Category: District

Abbottabad: The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday has initiated a major upgrade of the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital Abbottabad, elevating it to a Category-A facility as part of its commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure.

The expanded facility will add 215 beds, significantly enhancing the hospital's capacity to cater to the growing healthcare needs of the region.

The new additions will include beds for the Medical Ward, Surgical Ward, ENT Ward, Ophthalmology Department, Cardiology Ward, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Psychiatry Ward, Dental Department, and Dialysis Services.

This ambitious project reflects the government's dedication to providing accessible and modern medical care, ensuring better health services for the residents of Abbottabad and neighboring areas.

Faisalabad: Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA) has retrieved 10-marla state land by demolishing illegal structures of the land grabbers.

Director General FDA Muhammad Asif Chaudhry in a statement said here on Thursday that 'Qabza Mafia' had occupied 10-marla precious state land situated at Jhang Road near Gulfishan Chowk and erected a structure on it.

However, the FDA enforcement team with the help of heavy machinery demolished illegal structures of the land grabbers and retrieved 10-marla land which had market value of millions of rupees.

Meanwhile, the FDA also removed illegal structure from state land situated at Sheikhupura Road near Katchi Abadi Mannanwala after cancellation of stay order by the court of law.

Dir lower: The Department of Physics and Center for Computational Materials Science, University of Malakand (UoM) organized a cake cutting ceremony, Quantum Walk; Every Step Counts for Promoting Quantum Science and Technology in Pakistan on Thursday.

At the event, a distinguished professor talk on road map for Promoting and Establishing Quantum Technology in Pakistan by Prof Dr Fida Younas Khattak to commemorate International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, 2025 (IYQST, 2025) at the University.

The VC UoM Prof Dr Rashid Ahmad, Prof Dr Iftikhar Ahmad, Chairman, Department of Physics and Director, Center for Computational Materials Science, UoM Prof Dr Jamil Ahmad, Dean of Computing and Engineering, Mr Hamayun Khan, Provincial Minister, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faculty Members, Research Scholars and Students graced the event.

Prof Dr Iftikhar Ahmad and Prof Dr Fida Younas Khattak highlighted the significance of quantum science and technology to solve the real world problems. They emphasized to harness the power of quantum science and technology to develop new medicines, sustainable energy resources and ultra-fast computers to transform our lives.

The VC UoM Prof Dr Rashid Ahmad pledged to empower young minds with knowledge, skills and latest research in quantum science and technology to make a positive impact.

Mr Hamayun Khan pledged to extend full support to unlock the full potential of quantum science and technology and build a thriving future for the young generation. He also wished happy new year to all participants of the event and planted a sapling at university campus.

Sargodha: Commissioner Sargodha Division, Jahanzab Awan on Thursday presided over a meeting to discuss the outsourcing of the Waste Management Company (WMC).

The session was attended by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) SWMC Rana Shahid Imran, Director Local Government Asif Iqbal Malik,Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rtd) Fahad Mehmood,and Deputy Commissioners of Mianwali and Bhakkar, along with Assistant Commissioners with some joining via video link.

During the briefing,CEO WMC Shahid Imran outlined the outsourcing system, stating that the company would officially commence cleaning operations in all four districts on January 25.

The presentation detailed various initiatives, including manual sweeping, de-silting, mechanical sweeping, primary waste collection, and door-to-door waste collection plans.

The Commissioner reviewed the machinery and human resources and emphasizing the need to align resources with on-ground realities to ensure program's success.

He instructed all deputy commissioners to closely monitor all aspects of the waste management operations,with special attention to maintaining regular meetings with contractors and inspections of waste enclosures and dumping sites.

"The Clean Punjab Program is a flagship initiative of the government," stated the commissioner, stressing that the administration of all four districts must be thoroughly familiar with the outsourcing system.He directed the CEO of the WMC to provide detailed cleaning operation plans to the deputy commissioners .

Peshawar: Federal Minister Kashmir affairs and Gilgit Baltistan, States and frontier regions Ameer Muqam on Thursday decried the acts of violence perpetrated against local government representatives on the orders of Khyber Paktunkhwa government on the very first day of the new year.

Talking to media here at Peshawar Press Club, Muqam condemned the use of tear gas against protesters here and said that there must not be double standards.

"The brutal use of force on LG representatives had exposed the real face of PTI leadership."

He lamented the suffering of local representatives in the province.

Muqam further accused certain quarters in the provincial setup of misappropriating NFC funds, calling for accountability and transparency in their utilization.

Referring to the ongoing political discourse in the country, the minister deplored that when the federal government was trying to hold negotiations and discussions, certain political elements were involved in threats and propagandas.

He recalled that when the current Prime Minister was in opposition, efforts were made to initiate dialogue on a charter for peace and economic development in the country. However, the PTI government of the time, he claimed, squandered these opportunities and brought only losses to the nation through prolonged protests.

Muqam criticized the PTI's governance, alleging neglect of critical developmental projects during their tenure.

"Projects like Dassu and Bhasha dams were now receiving billions in funding after being sidelined by the previous government," he stated, highlighting his government's commitment to sustainable progress.

Regarding the deteriorating law and order situation, Muqam called it a national crisis, stressing the importance of provincial cooperation for effective countermeasures.

He lauded the sacrifices of police and military personnel in the face of rising violence and lamented the provincial government's failure to act decisively.

Later, the federal minister vowed to continue his pursuit of justice and development, urging all political actors to prioritize the nation's welfare over personal gains.