Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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Punjab ministers review winter emergency arrangements in Murree

Lahore: Punjab Minister for Health and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Disaster Management, Khawaja Salman Rafique, stated that all necessary resources have been provided to the Murree district administration to manage any weather-related challenges. The directives have been issued under the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

He, along with Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare Khawaja Imran Nazir and Minister for School Education Rana Sikandar Hayat, chaired a meeting on Thursday to assess the preparedness. Director General PDMA, Irfan Ali Kathia, presented a detailed briefing on a four-point agenda during the session.

The Health minister highlighted the establishment of 13 facilitation centers in Murree to assist tourists and directed the PDMA to provide advance alerts and awareness regarding weather conditions. The meeting also reviewed an integrated system for traffic management, monitoring, and reporting. Commissioner Rawalpindi and DC Murree briefed attendees on arrangements in the region.

The ministers later visited the PDMA control room to oversee the preparations. A grant of Rs 25 million was approved for strengthening and constructing protective embankments on Gashkori and Lala Creek in Layyah to prevent river erosion. Measures were also approved to combat river erosion in Basti Haveli Manik, Chak Chot, and Basti Makhdoom. Additionally, Rs 18 million was sanctioned for relief to 2023 flood victims in Kasur.

During the session, the Annual Winter Emergency Plan 2024 was carefully reviewed. In light of expected snowfall in Murree, a grant of Rs 10 million was allocated for emergency measures.

DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia emphasized raising awareness among tourists through print, electronic, and social media.

The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary, Secretary Rescue Emergency Services, and commissioners from Rawalpindi, Kasur, Layyah, and Khushab, some via video link. Representatives from various departments, including Irrigation, Local Government, Housing and Urban Development, Livestock, and Emergency Services, also participated.

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34 gamblers held, over Rs. 6.6m goods recovered


Lodhran: A Sadar police team, led by DSP Sadar Khalid Javed, conducted a raid in Kamalpur Jatial, and arrested 34 gamblers.



The police seized cash worth Rs. 336,000, one car, and 16 motorcycles. Additionally, 30 mobile phones, which were being used for gambling, were confiscated.



He stated, ‘Gambling and similar crimes promote social evils, and our actions are aimed at safeguarding the community.’



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Zero-tolerance policy against fake arms licenses, dealers: Secy Home

Lahore: Punjab Home Department identified several fake and bogus arms license dealers and weapons repairers, imposing a ban on their operations. Legal action was initiated under the Punjab Arms Ordinance 1965, with cases filed against those involved.

A spokesperson to the Home Department said here on Thursday that following the directive of Punjab Home Secretary Noor-ul-Ameen Mengal, a list of illegal arms dealers and repairers had been released, including their addresses.

Among the identified bogus arms dealers were National Rifles Company (Johar Town Lahore), MS Mokal Arms Company (Begum Kot Shahdara Lahore), English Arms Company (Neela Gumbad Lahore), Outdoor Sports Arms and Ammunition Dealer (Mazang Chungi Lahore), Mohammad Akhtar Property Pak Arms Store (Shahdara Lahore), Akhtar Brothers Arms and Ammunition (Manawan Lahore), Ameen Brothers Arms and Ammunition (Ravi Road Lahore), Elle Brothers and Company (McLeod Road Lahore), MS Shahbaz Mohiuddin Arms and Ammunition (Neela Gumbad Lahore), Omega Enterprises and Company (Gulberg Lahore), Mohammad Zia al-Mustafa Arms and Ammunition (Gujrat), and Ilyas and Company (Bhimber Road Gujrat).

Similarly, among the fake arms repairers were AA Arms Repairing Workshop (Gulberg Main Boulevard Lahore), English Arms Company (Neela Gumbad Lahore), Ameen Ali Zafar (Lower Mall Lahore), Qasim Arms and Ammunition Dealers Repairing Workshop (GT Road Shahdara Lahore), Outdoor Sports Arms and Ammunition Dealer (Mazang Chungi Lahore), Elle Brothers and Company Arms Repairing Workshop (McLeod Road Lahore), and Mohammad Sufian Repairing Workshop (Sheikhupura).

Home Secretary Noor-ul-Ameen Mengal emphasized that any transactions involving arms from these individuals would be deemed illegal, and strict legal action would be taken against all parties involved. "We have adopted a zero-tolerance policy against fake arms licenses and dealers," he said.

The Home Department was also conducting a comprehensive verification of all arms dealers and repairers across the province, Mengal added.

He further urged citizens to report any involvement in the fake arms trade by contacting the department's toll-free helpline at 0800-11111.

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Saudi Arabia gifts 100 tons of dates to Pakistan as friendship gesture

Islamabad:: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Thursday gifted 100 tons of dates to Pakistan, symbolizing goodwill and solidarity between the two brotherly nations.

A formal handover ceremony was held at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in the federal capital, where Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki and the Director of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), Abdullah Al-Baqami, officially presented the consignment to Director General Military Wing, Brigadier Alamgeer Ayub.

