Category: District

Peshawar: A delegation of the World Bank, led by Vice President for South Asia Martin Raiser, called on the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur on Sunday at Pakhtunkhwa House Islamabad.

The meeting focused on various ongoing public welfare projects supported by the World Bank in sectors such as health, communications, tourism, hydropower, water resources and rural development.

Both parties explored new opportunities to expand collaboration between the provincial government and the World Bank.

Member National Assembly, Faisal Amin Gandapur, Additional Chief Secretary Planning and Development, Ikram Ullah Khan and other officials were also present on the ocassion.

Briefing about the World Bank assisted development portfolio in the province, officials informed that work is in progress on various various World Bank assisted projects worth $1.9 billion across various sectors. The World Bank team also shared details of the institution's Country Partnership Framework for Pakistan with the Chief Minister.

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur highlighted his government's vision for poverty alleviation, social protection and human capital development. He appreciated the World Bank's cooperation in public welfare initiatives and emphasized his government's commitment to implementing projects with long-term impacts on the province's development.

He reiterated the provincial government's focus on encouraging private sector investment and partnerships to accelerate economic growth and create employment opportunities.

The meeting also included detailed discussions on the implementation of the Chashma Right Bank Lift Canal (CRBC) and the Peshawar-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway projects and the World Bank team expressed interest in collaborating on the CRBC project.

Chief Minister Gandapur underscored the significance of the proposed Peshawar-DI Khan Motorway, describing it as a critical initiative not only for the province but for the entire country's economic development. He also emphasized the CRBC project's importance for the province's food security, reaffirming the government's commitment to these flagship projects.

Ali Amin Gandapir assured the World Bank delegation of his government's intent to further strengthen collaboration in social sectors and vowed to address any hurdles hindering the progress of ongoing projects.

He noted that the provincial government views the World Bank's support as an essential component of its development strategy and is determined to enhance this partnership for the betterment of the region.

Lodhran: Commissioner Multan division,Aamir Kareem Khan on Sunday inaugurated the first-ever chess championship in a grand ceremony held at the Gymkhana Lodhran.

The event,organized by the Chess Association in collaboration with the district administration,marked a milestone for the promotion of mind sports in the region.

The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Lodhran,Dr. Lubna Nazir,Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue,Syed Waseem Hassan,Additional Deputy Commissioner General,Muhammad Asad Ali, General Secretary of Punjab Chess Association,Raja Gohar and several other notable political, social figures, and prominent citizens of Lodhran.

The first exhibition match was played between Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Lubna Nazir.

Speaking at the occasion,Commissioner Aamir expressed his delight,stating that it was a pleasant surprise when Dr. Lubna Nazir invited him to inaugurate the championship.'Mind games were as essential as physical sports in today's world,' he remarked.

Aamir praised the initiative,highlighting its potential to nurture talent and promote intellectual engagement.

He further announced his intention to conduct similar championships across other districts in the Multan division.

The championship features open participation with a special focus on Under-15 female players,showcasing the inclusive and encouragement of young talent.

On behalf of the Punjab chess association,President Dr. Naeem Rauf extended a goodwill message,commending the district administration and chess association for organizing this landmark event.

Peshawar: In a tragic incident in Muhammad Zai area of Kohat, two women died and two children and another woman sustained serious injuries in a blast that occurred inside a house, police informed on Sunday.

Rescue 1122 promptly provided the injured with initial medical aid and later transferred to the District Headquarters Hospital in Kohat for further treatment.

A BDS team on the scene has confirmed that blast was occurred due to explosion in fireworks material.

The dead women included Ms. Falak Naz (30 ) d/o Lal Bat Khan,

Ms. Fatima Bibi (20 ) w/o Salman, while the injured were identified as Ihsan (6) s/o Ihtesham and Faim Bibi (7) d/o Ihtesham.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges posed possible explosive material and the need for increased public awareness and safety measures.

Hyderabad: Bazm-e-Rooh Rihan in its continued series of literary sessions organized an event to pay homage to renowned journalist Shaikh Ali Muhammad on his 35th death anniversary.

