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Gilani calls for greater parliamentary unity to address global challenges

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, on Thursday called for greater parliamentary unity and collective action to address global challenges, including armed conflicts, terrorism, climate change and economic inequality.

Addressing the inaugural session of the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) in Phnom Penh, in the presence of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and President of the Senate of Cambodia Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Sen, he lauded the participation of Prime Minister Hun Manet as a strong symbol of Cambodia’s commitment to parliamentary dialogue and cooperation.

Welcoming the Cambodian leadership, Chairman Gilani thanked the King of Cambodia for his message and expressed appreciation to the Senate and people of Cambodia for hosting the conference.

He also acknowledged the leadership and hospitality of Samdech Hun Sen in bringing parliamentary Speakers together on a common platform.

Speaking on the theme, “Solidarity for Peace and Shared Prosperity – Strengthening International Law and Resolving Conflicts Peacefully,” Gilani called for greater parliamentary unity and collective action to address global challenges, including armed conflicts, terrorism, climate change and economic inequality.

He stressed that parliamentary diplomacy must move “from commitment to action, from dialogue to delivery, and from promises to results.”

He proposed that the ISC develop mechanisms for rapid parliamentary responses to emerging crises and strengthen adherence to international law as the foundation for peace and stability.

Citing Pakistan’s experience, he said parliamentary diplomacy could create new avenues for dialogue when traditional channels faced limitations. He also highlighted Pakistan’s cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye for regional peace and stability.

Quoting Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Chairman Gilani said leadership for peace required courage and conviction, and urged parliamentarians to lead with unity and vision.

Earlier, Chairman Gilani led the participating Speakers and delegates on a courtesy call on Samdech Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia.

The 2nd ISC is being hosted by the Kingdom of Cambodia and brings together parliamentary leaders to advance dialogue on peace, development and global cooperation.

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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.