Continuing its annual tradition of generosity, the Saudi government, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the people of Pakistan through this heartfelt gesture.

The gift exemplifies the enduring bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the two countries, rooted in shared values of generosity and mutual support.

On the occasion, Brigadier Alamgeer Ayub expressed his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the leadership of Saudi Arabia for their unwavering generosity and consistent support for Pakistan.

'This noble act of solidarity not only strengthens our ties but also reflects the profound relationship our nations cherish,' Brigadier Ayub remarked.

The annual donation of dates is part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to enhance its humanitarian outreach and foster bilateral relations with Pakistan.

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Despite abundance of information available on internet, importance of books remain intact: Iranian Ambassador

Islamabad:: Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam, has said that despite the abundance of information available on the internet, the importance of books remained intact.

He expressed these views during the book launch event of the Urdu translation of Qaisar Aminpur's selected poetry titled Shikasta Aarzooain (Shattered Dreams), organized by the National Language Promotion Department (NLPD), here late Wednesday.

He further stated, "Translators' work is highly commendable, and there is also a need for Persian translations of Urdu literature, for which he is optimistic."

Director General (DG) of NLPD Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar thanked the Iranian ambassador, the translators, and other participants.

He said, "Qaisar Aminpur is one of the most prominent poets of the revolution. We must honor scholars to encourage them to produce more remarkable work."

Cultural Counsellor at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Majid Mashki, remarked, "Translating poetry is not an easy task, as it requires preserving the essence, culture, rhythm, and theme of the original."

"The translators have performed this challenging task with great dedication, and their efforts deserve immense praise," he added.

One of the book's translators, Dr. Mehr Noor Muhammad Khan, shed light on Qaisar Aminpur, describing him as a modern Iranian poet, writer, researcher, and professor at Tehran University.

The other translator, Dr. Muzaffar Ali Kashmiri, mentioned, "Qaisar Aminpur lived for only 48 years but authored nine books, five of which have been translated into Arabic, Persian, and now Urdu."

Dr. Mohiuddin Hashmi of Allama Iqbal Open University highlighted that much of our civilization, language, and intellectual heritage was rooted in Persian.

Dr. Abid Sial, Head of the Department of Pakistani Languages at NUML University, attributed the introduction of a fine Persian poet's work into Urdu to the efforts of his mentors.

Dr. Amber Yasmeen, Head of the Urdu Department at NUML University, noted that while translations of Persian classical literature into Urdu exist, contemporary works were seldom translated. The translators had skillfully chosen words to render an excellent Urdu version.

Dr. Shagufta Yaseen remarked, "Qaisar Aminpur remains alive through his poetry even after his death."

She added, "Both translators, who are also her mentors, hold a prestigious status in her eyes."

The institution's Executive Director (ED), Dr. Rashid Hameed, inaugurated the event by stating, "Pakistan enjoys strong relations with Iran. Persian classical literature has been translated into Urdu multiple times, as translations serve as a bridge to bring the cultures and literature of the two nations closer."

The event was moderated by Dr. Rabia Kiani.

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Minister complaint cell inaugurated under CM directives


Lahore: Under the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Minister Complaint Cell of the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department was officially inaugurated on Thursday.



The ceremony was led by Provincial Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare Khawaja Imran Nazir, alongside Secretary Health Nadia Saqib.



The minister announced that banners displaying the cell’s toll-free contact number, 0332-8609489, have been installed at District Headquarters (DHQ) and Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) hospitals, as well as at CEOs’ health offices. Citizens can now report grievances, which will be forwarded to relevant district officers for resolution within 24 to 48 hours.



Highlighting healthcare initiatives, the minister revealed the launch of mobile field hospitals, clinics on wheels, and home medicine delivery services, benefiting approximately 6.5 million individuals-many receiving medical check-ups for the first time.



The minister shared updates on other programs, including the distribution of insulin and dialysis cards, and efforts to fully operationalize basic health units. He also announced the outsourcing of 150 basic health units to establish Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics, providing treatment through professional doctors.



Regarding transparency in medicine procurement, Khawaja Imran Nazir emphasized that millions have been saved by reducing unnecessary purchases and eradicating corruption. Furthermore, over 1,500 doctors are being hired via the Punjab Public Service Commission, ensuring no hospital lacks medical staff by the end of January.



The minister reiterated his commitment to empowering healthcare professionals, upgrading facilities, and prioritizing local doctors for Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics. He also declared a strict crackdown on medicine theft, warning that offenders would face zero tolerance.



Secretary Health Nadia Saqib highlighted efforts to recruit 589 consultants and allied health professionals after a decade-long gap. She assured that existing doctors and staff would not face job losses but would be relocated to nearby facilities. Additionally, unnecessary positions will be eliminated to focus on hiring skilled and trained personnel.



The inauguration was attended by senior officials, including Special Secretary Operations Aun Abbas Bukhari, DG Drug Control Muhammad Sohail, Additional Secretary Dr. Qalandar Khan, Chief Drug Controller Azhar Jamal Salimi, and Dr. Shahjahan.