Abbasi lauds security forces for successful IBOs in KP, Balochistan


Islamabad: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi Wednesday paid rich tribute to security forces for carrying out successful intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, resulting in the elimination of 32 terrorists.



In a statement, the minister praised the security forces for their professionalism, bravery and timely action, saying the successful operations reflected their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country’s peace and security.



He said the country’s defenders had once again proved that the fate of Pakistan’s enemies was nothing but defeat.



The minister said that every successful operation against terrorism strengthened the nation’s confidence and demonstrated the high morale and operational readiness of the security forces.



Hanif Abbasi said that anti-state elements attempting to undermine Pakistan’s peace would face a decisive response on every front. He reaffirmed that the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with its armed forces in the fight against terrorism.



The minister said the country’s brave personnel continued to make sacrifices day and night to ensure lasting peace, adding that the nation saluted their courage, dedication and unwavering resolve.



He said that the decisive operations against terrorists reflected Pakistan’s firm determination that there was no place for enemies of peace in the country.



Expressing confidence, the minister said that with the grace of Allah, the courage of the security forces and the unity of the nation, terrorism would be eradicated completely from Pakistan.



Imran Shah to address International session on poverty alleviation in Chicago


Islamabad: Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah will participate in the two-day Turkish Festival, being held in Chicago on August 1-2 under the auspices of the Zakat Foundation of America.



The festival will bring together members of the Turkish, Pakistani, Arab and wider Muslim communities, providing a platform for dialogue on issues of shared social and humanitarian importance.



During the festival, the federal minister will address an international session titled “Poverty: A Global Threat.”



He will highlight Pakistan’s efforts in poverty alleviation, outline the government’s social protection initiatives, and discuss the role of the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety in supporting vulnerable communities.



He will also share Pakistan’s experience and recommendations for addressing poverty through international cooperation.



On the second day of the festival, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah will participate in a special session on the life and teachings of Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi His remarks will focus on Rumi’s enduring message of love, peace, spirituality and humanity, while highlighting the shared cultural and spiritual heritage between Pakistan and Trkiye.



As part of the programme, the federal minister will visit the headquarters of the Zakat Foundation of America, where he is scheduled to meet the Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Halil Demir. He will also interact with members of the Pakistani-American community.



During the visit, he will be briefed on the Foundation’s humanitarian and development initiatives in Pakistan and its global relief efforts, with discussions focusing on opportunities for continued cooperation in poverty alleviation and social welfare.



Teacher held over physical violence


Khanewal: City police on Wednesday arrested a teacher over physical violence against a student at a private academy.



According to police, the team received an information that a teacher allegedly tortured and beat a 14-year-old student in the academy.



A case was registered following a complaint lodged by the victim’s mother. Acting swiftly on the complaint, police took the accused teacher into custody, while further investigation was underway.



District Police Officer (DPO) Khanewal Muhammad Abid asserted that violence, harassment, and any form of abuse directed against children will not be tolerated under any circumstances. He assured the victim’s family of comprehensive legal protection.



Commissioner reviews renovation work at Central Library


Bahawalpur: Commissioner Bahawalpur Division Irfan Ali Kathia visited the Central Libraryto review the progress of ongoing renovation and refurbishment projects aimed at improving educational and reading facilities for the public.



During the visit, the Chief Librarian briefed the Commissioner on the progress of the development and renovation works currently underway at the library.



Commissioner Kathia directed the concerned authorities to complete all renovation work within the stipulated timeframe so that citizens can benefit from modern, high-quality, and conducive learning and reading facilities at the earliest. He said the restoration and improvement of educational and knowledge institutions remain among the priorities of the Punjab government, emphasizing that all relevant departments must ensure the timely completion of the projects.



The Commissioner also inspected the library’s lawns and grassy plots and instructed officials to enhance the landscape by planting seasonal flowering plants. He further directed the authorities to ensure regular maintenance, irrigation, and timely pruning of trees to create a more attractive, lush, and study-friendly environment for visitors.



