RAWALPINDI, Aug 7 (APP): Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Asim Munir on Monday said the surge in terrorism in the recent past was a futile effort on the part of terrorists to get the talks re-initiated, however, there was no option for them except to submit to the writ of state before they were decimated, if they persisted on their wrong path.

The Army Chief made these remarks during his visit to Peshawar.

The COAS laid a floral wreath at Yaadgar-e-Shuhada at Fort Bala Hisar (Headquarters Frontier Corps Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – North) and offered Fatiha, an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release said.

The COAS met tribal elders from Newly Merged Districts (NMDs ) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as well as notables from all walks of life.

“With the unflinching resolve of the Nation, Pakistan is successfully countering terrorism to enable a stable and peaceful environment for socioeconomic development in the area,” the COAS remarked.

The COAS reiterated, “Terrorism has no place in Pakistan and the involvement of Afghan nationals in terrorist incidents in Pakistan is detrimental to regional peace, stability and deviation from the Doha Peace Agreement by the interim Afghan Government.”

He also said, “Pakistan has concerns over sanctuaries available to banned outfits and liberty of action they enjoy on Afghan soil. Pakistan will spare no effort to dismantle terrorist networks and protect its citizens at all costs.”

During an interactive session, the COAS paid rich tribute to the supreme sacrifices of brave and resilient tribals of Pakistan and appreciated their indomitable resolve for standing shoulder to shoulder with the Security Forces in defeating the menace of terrorism.

Tribal elders assured that the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its ideology would never be acceptable to any tribe and they would continue to stand with the state during the thick and thin.

The Army Chief emphasised the potential of NMDs and on going efforts in uplifting the socio-economic growth under the umbrella of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

He also opined, “KP province is blessed with huge reserves of Mines & Minerals, also beautiful areas for tourism which will certainly change the destiny of the area for the good of the people.”

“Pak Army stands with our tribal brothers and will never leave them alone as over the years they have given innumerable sacrifices for the peace and prosperity of the motherland. It’s time to develop all tribal areas and concentrate on youth,” the COAS said.

He reiterated the resolve of Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and other Law Enforcement Agencies in their fight against terrorism, till the elimination of this menace from the country. He showed resolve to finish peril of narcotics which was becoming a lifeline for these TTP khawaraj (seceders).

The Army Chief said that propaganda by inimical forces against Armed Forces of Pakistan, would be dealt as per the law.

Paying tribute to brave tribesmen, officers and soldiers of Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC), Levies, Khasadars and Police, the COAS vowed that sacrifices of Shuhada would not go in vain and complete peace would return to Pakistan, InshaAllah (By the will of Almighty Allah).

Earlier, upon arrival, the COAS was received by Commander Peshawar Corps.

ISLAMABAD, Aug 7 (APP): Chief of Staff Sultan Armed Forces Oman, Vice Admiral Abdullah Bin Khamis Al Raisi on Monday visited Naval Headquarters (NHQ) here and called on Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest including bilateral collaborations and regional maritime security environment were discussed, a Pakistan Navy news release said.

The Naval Chief highlighted Pakistan Navy’s initiatives to ensure maritime security and peace in the region through Regional Maritime Security Patrols.

The visiting Admiral acknowledged and lauded Pakistan Navy’s efforts and commitments in support of collaborative maritime security in the region.

Oman is a maritime neighbour of Pakistan and both countries have a common maritime boundary.

The ships of both countries routinely operate close to each other’s coasts and accordingly provide support to each other in terms of medical evacuations, cooperation in maritime law enforcement and logistics support.

Both the navies enjoy very close relations and are very forth coming to support each other.

The visit of Chief of Staff Sultan Armed Forces Oman will further enhance bilateral collaboration between the two countries.

ISLAMABAD, Aug 7 (APP): Executive Director Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has decided to expand the new emergency block project of the hospital with the addition of one more floor to ensure the provision of the best emergency services to citizens.

According to ED PIMS spokesperson Dr Mubashir Mushtaq Daha, the decision was made on the direction of the Planning Commission of Pakistan as with this new plan further 75 beds will be added to the project.

He said that after approval from the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, the documents of the projects have been sent to the Planning Commission for allocation of funds.

He said that with the addition of 75 beds, the total number of beds will be 239 in the new emergency block of the hospital with state-of-the-art facilities including a laboratory, operation theatre, and x-ray.

He said that the new emergency block project will be completed next year. He added the project will be helpful in providing quality emergency services to patients of not only Islamabad but also from surrounding areas.

He said that the ED PIMS already directed the hospital administration to provide uninterrupted standard medical services to incoming patients.

ISLAMABAD, Aug 07 (APP): The Upper House of Parliament unanimously passed the Civil Servants (Amendments) Bill, 2023, ensuring that only civil servants from the Engineering Service of Pakistan and registered professional engineers can hold high executive posts in government organizations handling infrastructure, energy, communication, and construction projects for enhanced competence and public safety.

The bill was moved by Senator Engineer Rukhsana Zuberi.

A new proviso and explanation shall be introduced, stating that no civil servant shall be assigned to any Ministry, Division, or Department under the Government dealing with infrastructure, energy, water, communication, and works—such as Ministries of Power, Energy, Planning and Development, Railways, Housing and Works, Water Resources, Industries and Production, Information Technology and Telecommunication, Science and Technology, Aviation Division, Defense Production, Maritime Affairs, and Communication—unless they are part of the Engineering Service of Pakistan and hold registration as a professional engineer or engineer according to the Pakistan Engineering Council Act, 1976 (V of 1976).

The objective of the bill is to ensure that individuals with a recognized engineering background and sound technical knowledge are appointed to high executive posts in government organizations dealing with infrastructure, energy, communication, and construction projects. This measure aims to enhance competence and safeguard the public exchequer and people’s safety in these critical areas.