Balochistan Considers Tax Relief on Menstrual Health Products

Quetta: Balochistan Education Minister Raheela Durrani has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the health and dignity of women and girls through legislative reforms.

Chairing a consultative meeting, the minister discussed a proposed joint resolution to reduce or abolish taxes on menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) products across the province.

The MHM Working Group organized the session in collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan.

Officials and development partners participated in the meeting, focusing on easing financial barriers that limit access to essential health products.

Former health minister Rehmat Saleh Baloch stressed the need for cross-party consensus to ensure affordable healthcare necessities for women.

MHM Working Group chairperson Dr Tahira Kamal Umrani highlighted that reducing taxes on hygiene products is a key public health priority, particularly for marginalized communities.

Meanwhile, Abdullah Khan expressed readiness to review the proposal from an administrative perspective.

The proposed resolution seeks either a 50% reduction or a complete exemption from provincial taxes on essential hygiene products, aiming to make them accessible to vulnerable groups.

Lawmakers agreed to expedite the drafting process and present the resolution in the Balochistan Assembly.

The initiative is expected to set a strong precedent for women-focused policy reforms and improve access to basic health necessities across the province.

Hot, humid conditions to prevail across plains:PMD

ISLAMABAD:Mainly hot and humid weather is expected to prevail over most plain areas of the country on Thursday, while partly cloudy conditions are likely in Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast.

In Islamabad and adjoining areas, hot and humid weather is expected during the day, while rain-wind/thunderstorm is likely during evening/night with a probability of 30 percent.

In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, most plain districts are expected to experience hot and humid weather. However, upper districts are likely to remain partly cloudy, with chances of rain-wind/thunderstorm in Waziristan, Hangu, Kurram, Kohat and adjoining areas during the afternoon.

In Punjab, mainly hot and humid weather is expected over most districts. However, partly cloudy conditions with chances of rain-wind/thundershower are likely in Murree, Galiyat and adjoining areas during the afternoon.

In Sindh, mainly hot and humid weather is expected over most districts, while coastal areas, including Karachi, are likely to remain partly cloudy with chances of drizzle.

Most districts of Balochistan are also expected to experience hot and humid weather, while partly cloudy conditions are likely in coastal areas.

Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are expected to experience partly cloudy and dry weather.

During the past 24 hours, weather remained hot and humid over most plain areas of the country, while isolated light rain occurred in Gilgit-Baltistan. Babusar received 5 millimetres of rain.

The highest maximum temperatures recorded on Wednesday were 43 C at Nokkundi, Dalbandin and Sibbi, while Bhakkar and Noor Pur Thal recorded 42 C.

The minimum and maximum temperatures recorded in major cities were: Islamabad 24/36 C, Lahore 28/38 C, Karachi 26/34 C, Peshawar 26/38 C, Quetta 16/35 C, Gilgit 14/36 C, Muzaffarabad 22/37 C, Skardu 12/29 C, Murree 14/23 C, Faisalabad 27/38 C and Multan 27/37 C.

In Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Pulwama, Anantnag, Shopian and Baramulla, the temperatures remained at 15/32 C, 25/34 C, 7/23 C, 16/34 C, 17/31 C, 15/34 C and 16/32 C, respectively.

Health

30 childcare centers launched for pilgrims’ families, Hajj workers

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development is supervising more than 30 licensed childcare centers in Makkah and Madinah during the Hajj 1447 AH season to support pilgrims’ families and seasonal field workers.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the centers have been prepared to accommodate up to 900 children in safe and professionally supervised environments during the Hajj season.

The report said the facilities provide educational and recreational activities for children of pilgrims, Umrah performers and workers performing field duties during Hajj operations.

Authorities said the initiative aims to reduce pressure on families and enable parents to perform Hajj rituals or official duties with greater peace of mind while their children remain in secure care centers.

The ministry added that the childcare facilities are operating under organized supervision to ensure proper care, safety and quality services for children throughout the Hajj season.

SPA told APP that the initiative supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by improving family support services linked to pilgrims’ comfort and enhancing the overall Hajj experience.

Health

Punjab Launches Disease Prevention Program to Combat Major Illnesses

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the launch of a province-wide “Disease Prevention Program” aimed at controlling the spread of major life-threatening illnesses.

The initiative will focus on preventing diseases such as diabetes, tuberculosis (TB), HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, alongside a large-scale public awareness campaign to educate citizens about prevention and treatment.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the chief minister, where officials briefed her on the program’s objectives and implementation strategy.

Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to strictly enforce health standard operating procedures (SOPs) in public hospitals to prevent outbreaks and improve patient safety.

She also instructed the Punjab Healthcare Commission to ensure compliance with SOPs in private hospitals and clinics.

In addition, the chief minister ordered strict legal action against quack doctors operating across the province, stressing the need to eliminate unsafe medical practices.

She highlighted the importance of public awareness, noting that early detection of symptoms can play a key role in preventing serious complications and saving lives.

Officials said the program aims to strengthen preventive healthcare, reduce disease burden, and promote healthier communities across Punjab.