Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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Syedaal Khan commends contributions of Kashmiri community in Balochistan


Islamabad: Deputy Chairman of the Senate, Syedaal Khan Nasar, said on Friday that the services rendered by the Kashmiri community residing in Balochistan for the province’s development and prosperity were invaluable and deserve due recognition.



He reaffirmed that every possible effort would be made to address the issues faced by the Kashmiri community, emphasising that Balochistan was the shared home of all its people and that its progress and prosperity required collective efforts.



He expressed these views while meeting with various delegations in Quetta, including representatives of the Kashmiri community residing in Balochistan, said a message received here.



The delegations included Advocate Tariq Butt, Javed Ahmed Khan, Jahangir Khan Khuroti, Sameera Khan, Mir Zaman Lehri, Mir Liaquat, Liaquat Rajput, and others.



During the meetings, discussions were held on the country’s overall political situation, ongoing federally funded development projects in Balochistan, and other matters of public importance.



The delegations apprised the Deputy Chairman Senate in detail of the issues being faced by the local population, upon which he assured them that all possible measures would be taken to resolve their concerns.



Deputy Chairman, Senate Syedaal Khan Nasar reiterated that Pakistan had consistently extended its unwavering support for the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people and had always strongly condemned the atrocities committed against them by India. He affirmed that Pakistan would continue to stand firmly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir.



He further stated that the Kashmiri community had been living in Balochistan for centuries in an atmosphere of brotherhood and harmony, making significant contributions to the province’s socio-economic development.



He emphasised that Balochistan belonged to all communities residing in the province and that safeguarding its development and prosperity was a shared responsibility.



He assured that every possible effort would be made to address the issues faced by Kashmiris living in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan. During the meeting, the Deputy Chairman Senate’s Coordinators briefed him on their performance over the past month and provided a detailed overview of the public issues brought to their attention across the province.



Syedaal Khan Nasar said that Coordinators had been appointed to maintain close contact with the people, identify their problems, and communicate them directly to him so that practical and timely measures could be taken for their resolution.



He further stated that President Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif attached special importance to the development of Balochistan and had allocated substantial funds in the federal budget for development projects in the province.



He expressed confidence that the completion of these projects would significantly improve the provision of essential public services and enhance the quality of life of the people.



The Deputy Chairman Senate concluded by assuring the Coordinators and the visiting delegations that every possible step would be taken to resolve the issues they had highlighted.



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Five-day media training workshop on AI, journalistic safety concludes


Lahore: The Women Media Center Pakistan organised a five-day media training workshop on Artificial Intelligence, Journalistic Safety and Inclusive Journalism for female students associated with media, women journalists, media practitioners and women aspiring to pursue careers in journalism.



The workshop, held at a local hotel from July 27 to July 31, 2026, familiarised participants with modern journalistic skills and the evolving requirements of the media industry to enable them to work professionally in the field. Director General Public Relations Punjab, Farid Ahmed, attended the concluding session as the chief guest and addressed the participants.



Speaking on the occasion, DGPR Punjab Sheikh Farid Ahmed said that Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, as the first woman chief minister of the province, had made the welfare, protection and empowerment of women one of the key priorities of her government.



He said the Punjab government had undertaken numerous initiatives, including the establishment of state-of-the-art daycare centres for working women, provision of safe transport facilities for women, the Chief Minister Women Empowerment Package, Pink Games, the Pink Scooty Programme, expansion of working women hostels, promotion of women’s vocational and digital skills, creation of business opportunities and easy financial assistance, special facilities in the health and education sectors, and promotion of safe and dignified workplaces for women. He said these initiatives aimed to strengthen women economically and socially and provide them with an environment where they could perform their professional responsibilities with confidence and peace of mind.



He further said that under the leadership of Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Zahid Bukhari, women-friendly initiatives had also been introduced in the Information and Culture Department to provide women officers, journalists and media professionals with a safe, dignified and enabling professional environment.



He said that on the directions of Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari, the daycare centre established at the DGPR had been upgraded in line with modern requirements so that working mothers could perform their professional responsibilities with complete peace of mind.



He added that nearly 50 per cent of the recruitment in the department’s Digital Media Wing had been allocated to women, reflecting confidence in women’s capabilities and the department’s commitment to promoting gender inclusion.



He further said that a large number of female interns were also receiving practical training in the Information and Culture Department, where they were being provided ample opportunities to learn modern media, digital communication and public relations while enhancing their professional skills.



He said special emphasis was being placed on improving women’s professional capacity, digital skills, training opportunities and leadership development so that they could play an effective role in media and other sectors.



Addressing the participants, Sheikh Farid Ahmed said they were fortunate to have access to opportunities. He urged them to continue their education beyond a bachelor’s degree, pursue master’s and doctoral studies, focus on education and also undertake field visits, which he said were equally important.



Speaking about women’s education, DGPR Farid Ahmed said an educated woman was vital for future generations. He said significant opportunities existed in the country and hard work always yielded results.



Responding to a question, the DGPR said modern technology should be used as a tool for convenience rather than becoming dependent on it. He urged participants to develop reading habits and demonstrate their love for the country through their actions. He also said the training material should be provided to participants before the commencement of the workshop.



Sharing his views on the workshop, DGPR Punjab Farid Ahmed congratulated Women Media Center Pakistan and said the team from Karachi had provided practical training to the young women participating in the programme.



