Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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Karachi Mayor inaugurates Khawaja Ajmer Nagri-Manghopir Road Dual Carriageway project


Karachi: Mayor of Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, has inaugurated a 1, 800-meter-long modern dual carriageway project from Khawaja Ajmer Nagri Chowrangi to the Dedex Factory on Manghopir Road, completed at a cost of more than Rs. 412 million (Rs. 41. 20 crore).

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor of Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad, members of the KMC City Council, elected representatives, and a large number of local residents.

Addressing the ceremony, Mayor of Karachi said that work is progressing rapidly on modern infrastructure, improved roads, water supply and drainage projects across Karachi to provide citizens with high-quality municipal services.

He said that under the project, modern roads measuring 10. 25 meters in width on each side have been constructed. The project has been completed with curb blocks, a modern central median, road markings, an efficient drainage system, and other essential civic facilities.

The Mayor stated that the project will significantly improve traffic
flow in the area while providing citizens with a safer and more comfortable travel experience.

He further announced the completion of a 700-meter-long, 48-inch diameter water supply line rehabilitation project at a cost of Rs. 86. 895 million. Under this project, 16 T-connections were installed, approximately 4, 000 leakages were repaired, 2, 400 illegal water connections were removed, and new 4-inch diameter water supply lines were laid in 54 streets, resulting in a significant improvement in the area’s water supply system.

He added that the project also included the installation of 53 double-arm street lights and the desilting (winching) of the sewerage drain along with improved drainage arrangements to provide modern and sustainable civic facilities.

The Mayor Karachi said that, in line with the Pakistan Peoples Party’s public service manifesto, Karachi’s development journey is progressing rapidly, and strengthening the city’s infrastructure while ensuring quality municipal services remains the governme
nt’s top priority.

Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that no proper road had ever been constructed in the area in the past. Various political parties came to power and made grand promises, but failed to deliver practical results.

He remarked that Karachi is a bouquet of diverse ethnic communities, and everyone must play their role in preserving and enhancing its beauty. He added that the Pakistan Peoples Party has resolved a long-standing issue faced by the people of Manghopir.

The Mayor said that representatives of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari are working practically in every area of Karachi. He added that critics and opponents would be answered through performance, and that the promises made by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the Pakistan Peoples Party would be fulfilled so that the public could clearly see who made promises and who honored them.

He described the road project as a long-cherished dream of the local residents that has finally become a reality. According to him, the newly constr
ucted road will substantially improve connectivity between District Central and District West while providing a better transportation facility for citizens.

The Mayor noted that despite the ongoing monsoon rains, development work across Karachi continues uninterrupted, and elected representatives are taking practical steps to resolve public issues. He said that sincere leadership fulfills its promises and that the Pakistan Peoples Party firmly believes in serving the people.

He further stated that, under the directives of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the Chief Minister of Sindh, councillors, UC chairmen, town chairmen, the Deputy Mayor, and other elected representatives are continuously working to complete public welfare projects.

The Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab emphasized that the Pakistan Peoples Party believes in the politics of service rather than the politics of credit, and that anyone working in the public interest will receive the party’s full support. He also thanked allied par
ties and local elected representatives for their cooperation in completing the project.

The Mayor said that Sindh has an active local government system with powers devolved to the grassroots level, enabling citizens to directly approach their UC chairmen, councillors, town chairmen, the Deputy Mayor, and the Mayor to resolve civic issues. He stressed that other provinces, particularly Punjab, also need strong local governments and empowered mayors to ensure better municipal services at the local level.

He concluded by saying that development projects worth billions of rupees are being completed across Karachi and that the city’s progress will continue in the future. He appealed to the public to support the politics of development and public service so that Karachi can become an even better and more modern city.

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KP EPA starts crackdown against non-compliant marble units in Khyber


Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Saturday started crackdown against non-compliant marble units in Khyber tribal district.



In continuation of the ongoing enforcement drive, and in compliance with the directions of the Secretary forest, environment and wildlife department, and the director general EPA, the staff of the agency conducted a joint operation along with the district administration tehsil Jamrud, and the assistant director industries, against non-compliant marble units at marble chowk, Mullagori in district Khyber.



During today’s operation, four marble units were sealed for operating in violation of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Environmental Protection Act, 2014, and the Environmental Protection Orders issued by the EPA.



The units were found to be causing serious environmental pollution through the discharge of marble slurry and excessive dust into the environment, posing significant risks to environmental quality and public health.



The enforcement campaign will continue until the assigned task is successfully completed and all non-compliant units are brought into compliance with the law.



EPA remains committed to ensuring environmental protection, safeguarding public health, and promoting sustainable industrial practices across Khyber.



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Three-day mobile health screening camp for Security Division personnel concludes


Islamabad: As part of the ongoing Hepatitis C screening campaign in the federal capital launched on the directions of Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal, a three-day free mobile health screening camp for Security Division personnel deployed in the Diplomatic Enclave concluded successfully.



According to a Ministry spokesperson on Saturday, the camp, held from July 29 to 31 under the national Hepatitis C programme, provided free screening for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV and dengue.



In addition, police personnel and field teams received free blood sugar testing, eye, dental and cardiac check-ups, as well as general medical consultations.



