Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

Posted on

CTO announces license suspension for drivers of smoke-emitting vehicles


Lahore: Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Abdul Raheem Shirazi on Friday announced that the driving licenses of motorists operating smoke-emitting vehicles would be suspended as part of intensified measures to curb smog and air pollution in the provincial capital.



The CTO said route permits of commercial vehicles found violating anti-smog regulations would also be suspended, stressing that stringent measures were essential to safeguard public health and ensure environmental protection.



He said the entry of tractor-trolleys and dumpers carrying sand and soil without protective tarpaulin remained banned in Lahore.



According to the spokesperson, as part of the ongoing crackdown, 1,013 cases had been registered against violators.



To enforce the anti-smog campaign, CTPL had deployed special teams at 12 entry and exit points of the city, in addition to 45 dedicated enforcement teams carrying out inspections and action across Lahore.



The spokesperson said action was taken against 3,649 smoke-emitting vehicles and 2,183 vehicles causing environmental pollution during the current month. Moreover, 6,820 unfit and poorly maintained vehicles were proceeded against for violating traffic and environmental regulations.



Abdul Raheem Shirazi said tractor-trolleys would not be allowed to operate without tarpaulin, water sprinkling or other mandatory safety measures to prevent the spread of dust and pollution.



He added that the traffic police were also using an artificial intelligence-based system to detect and issue e-challans to smoke-emitting vehicles.



The CTO said notices had been issued to various government and semi-government organisations to ensure the repair of smoke-emitting vehicles, warning that strict legal action would now be taken against those failing to comply.



Posted on

Punjab govt approves new selection mechanism for medical recruitment


Lahore: The Punjab government has approved a new selection mechanism for the recruitment of doctors, specialists and other medical experts in newly established government health centers and has decided to give appointment powers to special selection committees.



According to the official documents, recruitments will be made on a 2-year contract basis on BS-17 and above teaching, non-teaching, health establishment and other related medical posts on merit. Each selection committee will be headed by the executive director, principal or head of the institution concerned as convener, while the committee will include the commissioner of the concerned division or his representative, professor of the concerned department, senior representatives of the Department of Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education and the Department of Regulations Wing SandGAD.



The Department of Regulations Wing has given formal permission for this procedure, while the Department of Finance has made it clear that the financial resources required for these recruitments will be met from the annual budget of the concerned department and no additional financial burden will be imposed. The government’s position is that timely provision of quality medical facilities to the public will be ensured through prompt, transparent and merit-based recruitments in new health centers.



Posted on

Minister calls for collective efforts to accelerate Pakistan’s development


Islamabad: Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh on Friday emphasized the need for collective efforts to ensure rapid progress and prosperity for the people of Pakistan.



Speaking to a news channel program, the minister said that all political parties, including the opposition, have a shared responsibility to work together for the country’s development and to improve the living standards of the common people. He urged the opposition, particularly the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), to move beyond political differences and engage in constructive dialogue on the key challenges faced by the nation.



Commenting on the proposal for creating new provinces or administrative units, he said such reforms could strengthen governance, improve administrative efficiency, and enhance the delivery of public services across the country. He reiterated that national development required cooperation among all stakeholders and stressed the importance of prioritizing the public interest over political divisions.



In reply to a question, he said the government under the leadership and dynamic vision of the prime minister Shehbaz Sharif was working to increase foreign investment in the country.



Posted on

ICCBS conducts entrance examination for MPhil and PhD Admissions 2026


Karachi: The International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at the University of Karachi successfully conducted the entrance examination for admission to its MPhil and PhD programmes for the 2026 academic session.



According to an ICCBS spokesperson, hundreds of aspiring candidates participated in the two-hour examination, which was held from 10 a.m. To 12 noon at the Prof. Salimuzzaman Siddiqui Auditorium, situated within the ICCBS premises, said a statement on Friday.



The spokesperson said that comprehensive security arrangements were implemented on the instructions of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah, Director of ICCBS, to ensure a transparent and orderly examination process. Entry to the examination venues was restricted to authorised candidates only.



He added that the results of the entrance test will be uploaded on the official websites of the ICCBS and the University of Karachi on August 2, 2026.



Emphasising the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and transparency, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah stated that admissions to all MPhil and PhD programmes will be awarded strictly on merit in accordance with the University of Karachi’s admission policy for higher education.



Candidates who qualify in the written examination will be invited to appear for interviews on August 4, 2026. Successful applicants will be offered admission to the Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD) and the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, both constituent institutions of the ICCBS.



ICCBS also arranged a shuttle bus service to facilitate candidates from Maskan Gate and the Campus Gate (near Sheikh Zayed Islamic Center) to the examination venues, following the directives of the ICCBS Director.



Posted on

Two policemen martyred in twin militant attacks in DI Khan


Dera ismail khan: Two policemen, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), were martyred in a militant attack near Shah Alam Morr in Chaudhwan area, while a separate attack on a police Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) in the Daraban area was successfully repulsed without any casualties, police said.



According to police, the first incident occurred near Shah Alam Mor within the jurisdiction of Chaudhwan Police Station, where four policemen travelling on motorcycles came under a sudden attack by militants belonging to Fitna-al-Khawarij.



As a result, ASI Faqir Muhammad, a resident of Jhok Sikandar, Paroa, and Head Constable named Wazir Khan embraced martyrdom on the spot.



Local residents rushed to assist the police soon after the attack, but the assailants managed to flee after opening fire.



In the second incident, Chaudhwan Police Station SHO, along with a police contingent, and an APC from Daraban Police Station led by In-charge Abid Hussain were returning from Darazinda Morr following a public protest when militants opened fire on the APC.



Police retaliated promptly, forcing the attackers to flee. No casualties or injuries were reported in the exchange of fire.



Following both incidents, additional police and security forces reached the affected areas and launched a search operation to trace and apprehend the attackers. Further investigation into the attacks is underway.