Month: July 2026

Peshawar: The local traffic police on Saturday launched a crackdown against owners of public transport after receiving complaints of overcharging.

During crackdown, several vehicles were impounded and owners were penalized for fleecing passengers. Traffic police officials have warned owners that strict action would be taken against those found guilty of violating the fare list.

Officials warned drivers to follow the issued guidelines and cooperate with the administration to avoid any inconvenience.

Following the crackdown, owners met with representatives of district administration and promised that no passenger would be overcharged.

Chiniot: The district administration and police on Saturday carried out their third pre-flood mock exercise on the Chenab River to assess preparedness for potential flooding during the 2026 monsoon season. Deputy Commissioner Ayesha Rizwan and District Police Officer Dr. Naveed Atif inspected the exercise, organized by Rescue 1122 at the Chenab River Bridge, and reviewed emergency response arrangements.

District Emergency Officer Tahira Khan briefed the officials on the district’s flood contingency plan, available rescue resources, institutional coordination, and operational strategies for responding to potential flood emergencies. The exercise focused on evaluating the effectiveness of response mechanisms and strengthening coordination among departments responsible for disaster management.

Officials said the drill was designed to test the district’s ability to respond swiftly to flood emergencies, enhance the efficiency of relief operations, and ensure the protection of lives and property through coordinated action. They added that the exercise provided an opportunity to identify operational gaps and improve inter-agency preparedness before the peak flood season.

Rescue 1122, the Health Department, Civil Defence, Agriculture Department, Social Welfare, Livestock Department and other relevant agencies participated in the exercise. Rescue teams demonstrated boat operations, evacuation of stranded people, water rescue techniques, first aid, and emergency medical transfers, while relief and medical camps, a disaster response camp, and an emergency control room were established to simulate a comprehensive flood response.

Hyderabad: As many as 28 students of the Sindh University’s Laar Campus, Badin, received financial assistance under the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Need-cum-Merit Scholarship programme during a cheque distribution ceremony held on campus on Saturday.

Each student was awarded a scholarship cheque of Rs42,000, taking the total amount disbursed to Rs1.176 million.

Speaking on the occasion, Campus Coordinator Prof Dr Muhammad Tufail Chandio said the scholarship programme reflected the university’s commitment to ensuring that talented students were not deprived of higher education because of financial hardships.

He urged the scholarship recipients to make the best use of the financial assistance, remain dedicated to their studies and continue striving for academic excellence.

He also appreciated the Higher Education Commission for extending support to deserving students, particularly those belonging to underdeveloped and underserved areas like Badin and other adjoining districts.

The ceremony was organized by the campus focal person for the Student Financial Aid Office (SFAO) Dr Azeem Akhtar Bhatti, who highlighted the importance of financial support in enabling students to complete their education without undue economic burden

Kohat: Kohat Traffic Police launched a crackdown on Suzuki drivers accused of overcharging passengers, impounding several vehicles during an enforcement operation, officials said on Saturday.

Following the action, representatives of the Suzuki Union and drivers operating on the Kamal Khel and Shadi Khel routes met Traffic In-charge Arab Jan to discuss complaints regarding excessive fares and ensure compliance with government regulations.

During the meeting, Arab Jan directed all drivers to strictly adhere to the government-approved fare schedule and warned that charging passengers above the notified rates would invite legal action. He said the traffic police would continue monitoring public transport to protect commuters from exploitation.

Union representatives and drivers assured the traffic authorities that they would fully comply with the official fare structure in the future and pledged not to overcharge passengers, according to officials.

Rawalpindi: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Rawalpindi marked International Plastic Bag Free Day by launching a public awareness campaign and distributing reusable cloth bags to promote environmentally friendly alternatives to single-use plastic bags.

A special awareness event was held at Medicine Square Mall in Saddar, which has already been designated as a plastic-free zone where the use of single-use plastic shopping bags is discouraged.

As part of the campaign, the EPA established a plastic bag deposit booth where shoppers exchanged prohibited plastic shopping bags for reusable cloth bags. The initiative aimed to encourage sustainable shopping habits and raise public awareness about the harmful environmental impact of plastic waste.

To recognize environmentally responsible behavior, the agency also presented honorary ‘Environment Champion’ badges to individuals using cloth or other reusable shopping bags.

An awareness walk was also organized by the EPA Rawalpindi, with participants highlighting the adverse effects of plastic pollution on the environment, aquatic life, wildlife, and human health. Informational pamphlets were distributed during the walk, urging citizens to adopt eco-friendly alternatives.

EPA officials reaffirmed their commitment to continuing public awareness initiatives to combat plastic pollution and promote a cleaner, greener, and healthier environment, emphasizing that environmental protection is a shared responsibility.

Attock: Deputy Commissioner Attock Rao Atif Raza on Saturday inaugurated a newly constructed residential building at Gymkhana Club Attock, describing the project as a step towards improving accommodation and recreational facilities for club members and visiting guests.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Aneel Saeed, Assistant Commissioner Arif Qureshi, Director Operations of Mehria Town Malik Rehan, Gymkhana Club Manager Arshad Javed, members of the club’s Board of Governors, senior officials and other guests. Following the inauguration, the deputy commissioner inspected the building and reviewed its guest rooms and other facilities.

Officials briefed the deputy commissioner that the residential block had been developed to provide high-quality accommodation equipped with modern amenities for club members and distinguished visitors. They said the facilities had been designed to meet contemporary hospitality standards and offer a comfortable stay.

Rao Atif Raza praised the quality of construction and directed the club administration to ensure regular maintenance, cleanliness, security and efficient management of the new facility. He said continued investment in modern infrastructure would enhance the institution’s appeal and improve services for members, while participants at the ceremony welcomed the project as a valuable addition to the club’s residential and recreational facilities.