Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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Final deadline set for halting water sports at Khanpur Dam amid pollution concerns

Islamabad: The Executive Engineer (EXN) of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Sohaib Abbasi, issued a three-day ultimatum on Thursday to jetty owners at Khanpur Dam, directing them to cease all water sports activities and remove boats and jetties from the dam reservoir by the expiration of the deadline on Monday.

According to the notice, this action is in response to increasing concerns about the contamination of the dam's water supply, which serves the residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Reports have indicated that water sports activities, along with boats and the litter left by participants, have contributed to the pollution of the water and compromised its quality.

Sohaib Abbasi, while speaking to reporter, emphasized the importance of halting these activities to prevent further contamination and ensure a continuous supply of clean and safe water for both cities.

He also stressed the need to protect the dam's ecosystem and maintain public health through the preservation of water quality.

In an update provided on Sunday, the EXN confirmed that the notice had been forwarded to the relevant authorities and that assistance from the local administration had been sought to enforce the order. With the deadline rapidly approaching, local authorities are expected to take immediate action if the notice is not followed.

The final day for compliance will fall on Monday, marking a critical point in the effort to safeguard the water quality of Khanpur Dam.

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STEAM EXHIBITION, 2025 organized at Cadet College Petaro

Hyderabad: Under the directions of College Education Department, GoS, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Exhibition 2025 under the Category of Cadet Colleges was organised at Cadet College Petaro.7 premier cadet colleges of Sindh took part in it.

The Colorful inauguration was graced by Mr Ghazanfar Ali Qadri, Deputy Commissioner, Jamshoro as chief guest along with Commodore Faisal Iqbal Qazi SI (M).

On this occasion praiseworthy arrangements were made by Cadet College Petaro. The Hon'ble chief guest praised the arrangements and took keen interest in all the projects made by cadets.

He also awarded cash prizes to the notable projects and their founder cadets and their colleges including Cadet College Petaro, Cadet College Larkana Cadet College Ghotki Cadet College Karachi, Cadet College Sanghar Cadet College Karampur and Bakhtawar Cadet College for Girls, Shaheed Benazirabad

The Hon'ble chief guest Ghazanfar Ali Qadri and Commodore Faisal Iqbal Qazi SI (M) also awarded cash prizes to the top projects of each participating Cadet College and their respective cadets.

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Karachi Mayor inaugurates Ghulam Ali Alana Road

Karachi: Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Sunday inaugurated the newly constructed Ghulam Ali Alana Road on Sunday. This road has been rebuilt and dedicated to the former Mayor of Karachi, Ghulam Ali Alana.

Addressing the ceremony, the Mayor emphasized the Pakistan People's Party's commitment to the betterment and development of Karachi. 'We are actively working on projects to improve water supply, roads, parks, and sewage systems. This road is an example of our efforts,' said Wahab.

The 1.5-kilometer-long Ghulam Ali Alana Road was completed in four months at a cost of Rs. 70 million. The project includes 28,200 square feet of sidewalks, 900 running feet of rainwater drainage pipes, and 4,000 running feet of curb stones. Lane marking and cat eyes have also been installed for better visibility and safety.

Mayor Wahab announced that a Rs. 12.4 billion project is underway to bring 40 million gallons of additional water daily from the Hub Canal, along with a Rs. 1.7 billion elevated pipeline in Lyari River to prevent water theft.

He also highlighted ongoing development projects such as the restoration of Old Queens Road, I.I. Chundrigar Road, Jinnah Bridge, and Netty Jetty Bridge, emphasizing that these works aim to resolve citizens' long-standing issues.

The Mayor reiterated his commitment to cleaning the city's walls of inappropriate slogans and advertisements. 'We are determined to keep Karachi's walls clean and free of any unwarranted slogans or posters,' he said.

Addressing encroachments, Wahab stated that spaces like Sangam Ground, previously occupied by buffalo pens, would be cleared and repurposed for youth sports facilities.

