Day: August 1, 2026

Taxila: A grand religious gathering was held here on Friday, under the aegis of Dawat-e-Islami to mark the advent of the holy month of Rabi-ul-Awwal, drawing thousands of devotees of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) from across the region.

Haji Waqar-ul-Madina Attari, a member of the Central Majlis-e-Shura of Dawat-e-Islami, attended the event as chief guest and delivered a faith-inspiring address on love for the Holy Prophet (PBUH), adherence to the Sunnah, and Islamic teachings. Participants said their hearts were illuminated with remembrance of Allah and love for the Prophet (PBUH) during the proceedings, a press release said.

The gathering was attended by district and tehsil office-bearers of Dawat-e-Islami along with other officials of the organisation. A large number of political and social figures, representatives of religious circles, and people from various walks of life also participated.

Addressing the congregation, Haji Waqar-ul-Madina Attari said that the true success of a Muslim lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah Almighty and in obeying and loving the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He said Muslims should strive to mould their lives in accordance with the Sunnah and promote an environment of virtue, prayer and Prophetic practices, not only within themselves but also among their families and in society at large.

He further said that the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal draws Muslims’ attention towards the blessed life, teachings and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He said that true love for the Prophet (PBUH) demands that Muslims adopt righteous deeds, remain steadfast in offering prayers, refrain from sins, and play their role in the service of the faith.

During the address, a large number of participants stood up with great enthusiasm and resolve, pledging to remain steadfast in offering the five daily prayers, to keep the beard, and to actively participate in the religious activities of Dawat-e-Islami. The atmosphere at the gathering became deeply emotional and spiritually charged as attendees expressed their determination to make virtuous and religious deeds a part of their daily lives.

The event, organised to mark the arrival of Rabi-ul-Awwal, aimed to connect Muslims with the life and character of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), encourage adherence to the Sunnah, and spread the message of virtue and goodness in society. Participants also lauded the efforts of Dawat-e-Islami in carrying out religious and reformative activities and promoting Prophetic traditions.

The gathering concluded with a special prayer for the security, peace and stability of the country and the nation, the glory of the Muslim Ummah, the propagation of Islam, and the forgiveness of all Muslims. Participants reaffirmed their resolve to adopt the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in their lives and to play their part, to the best of their ability, in spreading the message of Islam.

Hyderabad: Sindh University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Fateh Muhammad Mari (TI) on Friday felicitated Zain-ul-Abideen, a student of the university’s Naushahro Feroze Campus, for securing the top position in the Higher Education Commission’s National Skills in Computing Test (NSCT) 2026.

According to the SU spokesperson Dr. Nadir Ali Mugheri, Zain called on the Vice-Chancellor at the VC Secretariat, where he was honored for his outstanding achievement. He topped the nationwide competition by scoring 97 out of 100 marks, outperforming more than 34,000 students from 188 universities across the country. Earlier, he had received an appreciation certificate and shield from the HEC Chairman at a ceremony held here.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mari described the student’s success as a matter of immense pride for the University of Sindh and said the achievement reflected the institution’s growing academic and technological strengths.

He assured Zain of the university’s continued support in pursuing higher academic goals and building a successful professional career. He said the university would continue to provide him with access to advanced information technology resources and every possible opportunity to further enhance his skills and contribute to Pakistan’s digital future.

Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Main Campus Prof. Dr. Abdul Sattar Shah, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Thatta Campus Prof. Dr. Misbah Bibi Qureshi, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Dadu Campus Prof. Dr. Anila Naz Soomro, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology Prof. Dr. Lachhman Das Dhomeja and Registrar Sajid Qayoom Memon were also present in the meeting and congratulated the student.

Trkiye: Pakistan and Trkiye have agreed to significantly expand bilateral cooperation in the railway sector through investment, technology transfer, infrastructure modernization and enhanced regional connectivity, reaffirming their commitment to building a long-term strategic partnership.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Railways, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, and Trkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, where both sides held wide-ranging discussions on strengthening cooperation in the railway sector.

A major focus of the talks was the early revival of the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) Freight Corridor, with both countries agreeing to transform it into a sustainable regional trade route linking South Asia, Central Asia and Europe.

The corridor was described as a strategic initiative with the potential to substantially boost regional trade, logistics and economic integration.

The Pakistani delegation also briefed the Turkish side on the modernization of the Main Line-3 (ML-3) railway from Rohri to Taftan, highlighting its strategic importance in enhancing rail connectivity with Iran and facilitating future freight movement through the ITI Corridor.

Progress on the Karachi-Rohri section of Main Line-1 (ML-1) was also shared, while Turkish companies were invited to explore investment opportunities in the remaining phases of the landmark railway project.

The meeting further discussed Trkiye’s potential participation in the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Corridor (UAPRC), recognizing it as a key initiative for promoting future regional connectivity and economic cooperation.

