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AJK braces for severe monsoon, disaster authorities on high alert

MIRPUR (AJK): Director General , State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), Saeed-ur-Rehman Qureshi, has warned that the upcoming monsoon season could be more intense than in previous years, prompting authorities to step up preparedness measures across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

In a statement issued to the media here, Qureshi said the SDMA, Rescue 1122 and all relevant departments were on alert and fully prepared to respond to any emergency situation throughout the region.

He said preparations were being carried out in line with government directives, with rescue machinery and personnel being deployed using all available resources.

The DG added that a campaign to clean rivers and canals had formally begun, alongside desilting operations aimed at preventing waterways from overflowing and threatening nearby communities.

He said settlements vulnerable to flooding and other monsoon-related risks had already been identified, while the authorities were reviewing alternative arrangements to relocate the residents to safer areas if necessary.

According to the SDMA chief, regular notices were also being issued to people living near natural waterways and drainage channels, urging them to take precautionary measures and cooperate with evacuation efforts during the rainy season.

He further said public awareness campaigns had been launched and systems for timely dissemination of information were being strengthened.

The SDMA has already issued a monsoon advisory, while overall contingency planning has entered its final stages, he said.

He said that practical steps were being taken to ensure the timely availability of essential resources in an effort to protect lives, property and infrastructure and minimise potential losses during the monsoon season.

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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.