Latest News from Balochistan
Sheikhupura:An unidentified 25-years-old man here on Wednesday crushed to death by a train near Village, Machika.
The Rescue sources said that a Rescue 1122 team handed over the body to Railway police.
The identity of the body could not be ascertained, they added.
Multan:Additional Chief Secretary Fuad Hashim Rabbani said that poverty alleviation was the top priority of the South Punjab Secretariat.
He said this during a visit by a 14-member delegation from the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA). The delegation, led by Dr. Faiza Arooj, met with the Additional Chief Secretary to discuss the region's progress and challenges. Secretary Services South Punjab, Engineer Amjad Shoaib Khan Tareen, was also present during the meeting.
Highlighting the Secretariat's efforts, Fuad Hashim Rabbani stated, 'We are focused on increasing literacy rates and advancing agriculture to alleviate poverty in the region.' He added that the Secretariat had played a pivotal role in the region's development, completing dozens of mega projects over the past four years.
'The establishment of the South Punjab Secretariat has resolved many issues at the local level, significantly reducing the sense of deprivation in the region,' he remarked.
The Additional Chief Secretary also discussed key initiatives, including the successful implementation of the 'No Child Left Out of School' campaign to boost literacy. He shared that recommendations on regenerative agriculture practices have been submitted to the government to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Incorporating modern technology into governance, Rabbani said, 'We are actively utilizing artificial intelligence for the development of all sectors in South Punjab, and efforts are underway to establish an IT park in the region.'
Addressing a question about infrastructure, he revealed that 50 acres of land had been allocated for the South Punjab Secretariat in Bahawalpur. However, progress on the project has been delayed due to a stay order from the Court.
Secretary Services South Punjab, Engineer Amjad Shoaib Khan Tareen, briefed the delegation on the South Punjab profile, outlining the Secretariat's achievements and ongoing efforts to tackle regional challenges.
The visit provided an opportunity for the delegation to gain insight into the Secretariat's role in driving sustainable development and addressing key issues facing South Punjab.
Sargodha:A briefing on the Punjab Urban Land Systems Enhancement (PULSE) project was conducted under the chairmanship of Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue (ADCR) Fahad Mahmood on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by assistant commissioners, tehsildars, and other officials. During the briefing, it was announced that the PULSE project, set to commence on February 1, aims at simplify land ownership and distribution under the initiative "One Window, One Owner.' The preparations, including temporary staff recruitment, are being finalized to ensure the project's success. An awareness seminar for field staff participating in this operation would also be held in the next week. Speaking at the meeting, ADCR Fahad Mahmood emphasized that the primary objective of the project was to eliminate traditional khewat system. He noted that identifying and distributing land according to ownership is a top priority for the Punjab Urban Land Systems Enhancement Project.
