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Sona Welfare Foundation Announces Landmark Education and Health Initiatives in Partnership with OTF and PPAF

Sona Welfare Foundation (SWF), the implementing partner of FFC continues to advance national development through a diverse portfolio of CSR initiatives.

Building on its ongoing efforts, SWF today launched two transformative scholarship and health programs worth PKR 236 million. Introduced on April 29, 2026, these initiatives mark a significant expansion in social development efforts to empower underserved communities across Sindh, KPK, and Punjab.

SWF has launched the Integrated Health, Rehabilitation and Inclusive Education Initiative with PPAF, alongside the OTF x SWF Scholarship Program with OTF, offering fully funded scholarships to students from Sindh, KPK and Punjab for any degree at any university. Together, the programs advance access to education and specialized healthcare while removing financial and physical barriers.

The launch event was attended by Mr. Jahangir Piracha, MD & CEO FFC and Chairman SWF; Mr. Nadir Barech, CEO PPAF; Mr. Omer Mateen Allahwala, CEO Global OTF; and senior leadership from all three organizations, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable development and the socio-economic uplift of Pakistan’s rural and semi-urban communities.

Speaking at the launch, Air Commodore (Retd) Syed Farooq Ahmed Bokhari, COO of SWF, stated: “These programs are built on the core principle that no business is successful if the community around it fails. By investing 236 million into these initiatives, we are providing the youth of Sindh, KPK and Punjab with the resources to break the cycle of poverty. These programs will help the communities by fostering academic excellence and providing essential health and rehabilitation services, ultimately creating a more resilient and self-reliant society.”

With these initiatives, Sona Welfare Foundation and its partners continue to set a benchmark in impactful social investment, advancing inclusive education and integrated health for a brighter, more equitable future.

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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.