A mesmerizing Qawwali performance at Alhamra Cultural Complex

Lahore: Despite cold and foggy weather, the Alhamra Cultural Complex in Gulberg-III came alive with a series of literary and cultural activities, marking a vibrant start to the year.

The Alhamra Arts Council has implemented a comprehensive cultural roadmap, ensuring that both the Alhamra Mall Road and Cultural Complex venues continue to offer enriching programs for the public.

In this spirit, a mesmerizing Mehfil-e-Qawwali was held at the Alhamra Cultural Complex. Renowned Qawwal Tahir Mehdi and his team made a soulful performance. The event drew many attendees who braved the winter chill to immerse themselves in qawwali's spiritual and melodic charm.

Chairman Alhamra, Razi Ahmed, shared his thoughts: "Qawwali holds a unique place in our cultural landscape, offering a sublime experience that resonates deeply with the audience. It's heartening to see such enthusiastic participation from the public."

Executive Director Alhamra, Tauqeer Haider Kazmi, highlighted the significance of such events in fostering peace and harmony, noting, "Programs like these play a crucial role in promoting societal harmony and providing solace to the soul. Alhamra remains committed to organizing such enriching experiences for qawwali enthusiasts."

With the warmth of soulful music filling the air, the Alhamra Cultural Complex continues establishing itself as a beacon of artistic and cultural excellence. It offers a much-needed respite from the winter blues while celebrating Pakistan's rich heritage.

Ahsan Iqbal expresses grief over demise of Nayyar Bukhari’s wife

Islamabad: Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Friday expressed grief and sorrow over the death of the wife of Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians' (PPPP) Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bukhari.

In a condolence message, he sympathized with Nayyar Bukhari and the family members, prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity.

Commissioner Karachi reviews beautification work of roads

Karachi: Commissioner Karachi, Syed Hassan Naqvi, chaired a meeting on Friday to review the city's major roads' beautification and rehabilitation.

The meeting focused on Shahrah-e-Faisal, I.I.Chundrigar Road, Shahrah-e-Quaiden, and Marine Promenade.

He directed the officials to expedite the repair and maintenance of roads and footpaths across the city with the work of improvement of utility chambers to alleviate pedestrian facing difficulties on foot paths at I.I. Chundrigar Road and other places .

The meeting also reviewed the measures to cover manholes, repair utility chambers, install streetlights, relocate garbage dumps from prominent locations, and ensure cleanliness across the city.

The meeting was attended among others by all the Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioner HQs Rabia Syed, Assistant Commissioner General Hazim Bangwear, Managing Director of Sindh Waste Management Board Tariq Nizamani, Regional Director of Local Government Ramzan Pathan, Director General Municipal Services Tariq Mughal, and Chief Engineer of KDA Abdul Samad..

All Deputy Commissioners presented plans and ongoing projects for their respective districts to improve civic amenities.

Deputy Commissioner West, Ahmed Ali Siddiqui, highlighted Manghopir Road and Shahrah-e-Orangi, while Deputy Commissioner Central, Taha Saleem , focused on Shahrah-e-Pakistan and Allama Rashid Turabi Road.

Deputy Commissioner East Abrar Jaffar identified key roads in Shahrah-e-Faisal, while Deputy Commissioner South Altaf Sario focused on I.I. Chundrigar Road. Similarly, Deputy Commissioners for Keamari, Malir and Korangi, Raja Tariq Chandio, Saleemullah Odho, and Masood Bhutto, respectively, highlighted important roads in their districts where work is underway.

The meeting was informed that development work in district central, including patchwork, is ongoing on Shahrah-e-Pakistan, Sher Shah Suri Road, and Allama Rashid Turabi Road in the Central District. Additionally, tree plantation will be carried out in collaboration with non-governmental organizations.

It was also informed to the meeting that the KDA Chowrangi is being beautified with the support of the Bohra community, while the Model Market in the district and a development park at AO Clinic have been planned to be undertaken with the help of the Town Administration.

