Two godowns sealed
SARGODHA: The district administration on Wednesday sealed two godowns over illegal stock of sugar and ghee in Shahpur. According to official sources, Assistant Commissioner Shahpur Anum Babar checked various shops and markets, and sealed two godowns for hoarding of sugar and ghee. Meanwhile, she also imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 each on two petrol agencies for faulty gauge and over pricing.
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DPO for maintaining peace, narcotics control in Tank
PESHAWAR: District Police Officer Iftikhar Ali Shah on Wednesday said that additional personnel was sought to control the deteriorating situation in the district, especially in Bettani areas and crackdown on narcotics traffickers.
In a media statement, DPO Iftikhar Ali Shah expressed his efforts and heartfelt desire to see Tank especially Bettani areas prosper, crime rates decrease, and relief for the local population.
He disclosed the request to the IGP for additional police personnel to maintain peace in the area and control the situation which was approved.
It is worth mentioning here that Bettani elders recently held a grand meeting at Umer Ada regarding the worst law and order situation in Bettani circle which was attended by local elders, politicians, social figures, and media representatives, highlighting their concerns about the alarming security situation in Bettani areas.
The DPO assured the Bettani tribe that the maintenance of peace in the district is his priority and applauded the Bettani tribe for their support in controlling the law and order situation in the district.
The DPO further said that a crackdown on narcotics traffickers and other criminals has been launched and they will be dealt with iron hands.
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SLA to host national conference on Artificial Intelligence, Technology on 1 September
HYDERABAD:Sindhi Language Authority(SLA) to hold a national conference on Artificial Intelligence, Technology, and the future of the Sindhi Language with the objective of highlighting the importance of Technology and artificial intelligence in the development of languages and usage on 17 September.
According to the Spokesman of SLA, eminent linguistics experts would read their papers on the compuetrised development of languages, digitalization, artificial intelligence, modern information technology, and usage of Sindhi language.
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Metropolitan govt to hold budget session on Sep 14
PESHAWAR:The annual budget session of Capital Metropolitan Government Peshawar would be held on Sept 14 (Tomorrow).
Mayor Peshawar, Haji Zubair Ali on Wednesday convened the budget session for the year 2023-24 on Sep 13. The second day budget session will be held on Sep 15.
The budget session would discuss budgetary allocations for the year 2023-34 and related issues.
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Police handover stolen vehicle to owner
HYDERABAD:Police, in its continued drive against criminals on Wednesday, recovered a stolen Mazda vehicle handed over to the owner.
On the directives of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Hyderabad, Amjad Ahmed Shaikh Station House Officer (SHO), Inspector Saghir Hussain Sangi, under the supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Hali Road, Abdul Khalique Jhatiyal, during patrolling, recovered a Mazda that was found stolen from the limits of Auto Bhaan Police station, and handed over to its real owner, Siraj udin Malik.
Meanwhile, the vehicle owner expressed gratitude to SSP Hyderabad Amjad Ahmed Shaikh and SHO Hali Road Saghir Hussain Sangi for recovering his vehicle.
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BISE Bahawalpur announced intermediate result, pass percentage remains 57.46
BAHAWALPUR:The Bahawalpur Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education has announced the results of the Intermediate Annual Part 1 and 2 combined Exam 2023.
According to the result gazette, 57443 candidates appeared in the exam, out of which 33006 passed. The pass percentage remained at 57.46 percent. The result could be checked on the board website, www.bisebwp.edu.pk.
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UNDP, KP Judicial Academy train women lawyers in legal aid
PESHAWAR:The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Judicial Academy, has organized a two-day pilot training for women lawyers on representing legal aid clients from 13 to 14 September.
This initiative brings together young 20-female lawyers from Peshawar.
Caitlin Chittenden, Senior Rule of Law and Justice Reform Specialist at UNDP welcomed the participants and highlighted the objectives of the sessions.
In his opening remarks, Muhammad Shoaib, Director General (Acting) laid emphasis on legal aid.
He underscored the significance of legal aid in international and domestic legal frameworks where it is acknowledged as a fundamental human right and a guarantee of a fair trial, equality before the law, protection against discrimination, and access to effective remedies.
The Inaugural Session was attended by the faculty members and directors of the Academy.
The two-day training program aims to provide participants with an orientation of District Legal Empowerment Committees (DLECs), gender-based violence (GBV), and its underlying dynamics and equipping lawyers to better serve GBV survivors and victims.
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'Collective efforts needed to end smog'
SIALKOT: Secretary Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Muzaffar Hayat has said collective efforts are needed to prevent smog. He expressed these views while addressing an awareness seminar at Vocational Institute organized by Toyota. Teachers, traffic police officers and a large number of students were also present. Meanwhile, Secretary RTA Muzaffar Hayat also distributed pamphlets among students.
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Unknown persons kill quack
MUZAFFARGARH: Unknown persons allegedly shot dead a quack in the limits of City Police Station Kot Addu here on Wednesday.
Police sources said that quack Ijaz was allegedly murdered by unknown muggers who fled the scene.
They informed that crime scene unit and forenics teams collected evidences from the spot.
Rescue 1122 shifted the body to the DHQ hospital and the police started investigation, they concluded.
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59 pc candidates get through HSSC exams in BISE Multan
MULTAN:Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) on Wednesday declared the result Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) examination 2023 showing a 59.68 pass percentage.
Chairman BISE, Hafiz Muhammad Qasim, Secretary, Khurram Iqbal Qureshi, Controller Examination, Hamid Saeed Bhatti pushed the button on the computer system to declare the result in the presence of System Analyist, Qazi Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Deputy Secretary Admin, Abdur Rauf Khokhar and others.
As many as 74,635 candidates appeared in the examination while 44,541 got through registering a pass percentage of 59.68 pc.
Chairman BISE thanked all officials concerned for making on time announcement of the result.
2nd Annual Examination of HSSC will commence from Oct 20, he concluded.
Separately, in BISE DG Khan the overall pass percentage stood at 66.83 pc.
A total of 57,512 candidates appeared in HSSC examination and of it 38,438 passed.
It is worth mentioning that Muzaffargarh district topped in DG Khan division with 73.06 pass percentage while Layyah district remained runner up with 64.32 pc and DG Khan district clinched third position by registering 63.25 pc.
A spokesperson for BISE, Aslam Bhutta said that those candidates who are not satisfied with their results could apply for rechecking by Sept 28.
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Bahawalpur police arrest two drug peddlers
BAHAWALPUR:The district police have taken two alleged drug peddlers into custody from the Khairpur Tamewali area and recovered hashish from their possession.
A spokesman for Bahawalpur police said here that acting on a tip-off, a police team conducted a raid at a den and arrested two alleged drug pushers from an area lying within the jurisdiction of PS Khairpur Tamewali.
The police also recovered 4,100 grams of hashish from his possession. The police have registered a case against the accused. Further probes were in process.
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Rain predicted from September 15 to 20 in KP
PESHAWAR:The Regional Meteorological Department on Wednesday predicted days of rains starting September 15 to 20 in most parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
A notification issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) stated that the Regional Met Office Peshawar has informed that a new spell of rains is starting for which people are urged to take all precautionary measures to avoid any loss of life, damage to infrastructure and crops and animals.
Furthermore, all concerned authorities asked to take safety measures.
Tourists are to be informed about weather forecasts, ensure availability of all emergency services staff and machinery and other resources, and all concerned line departments to remain vigilant in restoring road links.
In case of any occurrence, updates may kindly be shared with PDMA, active round the clock via helpline 1700.
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Workshop on organized at USKT
SIALKOT: A workshop on "Journals and Publications “was organized by Director Research and Publications Dr Ather Azeem at the University of Sialkot (USKT) for academic journals. This session is a valuable initiative and opportunity for deans, directors and researchers. Dr Ather Azeem shared detailed information how to craft research academic journals according to their departments. The session was concluded with the answering of quires of participants.
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123 power pilferers grabbed in Burewala
MULTAN:About 123 people accused of power stealing were rounded up on Wednesday, a source from the DC Office revealed.
The operation was part of the crackdown launched by the District Task Force here like elsewhere in the country initiated about a week ago.
Deputy Commissioner Syed Asif Hussain Shah said in this regard that all the 123 electricity thieves were booked with the respective police stations.
Six among the said number of accused were arrested on the spot.
Moreover, the collective fine worth Rs. 8,625,562 was slapped on the total number of the power stealers here.
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Rs 53.6m imposed fine on 492 pilferers
FAISALABAD: The Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco) imposed Rs 53.6 million as fine on 492 power pilferers during the last seven days and recovered Rs 3.3 million from them so far. Fesco Spokesman Tahir Sheikh said on Wednesday that the anti-theft teams conducted thorough checking of electricity supply meters and detected power pilferage at 492 points in various parts during the last one week. He said that the company had imposed Rs 53.6 million as fine of 1415,000 detection units on power pilferers in addition to getting FIRs registered against 205 accused. During the last 24 hours, the teams, however, caught 128 power pilferers and imposed Rs 13.8 million on them as fine of 449,000 detection units, he added.
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MEPCO removes 25 transformers over non-payment of Rs 26.2m arrears
MULTAN:Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) have launched recovery operation against defaulters under the directions of Prime Minister and removed over 25 transformers over non-payment of Rs 26.2 million pending dues.
The recovery operation was conducted against defaulting agricultural tube well users, industrial and commercial users in MEPCO region.
The power connections of 10 defaulters were restored after payment of Rs 2.5 million arrears.
President Kisan Ittehad Wahva sub division DG Khan Muhammad Ramzan was found defaulter of over Rs 4.3 million and he along with dozens of people put resistance over disconnection of connection and threatened MEPCO teams.
MEPCO employees of three sub-divisions removed transformers of defaulters in presence of police force.
Teams led by XEN Mailsi division seized 10 transformers for non-payment of dues of Rs six million.
Likewise, electricity of the solvent plant in Lodhran was disconnected due to non-payment of the bill of over Rs 3.4 million.
The recovery of Rs 13.6 million was made by disconnecting connection of Jalandhar commercial center in Rahim Yar Khan.
The growers paid their electricity bills during recovery operation launched in Qasba Marral, Rahim Yar Khan and Vehari areas.
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Five killed, 13 injured in late-night accident near Rashakai Interchange
PESHAWAR:In a late-hour accident on the Motorway, a Peshawar-bound bus overturned near Rashakai Interchange in Nowshera district, killing five passengers and injuring 13 others.
According to details provided by the Motorway Police on Wednesday, a bus en route from Lahore to Peshawar overturned near Rashakai Interchange after its driver fell asleep.
As a result, five passengers were killed on the spot while 13 others including two women sustained critical wounds. Police said the condition of the four injured was stated to be critical.
The rescue teams shifted the dead and injured to Qazi Hussain Ahmad Medical Complex Nowshera and Mardan Medical Complex.
Police said the driver of the bus who also sustained injuries in the mishap, was arrested. The bus which fell into a shallow ditch after overturning was retrieved with heavy machinery and the road was made clear for traffic.
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Revolutionary drone technology vital to shield cotton crop from pests attack : Sahu
MULTAN:Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahu said that drone technology was being employed to safeguard cotton crops from the threat of whitefly infestation. During a field visit to Tehsil Jampur in District Rajanpur on Wednesday, Sahu highlighted the efficiency of drone approach, enabling the widespread application of protective measures through spray in a short period.
Secretary Sahu emphasized the utmost priority is being given to cotton surveillance, monitoring, and insect prevention to achieve optimal production levels. The rise in cotton whitefly attacks, he attributed to hot weather and fast growth, resulted this innovative response.
Accompanied by key officials including Director-General Agriculture Pest Warning Punjab Rana Faqir Ahmed, Consultant Agriculture Extension Dr. Muhammad Anjum Ali, and Director Agriculture Extension DG Khan Mehr Abid Hussain, Secretary Sahu underscored the significance of cotton cultivation, essential for farmers' prosperity and the national economy.
Secretary Sahu also disclosed that cotton was sown on 937,000 acres in Dera Ghazi Khan Division. A target of 1.4 million cotton bales has been set for this year, with comprehensive efforts underway to achieve it. Whitefly outbreaks, linked to heat and humidity, have been reported in certain areas of Dera Ghazi Khan Division, prompting cluster/community spraying to curb their proliferation, stated Sahu.
In a resounding message, Punjab Agriculture Secretary Sahu called upon all officers and staff to view their roles as a national duty, with no tolerance for any negligence during this critical phase of cotton care.
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Commissioner terms actions against hoarding as national cause
DERA ISMAIL KHAN:Commissioner Dera Zafarul Islam Khattak has said the action against hoarding is a national cause that will be continued without any discrimination.
He expressed these views during a meeting with the delegation of Central Anjuman Tajran and Central Traders Ittehad held here at his office. On this occasion, Regional Police Officer Nasir Mehmood Satti and Deputy Commissioner Dera Mansoor Arshad were also present.
The traders’ delegation was led by Sohail Ahmed Azmi, Kafeel Ahmed Nizami, Karim Khan Wazir, Chaudhry Jameel Ahmed, and Ashfaq Chughtai and comprised of Haji Muhammad Ramzan, Chaudhry Javed Akhtar, Muhammad Nawaz, and other business leaders.
The commissioner said the role of traders in society was important; however, those who were involved in hoarding would be dealt with with an iron hand. He said that hoarding was also forbidden in Islam. He assured the trader that those keeping records of their stock of sugar, ghee, flour, and other items would not be harassed, but strict action would be taken against the hoarders in light of government instruction.
The traders apprised the commissioner that they fully support the actions taken against the hoarders. However, they demanded that the administration reconsider the actions against those dealers of sugar, ghee, flour, and other commodities who had been doing their business for many years and whose records were being sent to the Food Department and administration on a daily basis.
