Day: July 30, 2026

Gujrat: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday inaugurated the Green Electric Bus Service through a video link, launching modern public transport in Gujrat under the Punjab government’s public transport initiative.

In the first phase, 11 electric buses have been provided to Gujrat. The buses have started operating on the Gujrat-Mangowal and Gujrat-Daulat Nagar routes. Officials said the number of electric buses in the district would be increased to 28 in September, while the service would also be extended to additional routes.

The fare has been fixed at Rs 20 per passenger. The buses are equipped with wheelchair ramps to facilitate senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Deputy Commissioner Noor-ul-Ain Qureshi, MPA Abdullah Yousaf and other officials attended the inauguration ceremony. The electric bus service is aimed at providing affordable, safe and environment-friendly public transport for residents of the district.

Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has devised a comprehensive strategy for the first-ever Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign in the province, involving multiple departments and institutions to prevent cervical cancer among girls.

The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) KP, with the approval of the Chief Secretary, has assigned specific responsibilities to various government departments, educational institutions, regulatory bodies and healthcare organisations to ensure effective implementation of the campaign.

Under the strategy, the Elementary and Secondary Education Department will facilitate vaccination through schools and provide data of eligible students, while the Private Schools Regulatory Authority will ensure participation of private educational institutions in the campaign.

The Home Department will oversee security arrangements, the Finance Department will ensure timely availability of funds, and the Information Department will lead media and public awareness activities to create awareness about the importance of HPV vaccination.

The Local Government Department will support community mobilisation, while the Social Welfare Department will engage women and social organisations.

The Population Welfare Department will spread awareness through family welfare centres, whereas the Auqaf Department will involve religious scholars and mosques to promote positive messages.

Khyber Medical University, Rescue 1122 and the Healthcare Commission have also been assigned key roles, including medical student participation, emergency response and monitoring of private healthcare facilities.

Medical and professional organisations, including gynaecologists, paediatricians, public health experts and IRNUM Cancer Hospital, will provide technical guidance, address concerns of parents and support awareness activities.

Officials said the coordinated approach aims to ensure wider public participation and make the HPV vaccination drive successful across the province.

Sukkur: On the directives of Chairman of Municipal Committee Shikarpur Fayyaz Mahmood Sheikh, the work on desilting drainage lines, maintaining cleanliness and sanitation across the city was already underway to ensure neat and clean ambience.

According to official sources on Wednesday, administrative officer sanitation, Arif Sheikh, inspected the desilting and thorough cleaning work of the main drainage line in the Truck Adda area of the city and also issued various directives to the staff.

The speedy work of grass cutting and cleanliness in public parks and gardens was also underway.

Under the supervision of Garden Supervisor Maqsood Sheikh, the staff carried out grass cutting, pruning of plants, sprinkling, and cleaning at the city’s central Shahi Bagh, Wilayat Shah Park, and various other public parks.

Peshawar: An Elite Force official was martyred during a joint counterterrorism operation in Swat, while four militants were killed and several others reportedly injured, Swat police on Wednesday informed.

The joint operation is being carried out by Swat Police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) against militants in Shalkho Sar area of Swat.

According to the Swat Police spokesman, the operation is being conducted under the direct supervision of the Regional Police Officer (RPO) Malakand and the District Police Officer (DPO) Swat.

The spokesperson said security forces have tightened the cordon around the militants.

Officials claimed that militants suffered heavy losses during the operation, with four of their members killed and several others wounded.

During the exchange of fire, an Elite Force official, identified as Gulfam, embraced martyrdom while fighting the militants.

Paying tribute to the fallen officer, police said the force remains committed to making every sacrifice necessary to maintain peace and security in the region.

The police spokesman added that the operation in Shalkho Sar is still underway, with security forces continuing search and clearance activities in the area.

Rawalpindi: The district administration has established a centralized Command Post at Nighat Zar Park on Mall Road to assist tourists and handle emergencies during the ongoing monsoon season.

Operated 24/7 by personnel from Rescue 1122, Civil Defense, and Para Force, the command post will oversee emergency response operations. Additional field teams have been deployed at sensitive points including Jhika Gali, Lower Topa, Satra Mehle, and Angoori Dam.

DC Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi advised tourists to practice carefully driving, monitor weather updates and follow safety advisories issued by the district administration.