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Millions of Mourners Participate in Chehlum Observance at the Shrine of Masooma-e-Sindh

HYDERABAD: Along with the rest of the world, the Chehlum of the Martyrs of Karbala was observed with profound religious devotion, reverence and enthusiasm at the shrine of Masooma-e-Sindh in Agham Kot, where hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered to pay tribute to the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions.

The main observances continued from the night of 19 Safar until the evening of 20 Safar, during which thousands of mourning caravans comprising men, women and children reached the shrine on foot, engaging in noha recitations and mourning rituals.

According to the organizers, more than 200,000 mourners, including men, women and young children, arrived at the shrine during the two days of 19 and 20 Safar alone. Many of the pilgrims walked hundreds of miles to present their respects and offer their devotion at the shrine of Masooma-e-Sindh.

The organizers noted that the arrival of the foot caravans had begun as early as 25 Muharram, with pilgrims continuing to reach the shrine over several weeks until the conclusion of the Chehlum commemorations.

On both 19 and 20 Safar, all major routes leading to Agham Kot were lined with Mawakib (service camps) established by volunteers and devotees over several miles. These camps remained operational around the clock, providing free drinking water, sherbet, fresh fruit and Niaz (blessed food) to the pilgrims without interruption.

In a joint statement, members of the Religious Affairs Committee, Agham Kot, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Sindh, the Sindh Auqaf Department, all security agencies, the Inspector General of Sindh Police, the Senior Superintendent of Police (Badin), the Deputy Commissioner Badin, and especially Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah for their exceptional support and cooperation.

The committee stated that without the special directives and assistance of the provincial government and relevant institutions, it would not have been possible to provide essential facilities and security arrangements for the hundreds of thousands of mourners and pilgrims who travelled on foot from different parts of the country.

The committee further expressed hope that the authorities would continue extending the same level of attention, cooperation and support in future religious gatherings to ensure that pilgrims and mourners receive all necessary facilities in a peaceful and well-organized environment.

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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.