These actions have a negative impact on the businesses of dealers, they added. The commissioner assured the delegation that no action would be taken against the dealers who were not involved in hoarding.
The RPO told the delegation that the police were working with the divisional administration and federal security agencies against the hoarders of sugar and other items. The police would not harass any trader, but they would work shoulder-to-shoulder with the administration against hoarding.
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Dr Ghulam Yasin takes charge Pro-VC UoS
SARGODHA: Professor Doctor Mian Ghulam Yasin on Wednesday took charge as pro vice chancellor of the University of Sargodha (UoS). According to a press release issued by UoS here, after assuming his charge, he had a special meeting with Vice Chancellor Professor Doctor Qaisar Abbas who conveyed his best wishes. It's pertinent to mention that Professor Doctor Mian Ghulam Yasin is a renowned scholar and researcher in the field of social sciences with expertise in areas such as sociology, politics, international relations, and other significant subjects. Currently, he serves as the chairman of Sociology and Criminology at the University of Sargodha.
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KP to soon have first kind of largest forensic lab: Dr Riaz Anwar
PESHAWAR:Advisor to the Caretaker Chief Minister on Health, Population Welfare and Labor, Dr Riaz Anwar has said that the first largest forensic lab of the province is being built in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at a cost of ten billion rupees. This lab will be built in Hayatabad Phase 7 of Peshawar, he added.
In his video message released from his office, the health advisor said that despite the economic hardship of the province, the establishment of this lab is inevitable. He said that the caretaker cabinet has approved the establishment of this laboratory last week.
Explaining the details of the forensic laboratory, Dr. Riaz Anwar said that foreign experts would work in this lab, whose accommodation would also be arranged in the lab and their security would be the responsibility of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
About the facilities available in the forensic laboratory, the health advisor said that both medical and non-medical analysis would be done in the lab. Medical tests include post-mortem, toxicology analysis and DNA testing for identification whereas the non-medical tests would include the analysis of firearms and fingerprints, he said and added that this would help in the investigation of crimes and the identification of criminals. Such labs have already been established in Punjab and Sindh, he expressed.
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Four dacoits arrested
FAISALABAD: Police on Wednesday claimed to have arrested four dacoits and recovered two motorcycles, weapons and other items. A police spokesman said Sadar police conducted a raid and arrested Sheharyar, Shafqat etc who were wanted to police in a number of dacoity, robbery and other cases. Police recovered two motorcycles, four pistols, cash, mobile phones and other items from their possession while further investigation was under way, he added.
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Drug-peddler held with narcotics
SIALKOT:The district police, in a crackdown on drug-peddlers, arrested a notorious drug-peddler and recovered narcotics from him.
A spokesman said on Wednesday that Sambrial police arrested Waheed alias Thaila and recovered 2.50kg hashish from him. Police sent the accused behind bars and registered a case against him.
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Wife, paramour arrested in blind murder case
RAWALPINDI:Police have solved the mystery of blind murder occurred 02 weeks ago in the jurisdiction of Ganjmandi police station and arrested two accused.
Addressing a press conference at police line headquarter here Wednesday, SSP Operations Faisal Saleem said that the victim's wife told that some unknown persons entered here house from the rooftop and shot her husband dead. After committing the crime, they fled away from the scene.
Police have registered a case on the complaint of the victim's brother.
SSP Operations revealed that police conducted an efficient investigation.
During the investigation, the wife of the victim and her paramour turned out to be the killers.
Irum Shahzadi, the victim's wife, paramour Younis Moqim, shot and killed her husband Muhammad Noor.
SSP Operations Faisal Salim, while congratulating police for tracing the blind murder, said that the arrested accused would be brought to justice with solid evidence. No matter, how cruel the accused are, they cannot escape from the grips of the law, he added.
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AJK SC reprimands MDA for defying orders on plots' allotment
MIRPUR (AJK): The Supreme Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir here on Wednesday took stringent notice of the non-compliance of its earlier orders about the due proceeding by the authorities against the allotment of plots by Mirpur Development Authority (MDA) on the places of public utilization in certain of its housing sectors defying the categorical orders of the apex court to this direction.
The two-member division bench of the learned apex court comprising Chief Justice Justice Raja Saeed Akram Khan and Justice Khawaja Muhammad Naseem, in its detailed order directed the Chief Secretary of Azad Jammu Kashmir government to ensure an immediate thorough inquiry into the unlawful exercise through reconstituting an inquiry committee, by consulting with the Prime Minister of AJK and submit a report in this regard before the learned apex Court within a period of fortnight outlining the proposed composition of the committee and expected timeline for completion of the inquiry into the alleged unlawful exercise on the part of the MDA.
In its detailed order, the learned 2-member division bench of the Supreme Court of Azad Jammu Kashmir said:- The case was scheduled for a hearing by the full Court, but it came to our attention that a stay order from this Court has disrupted the daily affairs of the Mirpur Development Authority (MDA), and there are also salary issues for its employees. To clarify the matter, the case has been taken up by the available bench.
The sitting Director General, MDA Engr. Tanveer Qureshi appeared before the Court and was asked about the specific order causing these problems. He confirmed there was no such order, and we want to clarify that we did not issue any restraining order.
In response to an earlier order of the apex court, the D.G., MDA submitted a detailed sector-wise report.
The learned apex court highly appreciated the laborious job done by him. “We had previously directed to provide names of officials who approved building plans on public land and those who allocated these plots so that appropriate action could be taken.
It has come to our attention that numerous irregularities occurred during the tenure of the former Director General of MDA and the Town Planner. Both individuals were also present in the Court during the proceeding on Wednesday. Although, the D.G. denied that no such allotment was made in his tenure.
However, it appears that the Town Planner has approved the site plans” the court order said continuing “At this preliminary stage, we are issuing a notice to them to explain how these plots were created/allotted contrary to our judgment. They are also directed to submit their personal bonds of Rs.50,00,000/- (each) within a period of one week. In this regard, the office shall maintain a separate file.
The Director General MDA Engr. Tanveer Qureshi informed the Court that a high-level committee was formed to investigate the illegal allotments, of which the Chief Secretary of Azad Jammu and Kashmir was also a member. Unfortunately, the committee couldn't complete its report due to a change in the Government.
He further apprised the Court that the Committee started the investigation by requisitioning the record of allotments but despite lapse of considerable time the same has not been returned which is causing difficulties for the department”.
The learned apex court ordered that to ensure a thorough inquiry, the Chief Secretary of AJK is directed to take immediate steps and convene a meeting with the worthy Prime Minister for reconstitution of the committee.
A report in this regard shall be submitted before the Court within a period of a fortnight outlining the proposed composition of the committee and the expected timeline for completion of the inquiry.
“The Chief Secretary may associate with the D.G. MDA if necessary. A copy of the report submitted today (Wednesday, September 13, 2023) by the D.G. MDA shall also be sent to the Chief Secretary”, the learned court order said.
The learned Supreme Court of AJK while taking strong notice of the unlawful activities of certain employees of the Mirpur Development Authority based on vested interests by indulging in the real estate business the learned apex court said in its order “ We are also aware that some MDA employees are involved in the sale and purchase of plots, using their influence to allot the plots, and then purchasing them through power of attorney.
These employees who own more than one allotted plot need to explain the source of their income and whether these plots have been reported in their income tax returns. This is a serious matter, and the D.G. MDA is directed to immediately halt till further orders all such transactions by MDA employees, except those that are within their entitlement. Additionally, this matter will also be investigated by the committee to be reconstituted in furtherance of directions contained in the preceding paragraph’, the order said.
“Mr Muhammad Zubair Raja, Advocate, pointed out that the Court orders dated 15.06.2023 and 23.01.2023 have not been implemented. The office is instructed to send copies of these orders to the Deputy Commissioner concerned to submit a report explaining the delay in compliance”, the apex court said in its order.
Ch. Shakeel Zaman, Additional Advocate General, Director General, MDA Tanveer Qureshi in person along with former Director General Imran Khalid Chaudhry and Town Planner, MDA. Muhammad Suleman, Zulfiqar Ahmed Raja, Muhammad Nadeem Khan, Syed Nishat Kazmi, Mr Muhammad Jamil Chaudhary and Muhammad Zubair Raja, Advocates appeared for the applicants.
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Power suspension in southern districts, Mattani Grid notified
PESHAWAR:Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco) announced on Wednesday that due to maintenance work, power supply will remain suspended from Bannu Grid Station on September 14th from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Consequently, consumers of Kurram Garhi and Kurum Garhi Power House feeders will face inconvenience.
Likewise, the power supply will remain suspended from Karak Grid Station on September 14th, 15th, and 19th, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Consequently, consumers of Sabir Abad, Sabir Abad-2 and 3, Karak-1 and 2, and Township feeders will face inconvenience.
The power supply will also remain suspended from Kurram Garhi Grid Station on September 14th, 16th, and 19th, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Consequently, consumers of Cantt-2, Surwangi, and Kurram Garhi Line feeders will face inconvenience.
The power supply will remain suspended from Mattani Grid Station on September 14th and 20th, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Consequently, consumers of Old Azakhel and Maryamzai feeders will face inconvenience.
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Two robbers nabbed
RAWALPINDI:Police arrested two members of a notorious gang involved in the robbery and recovered the stolen amount of Rs 13.2 million from their possession here on Wednesday.
According to a police spokesman, the two-member gang conducted a robbery in a shop located in Ganjmandi by breaking the locks and taking away Rs 13.2 million.
The alleged gang members were identified as Gul and Saifullah.
Police traced and arrested the accused with the help of human intelligence and CCTV footage. The accused have been wanted in the incidents of robbery.
SSP Operations Faisal Saleem while congratulating the police team said that the accused who attacked the life and property of the citizens cannot escape from the grip of the law.
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Police conducted search operation in R. A Bazaar area
RAWALPINDI:Police, on the special directive of City Police Officer (CPO) Khalid Mehmood Hamdani, launched a search operation in R.A. Bazar and adjoining areas on Wednesday, said a police spokesman.
He informed that a heavy police contingent, Elite Force, Special Branch personnel, and ladies police under the supervision of SHO R.A. Bazar Police Station carried out the operation in the area.
During the operation, police searched 74 houses and collected data on tenants 27, and 28 shops, while 251 people were also interrogated.
A police official said that as part of the National Action Plan, search operations to find criminals and proclaimed offenders were periodically carried out in various parts of the district, especially to maintain peace and order.
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Gomal Varsity, Akora Seed Company to collaborate in academic and research activities
DERA ISMAIL KHAN:Gomal University Faculty of Agriculture and Akora Seeds Company, Akora Khattak, Nowshera have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in academic and research activities.
Gomal University, Registrar Dr. Muhammad Shoaib and Chief Executive Officer of Akora Seeds Company Akora Khattak, Nowshera Hameedullah signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations here Wednesday.
Dean of Agriculture Faculty Prof. Dr. Salim Jilani, Director of Agriculture, Dr. Barkat Ali Khan and deans of other departments besides other relevant officials were present on the occasion.
Under the the MoU, Akora Seed Company would give scholarships for two years to four MPhil students of Horticulture and Agronomy Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics (PBG) of Agriculture Faculty of Gomal University.
The Gomal University and Akora Seeds Company would conduct joint expeditions regarding research on seeds, which would benefit both institutions.
Various training workshops would also be held under this MoU, which will benefit a large number of students, teachers, farmers and traders.
Speaking on this occasion, Registrar Dr. Muhammad Shoaib and Dean of Agriculture Faculty Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Jilani said that under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shakibullah, concrete steps would be taken to promote research activities in Gomal University.
He also appreciated the efforts of Director ORAC, Dr. Barkat Ali Khan and the Assistant Professor, PBG, Dr. Masafarullah for reaching the agreement.
Akora Seeds Company, Akora Khattak, Nowshera Chief Executive Officer Hameedullah said that by working jointly, both institutions would benefit from each other knowledge and research.
He said that the MoU would also prove to be a milestone for the farmers and businessmen of Ismail Khan in terms of development in the fields of agriculture.
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22,518 bags of sugar, 9,700 of fertilizer seized in DI Khan
DERA ISMAIL KHAN:The district administration along with the local police and food department seized 22,518 bags of sugar and 9700 bags of fertilizer dumped in different godowns here.
After receiving information from a federal security agency about the stock of sugar and fertilizers, Deputy Commissioner Mansoor Arshad directed the food and police departments to take action.
A team led by Food Inspector raided various areas including Daraban road, Dhappanwala Bund, Paharpur city, Ramak, Daraban Khurd, Muryali Morr, Nawab Adda, Bhakkar road, Ramak Adda and Bandkorai.
During inspection, they found quantity of sugar stored in different godowns which were sealed on the spot.
They recovered 22518 bags of sugar and 9700 bags of fertilizers weighing 50 kg each from different godowns.
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Pakistan, UK agree to strengthen institutional coordination to improve ties
LONDON:Pakistan and the United Kingdom on Wednesday agreed to strengthen the institutional coordination for further improving bilateral relations.
The bilateral ties were discussed in a meeting between Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and UK's Minister of State Lord Tariq Ahmed, on the sidelines of 10th Commonwealth Youtu Ministerial Meeting held at the Commonwealth Headquarters.
In the meeting, the two sides discussed in detail the bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over the current trajectory of the ties.
The two ministers agreed to take measures for further promotion of bilateral relations.
They held deliberations over the formulation of a joint strategy to increase bilateral trade, cooperate in education and climate change sectors.
Both Foreign Minister Jilani and Lord Tariq appreciated the services of the overseas Pakistani community for the two countries.
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Meeting decides to establish two base camps, 19 check posts in Katcha area
MULTAN:Important decisions have been taken to maintain law and order on permanent basis in Katcha Area of South Punjab as two base camps and 19 check posts will be constructed for the police in Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur districts.
As many as three armored vehicles will also be purchased for the police and Planning & Development department Punjab has approved Rs 1.94 billion in this regard.
