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Balochistan’s long coastline to become trilateral economic hub connecting central Asia, South Asia & Middle East: Governor

QUETTA: Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhel on Tuesday said that Balochistan’s long coastline could become a trilateral economic hub connecting Central Asia, South Asia and the Middle East.

He said that Pakistan has an unparalleled potential to lead the entire region in terms of blue economy, therefore, it is important that taking advantage of these economic and trade opportunities, Pak Navy and Public Sector University would now jointly develop a comprehensive strategy based on modern research that could help and guide us in utilizing all marine resources, with the development of blue economy, we could easily overcome unemployment and poverty.

He expressed these views while talking to the officers under training of Pakistan Navy War College Lahore during their study tour to Quetta.

Commandant Pakistan Navy War College Lahore Rear Admiral Sohail Ahmed Azmi and officers under training from several countries were also present on the occasion.

During the interaction, the officers under training asked various questions, which the Governor Balochistan answered in detail.

On this occasion, Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhel said that Pakistan stands as a pillar of peace and harmony in this entire region, we believe that sustainable peace is desperately needed everywhere in the world.

He said that moreover, after the devastating 40-day recent war, Pakistan’s wise and successful diplomacy achieved what many considered impossible, saying that for the first time in half a century, it brought the United States and Iran to the table for direct negotiations, this is proof that words, when guided by wisdom and diplomacy could easily overcome deadly weapons and tensions.

The Governor of Balochistan said that steps are being taken to bring our youth into the mainstream and utilize their hidden talents through various economic activities and employment opportunities.

He hoped that this study tour of officers under training at the Pakistan Navy War College would become a memorable part of your memory, remember that you have come to Quetta as a guest but you would leave as a good friend.

The Governor said that Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan in terms of area and its geography makes it the gateway to the entire region. Pakistan’s economic future is linked to Balochistan.

He said that our population is small but spread over remote areas, due to which it becomes very difficult to provide all the basic facilities to the people at their doorsteps.

Expressing his best wishes, the Governor said that your stay in Quetta is safe and pleasant.

In the end, commemorative shields were exchanged between the distinguished guests.

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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.