Home Blog Page 516

Punjab police arrest 15 gang members, recover arms, cash

0
LAHORE, Jul 14 (APP):Punjab Police have arrested 15 members of seven organised criminal gangs during operations conducted across the province, including in Lahore, over the past 24 hours.
A spokesperson for Punjab Police on Monday said, law enforcement officials recovered 78 illegal weapons, including Kalashnikov rifles, pistols, shotguns, revolvers, and rifles along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition from the possession of the arrested suspects.
The police also seized 10 motorcycles, 10 mobile phones and Rs. 2 million in cash during the operations.
In a parallel effort, 118 proclaimed offenders, 102 court absconders, and 62 habitual criminals were also apprehended.
Furthermore, four criminals were neutralised during police encounters, six were injured and five were arrested, the spokesperson added.
Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr Usman Anwar has directed that the ongoing operations against criminal elements be further intensified.

PPP leadership criticize PTI 12-Year governance in province

0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP): KP Provincial president of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha, on Monday criticized Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s 12-year rule in the province, calling it the period marked by negligence, inefficiency and poor crisis response.
During the press conference Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha alongwith Secretary General of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Humayun Khan and other leaders strongly condemned KP government’s handling of the recent tragedy in which 18 tourists lost their lives after being stranded in the Swat river.
“For over two hours, these tourists cried for help just 100 feet from the riverbank, yet no rescue teams arrived,” said Ali Shah.
He also raised the question of availability of helicopter for rescue purpose.
While on the contrary, he said that during PPP’s tenure, swift rescue responses were ensured in such situations.
“We immediately dispatched helicopters and saved lives. This recent tragedy is a result of criminal negligence by the provincial government and administration. The Chief Minister must resign,” he demanded.
He further accused rescue, tourist and irrigation departments of KP province, also responsible for the Swat incident as they failed to take precautionary measures.
He also held PTI-led government responsible for issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to hotels built dangerously close to the Swat River, which he said also contributed to the disaster.
Meanwhile, Humayun Khan remarked, “PTI’s ego has turned into negligence. Governance is a responsibility, not a platform for personal agendas.
After 12 years in power, PTI has delivered nothing but disappointment.” PPP leadership always came forward in support of people, he said.
He noted that PPP leaders, including the Governor of KP, the Governor of Punjab and the Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme, personally visited the families of the Swat victims.
“Governor KP even announced prizes for those who risked their lives to attempt rescue efforts,” Humayun said.
He also highlighted the security issues in Bajaur, which had claimed several lives recently.
The PPP leadership reiterated their party’s long-standing support for the people of Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Provincially Administered Tribal Areas.

CM grieves over loss of lives in bus accident near Chakri

0
LAHORE, Jul 14 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic loss of precious lives in a bus accident near Chakri.
The CM extended her heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families, praying for strength and patience for them in this time of grief.

Special polio campaign kicks off in Diamer, three KP districts

0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP):A special anti-polio campaign has been launched on Monday in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamer district and three districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to the National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), the campaign has also started in selected union councils of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the EOC confirmed.
During this targeted drive, more than 318,000 children under the age of five will be administered polio drops to protect them from lifelong paralysis.
“Each round of polio vaccination plays a vital role in shielding children from permanent disability,” said a spokesperson of the EOC.
The National EOC emphasized that completing the full course of immunization is crucial for protecting children against deadly diseases.
“Eradicating polio is our shared responsibility—every individual must play their part,” the EOC urged.
The organization reaffirmed that ending polio in Pakistan is achievable through national determination, a coordinated strategy, and strong cooperation from parents.

CM Maryam reviews post-rain situation in Lahore

0
LAHORE, Jul 14 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif conducted a surprise visit to various parts of Lahore to inspect the post-rain situation and assess the city’s drainage and sanitation response.
The CM visited Misri Shah, Lakshmi Chowk, and other localities to personally review the efforts being made to drain rainwater from roads and surrounding areas.
During the visit, the CM evaluated the performance of WASA and instructed officials to further improve drainage operations across the city. She emphasized the need for swift and effective measures to ensure that rainwater does not disrupt daily life for citizens.
CM Maryam Nawaz also reviewed cleanliness efforts under the “Suthra Punjab” programme and monitored traffic flow in affected areas. She directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert and to coordinate closely for maintaining cleanliness, smooth traffic, and effective water drainage in the wake of monsoon rains.