An important meeting was held in South Punjab Secretariat on Wednesday regarding infrastructure development in Katcha area.
Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab Capt. (R) Saqib Zafar, Additional IG Police South Punjab Maqsood-ul-Hasan participated in the meeting while Chairman P&D Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahu joined the meeting through video link. RPO DG Khan, RPO Bahawalpur, DPO Rahim Yar Khan and DPO Rajanpur participated in the meeting virtually.
Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) South Punjab Capt. (R) Saqib Zafar told the meeting that under the directions of caretaker Punjab Chief Minister, a plan had been finalized for the development of infrastructure in Katcha area which consisted on two phases.
He said that one base camp each would be constructed in katcha area of Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur while 9 check posts would be constructed in Rajanpur and 11 in Rahim Yar Khan in first phase.
Additional IGP Punjab Maqsood-ul-Hasan said that Punjab police had bravely eradicated the dacoits from the Katcha area and a plan of action had been prepared to establish peace in this area on permanent basis.
He said that those who disturb law and order would be dealt with iron hands.
On this occasion, Chairman P&D Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahu said that Rs 913 million have been allocated for the construction of two police base camps in Katcha area while Rs 590 million allocated for the construction of 19 police check posts.
He further said that Rs 440 million would be spent on the purchase of three armored vehicles for the police while five more armored vehicles would be purchased in the second phase. He said the government wants to construct base camps and check posts immediately.
It was decided in the meeting to constitute a four-member committee to identify the location for the construction of base camps and check posts.
The committee will consist of the DC, DPO of the concerned district, XEN Irrigation and XEN building department.
The committee will submit its report to the government within five days.
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China-Pak Belt and Road Joint Laboratory to be established in KP varsities
PESHAWAR:The Southeast University (SEU) Naniyang, China's delegation and Prof. Dr. Iftikhar Hussain, Vice Chancellor UET Peshawar discussed the possibility of establishing the “China-Pak Belt and Road Joint Laboratory for Smart Disaster Prevention of major Infrastructure” here on Wednesday.
The laboratory will be established in five designated universities of Pakistan including UET Peshawar, UET Lahore, NED Karachi, NUST and BUETEM Quetta.
The delegation met with Secretary Relief and Rehabilitation KP Abdul Basit, Deputy Scientific Advisor, Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) Islamabad, Raja Shehreyar, VC University of Science and Technology, Bannu, Prof. Dr. Khair-uz-Zaman, VC University of Peshawar, Prof. Dr. Jehan Bakht.
The senior officials from PDMA KP, Center for Disaster Preparedness and Management, UoP, China Study Center UoP and Civil Engineering Department UET Peshawar gave their presentations.
Prof. Zhou Dong from SEU said, the Civil Engineering Department SEU is ranked “A+” as a first class discipline, declared by Ministry of Education, China.
He said that the cooperation between SEU and Pakistani universities are part of the “Belt and Road” initiative based on talent cultivation, technology promotion and joint research development, adding, it would establish long-term friendship to carry out multi-disciplinary exchanges and cooperation in the field of disaster risk management.
Raja Shehreyar, MOST said, the start-of-the-art Lab at UET Peshawar will serve as hub for public sector universities of KP in collaboration with Southeast University Naniyang, China.
The joint lab will work under the umbrella of MOST and NDMA as part of Public Private Partnership model suggested by the CPEC working group on S&T.
Abdul Basit, Secretary Relief and Rehabilitation KP said that the government of KP has established the Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement Department (RRSD), is actively working on formulating policies, strategies to look after disasters in the province.
The Vice Chancellors of KP universities unanimously appreciated the efforts of MOST, NDMA and PDMA for forging much-needed collaboration in scientific research with Southeast University China in the field of disaster management.
They said it would help in meeting the rapidly increasing climate change challenges in KP due to floods and other natural disasters.
Later, the delegation visited the National Earthquake Engineering Center UET Peshawar, an institution that provides solutions and guidance to agencies involved in reconstruction and rehabilitation works. Prof. Dr. Irshad Ahmed and Prof. Dr. Khan Shahzada briefed the delegation about the center.
They told that the center is equipped with state-of-the-art labs, having 6x6m shake table, fourth in South Asia, contributed in revision of seismic building code Pakistan 2023 while its faculty is actively engaged in research on cutting-edge technology in respect of non-destructive testing of building and bridge structures.
Prof. Dr. Sahar Noor, Dean Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Prof. Dr. Amjad Ullah, Dean Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Prof. Dr. Siraj-ul-Islam, Dean Faculty of Architecture, Prof. Dr. Misbah Ullah, Treasurer UET Peshawar, Dr. Khizar Azam Khan, Registrar UET Peshawar, Prof. Dr. Nasru Minallah, Director ORIC and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.
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Work on Site Development Zone Structure Plan under way: DC
SIALKOT:Deputy Commissioner Sialkot Adnan Mahmood Awan has said that in collaboration with the Local Government Department, Punjab Management Unit (PMU) and District Council, a 20-year master plan is being prepared with respect to Site Development Zone Structure Plan in peri-urban and rural areas of tehsil Sialkot, Daska, Pasrur and Sambrial.
On the one hand, residential, commercial, industrial, commercial and safe agricultural zones will be marked in the master plan, and on the other, zone planning for educational, medical and other institutions, communication including the structure and requirements of inter-city and intra-city links is being taken into consideration.
He expressed these views during a meeting held at the DC Office on Wednesday.
During preparation of the plan, the economic activities of Sialkot district, industrial development and other changes are also being reviewed to ensure feasible planning, he said.
In addition to District Officer Planning Muhammed Umer, consultants of the PMU were also present.
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MoU signed for provision of concessional medicine, diagnosis to journalists
PESHAWAR:Peshawar Press Club (PPC) and Agha Khan Laboratories have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for provision of medicine and disease diagnostic services at concessional rates.
The MoU was signed by Chairman Peshawar Press Club, Arshad Aziz Malik and Kareem Ali Shah, representative of Agha Khan Laboratories.
Members of Health Committee of Peshawar Press Club and journalist community were present at the signing ceremony.
According to agreement, the journalist community can obtain medicine from pharmacies of Agha Khan Laboratories at a discounted price of 15 percent. This facility can be obtained through showing of membership card of Peshawar Press Club.
Similarly, journalists can also avail 15 percent discount in fees for diagnostic tests of different diseases at six laboratories of Agha Khan in Peshawar district. This discount is also available for family members of journalist community.
The journalists can also avail upto 40 percent discount in purchase of medicine and laboratories fees under the option of `Welfare Scheme’, reserved for deserving people.
Those who wanted to avail benefits of Welfare Scheme have to fill a form of Agha Khan Laboratories seeking details of income and household expenditure of the applicant, apprised Kareem Ali Shah.
Similarly, relief can also be provided up to 60 percent under the Zakat fund of Agha Khan Laboratories for deserving journalists, Kareem added.
The Agha Khan laboratories are located in different areas of Peshawar including Hayatabad, Khyber Teaching Hospital, near LRH, G.T road and Dabagri so journalist dwelling in any area of the city can easily approach and avail the facility.
During the MoU signing ceremony, it was also decided that Agha Khan Laboratories will soon hold a screening test for Hepatitis C for journalists and their families at Peshawar Press Club.
“God forbid, if anyone have positive results for Hepatitis C, he will get full treatment free of cost from Agha Khan Laboratories,” Kareem announced.
He also offered free of cost service of Hepatitis C patients for any ordinary citizen who has not started treatment from any hospital or doctor.
He said Agha Khan Laboratories under its project of `Elimination of Hepatitis from Pakistan’ is offering free of cost treatment for deserving people.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman PPC, Arshad Aziz Malik highly appreciated concessional medical treatment offer of Agha Khan Laboratories for journalists community of Peshawar and their families.
He said PPC give special importance to better health of its members and for this purpose different initiatives have been taken.
He also appreciated hard work done by Health Committee of PPC under the leadership of Fayyaz Ahmad and
urged journalist community to avail from the opportunity.
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Medics carry out successful operation of brain vein without anesthesia, opening of skull
PESHAWAR:Doctors conducted an operation of a 30-year-old patient having a hole in his brain vein since birth without opening skull and anesthesia here the other day in a local hospital.
According to statement issued here on Wednesday, noted Neurosurgeon Dr. Ali Haider and renowned Cardiologist Dr Ibrahim Shah said some people are born with abnormality having a hole in their veins of brain providing blood to back side of brain.
They added that there are normally four veins which perform this function but in some cases it happens that babies are born with hole in one of the four veins at their back responsible for supplying blood to the brain.
The medics- duo added that conducting such operation involves high risk even death of the patients during the surgery.
However, team of Neurosurgeon and Cardiologist carried out successful operation of a 30 years old patient on the pattern of Angiography of heart called aneurism coiling without anesthesia and opening skull putting a thin thread leading to the affected part of the patient’s head vein and healed up the hole.
The medics observed that aneurism coiling operations not only involved death risk but also cost Rs 5 lacks to Rs 12 lack rupees.
Healthcare providers use endovascular coiling, a form of endovascular embolization, to block blood flow into an aneurysm.
An aneurysm is a weakened area in the wall of an artery. If an aneurysm ruptures, it can cause life-threatening bleeding and brain damage. Preventing blood flow into an aneurysm helps to keep it from rupturing.
For endovascular coiling, healthcare providers use a catheter, a long, thin tube inserted into a groin artery.
The catheter is advanced into the affected brain artery where the coil is deployed. X-rays help guide the catheter into the artery.
The coils are made of soft platinum metal, and are shaped like a spring. These coils are very small and thin, ranging in size from about twice the width of a human hair to less than one hair's width.
Healthcare providers also use coiling to treat a condition called arteriovenous malformation, or AVM. An AVM is an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein. It may happen in the brain, spinal cord, or elsewhere in the body.
The medics further added that three years ago such an operation was conducted in Peshawar but the recent one remained quite successful as the patient went through speedy recovery and has been discharged from the hospital.
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Crackdown intensifies against electricity theft
PESHAWAR:Deputy Commissioner Peshawar, Shah Fahad, chaired a meeting on Wednesday to accelerate the crackdown on electricity theft and the recovery of overdue electricity bills.
Deputy Commissioner Peshawar Shah Fahad, in a meeting, was convened in the provincial capital to address the issue of cracking down on the kunda mafia and arrears collection. The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Sania Safi, administrative officials, WAPDA authorities, TMAs officers, local government representatives, and police officials.
During the meeting, a detailed discussions were held regarding the prevention of electricity theft, actions against the kunda mafia, and revenue collection in Peshawar.
It was emphasized that an effective operation against the kunda mafia is currently underway under the district administration's supervision. In a joint operation, numerous illegal connections have been dismantled, and FIRs have been filed against those involved in electricity theft.
The Deputy Commissioner instructed that the operation against the cable mafia should be intensified, and no concessions should be granted to them. He appealed to the public to collaborate with the district administration to ensure the success of this campaign and to fulfill their responsibilities in this regard.
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International Karate Coaching Course in Peshawar from Sept. 15
PESHAWAR:Three international Karate Coaching Courses in Peshawar from September 15, former two-time SAF Asian gold medalist Khalid Noor told reporter here on Wednesday.
Khalid Noor, who also remained as Pakistan team coach and announced as Course Conductor, disclosed that the said coaching course would be organized under the auspices of the Pakistan Karate Federation wherein participants from all across the country would be taking part.
A three-day karate coaching course with the support of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Karate Association will start on September 15 at Qayyum Sports Complex Peshawar, in which national and national coaches will train the participants during lectures and regular practice.
In the coaching course, the participants will be informed about the new rules and modern techniques of karate. Coaches and players who wish to participate in the course should register their names with the coordinator of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Karate Association, Shah Faisal said. He said coaches from Sindh will also be participating in the course on special invitation.
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Over 63 vehicles challaned for wrong parking
RAWALPINDI:City Traffic Police (CTP) Rawalpindi has fined over 63 vehicles and motorcycles for wrong parking and double parking.
According to CTP spokesman on Wednesday, special squads were formed to take strict action against wrong parking, following CTO directions to ensure smooth flow of traffic in the city.
He said encroachments and wrong parking cause traffic jams and create problems for road users, adding senior traffic officer was tasked to inspect Raja Bazaar to remove encroachments on right of way.
The education wing, he said was also mobilized regarding the awareness campaign against encroachment and wrong parking.
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Quality education, research studies imperative for sustainable economic progress, development: Governor KP
PESHAWAR:Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor, Haji Ghulam Ali here Wednesday said that the quality higher education and research studies in universities were vital for sustainable economic progress and development of the country.
Briefing newsmen about the fiscal analysis of KP universities 2021-2024 report prepared by the Governor's Secretariat KP here, the Governor said that no country could achieve goals of economic prosperity and development unless it equipped its people with an ornament of quality higher education and concentrated on excellent research work. He said the research based education generates employment opportunities and alleviates poverty in society.
The Governor said that a total of 34 public sector universities were providing quality higher education to students in KP despite financial constraints.
Haji Ghulam Ali said that the revenue of most of the public sectors universities was decreasing and expenditures were increasing due to poor planning and wrong selection of sites for the establishment of new universities by the past governments.
He said that only one percent was being spent on research work which was very low compared to international standards. The Governor said that in last four to five months, eight public sector universities in KP were functioning without a vice chancellor while VCs of additional seven universities are going to retire shortly. He said that the former PTI government has done great injustice with the universities after passing an act that complicated the appointment of vice chancellors and KP's domiciled human resource for induction in public sector universities.
The Governor said that VCs in all universities would be appointed strictly on merit and no compromise would be made on quality of education. The education grandeur of Edwards College Peshawar would be restored, he said.
