Balochistan govt taking steps to provide quality sports facilities to youth: Meena Majeed


Quetta: Advisor to Chief Minister for Sports Meena Majeed Baloch on Friday said that the Balochistan government is taking practical steps to provide quality sports facilities to the youth.

She said this while inaugurating, Sports Board Cricket Academy after renovation and upgradation by the Sports Department of the Government of Balochistan at the Ayub Sports Complex.

On this occasion Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs Dura Baloch was also present.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Additional Secretary Sports Sajjad Aslam, District Sports Officer Quetta Arsalan Khan, Academy Coach Bashir Magsi, Academy Coach Arbab Shakir and other officials, along with players of the academy.

Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Adviser for Sports Meena Majeed Baloch said that we have continuously visited the Cricket Academy and reviewed the problems faced and the existing facilities in detail, after which it was decided to improve and upgrade the academy.

She said that earlier there were only two cricket pit
ches in the academy, the number of which has been increased to ten, while high-quality nets have also been installed on all the pitches.

In addition, the dressing rooms and washrooms have been completely renovated and made functional, tuff tiles have been installed on the floor, a water filtration system has been installed for clean drinking water and the problem of electricity has also been resolved.

Addressing the ceremony, Secretary Sports Dura Baloch said that Balochistan cricketers have demonstrated their best abilities at every level.

He said that the main objective of the sports department is to provide modern training facilities to young players so that they could achieve significant successes in national and international competitions in the future.

Suthra Punjab Authority intensifies flood relief and sanitation operations in Ferozewala


Lahore: In line with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision, the Suthra Punjab Authority has stepped up its relief and sanitation efforts in flood-affected areas, working closely with the district administration to provide timely assistance to affected communities.



Director General of the Suthra Punjab Authority, Umar Javed, paid an emergency visit to a flood relief camp in Ferozewala to review ongoing sanitation operations and assess field arrangements.



During the visit, the DG inspected the performance of sanitation workers deployed under the Suthra Punjab initiative and evaluated the effectiveness of cleanliness operations in the affected areas. He directed the concerned officers to remain present in the field and ensure strict monitoring of all operational activities.



Javed emphasized the need for further improvement in sanitation operations through effective supervision and instructed officials to ensure the timely provision of high-quality sanitation services to residents.



He said that the district administration and the Suthra Punjab Authority are working round the clock to maintain cleanliness in flood-hit areas and provide maximum relief to the public.



The Director General also met with the frontline sanitation workers, appreciating their dedication and commitment to delivering essential public services under challenging conditions. He described their contribution to operational activities and public service delivery as commendable.



Reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to public welfare, Umar Javed stated that serving the people remains the organization’s top priority and that all available resources are being utilized to provide relief and restore sanitation services in flood-affected areas.



DIG inspects safe city project, police facilities in DI Khan


Dera ismail khan: Deputy Inspector General (IT) and Safe City Project, Rao Ejaz, on Friday visited key police facilities in Dera Ismail Khan to review the progress of the Safe City Project and assess public service delivery.



He was accompanied by Regional Police Officer, Ghulam Mubashir Mekan, during visits to the under-construction Command and Control Centre, Police Facilitation Centre, Driving Licence Branch and Rescue 15. District Police Officer, Ziauddin Ahmed and Assistant Director (Safe City Project) Sarfraz were also present on the occasion.



During the visit to the Command and Control Centre and Safe City Project, the RPO briefed the DIG on the pace of construction, project implementation, modern surveillance infrastructure and the facilities to be provided upon completion. Rao Ejaz directed the concerned officers to complete the project within the stipulated time-frame while maintaining the required standards and incorporating modern technology to strengthen crime prevention, surveillance and public safety.



The DIG later visited the Police Facilitation Centre, where he interacted with staff and members of the public and reviewed citizen services, complaint registration and grievance redressal procedures. He emphasized that all citizens should receive prompt, transparent and respectful services without discrimination.



At the Driving Licence Branch, he reviewed the licensing and testing system, instructed officials to ensure merit, transparency and efficiency in the issuance of driving licences while minimizing unnecessary delays for applicants.



The delegation also inspected Rescue 15, where the DIG reviewed the emergency call response, monitoring and dispatch system. He directed officers to ensure swift responses to emergency calls, maintain courteous dealings with citizens and make effective use of modern technology to further improve emergency policing services.



At the conclusion of the visit, Rao Ejaz appreciated the efforts of RPO Ghulam Mubashir Mekan and his team in promoting modern policing and public-oriented reforms. He said the Safe City Project and other ongoing initiatives would help strengthen public confidence in the police and further improve law and order in the region.



Population Welfare staff role to be extended across govt departments


Attock: Additional Deputy Commissioner General (ADCG) Attock, Anil Saeed on Friday said that Population Welfare staff’s role would be extended in other government departments in an effort to improve public service delivery and make better use of existing staff.



The ADCG announced the move while chairing a review meeting on the department’s performance at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office here.



He said stronger coordination between government departments and more efficient use of human resources would help improve the implementation of official policies.



The meeting reviewed the Population Welfare Department’s performance, ongoing programmes, operational challenges and future strategy.



Saeed said delivering quality public services in line with the priorities of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif remained a key objective.



He stressed that closer cooperation and an integrated approach among government departments were essential to achieving that goal.



He directed officials to involve Population Welfare Department field staff in wider government initiatives and public welfare programmes so they could contribute more effectively to community services.



The meeting was attended by Chief Executive Officer Health Dr. Asad Ismail, Population Welfare Department officials and representatives from other government departments. Participants also discussed family welfare programmes, public awareness campaigns and measures to strengthen inter-departmental collaboration.



Concluding the meeting, the ADCG directed the officials to use all available resources to meet departmental targets, expand field activities and improve coordinated awareness campaigns so that government welfare initiatives reach people across the district.



Gold prices surge by Rs3,000 per tola


Islamabad: Gold prices witnessed a sharp increase in the local market on Friday, with the price of 24-karat gold per tola rising by Rs3,000 to settle at Rs430,436, according to rates issued by the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association.



Similarly, the price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold increased by Rs2,572 to Rs369,029, while 10 grams of 22-karat gold gained Rs2,357 to reach Rs338,288.



In the international market, the price of gold climbed by $30 to $4,080 per ounce, the association reported.



Meanwhile, silver prices also recorded an upward trend in the local market. The price of silver per tola increased by Rs79 to Rs6,294, while the price of 10 grams of silver rose by Rs68 to Rs5,396.



The price of silver in the international market also increased by $0.79 to $58.15 per ounce, the association added.



Khazina Banda terrorist attack case registered with CTD Kohat


Peshawar: A case has been registered with the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Kohat over the terrorist attack on Khazina Banda checkpoint in Hangu. The FIR has been filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act along with 16 other legal provisions on Friday.



According to police, the FIR was lodged on the complaint of the Station House Officer (SHO) of CTD Kohat and the department has launched a detailed investigation into the incident.



The FIR states that the attackers used heavy and automatic weapons during the assault on the Khazina Banda checkpoint. The militants reportedly initiated the attack with a drone strike on a police post established at the Government School in Khazina, injuring two police personnel.



Police said a reinforcement team led by a DSP was dispatched to the scene, but the convoy came under another attack involving drones and heavy weapons.



During the assault, official vehicles, including an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) were damaged and the attackers also fled with police weapons.



Following the incident, security forces launched a search and clearance operation in the area, which remains ongoing.



According to officials, the terrorist attack resulted in the martyrdom of 11 police personnel, while 28 others sustained injuries.