The meeting was also informed by the DC central Taha Saleem that with the collaboration of the Karachi Development Authority (KDA), sports complexes will also be built under various flyovers in the district.

The DC South briefed about the progress of the beautification of Shahrah-e-Faisal, Marine Promenade, and Shahrah-e-Quaiden, focusing on improving utility chambers to alleviate pedestrian difficulties on footpaths.

Quetta Traffic Police launches crackdown against illegal rickshaws, violators of traffic laws: Sayed Asim Shah

Quetta: The Quetta Traffic Police has launched crackdown against illegal rickshaws and violators of traffic laws to ensure safety of lives and to keep them safe from any mishaps.

SP Traffic Saddar, Sayed Asim Shah said that on the direction of SSP Traffic Behram Khan Mandokhail and under the supervision of Secretary Regional Transport Authority Muhammad Ali Durrani, 10 rickshaws and two pickup trucks have been confiscated, and challans were been issued to vehicles over violation of traffic laws during the on-going operation in the provincial capital city.

He said that SSP Behram Khan Mandokhail has ordered to take stern actions against illegal rickshaws and violators of traffic laws in order to address the traffic blockage as much as possible and keep traffic flow smooth.

Moreover, the vehicles involved in serious traffic violations will be impounded in police stations along with heavy fines, Sayed Asim Shah said.

Additionally, effective action against drivers and vehicles involved in violations of traffic rules and affecting the flow of traffic in the city has been ordered.

He mentioned that public awareness campaign has significantly strengthened and would be continued.

Asim Shah added that campaign has been also launched against motorcycle riders without helmets. He emphasized that traffic police frequently conduct operations against the violators to manage the traffic in the provincial capital city.

He further pointed out that individuals using tinted glasses with fake permits will face strict legal action and their fake permits will be seized, and FIRs will be filed against them.

SP Traffic Police Saddar, Syed Asim Shah, shared that notices have been issued to vendors occupying footpaths and illegally setting up stalls at road sides in the city area.

Asim Shah said that actions have been taken against motorcycles without registration numbers, and owners are required to bring original number plates to avoid further penalties.

He added that 'special measures are being taken to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and to protect citizens from traffic accidents. Immediate actions will be taken against violators of traffic laws, and all officers and citizens will be provided with awareness about traffic regulations. Legal actions will be taken against drivers involved in violations.'

FIA apprehends two human traffickers


Lahore: Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Gujranwala Zone apprehended two human traffickers during an ongoing crackdown in Gujrat on Friday.



According to FIA spokesperson, two traffickers– Mohammad Raza and Mehdi Hassan, were arrested in recent raids conducted across the region.Accused Raza fraudulently took 1.3 million rupees from a citizen, claiming to offer a job in Canada. He had been wanted by the FIA Composite Circle Gujrat since 2016. Meanwhile,Mehdi Hassan swindled 130,000 rupees from a complainant by promising to send him to Iran. He had been on the run since 2020 and was wanted by the FIA Composite Circle Gujranwala.



Both suspects failed to fulfill their promises and disappeared after collecting money from the victims.



Director Abdul Qadir Qamar emphasized that all available resources were being utilized to arrest the suspects involved in similar crimes.Investigations were underway.



Fazl stresses dialogue, says its key to strengthening democracy


Islamabad: Maulana Fazlur Rehman, leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), on Friday stressed that dialogue between political parties is crucial aspect of the democratic process, as avoiding talks or refusing negotiations harms democracy.



Maulana said that while speaking to Senator Irfan Siddiqui, spokesperson for the government negotiation committee and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader, who visited him at his residence to inquire about his health.



Maulana Fazlur Rehman reiterated that mutual discussions and negotiations are the only way to address key national issues. He further emphasized the need for political harmony to ensure Pakistan’s stability and unity across all sectors.



Senator Irfan Siddiqui updated Maulana Fazlur Rehman on the progress of negotiations with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He also commended Rehman’s role in amicably resolving the issue of religious seminaries’ registration.