Governor Ghulam Ali said that the media role was important in creating awareness about a meaningful education and all the VCs were taken on boards before the finalization of the said inclusive report.
According to the said report, over the past three years, federal grants to public sector universities in KP have demonstrated a steady growth with allocation totaling Rs10,133 million in 2021, Rs10,909 million in 2022 and Rs10,954 million in 2023.
These grants are crucial for the development and improvement of public sector universities in KP which can be used for improving infrastructure, faculty development, research initiatives and student support programs.
However, a pressing concern lies in the promised annual provincial grants of Rs3000 million, which have regrettably remained unpaid despite the government commitment while the provincial grant to the universities last year remained Rs 3326 million. Despite the cabinet approval, grants are not released by the finance department, significantly hampering academic growth and research output.
According to the report, the federal grants of 18 universities including the University of Agriculture Peshawar, University of Lakki Marwat, Abbottabad University of Science and Technology, Shaheed BB Women University Peshawar, Bacha Khan University Charsadda, Fata University, University of Haripur, University of Science and Technology Bannu, Hazara University, Swabi University, Khushall Khattak Karak, Women University Swabi, Shaheed BB University Upper Dir, KMU, Gomal University DI Khan, IMS, Islamia College Peshawar and University of Malakand were decreased during 2023-24.
The report revealed that despite reforms, universities saw only modest revenue growth ie Rs 7 billion in 2021 and Rs 2 billion in 2022 which means falling short of the progressive targets.
The report said the universities surpluses for 2021 and 2022 were Rs 4113 million and Rs 3938 million, however the projected surplus for 2023-24 is just Rs 545 million due to over recruitment, inflation and lack of saving. Caretaker Education Minister, Dr Qasim Jan was also present.
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Dr Ghulam Yasin takes charge as Pro-VC UoS
SARGODHA:Professor Doctor Mian Ghulam Yasin on Wednesday took charge as Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Sargodha (UoS).
According to a UoS press release, after assuming his charge, he had a meeting with Vice Chancellor Professor Doctor Qaisar Abbas, who conveyed his best wishes.
Dr Mian Ghulam Yasin is a renowned scholar and researcher in the field of social sciences with expertise in sociology, politics, international relations, and other significant subjects.
Before his appointment as Pro-VC, he was serving as Chairman of Sociology and Criminology Department of UoS.
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Dolly Lift claims another life of woman in Abbottabad
ABBOTTABAD:A 75-year-old woman on Wednesday lost her life in a dolly lift accident in village Mohar Kalan an area of Bagnotar Police Station Abbottabad.
The district administration has taken swift action in response to this tragic event and after a detailed inspection sealed the lift.
According to the details, local authorities have confirmed that the Chair Lift operator involved in the incident has been apprehended by the police and is currently under custody.
Locals informed the media that the elderly lady Sosan Jan fell into the deep gorge when she was trying to get out of the lift and lost her life.
To ensure public safety and conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, the Abbottabad-Mohar Kalaan-Doli Lift has been sealed by the district administration.
It has also been reported that strict measures are being taken against the Chair Lift operators on charges of negligence.
The Motor Vehicle Examiner and a technical team have been deployed to carry out a comprehensive inquiry to uncover the root causes of the accident and assess whether there were any violations of Chair Lift Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
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Awareness seminar about traffic rules, road safety
FAISALABAD:An awareness seminar about traffic rules, road safety, and anti-narcotics was held at a private institute campus, here on Wednesday.
SSP Patrolling Faisalabad region Mirza Anjum Kamal and a team of mobile education unit, teachers and students participated in the seminar held at FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Science.
Addressing the occasion, SSP Mirza Anjum Kamal said that every person of the society should play their role to control narcotics.
He urged the need of launching vigorous campaigns against drugs at educational institutes to save the young generation.
About road safety and traffic rules, he said that a driving license was imperative for every citizen.
He urged the motorists to keep distance between vehicles, keep in lane, avoid speeding, use seat belts and helmets, drive motorcycles on the very left side, avoid use of cell phones during driving, one way, overtaking, unnecessary overtaking, line and lane discipline.
Later, Director University Dr Shahzad Sarfraz thanked the SSP Mirza Anjum Kamal and presented him a souvenir.
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2500 bags of sugar seized
FAISALABAD:The tehsil administration seized 2,500 bags of sugar here on Wednesday.
According to official sources, a team, headed by Assistant Commissioner Saddar Fazal Abbas, conducted raids in Dijkot and found hoarded sugar bags.
The sugar stock was seized and warehouses sealed.
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267 power pilferers booked, 29 held in HESCO region: Spokesman
HYDERABAD:At least 267 persons were booked while 29 were arrested in an ongoing crackdown against power pilferers in the HESCO region, its spokesman Sadiq Kunbar said on Wednesday.
Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) has so far written letters to the police department for registering FIRs against 443 power thieves out of which 267 were registered, Kunbar added.
Divulging details about different Circles of the HESCO region, he said in Hyderabad 175 letters, 123 in the Larr, followed by 90 in Mirpur Khas, and 55 letters were submitted from Nawab Shah circle against the power thieves.
He further said that over Rs 42,818,000 fine was imposed against the culprits including 23,500,000 in Hyderabad Circle, 3,000,000 in Larr Circle, 6,700,000 in Nawabshah Circle, and Rs 9,400,000 fine was collected from power thieves in Mirpurkhas Circle.
Meanwhile, SDO operation Sub division Sakrand Ghyasuddin had been suspended over negligence in duty
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PEDO rapidly working for uplift of energy sector
PESHAWAR:KP Caretaker Minister for Energy & Power and Mines & Mineral Development, Engineer Ahmad Jan on Monday said that Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO) is working rapidly for the development of the energy sector, which will prove a catalyst for the economic stability of the province in future and resolve the current energy crisis.
He expressed these views while addressing the introductory meeting at PEDO office in Peshawar on Wednesday.
While giving a briefing to the minister the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), , PEDOEngineer Naeem Khan said that his organization is accelerating work for the production of cheap hydropower energy.
He added that so far more than 47 billion rupees of income has been made from the electricity and efforts are being made to increase this income further to stabilize the economy of the province and the country.
He said that seven major hydropower projects with a total capacity of 162 MW have been completed under PEDO, which is earning billions of rupees annually for the province. Similarly, five more projects of 216 MW electricity generating capacity are in the final stages of completion. These projects included by 84MW Gorkan Matiltan Hydropower Project, 69MW Lavi, 40MW Koto, 11MW Karora, 10 MW Jabori Hydropower Project.
He went on to say that beside these projects, progress is also underway on the 13.5 MW Chaparichar Khel and 6.9 MW Mujahdin Hydropower projects.
The CEO of PEDO said that the company with the financial assistance of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has also started work on 300 MW Balakot Hydropower Project, while practical work is also underway on the 88 MW Gabral Kalam and 157 MW Madin Hydropower projects with the financial support of the World Bank.
Engineer Naeem Khan further told that Chief Minister's House, Chief Minister's Secretariat and a number of offices at the Civil Secretariat have already been shifted on solar energy. He said that while 8000 schools, 187 BHUs and 4,000 Masajid of settled districts of the province have also been shifted to solar systems.
Similarly, 300 Masajid and other religious places and 100 villages have been shifted on solar energy in the newly merged districts of the erstwhile FATA.
He added that PEDO has set up a business and financial plan, which will generate 2200 megawatts of cheap electricity in the next 8 years, which will be provided to the industrial sector through the wheeling model. The transmission line company established by the provincial government will stabilize the economy and arrest unemployment in the province.
Furthermore, he said that with the support of the private sector, work is also underway on 12-megawatt capacity project, which will be a positive development for the development of the economy of the province
On this occasion, the provincial minister, Engineer Ahmad Jan Khan expressed his satisfaction on PEDO's performance and said that he would soon contact the relevant authorities to solve some of the problems related to the federal government.
He urged the officers of the institution to devote all their energy to completing the ongoing energy projects as soon as possible.
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Ex-SHO sentenced to 3 year imprisonment
DERA ISMAIL KHAN:Ex-Station House Officer (SHO) is sentenced to a term of three years imprisonment and a Rs 100,000 fine after being found guilty under KP CNSA, 2019.
Additional Sessions Judge-VI Muhammad Ilyas Khan ordered for arrest of the Ex-SHO of Chaudhwan Police Station Mukhtiar Ahmad and shifted him into jail after he was found guilty under Section 32 of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Control of Narcotics Substances Act 2019 (KP CNSA,2019).
The verdict said that a Rs 100,000 fine, if not paid, could amount to a further two six months of simple imprisonment.
During the hearing of the case, Hafiz Mohsin appeared as the defence counsel while Tanseer Mehdi as the prosecutor.
Later, the police moved to the Peshawar High Court’s Dera Ismail Khan Bench against the decision of Additional Sessions Judge-VI.
According to a police spokesman, the police team led by SP Investigation Iqbal Baloch and DSP City Adnan Khan filed an appeal against the decision in the Peshawar High Court’s Dera Ismail Khan Bench.
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Abdullah Nawaz of PAF beat Ibrahim Mohib of Pakistan Army to win Roshan Khan Squash title
PESHAWAR:Abdullah Nawaz of Pakistan Air Force defeated Ibrahim Mohib of the Pakistan Army in the final of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Roshan Khan Squash Championship title in a marathon final witnessed by a capacity crowd present on this occasion.
Minister Sports Najeebullah Khan Marwat was the chief guest on this occasion. President KP Squash Association Dawood Khan, former World Champion Qamar Zaman, Director Blue Tone Squash Academy Wazir Gul, players and officials were also present.
Umar Ashraf, Mamoon Khan, Nouman Khan, Abdullah Nawaz and Azan Khalil also took their trophies in various categories wherein Caretaker Sports Minister Najeebullah Khan Marwat distributed the prizes.
Former World Number-2 Muhibullah, former World No. 8 Ehsanullah, coaches Mansoor Zaman, Tahir Iqbal and other important personalities were present.
Under the auspices of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Squash Association, Roshan Khan Junior Squash Championship was held at Qamar Zaman Squash Complex, Peshawar Sports Complex, in which more than hundred boys of U-11, U-13, U-15, U-17 and U-19 participated. In the Under-11 final, Umar Ashraf of Pakistan Air Force defeated Mohammad Hussain of PAF 11-8 13-11 8-11 6-11 11-5. In the Under-13 final, Mamoon Khan of PAF defeated Muhammad Fawad Khan 3-0, the score was 11-6 11-9 11-5. In the U-15 final, Pakistan Army's Nouman Khan defeated PAF's Muhammad Shahzeb 11-6 11-3 11-8. In the U-17 final, Pakistan Air Force's Abdullah Nawaz defeated Pakistan Army’s Ibrahim Mohib 11-6 11-3 11-0 while in the U-19 final, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Azan Khalil defeated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Yasin Khattak 11-7, 11-8 and 11-7 to win the trophy. Finally, the special guest distributed prizes among the players.
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P&DD directed to take land acquisition into account in foreign funded projects
PESHAWAR:Advisor to KP Caretaker CM on Planning & Development (P&D), Communications & Works, and Public Health Engineering (PHE), Dr. Syed Sarfaraz Ali Shan has directed the authorities of the P&D Department to take into account the procedure of land purchase, expenditures, and other required processes in the feasibility reports of development schemes particularly of foreign-funded projects.
He issued these directives during a briefing regarding foreign-funded projects here on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by Chief P&D Akhtar Rahman and other planning officers.
He said that besides, the imposition of Section IV, a strategy should also be evolved for land acquisition in the land scarcity districts of the province.
He further directed that the expenditure in all the ongoing provincial, federal, and foreign-funded development projects should be as per the schedule utmost efforts should be made for timely spending of the released funds for the purpose.
He directed the authorities to send the deadline for all the ongoing projects and the proposal of the plan next week so that the projects that are near should be given full attention while separate strategies should be adopted for the long-term projects.
The Advisor said that the timely completion of development projects is their top priority and directed them to identify all hurdles in the early completion of the projects.
He further directed for establishment of the Project Management Unit and also identified other problems to remove hurdles in the timely completion of the public-welfare-oriented projects.
The Advisor was told that at present 66 foreign-funded projects of various types are being worked on in various departments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These projects include schemes in roads, health, education, energy, and other welfare sectors.
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Two flour mills sealed in Larkana by district administration
LARKANA:The district administration of Larkana city sealed two flour mills, on Tuesday night in violation of SOPs including storage, receiving arbitrary heat, and sale of substandard wheat flour.
Assistant Commissioner Larkana Shahida Parveen along with officials of the food department raided various flour mills of Larkana situated in Sindh Small Industries.
During the operation headed by Assistant Commissioner Shahida Parveen, more than three thousand unusable and unhealthy bags of wheat stored in the mills were recovered. The flour mills were involved in supplying substandard flour and low-weight bags.
4 hundred grams underweight from a 10 kg bag. The weight of the 20 kg bag was 19 kg, and 700 to 800 grams less than in the 40 kg bag of wheat flour.
During the raid, the Assistant Commissioner, who was accompanied by the officials of the food department, found the grinding process and packing of flour against the set standards.
Meanwhile, the administration was also warned to ensure the implementation of SOPs including maintaining standards, otherwise, strict legal action will be taken against them.
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Pakistan sports journalists meet envoy in Azerbaijan
PESHAWAR:Pakistani Ambassador to Azerbaijan Bilal Hai met a delegation of visiting Pakistani sports journalists who called on him at his Office in Baku City, according to a press release on Wednesday.
Ambassador Bilal Hai speaking on the occasion said that the visit of the sports journalists would definitely be a way to enlighten the youth about culture and traditions along with the sports between the two countries.
He said such visits are very vital for strengthening good and sustainable relationships between the two countries – Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
He said that the role of sports journalism is very important for the promotion of sports, which takes responsibility by raising voice to highlight the problems faced by sports and players.
