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48 transplants, implants completed in just two months under Sehat Card programme

By
Kamran Muraad
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PESHAWAR, Jul 23 (APP): In a revolutionary progress in free treatment under Sehat Card programme, about 48 transplants and implants are completed in just two months, said Advisor to Chief Minister on Health, Ihtisham Ali in a press statement issued here on Wednesday.
He stated that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was firmly committed to providing free and quality healthcare to its citizens through the flagship Sehat Card programme.
He revealed that more than PKR 37 billion were spent on the treatment of citizens under this initiative in the previous financial year, while a record PKR 41 billion has been allocated for the current fiscal year.
Every rupee of this substantial allocation is being spent on ensuring free healthcare services so that no citizen is deprived of treatment due to financial constraints, he added.
He continued that the “Sehat Transplant and Implant Card” has now been formally integrated as a regular feature of the Sehat Card programme, bringing new hope to patients battling life-threatening conditions.
In just the past two months, a total of 48 successful transplants and implants have been carried out under this initiative, with an overall expenditure of PKR 118 million.
Providing further details, the Health Advisor stated 23 kidney transplants were conducted at a cost of approximately PKR 45 million while 4 liver transplants were performed, costing around PKR 25 million.
He added that 21 children received cochlear implants, bringing joy to families at a total cost of PKR 48 million.
He emphasized that these life-saving services are available in both public and private hospitals across the province to ensure no patient is left untreated or forced to travel far for care.
Health Advisor termed this initiative a new beginning under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, marking another revolutionary step in the healthcare sector.
“This is just the beginning. Our mission is to ensure that every citizen of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has access to all levels of healthcare from basic to the most complex without any financial burden, he remarked.

SWMC performance reviewed

By
Ahmed Waheed
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Sargodha, Jul 23 (APP):Commissioner Sargodha Division Jahanzeb Awan on Wednesday presided over a meeting of Sargodha Waste Management Company and reviewed the performance of Company over the past three months.
In the meeting, key areas such as cleanliness, contractor performance, public complaints, monitoring reports, and the penalty system were reviewed, said a spokesperson for the Commissioner office here.
SWMC CEO Rana Shahid Imran briefed the meeting that the contractors were fined Rs 278.73 million in July, Rs 394.83 million in June, and Rs 356.29 million in the last 15 days of April for poor performance.
He said that monitoring teams conducted 2,958 inspections during the current month, adding that the Punjab government had allowed the deployment of one supervisor for every two union councils to improve monitoring.
He also informed that all waste workers’ salaries would be paid through bank accounts to ensure transparency. On the occasion, the DC directed the Assistant Commissioners to ensure implementation of government policies, gather feedback from the public, and monitor contractors’ performance and establishment of control rooms at tehsil level to promptly address public complaints.
He also directed that penalty system should be effective and not just a paperwork exercise.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of the Punjab government’s flagship programme in improving cleanliness and providing employment opportunities to over 100,000 people.
He directed the administrative officials to ensure the program’s success through hard work.

PM Coordinator on Commerce met APDA to discuss vehicle import policy

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP):PM Coordinator on Commerce on Wednesday met All Pakistan Car Dealers And Importers Association (APDA) to discuss vehicle import policy .
The Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, held a meeting with representatives of the APDA to discuss their policy recommendations for the upcoming framework on the regulated import of used vehicles, set to take effect from September 2025, said a release issued here.
The delegation presented proposals focusing on environmental and road safety compliance, including pre-shipment inspections to ensure emissions and structural standards, as well as transparent valuation mechanisms for imported vehicles, said a press release issued here.
Recommendations were also shared on foreign exchange arrangements and revisions to the existing depreciation framework to align with market realities.
During the discussion, it was highlighted that taxes and tariffs for the coming year would require careful consideration.
The Coordinator reaffirmed that respective wings of the Ministry of Commerce and other relevant stakeholders would be consulted, and the association’s views would be incorporated before finalizing decisions.
The meeting emphasized the government’s commitment to creating a transparent and balanced automotive trade policy that addresses industry concerns while ensuring regulatory compliance and consumer welfare.

YPF delegation meets Balochistan Assembly Speaker to discuss youth issues

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP): A Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF) delegation, led by President Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, MNA, met with Provincial Speaker Capt. (R) Abdul Khaliq Khan Achakzai in Quetta to discuss youth-centric challenges.

Key issues, including unemployment, law and order situation, alarming number of out-of-school children, political polarisation and preparations for the YPF Grand Convention, were reviewed. The Speaker assured full support for
youth empowerment initiatives.