Pakistan, UK signs , ‘Trade Dialogue Mechanism Agreement’

0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP):Pakistan and United Kingdom (UK) on Monday  formally signed, ‘Trade Dialogue Mechanism Agreement’  to institutionalize bilateral economic cooperation.
 Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and British Minister of State for Trade Policy and Economic Security , Douglas Alexander signed the agreement, said a release issued here.
This is the first high-level trade agreement that Pakistan has signed after the approval of the Cabinet.
Pakistan, UK signs , 'Trade Dialogue Mechanism Agreement'
The agreement is a major step towards institutionalizing bilateral economic cooperation.
Both countries agreed to explore trade opportunities, remove barriers and increase bilateral investment.
The agreement will establish joint working groups and regular review meetings and Cooperation in areas such as digital trade, renewable energy, agriculture and pharmaceuticals will be emphasized.
The agreement will pave the way for new markets, job opportunities and sustainable development for both countries.
Pakistan highlights IT, agri-tech and pharmaceutical sectors to boost exports Agreement to facilitate Pakistan under UK’s Developing Countries Trade Scheme (DCTS).
Historic agreement will lay the foundation for entering a new economic era in bilateral relations.

Online test for school heads on 22nd

0
LAHORE, Jul 14 (APP):An online test would be held for heads of schools on July 22.
Punjab School Education Department (PSED) sources told APP that in total 3,772 teachers from all over Punjab have submitted applications for the test for the appointment of heads to high and higher secondary schools through a test. The date for submitting online applications for the test was set for July 12. After the test, applications will also be taken for the appointment of heads in middle and primary schools.
They said that the Punjab School Education Department (SED) is initiating the appointment of permanent heads in 35,000 government schools. This aims to fill vacant positions and address a staffing crisis where many schools have been operating with junior teachers in senior roles. It is worth mentioning here that earlier, the SED has removed school heads who were appointed without formal testing.

AC visits Tehsildar office

0
Sargodha, Jul 14 (APP):Assistant Commissioner Sargodha Shireen Gul on Monday paid a surprise visit to the Tehsildar office to assess the attendance and performance of staff, particularly Naib Tehsildars and Patwaris.
AC Shireen Gul emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline and punctuality in government offices, ensuring transparency and timely action in public dealings, said a press release issued here.
She warned that any negligence or absenteeism would not be tolerated, and disciplinary action would be taken against defaulting employees.
The Assistant Commissioner’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to improving public services and holding staff accountable for their performance.
Shireen Gul said “By ensuring attendance and discipline, the administration aims to provide better facilities to citizens”.

BISP Chairperson meets KP Governor; discuss enhanced services for beneficiaries

0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP): Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, held a meeting with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi at the Governor House, Peshawar, to discuss the provision of modern facilities under the programme.
During the meeting, both dignitaries exchanged views on the latest initiatives aimed at improving service delivery to deserving women under BISP, said a news release.
Governor Kundi termed the programme a landmark initiative of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, launched to empower women and protect them from financial vulnerability.
He appreciated Senator Rubina Khalid’s efforts to enhance payment mechanisms and expand the outreach of the programme to more deserving beneficiaries.
He said that such efforts were critical in ensuring transparency, dignity, and effectiveness in welfare delivery.

Chairman CDA held meeting to review progress of key development projects

0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP): An important meeting was held at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) headquarters under the chairmanship of Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa.
The meeting was attended by senior officers including CDA Member Admin and Estate Talat Mahmood, Member Environment Esfandyar Baloch, Member Finance Tahir Naeem, Member Planning Dr. Khalid Hafiz, Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon, DG Works, DG Resource, Chief Officer MCI, Deputy DG Enforcement, Director DMA and other senior officers, said a press release.
The meeting reviewed the progress of key development projects, including Shaheen Chowk, Kashmir Chowk, Faizabad Interchange, uplifting of Pakistan Secretariat, installation of street lights, improvement of the solid waste management system, establishment of Islamabad Model Jail, upgradation of police stations, establishment of a food street in Blue Area, construction of parking plazas, implementation of a cashless system in CDA, Safari Park, Theme Park, Cable Car, Ferris wheel, upgradation of 25 football and 25 cricket grounds, and installation of dancing fountains.
Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that improving the living standards of Islamabad’s residents is CDA’s top priority. He stated that not only major roads across the city are being upgraded, but new roads and underpasses are also being constructed to resolve traffic issues.
Additionally, he said CDA is actively working on the beautification of parks and the improvement of sports facilities. This includes the restoration of 25 football grounds, 25 cricket grounds, establishment of paddle courts and the upgradation of pedestrian bridges.
Chairman CDA directed that modern and aesthetically pleasing lights be installed on all major roads in Islamabad. For this purpose, a special committee has been formed, comprising representatives from Engineering, Environment, Finance, Sanitation, Building Control, Estate Management, Enforcement, MPO, MCI, DMA, Islamabad administration and Islamabad police.
The committee’s responsibilities include inspecting key roads, overseeing their upgradation, repair and maintenance, installation of new lights, landscaping, horticulture work and reviewing other development projects to ensure their timely completion.
A briefing was also given on the progress of the Blue Area Parking Plaza construction. It was reported that, in addition to the construction work, the installation of lifts has been completed.
He instructed that the remaining electrical and mechanical work, fire extinguishers, and other pending tasks be completed as soon as possible to make the parking plaza operational for the public at the earliest.
Chairman CDA emphasized that all development projects will be completed with transparency and high standards to ensure Islamabad continues to progress as a modern and beautiful Capital city.