Home Blog Page 8399

MPA Paras Dero urges for action against responsible of Rohri Canal breach

0
Rohri Canal breach - mpa
HYDERABAD, Aug 19 (APP): Member Sindh Assembly Paras Dero has said that efforts were underway to assist the people of the area, with a focus on shifting those affected by the breach in the Rohri Canal to their homes as quickly as possible.
He expressed these views during a visit to various villages including Achar Saand, Saand Mori, and Hashim Sand along with Deputy Commissioner Sanghar Dr. Imran ul Hassan Khuwaja.
Dero said that the breach in the Rohri Canal had caused damage to the local population, impacting crops and livestock.
He criticized the breach as a result of negligence by the concerned department and called for accountability for the responsible officials and staff.
He urged party leaders to assist the flood victims in Tando Adam and to establish a permanent system to address such disasters.
During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner Dr. Imran ul Hassan Khuwaja informed the media that efforts were in place to address the concerns of the flood-affected people and expedite their recovery.
He mentioned that around 25 pumps were currently being used to drain water, with plans to deploy larger turbine pumps due to the high volume of water, aiming to resettle affected individuals promptly.
Dr. Khuwaja added that over 3,000 people had been compelled to leave their homes, and even if we build five-star camps, still they cannot replace the comfort of one’s home
DC also reviewed the details of the rehabilitation efforts with the Assistant Commissioner of Tando Adam and other officials, instructing them to ensure that all necessary facilities are provided to the victims.
On this occasion, he inquired about the details of rehabilitation efforts from Assistant Commissioner Tando Adam and other officials and directed to provide all facilities to the affectees.

CM Punjab to meet position holder students

0
CM Punjab

RAWALPINDI, Aug 19 (APP): Chief Minister (CM) Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif will meet position holder students on Tuesday in Lahore.
According to a Rawalpindi board spokesperson, the students who secured prominent positions in annual matriculation examinations of Rawalpindi Board here on Monday left for Lahore.
Before leaving for Lahore, male and female students were presented guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of Rawalpindi Police.
Along with the students, the Chairman, Rawalpindi Board Muhammad Adnan Khan, Secretary Board Muhammad Asif Hussain, the parents and teachers were also present.
The students were invited to Lahore on the special invitation of Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
The spokesman said that there would be a special ceremony at the Chief Minister Office, 90 Lahore Road, on Tuesday in which Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif would address the students. There would also be various programs to encourage the students, he added.
According to Rawalpindi Board spokesperson, the special guests of all the programs would be the position holders, male and female students.

Senate body takes notice of alleged malpractices in housing scheme

0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP):The Senate Functional Committee on Problems of Less Developed Areas has ordered an inquiry into widespread power theft across Pakistan and took notice of alleged malpractice by a NESPAK consultant involved in the Park Road Housing Scheme under the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA).
 The meeting, chaired by Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani, scrutinized both the ongoing electricity theft concerns and the alleged corruption within the housing project.
During the session, the Committee reviewed the implementation of recommendations from previous meetings, particularly focusing on actions taken against corrupt officials of the Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) over the past five years.
Senator Shahzaib Durrani highlighted discrepancies in QESCO’s disciplinary actions, criticizing the seemingly inconsistent grounds for the termination of certain individuals.
He noted that while some individuals were dismissed for not showing enough interest in anti-theft initiatives, others received only minor penalties for more serious misconduct and corruption.
Despite the removal of these allegedly corrupt officials, power theft in QESCO’s jurisdiction persists. Consequently, the Chairman directed the Power Division to conduct a thorough examination of QESCO’s disciplinary actions and submit a detailed report within 30 days.
The Committee also received updates on ongoing projects in less-developed areas.
Managing Director NESPAK, Muhammad Zargham Eshaq Khan, briefed the Committee on NESPAK’s supervision of the construction of 83 roads across 11 districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including seven districts in the former FATA region. The total length of these roads is approximately 872.65 km, with an estimated cost of Rs. 25.7 billion. The Committee instructed NESPAK to provide comprehensive details of projects related to the rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
The meeting also addressed allegations of malpractice by a NESPAK consultant in the Park Road Housing Scheme of FGEHA. MD NESPAK disclosed that a Fact-Finding Committee had been formed to investigate the allegations, resulting in show-cause notices being issued to three officers and the suspension of four others pending the inquiry’s completion.
Senator Shahzaib Durrani questioned whether the Ministry of Housing had conducted an independent inquiry into the matter.
The Director General of FGEHA informed the Committee that an internal investigation had been conducted, leading to the termination of the Project Director found guilty of the fraud. The case has since been forwarded to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
Senator Shahzaib Durrani expressed concern that a single individual could orchestrate a fraud of Rs. 1.4 billion, suggesting that other officials might also be implicated. The Committee directed the Ministry of Housing to submit a full report of its internal inquiry.
The Committee expressed dissatisfaction with the briefing provided by the Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO) and instructed both SEPCO and the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) to present a detailed report on unannounced load shedding and power theft in their respective areas, along with a comprehensive plan to address these issues, at the next meeting.

