Latest

PM Shehbaz directs completion of first phase of Jinnah Medical Complex by March 2027

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed the authorities concerned to complete the first phase of the Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Centre by March 2027, aiming to provide the citizens with modern healthcare facilities at the earliest.

The prime minister issued these directives while chairing a review meeting on the construction of the Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Centre and the Phase-2 extension of the Federal Government Polyclinic here at the PM Office, a news release said.

The prime minister said that providing quality healthcare facilities to the public was the top priority of the government, adding that the pace of reforms in the health sector should be further accelerated.

During the meeting, various construction designs and proposals for the proposed Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Centre building were presented for consideration. The participants were also briefed on the progress made on the construction of the Federal Government Polyclinic Phase-2 extension.

The meeting decided that the Federal Government Polyclinic extension, currently under construction in Sector G-11, would be launched as the first phase of the Jinnah Medical Complex. The decision was aimed at making the hospital operational at the earliest and providing citizens with the best possible healthcare facilities.

The prime minister directed that all possible measures be taken to develop the first phase of the Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Centre into a modern, state-of-the-art hospital. He further directed that the installation of modern and high-tech medical equipment and machinery at the hospital be ensured.

The prime minister also directed that third-party validation of the project be continued alongside its physical progress, to maintain transparency and quality standards.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal, Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, and senior officials concerned.

Latest

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.

Latest

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.

Latest

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.