Governor Kundi rejects “KP Employee Service Removal Bill 2025”

Peshawar: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday rejected the controversial "KP Employee Service Removal Bill 2025" recently passed by the Provincial Assembly, regarding the employees appointed in caretaker government, citing concerns regarding the violation of fundamental rights and legal principles.

In his objection to the bill, the Governor referenced decisions from the Supreme Court and Sindh High Court.

Governor Kundi called for amendments to the bill, asserting that it contravenes the constitutional right to a fair appeal, as outlined in Article 10A of the Constitution.

He emphasized that the law's provisions, which deny employees the right to appeal, are a violation of basic human rights.

The Governor also expressed concerns about the retroactive nature of the bill, which seeks to annul legal appointments made in the past.

He warned that such actions would be unconstitutional and further advised that the provincial government reconsider the bill to avoid potential judicial challenges.

The Governor highlighted that not only employees but also the officials responsible for illegal appointments must be held accountable.

He recommended taking action against those who made unauthorized recruitments and ensuring that employees recruited with the permission of the Election Commission are excluded from the law's scope.

In conclusion, Governor Faisal Kundi urged the provincial government to amend the bill to ensure transparency and justice, and to avoid potential legal hurdles in the future.

Sindh University to host three-day literary & educational book fair

Hyderabad: In an effort to promote reading habits and strengthen academic engagement, the Institute of Sindhology and Allama I.I. Qazi Library at the University of Sindh, Jamshoro has announced a three-day literary and educational book fair from February 26 to 28, 2025.

According to a statement issued by the university spokesperson, the book fair aims to inspire students, teachers and the general public to develop a love for reading, gain access to books on various subjects and encourage literary and academic discussions.

Renowned authors, scholars and publishers will participate in the event, where newly published books will be launched. While the attendees will be able to interact with writers and scholars in intellectual discussions, so as to further strengthen the literary and educational environment of the university.

Director of the Institute of Sindhology Ghulam Murtaza Siyal emphasized that a strong reading culture was the foundation of intellectual excellence, and this book fair will help students to adopt reading habits and critical thinking.

Meanwhile, the acting Vice-Chancellor of the Sindh University Professor Dr. Khalil-ur-Rehman Khambati welcomed the initiative, stating that students, researchers and book enthusiasts should take advantage of this unique opportunity to deepen their connection with knowledge and literature.

PHA undertakes special steps to maintain greenery in Rawalpindi’s parks

Rawalpindi: The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), Rawalpindi keeping in view lack of rainfall has undertaken special measures to maintain greenery in public parks in the city.

Besides watering the dry grass beds, plantation of trees and cultivation of flowering plants in the city's green belts and parks was being carried out on fast track basis, PHA Rawalpindi Director General PHA Ahmed Hassan Ranjha said in statement on Monday.

He said that on the instructions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the work of cleaning parks and green belts was also underway.

He said the PHA always played a key role in the beautification of Rawalpindi city. The Authority was fulfilling its responsibilities in providing quality recreational facilities to the public in the parks so that they could enjoy a fresh environment amid the blooming fragrant flowers in the spring, he added.

Ranjha said the PHA had the target to complete the work of planting flowery plants in the month of February.

Emergency medical supplies dispatched to Kurram via helicopter: Advisor

Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government had dispatched an emergency consignment of medicines to Kurram district, while helicopter services continue to operate.

According to KP Health Advisor Ihtesham Khan on Monday the provincial government has sent additional emergency medical supplies to Upper Kurram. A total of 500 kilograms of medicines are being transported via the government's MI-17 helicopter.

He stated that the medicines would be handed over to the Medical Superintendent (MS) of Parachinar. These emergency supplies had been donated by various NGOs and charitable organizations.

Meanwhile, local authorities reported that the helicopter service for Kurram is ongoing, and over 230 individuals had been transported to various locations so far, with more flights planned.

The Kurram district administration stated that a Jirga with local elders would be held to decide on measures for disarmament in the region. So far, 1,200 patients had received medical checkups.

The district administration said efforts to maintain peace in Kurram continue, with the implementation of a peace agreement. The process of demolishing bunkers in the areas of Pewar and Balish Khel had been completed.

Sindh University to host three-day literary & educational book fair

Hyderabad: In an effort to promote reading habits and strengthen academic engagement, the Institute of Sindhology and Allama I.I. Qazi Library at the University of Sindh, Jamshoro has announced a three-day literary and educational book fair from February 26 to 28, 2025.

According to a statement issued by the university spokesperson, the book fair aims to inspire students, teachers and the general public to develop a love for reading, gain access to books on various subjects and encourage literary and academic discussions.

Renowned authors, scholars and publishers will participate in the event, where newly published books will be launched. While the attendees will be able to interact with writers and scholars in intellectual discussions, so as to further strengthen the literary and educational environment of the university.

Director of the Institute of Sindhology Ghulam Murtaza Siyal emphasized that a strong reading culture was the foundation of intellectual excellence, and this book fair will help students to adopt reading habits and critical thinking.

Meanwhile, the acting Vice-Chancellor of the Sindh University Professor Dr. Khalil-ur-Rehman Khambati welcomed the initiative, stating that students, researchers and book enthusiasts should take advantage of this unique opportunity to deepen their connection with knowledge and literature.

Police Crack Down on Crime in Kashmore and Ghotki

Sukkur: A targeted operation by the Kashmore police had resulted in the death of an alleged dacoit and the injury of two others, while two kidnapped individuals were rescued.

The operation, which was carried out in collaboration with the Rangers, targeted the Kokari Nidwani gang, responsible for the recent murder of police constable Mazhar Mashori.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Zubair Nazir Shaikh on Monday, the exchange of fire took place in the katcha area of PP Jamal, resulting in the death of one criminal and injuries to "dacoit" Allahyar and his accomplice. The operation also led to the destruction of 20 hideouts used by the criminals.

In a separate incident, four alleged criminals were injured in a police firing in Ghotki. SSP Ghotki Dr. Samiullah Soomro stated that the police used 25 mobile units, six bulletproof vehicles, and drone cameras during the operation, demonstrating their determination to recover all captives and eliminate the criminals.

The police operations in Kashmore and Ghotki were part of a broader effort to crack down on crime and ensure public safety in the region.