International Year of Quantum Science & Technology, 2025 observed at UoM

Dir lower: The Department of Physics and Center for Computational Materials Science, University of Malakand (UoM) organized a cake cutting ceremony, Quantum Walk; Every Step Counts for Promoting Quantum Science and Technology in Pakistan on Thursday.

At the event, a distinguished professor talk on road map for Promoting and Establishing Quantum Technology in Pakistan by Prof Dr Fida Younas Khattak to commemorate International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, 2025 (IYQST, 2025) at the University.

The VC UoM Prof Dr Rashid Ahmad, Prof Dr Iftikhar Ahmad, Chairman, Department of Physics and Director, Center for Computational Materials Science, UoM Prof Dr Jamil Ahmad, Dean of Computing and Engineering, Mr Hamayun Khan, Provincial Minister, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faculty Members, Research Scholars and Students graced the event.

Prof Dr Iftikhar Ahmad and Prof Dr Fida Younas Khattak highlighted the significance of quantum science and technology to solve the real world problems. They emphasized to harness the power of quantum science and technology to develop new medicines, sustainable energy resources and ultra-fast computers to transform our lives.

The VC UoM Prof Dr Rashid Ahmad pledged to empower young minds with knowledge, skills and latest research in quantum science and technology to make a positive impact.

Mr Hamayun Khan pledged to extend full support to unlock the full potential of quantum science and technology and build a thriving future for the young generation. He also wished happy new year to all participants of the event and planted a sapling at university campus.

Commissioner chairs meeting on outsourcing of WMC operations:

Sargodha: Commissioner Sargodha Division, Jahanzab Awan on Thursday presided over a meeting to discuss the outsourcing of the Waste Management Company (WMC).

The session was attended by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) SWMC Rana Shahid Imran, Director Local Government Asif Iqbal Malik,Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rtd) Fahad Mehmood,and Deputy Commissioners of Mianwali and Bhakkar, along with Assistant Commissioners with some joining via video link.

During the briefing,CEO WMC Shahid Imran outlined the outsourcing system, stating that the company would officially commence cleaning operations in all four districts on January 25.

The presentation detailed various initiatives, including manual sweeping, de-silting, mechanical sweeping, primary waste collection, and door-to-door waste collection plans.

The Commissioner reviewed the machinery and human resources and emphasizing the need to align resources with on-ground realities to ensure program's success.

He instructed all deputy commissioners to closely monitor all aspects of the waste management operations,with special attention to maintaining regular meetings with contractors and inspections of waste enclosures and dumping sites.

"The Clean Punjab Program is a flagship initiative of the government," stated the commissioner, stressing that the administration of all four districts must be thoroughly familiar with the outsourcing system.He directed the CEO of the WMC to provide detailed cleaning operation plans to the deputy commissioners .

Illegal commercial properties sealed


Faisalabad: The tehsil administration sealed illegal commercial properties in Bunglow chowk, Tandlianwala on Thursday.



Assistant Commissioner Azka Saher with her team sealed the shops and warned the property owners to get their shops commercialized according to the building bylaws otherwise ready to face legal action.



Later, the Assistant Commissioner visited the center set up in the tehsil for distribution of financial aid among deserving families under Benazir Income Support Programme and checked the arrangements there.



She directed for ensuring sitting arrangements for women and speedy departmental service.



She also talked with women and inquired about payment of installments.



Muqam condemns use of force against peaceful LG representatives in KP

Peshawar: Federal Minister Kashmir affairs and Gilgit Baltistan, States and frontier regions Ameer Muqam on Thursday decried the acts of violence perpetrated against local government representatives on the orders of Khyber Paktunkhwa government on the very first day of the new year.

Talking to media here at Peshawar Press Club, Muqam condemned the use of tear gas against protesters here and said that there must not be double standards.

"The brutal use of force on LG representatives had exposed the real face of PTI leadership."

He lamented the suffering of local representatives in the province.

Muqam further accused certain quarters in the provincial setup of misappropriating NFC funds, calling for accountability and transparency in their utilization.

Referring to the ongoing political discourse in the country, the minister deplored that when the federal government was trying to hold negotiations and discussions, certain political elements were involved in threats and propagandas.

He recalled that when the current Prime Minister was in opposition, efforts were made to initiate dialogue on a charter for peace and economic development in the country. However, the PTI government of the time, he claimed, squandered these opportunities and brought only losses to the nation through prolonged protests.

Muqam criticized the PTI's governance, alleging neglect of critical developmental projects during their tenure.

"Projects like Dassu and Bhasha dams were now receiving billions in funding after being sidelined by the previous government," he stated, highlighting his government's commitment to sustainable progress.

Regarding the deteriorating law and order situation, Muqam called it a national crisis, stressing the importance of provincial cooperation for effective countermeasures.

He lauded the sacrifices of police and military personnel in the face of rising violence and lamented the provincial government's failure to act decisively.

Later, the federal minister vowed to continue his pursuit of justice and development, urging all political actors to prioritize the nation's welfare over personal gains.

Muqam expresses solidarity with LG representatives after brutal police lathi charge, shelling


Peshawar: Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions, Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir Affairs, Engr Amir Muqam here on Thursday expressed solidarity with the local government representatives of Khyber Pakthunkhwa after brutal lathi charge and shelling against them by police and demanded of the PTI Government to address their problems on priority basis.



The federal minister visited the camp of the protesting LG representatives here and expressed complete solidarity with them.



Addressing the LG representatives and later talking to media, Engr Amir Muqam said that brutal shelling and lathi charge against peaceful protestors were highly condemnable.



He said that PTI leadership on one side were talking about protest was their democratic right while the other side used police force against peaceful LG protestors.



He said the undemocratic attitude of the PTI leadership were stand exposed before the entire nation yesterday at Peshawar.



Engr Amir Muqam said that local government representatives were mandated for resolution of people problems at grassroot level and their demands should be addressed on priority basis by the KP Government.



He expressed the hope that PTI would also respect the mandate of other politcal parties and LG representatives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.



He assured to raise the issues of LG representatives on all appropriate forums. Earlier, Engr Amir Muqam was accorded warm welcome by the LG representatives and thanked him for the solidarity.



RPO reinstates 16 terminated officials

Multan: Regional Police Officer (RPO) Capt (retd) Muhammad Sohail Chaudhry has conditionally reinstated 16 police officials.

The RPO convened an orderly room on Thursday to hear the appeals of 16 dismissed police officers including a sub-inspector, a head constable and 14 constables.

The reinstated officers had previously been dismissed for refusing to perform their duties. In a move aimed at promoting reform and rehabilitation, the RPO reinstated them to their positions after imposing the penalty of a one-year increment stoppage.

Addressing the officers, he firmly reminded them of the gravity of their responsibilities and issued a stern warning that future negligence or misconduct would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Among those reinstated were officers from District Lodhran, including Sub-Inspector Ashfaq Ahmed, Head Constable Muhammad Abid and Constables Muhammad Imran, Asad Israr, Shafqat Javed, Ramzan Ashraf, Muhammad Asif, Amir Fida, Muhammad Sanwal, Muhammad Mujahid, Muhammad Imran, Muhammad Bilal, Tahir Rasheed, Faisal Rehman, Nasser Abbas and Masood Hamza.

The decision reflects the leadership's focus on upholding discipline while providing a path for redemption. The officers were strongly urged to perform their duties with the utmost professionalism and integrity, ensuring the safety and service of the community they were entrusted to protect. The RPO's actions underscore the importance of accountability within the police force while fostering a culture of commitment and excellence.