Home Blog Page 362

PHE Department reviews progress on KP governance roadmap

0
PESHAWAR, Dec 01 (APP):The Roadmap Implementation Committee (RIC) of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHE), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Monday held a meeting chaired by Secretary Dawood Khan to assess the ongoing initiatives and reforms under the KP Good Governance Roadmap.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the department, said a press release issued here.
During the meeting, it was highlighted that the data collection for water supply systems in Abbottabad has been completed ahead of the scheduled timeline.
Regarding the Community-Based Information System (CBIS), the committee was informed that data collection and updates from all districts in the province have been successfully completed, and the information has been systematically integrated into a digital platform.
On the progress of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rural Investment and Institutional Support Project (KP-RIISP), it was shared that the draft PC-I documents for Khyber, Mohmand, and Bajaur are currently under review. Revised deadlines have been issued, and the Secretary instructed the concerned teams to finalize the PC-Is promptly, ensuring they align with technical standards and ground requirements.
The meeting also discussed ongoing awareness campaigns and water quality monitoring efforts. It was noted that community centers, local elders, and other stakeholders are actively engaged in raising awareness about the importance of safe drinking water.
Additionally, field laboratories and technical teams have been further strengthened to ensure continuous water quality monitoring across the province.
As part of the department’s digitalization efforts, the prototype of the Public Health Engineering Department’s mobile application has entered its final development stage.
This app will serve as an essential tool for complaint registration, information dissemination, and field data management. It is expected to be formally presented at the next RIC meeting.
Secretary Dawood Khan reiterated that the Public Health Engineering Department is fully committed to providing high-quality public services through transparency, modern technology, and effective teamwork.
He emphasized that the KP Good Governance Roadmap would not only improve departmental performance but also significantly enhance public trust.
The Secretary further assured that the department is taking continuous measures to ensure sustainable development, transparency, and improved service delivery across the province.

PPP rendered immense sacrifices for country, democracy: PM AJK

0
MUZAFFARABAD, Dec 01 (APP):Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, while describing Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) as a party of martyrs, has said the PPP has rendered immense sacrifices for the country and for the cause of democracy.
He expressed these views while addressing the party workers at the eve of Pakistan Peoples Party Foundation Day ceremony in Kel of Neelum district. “No other party can match the PPP’s sacrifices for the nation and democracy “, he said, adding that the PPP enjoys historic and deep connection with Kashmir.
Referring to the political instability in the AJK for the past one year, he said given the environment of distrust it was very difficult to take over the government yet the party took this challenging decision in the larger interest of Azad Kashmir.” Insha Allah, we will win the next elections based on our performance during this short period and will form the government again”, he added.
The PPP, he said, started this journey with 13 seats and today enjoys an overwhelming support in the house.” The Pakistan People’s Party has always delivered in difficult situations”, he said, continued as saying that his government has the full support of the central leadership and the federal government.
While paying rich tributes to the Pakistan armed forces, he hailed and termed them as the protectors of the nation. Commending the local community for their resilience in face of Indian aggression, PM Rathore said that the people of LoC fought side by side with the Pakistan Army to foil the nefarious designs of the enemy.
AJK Prime Minister, on the occasion, announced a series of development packages for the region including elevating the status of Kel Inter College to associate college, establishing Middle Schools in Kel Baganwan and Shunthar, addressing pending staff related issues, and constructing a 15 km road for Shunthar.
He further instructed the preparation of a PC-1 for the sewage system of Arang Kel, upgradation of Boys High School Phulaoi to a Higher Secondary School, Boys Middle School Taubat to a High School, and approved a 5 km road from Phulwai to Taubutt.
Premier maintained that the government would introduce further initiatives to create job opportunities for the youth. He also expressed gratitude to the people of Neelum for their warm welcome. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressed the Foundation Day ceremony through a video link.
Senior Minister Mian Abdul Waheed and Minister Sardar Javed Ayub were present on the occasion. Waheed also thanked the workers and members of Union Councils Sharda and Dudhniyal for their warm reception of the prime minister.

