Category: District

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.

Rawalpindi: Security forces killed an Afghan national involved in terrorism inside Pakistan during an operation in the general area of Datta Khel of North Waziristan on February 6.

According to an ISPR news release, the individual was later identified as Luqman Khan alias Nusrat (Afghan National), son of Kamal Khan, resident of Spera District, Khost Province, Afghanistan.

Interim Afghan government authorities are being approached to take over the body of the individual, being an Afghan citizen.

Such incidents are irrefutable evidence of the involvement of Afghan Nationals in terrorist activities in Pakistan. The interim Afghan Government is expected to fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for perpetrating acts of terrorism against Pakistan.

Nawabshah: Deputy Director/SSP Anti-corruption Establishment Division Shaheed Benazirabad, Tariq Ali Solangi chaired an important meeting of district Sanghar, district Noushahro Feroze and Shaheed Benazirabad circle officers, assistant directors, DSPs, inspectors and other relevant officers of Benazirabad zone.

The meeting reviewed the monthly performance of the officers of all the districts in depth. SSP Anti corruption directed that the problems of every complainant coming to the anti-corruption offices should be resolved according to legal requirements.

He said that providing quick justice to the people and effective measures to eliminate corruption are among the basic priorities of the institution. He emphasized officials on transparency and honesty. The Deputy Director directed all the officers to strictly adhere to punctuality in their offices and make the staff wear full uniform. He urged the officers to ensure transparency and honesty in their performance so that the public's confidence in the anti-corruption establishment is strengthened.

During the meeting, official mobile vehicles were also inspected and orders were issued to ensure their proper maintenance. The Deputy Director ordered immediate repair of vehicles in case of any fault or breakdown to avoid any disruption in any emergency operation.

Deputy Director Tariq Ali Solangi directed all the officers to finalize all the pending cases as soon as possible. Solangi urged the officers to use all their capabilities to provide prompt and legal solutions to public problems so that real success could be achieved in the campaign against corruption.

Multan: The Ministry of Religious Affairs in collaboration with the Hajj Directorate organized a one-day training workshop for Hajj 2025 at the Multan Arts Council on Saturday.

The session was attended by over 700 pilgrims aiming to equip them with essential knowledge and practical guidance for performing Hajj rituals smoothly. During the session, detailed lectures and practical demonstrations were delivered, covering the essential rites of Hajj, including Ihram, Tawaf, and other key rituals. The training aimed to familiarize pilgrims with both religious and logistical aspects of the pilgrimage, ensuring they are well-prepared for the sacred journey. Hajj Director Rehan Khokhar warned that pilgrims who fail to complete the training will have their Hajj eligibility revoked. It said proper training is essential for ensuring that pilgrims perform their religious obligations correctly and without difficulties. He assured that the government is committed to facilitating pilgrims by providing them with the necessary guidance and resources.The workshop concluded with an interactive session, allowing attendees to ask questions and clarify any concerns regarding the pilgrimage.