Month: July 2026

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World Hepatitis Day tomorrow


Lahore: Like other parts of the globe, the World Hepatitis Day will be observed on July 28 (tomorrow) to raise awareness of viral hepatitis, a major public health threat causing liver inflammation, cirrhosis, and cancer.



The day was observed to honors the birthday of Nobel Prize-winning scientist Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, over 13. 8 million people in Pakistan were suffering from chronic viral hepatitis B and C. Pakistan carries one of the highest burdens of hepOn the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) was calling for urgent action to fight a disease that continues to silently cause liver damage and cancer.



With 10 million estimated cases worldwide, Pakistan has the heaviest burden of hepatitis C globally, UN data reveals. The country has also an estimated 3. 8 million people living with hepatitis B, estimated 9 to 10 million cases of hepatitis C and another 3. 8 to 4 million cases of chronic hepatitis B.



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CM pays tribute to Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed


Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Monday paid rich tribute to Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider) on his 78th martyrdom anniversary, acknowledging his unparalleled courage and sacrifice in the defence of the nation.



In her message on Monday, the chief minister said the entire nation salutes the valour and dedication of Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed, whose supreme sacrifice continues to inspire generations. She said the country proudly remembers its brave sons who laid down their lives for the protection of the homeland.



Maryam Nawaz said the unparalleled sacrifice rendered by Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed for the defence of Pakistan could never be forgotten, adding that his courage, patriotism and devotion to duty set a shining example for the nation and the armed forces.



She said Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed had the distinction of becoming the first recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan’s highest military award for gallantry, in recognition of his extraordinary bravery during the war for the liberation of Kashmir.



The chief minister said the nation pays homage to its martyrs and remains indebted to those who sacrificed their lives to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.



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PESSI officers receive training on e-procurement system


Lahore: An e-Procurement training session was held at the auditorium of Nawaz Sharif Social Security Teaching Hospital, Multan Road, here on Monday, where expert representatives of the Punjab Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) provided comprehensive training to officers of the Punjab Employees Social Security Institution (PESSI).



During the session, PPRA representatives briefed participants on modern procurementprocedures, relevant rules and regulations, and the online procurement system. PPRA Managing Director Sahbzadi Wasima Umar also attended the session and delivered a special lecture on transparency, digitalisation and effective governance in the government procurement system. The participants received detailed training on e-Procurement modules, the tendering process and bid management. PESSI officers were also briefed on the practical use of the online procurement system and modern procurement methods. The training session aimed to enhance the institutional capacity of PESSI officers and equip them with modern knowledge and skills in procurement management. A large number of PESSI officers and officials actively participated in the session. In line with the Punjab government’s vision of digitalisation, the use of modern technology was being promoted across Punjab Social Security. The implementation of the e-Procurement system wa
s expected to further enhance transparency, efficiency and ffectiveness in the procurement process.



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Commissioner reviews model village development projects in Ahmedpur East


Bahawalpur: Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Syed Hasan Raza, visited Mouza Bahawalpur Ghulwan in Tehsil Ahmedpur East to review progress on model village development



projects being implemented under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to provide urban-standard civic amenities in rural areas.



During the visit, the Divisional Coordinator briefed the Commissioner on development schemes being executed in Bahawalpur district under the Punjab Rural Municipal Services Company (PRMSC). He informed the Commissioner that major development projects were underway in 22 villages across the district, and a detailed review of their physical and financial progress was presented.



The commissioner was informed that 22 villages across the division had been selected to receive urban-style municipal facilities. Development work is progressing rapidly in 21 villages, while one village is currently inactive. According to the briefing, Mouza Bahawalpur Ghulwan has emerged as one of the leading projects, achieving 51 percent physical progress, with drainage systems, paved streets, streetlights, and water supply schemes nearing completion.



Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia directed the concerned departments to accelerate work in all villages, particularly those where progress remains slow or below target, to ensure timely completion of the projects.



He emphasized that government funds must be utilized transparently and that all development schemes should be completed within the stipulated timeframe while maintaining the highest construction standards. He also stressed the need for effective monitoring to ensure quality implementation. The commissioner said that, in line with the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, providing sustainable and high-quality civic infrastructure to rural communities remains a top priority of the provincial government and the district administration.



Assistant Commissioner Ahmedpur East Iqra Nasir and officers from the relevant departments were also present during the visit.



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Dr. Musadik chairs audit NITB directives meeting


Islamabad: Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, chaired the first meeting of the Committee constituted on the directives of the Prime Minister to audit and review the implementation of directives issued to the National Information Technology Board (NITB).



Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Secretary Establishment Division, and Chief Executive Officer of NITB also attended the meeting.



During the meeting, the Committee briefed the minister on the functioning and operations of NITB, as well as the 27 directives issued to improve its working, strengthen institutional efficiency, and streamline operationalisation.



The Committee reviewed the progress and implementation status of the directives and discussed measures to further improve the functioning and effectiveness of NITB.



The Committee will reconvene in the coming days to continue its review and deliberate further on the implementation of the directives.



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Efforts afoot to ensure quality animal healthcare services


Tank: The district administration is taking effective steps to provide quality veterinary services to livestock farmers, across the district.



In this regard, Additional Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Irfan Khan visited the civil veterinary hospital in Ranwal to review facilities and service in the facility.



According to the administration, he examined staff attendance, medicine records, cleanliness, the hospital building, the Outpatient Department (OPD), and other facilities. The inspection found staff attendance, sanitation standards, and OPD performance to be satisfactory.



Muhammad Irfan Khan directed the hospital staff to maintain high standards of cleanliness, ensure timely examination and treatment of livestock, and provide quality veterinary services to farmers without negligence.



Speaking on the occasion, he said the administration was committed to ensuring the uninterrupted availability of basic veterinary healthcare services for livestock owners in Ranwal and surrounding areas.



In this regard, he added that improved animal health services remained a key priority under the provincial government’s public service agenda.