Latest

Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar visits Pakistan Monument, Islamabad Police Lines

ISLAMABAD: Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar, accompanied by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Monday visited the Pakistan Monument and Islamabad Police Lines during his official visit to Pakistan.

The visit included ceremonial events, briefings on national heritage, and an inspection of Islamabad Police personnel.

Upon his arrival at the Pakistan Monument, the Lebanese interior minister was presented a guard of honour by a contingent of the Federal Constabulary. He later visited the Martyrs’ Memorial, where he laid a floral wreath and offered prayers in tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

During the visit, Ahmad Al-Hajjar was given a detailed briefing on the historical and national significance of the Pakistan Monument. Officials informed him about the monument’s role in representing the country’s history, culture and national identity.

The Lebanese minister appreciated the historical importance of the Pakistan Monument and the Martyrs’ Memorial. He also acknowledged the architectural design of the national landmark.

Later, a special parade was held in honour of the Lebanese interior minister at Islamabad Police Lines. A special contingent of Islamabad Police presented a salute, while the national anthems of Pakistan and Lebanon were played during the ceremony.

Ahmad Al-Hajjar inspected the parade and reviewed the contingent of Islamabad Police personnel. During the event, he appreciated the professional capabilities and discipline of the police force.

The Lebanese interior minister also distributed awards among Islamabad Police officers and personnel who had demonstrated outstanding performance in their duties.

The ceremony was attended by Inspector General of the Federal Constabulary Riaz Nazir Gara, Inspector General of Islamabad Police Ali Nasir Rizvi, deputy inspectors general of Islamabad Police and other senior officials.

Latest

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.

Latest

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.

Latest

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.