Gilani pays tribute PPP on 58th foundation day

0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 1 (APP):Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday extended heartfelt felicitations to the party leadership, workers, and dedicated supporters on the 58th foundation day of Pakistan Peoples Party.
While cutting cake alogwith Senators to celebrate the foundation day of Pakistan Peoples Party, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani paid glowing tributes to the founding Chairman of PPP, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, for their remarkable sacrifices and services to the country.
Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said that the Pakistan Peoples Party was founded by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto with a revolutionary vision, a mission that was further strengthened through the unwavering struggle, sacrifices, and democratic commitment of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.
He said the history of PPP is defined by sacrifice, struggle, and unparalleled service to the people.
Highlighting the contributions of President Asif Ali Zardari, Chairman Senate noted his historic role in political reconciliation, constitutional reforms, and strengthening of democracy. He stated that President Zardari played a pivotal role in stabilizing national politics, promoting democratic values, and strengthening state institutions.
He also paid tribute to Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s dynamic and modern leadership, describing him as a beacon of hope for the youth of Pakistan. Gilani said Bilawal Bhutto has provided the youth with a new sense of direction, vision, and political confidence, which guarantees a bright future for the party.
Chairman Senate reiterated that the Pakistan Peoples Party is a true representative of the common people, including workers, laborers, farmers, women, and minorities. He said the party has rendered unmatched sacrifices for the advancement of democracy and constitutional reform. “PPP is the only political party whose leaders, along with its workers, have laid down immense sacrifices,” he added. He paid rich tributes to the party’s leadership and workers on the occasion of the Foundation Day.
He said that the PPP has played a decisive role in protecting public rights, strengthening the federation, upholding democratic norms, and promoting social justice.
Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani prayed for the elevation of the ranks of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, and for continued success of the Pakistan Peoples Party in its mission for national development, democratic stability, and unity.
The ceremony was attended by Senators Sherry Rehman, Syed Waqar Mehdi, Ashraf Ali Jatoi, Bilal Ahmed Khan, Dost Ali Jeesar, Husna Bano, Jam Saifullah Khan, Rana Mahmood ul Hassan, Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, Poonjo Bheel, Rubina Qaim khani, Sarmad Ali, Shahadat Awan, Syed Kazim Ali Shah, Syed Masroor Ahsan, Zamir Hussain Ghumro and others.

Customs seizes 17 NCP trailers worth Rs. 340 million

0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 01 (APP):In a major anti-smuggling action, Customs Enforcement Quetta has seized 17 Non-Custom-Paid (NCP) trailers valued at an estimated Rs. 340 million.
The operation was conducted on credible intelligence provided by the Chief Collector Customs Enforcement, Islamabad, said a news release.
The raid took place at a go-down located in Hazargani, where the enforcement team, assisted by FC 74 Wing, successfully intercepted and secured the non-duty-paid trailers.
The action is part of the Collectorate’s intensified crackdown against smuggling networks operating in the region. The seized trailers have been taken into custody and legal proceedings under the Customs Act, 1969 have formally commenced.
The FBR lauded the performance of the Quetta Enforcement team and reiterated its firm resolve to curb smuggling, illicit trade, and all forms of illegal economic activity.

IHC rejects request to stay trial against Imaan Mazari

0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 01 (APP):The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday rejected a request to stay the trial court’s proceeding against Advocate Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha in a controversial tweet case and issued notices to National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) for response.
The court of Justice Muhammad Azam Khan also removed the objections of registrar office against the petition.
During the hearing on the petition with objections, Advocate Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha appeared in the court along with lawyers.
Justice Azam Khan asked Advocate Riasat Ali Azad to first look at the objections, have all the lawyers come in this case? Advocate Riasat Ali Azad said yes, this is a very important case, the trial is not being carried forward.
The lawyer read out the trial court order before the court and said that one-time exemption was granted to his clients, then in our absence, the statements of four witnesses were recorded on the same day.
The court said that instead of an exemption, you should have applied for adjournment of the case. If there is more than one accused, if one is exempted, the trial continues. The court inquired that the next date was November 24, what action was taken on that day? Hadi Ali Chatha Advocate said that we had applied the next day to record the statements of the witnesses in our presence, they rejected the application.
The court inquired that what was the cross-examination of the five witnesses who have been called?  Riasat Ali Azad Advocate said that the cross-examination has been done, but that too was done by taking the accused out of the courtroom.
Hadi Ali Chatha Advocate said that we had requested the trial court that the accused is ill.
The court adjourned the further hearing of the case. Later, the court rejected the request for an immediate injunction by Advocate Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha, removed the objections to the application and issued a notice to the NCCIA. The court directed that the case be fixed for hearing after two weeks.