He said that the game of cricket is a popular sport while wrestling and martial arts sports are popular in Azerbaijan.
He said that there is a strong bond of brotherhood between Azerbaijan and Pakistan now that it is our responsibility to make this relationship stronger and sustainable.
Play your role, he advises the visiting journalists who are members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Writers Association.
He said we are trying to play our full role in encouraging business activities and contacts between the people of the two countries.
It should be noted that the young sports journalists are on a training trip organized by the Pakistan Sports Writers Federation, Sports Writers Association, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azerbaijan Sports Journalists Association in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, where they are participating in the Digital Sports Journalism Training. All the participants visited Baku at their own expense.
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Training workshop for journalists concludes
PESHAWAR:A three-day training workshop on curbing anti-women propaganda with professional journalists was organized under the auspices of Individual Land, a non-governmental organization concluded here on Wednesday.
The senior journalists of Peshawar and students of the Department of Journalism, University of Peshawar participated in the training workshop.
The training program covered how women are being portrayed in the mainstream media, online harassment, reporting on women, use of digital media for gender equality, framing of narratives in favor of women, and negative propaganda against women.
Islamabad-based senior journalists, Myra Imran, Mehmal Sarfaraz, and American Journalist Sherry Richardi gave detailed lectures on ways to mitigate the effects of propaganda and other related topics.
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Caretaker Sindh Minister for Law held a meeting with Kashmore-Kandhkot administration
LARKANA:Provincial Caretaker Law, Religious Affairs and Human Rights Minister Mohammad Umar Soomro has said that Nazia Khoso and Kausar Khoso should be recovered soon.
This he said during a meeting with the district administration Kashmore-Kandhkot regarding the law and order situation in the district and the human rights of the minority community, at DC office on Wednesday.
Sindh Secretary Human Rights Javed Sibghatullah Maher, Additional Deputy Commissioner, SSP Kashmore-Kandhkot Rohail Ahmed Khoso, officials of the human rights department, representatives of the Bar Association, leaders of minority communities and officers of the provincial departments attended the meeting.
He said that there is no pressure on the caretaker Sindh cabinet nor will they tolerate it.
The minister said if the dacoits come in contact with any politician or political leader, action will be taken against them according to the law.
During the meeting the leaders of the Minority community and representatives of the district Bar association and others said that the law and order situation in Kashmore-Kandhkot district is very bad, life has become miserable due to kidnapping for ransom and looting, orders should be issued for deployment of Rangers, they said.
The abductees of minority communities and other hostages should be recovered as soon as possible from the clutches of dacoits.
They also said that action should be taken against a few waders and politicians who are facilitators of dacoits.
In response to this the provincial minister while addressing the meeting directed the SSP to prepare lists of police facilitators, waders and politicians so that in future action can be taken against them in the next meeting.
Nazia Khoso and Kausar Khoso should be first of all safely recovered, he directed. He also said there is no pressure on the police.
Muhammad Umar Soomro said that the caretaker government, the caretaker Sindh chief minister and we are with the people of Sindh.
SSP Kashmore-Kandhkot said that we have written a letter to the government for arms and ammunition and police personnel, patrolling will be increased in the city and its surroundings.
He said that strict action would be taken against the criminal elements and their facilitators.
Talking to the media, the minister said that improving the law and order situation in Sindh is the first priority of the caretaker government.
With the help of the police, crime will be controlled in urban and rural areas and the law and order situation will be improved by increasing police patrolling, he added.
They also said that the operation will be mandatory in Katcha areas. We cannot tell the time and date of the operation.
Sindh Minister said that the government has no shortage of weapons, and the demand of the police will be met soon so that the crimes in the urban and rural areas can be controlled.
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PM directs to reconstruct, improve GB's communication infrastructure
HUNZA:Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to formulate a strategy to reconstruct and improve the communication infrastructure of Gilgit-Baltistan.
The prime minister, in a meeting with socio-political leaders of Hunza and visit to Hunar Kohn project of Karakorum Area Development Organization (KADO), assured for early resolution of electricity-related issues faced by the region.
The delegation apprised the prime minister of the issues pertaining to demand and supply of electricity in Hunza, allocation of additional seats for Hunza in the GB Assembly in proportion to the population and other matters.
The prime minister instructed for formulation of a strategy for generation of electricity in coordination with the power sector.
The GB's political leadership briefed the prime minister about the challenges confronting the tourism sector of the region.
They requested the prime minister to order establishment of aerial connectivity with different parts of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Prime Minister Kakar directed the GB chief secretary to utilise all-out resources for early resolution of the issues.
The prime minister also visited the digital hub at KADO's Hunar Kohn project and rehabilitation center for the special persons.
He lauded the KADO's services for the welfare of local population.
Prime Minister Kakar, while interacting with the freelancer students of Hunar Kohn project, said the passion of GB youth for development was appreciable.
Former GB Governor Mir Ghazanfar Ali Khan, ex-member of GB Assembly Rani Attiqa, members of GB Assembly Col. (Retd) Ubaidullah Baig and Dilshad Bano, and other socio-political leaders attended the meeting.
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South Punjab gears up for student council elections with over 1.1 m voters
MULTAN:More than 1.1 million students from over 4,500 girls and boys from middle and high schools are set to cast their votes Thursday (tomorrow) in the Student Council elections., across south Punjab.
According to officials, these elections are being held to empower students in government educational institutions in southern Punjab, fostering decision-making, consultation, and access to administrative matters, and acquainting them with democratic processes which is essential to promote democratic norms in the country.
With an estimated 1.1 million voters participation, this marks one of the largest electoral events in schools across southern Punjab, where nearly 14,000 candidates are vying for positions. The elections will determine the President, Vice-President, General Secretary, and class representatives for the third term.
These electioneering processes have seen widespread student engagement and enthusiasm as the students are actively campaigning for their preferred candidates.
The Electoral process, under the supervision of election commissioners, is overseeing the conduct of these elections. Rana Salim Ahmed Khan, Secretary of School Education South Punjab, stated that student participation in the electoral process was essential for their character development and making them responsible citizens of the future.
The Student Council elections have been scrutinized for candidate nominations, election campaigns, appointments of the Election Commissioner, polling process and Election Tribunal.
Section Officer Afzaq has been assigned the responsibility for record inspection in these elections.
Deputy Secretary Saif-ul-Rahman Khan for Dera Ghazi Khan, Deputy Secretary Khawaja Mazhar-ul-Haq, and Monitoring Officer Qurat-ul-Ain Sadiqi for Layyah, Deputy Secretary Faisal Shahzad, and Monitoring Officer Samreen Nadim for Vehari, Section Officer Hina Chaudhry for Khanewal, and Section Officer Qurat-ul-Ain Khan for Bahawalpur have been entrusted with responsibilities in their respective districts.
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Chance of more monsoon rains in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from Friday
PESHAWAR:Chances of more monsoon rains all across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from the coming Friday (Sept. 15) predicted by the Meteorology Department, an official of the department said here Wednesday.
In this connection, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a letter to all district administrations to stay alert and in view of heavy rains and winds, the district administration has been instructed to take precautionary measures, said DG, PDMA.
Director General PDMA also warned of fear of landslides in the upper districts of the province. Possibility of increase in water flow in local and rainfed rivers of Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, and Abbottabad, he added.
He said urban flooding is also possible in Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Dera Ismail Khan, Abbottabad, and some areas due to rains.
He instructed the district administration to ensure the availability of small and large machinery and to monitor rain drains. In the event of a storm, people should stay away from power lines, dilapidated buildings and structures, signboards, and billboards.
He also instructs tourists and the local population in sensitive highlands to be aware of weather conditions and take precautionary measures.
He said in sensitive districts, the messages to the district administration should be conveyed to the local population in local languages.
He said in any emergency situation, all concerned agencies should be vigilant in maintaining road links and in case of road closure, alternative routes should be provided for traffic. Passengers should be warned in advance on provincial and national highways in sensitive areas.
The concerned authorities should transfer the people to the safe waiting areas in time besides ensuring the availability of emergency services personnel during this time, said DG PDMA.
Tourists should be informed about the weather situation and should take special precautions while traveling as a tourist, the DG PDMA said while advising the tourists. The emergency operation center of PDMA is fully operational and people should report any untoward incident on 1700.
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SNGPL disconnects 20 gas connections over illegal compressor use
MULTAN:Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has disconnected 20 Sui gas connections during an ongoing drive against compressors.
According to SNGPL official sources, the campaign against illegal usage of compressors and giving illegal extensions was underway across the region.
The task force was raiding on a daily basis at various places to ensure gas supply to domestic consumers, under the directions of General Manager SNGPL Rashid Ishaq.
The teams removed six connections in Multan City, one in Shujabad, one in DG Khan, seven in Mian Channu, and five in Khanewal over the illegal use of compressors and extensions.
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Crackdown against electricity theft underway in Bahawalpur
BAHAWALPUR:On the direction of Deputy Commissioner Bahawalpur Zaheer Anwar Jappa, the members of the District Enforcement Committee are active in the field to curb power theft in the district.
Legal action is being taken immediately after receiving the cases of electricity theft. The monitoring process has started with the help of district administration and MEPCO officers to eliminate electricity theft.
From September 7 to 12, as many as 118 FIRs were registered and the theft of 117,821 units of electricity was caught. A fine of Rs 978,000 has been imposed and two persons were also arrested.
Deputy Commissioner has directed that proper action should be taken to prevent electricity theft and culprits should be dealt with iron hands.
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Awareness session held to start enrollment drive in Charsadda
PESHAWAR:The enrollment campaign formally commenced on Wednesday to attract out-of-school children to education in Charsadda district.
Mayor Charsadda Mufti Abdul Rauf Shakir and Additional Commissioner Waqas-ur-Rehman launched the admission campaign by distributing school bags among the children at TMA Hall Charsadda.
On this occasion, District Education Officer Charsadda Dr. Abdul Malik, Voluntary Service Overseas, Education Cannot Wait, Participatory Rural Development Society (PRDS), Idara Talem-o-Aghai, Pakistan Alliance for Girls Education, RSPN, Tarqaee Foundation, UNICEF and representatives of Multi-Year Resilience Program, male and female teachers, parents and students were also present in large number.
Addressing the ceremony, speakers said that the literacy rate must be increased if we want to boost the country’s economy and develop all other sectors. They said a huge chunk of children are still out of school in Pakistan, where many state-run schools lack basic needs including electricity, so the government along with relevant stakeholders must take concrete measures to overcome these problems.
They said under the Multi-Year Resilience program, in three districts of the province, Peshawar, Charsadda and Nowshera, logistic, technical and educational support is being given to the government to improve the education environment as well as to help bring out-of-school students back to the schools and provide them with basic necessities and teacher’s training.
The speakers said that the education department is also providing free books to these children, therefore each and every parent should bring their children, especially female children to the schools. They said during an ongoing campaign in 2023, about 35 thousand students were brought back to schools in Charsadda. Similarly, thousands of girls were also admitted to schools.
Emphasizing the education of girls, they were of the view that it would develop the entire society.
If the teachers teach the children with sincerity and honesty, there is no doubt that the results of the government-run schools will also improve and the children will be able to compete with the students of private institutes.
At the end of the ceremony, shields were also distributed among the guests and teachers while the participants also participated in a walk to create awareness among the people about the enrollment drive.
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SAU Vice Chancellor emphasizes students to also engage themselves in co-curricular activities
HYDERABAD: The Vice Chancellor of Sindh Agriculture University Dr Fateh Marri has emphasized that students should engage themselves in co-curricular activities in order to build their careers professionally with dedication adding that controlling behavior and emotions was the key to success in this age of technology.
The Vice Chancellor emphasized this while addressing the day-long seminar and a motivational session, organized by the Students-Teachers Engagement Programme (STEP) of Sindh Agriculture University at the A.M. Shaikh Auditorium Hall on Wednesday.
He said, “The concepts of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and Joy of Missing Out (JOMO) are emerging problems in our society therefore we should be made accountable for the impact of our behaviour on our society”.
He termed the students as assets and said that it was the responsibility of all to make their future bright, therefore the students should focus on their studies and work hard to achieve their dreams because everything requires hard work.
Speaking on the occasion, keynote speaker Saima Hashim, a psychotherapist sensitivity trainer member, RCK Kehkashan Self-Growth Counselor and Ambassador Akhuwat Foundation Pakistan said that more involvement in social media has left different effects on youth including changes in attitudes, which she termed negative and emphasized the need to distinguish between comparison and competition.
She emphasized that extreme feelings of both FOMO and JOMO are not suitable for the youth.
She also provided some practical solutions to balance out these two emotions.
Nabila Mughal also delivered her presentation on "Self-Fight with Self-Motivation” and emphasized that one should work hard to achieve dreams. No hurdle can stop the person if he has enough passion, dedication and love for his work, she said.
Among others, Prof. Dr. Aijaz Ali Khooharo, Dean and Chairman STEP, Fazal Haq Nizamani, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar, Dr. Jam Ghulam Murtaza Sahito, Focal person Peace Club, Dr. Anila Memon, Dr. Saima Kalsoom Babar and Wasif Panhwar also attended the event.
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Kashmiris to stage anti India demo during Modi's address to UNGA: Sultan
MIRPUR(AJK): Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry has said that the Kashmiri diaspora community would hold an anti-India protest demonstration in front of the UN office in New York on September 26 when Indian premier Narendra Modi will be addressing the UN General Assembly.
The anti-India protest, he said, would be attended and addressed by the representatives of the Kashmiri expatriate community hailing from different parts of the world.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Barrister Sultan said that the protest demonstration being staged in front of the UN General Assembly was meant to expose India's nefarious designs in the region besides seeking the global community's attention towards the fast deteriorating political and human rights situation in the Indian occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Urging the Kashmiri expatriate community to settle in America and other parts of the world to make it a success, the AJK president said that arrangements for this demonstration have been finalized.
