Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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Creating new provinces,key to strengthening democracy in country: Abdul Aleem Khan


Islamabad: Federal Minister for Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, has strongly reiterated that the creation of new administrative provinces is the ultimate key to strengthening democracy, revitalizing the economy, and delivering effective governance in Pakistan.



Reacting to the statement made yesterday by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi-who highlighted the urgent need for structural governance reforms and the establishment of new administrative units-Minister Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized that he has long advocated for this vital national requirement to address Pakistan’s rapidly growing population and complex administrative challenges.



Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan reaffirmed his proposed framework to reorganize Pakistan’s existing four provinces-Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan-into three provinces (administrative units) each, named North, Central, and South. He underscored that this strategic reorganization will fully preserve the historic and cultural identities of all regions without altering existing provincial names, while providing a permanent and sustainable solution to longstanding public grievances.



Addressing the daily hardships faced by ordinary citizens, the Federal Minister pointed out that people are currently forced to undertake long, exhausting, and expensive journeys covering hundreds of kilometers just to reach provincial capitals for minor administrative or legal matters.



Reorganizing the administrative setup will bring public offices directly to the citizens’ doorsteps, drastically streamlining public service delivery. The Minister noted that while decentralization may challenge entrenched political monopolies or centralized mindsets, Pakistan is a democratic republic where autocracy has no place.



Under this proposed administrative model, key state institutions-including the offices of the Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police, and the High Courts-will be able to deliver immediate, efficient, and accountable justice and administration within manageable jurisdictions.



Transitioning the debate on new provinces from political slogans to concrete action will not divide the nation; rather, it will strengthen national unity, ensure equitable distribution of resources, and foster balanced development across every corner of Pakistan.



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Minister Salman reviews flood relief operations in Muridke, assures uninterrupted assistance to victims


Lahore: On the directions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Provincial Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee for Disaster Management Khawaja Salman Rafique, along with Director General Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Saif Anwar Jappa, paid a detailed visit to the flood-affected areas of Muridke on Friday to review ongoing rescue and relief operations.



During the visit, the provincial minister inspected a flood relief camp and reviewed measures being taken for the rehabilitation and assistance of affected families. Teams of the Punjab Health Department and Suthra Punjab were actively engaged in relief work across the affected areas.



Speaking on the occasion, Khawaja Salman Rafique said relief activities were continuing at full pace in the flood-hit areas. He said Federal Minister Rana Tanveer and PML-N leader Ashraf Rasool were also actively present in the field and maintaining close coordination to ensure effective relief efforts.



He said cabinet members, commissioners and deputy commissioners were personally visiting Muridke, Pathan Colony, Ferozewala and adjoining areas to monitor rescue and relief operations. He added that ready-to-eat food was being delivered to citizens at their doorsteps in the affected localities.



The minister said flood relief camps and medical camps had been established to facilitate affected people, while ration bags were being distributed among flood-hit families. He added that green fodder, todi and vanda were also being provided for livestock to support farmers.



Khawaja Salman Rafique said all essential medicines and basic facilities had been ensured at the relief camps. He reaffirmed that the government was making every effort to provide uninterrupted food supplies, clean drinking water, healthcare services and other essential facilities to flood victims.



He said the district administration, Rescue 1122 and all relevant departments remained fully active in the field, adding that all institutions were on high alert and relief operations were continuing without interruption in the affected areas.



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CM Maryam grieved over loss of lives in Quetta coal mine blast


Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of precious human lives in a blast at a coal mine in the Quetta area.



The Chief Minister prayed for the safety and well-being of the miners trapped inside the mine and expressed sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families.



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Police kill two wanted suspects, rescue kidnapped woman in joint operation


Attock: The police killed two alleged proclaimed offenders during a joint operation and rescued a woman abducted for a Rs 50 million ransom, the police said on Friday.



The operation, carried out by the Crime Control Department (CCD) in cooperation with Haripur police, targeted suspects accused of involvement in kidnapping for ransom, terrorism, armed robbery, targeted killings, sexual assault and extortion.



The police said the raid took place in the Dhenda Bypass area within the jurisdiction of Khallabat police station, Haripur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.



The operation was led by CCD Attock District Officer, Yasir Matloob Kiani and Inspector Syed Imran Haider Kazmi, with support from Haripur Police and the Elite Police Force.



