Sindh Health Minister inaugurates 50-bed trauma centre in Sukkur


Sukkur: Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho on Friday inaugurated a state-of-the-art 50-bed Trauma and Emergency Response Centre (TandERC), established under the Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Institute of Trauma, during a visit to the Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College and Civil Hospital, Sukkur.



On the occasion, the health minister also formally launched the anti polio booster dose campaign by administering polio drops to children.



The inauguration ceremony was attended by MNA Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Sindh government spokesperson and Sukkur Mayor Barrister Arslan Islam Sheikh, Sukkur Commissioner Abid Saleem Qureshi, Deputy Commissioner Nadir Shahzad Khan, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College Principal Dr Saleh Channa, District Health Officer Dr Ali Gul Shah, senior officials of the health department and other relevant authorities.



Following the inauguration, Dr Pechuho inspected various sections of the Trauma and Emergency Response Centre, including the X-ray unit, minor operation theatre, emergency wards and other modern healthcare facilities.



She directed the authorities concerned to ensure the timely, uninterrupted and quality provision of medical services to patients.



Addressing the ceremony, Dr Saleh Channa said that approximately 6,000 patients visited the hospital’s outpatient department every day, adding that the institution’s current annual budget of Rs400 million was insufficient to meet the growing demand for healthcare services.



He said that the suspension of non-development expenditure and recurrent funds, coupled with delays in the release of the revised budget, had created financial difficulties for the institution.



He requested the provincial health minister to provide additional funds for the hospital and medical college to enable them to improve and expand healthcare services for the public.



Sindh government spokesperson and Sukkur Mayor Barrister Arslan Islam Sheikh said that the Pakistan Peoples Party-led government was taking practical measures to provide modern healthcare facilities and essential public services.



He said that the establishment of institutions such as the Sindh Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (SICVD), children’s hospitals and other modern healthcare facilities reflected the government’s people-oriented policies.



MNA Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah said that the Pakistan Peoples Party had completed several landmark projects in the health sector that had received recognition at the international level.



He cited the Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), SICVD, the CyberKnife facility at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre in Karachi, children’s hospitals and trauma centres as examples of advanced healthcare services being provided to the public.



Mr Shah said that Sukkur was an important commercial and communication hub linking Sindh with Balochistan and Punjab.



He added that traffic pressure in the city had increased following the development of the motorway network.



In such circumstances, he said, the modern Trauma and Emergency Response Centre would play an important role in providing timely and effective treatment to victims of road accidents and other emergencies.



Dr Pechuho said that Mr Shah had consistently played a significant role in promoting public welfare and strengthening the healthcare sector in Sukkur.



She said that the establishment and expansion of modern healthcare institutions, including SICVD, children’s hospitals and the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT), were the result of his sustained efforts.



Taking notice of the shortage of manpower and qualified faculty at Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, the health minister directed the authorities concerned to immediately submit a summary so that additional teaching and medical staff



could be provided after consultation with the Sindh chief minister.



Dr Pechuho reaffirmed the Sindh government’s commitment to continuing all possible efforts to ensure the provision of modern, quality and timely healthcare services to the people.



Excise Dept recovers 1,010g of ice


Peshawar: The Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, through its Excise Bureau of Intelligence and Investigation (EBI), Squad B-I, carried out a successful intelligence-based operation near H Gol Chowk here and arrested an ice smuggler identified as Bin Yamin, son of Sawad Khan, a resident of District Bajaur.



According to Excise Dept on Friday, during the operation, the squad recovered 1,010 grams of Ice (crystal methamphetamine) from the possession of the accused.



He was arrested on the spot and an FIR has been registered at Excise Police Station Peshawar. Further investigation and legal proceedings are underway.



According to the Excise Department, intelligence-based operations against drug traffickers, particularly those involved in the smuggling of Ice will continue across the province without interruption.



The department remains committed to eliminating the menace of narcotics and will continue to take all possible measures to protect society from the harmful effects of drugs.



Grand gathering held in Taxila to welcome Rabi-ul-Awwal under Dawat-e-Islami


Taxila: A grand religious gathering was held here on Friday, under the aegis of Dawat-e-Islami to mark the advent of the holy month of Rabi-ul-Awwal, drawing thousands of devotees of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) from across the region.



Haji Waqar-ul-Madina Attari, a member of the Central Majlis-e-Shura of Dawat-e-Islami, attended the event as chief guest and delivered a faith-inspiring address on love for the Holy Prophet (PBUH), adherence to the Sunnah, and Islamic teachings. Participants said their hearts were illuminated with remembrance of Allah and love for the Prophet (PBUH) during the proceedings, a press release said.



The gathering was attended by district and tehsil office-bearers of Dawat-e-Islami along with other officials of the organisation. A large number of political and social figures, representatives of religious circles, and people from various walks of life also participated.



