Online test for school heads on 22nd

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Mon, 14 Jul 2025, 9:46 PM

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

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Mon, 14 Jul 2025, 9:37 PM

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

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Mon, 14 Jul 2025, 9:37 PM

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

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Mon, 14 Jul 2025, 9:34 PM

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.

Sargodha division to get 72 electric buses

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Mon, 14 Jul 2025, 9:32 PM

Sargodha, Jul 14 (APP):Under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a modern electric bus service project is being launched soon in Sargodha Division to provide easy, affordable and environment-friendly travel facilities to the public.

It was disclosed by Commissioner Sargodha Division Jahanzeb Awan while visiting the proposed site of the central bus terminal to be built on Sargodha Bypass, Lahore Road here on Monday and reviewed the progress of the project. Secretary Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Malik Muhammad Tahir Was also present.

The Commissioner said that in the first phase of this project, it has been decided to operate a total of 72 electric buses in all four districts of Sargodha Division, adding that initially 48 buses will be operated in Sargodha city, 12 in Khushab, while 6 buses each will be operated in Mianwali and Bhakkar.

On the occasion, the Secretary RTA gave a detailed briefing to the Commissioner about the project.

The Secretary informed that in the first phase, 12 electric buses will be operated on four major routes in Sargodha, adding that these routes include Sargodha to Salanwali, Sahiwal, Bhalwal and Kot Momin.

He said that Modern, comfortable and low-cost travel facilities will be provided to the citizens on all these routes, adding that each electric bus will be able to carry 80 passengers at a time.

He mentioned that the bus fare will be half that of ordinary buses, while senior citizens, special persons and students will be provided with free travel in buses.

The Secretary RTA said that modern bus stops will be constructed on each route, where arrangements will be made for passengers to sit, clean drinking water, air fans, and separate seating for women and men. “These buses will provide service from 6 am to 12 am daily, so that citizens can travel comfortably at all times”, he asserted.

The Commissioner was informed in the briefing that a central bus terminal is being constructed on 53 kanals of land on the bypass, which will be the center of this project.

He said that under the project, rickshaws will be banned on the routes where electric buses will be operated so that the traffic system will improve and the environment will be positively affected.

Secretary RTA Malik Muhammad Tahir said that in the first phase, electric buses will be operated up to Quaidabad in Khushab district. He said that more electric buses will be provided to Sargodha Division in January 2026, through which other areas will also be included in this facility and the number of buses on pre-determined routes will be increased. “This project will not only provide comfortable and affordable travel to the citizens but will also prove to be a positive step towards reducing environmental pollution, improving the traffic system and better use of energy”, he concluded.

Senate Panel reviews progress on housing projects, maintenance delays, public facility challenges

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Mon, 14 Jul 2025, 9:32 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP): A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works, chaired by Senator Nasir Mehmood Butt, was convened at the Shaheed-e-Millat Secretariat here on Monday to review pressing issues related to housing projects, maintenance delays, illegal occupations, and resource constraints affecting public facilities.

The meeting was attended by Senators Husna Bano, Khalida Ateeb, Saifullah Sarwar Khan Nyazee, Hidayatullah Khan, and Saifullah Abro, along with senior officials from the Pakistan Housing Authority (PHA) Foundation and other relevant departments.

Expressing concern over the prolonged disrepair of lifts—some inactive since 2006—Senator Nasir Butt called for clarity and accountability regarding the persistent delays in maintenance.

“This committee’s foremost purpose is to serve the public interest and support development—not obstruct it,” he stated.

PHA officials reported that out of the six lifts, two have been made operational following essential repairs, three are undergoing installation, and one is still under construction.

The committee also discussed the illegal occupation of government property. A significant case highlighted was the 38-kanal land in Murree, which had been unlawfully occupied. The PHA Chairman informed the committee that legal proceedings were initiated in the Islamabad High Court, resulting in the eviction of illegal occupants. The department is now recovering compensation in the form of rent for the duration of the illegal occupation.

Senator Nasir Butt appreciated this action, terming it a “successful recovery effort that must serve as an example for other cases.”

The committee further debated the deteriorating state of the Public Works Department (PWD), with some members suggesting it might be shut down altogether due to inefficiency. However, Senator Butt cautioned, “Before making any decision, we must consider the future of the employees dependent on this department.”

He directed that this matter be included in the agenda for the next meeting to seek a comprehensive solution.

Addressing another issue, the committee reviewed ongoing parking space projects, highlighting that the allocated Rs. 154 million was insufficient to complete the planned work. It was recommended that additional budgetary allocations be considered to ensure the timely completion of these vital public convenience projects.

