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PM directs swift repair work of damaged protective fences on motorways in one month

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to ensure swift repair work of all damaged protective fences on motorways in one month and initiate stringent action against those stealing or damaging the fence.

The prime minister chaired separate review meetings on issues pertaining to the NHA and safety measures on the national highways and motorways, a Prime Minister's Office news release said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the occasion emphasized that the national highways and motorways were the backbone of national development and the country's economy. He said that providing the best travel facilities across the country was one of the top priorities of the government.

The prime minister directed to form a steering committee to review the work related to construction of Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway, construction of remaining parts of Ratodero-Gwadar Motorway and Hyderabad-Karachi Motorway, Karachi-Quetta-Chaman National Highway, and reconstruction of some parts of Karakoram Highway.

He also directed that the development work should be done on these important national projects on a speedy and priority basis.

The meeting was briefed regarding the ongoing development works on national highways and motorways. The meeting was told that in the first phase of Lahore-Sahiwal-Bahawalnagar Motorway was in progress and the land was being acquired from Lahore Ring Road to Raiwind-Kasur Road. However, many districts of South East Punjab would be able to benefit from this motorway, the forum was briefed.

In a another meeting related to safety arrangements on national highways and highways, the prime minister directed to complete the repair work of all safety fences on the highways within a month. The prime minister also directed to improve policing and patrolling on national highways and motorways.

The meeting was briefed on measures to prevent theft of protective fence installed on motorways. The meeting was informed that there were 4,027 kilometers of protective fence installed on the motorways across the country, out of which 859 kilometers of protective fence were either stolen or damaged, due to which 36 accidents were reported and 178 first information reports (FIRs) were registered in the last four years in this regard.

The meeting was further informed that legislation was being made regarding the declaration of motorways as a strategic asset, after which strict action would be taken against those who damage the motorways as per the law.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and relevant senior government officials participated in the meeting.

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SC issues notices to govt for Students’ Union in Universities

Islamabad: The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Federation of Pakistan regarding restoration of Students Union in Universities and adjourned the hearing for a date to be fixed latter.

A six-member constitutional bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, headed by Justice Amin ud Din Khan and comprising Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Musarrat Hilali and Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan was hearing Constitutional Petition against Ban on Students of Universities to form Association and Union and Indulging in Politics.

The petitions are filed by Hamza Muhammad Khwaja vs Federation of Pakistan through Secretary Federal Education and Professional Training Islamabad and others and Muhammad Usama Amir, General Secretary, Islami Jamiat Talaba Pakistan vs Federation of Pakistan through Secretary, Ministry of Interior and others.

The Court, after initial proceedings, issued notices to the respondents and observed that the Quaid-e-Azam University had announced schedule for holding elections of the Students Union. It can be a rule model for rest of the universities in the country.

The Court, however, expressed displeasure over indulging of professional associations in active politics. Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi observed that students' union introduced violence in the Universities. Students union are for welfare of student and not for politics. Justice Musarrat Hilali remarked that politics in our country have generally become aggressive.

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Gold prices increase by Rs500 per tola

Islamabad: The price of 24 karat per tola gold increased by Rs.500 and was sold at Rs 282,900 on Monday against its sale at Rs 282,400 on previous trading day, All Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association reported.

The price of 10 grams of 24 karat gold also increased by Rs.429 to Rs.242,541 from Rs 242,112 whereas that of 10 gram 22 karat also went up to Rs.222,337 from Rs 221,944.

The prices of per tola silver decreased by Rs.09 to Rs3,372 whereas that of ten gram silver went down by Rs08 to Rs.2,890.

The price of gold in the international market increased by $5 to $2,708 from $2,703, the Association reported.

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Heavy snowfall blankets Kaghan Valley & Galyat, intensifies cold wave

Abbottabad: Much awaited rain in the plains and snowfall in the upper regions of Hazara division have caused a sharp increase in cold across the region. The Kaghan Valley and Galyat have been blanketed in heavy snow, transforming the landscape into a picturesque winter wonderland.

In the Kaghan Valley, tourist hotspots including Shogran, Kaghan, Naran, and Battakundi have received significant snowfall. Shogran has recorded over 6 inches of snow, Kaghan Bazaar nearly 3 inches, and Naran approximately 1 foot. Similarly, Galyat has also experienced heavy snowfall, with snow-covered roads and icy conditions adding to the region's charm but also posing challenges for transportation.

