ISLAMABAD: July 14 – APP/RNK/MAF/FHA
A view of electric buses parked at a bus stop, waiting to pick up passengers in the Federal Capital.
ISLAMABAD: July 14 – APP/RNK/MAF/FHA
Bilawal pays tribute to his late chief media coordinator on anniversary
KARACHI, Jul 14 (APP):Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has paid a glowing tribute to the late Nazir Hussain Dhoki, former Chief Media Coordinator to the Chairman, on his death anniversary, remembering him as a loyal comrade and a dedicated party worker of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s mission.
He said in his message that Nazir Hussain Dhoki was not just a colleague; he was family, a man whose unwavering commitment, integrity, and love for the party knew no bounds.
The PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari praised Dhoki’s lifelong struggle for democracy and freedom of the press, as well as his role in shaping the party’s media narrative during crucial times.
He said the party will always take pride in his efforts and service. Martyrs and true workers like Nazir Hussain Dhoki keep the spirit of the PPP alive, their memory is our strength, and their example is our guiding path.
The Chairman offered prayers for the departed soul and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family, stating that Dhoki’s services to the party and his struggle for democracy will always be remembered.
Social activists visits NDF Rehabilition Centre Qasimabad
HYDERABAD, Jul 14 (APP):Eminent social activists Kashif Siddiqui and Pir Taj Rashdi visited NDF Rehabilitation Center Qasimabad, Hyderabad which is a joint initiative of the National Disability & Development Forum (NDF) and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), Government of Sindh. On this occasion,
Abid Lashari, President of NDF Pakistan, warmly welcomed the guests and briefed them on the free rehabilitation services provided at the center for children with intellectual disabilities such as Down syndrome, Autism, ADHD, CP, and Dyslexia
Abid Lashari shared that the center offers free-of-cost services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychotherapy, and other essential treatments.
Sharing their impressions, the social leaders said that this rehabilitation center is truly a blessing for the people of Qasimabad. The work being done here is commendable and is transforming the lives of children and their families.”
Lashari acknowledged the continued support of the Government of Sindh, stating that this facility has been established with their full cooperation and financial assistance, and all services are being provided free of cost with high standards.
The NDF Rehabilitation Center has become a beacon of hope for children with intellectual disabilities, working tirelessly to promote inclusion and improve quality of life.
On this occasion, Tariq Hussain Channar, Ms. Rida Fatima Sahito NDF Manager, and other dignitaries were also present.
ICT admin, NHA clear encroachments on Murree Road
ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP):The Islamabad district administration and the National Highway Authority (NHA) continued their joint operation against encroachments near Phulgran area along the Murree Road.
The operation, supervised by the Assistant Commissioner Secretariat, saw the use of heavy machinery to demolish illegal constructions established on state land, said the spokesman of ICT administration here.
Authorities launched the drive to clear government property from unauthorized occupation, which has been a concern for commuters and local residents due to the obstruction caused on this key route leading to Murree.
During the operation, structures that were unlawfully built on the roadside and surrounding areas were identified and removed. Officials stated that the encroachments not only violated land-use laws but also posed challenges for the smooth flow of traffic on the busy Murree Road, particularly during the tourist season when the route experiences heavy traffic.
The Assistant Commissioner Secretariat, who led the operation, emphasized that no illegal occupation of state land will be tolerated. The administration, in collaboration with the NHA, has planned to continue similar actions in other parts of the district where encroachments have been reported.
The operation was carried out with support from local police to ensure security and prevent any resistance from occupants. According to officials, the drive aims to restore public spaces and ensure that highways and surrounding areas remain clear of unauthorized structures.
Residents of the area were also cautioned against future encroachments. The administration has stated that strict action will be taken against individuals or groups found involved in occupying government land or constructing without legal permission.
The NHA, responsible for maintaining highways and national roads, supported the drive by providing technical assistance and ensuring that the removed structures do not reappear.
Authorities said the campaign is part of a broader strategy to enforce the law, maintain public property, and improve the city’s infrastructure. Further operations are expected in other areas of Islamabad in the coming weeks.
Indus Hospital to establish cancer ward in Mirpurkhas
MIRPURKHAS, Jul 14 (APP):A delegation from Indus Hospital Karachi met with Divisional Commissioner Faisal Ahmed Uqaili on Monday to discuss the establishment of a cancer ward in Mirpurkhas.
According to APP correspondent, the ward aims to provide treatment and care to children suffering from cancer, particularly those from rural areas.
The Commissioner welcomed the initiative, stating that it would be a positive step in protecting innocent children from diseases like cancer.
He emphasized the need to establish the ward with all required facilities, which would benefit not only Mirpurkhas but also children from Tharparkar, Umerkot and adjoining districts.
Thousands of Children Affected by Cancer in Sindh Dr. Syed Ahmar Hamid of Indus Hospital Karachi highlighted that every year, 2 to 2.5 thousand children in Sindh are diagnosed with cancer.
The Commissioner and the delegation visited the Civil Hospital Mirpurkhas to identify a suitable location for the cancer ward.
A place was allocated on the second floor of the children’s ward, and further steps will be taken jointly by the administration of Indus Hospital and Civil Hospital.
The initiative is expected to provide primary medical treatment and care to children suffering from cancer, reducing the financial burden on families and improving access to healthcare services.
IIUI President calls on HEC Chairman
ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP):President of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed, called on Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Rector IIUI, Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed to discuss key developments concerning the university’s academic direction and institutional priorities.
The meeting focused on ways to promote academic excellence, uphold merit, and revitalise IIUI’s Islamic identity and institutional integrity. Both agreed that the upcoming meetings of the Selection Board and Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) must remain top priorities, with a particular emphasis on transparency and fairness, said a press release issued here on Monday.
The two dignitaries also discussed IIUI’s ongoing reform measures, including the digitisation of administrative systems, enhanced student engagement, and efforts to strengthen faculty development programs. Both sides reiterated the importance of protecting and promoting IIUI’s unique role as a centre of Islamic learning and contemporary scholarship—rooted in tradition, yet responsive to present-day academic and societal needs.
It was agreed that the new leadership must work to ensure transparent, rule-based, and equitable decision-making. The President affirmed his resolve to help build a system that is institutionally strong and not vulnerable to manipulation or hijacking by vested interests.
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed also expressed his firm commitment to enhancing the university’s research culture, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and scholarly inquiry. He emphasised that immediate attention would also be given to improving campus infrastructure and student facilities, recognising that a well-equipped and supportive physical environment is essential to the academic experience.
Both the President and the Rector also agreed on the need to improve the university’s financial sustainability. They discussed the importance of generating new streams of revenue, encouraging public-private partnerships, and attracting investment to strengthen IIUI’s long-term institutional stability and autonomy.
Chairman HEC appreciated the student-oriented approach of the IIUI President, noting that he had worked sincerely from day one to reduce the gap between students and the administration. He observed that such a proactive and reform-driven leadership style would contribute meaningfully not only to IIUI’s academic resurgence but also to further strengthening Pakistan-Saudi educational relations.
He reaffirmed HEC’s full support for the university’s academic and structural reforms, particularly in areas such as quality assurance, curriculum development, and merit-based faculty promotions.
It was also agreed that the dialogue between IIUI and HEC would continue in the weeks ahead to align the university’s institutional reforms with broader national higher education goals.
Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed thanked the Chairman for his continued guidance and support, reiterating his commitment to quality education, institutional transparency, and fostering a campus environment that truly serves students’ academic and personal growth.