Additional Commissioner Coordination Dr. Nair Mustafa, Assistant Commissioner Bahawalpur City Iqra Mubeen, Deputy Director Technical Waqas Muhammad Din, and other concerned officials accompanied the Commissioner during the visit.



Journalists Colony Phase-II shifted to Chahar Bagh Scheme


Lahore: It has been decided to relocate Journalists Colony Phase-II from Katar Band Road to J Block of the Chahar Bagh Scheme, where the project will be developed in accordance with the previously approved master plan.



The decision was taken at a high-level meeting held at the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) on Wednesday, jointly chaired by RUDA Chief Executive Officer Imran Amin and Punjab Information Secretary Tahir Raza Hamdani. The meeting reviewed the proposed relocation, assessed progress on the project and took key decisions to ensure its timely completion.



Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari, General Secretary Afzal Talib, Punjab Journalists Housing Foundation (PJHF) Deputy Managing Director Adnan Rashid, PJHF Assistant Director (Admin) Asad Hussain, RUDA Director Public Relations Colonel Abid Latif and other senior officials attended the meeting.



To expedite implementation, it was decided that the PJHF would immediately provide RUDA with a list of journalists eligible for Phase-II plots. Upon receiving the list, RUDA will formally notify the eligible journalists, enabling the next stages of the project to proceed without delay.



The meeting further decided that the project in J Block of the Chahar Bagh Scheme would be executed under the previously approved master plan. Advance payments and instalments would be collected in accordance with the existing agreement, while development charges would be collected directly by RUDA. The rules and regulations applicable to Journalists Colony Phase-II would continue to apply to all eligible journalists.



Secretary Information Tahir Raza Hamdani thanked RUDA CEO Imran Amin for his efforts to provide housing facilities to journalists in line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. He expressed confidence that RUDA would complete the development work, hand over possession of the plots and finalise all remaining stages of the project within the stipulated timeframe, enabling journalists to construct their homes.



Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari also thanked Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari, Secretary Information Tahir Raza Hamdani and RUDA CEO Imran Amin.



He said the Punjab government has fulfilled its commitment to the journalist community and that the Phase-II project announced for Lahore Press Club members is now moving rapidly towards completion.



He welcomed the relocation of Journalists Colony Phase-II to Chahar Bagh, describing it as a beautiful location within the city, and said the entire journalist community appreciated the Punjab government’s initiative. He also congratulated all journalists included in Phase-II.



Multi-departmental strategy launched for HPV vaccination campaign in KP


Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has devised a comprehensive strategy for the first-ever Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign in the province, involving multiple departments and institutions to prevent cervical cancer among girls.



The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) KP, with the approval of the Chief Secretary, has assigned specific responsibilities to various government departments, educational institutions, regulatory bodies and healthcare organisations to ensure effective implementation of the campaign.



Under the strategy, the Elementary and Secondary Education Department will facilitate vaccination through schools and provide data of eligible students, while the Private Schools Regulatory Authority will ensure participation of private educational institutions in the campaign.



The Home Department will oversee security arrangements, the Finance Department will ensure timely availability of funds, and the Information Department will lead media and public awareness activities to create awareness about the importance of HPV vaccination.



The Local Government Department will support community mobilisation, while the Social Welfare Department will engage women and social organisations.



The Population Welfare Department will spread awareness through family welfare centres, whereas the Auqaf Department will involve religious scholars and mosques to promote positive messages.



Khyber Medical University, Rescue 1122 and the Healthcare Commission have also been assigned key roles, including medical student participation, emergency response and monitoring of private healthcare facilities.



Medical and professional organisations, including gynaecologists, paediatricians, public health experts and IRNUM Cancer Hospital, will provide technical guidance, address concerns of parents and support awareness activities.



Officials said the coordinated approach aims to ensure wider public participation and make the HPV vaccination drive successful across the province.