Commissioner Karachi chairs meeting on traffic management

0
KARACHI, Dec 01 (APP):Commissioner Karachi, Syed Hassan Naqvi, chaired a meeting to review the traffic management and enforcement of traffic rules with other traffic related issues at his office, on Monday.
The meeting discussed measures to resolve traffic issues and remove bottle necks affecting traffic flow.
The meeting was attended by DIG Traffic, Peer Muhammad Shah, Municipal Commissioner, KMC  Afzal Zaidi, Additional Commissioner Karachi One, Ghulam Mehdi Shah, Deputy Commissioner South, Javed Nabi Khoso, Assistant Commissioner Headquarters, Rabia Syed, Regional Transport Authority and Provincial Transport Authority Secretaries, officials from the Municipal Corporation, Traffic Engineering Bureau, and Cantonment Board, among others.
Commissioner Karachi, Syed Hassan Naqvi, emphasized the need for coordinated efforts from all relevant departments to tackle the growing traffic problems in the  city.
He urged the departments to play a more effective role in implementing traffic management codes  and enforcing traffic laws.
DIG Traffic, Peer Muhammad Shah, informed the meeting that the traffic police have made plan  to issue e-challans for illegal parking, which is a major cause of traffic congestion.
The meeting decided to take various measures to prevent illegal parking on roads that are causing traffic bottlenecks.
The meeting reviewed measures to activate basement parking in commercial buildings and alleviate traffic pressure caused by shopping mall parking.
Deputy Commissioner South, Javed Nabi Khoso, reported that parking spaces provided for parking of vehicles of  visitors and shopkeepers in 22 commercial buildings in Saddar have been cleared which were being used for godowns and we’re encroached for othe purpose instead of parking  have been vacated/cleared.
However, due to absence of electricity, CCTV cameras, and  monitoring staff, citizens and shopkeepers are hesitant to park their vehicles .
It was decided that Deputy Commissioners would instruct the relevant shopkeeper associations to take steps to ensure citizens feel secure parking and to activate basement parking in commercial buildings.
The meeting also reviewed measures to repair and secure pedestrian bridges which are in dilapidated condition in the city. It was reported that several pedestrian bridges in various areas are unsafe for use.
The decision was made to prioritize the repair of all unsafe pedestrian bridges.
The official of KMC informed the meeting that the repair work would be done in phases, with 20 bridges to be repaired in the first phase.
Tenders have been invited, and it is expected that the repair work will be completed within the next two months.
The meeting also decided on various measures to intensify the campaign against professional beggars and roadside hotels and tea shops/cabins.

Prices of edible items stable in Punjab

0
LAHORE, Dec 01 (APP):The prices of edible items are stable in Punjab and the supply of tomato is increasing in the province.
A spokesman of the Price Control and Commodities Management department said here on Monday that it is expected that price of tomato would further reduce with increase of tomato supply from Sindh during current month.
He said that 150 trucks of tomato have been brought in different markets. He said that 67 percent of tomato is coming to Punjab from Sindh while 18 percent from Balochistan.
Onion price is also stable in Punjab and 330 trucks of onion have been brought in different markets, he added.
Spokesman said that currently tomato is available at a price of Rs 84 per kg in market and onion at a rate of Rs 91 per kg. He further said that the increase of onion supply in December would further reduce its prices.
Supply of new potato is ongoing from Khushab, Sialkot and Gujranwala and the potato is being sold in market at a rate of Rs 61 per kg.
He said that the Punjab government is utilizing all available resources to ensure provision of essential items to people at low rates. He said that nobody would be allowed to sell edible items against government fixed rates adding that strict action would be taken against profiteers.

