Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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Shehryar Arif Khan appointed LWMC CEO


Lahore: Shehryar Arif Khan has assumed charge as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) and immediately began extensive field visits to review the city’s sanitation operations.



Soon after taking charge, the CEO visited several key locations, including Samanabad, Jail Road, Mall Road, Canal Road, Adda Plot, Multan Road, Thokar Niaz Baig and adjoining areas, to assess the performance of the waste management operation.



During the inspections, Mr. Khan reviewed the attendance of sanitation workers, examined the operational status of waste collection vehicles, and received detailed briefings on the deployment and formation of operational teams.



He also inspected cleanliness arrangements and emphasized the importance of maintaining high service standards, said LWMC spokesperson Umar Chaudhry.



At the Thokar Workshop, the CEO checked the arrival and departure timings of operational machinery and directed officials to ensure that all available machinery remains fully operational in the field throughout the monsoon season.



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Rain brings relief as weather turns pleasant in Burewala


Burewala: Intermittent rain continued across Vehari, Burewala and adjoining areas on Friday, bringing welcome relief from intense heat and humid conditions.



The rainfall significantly lowered temperatures, with residents expressing relief after days of sweltering weather. However, electricity supply was disrupted in several urban and rural areas as power outages affected multiple feeders.



The rain also eased humidity, making the weather pleasant, while authorities remained on alert to address power restoration and any rain-related issues.



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PM Shehbaz reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthen Azerbaijan ties


Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to further strengthening the brotherly ties with Azerbaijan, recalling the high-level exchanges between the two countries over the past two and a half years.



The prime minister, talking to Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov, who paid a farewell call on him, expressed confidence that the strong foundation laid during the envoy’s tenure would continue to guide the trajectory of bilateral ties in the years ahead.



The prime minister warmly acknowledged Ambassador Farhadov’s dedicated efforts to strengthen the deep-rooted, brotherly relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan during his tenure.



He commended the Ambassador’s contributions in expanding bilateral cooperation across political, trade, economic, defence, culture and people-to-people domains, including the launch of direct flights between the two countries.



Conveying his warm regards to President Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister Shehbaz fondly recalled his numerous visits to Azerbaijan over the past two and a half years, as well as the visit of President Aliyev to Pakistan in July 2024.



He also wished Ambassador Farhadov continued success in his future assignments.



Ambassador Farhadov thanked the prime minister for the warmth, hospitality, and support extended to him by the Government and people of Pakistan throughout his diplomatic assignment, describing his tenure in Pakistan as a cherished chapter of his diplomatic career.



He reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s continued commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with Pakistan. He also presented the prime minister with a book based on his family’s experiences of living in Pakistan.



Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch also attended the meeting.



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Pakistan, Trkiye agree to expand strategic railway partnership, boost regional connectivity


Trkiye: Pakistan and Trkiye have agreed to significantly expand bilateral cooperation in the railway sector through investment, technology transfer, infrastructure modernization and enhanced regional connectivity, reaffirming their commitment to building a long-term strategic partnership.



The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Railways, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, and Trkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, where both sides held wide-ranging discussions on strengthening cooperation in the railway sector.



A major focus of the talks was the early revival of the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) Freight Corridor, with both countries agreeing to transform it into a sustainable regional trade route linking South Asia, Central Asia and Europe.



The corridor was described as a strategic initiative with the potential to substantially boost regional trade, logistics and economic integration.



The Pakistani delegation also briefed the Turkish side on the modernization of the Main Line-3 (ML-3) railway from Rohri to Taftan, highlighting its strategic importance in enhancing rail connectivity with Iran and facilitating future freight movement through the ITI Corridor.



Progress on the Karachi-Rohri section of Main Line-1 (ML-1) was also shared, while Turkish companies were invited to explore investment opportunities in the remaining phases of the landmark railway project.



The meeting further discussed Trkiye’s potential participation in the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Corridor (UAPRC), recognizing it as a key initiative for promoting future regional connectivity and economic cooperation.



