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Hostile forces seeking to derail Pakistan’s progress through proxies will ultimately fail: COAS

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has reiterated that hostile forces attempting to undermine Pakistan’s progress through proxies and propaganda will ultimately fail in the face of the state’s resilience and the unity of its people.

Interacting with officers and troops of formations deployed in Balochistan during his visit to Quetta Garrison here Tuesday, the COAS emphasized that Pakistan’s destined rise cannot be obstructed through propaganda, fake news or externally sponsored terrorism, said a news release issued Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Underscoring the importance of sustainable peace and stability in Balochistan, the Field Marshal highlighted that long-term progress depends upon a people-centric approach, inclusive development and improved governance alongside security efforts.

He appreciated the ongoing efforts of the Government of Balochistan focused on public welfare, socio-economic uplift and strengthening the bond between the state and the people of the province.

Addressing student officers and faculty members at Command and Staff College, Quetta the Field Marshal appreciated high standards of training, intellectual rigour and professionalism that remain the hallmark of Command and Staff College.

He noted with satisfaction that the graduates of the College have continued to distinguish themselves through their exceptional performance and dedication to the profession.

The COAS & CDF highlighted rapidly transforming character of modern warfare and stressed the importance of remaining abreast with emerging technologies, multi-domain operations, tri-services synergy and future battlefield challenges.

He advised the officers to continuously train themselves and their troops to effectively respond to the changing character of war while maintaining highest standards of professionalism, preparedness and operational excellence.

Highlighting the contours of prevailing security environment, he reaffirmed that Pakistan Armed Forces, with the steadfast support of the people, remain fully committed to the eradication of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

The Field Marshal also appreciated the high morale, operational readiness and professional commitment of officers and troops in maintaining peace, stability and the writ of the state in Balochistan.

Earlier, upon his arrival at Quetta, the COAS & CDF was received by Commander Quetta Corps.

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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.