HSF hosts special event “Humanity Fest 3.0”

0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 01 (APP): Human Saviours Foundation (HSF) has hosted a special event titled “Humanity Fest 3.0” aimed at promoting humanitarian service, social welfare initiatives, and community engagement. The event received wide appreciation from participants.
HSF hosts special event “Humanity Fest 3.0”
According to a press release issued here on Monday, a detailed briefing was presented during the ceremony on the foundation’s annual performance and its various welfare projects.
HSF hosts special event “Humanity Fest 3.0”
Esteemed speakers praised HSF’s contributions, noting that welfare organizations play a vital role in bringing about positive and lasting change in society. They emphasized the importance of youth involvement, social responsibility, and the need for continued welfare-oriented initiatives.
At the conclusion of the event, the foundation announced its plans for the upcoming year and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing its mission of humanitarian service with even greater dedication.
Prominent social figures, young volunteers, media representatives, and community leaders were in attendance.

CM opens School of Visual and Performing Arts

0
KARACHI, Dec 01 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah inaugurated the School of Visual and Performing Arts (SOVAPA) building newly renovated by Sindh Government at the Arts Council marking a significant milestone in the province’s cultural development.
The event brought together the President of the Arts Council, international guests, office bearers, artists, faculty, and students to celebrate the transformation of SOVAPA into a world-class institution dedicated to nurturing talent.
SOVAPA, which started decades ago as a single classroom with one committed teacher, has grown into a vibrant center producing internationally recognized actors, musicians, dancers, fine artists, textile designers, and graphic designers.
The Chief Minister highlighted the school’s inclusivity, noting how it provides opportunities to talented students from underprivileged backgrounds, enabling them to showcase their work globally and succeed in diverse creative fields. This achievement is seen as a testament to the ongoing partnership between the Sindh Government and the Arts Council.
The renovation of the SOVAPA building was overseen by the Arts Council with support from the Sindh Government. The state-of-the-art facility aligns with global standards, designed to foster exchange programs, visiting faculty collaborations, and help position Karachi as a significant player in the international arts community.
The Chief Minister expressed full confidence that the renovated school would exceed expectations and continue to be a beacon for artistic excellence.
The inauguration coincided with the ongoing 39-day World Culture Festival, which has attracted artists from over 140 countries.
The Chief Minister welcomed the international guests warmly, emphasising the festival’s role in showcasing Pakistan’s vibrant cultural scene and the fruits of visionary leadership and strong institutional support. He reaffirmed the Sindh Government’s commitment to supporting the arts as a vital pillar of progress and cultural pride for the province and the country.
Through this occasion, the Chief Minister congratulated the faculty, staff, and students of SOVAPA for their dedication and success, while pledging that the Sindh Government will continue to nurture and invest in the arts.
The newly renovated School of Visual and Performing Arts stands as a symbol of Karachi’s growing influence on the global arts stage, inspiring future generations to imagine and achieve their dreams.

Launch of 118 new advanced services marks major reform in Power Sector: IESCO Chief

0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 01 (APP):Chief Executive Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Engineer Chaudhry Khalid Mahmood, on Monday said the launch of 118 new advanced consumer services by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari is a “revolutionary and consumer-friendly initiative” aimed at transforming Pakistan’s power sector.
He said through these digital services, consumers could register complaints regarding power faults, load shedding, voltage issues, new electricity connections, and other matters free of cost in seven languages English, Urdu, Punjabi, Saraiki, Pashto, Balochi, and Sindhi, said a press release.
The IESCO chief said consumers could lodge complaints within 30 seconds by calling 118 or sending an SMS to 8118, while also being able to digitally monitor the progress of their complaints in real time.
He emphasized that to fully benefit from these services, consumers must provide accurate information, including mobile numbers, CNIC details and connection ownership status (owner or tenant), to IESCO staff. Consumers can also upload this information themselves by visiting IESCOs official website at www.iesco.com.pk.
Engineer Khalid Mahmood advised consumers to contact their respective SDO offices or Customer Service Centers for any further information or assistance.