Pakistan Railways gave a comprehensive presentation on its ongoing digital transformation programme, outlining reforms in signalling systems, rolling stock modernization, operational efficiency and increased private-sector participation.



Both sides agreed to deepen collaboration in digital railway solutions, technology transfer, institutional capacity building, advanced railway management systems and operational excellence.



The two delegations also explored opportunities for joint investment and industrial cooperation at the Carriage Factory Islamabad, Pakistan Railways’ concrete sleeper factories and engineering workshops. Discussions focused on joint ventures, localization of railway manufacturing and technology transfer for the production of passenger coaches, freight wagons and other railway equipment.



During the meeting, both countries exchanged detailed presentations on railway development projects, investment opportunities and regional connectivity initiatives. They agreed to maintain close institutional engagement through technical consultations and working-level coordination to translate shared proposals into practical projects.



Speaking on the occasion, Minister Abbasi said Pakistan Railways is keen to benefit from Trkiye’s expertise in railway modernization, advanced technologies and infrastructure development.



He said enhanced Pakistan-Trkiye cooperation in the railway sector would not only accelerate the modernization of Pakistan Railways but also promote regional economic growth, sustainable connectivity and a stronger long-term strategic partnership between the two brotherly nations.



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SPA DG visits Ferozewala flood relief camp


Lahore: The Suthra Punjab Authority, in collaboration with the district administration, has intensified sanitation and relief operations in flood-affected areas under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s Suthra Punjab vision.



According to a press release issued here on Friday, Suthra Punjab Authority Director General Umer Javed, visited a flood relief camp in Ferozewala to review sanitation services and assess field arrangements made for public relief. During the visit, DG inspected the performance of Suthra Punjab workers deployed on sanitation duties and directed the relevant officers to remain present in the field to ensure strict monitoring of ongoing cleaning operations.



He also instructed officials to further improve cleanliness operations, strengthen monitoring mechanisms and ensure the uninterrupted provision of quality sanitation services to residents in flood-hit areas.



Umer Javed said the district administration and the Suthra Punjab Authority were working round the clock to maintain sanitation and provide relief in flood-affected localities. He added that all available resources were being utilised to facilitate the affected communities.



He also met Suthra Punjab’s frontline workers in Ferozewala and commended their dedication and commitment to operational activities and public service, encouraging them to continue their efforts in serving flood-affected communities.



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Rain continues across Islamabad: Teams monitor low-lying areas, roads


Islamabad: Rainfall continued in various parts of the federal capital, with conditions ranging from heavy to light showers. Assistant Commissioners, along with sanitation teams, remained in the field to oversee drainage operations, while authorities monitored roads, low-lying areas, and stormwater channels to maintain normal conditions across the city.



According to the spokesman of Islamabad Capital Territory administration, intermittent rain continued across different sectors of the federal capital on Friday, prompting district administration officials to stay on alert.



Assistant Commissioners visited several areas with sanitation teams to review the situation and ensure that rainwater was cleared without delay. Dewatering pumps were deployed at key locations to remove accumulated water and support the drainage process.



According to the district administration, teams remained active throughout the affected areas to prevent water buildup and respond to any developing situation. Officials said drainage operations were being carried out continuously where needed.



Traffic flow on major roads and highways remained normal despite the ongoing rainfall. Authorities reported no major disruptions to vehicle movement, while field staff monitored road conditions to address any issues that could affect commuters.



The administration also continued close monitoring of low-lying areas and stormwater channels across the city. Teams were instructed to keep a watch on locations that were usually vulnerable during periods of rain.



Officials said coordination among field teams would continue until weather conditions improve. Residents have been advised to remain cautious during rainfall and follow updates issued by the district administration and relevant departments.



The district administration stated that all available resources remained in place to ensure smooth drainage, maintain traffic movement, and monitor areas that may face water accumulation during the ongoing spell of rain.