Love for Ahl al-Bayt & Hazrat Ali emphasized at annual Milad-e-Mustafa

Islamabad: Islahi Jamaat and Aalmi Tanzeem-ul-Arifeen of the shrine of Hazrat Sultan Bahoo (RA) organized the Annual Milad-e-Mustafa (PBUH) and Haq Bahoo Conference on Sunday in Islamabad. Presided over by Sahibzada Sultan Ahmad Ali, Secretary General of the Jamaat and Tanzeem, the event celebrated love for the Holy Prophet (PBUH), Hazrat Ali (RA), and the Ahlul Bayt, drawing attendees from diverse backgrounds.

Speaking at the gathering, Sultan Ahmad Ali emphasized that love for Hazrat Ali (RA) is integral to strengthening one's faith and spiritual connection. Ahmed Ali highlighted the teachings of Sufis (Awliya-e-Karam) who instilled deep respect for the Holy Prophet (PBUH), Hazrat Ali (RA), and the noble companions (Sahaba-e-Karam), a tradition that shaped pre-colonial societies.

Ahmad Ali reiterated the Prophet's (PBUH) guidance to hold firmly to the Quran and the Ahlul Bayt as a means of remaining steadfast on the path of righteousness. He added, "Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA) affirmed that love for Hazrat Ali (RA) is a source of spiritual blessings."

'There is an urgent need to enrich one's inner world, especially in today's materialistic era," he said, urging the youth to reconnect with their spiritual heritage through education and remembrance of Allah.

On this occasion, Haji Muhammad Nawaz Qadri, Nazim-e-Ala of the Jamaat, emphasized the significance of self-purification and the application of Islamic values. Nawaz Qadri stressed that the teachings of the Sufis, rooted in the Quran, guide believers to a righteous path.

The conference concluded with collective prayers and remembrance of Allah.

DIG Islamabad inaugurates Police khidmat Markaz at Soan Garden

Islamabad: Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Islamabad, Syed Ali Raza, inaugurated on Sunday the Police khidmat Markaz at Soan Garden to provide comprehensive police-related services to residents of suburban areas.

A Public Relations Officer (PRO) informed reporter that the facility has been constructed in line with international standards, offering a range of services under one roof. DIG Raza emphasized that the center aims to enhance convenience for citizens residing in remote areas.

DIG Raza said that trained personnel have been deployed at the center to ensure quality service delivery. 'Protecting the lives and property of citizens and providing them with essential facilities remain the top priority of the police,' DIG Ali Raza remarked.

Raza further stated that the Islamabad Police is committed to assisting citizens with a spirit of public service and ensuring the best possible support.

On this occasion, Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Muhammad Sarfraz Virk, SP Soan Zone, a large number of citizens, and media representatives were also present.

Balochistan receives rain, first winter snowfall

Quetta: Respective areas of Balochistan received rain and winter of first snowfall on late Saturday which turned weather pleasant and cold.

Some of people went to Dasht and Luckpass areas in their vehicles and bikes to enjoy snowfall weather.

Levies force and concerned departments personnel deployed main national highways to cope situation of closure roads owing to snowfalls and rain in the areas so that maintain smooth of traffic and people would not suffer difficulties during traveling.

The Met Office has forecast mainly cloudy, rain, wind and snowfall weather for Balochistan, areas including Quetta, Mastung, Zairat, Killa Saifullah, Zhob, Surfab, Kalat, Harnai, and including its surrounding areas during next 24 hours.

The Met Office reported that snowfall (cm) was recorded in respective areas including Ziarat ( cm 2.5), Quetta City ( cm 2.0), RMC ( cm 2.5), Sariab (cm 1.5).

While rainfall (mm) has been recorded in Dalbandin (mm 24.0), Chaman ( mm 17.75), Pishin (mm16.5), Quetta (City (mm13.0), Samungli ( mm 10.0), Sariab ( mm 7.6) and RMC ( 07.2)), Nokkundi (07.0), Muslim Bagh (05.5), Kalat

(04.0) and Panjgur (01.0).

The Met office reported that the minimum temperature in Zhob was recorded at - 1.0 minus degrees centigrade, 1.3.5 degrees centigrade in Quetta on Sunday.

PSO Bangladeshi armed forces calls on senior officials of Pak Navy

Karachi: Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh, Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hassan on Sunday called on senior officials of Pakistan Navy.