Peshawar:Special Assistant to KP CM on Industries, Abdul Karim Tordhir described the business activities of women as vital to achieve the goals of economic development, saying there is a need to address the problems faced by women entrepreneurs.He expressed these views while addressing the Public-Private Dialogue session under the auspices the Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA) in collaboration with the Centre for International Private Enterprises at a local hotel in Peshawar on Wednesday.The Special Assistant assured all possible support to the Women Chambers of Commerce and Industries (WCCIs) established at the district level and said that efforts will be made to resolve the problems and difficulties faced by them by holding meetings with them.The aim of holding the session was to give an opportunity to businesswomen, relevant institutions and the government to promote business at the district and provincial levels and to solve the problems faced by them in order to empower women e conomically.Addressing the session, the Special Assistant appreciated the efforts of the organization in the support of Women Chambers of Commerce and Industries.He said that women have a crucial and active role in the economic development and on behalf of the provincial government assured all support to the Women's Chambers and asked it to provide details regarding the problems faced by them and the support required from the government.Referring to the regional problems, the Special Assistant said that since 1979 we have been passing through unfavorable conditions which have left deep negative effects on the economic journey. He said that they will make practical steps to bring improvement in the environment for business.Highlighting the government's initiatives regarding the development and financial support of women, he said that an interest-free loan scheme has been launched under the Social Welfare Department for the women, underprivileged individuals and transgenders.Under the scheme loans ran ging from Rs.0.1 million to Rs.0.5 million is available Akhuwat Foundation. He asked the officials of the Chambers to create awareness about this project to the business women so that they can take benefit from it.Similarly, under this program they can get a large loan in the form of clusters from Bank of Khyber and up to Rs.0.5 million through Akhuwat Foundation. He said that a loan of up to Rs.0.5 million can be obtained under Ehsaas Honar Programme, which is specially for the people with technical skills.He directed the Provincial Chief of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to play a role in developing linkages of women entrepreneurs with related institutions for providing financial support.Addressing the women associated with the chambers, he said that they can showcase their products for marketing and sale in the Art and Craft Gallery of the Small Industries Development Board (SIDB) in Islamabad, which will boost their production.The Special Assistant said that they wi ll hold a meeting with the Women Chambers officials of the top five districts and try to extend them support wherever possible.He said that they will be able to achieve real development only when they have the support of their women, so they will take possible steps to provide them with a peaceful and sustainable business environment.Project Manager CGPA Khalfan Ahmad Khattak shed light on the organization and its activities under the project and informed the participants about the positive impact of Public Private Dialogue in Dir Lower, Abbottabad, Mardan and Charsadda.President, WCCI (Peshawar) Rabia Basri, Provincial Chief SMEDA Rashid Aman, Assistant Commissioner Peshawar Miss Rashida Tahir and other speakers also addressed the session and highlighted the services extended by their institutions and departments regarding women's business activities.
Lahore: Head of the British High Commission's Lahore Office Ben Warrington inaugurated the Roshni Mobile Health Unit launched by the Marie Stopes Society (MSS) here on Tuesday. The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) supported the initiative. The fully equipped unit offers long-term and short-term family planning methods, counselling, sugar and pregnancy tests, and outpatient medical services. The unit will travel across Lahore and Kasur districts, prioritizing underserved communities, especially women and girls. The MSS has already deployed 16 mobile health units in rural areas of Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to bridge the gap in healthcare access in regions lacking trained medical staff. Ben Warrington said , the UK remained commitment to empowering women and girls. He said the British High Commission in Pakistan worked to foster and strengthen relations between the UK and Pakistan. Asma Balal, Country Director of the Marie Stopes Society in Pakistan, stated, 'Our new mo bile health unit is not just a vehicle; it's a beacon of our dedication to improving lives and fulfilling our mission.' She explained that the MSS, a local non-profit organization operating since 1991, provides high-quality reproductive health and family planning services. Serving 700,000 clients annually, the MSS has reached nearly 8 million couples since 2010, saving the lives of over 7,000 mothers across Pakistan.
Lahore: International students of the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore embarked on an unforgettable tour of Lahore's iconic recreational and cultural landmarks here on Tuesday.
The purpose of this initiative was to bring foreign students closer to the rich history and vibrant culture of Pakistan.
The students visited historical sites in the heart of Lahore, including the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, and other significant monuments.
Additionally, the international students explored the bustling streets of Anarkali Bazaar and the famous Food Street, savoring traditional Pakistani dishes such as biryani, nihari, and lassi.
The students were captivated by live performances of folk music and traditional dances, which showcased the diversity and vibrancy of Pakistani culture. At the end, the students expressed their admiration for Lahore's cultural richness and historical significance. They extended their gratitude to UET Vice Chancellor Dr. Shahid Munir for his leadership and efforts in making this experience possible.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shahid Munir remarked, 'Such tours provide international students with an in-depth understanding of Lahore's culture and history while fostering stronger bonds between nations. These activities not only highlight Pakistan's positive image but also promote harmony and collaboration among diverse communities.'