During the workshop, special focus was placed on equipping women journalists and female media students with modern journalistic skills in line with the rapidly evolving media landscape. Participants received practical knowledge and essential skills on a range of important subjects, including the use of artificial intelligence in journalism, digital and online safety, ethical reporting, fact-checking and inclusive journalism.



Certificates were distributed among the participants at the conclusion of the programme.



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Fatima Jinnah awakened political consciousness among Muslim women: Ahmed Mahmood


Lahore: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) South Punjab President and former Punjab governor Makhdoom Syed Ahmed Mahmood paid tribute to Madar-e-Millat Fatima Jinnah on her 133rd birth anniversary, describing her as one of Pakistan’s greatest national figures, whose leadership inspired Muslim women across the Subcontinent to participate in politics and the Pakistan Movement.

In a statement issued here on Friday, Ahmed Mahmood said Fatima Jinnah played a pivotal role alongside the Founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (RA), during the struggle for independence. He said her determination, courage, and unwavering support strengthened the movement for the creation of Pakistan while encouraging women to play an active role in the country’s political awakening.

He said Fatima Jinnah’s contributions extended well beyond the creation of Pakistan. According to him, she emerged as a symbol of democratic resistance by challenging a military rule and contesting the 1965 presidential election against General A
yub Khan, upholding democratic principles and constitutional values.

Makhdoom Ahmed Mahmood said Fatima Jinnah’s sacrifices, principled leadership, integrity, and commitment to the people continue to inspire Pakistanis, particularly women. He said her life demonstrated the indispensable role of women in strengthening democracy, promoting national stability, and contributing to Pakistan’s development.

He said the Pakistan Peoples Party remained committed to the ideals of democracy, human rights, equality, and constitutional supremacy, which he said reflected the vision of Madar-e-Millat. He added that the party renewed its pledge to continue working for a progressive, democratic, and prosperous Pakistan in line with her ideals.

The PPP South Punjab president further said that under the leadership of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari, the party was determined to uphold Fatima Jinnah’s principles and work towards building a peaceful, dignified, and welfare-oriented state.

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PPSC announces three written and 10 final results of 4 departments


Lahore: The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) has announced three written and 10 final results of 4 departments.



Among the candidates, seven candidates have been declared successful for the interview for 18 posts of Stenographer in the Board of Revenue, Deputy Commissioner Office Rawalpindi.



The successful candidates include Fatima Mukhtar, Anam Ghulam Rasool, Muhammad Usmanuddin, Rayan Ahmed Mughal and Seemab Hanif.



One candidate has been declared successful for the interview for three posts of Stenographer in the Board of Revenue, Deputy Commissioner Office Gujarat.



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CTD arrests alleged SRA affiliated terrorist


Hyderabad: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has claimed arrested of a wanted suspected terrorist associated with Sindh Revolutionary Army (SRA) in a raid carried out in Husri area in the city’s outskirts.



According to a CTD statement issued here on Friday, a hand grenade, explosive, detonator, a remote with cells, battery, a 30-bore pistol with three spent casings and six spent casings of a SMG were recovered from possession of the suspect Imam Bux Khaskheli. He was wanted by the CTD, in the First Information Report numbers 6/2026 and 7/2026, was allegedly planning to carry out a terror attack. He is said to be a close associate of other suspected terrorists including Mubashir Laghari, Ali Haider Katrio, Sarang Meerani and Mehran Meerani whom the CTD had already arrested.



The suspect was allegedly recruited by the SRA’s commander Asghar Shah while a suspect identified as Soomar Mallah had handed him over the items which were recovered from his possession. He was actively participating in the sit-ins, demonstrations and other anti-state activities. Khaskheli was allegedly among suspects who had allegedly fired gunshots on a truck transporting goods from Sujawal district to Punjab in addition to his alleged extortion seeking from a state owned oil company. He had also allegedly remained involved in spreading anti state sentiments among youth.



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CTO announces license suspension for drivers of smoke-emitting vehicles


Lahore: Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Abdul Raheem Shirazi on Friday announced that the driving licenses of motorists operating smoke-emitting vehicles would be suspended as part of intensified measures to curb smog and air pollution in the provincial capital.



The CTO said route permits of commercial vehicles found violating anti-smog regulations would also be suspended, stressing that stringent measures were essential to safeguard public health and ensure environmental protection.



He said the entry of tractor-trolleys and dumpers carrying sand and soil without protective tarpaulin remained banned in Lahore.



According to the spokesperson, as part of the ongoing crackdown, 1,013 cases had been registered against violators.



To enforce the anti-smog campaign, CTPL had deployed special teams at 12 entry and exit points of the city, in addition to 45 dedicated enforcement teams carrying out inspections and action across Lahore.



The spokesperson said action was taken against 3,649 smoke-emitting vehicles and 2,183 vehicles causing environmental pollution during the current month. Moreover, 6,820 unfit and poorly maintained vehicles were proceeded against for violating traffic and environmental regulations.



Abdul Raheem Shirazi said tractor-trolleys would not be allowed to operate without tarpaulin, water sprinkling or other mandatory safety measures to prevent the spread of dust and pollution.



He added that the traffic police were also using an artificial intelligence-based system to detect and issue e-challans to smoke-emitting vehicles.



The CTO said notices had been issued to various government and semi-government organisations to ensure the repair of smoke-emitting vehicles, warning that strict legal action would now be taken against those failing to comply.