Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: National Disaster Management Authority issued weather alert about prolonged spell of hot and humid weather is set to grip most parts of Pakistan from July 11 to 18, with monsoon activity expected to gather strength during the second half of the week as a westerly wave combines with moisture laden currents from the Arabian Sea, raising the likelihood of thunderstorms and isolated heavy rainfall across the country’s northern and upper regions.

The coming week is expected to begin with oppressive heat and humidity before the weather gradually turns more volatile.

Rain bearing systems are forecast to become increasingly active over northern and upper Pakistan, with scattered to widespread showers and isolated heavy downpours over upper catchments, mountainous areas and adjoining plains, heightening the risk of localized flooding and weather related disruptions in vulnerable areas.

On Saturday, July 11, the country is expected to experience another day of oppressive heat and high humidity, with uncomfortable conditions likely across most plain areas.

Relief from the heat is expected only in parts of the north, where isolated rain showers accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms may develop over Kashmir, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, northeastern Punjab and the Pothohar region.

While rainfall is not expected to be widespread, strong wind gusts and lightning may briefly disrupt routine activities in affected areas, bringing a temporary drop in temperatures after the storms.

Islamabad: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Safe City Capt. (R) Hamzah Humayun addressed a Bomb Disposal training session at the Capital Police College Islamabad, emphasizing the importance of specialized training to effectively respond to explosive threats and other emergency situations.

An official told reporter on Friday that course instructors and participants from various police units attended the training session.

Participants successfully completed the specialized course, during which they received professional training in bomb identification, safe handling of explosive devices, search techniques, threat assessment and practical field exercises to enhance their operational capabilities.

Addressing the participants, Capt. (R) Hamzah Humayun underscored the importance of continuous professional training and said such specialized courses played a vital role in improving the operational preparedness and response capacity of Islamabad Police.

He encouraged the participants to effectively utilize the knowledge and skills acquired during the training while performing their professional duties.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, certificates were distributed among the successful participants in recognition of the successful completion of the Bomb Disposal Course, the official added.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Housing and Works, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, met with the President of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), Syed Mohsen Gilani, who called on him to discuss the progress of football in Pakistan and ongoing efforts to revive the sport across the country.

During the meeting, Syed Mohsen Gilani expressed his gratitude to the Federal Minister for his unwavering support and commitment to the promotion of sports, particularly football.

He briefed the Minister on the recent positive developments within Pakistan football, including initiatives aimed at strengthening grassroots and creating greater opportunities for young athletes.

The PFF President also informed the Minister about the progress of the FIFA Arena Mini Pitch Project for Danish School Hasilpur in the District Bahawalpur under the FIFA Arena Programme.

He appreciated the Minister’s valuable support in facilitating this important initiative, which will provide world-class football infrastructure and encourage youth participation in sports in the region of South Punjab.

On the occasion, Minister Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada lauded the efforts of the Pakistan Football Federation in revitalizing football and nurturing young talent. He remarked that the youth of Pakistan possess immense potential and, if provided with the right opportunities and facilities, can make a meaningful difference at both national and international levels.

The minister shared that he has personally been a sportsman throughout his school and college years and has actively participated in various sports.

He emphasized his firm belief that healthy minds thrive in healthy bodies, adding that sports play a vital role in developing disciplined, confident, and productive citizens.

Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to the promotion of sports, the Minister assured Syed Mohsen Gilani of his full support for future initiatives aimed at the development of football and youth engagement. He appreciated the Pakistan Football Federation’s dedication and acknowledged its efforts in securing the FIFA Arena Mini Pitch Project for Danish School Hasilpur, describing it as a significant milestone in promoting grassroots football in Pakistan.

At the end of the meeting, the President presented a commemorative souvenir to the Federal Minister.

Islamabad: Wafaqi Mohtasib (Federal Ombudsman) Naveed Kamran Baloch on Friday directed officials across the country to intensify efforts for providing faster relief to citizens during a monthly performance review meeting at the Ombudsman’s Secretariat in Islamabad, stressing improved complaint resolution, wider use of digital platforms, stronger public outreach and new initiatives to facilitate businesses.

