Category: District

Abbottabad: Following the recent snowfall in Galiyat, road clearance operations are in full swing with the help of heavy machinery.

The Deputy Commissioner of Abbottabad has directed Additional Assistant Commissioner Galiyat, Shamim Ullah, to oversee the ongoing activities in collaboration with the Galiyat Development Authority (GDA).

In light of the prevailing weather conditions, tourists traveling to Galiyat, Thandiani, and other mountainous regions in Abbottabad district have been advised to take necessary precautions.

Authorities have implemented several measures to ensure the safety and convenience of visitors.

To prevent potential hazards, the use of gas cylinders or coal by tourists will be prohibited after midnight. The Communication and Works Department and the Galiyat Development Authority have deployed heavy machinery and staff around the clock to facilitate road clearance and ensure smooth traffic flow.

Additionally, dumping of construction materials along roadsides has been strictly banned to prevent any disruption in movement.

For the ease of travelers and locals, petrol pumps will maintain a continuous supply of fuel. Tourists are advised to check the fitness of their vehicles before setting out for their journey, ensuring they have a sufficient amount of fuel. In snowy conditions, the use of iron chains on vehicle tires is recommended, along with driving in low gear for better control.

Travelers should also carry essential food supplies such as dry fruits, biscuits, and water to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances.

Authorities have urged visitors to avoid unnecessary travel at night, especially during fog or snowfall, and to use fog lights and indicators for visibility. Additionally, citizens and tourists must remain cautious of potential landslides and avalanches in mountainous areas.

In case of emergencies, travelers can contact the District Control Room Abbottabad at 09929310553, the District Resource and Communication Center Abbottabad at 09929310556, or the Galiyat Control Room Nathiagali at 0992355138.

Peshawar: As the world observes Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) during the first week of February, Pakistan too celebrates its diverse and peaceful coexistence among followers of different religions.

The week, initiated by the United Nations in 2010, aims to foster dialogue, understanding, and collaboration among people of all faiths.

In Pakistan, this commitment to interfaith harmony is deeply rooted in both Islamic values, traditions and law.

From the bustling shores of Karachi and Gwadar to the serene plains of Punjab, Sindh, and the mountainous regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, the country's diverse population embodies mutual respect, friendship and coexistence across all faiths.

One shining example of this is Wisal Khan, a 28-year-old electrician from Peshawar, who every year distributes free food items including rice among non muslims with the start of International Harmony Week.

Dressed in traditional Peshawari attire, Wisal's act of kindness is a reflection of the spirit of inclusivity and friendship that permeates many communities across Pakistan.

"It's a gesture of warmth and love," said Fayaz Khan, another local philanthropist of Nowshera, as he recounted his memories of distributing food among underprivileged minorities. 'This act brings us closer as Pakistanis and reminds us of the true values of interfaith harmony and tolerance in our society,' he added.

Religious harmony in Pakistan is not just an individual sentiment, but a societal cornerstone.

According to Professor Dr. Abdul Ghafoor, former Director of the Sheikh Zayad Islamic Centre in Peshawar, Islam itself lays a profound emphasis on peace, tolerance, and interfaith unity, dating back to the Charter of Madina.

This historic document emphasized religious freedom and laid the foundation for a progressive tolerant society.

Dr. Ghafoor further pointed out that the vision of Pakistan's founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, was clear who said "Pakistan would be a nation where people, regardless of their religion, caste, or ethnicity, could live with dignity and respect in an environment of mutual coexistence and peace".

His vision was enshrined in the 1973 Constitution, which continues to promote tolerance and unity among the people.

Moreover, he said Pakistan's commitment to peace and religious freedom has been evident in its efforts to combat extremism and terrorism.

He said Paigham-e-Pakistan fatwa, signed by religious scholars from all schools of thought, stands as a firm statement against all forms of terrorism, violence, and hate, reinforcing the idea that such acts are prohibited by Sharia law and do not represent the true spirit of Islam.

Dr. A.H. Hilali, former Chairman of the Political Science Department at Peshawar University, remarked that misconceptions about Pakistan as an intolerant society often arise from an ideological differences and unlawful actions of miscreants widely portrayed by media.

"Despite the challenges we have faced, such as the tragic Army Public School attack in 2014, Pakistan has remained resilient, demonstrating great maturity, tolerance, and strength in the face of adversity," he said.

Haroon Sarbdayal, a founding member of the Pakistan Council of World Religions, echoed these sentiments and pointed to the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor in 2019 as a historic step towards promoting interfaith understanding and peace.

The corridor, which allows Sikh pilgrims to visit the holy site of Guru Nanak Sahib, is a symbol of Pakistan's dedication to religious freedom and harmonious coexistence.

"This initiative has not only connected the Sikh community across borders but also signified Pakistan's commitment to peace, tolerance, and religious freedom," Sarbdayal said.

While Pakistan's spirit of tolerance is strong, there is still work to be done in communicating this message to the global stage and social media role in spreading awareness was key in this regard.

Sarbdayal called for increased interaction, dialogue, and collaboration among religious leaders, media, and educational institutions to combat negative propaganda and foster a culture of peace and mutual respect among followers of all faiths.

The experts said Pakistan's rich history of interfaith harmony stands as a testament to its diversity, resilience, and commitment to peace and we need to project it on digital media in true perspectives.

To effectively counter the narratives of extremism and terrorism, it is crucial that Pakistan intensifies efforts to promote tolerance, understanding, and inclusivity at every level of society, ensuring that the message of coexistence reaches the world beyond its borders.

