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President, PM pay tribute to citizen martyred after confronting a suicide bomber in Attock

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday paid tributes to brave citizen Liaquat, who sacrificed his life while foiling a terrorism threat after he confronted a suicide bomber near Jund and Khushal Garh Bridge, close to Kohat.

The president and prime minister, in their separately issued statements, said that as a responsible citizen, Liaquat stopped the terrorist and asked for his identification, who later blew himself up, resulting in the martyrdom of Liaquat.

They prayed for the elevation of the ranks of Shaheed Liaquat and strength for the bereaved family to bear the loss.

President Zardari said that the brave citizens like Shaheed Liaquat were a shining example of national resilience, patriotism and collective awareness against terrorism.

“The entire nation stands united with its security forces and law enforcement agencies for the elimination of the scourge of terrorism. The war against terrorism resulting from external support will continue,” he reiterated.

The president directed Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to locate the family of Liaquat and convey the message of complete national solidarity.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said the eternal sacrifice of Shaheed Liaquat would always be remembered as he set a noble example of extraordinary courage, sense of duty and patriotism.

“Such brave and fearless citizens are the true symbol of the national resolve against terrorism. Shaheed Liaquat’s sacrifice is a guiding light for every individual of the nation,” he said.

The prime minister said that the nation would never forget Shaheed Liaquat’s sacrifice as the brave citizens like him were an asset of the nation.

He said that the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with its security forces and law enforcement agencies against the menace of terrorism. The brave people of Pakistan have always foiled the nefarious designs of the enemy and will continue to defeat terrorism through national unity and solidarity, he added.

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Health minister orders probe into Sindh MDCAT complaints

ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has taken notice of alleged irregularities in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) held in Sindh and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the complaints.

According to official sources, the minister directed a five-member committee, including the President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to conduct a transparent investigation and submit its report within 15 days.

The committee has been tasked with examining the complaints and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities during the examination, sources said.

The minister directed the committee to complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe and present its findings for further action in accordance with the applicable rules.

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CDA chairman directs faster work on Expressway East project

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed officials to accelerate work on the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East project while ensuring strict compliance with approved designs and construction standards.

During an inspection of the project on Saturday, the chairman reviewed progress and was briefed on ongoing works and the next phase of development.

He directed the project director and relevant departments to maintain continuous field monitoring and quality control and ensure effective traffic management to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The chairman described the Expressway East project as an important infrastructure scheme for improving connectivity, traffic flow and road capacity in the capital. He also stressed that construction quality should not be compromised in efforts to meet the project timeline.

During the visit, he was also briefed on an ongoing enforcement operation against unauthorised and illegal construction along the Islamabad Expressway.

According to the CDA, 377 buildings have been identified for action, including 281 commercial structures. So far, 58 buildings have been sealed, while 124 buildings between Sohan and Khanna bridges have been marked for demolition.

The authority said Rs234.685 million had been recovered through land-use conversion, unauthorised construction and de-sealing charges. Around Rs3 billion remained recoverable under applicable regulations in connection with land-use conversion and violations relating to unauthorised construction, setbacks, floor area ratio and covered area.

The chairman directed the relevant departments to ensure strict enforcement of building-control and land-use regulations, particularly mandatory fire-safety requirements.

The enforcement operation is being conducted by the CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in coordination with the district administration and Islamabad police.

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GB ministers call on Governor Kundi

PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday held a meeting with a delegation of Gilgit-Baltistan ministers at the Governor’s House here and discussed the country’s political situation and other matters of mutual interest.

The delegation comprised Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Zulfiqar Ali Murad, Minister for Health Iqbal Hassan and Minister for Education Aman Ali Ameer.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the prevailing political situation in the country and various issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Pakistan Peoples Party’s success in the polls.

The visiting ministers were taken on a tour of the Governor’s House. Governor Kundi presented them with traditional shawls and caps.