The President said that he asked some friends in New York to mobilize the Indian minorities living in the US to join this protest or hold separate protests on the day.
Meanwhile, Barrister Karamat Hussain, President of Kashmir Peace Forum International UK, called on President Azad Jammu and Kashmir Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry at Jammu Kashmir House in the federal metropolis on Wednesday.
On this occasion, Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry directed the President of Kashmir Peace Forum International to redouble his efforts to expose atrocities unleashed upon Kashmiris by the Indian occupation forces in occupied Kashmir.
Referring to the international community's legal and moral obligations towards resolving the Kashmir dispute, he said that it was high time that the international community should play its much-needed role to help resolve the lingering Kashmir dispute peacefully in accordance with the UNSC resolutions.
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ICRC, Hilal Ahmar conducts workshop for students at WUS
PESHAWAR:International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Hilal Ahmar (Red Crescent), in collaboration with the Department of Journalism, conducted an informative training workshop for students at Women's University Swabi (WUS).
The workshop was aimed at equipping students of the Journalism, Management Science, Urdu, Pak Studies, and Psychology departments with skills to create effective humanitarian content during times of crises and disasters.
The event featured distinguished speakers who shared their expertise and insights on the crucial role of media and communication during disasters.
Aezaz Ur Rehman, ICRC Communication Lead, emphasised the importance of accurate and timely communication in crisis situations to raise awareness and mobilise support
Zeeshan Anwar, Communication and Media Manager at Hilal Ahmar, discussed the unique challenges and responsibilities of humanitarian organisations in disseminating vital information during disasters.
Fatama Shah, communication officer, further elaborated on the strategies and best practices for crafting compelling humanitarian content. She stressed the importance of empathy and ethical reporting in conveying the human impact of disasters.
Waseem Khattak, Head of Journalism at Women's University Swabi, highlighted the significance of equipping students with knowledge and skills to serve as responsible communicators during emergencies.
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'Future of our country in safe, strong hands': AJK PM
MIRPUR(AJK): Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Anwar Ul Haq, while expressing satisfaction over the security situation in the region, said that the future of our country was in safe and strong hands.
He was addressing the Apex Committee's meeting of Azad Jammu and Kashmir which met in the State metropolis on Wednesday under his chairmanship.
The meeting thoroughly reviewed the progress regarding the decisions that were taken during the 9th meeting of the committee, which was held last year.
The participants of the meeting also gave their valuable input and proposed suggestions to ensure full implementation of the National Action Plan in AJ&K.
The Pakistan Army, the AJK Prime Minister said, was the guarantor of the security and stability of our country.
The PM appreciated the Pakistan Army for always helping the civil administration and institutions of Azad Kashmir in line with constitutional requirements in times of difficulty.
Referring to the Apex Committee's contribution and role, the Prime Minister said that the forum has been instrumental in devising a comprehensive strategy to ensure peace and harmony within society.
He said that decisions were being taken by the committee unanimously after holding threadbare discussions on national issues so that lasting peace can be established in society.
Anwaar said that coordination between all security agencies and police should be further enhanced to ensure the implementation of NAP in the region.
The Prime Minister directed the concerned authorities to redouble their efforts and take stern action against those involved in hoarding and Hundi business. It was also decided in the meeting that the state administration should keep a close watch on the elements who were hell-bent on spreading communal hatred in the region.
The meeting also agreed to monitor social media to prevent anti-state elements' propaganda against the state. The Prime Minister also directed the concerned authorities to ensure that the Paigam-e-Pakistan message was conveyed effectively to the younger generation, especially the students studying in schools and colleges.
The meeting was attended, among others, by the Chief Secretary, General Officer Commanding 12 Division, Inspector General of Police, Divisional Commissioner, Deputy Inspector General of Police and representatives of security agencies.
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230000 children to be immunized during week long anti polio drive in Hyderabad
HYDERABAD:A week-long anti-polio drive will be started on October 2, during which 230000 children up to the age of 5 years will be immunised in Hyderabad district.
This was stated in a meeting held here at Shahbaz Hall under the chair of Deputy Commissioner and District Polio Eradication Committee Chairman Tariq Qureshi.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner of Hyderabad Tariq Qureshi said that he should play his best role to achieve 100 percent results during the upcoming polio campaign so that the next generation can be protected from permanent disability.
He directed concerned officials to pay maximum attention to the rejection cases so that no child up to 5 years of age is deprived of anti-polio drops. He also instructed the police officers to provide security to the anti-polio campaign teams.
Briefing the meeting, N-Stop Officer Dr. Bisma Memon said that during the campaign, 163 UCs in Hyderabad have set a target of giving anti-polio drops to children up to the age of 5 years, for which 1565 mobile teams have been deployed. 151 fixed teams, 64 transit teams, and 8 roaming teams will administer the drops of the anti-polio campaign.
She said that the environmental sample has been negative in Hyderabad for the past few years, and by the grace of Allah, no case of polio has appeared.
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Commissioner chairs meeting to review progress on Dadocha Dam
RAWALPINDI:Commissioner Rawalpindi Division, Liaquat Ali Chatta here on Wednesday reviewed the progress on the Dadocha Dam.
Chairing a meeting regarding the implementation of the Supreme Court's judgment on Dadocha Dam, the Commissioner directed the revenue department to estimate the land acquisition cost according to the fresh rates in the light of the orders of the Supreme Court.
Additional Commissioner Coordination Syed Nazarat Ali, Director Development Nazia Sudhan, Additional Commissioner Revenue Kinza Murtaza and Frontier Works Organization representatives participated in the meeting.
The Commissioner instructed the Irrigation Department to prepare fresh estimate of the civil work of Dadocha Dam, adding, any further delay in this project would be extremely unfair to the people of Rawalpindi.
He ordered the Director Development to set timelines for all the relevant departments and the target to start work on this project within next 36 days should be fixed.
He directed the authorities to have a site visit next week and local residents should especially be invited and their complaints should also be heard.
He said, the local residents would be adequately compensated for their lands.
Water scarcity has become a global problem and different countries are considering different ways to meet the shortage, he added.
Pakistan is also one of the countries suffering from water crisis, the Commissioner said.
Due to non-construction of dams, per capita availability of water here has decreased four times during last 50 years, Liaquat Ali Chatta said.
Due to absence of the dams, millions of cusecs rainwater is wasted every year or causing floods, he said.
The government of Punjab is giving priority to the problem of water scarcity and is paying special attention to the
construction of small dams, he said and informed that the approved cost of the dam being built in Dadocha village near Rawat Industrial Estate was Rs 6492 million, which would now be estimated again.
After construction of the dam, it would provide 35 Million Gallons per Day water to Rawalpindi, he added.
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BISE SBA announces date for submission of online enrolment
HYDERABAD:Secretary Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Shaheed Benazirabad on Wednesday announced in an announcement for candidates of SSC Part-1 and ninth grade that the last date for enrolment bio-data online submission is fixed at October 13, 2023, for students of ninth grade studying at government and private schools of Shaheed Benazirabad, Sanghar, and Naushehro Feroze affiliated with this Board.
The announcement further said that the Sindh Government will not charge a fee for students studying at government schools, while regular students studying at private schools will pay Rs 900 as an enrollment fee, whereas private schools will pay Rs 2000 as an enrollment fee.
According to an announcement by the Secretary Board, candidates would pay Rs 500 after the expiration date of October 12 to October 20 as an online enrollment fee.
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UAF, FMC to make coordinated efforts for precision agriculture
FAISALABAD:University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) and Food Machinery Corporation (FMC) Pakistan will make coordinated efforts to promote modern trends including precision agriculture in addition to control white fly, fall armyworm, pink bollworm, locust, fruit fly, termites and other pests.
Both institutions would also work to limit toxic effects on agriculture in order to ensure Maximum Residual Levels (MRL).
This was stated during a meeting held between UAF Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan and FMC Managing Director Haseeb Aslam whereas Chairman UAF Entomology Department Prof. Dr. Muhammad Jalal Arif, FMC Manager Research and Development Amir Bashir Malik, Director Sales Akram Khan, Manager HR Hussam Khalid, Company Secretary Mudassar Hasan, Brand Manager Ahmed Kamal, Research and Development Coordinator Waheed Al Hasan were also present in the meeting.
UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that Pakistan's agricultural exports are being rejected due to toxic effects exceeding Maximum Residual Levels (MRL).
He said that joint efforts have to be made to solve this problem so that Pakistan can earn more foreign exchange by increasing its exports.
He said that UAF has been given the status of Agri-Tech Park by the Special Technology Zone Authority. He said that UAF and FMC will work jointly on precision agriculture including agricultural drone technology in order to raise the productivity and to increase the profitability.
FMC Managing Director Haseeb Aslam said that in the modern era, development goals are being achieved through the knowledge-based economy as academia-industry linkages are essential.
He said that the UAF and FMC will take all possible measures to tackle the challenges of agriculture. He said that the UAF is one of esteemed agricultural institutions across the globe.
He said that FMC is developing products with innovation in agriculture so as to solve the problems of farmers and ensure food security.
UAF Department of Entomology Chairman/ Spokesman Prof. Dr. Muhammad Jalal Arif said that UAF has excellent ties across the world and running international projects including the Center for Advanced Studies, Chinese Confucius Center, Pak-Korea Nutrition Center, International Seed Testing Lab and other projects.
He said that with the cooperation of China, modern lab is being established in the Entomology Department. He said that precision agriculture is the most important need of the hour which will not only provide balanced inputs to crops but also bring it in line with international standards.
He said that in the Department of Entomology, steps are being taken on modern scientific basis to control locusts, fall armyworm, white fly, pink bollworm, fruit fly, termites etc.
In the meeting, set up of FMC Learning Center and Internship Program and training about agricultural drone technology were also discussed.
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Commissioner Mirpurkhas pledges improved health care facilities
MIRPURKHAS:Divisional Commissioner Mirpurkhas, Faisal Ahmad Aqeeli on Wednesday emphasized the pivotal role of delivering essential healthcare services to the local populace.
According to the Commissioner's Office, during this unannounced inspection, Faisal Ahmad Aqeeli toured various wards within the old Civil Hospital and the District Headquarters Hospital.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Rashid Masood Khan also accompanied him on the visit.
The commissioner reiterated the significance of providing fundamental healthcare services to the community. He further stated that this visit aimed to address pressing issues within the healthcare sector.
Following discussions with the media, Faisal Ahmad Aqeeli emphasized the need for improvements and directed health department officials to provide a comprehensive report.
He assured the public that any healthcare sector challenges would be collaboratively resolved with the support of both the media and the local community.
Additionally, he disclosed plans to activate the solar system at the District Headquarters Hospital, which involves discussions with the Secretary of Energy.
The commissioner concluded by reaffirming that prioritizing access to fundamental healthcare services for the residents of Mirpurkhas remains a top priority.
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Power pilferers torture, injure FESCO team
FAISALABAD:Power pilferers have allegedly tortured and injured a team of Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) during anti-theft campaign in the area of Sahianwala police station.
FESCO spokesman Tahir Sheikh said here on Wednesday that FESCO team comprising of 7 employees including SDO Chak Jhumra Subdivision No.2 Adeel Yasin, Mujahid Aleem, Zahid Ali (meter readers), Muhammad Boota, Muhammad Javaid (Line Men-1), Tawakul Hussain and Muhammad Usman (Assistant Line Men) went to Chak No.135/R-B Sahianwala to detect electricity theft.
When they reached at the residence of one Arif Ali and checked his electricity supply meter, it was found dead whereas the consumer was using electricity direct from main FESCO line.
The FESCO team tried to remove electricity supply meter of the power pilferer when the later called his accomplices and they attacked on the FESCO team.
They severely tortured the FESCO team with clubs and rods in addition to snatching official equipment and gadgets.
As a result, four FESCO employees received serious injuries whereas the accused managed to escape from the scene when the FESCO officials called the police for help.
Later, the police registered a case against the accused and started investigation. However, no arrest in this regard was made so far, he added.
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ASI among two arrested on robbery charges
FAISALABAD:Thikriwala police claimed to have arrested two persons including an Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) and a police Razakar on robbery charges.
Police spokesman said here on Wednesday that ASI Shabbir Ahmad along with his accomplice Mujahid Ali were busy in looting the travelers and passersby after erecting a picket in police uniform on a link road near Chak No.77-JB Mullanpura.
Receiving information, a team of Thikriwala police reached at the spot and arrested both accused red handed along with booty.
ASI Shabbir Ahmad was appointed at Factory Area police station while Mujahid Ali was a police Razakar who was also working with him.
The police locked both accused behind bars after registering a case while further investigation was under progress, spokesman added.
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Woman shot dead
FAISALABAD:An infuriated man shot dead his sister-in-law over domestic dispute in the area of Roshanwala police station.
Police spokesman said here on Wednesday that Rehana Kausar (35) wife of Niamat resident of Chak 243/R-B Jhok Kharlan exchanged hot words with Babar alias Babri, brother of her husband, over a domestic dispute which enraged the latter.
Over this issue, Babar opened fire and killed his sister-in-law on the spot.
The police took the body into custody and shifted it to mortuary for postmortem while further investigation was under progress, he added.
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Commissioner issues explanation notice to five UC secretaries
RAWALPINDI:Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Liaqat Ali Chatha on Wednesday issued explanation notices to five Union Council secretaries including UC- 26, 31, 72, 84, and 87 for not appearing in the meeting.
Chairing a meeting of Urban Union Council's secretaries regarding the cleanliness of the city, he said that irresponsibility in the discharge of official duties and non-serious behavior was not acceptable.
He directed to immediately form committees at the union council level, comprising the Secretary the head of the committee, sanitary supervisor, numberdar, and local social workers who would be responsible for maintaining cleanliness in the area.