The YPF delegation also briefed the Provincial Speaker on the preparations for the upcoming YPF Grand Convention, scheduled for the first week of September. Key aspects such as the formation of a dedicated training team and the formulation of resolutions, bills, and amendments to strengthen youth representation were discussed. Both sides agreed on the need for collaborative efforts, and the Speaker assured full cooperation and support in this regard.
The discussion further touched upon the grave implications of political polarization and the urgent need to counter divisive narratives. The YPF delegation underscored that out-of-school children are particularly vulnerable to negative influences and emphasized the importance of inclusive education. President YPF, Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, MNA, shared the Forum’s ongoing policy development initiatives and highlighted the critical role of parliamentarians in articulating the needs and aspirations of the youth with clarity and purpose.
Additional points of discussion included the influence of the tribal system on youth opportunities, the necessity of ensuring equitable access to employment for the youth of Balochistan, and concerns regarding the negative portrayal of law and order conditions by sections of the media—despite the presence of progressive initiatives. The delegation called for decisive action against the spread of misinformation and proposed active engagement with the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting.
General Secretary YPF, Nawabzada Mir Jamal Khan Raisani, expressed serious concern over the lack of media coverage of positive youth-oriented initiatives and the widespread dissemination of misleading content through both social and electronic media. President YPF, Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, MNA, reaffirmed the Forum’s unwavering commitment to the national cause and expressed confidence that through collective resolve, the challenges faced by youth in Balochistan could be effectively addressed.
Following the meeting, the delegation was given an official tour of the Assembly Hall of the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan.
The visit concluded with a tour of the Assembly Library, where the delegation received a detailed briefing on the library’s historical significance and its vital role in supporting the legislative process. The session highlighted the library’s extensive collection of legal, historical, and research-based resources, and its continued dedication to fostering informed policymaking and knowledge development among members of the Assembly.

E-Filing, Office Automation System to enhance efficiency: DC

By
Ahmed Waheed
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MUZAFFARGARH , Jul 23 (APP):Deputy Commissioner Usman Tahir Jappa chaired a meeting regarding implementation of E-Filing and Office Automation System (EFOAS) across government departments in Muzaffargarh.
The meeting focused on the features and functionality of the paperless working system aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency and promoting digital governance. During the session, departments were briefed on the operational aspects of EFOAS and its benefits in improving institutional work-flows.
The DC said that EFOAS would bring greater transparency to financial operations and facilitate easier monitoring of expenditures through a fully digital system. He stated that all departments must ensure accurate data entry and timely reconciliation within the platform. “The EFOAS will significantly strengthen financial discipline, ensure transparency, and support effective decision-making,” he added.
Officials from the Finance, Accounts, and Development wings were present at the meeting.

Junaid Chaudhry stresses urgent climate action through Gwadar sustainable development

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP):Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Wednesday underscored the pressing need to integrate climate resilience into Pakistan’s development agenda, particularly in Gwadar, where the government is actively promoting Chinese-local partnerships to drive sustainable economic growth.
During a meeting with a delegation from the Gwadar Press Club led by its President Ismail Umar, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment for combating climate change while simultaneously improving livelihoods through resource-based development.
He highlighted Gwadar’s immense potential and emphasized leveraging local resources responsibly to build climate-resilient infrastructure.
Junaid Chaudhry noted that initiatives such as setting up fisheries value-addition units and date processing plants would not only stimulate the local economy but also promote environmentally sound practices. “Our approach is to build Gwadar’s economy while ensuring it does not come at the cost of the environment,” he said.
The minister revealed that a 2,000-ton cold storage facility is already operational at Gwadar Port, playing a key role in minimizing post-harvest losses. He also addressed the urgency of climate adaptation, pointing to the operational trial of a 12,000-gallon capacity desalination plant, aimed at solving water scarcity, a major climate-related challenge in the region.
In a green initiative, Junaid Chaudhry announced plans for a community-based tree plantation campaign in partnership with the Gwadar Development Authority, urging every household to plant at least one climate-suitable tree. “A greener Gwadar is essential for a sustainable future. Community participation is key,” he stated.
Human resource development also featured in his remarks, as the minister emphasized aligning vocational training with international standards. This, he explained, would prepare Pakistan’s youth for overseas employment, especially in climate-sensitive sectors where green skills are in high demand.
Furthermore, in a step to enhance sustainable trade logistics, Chaudhry shared that the Karachi Cotton Association has agreed to route cotton imports through Gwadar Port. This move is expected to reduce transport emissions and improve supply chain efficiency by bringing Gwadar to the forefront of national trade logistics.
Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry’s multifaceted vision for Gwadar reflects a broader commitment to sustainable development — one that tackles climate change head-on while unlocking the region’s socio-economic potential.

Egypt envoy proposes, Pak- Egyptian bilateral PTA

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP): Dr. Ihab Mohamed Abdelhamid Hassa, Ambassador of Egypt to Pakistan on Wednesday proposed the establishment of a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Pakistan and Egypt to facilitate smoother trade relations.
Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, held a meeting with the Ambassador of Egypt to discuss avenues for enhancing bilateral trade between Pakistan and Egypt, said a press release issued here on Wednesday.
The Ambassador observed that despite the two countries collectively representing a significant share of the global Muslim population, the existing trade volume remained low.
He emphasized the need to strengthen trade relations and apprised that he had already met with chairmen of various chambers of commerce in Pakistan to explore possible collaborations.
To institutionalize cooperation, the Ambassador recommended signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and its Egyptian counterpart, as well as the formation of an Egypt-Pakistan Business Council focusing on sectors including spices, pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, and food products.
The Ambassador recommended signing a Memorandum of Understanding between Pakistan Ministry of Commerce and its Egyptian counterpart, along with the formation of an Egypt-Pakistan Business Council focusing on key sectors including spices, pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments and food products.
The Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce assured that the Ministry of Commerce would extend full support for these initiatives and facilitate measures aimed at enhancing trade linkages between the two countries.
The meeting reaffirmed the Ministry of Commerce’s commitment to fostering stronger trade relations with Egypt and underscored its resolve to create an enabling environment for exporters and investors.