According to police, the main target, identified as Zarghamullah, his father Khalid Mehmood Khan allegedly opened fire on security personnel when the police team attempted to arrest them.



The police said the exchange of gunfire lasted for more than two hours.



They that the suspects used members of their own family as human shields during the confrontation, but officers safely evacuated the family before continuing the operation.



After the shooting ended, the police recovered the bodies of Zarghamullah and his father. Several other alleged accomplices escaped during the exchange of fire, and a search operation was launched to trace them.



In a follow-up intelligence-based raid on another hideout linked to the suspects, the police rescued a woman who had allegedly been kidnapped in a case registered on July 14 at Attock City Police Station.



The victim was allegedly abducted for a ransom demand of 50 million rupees, the police said.



They said the area was sealed off during the operation to minimise risks to civilians. The bodies were transferred to the Trauma Centre in Haripur for post-mortem examinations, while investigations continued.



District Police Officer Attock eulogized the CCD team for its handling of the operation. Senior CCD Punjab officials also commended the officers for their professionalism and bravery.



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Madar-e-Millat remembered on 133rd birth anniversary


Lahore: Madar-e-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah was remembered here and across the country on Friday as a fearless leader and the trusted sister and adviser of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, on the occasion of her 133rd birth anniversary.



Born on July 31, 1893, in Karachi, she went on to become one of the most prominent leaders of the Pakistan Movement. She earned a degree in Dental Surgery from Calcutta and established her own dental clinic in Bombay, before dedicating herself to the political struggle alongside her brother.



She stood firmly beside Quaid-e-Azam throughout the Pakistan Movement, playing a vital role in awakening political awareness among Muslim women and mobilising them for the cause. In 1937, she founded the All India Muslim League Women’s Committee, which proved instrumental in spreading the movement’s message among women across the Subcontinent.



Following the creation of Pakistan in 1947, she worked tirelessly for the rehabilitation of refugees and the provision of medical assistance. In later years, she emerged as a champion of democratic values, notably challenging the military rule.



The nation continues to remember her national, democratic, and social services with deep respect and gratitude, with her efforts remaining a beacon of light for generations.



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Monsoon rains: water drainage restored across low-lying areas, traffic reopened on all roads


Islamabad: Following monsoon rains in the federal capital, the district administration launched a citywide response to address flooding in low-lying areas.



Acting on the directions of Additional Deputy Commissioner General Sahibzada Yousaf, Assistant Commissioners remained in the field while drainage operations continued across residential neighborhoods, commercial centers, and major roads.



Authorities reported that flooding in affected areas had been brought under control and traffic flow had been restored on all roads. The Islamabad district administration remained on high alert after monsoon rainfall triggered water accumulation in several low-lying parts of the city.



Additional Deputy Commissioner General Sahibzada Yousaf supervised the situation through real-time monitoring of drainage operations and coordinated field activities with Assistant Commissioners and sanitation teams.



According to the administration, drainage work was carried out in various sectors and vulnerable locations where rainwater had collected. Teams worked continuously to remove standing water and prevent disruptions to daily movement. Officials said the situation in low-lying areas was brought under control after timely intervention by field staff.



Traffic movement, which had been affected in some locations due to water accumulation, was restored after drainage operations cleared roads and key routes. Additional sanitation workers were deployed in response to complaints regarding standing water in different parts of the city.



Sahibzada Yousaf said drainage activities were continuing across Islamabad to ensure that rainwater was removed from all affected areas. He added that preparations for the monsoon season had been completed before the arrival of heavy rains, including the cleaning of storm drains and waterways across the capital.



The ADC General stated that special monitoring teams had been formed to keep a close watch on drains during rainfall and respond quickly to any blockage or overflow. These teams remained active throughout the rain spell and coordinated with field officers to address emerging issues.



Officials further said Assistant Commissioners were present on the ground alongside sanitation staff to oversee operations and ensure uninterrupted drainage work. Monitoring of residential areas, business centers, and major roads was continuing to prevent further water accumulation and maintain normal traffic flow.



The district administration said all available resources would remain deployed during the monsoon season to respond to weather-related challenges and keep public services functioning without interruption.