Day: July 27, 2026

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Govt prioritizes facilities for devotees during Data Darbar Urs


Lahore: Punjab Secretary Auqaf and Chief Administrator Dr. Ehsan Bhutta on Sunday stated that providing maximum facilities to hundreds of thousands of devotees expected to attend the annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (Ali Hajveri) remained the top priority of the Punjab government.



Chairing a high-level review meeting at Data Darbar, he said all relevant departments had been fully mobilized to ensure that pilgrims arriving from across Pakistan and abroad faced no inconvenience during the grand spiritual event.



The meeting was attended by Administrator Data Darbar Muhammad Ali Khan, Khateeb of Data Darbar Mosque Mufti Mukhtar Ahmad Nadeem, Convener Langar Committee Mansoor Rizvi, Convener Milk Sabeel Committee Imran Hanafi, SSP Special Branch Tariq Aziz, and senior officials of the shrine administration.



Briefing the participants, Mufti Mukhtar Ahmad Nadeem announced that two days of preliminary religious programmes would be held on July 30 and 31, while the three-day annual Urs celebrations will officially take place from August 2 to 4. The events will feature international Qirat and Naat competitions, spiritual gatherings, and scholarly conferences with the participation of eminent scholars and Qaris from Pakistan and abroad.



Administrator Data Darbar Muhammad Ali Khan informed the meeting that, in line with the Regional Peace Committee’s directives, comprehensive arrangements had been finalized for round-the-clock langar distribution, CCTV-based security monitoring, and foolproof security measures.



Concluding the session, Dr. Ehsan Bhutta directed the authorities to ensure proper accommodation and food for devotees, set up first-aid medical camps, maintain an uninterrupted supply of chilled drinking water, uphold strict cleanliness, provide adequate parking facilities, and manage smooth traffic to ensure the Urs concludes in a peaceful and spiritually conducive atmosphere.



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Special cleanliness drive completed at Badami Bagh Market


Lahore: A special cleanliness drive was successfully carried out at the Badami Bagh Fruit and Vegetable Market under the supervision of Punjab Agricultural Marketing Regulatory Authority (PAMRA) Director General Zeshan Nusrullah Ranjha, in line with the directives of the Punjab Chief Minister and the Secretary of the Food Safety and Consumer Protection Department.



According to a handout issued here on Sunday, the campaign included a comprehensive cleaning of the entire market along with the washing of roads, resulting in a cleaner, healthier and more pleasant environment.



Traders, commission agents and other stakeholders lauded the initiative and thanked the Punjab Chief Minister, the Secretary of the Food Safety and Consumer Protection Department and the PAMRA Director General for undertaking the cleanliness drive.



They said it was the first time such a comprehensive cleaning and road-washing operation had been conducted in the market, adding that its positive impact was immediately visible.



During his visit, DG PAMRA Zeshan Nusrullah Ranjha also reviewed the progress of ongoing development projects, including the construction of new roads, reconstruction of the boundary wall and other infrastructure works.



He directed the concerned officials and the contractor to expedite the pace of work and emphasized that, in view of the ongoing monsoon season, all projects should be completed at the earliest in accordance with the prescribed standards to ensure timely provision of improved facilities to traders and the public.



The trader community expressed hope that the Punjab government would continue such cleanliness, development and public welfare initiatives to maintain a clean market, modern infrastructure and a healthy environment on a sustainable basis.



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Saleem Memon seeks adequate power allocation from National Grid to HESCO region


Hyderabad: The President Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry, Muhammad Saleem Memon has said that the significant reduction in power supplied to HESCO region from the National Grid, repeated technical faults in NTDC’s transmission system and the resulting forced load shedding have severely affected the industrial, commercial and business activities of the entire Hyderabad Division.



He urged the Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division), Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, to take immediate notice of this serious situation and ensure adequate power allocation from the National Grid to the HESCO region, along with urgent measures to improve the transmission system.



According to a press release issued here on Sunday, Saleem Memon said that as per information received to the chamber, HESCO used to be supplied with about 900 MW of electricity from the national grid in the past, however, in the current situation, this supply has reduced to about 550 to 600 MW, due to which HESCO is having to do forced load shedding and load management on various feeders.



In addition, frequent technical faults and breakdowns in the NTDC transmission system are also continuously affecting the supply of electricity, due to which the business community is facing severe difficulties.



He said that industries, markets, commercial centers and small businesses in Hyderabad, Kotri, Jamshoro, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal and other areas of HESCO are suffering huge financial losses due to unannounced shutdowns and uncertain power supply.