Under the special directives of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Advisor for Tourism, Culture, and Archaeology Zahid Chun Zeb, as well as orders from Kaghan Development Authority's (KDA) Director General Shabbir Khan, snow-clearing operations have been intensified. KDA has deployed staff equipped with machinery at key points in the Kaghan Valley to clear roads, including Shogran Road, ensuring the smooth flow of vehicular traffic.

Similarly, in Galyat, the Galyat Development Authority (GDA) is actively working to ensure road accessibility and safety for residents and tourists. Key routes, including the Murree-Nathiagali Road, are being cleared of snow, while additional machinery and personnel are stationed to deal with any emergencies.

Extra staff and tourism police have been deployed at critical locations at Kawai, Shogran, Paras, Kaghan, and Galyat to assist tourists and locals. Authorities have also urged visitors to exercise caution while traveling, as icy conditions can make roads slippery.

With the snowfall enhancing the scenic beauty of both Kaghan Valley and Galyat, a surge in tourist activity is expected. However, travelers were advised to stay updated on weather conditions and road clearance to ensure a safe journey.

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Heavy snowfall blankets Kaghan Valley & Galyat, intensifies cold wave

Abbottabad: Much awaited rain in the plains and snowfall in the upper regions of Hazara division have caused a sharp increase in cold across the region. The Kaghan Valley and Galyat have been blanketed in heavy snow, transforming the landscape into a picturesque winter wonderland.

In the Kaghan Valley, tourist hotspots including Shogran, Kaghan, Naran, and Battakundi have received significant snowfall. Shogran has recorded over 6 inches of snow, Kaghan Bazaar nearly 3 inches, and Naran approximately 1 foot. Similarly, Galyat has also experienced heavy snowfall, with snow-covered roads and icy conditions adding to the region's charm but also posing challenges for transportation.

Under the special directives of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Advisor for Tourism, Culture, and Archaeology Zahid Chun Zeb, as well as orders from Kaghan Development Authority's (KDA) Director General Shabbir Khan, snow-clearing operations have been intensified. KDA has deployed staff equipped with machinery at key points in the Kaghan Valley to clear roads, including Shogran Road, ensuring the smooth flow of vehicular traffic.

Similarly, in Galyat, the Galyat Development Authority (GDA) is actively working to ensure road accessibility and safety for residents and tourists. Key routes, including the Murree-Nathiagali Road, are being cleared of snow, while additional machinery and personnel are stationed to deal with any emergencies.

Extra staff and tourism police have been deployed at critical locations at Kawai, Shogran, Paras, Kaghan, and Galyat to assist tourists and locals. Authorities have also urged visitors to exercise caution while traveling, as icy conditions can make roads slippery.

With the snowfall enhancing the scenic beauty of both Kaghan Valley and Galyat, a surge in tourist activity is expected. However, travelers were advised to stay updated on weather conditions and road clearance to ensure a safe journey.

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PM says no negligence will be tolerated in preparations of Hajj 2025

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday reviewed preparations for Hajj 2025, directing that no negligence in preparations will be tolerated.

"Pilgrims are the guests of Allah Almighty, therefore no negligence will be accepted in terms of services and assistance for them," the prime minister stressed.

Chaired a meeting to review preparations for Hajj 2025 here, the prime minister directed to ensure all possible facilities and assistance to the Hujjaj (pilgrims) during the upcoming Hajj.

He instructed to prepare a comprehensive briefing with respect to the preparation of Hajj 2025 and present it in coming days.

He also directed to present a detailed briefing on the selection criteria of Moavineen Hajj (Hajj assistants), their responsibilities and other arrangements.

He said the best possible training facility should be provided to the pilgrims, besides ensuring selection of capable officers having good repute for Hajj duty.

He also ordered to take special care of residence, travel and other facilities for the pilgrims. "Merit and transparency must be ensured in deployment of the Moavineen."

The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema. Chaudhry Salik Hussain and other relevant top officials.

The meeting was briefed in detail about progress on Hajj Fund which was in final stages.

The meeting was told that similar to the previous year, mobile phone SIM cards will be provided to the pilgrims from Pakistan and that the mobile application for the assistance of Hujjaj was operational.