Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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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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President lauds security forces for killing terrorists


Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari Saturday paid tribute to the security forces for the successful operation against seven Indian sponsored terrorists active in Noshki district of Balochistan.



In a statement, the President appreciated the professional capabilities of the security forces for successfully destroying the terrorists’ hideout and killing seven terrorists including a suicide bomber.



“The nefarious intentions of the terrorist elements active under Indian patronage will never succeed, ” he said adding, “The entire nation stands with its security forces to defend the homeland and maintain peace. ”



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CTD Punjab arrests 54 suspected terrorists in 419 intelligence-based operations


Lahore: The Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Saturday arrested 54 suspected terrorists during 419 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted across the province as part of its ongoing campaign against terrorism, extremism and anti-state activities.



According to a CTD spokesperson, the operations were carried out on the basis of actionable intelligence in various districts.



During the crackdown, 422 suspects were interrogated while 54 individuals allegedly affiliated with different proscribed organisations were taken into custody.



Investigations was underway to identify their networks and facilitators.



The spokesperson claimed that some of the arrested suspects had alleged links with India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).



Those identified included Waris Khan and Danish Ali, arrested from Lahore and Roz Ali Khan, Wilayat Shah and Muhammad Aziz arrested from Okara.



The spokesperson said further investigations were continuing in accordance with the law.



The remaining suspects were alleged to be associated with various banned organizations, including Daesh, Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Sipah-e-Sahaba and Fitna Al Khawarij.



Arrests were made from Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Jhelum, Sargodha, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Pakpattan, Bahawalpur, Okara and other districts.



The CTD said the operations led to the recovery of 7. 9 kilograms of explosive material, 12 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), 50 detonators, 98 feet of safety fuse wire, two pistols, three rifles, a quantity of ammunition, 120 pamphlets, 72 banned books, 31 prohibited magazines, 112 stickers, two flags, one receipt book, eight mobile phones and Rs. 339, 880 in cash.



Separately, the department said that in coordination with district police and other law enforcement agencies, it conducted 13, 572 combing operations across Punjab over the past eight weeks.



The operations involved the screening of 494, 642 individuals, resulting in the arrest of 1, 103 suspects, registration of 1, 070 criminal cases and recovery of 977 items.



The CTD said operations against terrorists, their facilitators and anti-state elements would continue with greater intensity.



It urged citizens to report suspicious activity through its helpline, 0800-11111, saying timely public cooperation remained essential for preventing terrorist incidents and ensuring public safety.



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Railways Minister condoles death of Malik Iqbal


Islamabad: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Saturday expressed deep grief and sorrow over the death of Malik Iqbal Channar, father of Pakistan Muslim League-N senior leader and Deputy Speaker of Punjab Assembly Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar.



In a condolence message, the minister said the late Malik Iqbal Channar as an ideological, sincere and dignified political worker who had devoted his life to public service.



He said the passing of Malik Iqbal Channar was a significant loss to politics, adding that he had been a longtime companion and a loyal friend whose absence would always be felt.



Hanif Abbasi extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to Deputy Speaker Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar, the bereaved family and all mourners.



He prayed to Allah Almighty to bless the departed soul with eternal peace, grant him the highest place in Jannah, forgive his shortcomings, elevate his ranks and give courage and patience to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.



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DC Batagram calls for improving public service delivery


Peshawar: Acting on the directives of the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Deputy Commissioner Batagram Muhammad Shoaib chaired an important meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office to review public service delivery and administrative performance.



The meeting was attended by the additional deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners, director of the service delivery center, tehsildars, district Qanoongo, and girdawars.



Participants conducted a detailed review of public facilities, service delivery mechanisms, issues faced by citizens, and various administrative matters.



Addressing the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Shoaib directed all concerned officers to further enhance the efficiency, transparency, and quality of public service delivery to ensure that citizens receive timely and satisfactory services without unnecessary inconvenience.



He emphasized that the district administration’s top priority is to provide prompt, high-quality, and effective services to the public.



Officers and staff were instructed to treat citzens with courtesy, dignity, and respect, resolve their concerns on a priority basis, and perform their duties with honesty, transparency, and a strong commitment to public service in order to further strengthen public trust in government institutions.



Preparations for independence day celebrations were also reviewed.



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Abbasi puts railways on high alert amid flood threat to ensure safe train operations


Islamabad: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi Saturday placed the Ministry of Railways on high alert to ensure the safety of passengers, protection of railway tracks and uninterrupted train operations amid the prevailing flood situation across parts of the country.



The minister also cancelled the weekly holidays of railway officers and staff and directed all officials to remain on duty until further notice to effectively respond to any emergency, said a news release.



Hanif Abbasi instructed senior railway officers to remain present in the field, while emergency measures were enforced at all field offices to closely monitor the situation and ensure an immediate response to any damage caused by heavy rains or flooding.



He warned that he would personally supervise the performance of officers and directed strict action against officials found negligent in addressing public complaints or carrying out their responsibilities.



The minister directed all Divisional Superintendents (DSs) to personally oversee repair, restoration and maintenance work in flood-affected areas to ensure the earliest possible resumption of rail services.



He further ordered Pakistan Railways’ control rooms to remain operational round the clock for continuous monitoring of the situation, adding that he would conduct surprise inspections to review the implementation of emergency directives.



Hanif Abbasi urged railway officials to demonstrate exceptional dedication in serving the public during the emergency, saying efficient officers would be appreciated while those showing negligence would face disciplinary action.



He said the safety and convenience of passengers, along with the full restoration of train operations, would remain the ministry’s top priority.



The minister also directed the railway administration to utilise all available resources and technical capabilities for the rehabilitation of flood-affected railway infrastructure and the restoration of train services at the earliest.