The committee will identify old garbage heaps from where garbage was not being collected and will arrange for its immediate disposal.
Liaqat Ali Chatha said that he will visit two Union Councils early in the morning every Saturday to review the cleanliness situation and will take a briefing from the concerned secretary on the spot.
Commissioner Rawalpindi further directed that the Secretary Union Council would also check whether the plans for the new buildings have been passed or not and in case of not being issued, inform the Municipal Officer Planning.
He directed the secretaries to install two Panaflex regarding cleanliness in his union council so that local people could also be included in the campaign.
He said, “Cleanliness is half of faith and also guarantees our health, so we have to leave our jurisdiction limits and keep our city clean to avoid dengue and other fatal diseases.”
Additional Commissioner Coordination Syed Nazarat Ali, Chief Officer Municipal Corporation Chaudhry Amjad, Director Local Government, CEO Rawalpindi Waste Management Company Rana Sajid Safdar, and secretaries of 70 Unions participated in the meeting.
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Youth killed over minor dispute
FAISALABAD:A youth was killed over a minor dispute in the area of Khurarianwala police station.
Police spokesman said here on Wednesday that a youth Zohaib resident of Chak 194/R-B exchanged harsh words with Shahid, etc. of the same locality over a minor dispute.
Over this issue, accused Shahid and his accomplices Moon, Naeem, Anwar, etc. opened fire and seriously injured Zohaib and his brothers Shahid and Ehsan.
The injured were shifted to hospital where Zohaib breathed his last while condition of Shahid and his brother Ehsan was stated to be critical.
The police registered a case against accused Shahid and his accomplices while further investigation was under progress, spokesman added.
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Dedicated toilets for females established on highways of Bahawalpur division
BAHAWALPUR:The Commissioner of Bahawalpur Dr. Ehtesham Anwar has said that high-quality women's toilets have been established along the highways in Bahawalpur Division with attractive and themed signboards have also been installed.
The Commissioner in a statement said that the facility has been made available at selected fuel stations. In the first phase, 5, 6, and 10 sites were selected in Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, and Bahawalpur districts respectively.
The commissioner said that the toilets have been built on the orders of the Chief Secretary Punjab. Apart from the motorways, there are no separate toilets for women on roads due to which women face difficulties. Orders were issued by the provincial government to all the divisional and district administrations to establish the required facilities he added.
In order to make this project valuable, 20 rupees will be charged to the users. In return, they will be provided with essential items like soap, dustbins, and tissue paper. A complaint box has been provided along with the phone number of the management committee so that complaints can be received and resolved on time. Pink-colored signboards have also been installed. One signboard has been posted at a distance of 1 km from the toilet while the other signboard is placed in front of the toilet.
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Patients are treated with modern missionaries at LUH:MS
HYDERABAD:Medical Superintendent of Liaquat University Hospital, Dr. Shahid Islam Junejo, has said that the hospital is using
modern missionaries for modern treatment according to international standards; we are working day and night to make the hospital an ideal hospital.
He expressed these views while addressing a meeting of administrative officers. Dr. Shahid Islam Junijo further said that the renovation and repair of all the missionaries used in MRI, City Scan, Operation Theatre, Pathology Laboratory, and other departments in the hospital should be kept usable with full care, and for the construction of new wards, including for the new missionary, we are in touch with the government and the implementation will start soon.
He said that the care and treatment of all the patients in the hospital is our responsibility, and the hospital will bear the cost of treatment of the patients, especially the patients being treated in the ICU.
Emphasising the doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff of the hospital, he said that all the patients should get their medicines on time while treating each patient and his doctor with good manners. He said that we have to treat all patients without discrimination or caste because patients come to us with great hope, and we are trying to solve all the problems of doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff on a priority basis.
Employees and caretakers should meet me in my office to solve their legitimate problems and give their suggestions regarding the welfare of the hospital and the treatment of the patients, and the relevant suggestions will be implemented.
Dr. Shahid Islam Junejo said that we are trying to set an example for hospital performance, better treatment of patients, and the duties of employees with good management. while injections, medicines, and other treatment facilities are provided as per the rules of the health department.
IAMS General Dr. Mujibur Rahman Kallor, AMS General II Dr. Muhammad Ali Qaim Khani, and AMS General Jamshoro Dr. Ghulam Qadir Dal, Director ICU, Dr. Kashif Memon, AMS Dr. Munir Ahmed Sheikh, R.M. General Dr. Aftab Hussain Phal, RMO General Dr. Salim Akhtar Bhatti, RMO OTS Dr. Ali Gohar Qaimkhani, and other officers were also present at the
meeting.
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Abbottabad Tehsil Council holds first official meeting after 15-month delay
ABBOTTABAD:In a significant development, the Tehsil Council of Abbottabad convened its first official meeting after a considerable delay of 15 months under the chairmanship of City Mayor Sardar Shujah Nabi.
During the meeting, members of the Tehsil Council engaged in an open discussion concerning regional underdevelopment and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. The participants also deliberated on strategies to combat issues such as encroachments and corruption within Abbottabad.
Members of the councils presented a resolution regarding Shimla Hill Park and corruption in TMA. Decisions were made regarding the establishment of liaison committees for various government departments. The first meeting of the Tehsil Council Abbottabad saw the active participation of 194 men and women members representing 132 councils.
City Mayor Sardar Shujaat Nabi highlighted the emerging state of municipal governments and the challenges in maintaining their functionality.
He said that the availability of funds for local governments remained a pressing issue, Sardar Shujaat Nabi explained that previous governments had obstructed council meetings. The financial situation of the country and the province was characterized by debt and critical conditions.
Regarding office expenses, it was disclosed that allocations of 52 thousand and 42 thousand were made for Neighbourhood Councils and Village Councils, respectively. Relevant authorities were duly informed of these allocations.
The City Mayor encouraged council members to consider the shared nature of the challenges and the educated populace of Abbottabad. He emphasized that the representation in the Tehsil Council should mirror the city's civilized image, allowing for a positive message to be conveyed to all.
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Commissioner chairs introductory meeting of divisional officials
HYDERABAD:The Commissioner Shaheed Benazirabad Division Syed Muhammad Sajjad Haider chaired an introductory meeting of divisional officials in the committee room.
Addressing the meeting Commissioner said that all officials shall discharge their duties amicably and also take steps to resolve public issues.
He said that special attention be given to health and education departments side by side with the supply of clean potable water and activation drainage system.
The commissioner instructed officials to submit replies to under-hearing cases in courts. He directed officials of health and local government departments to make a program for raising awareness among the general public regarding Malaria and Dengue and steps to be taken for anti-malaria spray in cities and towns.
Director Colleges SBA Prof Shahida Taj Abro, Director Education Naseer Ahmed Jogi, SE Irrigation Zaheer Ahmed Memon, Deputy Director Anti-Corruption Mir Nadir Ali Abro, Regional Director Local Government Abdul Sattar Rathore and other divisional officials presented reports about their departments.
The meeting was also attended by Additional Commissioner-2 Subhash Chandar, SE Public Health Department Nazeer Ahmed Shaikh, Additional Director Social Welfare Muhammad Sabir Qureshi, Deputy Director Livestock Dr Aijaz Laghari, Deputy Director Information Ghulam Abbas Goraho, Additional Director Agriculture Muhammad Ramzan Channa and officials of other divisional departments.
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EPA impounds 124 vehicles for violating the Smog Act
RAWALPINDI:Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) impounded 124 vehicles and sealed 12 brick kilns on the charges of polluting the environment in its drive against violation of standard operating procedure (SOPs) regarding smog control during August and September.
According to details, the EPA Rawalpindi teams while taking action against polluting vehicles, brick kilns and industrial units in various parts of the district, checked 394 vehicles and impounded 124, emitting smoke beyond the prescribed limits of Punjab Environmental Quality Standards. The teams also imposed a fine amounting to Rs 228,800 on 33 vehicles which was found spreading pollution mainly due to substandard fuel consumption and improper maintenance of vehicle engines and silencers.
Similarly, EPA teams inspected 152 brick kilns and issued notices to 18 for violating Smog SOPs.
The teams sealed 12 brick kilns, registered FIRs against seven and imposed a fine of Rs 900,000 on the violators.
While inspecting 23 hospitals, the teams issued notices to eight and registered FIRs against two for not following the SOPs regarding the disposal of the hospital's waste.
He informed that during the checking of industrial units, the teams issued notices to 25 while inspecting 72 units and imposed a fine of Rs 200,000 for violating the Smog Act.
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Improving cleanliness of City of Saints top priority, says Rashid Iqbal
MULTAN:Chairman Multan Waste Management Company (MWMC) BoD, Mian Rashid Iqbal, said that improving the cleanliness of the City of Saints was a top priority.
He expressed these views while presiding over a maiden meeting of company BoD along with Deputy Commissioner Umer Jehangir here on Wednesday.
Board members Sheikh Hasan Tariq, Muhammad Samiullah Khan, Muhammad Usman Khawaja, and Syed Ibn-e-Hussain attended the meeting. Various committees were unanimously formed to monitor the company's affairs while financial approval of company expenses, salaries, etc. was also given.
Chief Executive Officer Shahid Yaqoob briefed the Board of Directors regarding the cleanliness operation and new machinery.
Rashid Iqbal said that the company was performing well despite limited resources. The chairman assured full support to increase the efficiency of the company.
Deputy Commissioner Umar Jahangir said that a summary of the increase in jurisdiction of the company has been sent to the Punjab government. Machinery and manpower were being increased for the new union councils.
He said that the procurement and operational matters would be managed from BoD platform which will increase the efficiency of the company.
Earlier the board of directors also appreciated the performance of the officials and employees of the company.
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EIB recovers 156 Kg hashish, 96 Kg opium
PESHAWAR:Excise Intelligence Bureau (EIB) here Wednesday foiled a bid of narcotics smuggling and recovered hashish and opium from a car near Motorway Toll Plaza.
Acting on a tip-off, a team of EIB started checking vehicles near the toll plaza. During checking 96 kilograms of opium and 156 kilogram hashish were recovered from a private V-8 vehicle.
Smugglers also resorted to firing at EIB team and escaped from the scene after abandoning the car. A vehicle of EIB was also damaged by the collision of smugglers’ car and six persons sustained minor injuries in the incident.
The case has been registered in Excise Station Peshawar Region and an investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, Director General Excise and Narcotics Control, Akmal Khattak appreciated the performance of EIB team in foiling the smuggling bid.
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Domki visits BC headquarters
QUETTA:Caretaker Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki visited Headquarters Balochistan Corps. Senior cabinet members and civil administration officers were also present.
On arrival, the caretaker chief minister laid floral wreaths on the martyrs memorial and offered Fatiha.
Later, the chief minister and his team were given a detailed briefing about the security situation of the province and the operations of the security forces.
Commander Balochistan Corps Lt. Gen Asif Ghafoor apprised the forum about the ongoing strategy for the last year on the instructions of the Chief of Army Staff, in which the socio-economic development of Balochistan is the main prong and the security forces are to provide a safe and conducive environment for it.
The chief minister appreciated the performance of the security forces for peace and development in the province and paid rich tribute to martyrs as a great sacrifice for the security of the motherland.
He said that we all will work together for the peace and development of the province which will also contribute towards peace and prosperity of the country.
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Abbottabad Tehsil Council holds first official meeting after 15-month delay
ABBOTTABAD:In a significant development, the Tehsil Council of Abbottabad convened its first official meeting after a considerable delay of 15 months under the chairmanship of City Mayor Sardar Shujah Nabi.
During the meeting, members of the Tehsil Council engaged in an open discussion concerning regional underdevelopment and the challenges faced by marginalized communities.
The participants also deliberated on strategies to combat issues such as encroachments and corruption within Abbottabad.
Members of the councils presented a resolution regarding Shimla Hill Park and corruption in TMA.
Decisions were made regarding the establishment of liaison committees for various government departments.
The first meeting of the Tehsil Council Abbottabad saw the active participation of 194 men and women members representing 132 councils.
City Mayor Sardar Shujaat Nabi highlighted the emerging state of municipal governments and the challenges in maintaining their functionality.
Regarding office expenses, it was disclosed that allocations of 52 thousand and 42 thousand were made for Neighbourhood Councils and Village Councils, respectively.
Relevant authorities were duly informed of these allocations.
The City Mayor encouraged council members to consider the shared nature of the challenges and the educated populace of Abbottabad.
He emphasized that the representation in the Tehsil Council should mirror the city's civilized image, allowing for a positive message to be conveyed to all.
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18 persons declared with disabilities after medical scrutiny
RAWALPINDI:Medical Superintendent, of Tehsil Headquarter Hospital Kotli Sattian Dr Suleman Khan on Wednesday said that as many as 18 people had been declared “persons with disabilities” after a detailed analysis of 25 people.
Chairing a meeting to review the examination of “persons with different abilities” at THQ Hospital Kotli Sattian, he informed that a team of Medical Specialist, Orthopedic Surgeons, and Child Specialists, along with Social Welfare Officers conducted a detailed examination of 25 people, of which 18 people were declared “persons with disabilities”, five were referred while cases of two were overruled.
Dr. Suleman said that it is our responsibility to remove the complaints of people with different abilities, and this responsibility would be fulfilled properly.
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Bilawal rules out talks with party involved in May 9 attacks
MUZAFFARGARH/MULTAN:Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday said that Pakistan was faced with severe economic crises and no single political party could find their solution alone.
Addressing party workers and a news conference after condoling with PPP leader Mahar Irshad Sial over his brother's death, he, however, ruled out negotiations with a party which was involved in the May 9 attacks on institutions as it had tried to create hatred among the public against the institutions.
“The PPP will defeat such elements in the upcoming elections with the people’s votes,” he resolved and added that all political forces should be given a level playing field in the elections.
