ECP reserves verdict in disqualification case against PTI senator Abro

Islamabad: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) reserved its verdict on Tuesday regarding the disqualification reference against PTI Senator Saifullah Abro after completing the proceedings.

A three-member bench, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, heard the case concerning the disqualification of Abro, filed by Pakistan People's Party Senators Shahadat Awan and Majid Mahmood.

During the hearing, Abro's lawyer informed the court that his client, an engineer, held a government job from 1991 until 2007 after obtaining his engineering degree.

The lawyer further argued that Abro met the qualifications for the technocrat seat, citing over 20 years of experience and significant projects such as the Multan Metro Bus. Additionally, he stated that Abro had paid the highest taxes on his projects from 2007 to 2021 and had his degrees verified by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

The lawyer for complainant Shahadat Awan argued that merely constructing bridges or roads does not qualify someone as a technocrat. He added that Abro worked as a contractor on these projects and lacked notable national or international awards.

When asked by the ECP member from Sindh to define success in engineering, Awan responded that success in the field means creating new inventions or innovations.

Man receives burns in fire incident

Faisalabad: A young man received serious burn injuries when a fire erupted due to gas leakage in his house in the area of Madina Town police station.

Rescue 1122 spokesman said here on Tuesday that the fire erupted in the house situated in Hassan Village Chak 208/R-B road due to gas leakage.

The fire engulfed the entire surroundings and caused burn injuries house owner Ejaz (45) in addition to burning precious house luggage.

Receiving information, fire fighters of Rescue 1122 rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control after hectic efforts.

Rescue 1122 also shifted the injured to hospital after providing him first aid. However, his condition was stated to be out of danger, he added.

IGP Islamabad chairs IGP Islamabad chairs meeting with SDPOs

Islamabad: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi convened an important meeting with Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs) at the Central Police Office (CPO) on Tuesday.

A public relations officer told reporter that during the meeting, the IGP evaluated the performance of the SDPOs and issued important directives.

IG Rizvi emphasized the pivotal role of supervisory-level officers in crime prevention and stressed the importance of taking action against absconders. Additionally, they were instructed to seek assistance from Safe City for crime control.

He stressed that our responsibilities define our dignity, and while DIGs and SSPs are tasked with taking action, we are also accountable.

Similarly, SDPOs are directly responsible for their respective circles. He urged enhanced effectiveness in night patrolling, zero tolerance for social and moral crimes, and the prevention of drugs and beggary in Islamabad.

All SDPOs will conduct "Khuli Kachehri" (open court) in their areas, focusing on cracking down on drug peddlers and professional beggars.

DC Battagram holds open court to address citizens’ issues

Battagram: In line with the directives of Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's 'Public Agenda,' Deputy Commissioner Battagram Asif Ali Khan conducted an open court at his office to engage directly with citizens and address their grievances.

The session aimed to facilitate immediate resolutions by providing a platform where individuals could present their concerns directly to the district administration.

During the meeting, the DC listened to each issue in detail and promptly issued directives to relevant departments and officials for swift action.

Citizens lauded the initiative, describing it as a practical step towards resolving public problems and improving communication between the administration and the community. Many appreciated the open court as a meaningful and effective forum for addressing their concerns.

Speaking on the occasion, DC Asif Ali Khan reaffirmed the government's commitment to prioritizing public welfare.

He highlighted that under the Chief Minister's Public Agenda, ensuring quick and effective solutions to citizens' problems remains a top priority.

He further emphasized the role of public cooperation in achieving the district's development and prosperity, assuring that the administration is dedicated to serving the people.

RPO holds ‘Khuli Kutchery’ to address grievances of citizens

Rawalpindi: Regional Police Officer (RPO) Rawalpindi Region, Babar Sarfraz Alpa on Tuesday held a 'Khuli Kutchery' under the open door policy of the Punjab government in the Regional Office.

In the 'Khuli Kutchery', the citizens of Rawalpindi region presented their applications for redressal of the complaints, on which the RPO issued orders and directed the authorities concerned to take immediate action.

The 'Khuli Kutcheries' are not only ensuring the redressal of the complaints of the citizens, but also helping to improve the quality of policing, the RPO said.

Muhammad Yasir, a resident of district Chakwal requested for an inquiry into a case, on which the RPO issued orders to the District Police Officer (DPO) Chakwal for further action.

Tahir Mehboob, a resident of district Attock requested for an inquiry into a case registered in Jand Police Station, on which the RPO issued orders and directed the DPO Attock for further action.

Muhammad Qasim from district Chakwal submitted an application for change of investigation into a case, on which the RPO ordered Senior Superintendent of Police to take action.

On some applications submitted in the 'Khuli Kutchery' the RPO ordered the officers concerned to sort out the requests according to merit and sent the reports within stipulated time frame.

ECO Arts & Calligraphy Exhibition opens at PNCA

Islamabad: ECO Cultural Institute, the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Division, and The Diplomatic Insight, in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), organized the exhibition "Timeless Serenity of Calligraphy and Arts" to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of ECO member states.

The exhibition, inaugurated at PNCA Islamabad by Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan, Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO), showcased calligraphic masterpieces and artworks by prominent artists from ECO member countries, including Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan.

The event highlighted the region's cultural diversity and unity through its artistic treasures.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan emphasized that the ECO region's unparalleled cultural diversity was its greatest strength, serving as a bridge between civilizations and a foundation for peace, prosperity, and mutual respect.

He noted, "The exhibition exemplifies the ECO's commitment to nurturing cultural bonds alongside economic and technical cooperation."

'Art and culture transcend boundaries, uniting us in ways that politics and economics cannot. This exhibition is a testament to the shared values, traditions, and aspirations of the ECO region, showcasing our collective heritage to the world,' he remarked.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Farhat Asif, President IPDS and TDI highlighted the transformative power of cultural diplomacy in building bridges between nations.

She emphasized, "Art and culture are fundamental tools for fostering dialogue, understanding, and collaboration among diverse communities."

Dr. Saad Khan, President of the ECO Cultural Institute, underscored the significance of showcasing the artistic achievements of the ECO region.

He pointed out that the region's artistic legacy was not only a source of pride but also a vital means for fostering peace, dialogue, and collaboration among member states.

Muhammad Asif Noor, Chief Executive of The Diplomatic Insight Group, expressed appreciation for the tireless efforts of Hassan Nasir Jamy, Federal Secretary of the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Division, in promoting Pakistan's soft image internationally and strengthening cultural linkages across the globe.

He also acknowledged the dedication of Muhammad Ayub Jamali, Director General PNCA, and Maryam Ahmad, Director of the Art Gallery, whose contributions were pivotal in making the exhibition a success.

The exhibition featured exquisite calligraphy and intricate crafts from across the ECO member states, with each piece reflecting the unique cultural identity and heritage of its country of origin.

The artistic mastery of renowned Pakistani calligrapher Azeem Iqbal was also prominently displayed alongside other notable works, demonstrating the shared values and traditions that bind the ECO nations while celebrating their distinct artistic expressions.

The exhibition will remain open to the public until January 14, offering a unique opportunity to experience and appreciate the artistic diversity and heritage of the ECO region.