AIOU hosts training workshop on Lexicography

Islamabad: Allama Iqbal Open University's Center for English Language and Translation Studies organized a one-day training workshop on lexicography to preserve Pakistan's endangered languages.

On this occasion, resource person Ameer Haider highlighted the intricate process of compiling dictionaries.

The workshop provided specialized training to scholars for preparing dictionaries for various languages, with a particular focus on those at risk of extinction.

Participants, including Ph.D. scholars and other experts, were introduced to the modern FLEx software, designed to assist in linguistic documentation and dictionary compilation.

Dr. Ghulam Ali, Director, Center for Language and Translation Studies, welcomed the participants and emphasized the significance of this workshop in safeguarding linguistic heritage.

In his closing remarks, Professor Dr. Qadir Khan Abbasi stressed the importance of collaboration and specifically praised Dr. Farah Abbas for the successful organization of the workshop.

This initiative reflects the university's commitment to academic excellence and cultural preservation, achieved through advanced training and research.

The event marked a significant step toward preserving Pakistan's linguistic diversity for future generations.

DC visits Ahmadpur East, Uch Sharif

Bahawalpur: Deputy Commissioner Dr. Farhan Farooq visited Ahmadpur East and reviewed cleanliness operations and the ongoing efforts to remove encroachments at various locations, including Abbassia Chowk and Usman Chowk.

He instructed that cleanliness and drainage work in Ahmadpur East be carried out effectively and that encroachments be eliminated. He directed the officials to go into the field and supervise all matters.

He also planted a sapling at Ladies Park Chowk Munir Shaheed and assessed the tree plantation and cleanliness efforts in the park. The Assistant Commissioner Ahmadpur East and other relevant officials accompanied him on this occasion. The Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the repair and restoration work of the two-way road from Chacha Basti Chowk to Munir Shaheed Chowk and received a briefing on the ongoing development projects.

Later, the DC visited the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Ahmadpur East and examined medical facilities available in the Emergency Department, Outpatient Department, and various wards. He also reviewed the stock of medicines and cleanliness arrangements in the hospital. He instructed the doctors and paramedical staff to provide better treatment facilities to patients and perform their duties diligently.

Later, DC Dr. Farhan Farooq visited Uch Sharif and reviewed the ongoing development work related to the upgrade of the Rural Health Center Uch Sharif. He received a detailed briefing regarding the upgrade of the rural health center and directed that all matters be carried out effectively. Assistant Commissioner Ahmadpur East, Executive Engineer Buildings, and Deputy Director Development were also present with him.

NA speaker condemns attack on convoy in Kurram

Islamabad: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Saturday condemned the shooting at a vehicle convoy in Lower Kurram, terming it a cowardly act.

The speaker wished a speedy recovery for the deputy commissioner of Kurram and FC officials, stating that the firing incident in Kurram district is a conspiracy to disrupt peace agreements.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq emphasized that miscreants attempting to destabilize peace in Kurram would not be tolerated. He called on both sides to maintain peace and uphold the agreed-upon peace settlements.

NA speaker condemns attack on convoy in Kurram

Islamabad: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Saturday condemned the shooting at a vehicle convoy in Lower Kurram, terming it a cowardly act.

The speaker wished a speedy recovery for the deputy commissioner of Kurram and FC officials, stating that the firing incident in Kurram district is a conspiracy to disrupt peace agreements.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq emphasized that miscreants attempting to destabilize peace in Kurram would not be tolerated. He called on both sides to maintain peace and uphold the agreed-upon peace settlements.

Man arrested for playing loud music

Sargodha: Police apprehended an owner of a furniture showroom in Buchha Kalan village over the violation of the Sound System Act. According to police, Amanullah was taken into custody after complaints from local residents about excessive noise levels emanating from a tape recorder at his showroom. It was alleged that Amanullah had been causing disturbance to the neighborhood by playing music at a high volume from his sound system. Acting upon the complaints, the police arrived at the scene and arrested the accused, subsequently filing a case against him.

Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital to be first fully functional hospital in its type : Salman Rafique

Lahore: Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has announced that the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research Center will be the first fully functional government cancer hospital in Pakistan.

During a visit to the project site on Saturday, he reviewed ongoing progress and received a detailed briefing on the master plan from the Infrastructure Development Authority Punjab (IDAP) officers.

The minister revealed that the state-of-the-art 915-bed facility will be completed in two phases. 'Level three and level four cancer patients will be treated free of charge, Inshallah,' he stated. He directed IDAP to make the hospital operational within 12 months.

He said that the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Institute will include pediatric oncology, operation theaters, 10 radiation therapy bunkers, an ICU, and a 30-bed emergency ward in the first phase. A waiting hall, 24 additional beds, residential areas for patients, a bone marrow center, cancer care clinic, doctor residences, and a mosque will also be part of this phase. He said that a 300-bed building and a parking plaza will be constructed in the second phase. He said the hospital will provide advanced treatment, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, endoscopy, and other specialized services.

'This cancer hospital is not just for Punjab but for the whole of Pakistan. Patients from KPK, Sindh, and other provinces will also receive free treatment here,' said the minister. He emphasized that cancer treatment is a pressing issue affecting every segment of society, as even the wealthy find their resources drained by the disease.

The minister also shared plans to establish cardiology, neurology, pediatric, and dialysis centers in every city of Punjab. 'No cancer patient will be denied treatment. Every project that improves the lives of people is our top priority,' he added.

Officers from IDAP and contractors involved in the project were present during the visit.