Eminent writer Qazi Khadim presided over the commemorative session while Taj Joyo and Saleem Channa were chief guests on the occasion,

Qazi Munawar, Prof.Ashraf Samon, Idrees Jatoi, Ashique Solangi, Juman Ansari, Darya Khan Pirzado expressed their views while Singer Aziz Channa and Shahid Jarwar presented 'Shah ji Waai'.

Ali Muhammad Sheikh was born on February 15, 1925 at Sheikh Hafiz Mori Mungar village in the house of Sheikh Muhammad Khan.

Sheikh received his primary education in his own village and then studied at Noor Muhammad High School in Hyderabad till matriculation.

He passed the Intermediate form City Arts College and done LLB from Jinnah Law College.

After working in postal department for some time, Sheikh Ali Muhammad turned to journalism and started working as a news editor in Abdul Shakoor Manshi's newspaper 'Hilal-e-Pakistan',

After that, he became the editor of Haji Najamuddin Sariwal's newspaper 'Karwan'.

In 1965, when Ibrat became a daily newspaper, he was appointed its first editor.

In 1969, when the People's Party felt the need for a newspaper, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto bought the newspaper 'Hilal Pakistan' and appointed Sheikh Ali Muhammad as its editor on March 22.

In 1972, Hilal-e-Pakistan moved to Karachi, then Sheikh Sahib started a struggle to publish his own newspaper and on 23 March 1974, published 'Daily Aftab' newspaper.

In 1977, he was appointed as a member of the Majlis-e-Shura and in 1985, he became a member of the Senate.

He was the founder member of Hyderabad Press Club, at that time only 30 journalists were members of the club.

Sheikh Ali Muhammad died on 21 January 1991.

After the death of Sheikh Ali Muhammad, the newspaper 'Aftab' was run by his son Sheikh Ejaz, which was closed later.

Peshawar: Pakistan Customs on Sunday celebrated International Customs Day in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where the speakers highlighted its significance in the global trade and national economy.

The impressive ceremony graced by Saeed Akram, Member Taxpayers Services, Collectorate of Pakistan Customs Peshawar as Chief Guest was attended by the senior officials of Custom Department, partners of relevant organizations and stakeholders in large numbers.

In his key note address, Member Taxpayers Services, Saeed Akram said that International Customs Day being celebrated annually on 26th January, provides an opportunity to recognize the critical role that customs administrations play in facilitating international trade and safeguarding global supply chains.

He said, Pakistan Customs has played a key role in facilitating global trade besides strengthening of the national and domestic economy.

While highlighting Pakistan Customs' services in diversified fields, he said that it is because of Customs Department that international trade and safe movement of goods is being ensured in legal manner.

Pakistan Customs is tasked to ensure import and export of legitimate cargo in legal manner, making positive role in the country's GDP,he added.

Akram said that trade facilitation and regulation being our mandate was aimed to facilitate taxpayers of Pakistan.

He said that the customs officials and officers are taking practical steps to prevent cross-border smuggling despite the challenges.

He said that smuggling caused negative impact on the economy and GDP growth.

The Officer said that Customs Department has adopted zero tolerance against smuggling and strict action would be taken against elements involved in illegal transportation of goods.

Akram said that FBR's Pakistan Customs Wing has introduced many automation initiatives to facilitate the taxpayers and urged them to take benefits of it.

Peshawar: In a tragic incident in Muhammad Zai area of Kohat, two women died and two children and another woman sustained serious injuries in a blast that occurred inside a house, police informed on Sunday.

Rescue 1122 promptly provided the injured with initial medical aid and later transferred to the District Headquarters Hospital in Kohat for further treatment.

A BDS team on the scene has confirmed that blast was occurred due to explosion in fireworks material.

The dead women included Ms. Falak Naz (30 ) d/o Lal Bat Khan,

Ms. Fatima Bibi (20 ) w/o Salman, while the injured were identified as Ihsan (6) s/o Ihtesham and Faim Bibi (7) d/o Ihtesham.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges posed possible explosive material and the need for increased public awareness and safety measures.