Category: District

Peshawar: Khyber Medical University (KMU) Peshawar and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University (SMBBMU) Larkana on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance long-term collaboration in academic excellence, digital governance, research, innovation and institutional capacity building.

The MoU was signed during a visit of a high-level delegation from SMBB Medical University Larkana, led by its Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Nusrat Shah, to KMU Peshawar.

The delegation, comprising Professor Dr. Waseem Abbas, Director Institute of Pharmacy, Altamash Shiraz, Director Quality Enhancement Cell, Ahmed Bux Dahani, Additional Controller of Examinations, and Farooq Ali Bhutto, Deputy Director IT, was received by KMU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Zia-ul-Haq and senior university officials.

During the visit, Professor Dr. Zill-e-Huma, Director Academics and Admissions, briefed the delegation on KMU’s academic system, digital transformation initiatives and modern administrative practices. The delegation also visited the Computer-Based Examination (CBE) system, e-Office, Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC), research laboratories and examination facilities to observe the university’s paperless administrative framework, quality assurance mechanisms and digital examination processes.

Speaking on the occasion, Professor Dr. Zia-ul-Haq said collaboration among Pakistani universities and the exchange of knowledge, expertise and best practices were essential for promoting medical education, research, innovation and institutional development.

Professor Dr. Nusrat Shah said that while learning from institutions in developed countries remained important, Pakistani universities also possessed valuable academic, administrative and research expertise that should be shared through mutual collaboration. She expressed confidence that such partnerships would further strengthen higher medical education, research and academic standards across the country.

Under the MoU, both universities agreed to collaborate in promoting academic quality, digital governance, research, faculty and student capacity building, examination systems, innovation, joint research projects and institutional development.

The visiting delegation appreciated KMU’s achievements in academic excellence, digital innovation and research management, describing the visit and the signing of the MoU as a significant step towards sustainable collaboration, mutual learning and institutional growth between the two universities.

Mirpur: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday unveiled an ambitious development agenda for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), promising to complete key infrastructure projects, establish modern healthcare facilities and build an international airport in Mirpur if the party forms the next government in the region.

Addressing a large election rally in Mirpur, he said several landmark projects initiated during his tenure remained unfinished after his government left office and pledged to revive them to accelerate the region’s socio-economic development.

Describing himself as a Kashmiri, Nawaz Sharif said Kashmir was not his second home but his first. He recalled launching the Triple M Motorway project during his previous government and said its completion would have transformed connectivity and economic activity across AJK. He pledged to complete the motorway, extend the Murree Expressway to Muzaffarabad and personally oversee development initiatives across the region alongside a future PML-N government.

Outlining the party’s manifesto, the former prime minister announced plans to establish new schools, colleges and universities, provide free medicines in government hospitals on the Punjab model and build state-of-the-art cancer, cardiac and children’s hospitals equipped with modern medical facilities. He also promised to establish an international airport in Mirpur, improve access to clean drinking water and expand essential civic infrastructure throughout AJK. Nawaz Sharif added that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had already gifted Mirpur a fleet of modern air-conditioned public buses as a sign of the party’s commitment to the region.

Referring to the political climate, Nawaz Sharif called for respectful democratic competition, saying political differences should never become personal hostility. Mentioning PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, he said, “Bilawal is my brother. Politics may bring differences of opinion, but there should be no bitterness.”

The rally was also addressed by PML-N candidates Chaudhry Muhammad Saeed, Chaudhry Tariq Farooq, Azhar Sadiq, Fateh Mehmood-ul-Hassan, Chaudhry Rukhsar, Yasir Mansha and federal ministers, who urged voters to support the party in the upcoming elections.

Rawalpindi: Security Forces killed 12 khwarij belonging to the Indian-sponsored Fitna al Khwarij while foiling their attempt to breach the security of a Joint Police Check Post in Tank district.

‘The assailants sought to breach the check post security; however, their nefarious designs were swiftly and decisively foiled by the vigilant and resolute response of security forces. Displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence, troops engaged the fleeing khwarij with precision, eliminating twelve khwarij, ‘ said a news release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

However, in their desperation, the attackers rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall. Due to blast impact, infrastructure at check post was seriously damaged, resultantly 15 brave sons of soil including twelve military, two policemen and a government official ex forest department rendered the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat,

‘Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored Kharji found in the area, as relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision ‘Azm e Istehkam’ (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country. These sacrifices of our brave soldiers further reinforce our

unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs, ‘ the news release added.