Filmmaker Shaukat Rizvi remembered

0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP):Legendary producer, director and actor Shaukat Hussain Rizvi was remembered on his death anniversary on Monday.
Born in India in 1914, Rizvi is widely regarded as a pioneer of local cinema, having produced some of the earliest super hits in the sub-continental region.
Shaukat Hussain Rizvi was born in Azamgarh, British India, in 1914. He was widely regarded as a pioneer of local cinema, he produced some of the earliest super hits in the sub-continental region.
He directed his first film, Khandan, in 1942, which went on to become a super-hit at the time.  He released hits such as Nokar in 1943, Dost in 1944, and 1947’s Jugno, in which he launched the legendary singer Muhammad Rafi.
After partition, Shaukat migrated to Pakistan. His famous films are Gulnaar and Jaan e Bahaar.
Rizvi passed away on August 19, 1999, at the age of 86 years.

Medical facilities inspected at DHQ hospital Timergara

0
DHQ - inspected
DIR LOWER, Aug 19 (APP): Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Arif Khan visited District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ)Teaching Hospital Timergara on Sunday evening to inspect medical arrangements.
Additional Deputy Commissioner General, Bashir Khan, accompanied him during the visit which aimed at reviewing implementation of the chief minister’s Awami Agenda Programme.
The deputy commissioner checked the attendance of doctors and paramedical staff and inspected the cleanliness of the hospital and the availability of medicines for patients.
He also met with the admitted patients and their attendants to inquire about the facilities provided in the hospital.
  During the visit, several doctors and nursing staff were found absent, prompting the DC to direct the department of health to submit a detailed report.
  Deputy Commissioner instructed the hospital administration to enhance the ambulance service and ordered the opening of Gate No. 2 to provide separate entry and exit routes for patients and attendants.
  DC added that there would be no compromise on healthcare services and that strict action would be taken against any health staff found neglecting their official duties.
He issued directives to establish a central computerized system in the hospital, implement a biometric system for all staff, fully computerize the OPD, and set up a database for the pharmacy unit.

World Humanitarian Day being observed today

0
World Humanitarian Day
ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): World Humanitarian Day is being celebrated across Pakistan and around the globe on Monday.
This day was initiated by the UN General Assembly in year 2009 with the purpose of recognizing and encouraging the dedication of humanitarian workers and organizations committed to the welfare of humanity worldwide.
This year’s theme centers on protecting civilians from attacks during wars.
The United Nations promotes this agenda for the 2024 campaign using the hashtag #ActForHumanity.

