Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

Lahore: In view of the fourth spell of monsoon, a special alert has been issued to all districts including WASA Punjab. A detailed review of the arrangements to deal with the rains was taken in a video link meeting chaired by Minister for Housing and Urban Development Bilal Yasin, in which

DG WASA Punjab Tayyab Farid and MDs of various districts briefed on the preparations and performance.

It was decided in the meeting that now not only field operations but also office staff will directly monitor drainage and other activities. Wearing uniforms has been made mandatory for all WASA field employees, while their presence and performance will be monitored through a geo-location system.

The minister directed that the de-silting (cleaning of drains) process will not stop under any circumstances,

while the DG WASA was directed to take immediate steps to ensure the provision of additional staff and machinery. He said that in any emergency, the machinery of the adjoining districts and WASA Lahore will provide full support to other districts.

Bilal Yasin directed all MDs to submit regular reports on the drainage of low-lying areas, the status of manholes and field operations. All disposal stations, de-watering machinery, generators and special complaint cells were also directed to be kept fully functional.

The minister clarified that no delay in drainage will be tolerated during rains, while in case of emergency, immediate communication and joint action should be ensured between all relevant institutions so that timely relief can be provided to the citizens.

Lahore: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Saturday expressed confidence that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) would achieve an excellent result in the ongoing Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, saying the party had established a strong position through its politics of public service and development.

Addressing a ceremony here, the minister appreciated PML-N workers for mobilising voters and said the political atmosphere he witnessed throughout the campaign indicated that the party’s voice was being heard across AJK.

He said that PML-N had gained a significant lead in the first phase and expressed confidence that, by the grace of Allah Almighty, the party would form the next government in AJK.

Tarar said the politics of public service, development and progress were the fundamental principles of the PML-N.

He said the development work carried out in AJK during the tenure of former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was evident, while Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had also initiated mega development projects in the region, including Daanish Schools and other major public welfare initiatives.

The minister said Kashmir had always remained among the PML-N’s priorities and that the party had consistently raised its voice for the Kashmir cause and the rights of Kashmiris, besides taking practical steps in this regard.

He said whenever the Kashmir issue was raised at the United Nations or on international forums, Nawaz Sharif had spoken about the cause of Kashmir and paid tribute to Kashmiri martyrs. Similarly, Shehbaz Sharif had also highlighted the sacrifices of Kashmiri martyrs and those who had championed the Kashmir cause, including the martyrdom of Burhan Wani.

Tarar said Kashmiri brothers and sisters living in Pakistan, as well as their forefathers, had not only made sacrifices for Kashmir but had also played their full role in supporting the Kashmir cause.

He paid tribute to all Kashmiris living in Pakistan and AJK, saying they were highly patriotic people with a deep love for Pakistan.

He said even today, people in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) preferred to be buried wrapped in the Pakistani flag, while slogans such as ‘We are Pakistanis, and Pakistan is ours’ continued to be raised there.

Regarding the election campaign, the minister said every political party had the right to participate in politics and present its manifesto before the people. However, he questioned whether any political party had a manifesto and development record that could compete with the PML-N.

‘What is the answer? No, ‘ he remarked.

Tarar said public support could not be won merely through political speeches, adding that the hearts of the people could be won only through practical politics of public service.

He said Nawaz Sharif had undertaken extensive development work during his tenures, while Shehbaz Sharif was also working on projects aimed at public welfare.

The minister challenged other political parties campaigning in AJK to name even 10 or 12 major development projects completed during their respective tenures in Kashmir or in the areas from where they belonged.

He said the PML-N had undertaken major development projects and urged the people to judge political claims on the basis of performance.

He said, ‘PML-N has established a strong position through its politics of service. ‘

Tarar expressed confidence that in the AJK elections, whether on ‘Muhajir’ seats or Jammu and Kashmir seats, the PML-N would emerge victorious.

Lahore: The Dolphin Squad carried out an operation near Shahkam Chowk and arrested a proclaimed offender (PO). The arrested proclaimed offenderwas wanted by Lahore and Faisalabad police in 5 cases.

According to the Dolphin spokesperson, four cases have been registered against Muneeb in Lahore and one in Faisalabad. The arrested proclaimed offender was wanted in cases of fake cheque and breach of trust, said the spokesperson.

The arrested proclaimed offender was handed over to Sundar police for legal action.

Lahore: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) President and former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in Raiwind on Saturday.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar were also present. During the meeting, a detailed discussion was held on the overall political situation in the country.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed profound sorrow over the demise of Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar, the father of Punjab Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channar. In a condolence message, the chief minister extended her heartfelt sympathies and condolences

to the bereaved family. She said the late Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar would be remembered for his valuable political and public services, adding that his contributions would continue to inspire people for years to come.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has congratulated Pakistan’s first woman boxer, Fatima Zahra, on winning a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games, describing the achievement as a proud moment for the nation.

In her message, the chief minister felicitated Fatima Zahra for becoming the first Pakistani woman boxer to secure a medal at the Commonwealth Games, saying that her success had brought honour to the country and inspired young female athletes.

Expressing happiness over the achievement, Maryam Nawaz said it was encouraging to see Pakistan’s daughters advancing and proving their talent at the international level. She added that Fatima Zahra’s accomplishment would serve as a source of motivation for aspiring sportswomen across the country.

The chief minister praised the boxer’s dedication, hard work and determination, and expressed hope that Pakistani athletes would continue to earn laurels for the country in international competitions.