SSP Security Division visited the camp and described the initiative as an important step towards safeguarding public health.



Reaffirming the government’s commitment to eliminating hepatitis from Pakistan, Kamal urged people to take advantage of the nationwide programme by getting themselves screened free of charge for Hepatitis C.



He said more than 10 million people in Pakistan are living with hepatitis, stressing that early diagnosis is essential to prevent serious complications.



“If hepatitis is not treated in time, the risk of liver cancer increases, ” the minister said.



Kamal said people aged 12 years and above will be screened for Hepatitis C in phases across the country, adding that free treatment is being provided to those who test positive during the screening process.



He emphasized that eliminating Hepatitis C requires a collective effort by both the government and the public, describing a hepatitis-free Pakistan as a national priority.



The minister reaffirmed that the federal government is utilizing all available resources to eradicate hepatitis, adding that success against the disease depends on public cooperation, timely screening and access to free treatment.



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Govt imposes ban on movement of nitrogenous fertilizers in Balochistan for 15 days


Quetta: Balochistan government on Saturday imposed a ban on the movement of nitrogenous fertilizers across all districts of the province for a period of fifteen (15) days in view of the prevailing law and order situation in Balochistan.



This ban was imposed in order to ensure public safety and security and to avoid the usage of Nitrogenous fertilizers for explosive purposes, leading to subversive activities till further orders.



According to an office order issued by the Directorate General Agriculture Extension Balochistan, the sale, purchase, supply and distribution of Nitrogenous Fertilizers, namely Urea, Calcium Ammonium Nitrate, Ammonium Nitrate, and potassium nitrate, would be stopped on the expiry of the said period; it would be informed in this regard.



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Minister chairs second revenue policy meeting, approves major digital initiatives in KP


Peshawar: Provincial Minister for Revenue and Estate Tariq Mahmood Aryani here Saturday chaired second policy meeting of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Revenue and Estate Department.



The meeting was also attended by Member of National Assembly, Muhammad Atif Khan, , Member National Assembly Arbab Sher Ali, Senior Member Board of Revenue Zahir Shah Khan, digitalization expert Khalid Saeed, Director Land Records Yasir Hassan and other senior officials from Revenue Department and Board of Revenue.



The participants conducted a detailed review of the implementation of decisions taken during the previous policy meeting. The Revenue Working Group was briefed on progress made so far, while several important decisions were taken to accelerate revenue reforms and make public services more efficient, transparent and citizen-friendly.



Meeting decided that show cause notices would be issued to officials responsible for unnecessary delays or negligence in matters such as mutation of property, issuance of land records (Fard) and correction of names at Board of Revenue service delivery centers.



Meeting also directed the immediate resolution of the longstanding issue of Khana Kasht across the province. It was decided that separate counters would be established at all service delivery centers to handle matters related to Khana Kasht ensuring timely and convenient services for citizens.



To ensure the prompt resolution of public complaints and strengthen the monitoring of revenue services, the meeting approved the establishment of an complaints call centre that would be directly linked to the Revenue Dashboard and will collect feedback from citizens to help improve service delivery.



The meeting approved the early province wide implementation of e-Registry system to prevent duplicate and fraudulent mutations by ensuring that only land registered in the name of the relevant owner can be transferred.



Participants also decided to carry out Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping of government-owned land throughout the province and introduce an encroachment alert system.



To provide greater convenience to the public, the meeting approved the outsourcing and online provision of the land record issuance system. Under the proposed arrangement, citizens will be able to obtain land records through NADRA e-Sahulat centers, Revenue Dashboard and relevant Patwar offices.



The meeting further decided to digitally transform at least one district on a pilot basis and designate it as a ‘Model Digital District. ‘ All revenue records in the selected district will be maintained and made accessible through a modern digital system.



Moreover, directions were issued for the early completion of Computerized Land Record Management Integration System. The meeting was informed that once implemented, the system would fully computerize all stages of revenue administration. It would also enable overseas Pakistanis to legally complete the purchase, sale and transfer of their properties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from anywhere in the world.



Provincial Minister for Revenue and Estate Tariq Mahmood Aryani directed Senior Member Board of Revenue Zahir Shah Khan to immediately obtain comprehensive reports from all deputy commissioners regarding the facilities available and challenges faced at service delivery centers across the province.



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11 medical stores challaned in anti-drug drive


Sargodha: Health authorities on Saturday intensified their crackdown on the illegal drug trade, challaning 11 medical stores and pharmacies and seizing a large quantity of smuggled, unregistered and expired medicines during raids across the district.



Deputy Drug Controller Shahpur, Faheem Zia led the operation, during which officials confiscated Indian-smuggled medicines, narcotics, sexual enhancement drugs, misbranded and unlabeled medicines, as well as Pregabalin capsules allegedly being sold without valid prescriptions.



The cases have been referred to the District Quality Control Board for legal action, while three medical stores were sealed for violating drug laws.



Officials said two medicine samples collected during the raids were declared substandard by the Drug Testing Laboratory.



A request has also been sent to the relevant authorities seeking registration of an FIR against the owner of a medical store over alleged violations.



According to the district administration and the health department, the crackdown will continue to curb the illegal sale of medicines and ensure the availability of safe and quality drugs to the public.