Sports Gala for Special Children held in Rohri

Sukkur: Provincial Minister for Energy Syed Nasir Hussain Shah on Monday inaugurated a grand Sports Gala at Gangoti Ground in Rohri, organized by the Sports Department Sukkur.

The event featured participation from special schools in Sukkur, Ghotki, and Khairpur, with special children participating in 6 male and 8 female games.

The minister emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for special children to participate in sports, highlighting its benefits for a healthy society. He announced plans to organize similar events in other districts, praising the performance of special children and encouraging them to participate in sports.

The event was a celebration of sportsmanship and achievement, with special children from Mirpur Mathelo, district Ghotki presenting the national anthem in a unique and impressive manner. Syed Nasir Hussain Shah expressed his delight at seeing special children participating in sports, emphasizing the importance of promoting healthy activities for a better society.

CM Maryam vows to provide 100,000 houses to deserving families in one year

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced a bold initiative to provide 100,000 houses to deserving families within the next year.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of Zahra Homes/Maskan Ravi project, here on Monday, the CM expressed her satisfaction over the completion of Zahra Homes/Maskan Ravi, which has already provided homes to 100 families in just two and a half months, thanks to the efforts of RUDA and the Housing and Urban Development Department.

The CM paid tribute to the vision of PML-N Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, acknowledging his dedication to the nation's development over the past 45 years. "When it comes to progress in Pakistan, the name of Nawaz Sharif is synonymous with nuclear power, economic growth, and infrastructure development like motorways," she said.

The CM emphasized the importance of ensuring merit and transparency in the distribution of homes under the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar program, a key initiative under which interest-free loans of up to Rs. 1.5 million are being provided to families to help them build their homes. These loans, repayable in seven years, have already helped thousands, with more houses under construction in 37 districts across the province.

CM Maryam Nawaz also revealed plans for a new scheme to provide free residential plots of three marlas to deserving individuals, further expanding access to affordable housing. "This initiative reflects my commitment to fulfilling Nawaz Sharif's dream of serving the people of Punjab," she said.

Under the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar program, the first five houses will also be furnished as a gift. "The overwhelming positive feedback from beneficiaries is a source of strength, and it motivates us to continue our efforts," she added.

The CM highlighted other ongoing initiatives such as the Kisan and Livestock Cards benefiting farmers, free medicines and tests at hospitals, and ongoing construction of healthcare facilities like the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital. The Suthra Punjab program, aimed at cleaning up the province, and the construction of 400 roads were also mentioned as part of the government's development agenda.

In addressing concerns over inflation, the CM pointed out significant reductions in the prices of essential items like flour and bread, attributing this to effective governance. "The price of bread has dropped from Rs. 30 to Rs. 12, and the price of flour has also reduced," she affirmed. The CM pledged the launch of more development projects, aimed at further improving the lives of the people of Punjab.

Court extends Bushra Bibi’s interim bail to Jan 23

Islamabad: The District and Sessions Court of Islamabad on Monday held a hearing on an interim bail plea filed by Bushra Bibi, wife of the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI).

The case was heard by Additional Sessions Judge Chaudhry Aamir Zia.

Advocate Ansar Kayani represented Bushra Bibi during the proceedings. During the hearing, he argued that Bushra Bibi is facing a verdict regarding a £190 million case and highlighted her requirement to appear in jail as part of the legal process.

He also stated that the Accountability Court had directed her to ensure her attendance in court.

Prosecutor Iqbal Kakar requested the court that the interim bail application should ensure her presence in the court.

However, the court granted an exemption from Bushra Bibi's physical attendance for the day and extended her interim bail until January 23.

The case involves charges filed against her at the Ramna Police Station.

27 eco-friendly electric buses to be operational in Lahore on two routes

Lahore: Punjab Transport Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javid Qazi said on Monday that 27 electric buses for Lahore will reach Karachi Port on January 15.

He announced that eco-friendly electric buses will initially operate on two routes in the first phase.