The HCSTSI President stated that in view of the current monsoon season, if timely maintenance of the transmission system, repair of weak installations and emergency arrangements are not made, the power situation may become more serious, the effects of which will not only affect industry and trade but also the general consumers.



He demanded from the federal government that power supply to the HESCO region from the National Grid be restored immediately to the previous level.



He further said that a strong and uninterrupted power supply is essential not only for industry and trade but also for the stability of the national economy, investment, employment and government revenues.



He said that the Hyderabad Chamber is sanguine that the federal government will take immediate steps for a permanent and effective solution to this problem so that the economic activities of the Hyderabad division are not affected.



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University of Haripur holds MPhil, PhD admission test


Haripur: The University of Haripur successfully conducted the entrance test for admissions to its Fall 2026 MPhil and PhD programmes on Sunday, with around 500 candidates from across the country participating.



According to the university administration, admissions are being offered in nearly 30 MPhil and 20 PhD disciplines.



The test was held in a transparent, well-organised, and peaceful environment with comprehensive arrangements for candidates.



Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Abid Fareed lauded the Advanced Studies and Research Board (ASRB), particularly Dr Sami Ullah Niazi, for ensuring the successful conduct of the test through effective planning and supervision.



The university said the results will be announced on Tuesday on its official website, reaffirming its commitment to merit, transparency and high academic standards throughout the admissions process.



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Improved management transforms DHQ Wana into trusted healthcare institution in South Waziristan


Peshawar: Improved management, strengthened governance, upgraded medical facilities and a patient-centred approach have significantly enhanced healthcare services at the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital Wana, making it one of the most trusted healthcare institutions in South Waziristan.



Located in one of Pakistan’s most remote and strategically important regions, DHQ Hospital Wana has undergone a remarkable transformation since the Medical Emergency Resilience Foundation (MERF) assumed responsibility for its management under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s outsourcing initiative.



MERF, an international humanitarian organization, works with governments to improve access to quality, equitable, efficient and affordable healthcare services.



‘A key driver of this transformation has been the strengthening of the hospital’s human resources, ‘ says Dr. Abdul Basit, Provincial Manager MERF KP.



Every month, the hospital provides emergency care, trauma management, critical interventions and essential medical services to hundreds of patients from South Waziristan and adjoining areas.



Dr. Abdul Basit said the hospital is staffed by 14 specialist doctors providing expert care across multiple disciplines, while 24 medical officers ensure round-the-clock healthcare services. The workforce is further supported by 22 trained nurses, 38 paramedics and around 150 administrative and support staff.



Hospital performance indicators reflect substantial progress in service delivery as Outpatient Department (OPD) attendance increased from 64, 414 to 742, 964 patients, demonstrating growing public confidence and improved access to healthcare services.



Maternal health services also recorded significant improvement, with the number of normal and Caesarean-section deliveries increasing from 690 to 13, 547, contributing to safer childbirth and improved maternal and newborn care.



Diagnostic services expanded considerably, with laboratory investigations increasing from 9, 471 to 939, 693, enabling timely diagnosis and more effective treatment. Similarly, inpatient admissions rose from 2, 419 to 132, 162, reflecting improved access to quality hospital care.



The hospital’s surgical services also witnessed substantial growth, with the number of surgical procedures increasing from 677 to 29, 201, enabling thousands of patients to receive quality surgical care within their own district.



Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) services also improved, with the number of fully immunized children increasing from 161 to 1, 228, strengthening child health and protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.



In addition to expanding healthcare services, MERF upgraded key hospital facilities, including the registration unit, emergency department, emergency ward, outpatient department, operation theatre, laboratory, labour room, inpatient wards and dental unit.



The improvements have enhanced patient flow, strengthened infection prevention measures and created a safer and more efficient healthcare environment.



Officials attributed these achievements to the joint efforts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department, MERF, healthcare professionals and hospital staff, working together to improve healthcare delivery in South Waziristan.



They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening public healthcare services through improved governance, transparency, accountability and professional excellence, ensuring that quality healthcare remains accessible to communities living in one of the country’s most underserved regions.



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SEPCO Director Calls on Khursheed Shah


Sukkur: Member of the Board of Directors, SEPCO Power Division (WAPDA), Sunan Islam Sheikh on Sunday called on senior leader of Pakistan Peoples Party and Member of the National Assembly, Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, inquired about his well-being, and apprised him of the electricity-related issues being faced by the people in Sukkur.



On the occasion, the leaders also extended heartfelt birthday greetings to President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari and prayed to Allah Almighty for his best health, steadfastness and abundant strength.



They said that may Allah Almighty enable Asif Ali Zardari to continue serving Pakistan with vision, wisdom and sincerity.