Category: District

Rawalpindi: Governor Punjab, Sardar Saleem Haider Khan on Sunday said that martyrs of Pakistan's armed forces are the pride of the nation as the country is safe only because of the great sacrifices laid down by the security personnel.

The governor remarked this during his separate visits to villages of martyrs Havaldar Saeed Iqbal and Sepoy Basit Ali who sacrificed their lives while fighting against terrorists in Wana. Havaldar Saeed Iqbal Shaheed belonged to Shahra-e-Bahadur village and Sepoy Basit Ali Shaheed belonged to Jafar village of Fateh Jang.

Sardar Saleem extended condolence with the families of the martyrs, offered Fateha for the high ranks of Shud and paid tribute to the parents of Shuhda.

He said that the nation stands by the defence forces of Pakistan.

"Every child of Tehsil Fateh Jang is ready to sacrifice himself for the defence of the motherland", he said.

Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs. He assured the Shuhda families of all possible facilities to be provided to the families of the martyrs.

Attock: In a significant move to enhance healthcare services in Hazro, Attock, the provincial government has announced a multi-million rupee development program.

The initiative, worth Rs 135 million, aims to provide quality healthcare facilities and services to the local population, particularly the poorest of the poor.

Under this program, six Basic Health Units (BHUs) and one Rural Health Center (RHC) in tehsil Hazro will be transformed into modern healthcare facilities. Each BHU will receive Rs 15 million, while the RHC will get Rs 45 million.

The revamped facilities will include the Basic Health Units at Jatyal, Haroon, Khakwani, Bhangi, Kamra, and Shamshabad, as well as the Rural Health Center at Ghourghushti.

According to Member district monitoring committee and former provincial Minister Jahangir Khanzada, this development plan demonstrates the government's commitment to providing quality healthcare services to all citizens, regardless of their geographical location.

Khanzada, while talking to media persons in Attock on Sunday emphasized that the government will ensure access to basic health facilities for the common man.

Additionally, work on the Rs 35 million state-of-the-art trauma centre at the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital (THQ) complex Hazro, which was halted due to financial and technical reasons, will resume soon.

Sialkot: Senior Postmaster of General Post Office (GPO) Sialkot Sajjad Ahmed reaffirmed Pakistan Post's commitment to ensuring timely mail delivery and providing essential facilities to citizens.

Recognising concerns over high courier costs, a sub-post office has been established at the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) to facilitate young entrepreneurs in exporting their goods. The postal department is ensuring efficient international delivery, enabling Sialkot's business community to contribute to national economic growth.

Speaking to reporter at the Post Office Sialkot, Sajjad Ahmed highlighted efforts to expedite mail processing for industrialists and citizens at affordable rates. Previously, the scanning process for exports caused delays at airports and dry ports, but GPO Sialkot now conducts immediate scanning, ensuring timely dispatch.

He also noted that legal action was taken against 70 individuals last year after metal strings and kites were found in parcels. Efforts continue this year to curb illegal kite selling.

To enhance customer experience, the SCCI will equip the Post Office with new computers, seating arrangements, and dedicated counters for utility bills, PPOs, and agricultural passbooks. Additionally, a newly established NADRA centre is now operational, providing further convenience to citizens.

Sialkot: Sialkot is a leading hub for export-oriented industries and a key economic centre. Along with Gujranwala and Gujrat, it forms the 'golden triangle' of industrialised northern Punjab. Renowned for its skilled craftsmanship, Sialkot has built a global reputation for high-quality, value-added goods.

Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) former president Abdul Ghafoor Malik highlighted the city's vital role in Pakistan's economy, with 99pc of its production exported worldwide. Sialkot's small and medium industries generate over $2.25 billion in annual foreign exchange, strengthening the national exchequer.

The city is globally recognised for producing leather goods, sports equipment, surgical instruments, textiles, musical instruments, cutlery, and military uniform badges. Its footballs, hockey sticks, cricket gear, and boxing gloves are used in international competitions, including the Olympics and World Cups.

Sialkot's corporate sector actively contributes to social initiatives on a self-help basis, fostering a culture of community-driven development. Despite challenges such as global competition and technological limitations, efforts are underway to modernise industries, embrace sustainability, and diversify exports to maintain its competitive edge.

A testament to innovation and resilience, Sialkot continues to bolster Pakistan's economy, providing employment and enhancing the nation's global trade standing.

Sargodha: Commissioner Sargodha Division Jahanzeb Awan visited various project sites on Sunday to assess the progress and quality of ongoing construction under the Punjab Highway and Buildings Department.

According to a press release, issued by the Commissioner's office, Awan inspected the construction of the Model Agriculture Mall at Risala No. 5, a farmer-friendly initiative by the Punjab government. Calling for timely completion, he stressed that high standards must be maintained with no compromise on quality.

At the Rural Health Center (RHC) Lalyani, the commissioner reviewed various departments, instructing officials to ensure cleanliness and maintain functional fire-fighting equipment. Officials briefed him on the revamping of 45 healthcare centers across Sargodha district, including seven RHCs and 38 Basic Health Units (BHUs). So far, 20 centres have been renovated and will be handed over to the Health Department by the end of the month, with the remaining work set for completion by April 30.

Jahanzeb Awan also inspected road construction projects, including routes from 33 Phatak to Kot Momin, Qainchi Mor to Islampura Phatak, Kot Momin to Bhalwal, and Chak No. 36-NB to 33 (Railway Gate). He directed the officials concerned to ensure the use of high-quality materials, warning that substandard work would not be tolerated.

Officials provided an update on the 47-Pul Flyover project, which is being worked on round the clock and is expected to open for traffic within two weeks. The Punjab government has released funds for road construction and maintenance in Sargodha, with contractors actively working to complete projects by the end of the fiscal year.

The commissioner specifically ordered for completion of the Qainchi Mor to Islampura Phatak road by April 30.

Senior officials accompanying him included SE Highways Amanat Ali, Director Development Bilal Hassan, Deputy Director Technical Shahid Imran, Director Agriculture Shahid Hussain, and Assistant Commissioner Kot Momin Mehtab Khan.

Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has decided to create awareness about artificial intelligence (AI) among its students.

The Higher Education Department of KP has formed a four-member committee to develop an awareness plan, and an official notification has been issued in this regard.

Official sources informed on Sunday, the committee will formulate a plan to raise awareness about AI in both public and private universities and colleges.

The convener of the committee will be Professor Dr. Shafiq Ur Rehman, Advisor to the Quality Assurance Cell of the Higher Education Department.

Provincial Minister for Higher Education, Meena Khan Afridi, stated that AI is now being utilized in various fields worldwide, making it essential for students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to be aware of its significance.

He further emphasized that the committee must submit its recommendations and awareness plan within a week, after which an implementation strategy will be devised based on their suggestions.