposal station pond to enhance public safety. Additionally, he directed that construction debris and building materials be kept within designated sites and properly covered to minimize dust and curb environmental pollution.

Bahawalpur: In view of the ongoing heatwave across Punjab, the District Administration Bahawalpur, in collaboration with The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), will organise a ‘Heat Safety Awareness Workshop’ on July 20, to promote public awareness about heat-related risks and preventive measures and to discuss impact of heatwave on environment.

According to an official press release issued here, the workshop will focus to educate citizens, students, teachers, and representatives of public and private organizations on heatwave safety, precautionary measures, first aid, and ways to protect themselves from the harmful effects of extreme temperatures.

During the workshop, environmental experts, medical professionals, and specialists from relevant fields will deliver detailed presentations on the health impacts of heatwaves, the signs and symptoms of heatstroke, early diagnosis, first aid, maintaining adequate hydration and electrolyte balance, protection from direct sunlight, appropriate clothing, healthy lifestyle practices, and other essential precautions to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Muzaffargarh: A 50-year-old man from Muzaffargarh has died of rabies while undergoing treatment at Lahore’s Mayo Hospital after reportedly being bitten by stray dogs .

The victim, identified as Hashim, had initially been admitted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Muzaffargarh after developing rabies following the dog attack, the official sources said.

The family sources said his condition deteriorated, prompting doctors to refer him to Mayo Hospital for specialised treatment. However, he died during treatment despite medical efforts to save his life.

The rabies is a viral disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but it can be prevented through immediate wound care and timely post-exposure vaccination after an animal bite.

Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Minister Mian Khaliqur Rehman has said that the provincial government will soon finalize the site for a proposed 1,000-bed mega hospital in Kohat Division in consultation with elected public representatives as part of its efforts to modernize the healthcare sector.

Chairing a divisional health review meeting at the Commissioner’s Office in Kohat, the minister also announced the approval of an MRI machine, a CT scanner and a cardiac catheterization laboratory (Cath Lab) for the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital Kohat.

The meeting was attended by Provincial Minister for Information Shafi Jan, Chairman DEDAC and MPA Daud Shah Afridi, Commissioner Kohat Division Syed Motasim Billah Shah, Deputy Commissioner Kohat Muhammad Nawaz Wazir, district health officers, medical superintendents and other senior officials.

The health minister said the proposed mega hospital would significantly improve access to advanced healthcare services for residents of Kohat Division and adjoining districts.

He directed the authorities to complete the Liaqat Memorial Women and Children Hospital within the stipulated timeframe, resolve issues facing Type-C and Type-D hospitals, Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centres (RHCs) in Lachi, Shakardara and other areas, restore non-functional X-ray machines and procure new diagnostic equipment where required.

During the meeting, Commissioner Syed Motasim Billah Shah briefed participants on the healthcare system in the division, stating that Kohat Division currently has 289 functional public health facilities, including one Category-A hospital. He also shared updates on the availability of medical staff, medicines, diagnostic facilities, ongoing development projects and new health schemes.

Addressing the meeting, Information Minister Shafi Jan said the provincial government was giving top priority to healthcare reforms, the provision of modern medical equipment and improved treatment facilities.

He emphasized the need for timely, transparent and quality implementation of ongoing health projects.

Later, the health minister visited the under-construction Liaqat Memorial Women and Children Hospital and DHQ Hospital Kohat, where he reviewed construction progress, inspected the emergency and other departments, met patients and their attendants, and directed the authorities to further improve the quality of healthcare services.