Chairing the meeting, Mr Baloch said public trust in the institution remained its greatest strength and must be safeguarded through efficient, transparent and responsive service delivery.

Senior officials from the Registration, Investigation, Appraisal, Implementation, IRD, Media and Overseas Pakistanis wings attended the meeting, while regional offices joined virtually.

Mr Naveed Baloch said the Wafaqi Mohtasib had evolved into the country’s leading institution of administrative accountability by protecting citizens against maladministration, injustice and unfair administrative practices while promoting transparency, accountability and excellence in public service.

Calling for a more proactive approach, the Ombudsman urged officials to ensure the expeditious disposal of complaints and noted that nearly 48% of all complaints were now being submitted through digital platforms, highlighting the growing importance of technology in public service delivery.

Mr Baloch also announced that a Grievance Commissioner for Business Facilitation would be established within the Secretariat in consultation with chambers of commerce and other stakeholders to help resolve business related grievances and support economic activity across the country.

He said the Secretariat is also preparing a comprehensive media strategy to increase public awareness of the institution’s services and expand its outreach, asking all relevant stakeholders to submit their recommendations within one week.

The Ombudsman assured participants that every effort would be made to create a better working environment and equip regional offices with modern office equipment and automation tools to improve efficiency and ensure quicker resolution of public complaints.

Islamabad: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Friday called for expanding the network of NADRA’s Citizen Facilitation Centres (CFCs) across remote and underdeveloped areas of the province to ensure easier access to identity registration and other public services.

The Governor made the remarks during a meeting with NADRA Chairman Lieutenant General Muhammad Munir Afsar here. PPP Parliamentary Leader in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Ahmad Karim Kundi was also present.

The meeting discussed the availability of NADRA facilities and the expansion of Citizen Facilitation Centres in KP.

The Governor was informed that the provincial government had provided land for the establishment of a NADRA centre in Dera Ismail Khan city.

Kundi urged NADRA to begin construction of the new office without delay so that citizens could benefit from improved services on a permanent basis.

He also called for upgrading all NADRA centres with modern facilities, including dedicated counters and comfortable waiting areas for senior citizens, women and persons with disabilities.

Expressing hope for further modernization of NADRA, the Governor said improved facilities would make documentation and other official procedures more convenient for Pakistani citizens.

The meeting also reviewed proposals for establishing additional NADRA centres in the DI Khan.

Islamabad: Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) issued a comprehensive traffic diversion plan for the 24th Muharram-ul-Haram procession, advising commuters to use alternate routes to avoid inconvenience during the procession.

An ITP official told reporter on Friday that the procession would commence from the residence of Hyderi Shah in Rawalpindi and pass through its designated route before concluding at Imambargah Boota Sain Darbar on the green belt along the Islamabad Expressway.

The official said the following diversions would remain in place for heavy traffic while the procession was on the Expressway:

Rawat T-Cross: Heavy traffic will be diverted towards Swan, Rawalpindi.

-PSO Pump, Koral: Heavy vehicles will be diverted towards Rawalpindi via Koral.

– Chungi No. 26, Katarian and IJP Road: Heavy traffic arriving from the Motorway via GT Road (Peshawar side) will be lined up during the procession.

– Bhara Kahu and Dhok Jilani: Heavy traffic coming from Murree towards the Expressway will be held until the procession passes.

According to the official, the following light traffic diversions would also remain effective:

– Traffic from Koral Chowk towards Khanna Pul will be diverted.

– Traffic on the Expressway from Khanna Pul to Kari Road will be diverted.

– The Rawalpindi-bound service road from Zia Mosque to Kari Road will remain completely closed during the procession.

The official advised motorists to use the following alternate routes:

– Light traffic coming from Lahore GT Road towards Rawalpindi should use Koral Chowk, Airport Road and Rawal Road.

– Motorists travelling towards Islamabad should use Khanna Pul, Tramri Road and Park Road.

He urged citizens to cooperate with traffic police, use designated parking areas if participating in the procession and avoid unnecessary travel on affected routes.

The official advised road users to follow Islamabad Traffic Police’s social media platforms or tune in to ITP FM 92.4 for the latest traffic updates and travel advisories.