Dera ismail khan: Acting on the directives of Deputy Commissioner Dera Ismail Khan and with a focus on public convenience, Assistant Commissioner Dr. Muhammad Hamid Siddiq has ordered improvement works on the link road adjoining the city flyover to ensure smoother traffic flow and safer commuting.

Following the directives, the concerned department deployed heavy machinery to level and grade both sides of the link road, improving its condition and facilitating the movement of vehicles and pedestrians.

The Assistant Commissioner also directed the relevant authorities to ensure regular water sprinkling on the road to suppress dust, reduce environmental pollution, and provide a safer and more comfortable travel experience for the public.

Dr. Hamid Siddiq said the district administration remained committed to improving public infrastructure and ensuring the provision of essential civic facilities.

He added that development and rehabilitation works were being closely monitored to ensure their timely completion in accordance with the required quality standards.

Multan: Rescue 1122 on Friday urged citizens to adopt precautionary measures to minimize the risk of accidents during the monsoon season, warning that timely preventive steps could help save lives and protect property from rain-related emergencies.

District Emergency Officer(DEO) Rescue 1122, Dr Hussain Mian, issued the advisory in accordance with the special directives of Punjab Emergency Services Secretary Dr Rizwan Naseer, saying that all rescue teams and equipment had been placed on high alert under the department’s Monsoon Emergency Plan.

He said the forecast of heavy monsoon rains could lead to urban flooding, strong winds, collapsing dilapidated buildings, electrocution, traffic accidents, drowning incidents and other emergencies. However, he added that most such incidents could be avoided through public awareness and strict adherence to safety guidelines.

Dr Hussain Mian advised citizens to inspect old buildings, roofs, walls, balconies and pillars and carry out necessary repairs before the onset of heavy rains. He urged people to avoid living in or visiting unsafe and dilapidated structures, as continuous rainfall could weaken them further. He also stressed the importance of cleaning rooftop drains, gutters and water outlets to prevent water accumulation.

Referring to the increased risk of electrocution during the rainy season, he asked the public not to touch electrical appliances, switches or exposed wires with wet hands or while standing barefoot. He advised consumers to repair faulty wiring, avoid illegal electrical connections and stay away from broken power lines, transformers and electrical installations submerged in rainwater. Parents, he said, should educate children about electrical hazards and prevent them from playing in rainwater near power installations.

The DEO also warned citizens against crossing canals, rivers, rain-fed streams, flooded roads, underpasses or fast-flowing water, saying the depth and strength of water currents could be misleading and life-threatening. He urged parents to keep children away from open manholes, canals and other water bodies.

He said Rescue 1122 Multan had completed all preparations for the monsoon season, with ambulances, fire and rescue vehicles, water rescue teams, rescue boats, life jackets, life buoys, specialized rescue equipment and trained rescuers ready to respond to any emergency. Monitoring of low-lying areas, rainwater drains and potential flood points had also been intensified.

Dr Hussain advised motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, drive at reduced speeds, use headlights, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and strictly observe traffic rules.

He appealed to the public to immediately report incidents such as fires, building collapses, electrocution, drowning or other emergencies by calling the Rescue 1122 helpline (1122), enabling rescue teams to provide timely assistance.

“Precaution, public awareness and responsible behavior are the most effective safeguards against monsoon-related accidents, ” he said, adding that Rescue 1122 Multan remained fully prepared to respond to emergencies round the clock.

Kohat: Two government officials on Friday were killed and three others injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle near a toll plaza on the Indus Highway the district , the official sources said.

The bodies were identified as Excise Sub-Inspector, Sajjad Al-Salam and Customs Employee, Jawad. They said both died at the spot after the attackers sprayed the vehicle with gunfire.

Three injured people were taken to a nearby hospital, they said, adding their conditions were not immediately known. The police and other law enforcement personnel cordoned off the area after the attack and launched a search operation to apprehend the assailants, who fled the scene. Funeral prayers for Sajjad Al-Salam will be held in Khushgi Bala, while Jawad will be laid to rest in Chakdara.