Day: July 25, 2026

Kohat: Commissioner Kohat Division Syed Motasim Billah Shah on Friday directed all district departments in Kurram to ensure the presence of officers during office hours and deliver efficient public services, warning that negligence and unauthorized absence would not be tolerated.

Chairing a high-level administrative meeting in Parachinar, the commissioner reviewed the performance of government departments, progress on development schemes and the status of public service delivery.

Deputy Commissioner Kurram Fahad Wazir, District Police Officer Malik Habib Khan and heads of various departments attended the meeting, said a press release.

Shah instructed officials to strictly implement the provincial government’s directives on improving governance and service delivery, emphasizing that government offices must remain accessible and responsive to the public.

Expressing concern over reports of absenteeism in some departments, he directed the district administration to conduct regular and surprise inspections of government offices.

He said officers found absent without valid reasons would face disciplinary action under the relevant rules. The commissioner urged departmental heads to ensure transparency, accountability and prompt resolution of public complaints, saying efficient governance was essential for strengthening public confidence in state institutions.

Later, a delegation of tribal elders met the commissioner and paid tribute to the late Haji Izzat Gul, a prominent member of the Divisional Grand Jirga, for his contributions to promoting lasting peace in Kurram and supporting the implementation of the Kohat Peace Accord. The elders offered prayers for the departed leader and described his role in fostering harmony as a lasting legacy.

Multan: Rescue 1122 on Friday urged citizens to adopt precautionary measures to minimize the risk of accidents during the monsoon season, warning that timely preventive steps could help save lives and protect property from rain-related emergencies.

District Emergency Officer(DEO) Rescue 1122, Dr Hussain Mian, issued the advisory in accordance with the special directives of Punjab Emergency Services Secretary Dr Rizwan Naseer, saying that all rescue teams and equipment had been placed on high alert under the department’s Monsoon Emergency Plan.

He said the forecast of heavy monsoon rains could lead to urban flooding, strong winds, collapsing dilapidated buildings, electrocution, traffic accidents, drowning incidents and other emergencies. However, he added that most such incidents could be avoided through public awareness and strict adherence to safety guidelines.

Dr Hussain Mian advised citizens to inspect old buildings, roofs, walls, balconies and pillars and carry out necessary repairs before the onset of heavy rains. He urged people to avoid living in or visiting unsafe and dilapidated structures, as continuous rainfall could weaken them further. He also stressed the importance of cleaning rooftop drains, gutters and water outlets to prevent water accumulation.

Referring to the increased risk of electrocution during the rainy season, he asked the public not to touch electrical appliances, switches or exposed wires with wet hands or while standing barefoot. He advised consumers to repair faulty wiring, avoid illegal electrical connections and stay away from broken power lines, transformers and electrical installations submerged in rainwater. Parents, he said, should educate children about electrical hazards and prevent them from playing in rainwater near power installations.

The DEO also warned citizens against crossing canals, rivers, rain-fed streams, flooded roads, underpasses or fast-flowing water, saying the depth and strength of water currents could be misleading and life-threatening. He urged parents to keep children away from open manholes, canals and other water bodies.

He said Rescue 1122 Multan had completed all preparations for the monsoon season, with ambulances, fire and rescue vehicles, water rescue teams, rescue boats, life jackets, life buoys, specialized rescue equipment and trained rescuers ready to respond to any emergency. Monitoring of low-lying areas, rainwater drains and potential flood points had also been intensified.

Dr Hussain advised motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, drive at reduced speeds, use headlights, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and strictly observe traffic rules.

He appealed to the public to immediately report incidents such as fires, building collapses, electrocution, drowning or other emergencies by calling the Rescue 1122 helpline (1122), enabling rescue teams to provide timely assistance.

“Precaution, public awareness and responsible behavior are the most effective safeguards against monsoon-related accidents, ” he said, adding that Rescue 1122 Multan remained fully prepared to respond to emergencies round the clock.

Peshawar: Khyber Medical University (KMU) Peshawar and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University (SMBBMU) Larkana on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance long-term collaboration in academic excellence, digital governance, research, innovation and institutional capacity building.

The MoU was signed during a visit of a high-level delegation from SMBB Medical University Larkana, led by its Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Nusrat Shah, to KMU Peshawar.

