Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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Special Education Society hosts event to promote inclusion, community engagement


Lahore: The Special Education Society, Civil Services Academy, on Friday organised an event at the Jinnah Auditorium to promote awareness, inclusion, and support for persons with disabilities.



The event was graced by chief guest Farhan Aziz Khawaja, Director General, Civil Services Academy, along with Bilal Akram Butt, Director Administration and Finance, Civil Services Academy. The guest of honour was Shaista Pervaiz Malik, MNA and CEO, LABARD. Other distinguished guests included Iram Anjum, Principal, Kinnaird College, Lahore, and Samya Mustansar, Resource Person, Special Education Society, and Additional Director Finance, Civil Services Academy.



The event commenced with a powerful Theatrical Performance on Down syndrome, sensitively portraying the importance of empathy, acceptance, and equal opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome.



Another key highlight was the launch of the ‘Humnawa App’, developed in collaboration with the Punjab Safe Cities Authority Tech Team. The application aims to connect volunteer writers with visually impaired students, enabling them to receive writing assistance during examinations.



The event also featured a ‘Bake Sale in collaboration with LABARD’, showcasing handmade crafts and baked products prepared by specially-abled children. The stalls received an enthusiastic response from probationary officers and distinguished guests.



During the event, Bilal Akram Butt appreciated the launch of the Humnawa App, stating, ‘Humnawa is a remarkable initiative that reflects the true spirit of public service. By connecting volunteers with visually impaired students, it demonstrates how technology can be used to remove barriers and create equal educational opportunities.’ In her address, Shaista Pervaiz Malik remarked, ‘We have overlooked blindness in our programme at LABARD, but we are looking forward to working on it,’ acknowledging the need for greater focus on visual impairment in future initiatives. She appreciated the efforts of the Special Education Society in promoting awareness and inclusion.



The programme concluded with an inspiring message by Samya Mustansar, stressing the importance of inclusive education, equal opportunities, and collective responsibility in building a more compassionate and accessible society. Her remarks were highly appreciated by the audience.



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Interview dates for head teacher candidates announced


Lahore: Interview dates for candidates who passed the merit-based head teacher test have been announced. According to the School Education Department, the interviews will be held on August 4 and 5 at PECTA Head Office, Lahore.



A 9-member panel will conduct interviews for the candidates who pass the test, which will include Additional Secretary Schools Athar Saeed, Farooq Qamar, Muhammad Ijaz Joya, Naveed Deraat, Zahida Batool and Abdul Waheed Raza, among other officers.



According to the department, the candidates who are declared successful in the interview will be appointed as OPS heads in various government schools.



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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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Murree administration lays out roadmap for ‘Model Village’ programme


Murree: Additional Deputy Commissioner General (ADCG) Murree, Kamran Sagheer chaired a strategic meeting on Friday to implement the provincial government’s “Model Village” initiative aimed at upgrading rural infrastructure across the district.



Addressing department heads during themeeting, Kamran Sagheer saod that the programme focuses on transforming rural settlements into self-sustaining, modern hubs by providing equitable development, upgraded civic amenities, and direct service delivery to residents.



He directed the relevant departments to strengthen inter-agency coordination, maintain strict financial transparency, and adhere to rigid timelines.



Field officers were urged to address localized rural grievances promptly to ensure the initiative’s benefits reach eligible beneficiaries directly.



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Horticulture Agency BoD approves Rs 1094m budget


Multan: The fourth meeting of the Horticulture Agency Multan Board of Directors (BoD) on Friday unanimously approved a budget of Rs 1094 million and resolved to intensify efforts for increasing the agency’s self-generated income and enhancing the city’s beauty.



Managing Director Syed Waseem Hassan chaired the meeting, which was attended by representatives of the Housing, Planning and Development Department, Finance Department, Director General Punjab’s office, Deputy Commissioner’s office, and Director Administration and Finance.



The meeting reviewed the agency’s financial and administrative affairs and discussed measures aimed at strengthening institutional performance and sustainability. Participants agreed to launch vigorous initiatives during the current month to increase the agency’s self-income and improve resource generation.



The board was informed that a comprehensive strategy had been devised to further beautify the city through landscaping, green initiatives and the development of public spaces. Special emphasis was laid on plantation activities, with participants agreeing to take emergency measures to expand tree plantation across Multan.



Speaking on the occasion, Syed Waseem Hassan said all available resources would be utilized to ensure the agency’s stability and long-term growth. He said administrative affairs had witnessed significant improvement under the leadership of Commissioner Multan and efforts were being made to further enhance operational efficiency.



The meeting was also informed that dedicated efforts were underway to restore Shah Shams Park and Jinnah Park to the best condition and provide improved recreational facilities to citizens. The managing director said the city was being beautified through public-private partnership initiatives, which would help create a greener and more attractive urban environment.



The board reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable development, improving public amenities and strengthening Horticulture Agency’s role in making Multan a cleaner, greener and more vibrant city.



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Millat Tractors chairman donates tractors to GCU


Lahore: The Millat Tractors Limited Chairman Sikandar Mustafa Khan has donated two brand-new tractors to his alma mater, Government College University (GCU) Lahore.



The donation was made in response to a formal request by GCU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Omer Chaudhry. The heavy machinery is especially required to facilitate landscaping, agricultural upkeep, and ongoing development work at the university’s expansive new 370-acre campus situated at Kala Shah Kaku.



The two new tractors were officially handed over to the university administration today at the main campus.



Mr. Khan maintains an active association with his alma mater. Alongside this recent contribution, he is a serving member of the Executive Committee of the GCU Endowment Fund, which assists the university with institutional development and student financial aid.