By engaging in meaningful dialogue, the experts called for revisiting educational curricula, and ensuring swift justice that would help Pakistan to build a broader harmonious society to further promote interfaith unity and peace in society vital for progress and prosperity of the entire nation.

Multan: Commissioner Amir Karim Khan visited the under-construction PET-Scan installation bunker site at Nishtar Hospital and reviewed the progress of the project. He said providing modern healthcare facilities to citizens is a top priority of the Punjab government.

He stated that Nishtar Hospital would be the first healthcare facility in South Punjab to have a PET-Scan machine, significantly improving diagnostic services for serious diseases. The installation of PET-Scan and Cyclotron technology will enhance the hospital's ability to detect cancer, heart diseases, brain disorders, and other medical conditions at an early stage.

A PET-Scan is an advanced imaging technique that provides detailed insights into organ function by using radioactive tracers. It helps doctors identify abnormalities more accurately than traditional imaging methods. The Cyclotron will produce isotopes essential for PET-Scans, allowing better diagnosis and treatment planning. These isotopes can also be supplied to other hospitals, benefiting a larger population.

The commissioner informed that the bunker construction would be completed by 2026, after which the PET-Scan machine will be installed. He emphasized that this facility would reduce the need for patients to travel to other big cities for advanced medical tests, ensuring world-class healthcare services in South Punjab.

Faisalabad: The Millat Town police have registered a case against unidentified accused on the charges of stealing oil from the PARCO main pipeline.

A police report said on Thursday that some unidentified accused had allegedly dug a tunnel near Chak No 196-RB and stole oil worth hundreds of thousand rupees by fixing a clump with the main pipeline.

On the report of the PARCO security team, the police registered a case and searched for the criminals.

Peshawar: Despite of resurgence of polio cases in 2024, Pakistan has achieved significant progress in reversing the epidemiological trends of the crippling virus by reducing its genetic diversity.

'The number of circulating polio virus variants have been successfully reduced from 12 in 2020 to just two, marking a major milestone in the country's fight against polio', said Zia-ur-Rehman, spokesperson for the Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme while sharing this achievement with reporter here Thursday. He stated, 'In 2020, we had 12 genetic clusters of the polio virus. Through relentless efforts, we have eradicated ten of them, leaving only two variants in circulation.'

He told that the two remaining variants, YB3A4A and YB3A4B, belonging to the Wild Polio Virus Type 1 (WPV1) strain were the only two surfacing in environmental samples across the country.

"Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only two countries where WPV1 is endemic, sharing a long, porous border and highly mobile populations, making them a single epidemiological block. In a recent development in 2023, YB3C, an indigenous polio virus of the region has been eradicated from the country".

Zia confirmed that this variant has not been detected in environmental samples collected from 88 districts over the past 15 months.

Among the six WPV1 infected cases and 126 WPV1-positive Environmental Sampling reported in 2023, nine belonged to groups of viruses derived from the YB3C cluster which has now been eradicated.

'This is a commendable success in our ongoing battle against polio, indicating that the disease is on its last legs,' Zia remarked.

Achieving complete eradication will require comprehensive vaccination coverage and continued public cooperation, he observed.

The progress has received acknowledgement by the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) during its recent meeting held in Islamabad on January 26, 2025.

The meeting, convened by Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, highlighted the reduction in genetic clusters as a testament to Pakistan's strengthened vaccination efforts and enhanced virus surveillance network.

Reduction in genetic clusters of polio virus is attributed to extensive vaccination in the country and increasing virus surveillance network.

The Environmental Surveillance Network has been enhanced from 63 Sewage Collection sites to 127 set up in 88 districts covering almost all the polio endemic areas of the country, Zia informed.

Out of the 155 districts of Pakistan, environmental sampling are being carried out in around 88 districts, covering about 71 percent of the population, he added.

The quality and coverage of vaccination campaigns have also improved, contributing to higher immunity levels among children. In many areas, the virus is detected in sewage samples but does not result in reported infections, underscoring the effectiveness of vaccination efforts.

To interrupt WPV1 virus transmission, sustained political commitment to polio eradication, including increased accountability at all levels, would be vital for the polio program, he opined.

Efforts to systematically track and vaccinate children who are continually missed during polio vaccination activities should be enhanced by better addressing operational issues and the underlying reasons for community resistance to vaccination and vaccine hesitancy.

In the Technical Advisory Group meeting, it was also suggested to improve vaccination campaign for reaching the children who are continued to be missed.

Other recommendations included improving the morale and motivation of frontline workers, expanding routine immunization coverage through the EPI, and leveraging the Big Catch Up campaigns to address gaps in immunization.

Zia apprised that the country has a frontline vaccinator team of around 400,000 members who administer polio drops to more than 45.4 million children up to the age of five years.

While polio infections have surged in 2024, the reduction in the virus's genetic diversity is a positive sign that eradication is within reach.

With collective effort, strong commitment, and continued public support, Pakistan is poised to eliminate this crippling disease once and for all.

Chiniot: Three injured including a woman after a tractor-trolley hit a motorcycle.

According to Rescue 1122, a tractor-trolley hit a motorcycle on Chamra Mor, Jhang Road, resulting in injuries to 32-year-old Ansar son of Hanif, 50-year-old Noor Bakht wife of Mazhar and 4-year-old Tajamul son of Yousuf.

Upon receiving information about the accident, Rescue 1122 personnel reached the spot and after providing first aid to the injured, they were shifted to the hospital where the treatment of the injured is ongoing, while the condition of one injured person is said to be critical.