The delegation, comprising Professor Dr. Waseem Abbas, Director Institute of Pharmacy, Altamash Shiraz, Director Quality Enhancement Cell, Ahmed Bux Dahani, Additional Controller of Examinations, and Farooq Ali Bhutto, Deputy Director IT, was received by KMU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Zia-ul-Haq and senior university officials.

During the visit, Professor Dr. Zill-e-Huma, Director Academics and Admissions, briefed the delegation on KMU’s academic system, digital transformation initiatives and modern administrative practices. The delegation also visited the Computer-Based Examination (CBE) system, e-Office, Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC), research laboratories and examination facilities to observe the university’s paperless administrative framework, quality assurance mechanisms and digital examination processes.

Speaking on the occasion, Professor Dr. Zia-ul-Haq said collaboration among Pakistani universities and the exchange of knowledge, expertise and best practices were essential for promoting medical education, research, innovation and institutional development.

Professor Dr. Nusrat Shah said that while learning from institutions in developed countries remained important, Pakistani universities also possessed valuable academic, administrative and research expertise that should be shared through mutual collaboration. She expressed confidence that such partnerships would further strengthen higher medical education, research and academic standards across the country.

Under the MoU, both universities agreed to collaborate in promoting academic quality, digital governance, research, faculty and student capacity building, examination systems, innovation, joint research projects and institutional development.

The visiting delegation appreciated KMU’s achievements in academic excellence, digital innovation and research management, describing the visit and the signing of the MoU as a significant step towards sustainable collaboration, mutual learning and institutional growth between the two universities.

Mansehra: Adviser to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Zakat and Ushr, Social Welfare, Special Education and Women Development, Malik Liaqat Khan on Friday said the provincial government was committed to empowering Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable segments of society through expanded welfare programmes, strict implementation of the Disability Act and improved access to social protection services.

Addressing an open court after inspecting the Social Welfare Complex here, the adviser said he was visiting welfare institutions across the province on the directives of the Chief Minister to assess public issues firsthand and ensure their prompt resolution.

He directed officials to provide employment opportunities for women residing in Dar-ul-Aman shelters and ensure that wheelchairs, tricycles, sewing machines and other assistive devices were distributed strictly on merit under a transparent mechanism.

Malik Liaqat announced that the Panah Gah at King Abdullah Teaching Hospital would be further upgraded, vocational centres for PWDs would be activated, and technical education centres would be affiliated with the Technical Board to enhance skills development and employment opportunities for youth. He also directed District Zakat Officers to conduct doorstep registration of PWDs at the Union Council and Village Council levels.

He said the government planned to establish sports complexes for PWDs at divisional headquarters, introduced a laptop scheme, strengthen artificial limb centres and enforce the mandatory two percent employment quota for PWDs in government departments. He added that the Ehsaas Card Programme would soon be relaunched and deserving members of minority communities would also benefit from Zakat funds.

Earlier, District Social Welfare Officer, Saira Mushtaq briefed the adviser on the department’s performance, ongoing development projects and welfare initiatives in Mansehra. Secretary Social Welfare Sharif Hussain, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf leader, Kamal Saleem Swati, departmental officers and local dignitaries were also present at the event.

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad police have arrested a man and his wife in the case of murder of his first wife on May 6 in the limits of Phuleli police station.

The police spokesman informed on Friday that the suspect Bilal Shah alias Comrade and his second wife, who were booked in the murder FIR of 25 years old Mahnoor, were hiding since the incident.

According to him, SSP Shahzaib Chachar had formed a team to pursue the case and that team of cops eventually found the escaping couple.

He told that as per the initial investigation Shah shot dead Mahnoor with whom his relationship had already worsened before the alleged killing. The FIR was registered under sections 302 and 34 of Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

Gwadar: Gwadar City Police successfully foiled a robbery attempt through timely action, arresting two suspects and recovering stolen motorcycles along with weapons and ammunition.

Police reported that the suspects, identified as Naeem son of Wali Dad and Sami son of Azeem, both residents of Kalanchi Para, Gwadar, had opened fire on Murad Bakhsh son of Muhammad Usman, a resident of Chabrekani, and snatched his motorcycle.

Upon receiving the report, Gwadar City Police immediately pursued the suspects and arrested them within minutes, recovering the snatched motorcycle.

During the operation, police seized one 125cc motorcycle, a TT pistol, and eight live rounds from the suspects. Further investigation led to the recovery of three additional motorcycles based on the suspects’ identification.

Authorities confirmed that a case has been registered against the suspects, and further investigation is underway to determine their involvement in other criminal activities.