Day: July 22, 2026

Muzaffargarh: Poultry vendors observed a strike and staged a protest outside the Muzaffargarh Press Club on Tuesday against a daily tax imposed by the Municipal Committee, demanding its immediate withdrawal.

The demonstration was led by District Poultry Association President Sheikh Shan Akhtar with protesters chanting slogans against what they termed an “unjustified and illegal” levy.

According to the association, the Municipal Committee has imposed a daily tax of Rs.300 on poultry vendors. Protesters argued that the levy was beyond the means of small traders, saying a vendor earning around Rs.800 a day could not afford to pay Rs.300 in daily tax.

The association urged the government to withdraw the tax immediately, warning that its continuation would place an additional financial burden on poultry vendors already struggling with rising business costs.

Peshawar: To improve access to quality immunization services in the remote, mountainous and underserved district of Upper Kohistan, a Digital Immunization Hub has been established at the Rural Health Centre (RHC) Dassu.

The initiative has been launched by HUJRA Village Support Organization in collaboration with the District Health Department to strengthen the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) through improved coordination, digital data management, community engagement and enhanced service delivery.

“Geographic isolation, difficult terrain, limited infrastructure and inadequate health system support have historically contributed to low vaccination coverage, high dropout rates and delays in routine immunization in Upper Kohistan,” said Dr. Munib ur Rehman, Team Lead of HUJRA Village Support Organization.

The Digital Immunization Hub is designed to improve the planning, monitoring and delivery of routine immunization services while ensuring that children in remote communities receive life-saving vaccines on time and regularly, he added.

The initiative was formally inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Upper Kohistan, Tariq Ali Khan, who appreciated the collaboration between the district administration, HUJRA Organization and the health department.

‘Establishment of this digitized immunization hub is a vital step for enhancing ability of health teams to track immunization coverage, manage data effectively and reach every child in the most remote corners of the district,’ Dr. Munib continued.

The immunization hub will not serve just a center for data, but will perform as a beacon of better healthcare for Upper Kohistan, representing commitment, coordination and innovation.

He also expressed the hope that this initiative will improve accountability, increase outreach and create strong linkages between communities and health systems.

The immunization hub will be empowering healthcare infrastructure in Upper Kohistan and sets a strong foundation for future expansion and sustainability in digital health services across the region.

Dera ismail khan: Two alleged inter-provincial robbery suspects, including a man described by police as a notorious criminal wanted in dozens of cases, were arrested after being injured in an exchange of fire with police here at Sheikh Yousaf Adda on Tuesday.

According to police, the operation was carried out under the supervision of DSP City Syed Sagheer Gilani, SHO Cantt Abdul Ghaffar Khan and SHO Shorkot Aftab Alam Baloch.

Acting on intelligence regarding the movement of the suspects, the police set up a checkpoint at Sheikh Yousaf Adda. When officers signaled a car to stop, the occupants allegedly opened fire on the police party. The police retaliated fire in what they described as an act of self-defense.

After the firing stopped, the police searched the vehicle and arrested the two injured suspects, identified as Safdar Ali and Ahsan, son of Sajjad, a resident of Faisalabad.

According to police, Safdar Ali is a notorious inter-provincial robber allegedly wanted to police in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in around 40 cases involving murder, robbery, theft and illegal arms smuggling. His accomplice is also wanted in criminal cases.

The police further claimed that both suspects were also involved in robbery and theft cases registered at City and Paharpur police stations in Dera Ismail Khan.

The injured suspects were taken into custody and shifted to hospital for medical treatment before further legal proceedings.

Commending the police team for the successful operation, DPO Ziauddin Ahmed said the district police would continue indiscriminate action against criminal elements and remain committed to maintaining peace and protecting the lives and property of citizens.

Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Police have been placed on high alert following monsoon rains and the threat of flash flooding across the province.

Officials said on Tuesday that Tourism Police personnel have been deployed at major tourist destinations to ensure the safety of visitors, provide guidance and respond to emergencies when needed.

Special security and safety measures have been implemented across tourist sites in the Hazara and Malakand divisions, where thousands of tourists are currently visiting.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have urged visitors to follow official advisories and cooperate with rescue and security personnel.

Sukkur: Director Health Sukkur division, Dr. Farrukh Imtiaz Bhanbhro after assuming charge of his office, held a meeting with WHO Provincial Head, Dr. Mukhtiar Hussain Bhayo, at the WHO Sub Office Sukkur on Tuesday.

During the meeting, matters related to implementation of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols, prevention of communicable diseases, and awareness regarding HIV, TB and Malaria were discussed. Dr. Mukhtiar Hussain Bhayo assured full cooperation and support.

Dr. Bhanbhro said that all out measures will be taken to provide better healthcare facilities to the people of Sukkur. He said that work will be carried out on a priority basis in line with the policy and vision of the Health Department and under the directives of higher authorities.

Faisalabad: Vice President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) Engr. Asim Munir has appreciated the Government of Pakistan for its visionary efforts to promote Artificial Intelligence (AI) through strategic collaboration with the People’s Republic of China, describing it as a transformative step towards building a knowledge-based and technology-driven economy.

In a statement here on Tuesday, he said that Pakistan-China cooperation in artificial intelligence will accelerate technological innovation, strengthen research and development, facilitate technology transfer, and create new opportunities for businesses, startups, academia, and the country’s youth.

He noted that AI has the potential to revolutionize key sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, education, logistics, and public service delivery, thereby enhancing Pakistan’s global competitiveness.

Engr. Asim Munir particularly appreciated Mr. Ali Mustafa Dar, Adviser to the Chief Minister Punjab on Artificial Intelligence and Special Initiatives, for his dynamic leadership and unwavering commitment to establishing a robust AI ecosystem in Punjab.

He remarked that Ali Mustafa Dar has played a pivotal role in promoting artificial intelligence as a strategic priority for the province by encouraging innovation, supporting AI-driven governance, fostering collaboration between industry and academia, and creating opportunities for the next generation of technology professionals.

He said that such visionary leadership will help position Punjab as a leading hub for digital transformation and emerging technologies in Pakistan.

He further acknowledged the Government of Punjab’s growing emphasis on digital innovation, skill development, and AI-enabled governance, expressing confidence that these initiatives will attract investment, generate high-value employment opportunities, and strengthen the province’s economic future.

Engr. Asim Munir emphasized that the business community stands ready to support public-private partnerships that accelerate AI adoption across industries.

He stressed that close collaboration between government institutions, academia, the private sector, and international partners will be essential for developing indigenous AI solutions and preparing Pakistan’s workforce for the future digital economy.

Engr. Asim Munir also reaffirmed FCCI’s commitment to supporting every initiative aimed at technological advancement, innovation, and digital transformation.

He expressed hope that the continued partnership between Pakistan and China, coupled with the proactive leadership of Punjab’s AI initiatives, will pave the way for sustainable economic growth, industrial modernization, and a globally competitive Pakistan.