Women University in dire need of new hostels amid growing enrollment

Multan: Women University Multan stands as the sole higher education institution in South Punjab exclusively catering to women,offering education across 27 disciplines and is in dire need of new hostels and classrooms.

Students as well as their parents,especially from remote areas including Laiba, Zainab, Mahim and some others appealed Punjab government to address the issue of hostel shortage.Spread over 40 acres, the university comprises a 13-acre City campus and a 27-acre Mati Tal campus

The university, under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor (VC),Dr. Kalsoom Paracha,attracts a large number of students, particularly from remote areas of South Punjab.However,a severe shortage of hostel facilities remains a significant challenge.Currently,the university accommodates 1,400 students in its hostels,while over 3,000 applications are rejected annually due to limited capacity. When media discussed the issue with VC,she remarked"It deeply saddens me to reject these requests,adding that she has repeatedly pursuing the issue.

She hoped that she would succeed to manage new hostels.

Women University Multan has witnessed a continuous rise in student enrollment,creating an urgent need for additional classrooms and resources.To a query about students strength and new building,she apprised,every department requires at least three extra rooms to effectively manage the growing number of students.

The university also faces challenges in its transport system,operating 10 buses with only six drivers.

"Managing transport with limited staff is an ongoing struggle," Dr. Paracha noted.

Despite these hurdles,the institution remains committed to academic excellence.We have adjusted drivers by ensuring different timings,Dr.Paracha stated.

In addition to its academic offerings,the university was taking significant strides toward women's empowerment.

A skill development program was set to launch soon,focusing on equipping students with practical skills. Furthermore,the university is emphasizing IT education and preparing to introduce Artificial Intelligence(AI)classes, with discussions underway with the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

The university's dedication to providing M.Phil and Ph.D.programs across various departments underscores its commitment to academic and professional advancement.

Women University Multan continues to be a beacon of hope and progress for the women of South Punjab,striving to overcome challenges while fostering a brighter future,she concluded.

Sialkot faces challenges despite impressive success story

Sialkot: Sialkot is one of Pakistan's most remarkable cities, renowned for its export-oriented economy. Along with adjacent districts of Gujranwala and Gujrat, it forms the 'golden triangle of relatively industrialised northern Punjab.

Sialkot, a city in Punjab, Pakistan, stands as a shining example of how industrial innovation, entrepreneurship, and craftsmanship can transform a region into a global export hub. With a rich history of trade and craftsmanship, this city has carved out a unique position for itself on the world stage.

Former President Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Abdul Ghafoor Malik, said that Sialkot is an important economic hub and totally export-oriented city of the country and the only export-oriented city in Pakistan where 99 percent products are exported to various parts of the globe. Through export, Sialkot-based small and medium industries are earning foreign exchange amounting over US 2.25 billion dollars yearly and strengthening the national exchequer.

Sialkot stands as a shining example of how industrial innovation, entrepreneurship, and craftsmanship can transform a region into a global export hub. With a rich history of trade and craftsmanship, this city has carved out a unique position for itself on the world stage. Sialkot has a long history of skilled craftsmanship, dating back centuries. The city is particularly famous for its handmade products, which combine traditional techniques with modern innovation. Local artisans pass down their expertise through generations, making Sialkot a global leader in various industries.

Malik said that the Sialkot has made its mark in the industrialized world. Thousands of small and medium sized industries are functioning in and around Sialkot and is globally known for its quality products, unique export culture and for manufacturing value-added goods like leather products, sports goods, surgical instruments, gloves of all sorts, textile items, sports wear, martial arts uniforms and accessories, musical instruments, kitchen ware, hollow ware, knives, cutlery items and military uniform badges, etc.

Sialkot made footballs, field hockey sticks, cricket gear and boxing gloves that are used in international games including the Olympics and World Cups.

He said that the exceptional achievements in business, the corporate sector is fully vigilant to its responsibilities towards the social sector and has played a significant role in this regard on "self-help basis" which has become now the culture of Sialkot.

Sialkot's products are synonymous with quality and reliability, earning the trust of global brands and customers. The city has become a symbol of Pakistan's potential in international trade.

