Month: July 2026

Abbottabad: Two young boys lost their lives in separate drowning incidents while bathing at waterfalls in Abbottabad district over the past two days, highlighting continued violations of the district administration’s ban on bathing in rivers, streams, waterfalls and other natural water bodies amid the ongoing heatwave.

Despite the restrictions, many people continue to ignore the ban, raising concerns over public safety and the risk of further tragedies.

The district administrations of Abbottabad, Mansehra and Mansehra have once again urged the public to strictly comply with the ban on bathing in rivers, streams, waterfalls, and other natural water bodies, warning that violations are putting lives at serious risk.

Despite the ban, many people continue to ignore the restrictions and visit these sites for swimming and bathing, undermining the authorities’ efforts to prevent drowning incidents.

The warning comes after two young boys lost their lives in separate drowning incidents one at Jandar Bari Waterfall in Galiyat and the other in Shahkot, Abbottabad.

The district administrations have appealed to citizens, particularly parents, to cooperate with the authorities and avoid visiting rivers, streams, waterfalls, and other water bodies during the ongoing heatwave to prevent further tragedies.

Dera ismail khan : The district administration, in collaboration with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety and Halal Food Authority and the Livestock Department, continued its food safety drive across Dera Ismail Khan.

The campaign is being carried out under the directives of Deputy Commissioner Dera Ismail Khan and the supervision of Assistant Commissioner (Headquarters) Dr Hamid Siddique.

During inspections, officials tested 35 milk samples, of which 33 met quality standards, while two adulterated samples were fined.

A separate inspection also led to the seizure and destruction of a large quantity of substandard minced meat, with legal action initiated against those responsible.

Assistant Commissioner (Headquarters) Dr Hamid said strict action against food adulteration would continue to ensure the provision of safe and quality food to the public.

Multan: A two-day Advanced Laparoscopic Summit 2026 concluded at Nishtar Medical University and Hospital, bringing together leading surgeons, faculty members and trainees from across the country. The event, held on July 3-4, was attended by prominent experts, young fellows and postgraduate trainees (PGRs) specializing in laparoscopic surgery. The summit was patronized by Vice Chancellor Nishtar Medical University Prof Dr Mahnaz Khakwani and Dean of Surgery and President Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Multan Prof Dr Masood-ul-Rauf Hiraj. During the two-day academic program, sessions covered modern trends in laparoscopic surgery, new technology, complex operations and live surgical demonstrations.

Senior surgeons and master trainers shared their experience and expertise with participants, while young surgeons and trainees were briefed on the latest techniques. Experts including Prof Farooq Afzal, Prof Majid Chaudhry, Prof Farooq Rana, Prof Abul Fazal Khan, Prof Khalid Qureshi, Prof Naveed Akhtar, Prof Muzaffar Gopang, Prof Manzar Ali, Prof Farrukh Aftab, Shams-ul-Hassan, Irmaghan, Umair Ahmed, Ali Akbar and Shahriyar Niazi attended the event. They said such academic programs play a vital role in enhancing the professional skills of young surgeons, promoting modern medical research and providing better treatment facilities to patients. Addressing the closing ceremony, Prof Dr Masood-ul-Rauf Hiraj thanked the vice chancellor, national faculty, master trainers, organizers, moderators, surgical teams and participants for the summit’s successful conduct. He said the cooperation and active participation of all attendees made the two-day academic conference a success. He expressed hope that such academic prog
rams would continue to be held in the future.

Peshawar: The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has approved several multi-billion-rupee mega development projects for Kohat in its annual budget, including a 1,000-bed state-of-the-art general hospital, major road rehabilitation schemes and a new interchange aimed at improving regional connectivity.

According to government sources on Sunday, the projects were approved following sustained efforts and close coordination by Provincial Minister for Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan, Provincial Minister for Law Aftab Alam, Member of the National Assembly Shehryar Afridi and Member of the Provincial Assembly Daud Shah Afridi.

The flagship project, a 1,000-bed general hospital, is expected to significantly strengthen healthcare services in Kohat and the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The facility will provide advanced medical treatment and reduce the need for patients to travel to larger cities for specialized healthcare.

The approved development package also includes the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the road linking Pindi Road on the Indus Highway to the Bannu Gate Police Checkpost. Officials said the project would improve traffic flow, enhance road safety and facilitate commercial activity across the district.

Another major initiative is the construction of an interchange at the Dhoda Sharif-Khairmatoo Junction on the Indus Highway. Authorities said the project would improve regional connectivity, ease traffic congestion and help reduce road accidents.

Government officials described the approved projects as a major milestone in strengthening Kohat’s healthcare infrastructure, transport network and overall public service delivery. They said the initiatives would support long-term economic growth, improve access to essential services and enhance the quality of life for residents across the region.

Quetta: Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti engaged in a widely attended Open X Space session, where his evidence-backed conversation dismantled misleading claims about Balochistan, particularly regarding missing persons.

The dialogue drew over 16,000 participants, including sub-nationalists, NGO representatives, and critics, and was praised for its clarity and reliance on verifiable facts, said a news release issued by CM’s Secretariat.

Sarfraz Bugti highlighted that under the Youth Engagement Plan, multiple projects are underway to provide better opportunities for young people across all districts, including Gwadar.

He criticized the Baloch Yakjehti Committee for attempting to incite violence under the guise of missing persons and public rights.

He further noted that the provincial government has introduced pension reforms, an electric vehicles policy, reduced unnecessary expenditures, and implemented comprehensive reforms across departments.

Special funds have been allocated for higher education scholarships through the Education Endowment Fund, while a Rs. 4 billion project is ensuring high-speed internet access across schools, colleges, universities, and health centers.

Bugti reaffirmed that Pakistan’s professional armed forces guarantee that violent elements cannot undermine the writ of the state.

Experts observed that the Chief Minister’s fact-driven stance effectively neutralized propaganda against Balochistan. The overwhelming participation of youth and their endorsement of the state’s narrative was seen as clear evidence of the failure of foreign-backed proxies.

Sarfraz Bugti’s willingness to answer tough questions with composure and evidence was hailed as a model of transparent governance and effective public engagement, setting a new precedent for direct dialogue between leadership and citizens.

Peshawar: The district administration in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Department has sealed 12 poultry feed factories in Haripur’s Industrial Estate following numerous public complaints about foul odors and air pollution.

According to the district administration, the action was taken due to environmental pollution, poor sanitation, improper disposal of industrial waste and wastewater and alleged violations of labor laws.

The crackdown, carried out under the supervision of the district administration, targeted factories found to be contributing to environmental degradation and creating health concerns for nearby residents.

Authorities have also directed the police to initiate legal action regarding the alleged illegal transportation and disposal of poultry waste.

The district administration warned other industries operating in the Industrial Estate to strictly comply with environmental regulations, labor laws, sanitation standards, and waste management rules.

Officials reiterated that providing citizens with a clean and healthy environment remains a top priority, adding that strict action against environmental violations will continue in the future.