CM’s Advisor lauds RIC’s health facilities

0
RIC's health facilities
RAWALPINDI, Aug 19 (APP): Adviser to Chief Minister Punjab on Health, Major General (R) Azhar Mehmood Kayani on Monday termed Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology (RIC) an exemplary cardiology hospital having world-class medical standard. He appreciated the services rendered by the hospital management to the patients.
“I appreciate the passion of the doctors, nurses and paramedical staff to serve the suffering humanity”, he said while sharing his views during a surprise visit to RIC.
The advisor instructed the medical officers to ensure attendance in their respective wards. He warned that carelessness committed by anyone would not be tolerated. The advisor said that CM Maryam Nawaz envisioned for provision of quality health facilities to the people.
He maintained that treatment in RIC’s emergency is completely free for all the patients.
He further said that quality and timely treatment is the right of every patient for which all the staff should work as a team to improve the treatment services.
Earlier, CM’s Advisor was given a briefing on medical facilities and the operational work currently being done by the hospital. The advisor made a detailed review of the provision of health facilities in various departments of RIC. He also met with inquired about the treatment facilities from the hospitalized patients. He instructed to ensure timely attendance of the staff in the OPD.
The advisor also admired the hospital’s cleanliness conditions.
At the conclusion of his visit, the advisor intimated that he would make surprise visits in future.
“I will take disciplinary action if found negligent and careless”, he said.

Indian Muslims keep out of India Day Parade featuring controversial Ram Mandir float

0
Ram Mandir

NEW YORK, Aug 19 (APP): Indian-American Muslims stayed away from India’s Independence Day parade in New York City on Sunday to protest the inclusion of a float featuring Ram Mandir that they say glorifies anti-Muslim violence, the destruction of historic mosques, and Hindu supremacy.
Several U.S.-based civil rights organizations had written a letter to New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul, seeking their intervention to remove the controversial float, saying it was anti-Muslim.
Among the groups who signed the letter were the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), and Hindus for Human Rights.
But the parade organizers rejected calls to remove the float — which is 18 feet long, 9 feet wide, and 8 feet tall — saying it celebrates the inauguration of a sacred landmark that is significant to hundreds of millions of Hindus.
The Ram Temple stands on the ruins of the historic Babri Mosque in Ayodhya that was demolished in 1992 by a mob of over 150,000 right-wing Hindu militants. The demolition sparked widespread riots across northern India, resulting in the deaths of thousands, predominantly Muslims.
In January this year, during and after the Ram Temple’s consecration ceremony, Hindu nationalist mobs unleashed waves of anti-Muslim violence throughout India, including the desecration of mosques.
It was not just Indian Muslims who spoke out against the inclusion of the float. Ajit Sahi, advocacy director for the Indian American Muslim Council, said parade organizers are allowing Hindu extremist ideology to taint what is supposed to be a celebration of independence and secularism.
“I am a Hindu and from the bottom of my heart, I reject Hindu fundamentalism and Hindu extremism,” Sahi said.
“There are Hindus in the United States and in India who oppose this temple and the politics that it brings this temple is politics. This temple is not culture, this temple is not faith,” Sahi added.
At Sunday’s parade, the float was decorated with garlands while the members of the Indian diaspora, dressed in traditional attire and holding the India’s tricolour, danced around it.
Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha served as the grand marshal of the parade which took place on New York City’s Madison Avenue.
In a press release, the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) said it has withdrawn its float depicting the contribution of Muslims to the humanity following the parade organizer’s refusal to pull out the Ram Mandir float.

Imtiaz Siamwalla, the president of Indian Muslims of North America sent a letter to parade organizers Saturday, notifying them of the decision.

“It is with a heavy heart that we find ourselves compelled to withdraw our float since the integrity of the parade has been called into the question,” he wrote.

Siamwalla said the Ram Mandir float is political symbolism meant to intimidate Muslims in attendance at Sunday’s parade.

“They want to show the minorities – look what we did in our country we can do it here too, this is all for intimidation,” Siamwalla said.

Other groups had also called on parade organizers to not allow the float in Sunday’s parade, saying it’s an overt politicization of an event meant to celebrate Indian people, not their politics.