Sialkot's success is a testament to the power of innovation and hard work. Its export-driven economy not only boosts Pakistan's economy but also creates employment opportunities and enhances the nation's global reputation.

While Sialkot's success story is impressive, it faces challenges such as global competition and limited access to modern technology. However, the city's resilience and adaptability ensure its continued relevance on the global stage.

Efforts are underway to modernize industries, adopt sustainable practices, and diversify exports to maintain its competitive edge.

International community urged to play role in resolving Kashmir issue

Sargodha: District General Secretary Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) Women's Wing, Shazia Bano, has reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for the Kashmir cause, urging the international community to play its role in resolving the longstanding dispute.

Talking to reporter on Sunday, she emphasized that Pakistan is a key stakeholder in the Kashmir issue and that the PML-N government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, is raising the matter at every global forum. 'Every citizen of Pakistan stands with the people of Kashmir.

The current government would continue its diplomatic, political, and moral support for the Kashmiri people,' she stated.

Shazia Bano highlighted that the PML-N has consistently advocated for the freedom and fundamental rights of Kashmiris. She asserted that the slogan 'Kashmir Banega Pakistan' (Kashmir will become part of Pakistan) resonates across the nation, causing distress within the Indian government.

Condemning on India's actions in Kashmir, she described the human rights violations as the worst form of oppression. She expressed confidence that the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people in their struggle for independence would not go in vain.

She concluded by reiterating that under PML-N's leadership, Pakistan would persist in raising its voice for Kashmir's self-determination at every platform, ensuring that the issue remains a priority on the global stage.

Training session for polio monitoring officers

Faisalabad: The local administration arranged a training session for monitoring officers at the union council level in tehsil Saddar to ensure strict implementation of a microplan during the next round of the anti-polio drive in Faisalabad.

Assistant Commissioner (AC) Saddar Aurangzeb Goraya presided over the session and said that the anti-polio campaign would commence from Monday (February 3) and polio vaccine would be given to children up to the age of five years.

He urged the monitoring officers and area incharges to take appropriate steps for achieving 100 percent targets of the drive. In this connection, polio teams should ensure door-to-door visits so that no child missed out on polio vaccine, he added.

Police arrest 6 kite sellers with over 400 kites, string rolls

Rawalpindi: Rawalpindi District Police on the directives of City Police Officer, Rawalpindi are making efforts to control kite flying and managed to arrest six kite sellers on recovery of over 400 kites and six kite flying string rolls, said a police spokesman here on Sunday.

He informed that Naseerabad police arrested two kite sellers namely Adil with 160 kite, a string roll and Tariq for possessing 150 kites and a string roll.

Race Course police in their operation arrested an accused, Muhammad Hassan with 70 kites while Bani police rounded up Irfan and recovered 50 kites and a string roll.

Sadiqabad and Waris Khan police netted two accused namely Ashfaq for possessing 15 kites with a string roll and Shahab for carrying 10 kites and a string roll.

Separate cases have been registered against the accused and further investigations are under process.

Divisional Superintendents of Police directed the police teams to accelerate operations against kite sellers and flyers.

Police launch grand operation against drug dealers, 42 held

Peshawar: Capital City Police have launched a special crackdown to eliminate drug trafficking from society, particularly to protect the younger generation from the harmful effects of crystal meth (ice).

During the first day of the operation, police registered 38 cases and arrested 42 suspects involved in drug smuggling and sale, said the police spokesman.

Among those arrested were members of inter-provincial drug smuggling networks and suppliers distributing narcotics in Peshawar and other districts.

The crackdown had specifically targeted individuals selling the highly dangerous drug ice. In the past 24 hours, law enforcement has seized over 31 kilograms of ice, 27 kilograms of hashish, 3 kilograms of heroin, and multiple bottles of liquor.

Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Peshawar Qasim Ali Khan and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Masood Ahmed have directed police teams to further intensify the anti-narcotics drive.

They have also instructed authorities to organize special seminars in educational institutions to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drugs on youth, particularly students.

Additionally, efforts will be made to educate the general public through various awareness campaigns.

To strengthen the crackdown, police have been ordered to closely monitor individuals previously involved in drug-related activities. Divisional SPs and SDPOs have been assigned special tasks to ensure the effectiveness of the operation and prevent drug trafficking in the region.