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President, PM commend security forces for eliminating Khwarij terrorists in KP

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Sunday, lauded the security forces for eliminating Khwarij terrorists in various areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The president appreciated the professional capabilities of the security forces for successfully thwarting attempts by Khawarij to infiltrate Pakistan from the Afghanistan border, President Secretariat Media Wing said in a press release.

The president expressed satisfaction over the effective and timely actions taken by the security forces against the terrorists.

He reiterated the resolve to foil the nefarious designs of foreign-backed terrorist elements at all costs, adding defending Pakistan’s borders and complete elimination of terrorism are the foremost priorities.

The president once again urged the Afghan interim government to prevent its territory from being used for terrorism against Pakistan.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also commended the security forces for eliminating terrorists of the Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khwarij during successful intelligence-based and counter-terrorism operations in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said the entire nation was proud of the professional capabilities of their armed forces and law enforcement agencies for continuously foiling the nefarious designs aimed at undermining peace and stability in the country.

He said the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with the security forces in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

“Under the vision of ‘Azm-e-Istehkam,’ operations will continue with full resolve until the complete elimination of foreign-backed terrorism from Pakistan’s soil,” PM Office Media Wing, in a press release, quoted the prime minister as saying.

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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.