A number of New York lawmakers had already spoken out against the use of hate symbols during the event, at the urging of Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Jewish, and Black activists who labeled the Ram Temple float “divisive.”

“No one should be using any anti-conversations in marching these parades,” said Mayor Eric Adams at a press conference last week. “I want to send a symbolic gesture that the city is open to everyone and there’s no room for hate.”

ICC announces schedule for U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 in Malaysia

0
icc

ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced the match schedule for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 in Malaysia.
Sixteen teams from around the world will take part in the 41-match event where the future stars of women’s cricket will announce themselves over 15 days of competition from 18 January to 2 February 2025, the ICC said in a statement.
Over and above these exciting matches will be 16 warm-up fixtures played from 13 to 16 January, in preparation for the main event.
The second edition of this exciting tournament comes on the back of a successful inauguration in South Africa in 2023 where India beat England by seven wickets in a thrilling final to be crowned the first-ever winners. It will also be the hosts, Malaysia’s first appearance in the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup as well as Samoa’s first appearance in an ICC World Cup event.
The teams will be split into four Groups of four teams each.
• Group A – India (A1), West Indies (A2), Sri Lanka (A3) and Malaysia (A4), playing at Bayuemas Oval in Selangor.

• Group B – England (B1), Pakistan (B2), Ireland (B3) and USA (B4) playing at Dato’ Dr. Harjit Singh Johor Cricket Academy (JCA Oval), Johor.

• Group C – New Zealand (C1), South Africa (C2), Africa’s Qualifier (C3) and Samoa (C4) and playing at Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak.

• Group D – Australia (D1), Bangladesh (D2), Asia’s Qualifier (D3) and Scotland (D4) and playing at UKM YSD Oval in Selangor.

The excitement begins with a triple header on 18 January. In Johor, England take on Ireland and Pakistan go up against USA in Group B. Samoa face Africa’s Qualifier, while New Zealand go up against South Africa in the Group C clashes at Sarawak, while Australia go head-to-head against Scotland and Bangladesh take on Asia’s Qualifier in Group D’s fixtures at UKM YSD Oval in Selangor.
Reigning champions, India, will play West Indies on 19 January, with hosts Malaysia facing Sri Lanka earlier in the day at Bayuemas Oval.
The format will see teams progressing from the Group stages to enter the Super Six stage starting on 25 January, where two groups of six teams will compete to determine the semifinalists and the subsequent finalists. If India qualify for the semifinals, they will play seminal 2, which will take place on 31 January at 14h30 local time.
ICC CEO, Geoff Allardice said: “We are delighted to announce the schedule for the second edition of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup and bringing an ICC event of this stature to Malaysia for the first time since the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2008.
“This is a special event to the ICC and forms an important part of our Global Growth Strategy of raising the profile of women’s cricket and further growing the game around the world. It is also a unique opportunity to introduce our vast global audiences to the future stars of the sport.
“We look forward to building on the success from the foundation laid at the inaugural event in South Africa in 2023. We wish all the teams the very best of luck in their preparation and to the Malaysian Cricket Association in organising the event.”
Host Tournament Director for the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup 2025, Dinesh Muthuraman said: “Malaysia is proud to host the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2025, continuing our tradition of supporting the growth of cricket on the global stage. In 2008, we had the honour of hosting the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, where current stars like Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson and Trent Boult among many others, showcased their talents. Now, it is the turn of women’s cricket, and we are confident that this U19 Women’s T20 World Cup will be a launching pad for the next generation of cricketing legends.
“Women’s cricket is experiencing unprecedented growth both in Malaysia and around the world. We are fully confident that this World Cup will further accelerate that momentum, leading to significant developments in the sport, especially for women’s cricket. The matches will take place at premier venues including Bayuemas Oval and UKM YSD Oval in Selangor, Dato’ Dr. Harjit Singh Johor Cricket Academy (JCA) Oval in Johor, and the Borneo Cricket Ground in Sarawak. Malaysia is looking forward to hosting these future stars and contributing to their journey in the world of cricket.
“On behalf of the Malaysian Cricket Association, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the International Cricket Council for entrusting us with this prestigious event. We are committed to delivering a successful and memorable tournament, showcasing Malaysia’s ability to host world-class sporting events.”
Malaysia will now be sole host of the World Cup, following Thailand’s withdrawal as co-host.
Fixtures:

January 18: Australia v Scotland, 10:30 am, UKM YSD Oval

January 18: England v Ireland, 10:30 am, JCA Oval, Johor

January 18: Samoa v Africa Qualifier, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)

January 18: Bangladesh v Asia Qualifier, 2:30 pm, UKM YSD Oval

January 18: Pakistan v USA, 2:30 pm, JCA Oval, Johor

January 18: New Zealand v South Africa, 2:30 pm, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)

January 19: Sri Lanka v Malaysia, 10:30 am, Bayuemas Oval

January, 19: India v West Indies, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas Oval

January 20: Australia v Bangladesh, 10:30 am, UKM YSD Oval

January 20: Ireland v USA, 10:30 am, JCA Oval, Johor

January 20: New Zealand v Africa Qualifier, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)

Januray 20: Scotland v Asia Qualifier, 2:30 pm, UKM YSD Oval

January 20: England v Pakistan, 2:30 pm, JCA Oval, Johor

January 20: South Africa v Samoa, 2:30 pm, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)

January 21: West Indies v Sri Lanka, 10:30 am, Bayuemas Oval

January 21: India v Malaysia, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas Oval

January 22: Bangladesh v Scotland, 10:30 am, UKM YSD Oval

January 22: England v USA, 10:30 am, JCA Oval, Johor

January 22: New Zealand v Samoa, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)

January 22: Australia v Asia Qualifier, 2:30 pm, UKM YSD Oval

January 22: Pakistan v Ireland, 2:30 pm, JCA Oval, Johor

January 22: South Africa v Africa Qualifier, 2:30 pm, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)

January 23: Malaysia v West Indies, 10:30 am, Bayuemas Oval

January 23: India v Sri Lanka, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas Oval

January 24: B4 v C4, 10:30 am, JCA Oval, Johor

January 24: A4 v D4, 2:30 pm, JCA Oval, Johor

January 25: Super Six – B2 v C3, 10:30 am, UKM YSD Oval

January 25: Super Six – B1 v C2, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)

January 25: Super Six – A3 v D1, 2:30 pm, UKM YSD Oval

January 25: Super Six – C1 v B3, 2:30 pm, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)

January 26: Super Six – A2 v D3, 10:30 am, Bayuemas Oval

January 26: Super Six – A1 v D2, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas Oval

January 27: Super Six – B1 v C3, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)

January 28: Super Six – A3 v D2, 10:30 am, Bayuemas Oval

January 28: Super Six – C1 v B2, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)

January 28: Super Six – A1 v D3, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas Oval

January 29: Super Six – C2 v B3, 10:30 am, UKM YSD Oval

January 29: Super Six – A2 v D1, 2:30 pm, UKM YSD Oval

January 31: Semifinal 1, 10:30 am, Bayuemas Oval

January 31: Semifinal 2, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas Oval

February 2: Final, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas Oval

* All games are as per local time

** February 1 is a reserve day for the semifinals, and February 3 is a reserve day for the final.

Middle-aged man commits suicide

0
suicide
MUZAFFARGARH, Aug 19 (APP): A middle-aged man committed suicide by jumping into the Chenab River, a rescuer said.
Imran, 32, a resident of Alipur, was staying at a guest house located in tehsil Bahawalpur here.
Rescue workers said he headed towards the head-panjand bridge of the Chenab River and suddenly jumped into the deep water.
There was no confirmed reason came out for the suicide.
Rescuers from Alipur station are said to have dispatched emergency boat to recover the body.
The operation continued as yet to fish out the body, it was said. The police of the concerned jurisdiction were informed.