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Govt making all out efforts to address security, economic challenges: Senate told

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Monday informed the Senate that the government was making all out efforts to address security and economic challenges confronted to the country.

Winding up debate on a motion moved by Senator Mohsin Aziz about fall out of the recent war and the government plans to reduce expenditure and other measures to steer the economy out of the crises, he said that Pakistan’s successful diplomacy, anti-terror operations and economic management amid regional tensions had enhanced the country’s global standing.

He said Pakistan’s role in promoting peace during the ongoing Iran-US tensions was being acknowledged internationally and both countries had expressed confidence in Pakistan’s mediation efforts.

The Minister said the ongoing US-Iran tension had affected global economies, particularly countries dependent on oil routes linked to the Strait of Hormuz, including Pakistan.

He said Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, was personally monitoring the situation and remained concerned over increasing petroleum prices and their impact on the common man. However, he said that the government was trying to minimize the burden on citizens while also fulfilling commitments under the International Monetary Fund programme.

The minister said the federal cabinet had voluntarily surrendered salaries, fuel allowances and luxury vehicles as part of austerity measures. Ministers and parliamentarians travelling abroad on official visits were bearing their expenses personally, he added.

He also paid tribute to the armed forces and law enforcement agencies for their sacrifices, particularly mentioning ‘Marka-e-Haq and “Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos.

Responding to concerns raised about Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf founder Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, he said all medical facilities were being provided in accordance with jail rules and immediate treatment was ensured whenever any medical emergency occurred.

Regarding terrorism, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said intelligence-based operations along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border had reduced terrorism incidents by nearly 60 to 70 percent. Terrorists were now targeting soft civilian locations after failing to attack hard targets, he added.

Paying tribute to police and law enforcement personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, he said the entire nation stood with the families of martyrs and security forces fighting terrorism.

Referring to Pakistani medical students studying abroad, he said nearly 1,200 students were facing issues related to recognition and registration with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).

He assured the House that the government would take up the matter with the PMDC.

He also urged the opposition to present constructive and fact-based budget proposals, assuring that positive recommendations would be incorporated into the upcoming federal budget.

Earlier, the minister offered Fateha for security personnel and civilians martyred in recent terrorist incidents.

Later, the Senate session adjourned to meet again on Tuesday at 4 pm.

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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.