He urged organizations like the Khidmat-e-Khalq Foundation to provide valid documents for regularization if they claim any property.

The event was attended by Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Usman Ghani Hangoro, City Council Parliamentary Leader Karamullah Waqasi, and UC-10 Lyari Chairman Muhammad Hanif Chhitani, along with other officials and members of Ghulam Ali Alana's family, who expressed gratitude for the road's dedication.

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TIKA provides Vocational Training support for children with Autism

Karachi: The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) has established pre-vocational training areas at the Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation to ease the integration of children with autism into life and provide them with preparatory opportunities for advanced vocational training.

The pre-vocational training areas, which were renovated and equipped with furniture and electronic equipment, were inaugurated by Dursun Ali Yasacan, Head of TIKA's East and South Asia, Pacific, and Latin America (DOGAL) Department, and Cemal Sangu, Turkish Consul General in Karachi.

In his remarks following the inauguration, Dursun Ali Yasacan emphasized that TIKA develops and supports projects worldwide to ease the lives of disadvantaged groups. He expressed his satisfaction in contributing to such a successful institution.

Consul General Sangu added that after touring all units, he witnessed firsthand the beneficial and successful services provided by the Institute. He expressed his gratitude to TIKA for choosing the right institution for the project and thanked the Institute's officials for their dedicated services to Pakistan.

Dr. Irum Rizwan, Head of the Institute, highlighted the rapid increase in the number of individuals with autism worldwide, noting that one out of every 100 children in Pakistan is autistic. She expressed her gratitude to TIKA for their support in helping these special children adapt to normal life.

A beneficiary mother, who has received rehabilitation services for her child for years, expressed her profound gratitude to TIKA and the Turkish people. She mentioned how the Institute's vocational training helped her son develop skills and eventually find employment.

The Institute, established as Pakistan's first training hospital for individuals with autism, provides rehabilitation and vocational training services to approximately 150 children daily.

In addition to motor skills development and daily life activities, the Institute offers vocational training in crafts, lamination, and cooking, while also educating academics and students.

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Punjab cities engulfed by fog, motorways closed

Lahore: Fog continues to rein in various cities of Punjab, while motorways have been closed at several places due to low visibility.

A Motorway police spokesperson told reporter that Motorway M-2 from Lahore to Kot Momin is closed, while M-3 from Lahore to Multan is also closed.

He said that traffic entry was prohibited on M-4 from Pindi Bhattian to Multan, entry on Motorway M-5 from Multan to Uch Sharif was closed, Lahore-Sialkot Motorway M-11 was also closed due to fog, and traffic flow was affected on national highways due to low visibility.

Spokesman said that drivers should use front and rear fog lights in their vehicles so that other vehicles could be seen better. Citizens have also been instructed to avoid unnecessary travel.

Meanwhile, in an travel advisory, the Motorway Police urged road users to obtain the latest information from the National Highways and Motorway Police official social media accounts before travelling on motorways across Pakistan.

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CM announces dedicated lanes for cyclists, motorcyclists in Lahore

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has taken a revolutionary step to modernize Lahore's transport infrastructure by directing the development of separate lanes for cyclists and motorcyclists on city roads. This initiative aims to protect bikers and cyclists from accidents and improve overall traffic flow. The CM said, "Cyclists and motorcyclists will be protected from accidents, and biker lanes will be built on all roads of Lahore in a phased manner." She revealed that work on Phase-I of the project is already underway, with construction focused on the stretch from Ferozepur Road Canal Road to Lahore Bridge. The 10-kilometer biker lane is being designed in an eye-catching green color to enhance visibility and reflect the modern global concept of bike-friendly infrastructure. The CM emphasized, 'This initiative will not only reduce accidents but also streamline traffic flow in Lahore.' The CM directed the authorities concerned to ensure the highest construction quality for the bik er lanes, reinforcing her commitment to providing safe and efficient transport facilities for the city's residents.