Pakistan Railways gave a comprehensive presentation on its ongoing digital transformation programme, outlining reforms in signalling systems, rolling stock modernization, operational efficiency and increased private-sector participation.

Both sides agreed to deepen collaboration in digital railway solutions, technology transfer, institutional capacity building, advanced railway management systems and operational excellence.

The two delegations also explored opportunities for joint investment and industrial cooperation at the Carriage Factory Islamabad, Pakistan Railways’ concrete sleeper factories and engineering workshops. Discussions focused on joint ventures, localization of railway manufacturing and technology transfer for the production of passenger coaches, freight wagons and other railway equipment.

During the meeting, both countries exchanged detailed presentations on railway development projects, investment opportunities and regional connectivity initiatives. They agreed to maintain close institutional engagement through technical consultations and working-level coordination to translate shared proposals into practical projects.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Abbasi said Pakistan Railways is keen to benefit from Trkiye’s expertise in railway modernization, advanced technologies and infrastructure development.

He said enhanced Pakistan-Trkiye cooperation in the railway sector would not only accelerate the modernization of Pakistan Railways but also promote regional economic growth, sustainable connectivity and a stronger long-term strategic partnership between the two brotherly nations.

Havelian: The district administration carried out a large-scale anti-encroachment operation in Havelian, demolishing dozens of illegal structures built within the protected river zone, as part of efforts to restore the natural flow of the river and mitigate flood risks during the monsoon season.

The operation was conducted on the directives of Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad Sarmad Saleem Akram and led by Additional Assistant Commissioner-II Havelian Muhammad Osama, in collaboration with police, the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA), the Irrigation Department, and Revenue field staff.

According to the district administration, the operation targeted illegal encroachments along the Dorr River and adjoining areas under the provisions of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa River Protection Ordinance, 2002 (as amended), and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Property (Removal of Encroachment) Act, 1977 (as amended).

During the operation, authorities demolished 10 illegally constructed residential houses, five boundary walls, and five shops in Mohalla Began, Havelian Town. In Langra-I, two crushing plants were inspected, and one was demolished after being found in violation of the River Protection Ordinance.

The administration also razed two illegal block factories and two shops established within the protected river zone in Havelian Town. Near Ayub Bridge, an illegally constructed school building and a park built inside the protected river corridor were also demolished.

Officials said the operation was aimed at restoring the river’s natural course, removing encroachments from the protected floodplain, protecting government land, and reducing the risk of flooding to safeguard lives and property during the ongoing monsoon season.

The district administration reiterated that indiscriminate legal action against all illegal encroachments established in violation of relevant provincial laws would continue across the district.

Hyderabad: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has claimed arrested of a wanted suspected terrorist associated with Sindh Revolutionary Army (SRA) in a raid carried out in Husri area in the city’s outskirts.

According to a CTD statement issued here on Friday, a hand grenade, explosive, detonator, a remote with cells, battery, a 30-bore pistol with three spent casings and six spent casings of a SMG were recovered from possession of the suspect Imam Bux Khaskheli. He was wanted by the CTD, in the First Information Report numbers 6/2026 and 7/2026, was allegedly planning to carry out a terror attack. He is said to be a close associate of other suspected terrorists including Mubashir Laghari, Ali Haider Katrio, Sarang Meerani and Mehran Meerani whom the CTD had already arrested.

The suspect was allegedly recruited by the SRA’s commander Asghar Shah while a suspect identified as Soomar Mallah had handed him over the items which were recovered from his possession. He was actively participating in the sit-ins, demonstrations and other anti-state activities. Khaskheli was allegedly among suspects who had allegedly fired gunshots on a truck transporting goods from Sujawal district to Punjab in addition to his alleged extortion seeking from a state owned oil company. He had also allegedly remained involved in spreading anti state sentiments among youth.

Gujrat: Deputy Commissioner and Administrator of the District Health Authority (DHA) Gujrat, Noor-ul-Ain Qureshi, has approved a budget of more than Rs 4.14 billion for the District Health Authority for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

According to official sources, the approval was given during a meeting attended by Chief Executive Officer Health Dr Syed Ata-ul-Munim, and other officials.

The meeting was informed that Rs 3.27 billion had been allocated for the salaries and allowances of doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other health employees.

An amount of Rs400 million was earmarked to ensure the uninterrupted supply of medicines to government hospitals, Tehsil Headquarters hospitals, Rural Health Centers (RHCs), and other healthcare facilities across the district.

Officials said Rs104 million had been allocated for the payment of electricity, gas, water and other utility bills, while Rs60 million was reserved for the remuneration of doctors working under the lump-sum pay package.

The remaining funds will be utilized for Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) recruitment, repair and maintenance of health facilities, fuel, office expenses, laboratory services, preventive healthcare activities and other operational requirements to ensure improved and uninterrupted healthcare services across the district.