Wrapping up the proceedings, Senator Nasir Butt reiterated the committee’s resolve:

“We will continue to monitor progress, ensure transparency, and push for the timely completion of public welfare projects. People’s needs must remain our top priority.”

The meeting concluded with a strong message to all relevant departments to expedite pending projects, curb illegal encroachments, and deliver services efficiently in the larger public interest.

Frontier Constabulary being restructured to strengthen internal security: Talal Chaudhary

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Mon, 14 Jul 2025, 9:30 PM

FAISALABAD, Jul 14 (APP): Minister of State for Interior and senior PMLN leader Senator Talal Chaudhary said that the Frontier Constabulary (FC) is being restructured and renamed Federal Constabulary only to bolster internal and national security of Pakistan.

He was addressing a press conference at the Deputy Commissioner’s office here on Monday and FC Commandant Riaz Nazir Gara was also present. The minister said that revamping of FC is not a politically motivated decision but it is an institutional necessity to improve coordination, compensation and capability of this force across all provinces and territories of Pakistan.

It is purely a defence-related issue to strengthen national defence by providing support to the law enforcement agencies, he added. He said that the FC had played a pivotal role in maintaining peace and security within the country and along its borders for nearly a century, yet this force has not been accorded the recognition and benefits comparable to other security forces in Pakistan.

He lamented that despite limited salaries and fewer privileges, FC personnel have consistently served the nation with unwavering dedication. “Now the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi have decided to transform FC into a federal force to address the disparity with upgraded structure and scope under the new name of Federal Constabulary,” he added.

He clarified that while the name is being changed, the identity and core function of the FC as a constabulary remain intact. The restructuring would help ensure that its personnel receive salaries, training and benefits equal to those of other national security forces, he added.

He said that the FC has long involvement in combating drug trafficking, smuggling and supporting civil law enforcement agencies during sensitive events like Muharram, elections and anti-polio campaigns. Now it would continue to carry out these responsibilities under its new federal framework, he added.

He said that with reorganization, the jurisdiction of Federal Constabulary would be expanded to include all four provinces as well as Gilgit/Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir.

He said that recruitment will be opened to all citizens from across the country and the federal government would bear all operational and financial responsibilities, relieving the provinces of any budgetary burden.

FC revamping would include updated training modules, capacity-building initiatives and a modernized command structure designed to uplift the morale and effectiveness of its personnel, he added.

FC Commandant Riaz Nazir Gara provided historical context and said that the FC was established in 1913, originally known as the North-West Frontier Constabulary. It was operated under an act that is now over 100 years old.

Recognizing the urgent need for reform, he said that the FC would be realigned into a more robust and federally managed institution with clearly defined command tiers including platoons, companies and wings.

He said that the FC has 41 wings and its 36 wings are currently deployed under the security division. The revamped structure would streamline these units for improving efficiency, he added.

Commandant Gara disclosed that 423 FC personnel have laid down their lives in the line of duty which is a testament to the commitment and sacrifice of this force.

The reorganization would help honor these sacrifices by providing a better command structure, improved facilities and clearer career pathways for FC members, he added.

The State Minister and FC Commandant both urged the public, media and stakeholders to carefully read the new ordinance related to the Federal Constabulary to avoid misconceptions.

This transformation is a strategic and institutional reform which would help address the internal security challenges and enhance operational capability of one of the oldest law enforcement bodies of the country, they added.

Four shopkeepers held for de-sealing shops illegally

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Mon, 14 Jul 2025, 9:28 PM

FAISALABAD, Jul 14 (APP):A team of Civil Defence department handed over four shopkeepers to police for de-sealing shops.

According to official sources here Monday, the team during crackdown on refilling of LPG near 79-Morrh, in Ghulam Muhammad Abad area, sealed four shops. The shopkeepers de-sealed the shops as soon as the teams left the area and started their business.

On being informed, the teams headed by civil defence instructor Muhammad Irfan arrested the shopkeepers and handed them over to police. Police have registered a case and initiated legal action.

Planning Minister reviews preparations for ‘Marka-e-Haq,’ I-Day ceremonies

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Mon, 14 Jul 2025, 9:25 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Monday visited Jinnah Stadium and H-8 Pakistan Monument Park to review preparations for the ‘Marka-e-Haq’ and August 14 (Independence Day) ceremonies.

The minister undertook a detailed inspection of the stadium’s capacity, security and facilities, a news release said.

He expressed disappointment over the stadium’s dilapidated condition and directed the authorities concerned to convene an immediate meeting to discuss its urgent renovation.

Ahsan Iqbal was of the view that the stadium, being of national stature, must not be neglected, especially considering the visits of foreign teams, which should depart with a positive impression and fond memories.

AC inspects THQ hospital

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Mon, 14 Jul 2025, 9:24 PM