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Khurram Jaffrani Visits Aaghosh Homes, Pledges Support for Special Orphan Girls’ Home

KARACHI: Renowned philanthropist and CEO of Adpulse IMC (Pvt) Ltd, Khurram Jaffrani, visited Aaghosh Homes Trust, where he spent time with elderly shelterless mothers and orphan girls living with physical and intellectual disabilities and pledged his support for Aaghosh Trust’s proposed dedicated home for these special girls.

Upon his arrival, Jaffrani was warmly received by Aaghosh Trust Secretary General Muhammad Jazib, along with Trustees Shakeel Baig and Manzar Naqvi.

Ms. Shagufta Saba, President of Aaghosh Trust, briefed Jaffrani about the Trust’s humanitarian services and its long-standing commitment to providing shelter, food, healthcare, protection and dignity to abandoned and shelterless elderly women.

She particularly highlighted the urgent need for a separate, purpose-built orphan home for girls with physical and intellectual disabilities, many of whom require specialized assistance, rehabilitation and lifelong care.

Jaffrani was taken on a detailed round of Aaghosh Homes, where he personally met the elderly resident mothers as well as girls with physical and intellectual disabilities. He interacted warmly with the residents, listened to their experiences and appreciated the compassionate and caring environment being provided by Aaghosh Trust.

As a gesture of affection and solidarity, Jaffrani presented valuable gifts to every resident of Aaghosh Homes. He showed particular affection towards a one-and-a-half-year-old baby girl, the daughter of a resident young woman with an intellectual disability, and presented gifts to the child, bringing a touching moment of joy during the visit.

Deeply moved by the work of Aaghosh Trust, Jaffrani assured the management of his support for the establishment of the proposed dedicated orphan home for physically challenged and intellectually disabled girls. The initiative is envisioned as a specialized residential facility where girls requiring lifelong assistance can receive shelter, medical care, rehabilitation, therapy, education and protection in a safe and dignified environment.

Jaffrani also assured the elderly mothers that his visit would not be a one-time occasion. He promised to visit Aaghosh Homes regularly and remain personally connected with its humanitarian mission.

President Aaghosh Trust Shagufta Saba, Secretary General Muhammad Jazib, and Trustees Shakeel Baig and Manzar Naqvi expressed their gratitude to Jaffrani for his compassion, generosity and commitment. They said the support of philanthropists, business leaders and the corporate community could play a vital role in transforming the proposed special orphan home from a vision into reality.

For nearly 25 years, Aaghosh Trust has been serving elderly, abandoned and shelterless mothers, providing them with a home, care and dignity. Building upon this legacy of compassion, the Trust is now seeking the support of philanthropists, corporations and institutions to establish a permanent and dedicated home for orphan girls with physical and intellectual disabilities, ensuring that those requiring lifelong care are never left without shelter, protection and a sense of belonging.

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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.