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PDMA organizes workshop to deal increasing risk of drought in Balochistan

QUETTA: In order to effectively deal with the increasing risks of drought in Balochistan, enhance the capacity for timely response in emergencies and further strengthen inter-agency coordination, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Balochistan organized a one-day workshop titled “Tabletop Simulation Exercise” in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Program (WFP).

On this occasion, representatives of federal and provincial departments, experts and heads of social organizations including FAO Antiseptic Specialist Roaidullah, Program Assistant WFP Asadullah, United Organization Balochistan Rehana Khilji participated.

The main objective of the workshop was to assess the potential impacts of drought in advance, promote effective coordination between relevant institutions and formulate a comprehensive strategy for timely and effective response.

During this, a practical review of institutional preparedness, resource availability, coordination and relief measures was conducted in the context of various hypothetical emergencies. While briefing the participants, it was informed that the Government of Balochistan, as per the vision of the Chief Minister of Balochistan, is adopting a modern and effective “proactive” strategy instead of the traditional “reactive” approach to deal with natural disasters, so that preventive measures can be ensured before any possible disaster. On this occasion, it was said that the Chief Minister of Balochistan has always emphasized on planning on scientific grounds and the use of modern technology, keeping in mind the geographical and climatic conditions of the province.

In the light of these instructions, PDMA Balochistan is being made more effective with modern data analysis, early warning system and world-class technology so that the effects of possible natural disasters can be minimized. Representatives of the departments of Meteorology, Agriculture, Livestock, Irrigation, Health, Information and other relevant institutions also participated in the workshop.

During the session, various aspects of quick response in emergencies, damage reduction, transparent and timely delivery of relief resources to the affected areas, and further strengthening the links between the district administration and the provincial control room were reviewed in detail. Addressing the concluding session, Deputy Director PDMA Asghar Ali Jamali as Chief guest of the workshop said that such exercises would prove to be an important milestone in making Balochistan a “disaster resilient” province.

He said that the provincial government under the leadership of the Chief Minister Balochistan is ensuring that farmers, livestock owners and ordinary citizens suffer minimal losses due to the effects of drought and climate change.

He added that the Government of Balochistan and PDMA value the cooperation of all their international partner institutions and would continue their joint efforts to establish a safe, stable and prosperous Balochistan.

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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.