Addressing the congregation, Haji Waqar-ul-Madina Attari said that the true success of a Muslim lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah Almighty and in obeying and loving the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He said Muslims should strive to mould their lives in accordance with the Sunnah and promote an environment of virtue, prayer and Prophetic practices, not only within themselves but also among their families and in society at large.



He further said that the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal draws Muslims’ attention towards the blessed life, teachings and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He said that true love for the Prophet (PBUH) demands that Muslims adopt righteous deeds, remain steadfast in offering prayers, refrain from sins, and play their role in the service of the faith.



During the address, a large number of participants stood up with great enthusiasm and resolve, pledging to remain steadfast in offering the five daily prayers, to keep the beard, and to actively participate in the religious activities of Dawat-e-Islami. The atmosphere at the gathering became deeply emotional and spiritually charged as attendees expressed their determination to make virtuous and religious deeds a part of their daily lives.



The event, organised to mark the arrival of Rabi-ul-Awwal, aimed to connect Muslims with the life and character of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), encourage adherence to the Sunnah, and spread the message of virtue and goodness in society. Participants also lauded the efforts of Dawat-e-Islami in carrying out religious and reformative activities and promoting Prophetic traditions.



The gathering concluded with a special prayer for the security, peace and stability of the country and the nation, the glory of the Muslim Ummah, the propagation of Islam, and the forgiveness of all Muslims. Participants reaffirmed their resolve to adopt the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in their lives and to play their part, to the best of their ability, in spreading the message of Islam.



PERA, Sahulat Bazaar Authority launch anti-encroachment drive


Khanewal: The Punjab Sahulat Bazaar Authority, in collaboration with the PERA Force, launched a large-scale operation against encroachments to ensure the smooth functioning of the Juma Bazaar at Sahulat Bazaar.



During the operation, Investigation Officer Mudassar Ishaq, accompanied by Sahulat Bazaar administration official Engineer Abdul Rehman Qulzam, inspected various parts of the city and removed illegal stalls and temporary structures set up on public spaces. Several violators were fined during the crackdown.



The officials directed vendors to relocate their Juma Bazaar stalls to the designated Sahulat Bazaar instead of operating at unauthorized locations across the city.



Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Sahulat Bazaar Authority official Jawad Zaheer and Engineer Abdul Rehman said the relocation of vendors to Sahulat Bazaar would promote business activity and create better livelihood opportunities for traders. They added that the initiative would also provide citizens with a more organized, convenient and comfortable shopping environment.



Investigation Officer Mudassar Ishaq assured traders that every possible measure would be taken to further improve facilities at the market and facilitate both vendors and customers.



He also appreciated the efforts of the Sahulat Bazaar management, particularly Jawad Zaheer and Engineer Abdul Rehman, for their commitment to making the market fully operational and ensuring better services for the public.



Traders welcomed the decision to hold the Juma Bazaar at Sahulat Bazaar and praised the facilities provided by the management. They expressed confidence that the move would enhance business opportunities and attract more customers.



Two-member dacoit gang busted


Faisalabad: Police have busted a two-member dacoit gang and recovered looted property from their possession. According to the police spokesperson here Friday, the Peoples colony police team raided and arrested Wajid Hussain and Adeel.



Police recovered 1 motorcycle, cell phones and cash from their possession. During interrogation, the accused confessed to committing various crimes in the police limits. Legal action has been initiated against criminals, said police.



Dolphin squad rescues woman after suicide attempt


Multan: A woman was rescued from a canal after an alleged suicide attempt owing to a swift response from the Punjab Police Dolphin Squad in Multan, police said on Friday.



According to police sources, Dolphin Team No 8, headed by In-charge Ali Iftikhar, was on routine patrol near Head Sikandri Canal in the limits of Saddar Multan Police Station at around 10:30 p.m. when the team heard cries for help from nearby residents.



The woman had reportedly jumped into the fast-flowing Sikandri Canal in an apparent attempt to take her own life. Acting without hesitation, Constable Muhammad Mohsin (3658/C) jumped into the canal and managed to reach the woman despite the strong current.



Displaying remarkable courage and presence of mind, the police official successfully pulled the woman to safety and brought her to the canal bank, averting a potential tragedy.



Rescue 1122 was immediately informed and reached the scene shortly afterward. Medical personnel provided first aid to the woman before shifting her to a healthcare facility for further treatment and evaluation.



Police officials praised the bravery and professionalism demonstrated by the Dolphin Squad, particularly Constable Muhammad Mohsin, whose timely intervention saved a precious life.



The incident highlighted the Punjab Police’s commitment to public safety and its readiness to respond effectively to emergencies, officials added.