Category: District

Peshawar: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Tuesday directed the authorities to accelerate work on major hydropower and water resource projects, emphasizing timely completion to strengthen irrigation, energy production and water supply in the province.

Chairing a high-level review meeting at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad, the chief minister assessed progress on the Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC) Lift Canal, Mohmand Dam, New Munda Headworks and Dasu Hydropower Project. Senior federal and provincial officials, including WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen (Retd) Muhammad Saeed, attended the meeting.

Afridi instructed the relevant departments to expedite land acquisition for the CRBC Lift Canal Project and ensure adequate security for project staff. He said the scheme would significantly expand cultivable land and enhance agricultural productivity, adding that the provincial government would continue to provide its share of funding on a priority basis.

The meeting was informed that construction on the CRBC Lift Canal was progressing under multiple work packages, while the Mohmand Dam Project has achieved substantial progress and was expected to provide irrigation, hydropower generation and a reliable supply of drinking water upon completion.

The chief minister also reviewed the progress of the Dasu Hydropower Project and New Munda Headworks, directing all concerned agencies to improve coordination and promptly resolve implementation issues. He stressed that these strategic projects would contribute to national energy security, sustainable water management and long-term economic development.

United nations: Haiti, the strife-torn Caribbean island nation, needs “unity of purpose” to move forward, Pakistan told the UN Security Council.

“Long-term stability of Haiti, requires a holistic and responsive Haitian-led and owned process, underpinned by dialogue and cooperation, backed by well-coordinated and executed international and regional support,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told the 15-member Council.

He was speaking in the Council’s discussion on how worsening violence is colliding with a humanitarian crisis, as well as plans to restore security and hold election in Haiti, which is awash in gang violence, scarred by past foreign interventions and long paralyzed politically.

Briefing the Security Council, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), said, ‘[Haiti’s] transition stands at a critical moment.

‘Success depends on security, political engagement, and humanitarian action reinforcing each other,’ Massieu said.

But security operations alone will not produce lasting peace, he stressed. The international community’s engagement in Haiti is longstanding. From 2004 to 2017, the UN deployed its Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), which was succeeded by an Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH).

However, the country continued to be plagued by violence. In October 2023, the Council authorized the deployment of a Multinational Security Support – largely compose of Kenyan troops – which officially transitioned to a Gang Suppression Force (GSF) through the adoption of Council resolution 2793 (2025) last September.

In his remarks, the Pakistan envoy underscored the imperative need for political stability.

“We welcome the Haitian authorities’ focus on improving the security situation, with a view to holding of elections; We hope that all political actors will work in unison, to ensure the organization of elections in an agreed time frame.”

Ambassador Asim Ahmad hoped that the arrangements put in place by Security Council resolution 2793, including the GSF supported by UNSOH will help create necessary space for the Haitian Security institutions, more importantly the National Police, to take over the long-term security responsibilities in the country.

Noting that the humanitarian situation remains dire with children and women facing the brunt, he said association of children with gangs is a central challenge, hoping that the Haitian authorities would continue to take lead in formulating a strategy best suited to the country’s conditions.

The Pakistani envoy also called for effective regional and international efforts to implement 2653 Sanctions regime would curb the illicit arms flow into the country and disrupt the ability of gangs to perpetrate violence.

Faisalabad: Three farmers were injured during a clash between two groups over irrigation water in tehsil Tandlianwala. According to Rescue-1122, the clash broke out between two farmers groups over an irrigation water dispute, escalating into an exchange of gunfire in Chak No 435-GB Lashrian. As a result, three farmers suffered bullet injuries. They were identified as Irfan, Shahid and Shahid . They were shifted to the THQ hospital.

Peshawar: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Tuesday said Pakistan’s role on the global stage had become more significant than ever, urging stronger economic diplomacy, sustainable peace and an investment-friendly environment to unlock the country’s economic potential.

Addressing a conference titled “From Marka-e-Haq to Global Mediation, Diplomacy and Economic Opportunities” at the Governor House, he said the recent regional and international developments had demonstrated Pakistan’s responsible conduct, diplomatic maturity and balanced approach.