PHC mandates emergency code system in public hospitals

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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LAHORE, Jul 23 (APP):The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) has issued a directive requiring all public sector hospitals to implement an emergency code system aligned with international standards.
To support this initiative, an orientation session titled Guidelines on Hospital Emergency Codes was held on Wednesday, chaired by PHC Chief Executive Officer Dr Muhammad Saqib Aziz. The session focused on enhancing understanding of hospital emergency codes and establishing standardised procedures, with emphasis on code blue (medical emergency), code red (fire), and code pink (child abduction).
In his opening remarks, Dr Saqib Aziz highlighted the critical need for standardised emergency protocols to improve patient safety and care outcomes. He noted that the absence of such protocols has led to adverse incidents in hospitals. The PHC’s guidelines outline ten standardised codes for medical emergencies, and Dr. Aziz stressed the importance of staff training, public address systems, command centers, and response review committees for effective implementation. He urged hospitals to develop implementation roadmaps in line with PHC guidelines, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to enhancing patient safety and quality care across Punjab.
Guest speaker Dr. Taarif Hussain Warraich, an Emergency Medicine Physician (MD, ABEM), shared insights into international code blue protocols, identifying gaps in trained personnel and equipment. He emphasized that locally adapted protocols could effectively address these challenges. Participants agreed that medical universities should lead in developing training modules and offering accredited certifications to build institutional capacity. Prof. Khalid Gondal, Vice-Chancellor of Fatima Jinnah Medical University and Convener of PHC’s Technical Advisory Committee, noted that the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) has already integrated emergency management into its training programs.
Experts recommended that hospitals assess their specific needs to create customized emergency plans and develop local training materials tailored to Pakistan’s healthcare context, rather than relying on imported resources. The session saw active participation from vice-chancellors, principals, chief executives, medical superintendents, and senior faculty members from across Punjab. Notable attendees included Prof. Dr. Zafar Ali Chaudhary (VC Faisalabad Medical University), Prof. Dr. Farooq Afzal (Principal Ameer-ud-Din Medical College), Prof. Zohra Khanam (Principal SIMS), and Prof. Soufia Farrukh (Principal Quaid-e-Azam Medical College Bahawalpur).
The PHC’s initiative marks a significant step toward standardizing emergency response systems to ensure safer and more effective healthcare delivery in Punjab’s public hospitals.

Smuggled goods worth millions seized in Rangers operation

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
KARACHI, Jul 23 (APP):Pakistan Rangers Sindh and Police carried out joint intelligence-based operations in Karachi, seizing large quantity of smuggled foreign cloth, powdered milk, and saffron worth millions of rupees from Quetta Bus Terminal and the Northern Bypass.
In a separate raid in Baldia Town, a suspect identified as Muhammad Waqas was arrested, according to a spokesperson for Pakistan Rangers Sindh on Wednesday.
A significant quantity of gutka/mawa was recovered from his possession. The arrested suspect has been handed over to police for further legal proceedings.
The spokesperson said that operations against smuggling will continue until the menace was eradicated from society.

Ministry launches drive to comprehensively address marine pollution

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP):The Ministry of Maritime Affairs launched the campaign to comprehensively address the marine pollution threatening to the blue economy, harming biodiversity, fisheries, and tourism, while contributing to climate change, public health risks, and economic losses.
Talking to APP, Ministry of Maritime Affairs’ official told on Wednesday that Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has already established two committees to identify issues and submit a report with suggestions to promote cleaner coastlines, a healthier marine ecosystem, and a stronger system for pollution control.
He said that the committees will focus on the Sewage Treatment Plant-III (SPT-III) project and the Combined Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP), a treating wastewater from various industrial sources and will submit report to the Marine Pollution Control Board within 20 days.
He stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive public awareness campaign, calling for the active involvement of all stakeholders to foster community engagement in efforts to combat marine pollution. “Land-based marine pollution particularly the discharge of untreated sewage and solid waste into coastal waters can be reduced by up to 90 percent through targeted and effective measures,” he added.
He elaborated on the wide-ranging consequences of marine pollution, noting that it undermines fisheries and tourism, inflicts economic losses, poses public health risks through contaminated seafood, exacerbates climate change, and endangers the livelihoods of fishermen and coastal communities.
To combat solid waste pollution, the official said several mitigation measures have been taken by the ministry such as installing nets on stormwater drains (nullahs), fencing rivers, and deploying systems to remove floating trash from the harbor.
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