He said the solution of the crises "lies in the manifesto of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto that the national economy can only stand on its own when the people are financially strengthened. This is the basic difference between the PPP's philosophy and that of the other parties which prioritize the elite over the common people."
Bilawal said the people of Muzaffargarh had always stood with the PPP during adverse times. Despite pressures, three of the party candidates won National Assembly seats in 2018 election from the region, and in the next polls the party would secure five seats, he hoped.
He said the PPP’s relation with Muzaffargarh dated back to three generations. "We have combated anti-democratic entities together in every era, be it that of General Zia, General Musharraf or the recent selected rule."
He viewed that making the farmer and labourer rich could help the country prosper. "Tax amnesties or subsidies are perks that are given to the rich. But the PPP has continuously strived to strengthen the common people, an example of which is the Benazir Income Support Programme through which the poor women are benefitted."
The party desired that the benefits of subsidies should reach farmers directly, without the industrialist or the middle man, he added. "Mill owners and industrialists have the access they need, it is the farmers and labourers that require a voice. The PPP is that voice.”
Bilawal said if voted to power, the PPP would extend the support t to self-employed labourers and those in the private sector also.
Responding to questions, he said the PPP in its manifesto would include many programmes such as the BISP. The party would devise its strategy regarding the elections in its CEC meeting.“
He said the previous government was run by an alliance of the PDM and the PPP and they were answerable for their own ministerial performances. It was their wish that another the Charter of Democracy was signed by the parties, however, it was difficult for them to engage those who were directly involved in anti-nation acts such as the perpetrators of May 9, he added.
Earlier, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari distributed certificates to the winners of a declamation contest on the topic "Pakistan's International Obligations" at the NFC Institute of Engineering and Technology Multan. He also inaugurated two blocks at the Institute named after Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
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Balochistan CM takes notice of late arrival of officials in govt-run sectors
QUETTA:Balochistan Caretaker Chief Minister Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki took notice of the late arrival of officials in government-run departments and issued directives to the administrative secretaries to immediately improve the situation.
These views were expressed by the Caretaker Provincial Information Minister Jan Achakzai released in one of his statements.
He said that the chief minister has a clear position that the unacceptable culture of low attendance in offices in Balochistan should be stopped.
Lack of attendance at offices and late initiation of government affairs is a serious problem affecting the productivity of government departments, he said.
He said that the chief minister has instructed the heads of all government departments to take strict action against the officers and officials who come late and the absentee staff and oblige all the government employees to come to their offices on time.
This warning from the CM has come at a time when the government of Balochistan is facing several challenges. These include the ongoing campaign against smuggling and the need to improve the delivery of basic services to the people, he said.
He said that it is hoped that government employees will heed their warning and start coming to work on time.
Jan Achakzai said that the main objective of this initiative of the chief minister is to improve the productivity of government departments.
He said that tardiness and absenteeism are not tolerated and that all public servants are present in their offices to deliver services to the public.
Apart from this, a more disciplined and efficient work environment should be created in the government offices, he said.
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ETEA declares result of MDCAT 2023; Uzra Riaz tops test
PESHAWAR:Education Testing and Evaluation Agency (ETEA) on Wednesday announced the result of the Medical Entrance Test (MDCAT) 2023 wherein only 110 students could score 190 plus marks out of a total of 45640 candidates.
Uzra Riaz topped the test securing 198 marks followed by Haseeb Khan who secured 197 marks. Mansoor Khan, Shah Faisal Khan, Syed Aqeel Bacha and Abdul Razzaq secured the third position with 195 marks and Saifullah Imtiaz, Muqtasad Khan, Saifullah Khalid, Halimah, Anam Khan and Saqlain Khan shared the fourth position with 194 marks.
According to ETEA results, 1094 students scored 180 to 189 marks, and 2085 could score between 170 and 179, adding that 63.5 per cent of students passed the test with a minimum of 45 per cent marks.
It said that more than 20 thousand students could not even get 100 marks on the test while the tests of 219 students were cancelled over charges of “unfair means”.
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KP to have full-fledge forensic lab soon; cabinet approves project: CM’s aide
PESHAWAR:Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Advisor to the Chief Minister for Health Dr Riaz Anwar on Wednesday said that a state-of-the-art and first-of-its-kind forensic lab is being established in the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said that the provincial cabinet has approved Rs 10 billion for the lab to be built in the Hayatabad area of Peshawar, Phase 7, adding that despite economic hardship, the establishment of this lab is inevitable.
Riaz Anwar said foreign experts would be hired to work in this lab, whose accommodation and security would also be arranged by the provincial government.
In his message released here on Wednesday, he said the facility of both medical and non-medical tests including post-mortem, poison and DNA testing for identification, firearms and fingerprints analysis would be available at the lab.
The CM’s aide said that such labs were already operating in Punjab and Sindh and the provincial government had been taking their assistance in different cases but now the facility would be available within the province.
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Sargodha Board Announces HSSC Part-II results
SARGODHA:The Board of Intermediate and Secondary education (BISE) Sargodha announced the results of Intermediate Part-II Annual Examination 2023, here on Wednesday.
According to Controller Examination Riaz Qadeer Bhatti, a total number of 52,868 candidates appeared in the annual examination and 33,636 were declared successful, showing 63.62 pass percentage.
Commissioner and Chairman of the Education Board Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti congratulated the successful candidates.
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Humanitarian aid ramps up as Libya's floods of 'epic proportions' leave thousands dead
UN agencies and partners are responding to the disaster unfolding in eastern Libya after extreme rainfall caused devastating flooding and loss of life over the weekend, humanitarians told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday.
An estimated 3,000 people have died and up to 10,000 people have been reported missing in the massive floods triggered by Hurricane Daniel, which overwhelmed the eastern parts of the country at the weekend, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said.
In a statement released by his Spokesperson, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Libyan authorities and the families of those who have perished, At this time, our thoughts are with the thousands of people being affected there in their communities, we stand in solidarity with all people in Libya during this difficult time, Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York.
He said the UN team on the ground is responding at the site.
Furthermore, we are mobilizing resources and emergency teams to support those affected people and are working with local, national, and international partners to get urgently needed humanitarian assistance to people in the affected areas.
The UN is working with Libyan authorities to assess needs and support ongoing relief efforts, he added.
Libya is in effect under the control of two rival administrations, the internationally recognized Government in Tripoli, and authorities based along with the parliament in the east.
According to the UN weather agency WMO, two dams burst during heavy storms over the weekend, sweeping entire neighborhoods in the city of Derna into the sea.
The floodwaters reached a peak in northeastern Libya on Sunday, with strong winds of up to 80 kilometers per hour, interrupting communications and bringing down electricity towers and trees.
The humanitarian needs are huge and much more beyond the abilities of the Libyan Red Crescent, and even beyond the abilities of the government, stressed Tamar Ramadan, head of the IFRC delegation in Libya, who was speaking from Tunis via videoconference.
That is why the Government in the east has issued an international appeal for support.
Margaret Harris, spokesperson for the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said the flooding was of epic proportions.
There's not been a storm like this in the region in living memory, so it's a great shock, she said.
Dr Harris added that WHO has deployed prepositioned aid supplies to the affected areas. She estimated that torrential rain affected up to 1.8 million people and damaged and even wiped out some hospitals.
The work now is really to get in supplies, sadly some of those supplies are things like body bags, but also trauma kits, the WHO spokesperson said.
The Libyan Government has announced three days of mourning in all the affected cities, calling them ”disaster areas.”
Emergency responders, government workers and residents were digging through rubble to look for survivors.
"Our second priority is to look at the people who are displaced," WHO Dr Harris said.
"There are lots of people who are already living in precarious circumstances. And we have to look at what kind of field hospitals can be set up, and what kind of mobile clinics. So there is a great deal of work that needs to be done and is being mobilized as I speak," he added.
"Libya has become a key springboard for migrants from over 40 countries heading for Europe, who most likely have also been severely impacted by the floods," the UN migration agency (IOM) warned.
"There are roughly 600,000 migrants in Libya at this time and we are conscious that in some of the affected areas there are migrant populations but at this early stage and [given] the many access issues that we and humanitarian responders are facing, we don't have a clear picture about how badly they have been affected," IOM spokesperson Paul Dillon said.
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‘One nation, one law to be ensured,' says PM
GILGIT:Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar on Wednesday said the problems of Gilgit Baltistan would be addressed through constitutional means, and no ‘hostage group’ would be allowed to enforce its agenda.
“The rule of One Nation and One Law will be implemented and there should be no doubt about it,” he told journalists at the opening of the outpatient department at the cardiology hospital in Gilgit.
The prime minister said it was the responsibility of the State to ensure the rights of the people.
He said every effort would be made to resolve the problems of the people of GB and provide them with an honourable life.
He vowed to focus on tapping the economic potential of GB through its tourism and energy production sectors.
Kakar said the road infrastructure of GB would be improved to enhance its connectivity with the rest of the country.
He mentioned holding detailed meetings with local stakeholders and highlighted the importance of removing mutual misunderstandings.
About financial problems faced by Gilgit Baltistan University, he said following his discussion with the vice-chancellor, the finance division had been directed to step in.
As an inclusive approach, the prime minister said he had directed the caretaker information minister to telecast air talk shows on Pakistan Television in Gilgiti and Shina languages twice a week.
Earlier, PM Kakar took a round of various departments of the hospital where he was briefed about the medical facilities.
The 50-bed hospital contains emergency care, an intensive care unit, children’s ward, cardiac surgery, and treatment sections. It was told that the hospital will become fully functional by June 2024.
Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti, Information Minister Murtaza Solangi, Chief Minister GB, and senior officials were present.
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Excise police recover 1230 grams ICE, 17 kg hashish
PESHAWAR:The Excise police in two different operations against drug peddlers on Wednesday recovered 1230 grams of ICE and 16.8 kilograms while arresting three accused.
The spokesman of the Excise department said that two suspects were arrested in an operation that took place at Ronda Toro Farm on Marhati Road in district Mardan where Excise police recovered 16.8 kg of hashish from the drug peddlers.
Similarly, in another raid Excise police station Peshawar recovered 1230 grams of ICE worth millions of rupees and arrested a drug seller from Frontier Road, Chowk Matni here.
The police had registered cases against the accused and started an investigation for further legal action.
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PESCO removes over 700 illegal hooks, Rs 15mln fine imposed on pilferers
PESHAWAR:In a grand operation against power pilferers, the teams of Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) on Wednesday removed over 700 illegal direct hooks and imposed a Rs 15 million fine on the accused.
According to PESCO spokesman the grand crackdown against power theft was conducted in collaboration with the district administrations and police, adding that 215 illegal connections were removed in Peshawar, 109 in Khyber, 66 in Mardan, 30 in Hazara-I, 90 in Hazara-II, 94 in Swat, 40 each in Bannu, and Swabi.
The PESCO also filed applications for registration of FIRs against more than 400 people involved in electricity theft, he said, adding that several power pilferers were arrested on the spot and handed over to the police as well.
The spokesman said that with an increase in the crackdowns, many illegal consumers voluntarily removed direct hooks. PESCO urged the masses to report power theft by calling 118.
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265 power pilferers netted on 6th day of ongoing drive
MULTAN:Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) has apprehended 265 power pilferers of various categories on the 6th day of the ongoing operation carried out across South Punjab under the directions of the prime minister.
The taskforce teams raided at various places across the region against power pilferers and imposed Rs 20 million fine on them.
As many as 246 domestic, 14 commercial, 4 agricultural tube wells and one industrial user were caught stealing electricity in MEPCO region.
Cases were registered against 92 power pilferers at various police stations.
A major electricity theft was caught in Rehman boys hostel in Gulgasht area.
The team led by SDO Malik Kazim Awan detected electricity theft during checking
In Mumtazabad, electricity theft was caught by installing direct wires to 10 shops and a hotel.
The LT line was disconnected to end Kunda culture in Basti Malana Rahim Yar Khan.
Likewise , the electricity was being stolen by installing locks on the lines passing over the houses in basti Malook.
A grand operation was conducted against power pilferers along with the police force in Rojhan
Only seven meters were installed in more than 50 houses in Basti Randhani, Basti Shiro Khan and Basti Faizullah Tambani.
The transformers were removed due to the high rate of electricity theft in the three villages.
Three transformers and LT line were taken down for stealing electricity by installing direct wires in Choti Zerin and Shadan Lund areas.
Applications have been sent to register cases against power pilferers.
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‘One nation, one law to be ensured,' says PM
GILGIT:Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Wednesday said the problems of Gilgit-Baltistan would be addressed through constitutional means, and no ‘hostage group’ would be allowed to enforce its agenda.
“The rule of One Nation and One Law will be implemented and there should be no doubt about it,” he told journalists at the opening of the outpatient department at the cardiology hospital in Gilgit.
The prime minister said it was the responsibility of the State to ensure the rights of the people.
He said every effort would be made to resolve the problems of the people of GB and provide them with an honourable life.
He vowed to focus on tapping the economic potential of GB through its tourism and energy production sectors.
Kakar said the road infrastructure of GB would be improved to enhance its connectivity with the rest of the country.
He mentioned holding detailed meetings with local stakeholders and highlighted the importance of removing mutual misunderstandings.
About financial problems faced by Gilgit-Baltistan University, he said following his discussion with the vice-chancellor, the finance division had been directed to step in.
As an inclusive approach, the prime minister said he had directed the caretaker information minister to telecast air talk shows on Pakistan Television in Gilgiti and Shina languages twice a week.
Earlier, PM Kakar took a round of various departments of the hospital where he was briefed about the medical facilities.
The 50-bed hospital contains emergency care, an intensive care unit, a children’s ward, cardiac surgery, and treatment sections. It was told that the hospital will become fully functional by June 2024.
Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti, Information Minister Murtaza Solangi, Chief Minister GB, and senior officials were present.