The conference was organized by the International Research Council for Religious Affairs in collaboration with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF).

The Governor said Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had played an effective role in advancing Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement at the international level.

He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa served as a historic gateway connecting South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East, adding that with effective planning the province could emerge as a major hub of regional trade, investment and connectivity.

Kundi said the province possessed vast reserves of minerals, oil, gas, hydropower resources, precious stones and immense tourism potential. Establishment of oil refineries in the province, he added, would promote industrialization, create employment opportunities and help reduce unemployment.

He termed economic diplomacy a key pillar of Pakistan’s development, saying tourism, education, technology, cultural exchanges and trade could further strengthen the country’s economy and international image.

The Governor said overseas Pakistanis were the country’s best ambassadors and could play a vital role in economic stability. He stressed the need to facilitate overseas Pakistanis, industrialists, businessmen and farmers, saying effective economic reforms could also reduce dependence on international financial institutions.

He said the country’s youth were its greatest asset and emphasized providing them with quality education, modern technology, technical skills and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Kundi called for organizing similar academic and diplomatic forums in major world capitals, including Washington, Beijing, Brussels, Geneva, Vienna, Moscow and London, to project Pakistan’s positive narrative more effectively.

He also underscored the importance of providing one-window facilities and a conducive environment for investors, saying the prevailing law and order situation in the Dera Ismail Khan Daraban Economic Zone remained a major hurdle to investment.

The Governor urged the provincial government to ensure effective coordination with the federal government for resolving issues relating to economic zones, adding that sustainable peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was essential for investment, industrial growth and public prosperity.

Earlier, policy experts, diplomats, parliamentarians, religious leaders, educationists, business representatives and overseas Pakistanis also addressed the conference, emphasizing the promotion of Pakistan’s positive image and the exploration of new economic opportunities through diplomacy and regional cooperation.

A resolution adopted on the occasion supported Pakistan’s appeal for a ceasefire between the United States and Iran and called for effective implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. It also paid tribute to the prime minister, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the negotiating team, media, political and religious parties, and civil society for their contributions during Marka-e-Haq.

Peshawar: Heavy rainfall across the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) region disrupted electricity supply to 148 feeders, affecting several districts, a PESCO spokesperson said on Tuesday.

The spokesperson said rain had continued for the past 12 hours in Peshawar, Khyber, Mardan, Swabi and Swat, resulting in widespread feeder tripping. According to PESCO, 71 feeders were affected in Peshawar Circle, 33 in Khyber Circle, 22 in Mardan Circle, 12 in Swabi Circle and 10 in Swat Circle.

Power outages were reported in several areas of Peshawar, including Gulberg, University Town, Cantt, Warsak and Shabqadar. The spokesperson said restoration efforts were being hampered by the ongoing rain. However, PESCO teams worked throughout the night and successfully restored electricity to 42 affected feeders.

The PESCO Control Room is continuously monitoring the situation, while Chief Executive Akhtar Hameed Khan has directed all operation teams to remain on high alert and ensure the earliest possible restoration of power supply.

He also instructed that all necessary equipment be provided to field teams and advised staff to observe strict safety measures while carrying out restoration work during the rain.

Chiniot: District Police Officer (DPO) Dr. Naveed Atif on Tuesday reviewed the progress of investigations in important criminal cases and reiterated the police’s commitment to ensuring timely justice and improving public service delivery.

During a meeting held to hear complaints from petitioners in significant cases, the DPO examined the status of investigations and the arrest of suspects. He directed the concerned police officers to conduct investigations strictly on merit and ensure that all cases were handled impartially and without unnecessary delay.

Dr. Naveed Atif said the district police were taking practical steps to improve public service delivery and provide timely justice in line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. He said senior police officers were closely supervising the investigation of important cases to ensure transparency and accountability.

The DPO urged citizens to approach his office directly if their grievances were not addressed at the police station level, assuring them that their complaints would be heard without hesitation. He said the district police would utilize all available resources to ensure the provision of justice and the protection of citizens’ rights.