Category: District

Peshawar: Special Assistant on Food Dr.Muhammad Asrar Khan met a World Food Programme delegation led by Country Director Anita Hirsch here on Wednesday. The delegation was briefed in detail on nutrition programmes, wheat strategic reserve system, departmental digitalization, capacity building, provision of safe and quality food, and food security reforms.

Dr. Asrar Khan said the KP government had made significant strides in ensuring food security for all citizens. He said the provincial food department had successfully streamlined wheat procurement and distribution mechanisms, ensuring timely availability of subsidized flour across the province even during crisis periods.

He said the digitalization drive had enhanced transparency and efficiency in food supply chain management, reducing leakages and ensuring targeted subsidy delivery.

The strategic wheat reserve system had been strengthened to maintain buffer stocks for emergencies, he added.

The Special Assistant said KP was actively working to combat stunting and malnutrition through integrated nutrition programmes in collaboration with international partners. He said safe food standards were being enforced rigorously to protect public health.

Country Director Anita Hirsch appreciated KP’s progressive approach to food security and nutrition.

She said WFP valued its partnership with the provincial government and looked forward to expanding cooperation in capacity building, climate-resilient agriculture and community-based nutrition interventions.

Sukkur: A newly rehabilitated community bridge in Village Saeedabad, UC Allah Bachayo, Taluka Jhuddo has restored a vital connection for nearly 100 households, said a release issued here on Wednesday.

The bridge, used by around 825 people, was rehabilitated under the project title of Empowering Local Stakeholders and Communities for Diversified and Sustainable Livelihoods and Protection against Climate Risks for Vulnerable Communities in District Mirpurkhas.

The project is being implemented by the Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO) with financial assistance from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and Malteser International.

The scheme was identified, prioritized and implemented through a Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) approach, engaging Community Institutions, the Taluka administration and the concerned line departments of the Government of Sindh. The community-driven approach ensured ownership and sustainability of the infrastructure.

The bridge serves as a key route for daily life. Students use it to reach schools, patients to access health facilities, farmers to transport their crops to markets, and residents to move construction material and other essential goods. It has re-established the village’s link with nearby markets and public services.

With its restoration, community connectivity has improved, local livelihoods have been supported and resilience against climate-related disruptions has been strengthened, bringing lasting benefits to the entire village.

Attock: The police arrested two men accused of attempting to abuse a 16-year-old boy, the police source said on Wednesday.

According to police, an operation had been launched and arrested the two accused identified as Hammad Qayyum and Muhammad Usman.

The suspects have been taken into custody, and an investigation into the incident is under way. P

Multan: Secretary Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal department Punjab, Saira Umar, paid a visit city to review the performance of welfare institutions and assess facilities being provided to vulnerable segments of society under the Punjab government’s social welfare initiatives.

Accompanied by Divisional Director Social Welfare Multan Um-e-Farwa Hamdani and Deputy Director Social Welfare Abdul Aziz Khan, the secretary visited the Social Welfare Complex, including the Shelter Home, Drug Rehabilitation Centre, Violence Against Women Centre, Nasheman, Women Protection Centre, Women Transitional Home, Old Age Home, Sanatzar Vocational Centre and the Divisional Director’s Office.

During the visit, Saira Umar inspected administrative arrangements, reviewed service delivery and interacted with children, senior citizens, women and persons with disabilities residing in the institutions. She listened to their problems and examined the facilities being provided for their care and rehabilitation.

She directed the heads of all welfare institutions to treat residents with dignity and ensure strict implementation of the minimum service standards set by the Punjab government.

The secretary also reviewed ongoing repair, renovation and beautification work at various institutions and issued necessary instructions for timely completion. She appreciated the maintenance and renovation work carried out at the Women Transitional Home.

Later, Ms. Saira Umar held a meeting with Fadia Kashif, Chief Executive Officer of Taray Zameen Par Trust, to discuss matters related to the welfare institutions operating under the Social welfare department.

Sukkur: The Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO) organized community dialogue sessions on the Sindh Social Protection Policy and the Climate-Social Protection Nexus in Jacobabad and Sukkur districts in Wednesday.

The Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were facilitated by Masood Lohar, noted environmentalist and climate change consultant, and Ghulam Sakina, Senior Social Protection Officer at GIZ.

In Jacobabad, the session was held at LSO Nai Roshni, Village Ranjhapur, Taluka Thul, while in Sukkur, it was organized at the SRSO District Office, Rohri. The delegates interacted with community members to understand the local impacts of climate change, existing adaptation practices, and the linkages between climate vulnerabilities and social protection needs.

Community members actively participated and shared their experiences, observations and recommendations regarding climate change impacts and disasters, particularly heavy rainfall and flooding in their areas.

The discussions was focused on identifying and documenting key issues, challenges and recommendations to strengthen the nexus between climate resilience and social protection.

At the conclusion of the field visits, the delegates appreciated SRSO for its support in organizing the visits, facilitating community outreach and ensuring the successful completion of the assessment.

Rawalpindi: Rawalpindi Police organised a training workshop on Wednesday at the Police Lines Headquarters to enhance the professional capacity of investigation officers and improve the quality of criminal investigations.

According to a police spokesman, investigation officers from various police stations participated in the workshop.

Assistant District Public Prosecutors and senior police officers delivered lectures on the investigation of different types of cases, with particular emphasis on narcotics-related offences.

Participants were trained in modern and coordinated investigation techniques, including tracing suspects, collecting and preserving evidence, preparing comprehensive case files and improving conviction rates. The sessions also highlighted common shortcomings in investigations and ways to address them.

The trainers emphasised the importance of adopting scientific methods of investigation to ensure effective prosecution and the delivery of justice.

The spokesman said effective investigation played a vital role in strengthening the criminal justice system and ensuring that offenders were brought to justice.

He added that, in line with the vision of the Inspector General of Police Punjab and the directions of City Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera, continuous efforts were being made to enhance the professional skills and investigative capacity of police officers through regular training programmes.