He called on Commander Pakistan Fleet, Rear Admiral Abdul Munib, Commander Coast, Rear Admiral Faisal Amin and Managing Director of Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KS and EW), Rear Admiral Salman Ilyas, said a press release issued by Directorate General Public Relations (Pak Navy).

During his visit, he also toured Pakistan Navy ships and units.

During these engagements, discussions focused on professional matters of mutual interests, including regional maritime security and bilateral defence collaboration. Various potential areas of cooperation were highlighted, such as joint military exercises, reciprocal visits, and training exchange programs between the two countries, it further said.

The visit of Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hassan is expected to further strengthen defence ties between the two brotherly nations, enhancing cooperation and solidifying the bonds between the armed forces of Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Balochistan receives rain, first winter snowfall

Quetta: Respective areas of Balochistan received rain and winter of first snowfall on late Saturday which turned weather pleasant and cold.

Some of people went to Dasht and Luckpass areas in their vehicles and bikes to enjoy snowfall weather.

Levies force and concerned departments personnel deployed main national highways to cope situation of closure roads owing to snowfalls and rain in the areas so that maintain smooth of traffic and people would not suffer difficulties during traveling.

The Met Office has forecast mainly cloudy, rain, wind and snowfall weather for Balochistan, areas including Quetta, Mastung, Zairat, Killa Saifullah, Zhob, Surfab, Kalat, Harnai, and including its surrounding areas during next 24 hours.

The Met Office reported that snowfall (cm) was recorded in respective areas including Ziarat ( cm 2.5), Quetta City ( cm 2.0), RMC ( cm 2.5), Sariab (cm 1.5).

While rainfall (mm) has been recorded in Dalbandin (mm 24.0), Chaman ( mm 17.75), Pishin (mm16.5), Quetta (City (mm13.0), Samungli ( mm 10.0), Sariab ( mm 7.6) and RMC ( 07.2)), Nokkundi (07.0), Muslim Bagh (05.5), Kalat

(04.0) and Panjgur (01.0).

The Met office reported that the minimum temperature in Zhob was recorded at - 1.0 minus degrees centigrade, 1.3.5 degrees centigrade in Quetta on Sunday.

Measures being taken to address population growth affecting economy, health: Ahad

Quetta: Deputy Manager Communication, Population Council Ikram Ul Ahad has said that measures are being taken to address rapid population growth, which is adversely affecting sectors including economy, health, environment, and education indicators.He shared these views while talking to the reporter.He said that to reduce the rapid population growth and bring it to a sustainable level, implementation of the National Action Plan, formulated under the decisions of the Council of Common Interest (CCI) must be ensured.He said that if the current population growth rate continues, Pakistan would face significant challenges in its economy, education, health, and human resource sectors by 2050.Mr. Ikram Ul Ahad mentioned that the Media Coalition meeting arranged by the Population Council with the contribution of UNFPA a few days ago which was attended by journalists including women from across the country on invitation of the population with the aim to highlight the rapid growth of population.He also emphasi zed the critical need to achieve a balance between population growth and available resources to ensure Pakistan's sustainable progress.'Media can play a vital role in highlighting the challenges posed by rapid population growth through investigative journalism. Particular focus is needed on women's reproductive health and their limited access to family planning services, which remain key areas for attention.', he said.He stressed the urgency of implementing CCI decisions, warning that neglecting these measures would exacerbate Pakistan's existing challenges.Presenting key findings from the Population Council's latest report 'Pakistan @ 2050, he outlined two potential future scenarios for Pakistan. In Scenario 1 (Business-as-usual), if the current population growth continues unchecked, the population would reach approximately 386 million by 2050.He noted that in Scenario 2 (CCI Decisions Implementation), by successfully implementing the Council of Common Interest (CCI) decisions and reducing the growth rate, the population could be limited to 338 million.He said the significant implications of these scenarios, noting that under the current trajectory, Pakistan would require 115 million new jobs by 2050.However, effective implementation of CCI decisions could reduce this demand to 97 million, he said adding that 'In terms of economic growth, if fertility rates are brought down to 2.2%, the GDP growth rate could increase to 5.1%, compared to 3.4% if the current trend continues.He said that additionally, per capita monthly income, which would remain PKR 27,000 under the current situation could rise to PKR 36,000 with effective CCI implementation.He said that decisive and immediate action is essential to achieve sustainable economic and social progress.He maintained that the negative impacts of repeated pregnancies on women's health, which not only affect their lives but also disturb the balance between population and resources.'Rapid population growth exacerbates the effects of climate change, disp roportionately affecting the poor and marginalized segments of society', he added.