Talking to reporter, the Punjab Transport Secretary said electric buses are arriving six days ahead of schedule.

He informed that Provincial Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan will complete the process of receiving the buses from Karachi Port during the current week.

He further said the process of purchasing 27 electric buses for Lahore has been completed, adding, these electric buses were purchased from China. Meanwhile the buses will reach Lahore from Karachi on January 21.

After the unveiling ceremony in Lahore, the electric buses will be made operational on two routes in the city.

The secretary said that preparations have been made to make the electric buses operational on January 31.

To a query, he said that two routes have been identified for the electric buses. Environment-friendly buses will be run on the route from Canal Road and Railway Station to RA Bazaar.

The electric buses will remain operational for twelve years, the cost of one bus is Rs.88 million. Currently, 27 buses will be operating at a cost of 2.46 billion.

Day of Defenders of the Motherland: Honoring valor, legacy of Uzbekistan’s armed forces

Islamabad: The armed forces of Uzbekistan have emerged as a cornerstone of national pride and security, reflecting the country's renewed strength under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

The Uzbek Embassy, in a statement, said the reforms initiated by the government in recent years have fundamentally transformed the country's military structure and capabilities, enabling Uzbekistan to ensure its national security, border protection, and societal stability.

The Day of Defenders of the Motherland, celebrated annually on January 14, pays tribute to the valiant service of the Uzbek armed forces. The statement highlighted the unwavering dedication of military personnel, who uphold the country's sovereignty and peace while embodying the spirit and traditions of their great ancestors.

The Uzbek Constitution, recently amended through a nationwide referendum, has paved the way for further strengthening the country's defense potential. The ongoing reforms aim to enhance the combat readiness of troops and modernize the armed forces to meet contemporary security challenges.

The "Uzbekistan-2030" strategy, adopted under a presidential decree, underscores the prioritization of defense advancements. Over the past three years, more than 35 conceptual directive documents have been developed to refine troop preparation methods, drawing from the best practices of developed nations.

The statement also outlined key advancements in military training and readiness. Combat and special training hours for permanent-readiness brigades have increased significantly, with 70% of exercises conducted practically and 50% taking place at night under conditions simulating real combat.

Since 2018, the intensity of troop readiness exercises has increased by 2.5 times. Modular training systems have been implemented, focusing on combat coherence at various levels, while professional skills development remains a priority.

The Uzbek Ministry of Defense has expanded its infrastructure, establishing 19 specialized training centers compared to just two five years ago. These centers have garnered international recognition, with military specialists from the United States, United Kingdom, France, and other nations proposing joint experience-sharing initiatives.

Uzbekistan currently operates over 20 general-purpose training grounds, with 16 designated for hosting international military events. The Armed Forces actively engage in joint exercises with foreign counterparts, ensuring the continued evolution of their capabilities.

In the face of global geopolitical shifts and evolving security threats, Uzbekistan's Armed Forces stand as a powerful, mobile, and well-equipped entity safeguarding the peace and harmony of the nation - a testament to the vision of New Uzbekistan.

PFA destroys 500-kg contaminated meat

Lahore: The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) on Monday foiled an attempt to supply 500-kg contaminated meat during a grand operation in the Bakra Mandi (goat market). According to a spokesman for the authority, the operation had been conducted upon a tip-off of the vigilance team during which 500-kg tainted meat was destroyed. The meat, which posed serious health risks, was found to have been sourced from diseased and dead animals.

As per DG Food Authority Asim Javed, the diseased animals were slaughtered and their remains were incinerated. Upon inspection, it was revealed that the meat from these animals was not only unfit for human consumption but could lead to various health issues if consumed. The animal owners were found to be in violation of regulations, lacking the mandatory Health Fitness Certificates required for slaughtering animals.

The DG emphasized that consuming such contaminated meat could result in severe health complications and increase the risk of infectious diseases. He also condemned the actions of the fraudulent mafia who driven by the greed for higher profits were essentially selling diseases rather than food.