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Punjab Health Minister Salman Rafiq Leads Meeting to Upgrade Health Services

Lahore, A critical meeting convened at the Punjab Health Initiative Management Company, led by Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafiq, assessed various healthcare improvement initiatives, including hospital cleanliness, medicine supply, and emergency services.

According to Directorate General Public Relations – Govt of Punjab, the session, attended by Health Secretary Ali Jan Khan, and other high-ranking officials, focused on accelerating the progress of hospital revamping projects and enhancing the health insurance program in Punjab. Health Minister Rafiq emphasized the zero-tolerance policy for delays in medical supplies to government hospitals and called for stringent sanitation measures. The meeting also outlined ambitious health service improvements, including the introduction of an Air Ambulance Service, touted as a significant advancement for the region.

The discussions also touched upon the construction of a state-of-the-art cancer hospital in Lahore, mirroring the government’s commitment to better healthcare provisions despite financial constraints. Health Secretary Ali Jan Khan reiterated the importance of aligning hospital operations with the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision, as well as the Health Minister’s directives, with the ultimate goal of delivering top-tier medical facilities to the public.

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KP: Seven die in rain related incidents

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a total of seven persons have died and 10 others injured due to heavy rains during the past two days. According to the latest PDMA report, a total of eighty-four houses were damaged due to collapse of walls and roofs in different districts, in which fifteen houses were completely damaged and sixty-nine houses were partially damaged. Meanwhile, on directives of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, the relevant district administrations and institutions are providing immediate assistance to the affected families and ensuring provision of best medical facilities to the injured. Source: Radio Pakistan

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Saudi Foreign Minister’s Visit to Pakistan Set to Boost Bilateral Economic Ties

Islamabad, Pakistan is poised to host a high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia, led by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, as part of a concerted effort to advance economic cooperation between the two nations.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the delegation’s visit from April 15 to 16, 2024, is a follow-up to recent discussions between Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. The delegation, which includes key figures from various Saudi ministries and sectors, will engage in strategic dialogues with Pakistan’s President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and other top officials, including the Chief of Army Staff and the Apex Committee of the Sindh Industrial and Facilitation Centre (SIFC). These high-level meetings are set to provide significant momentum to the strengthening of bilateral relations and the deepening of the economic partnership.

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PM urges increased renewable energy resources to cut oil imports bill

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed the energy ministry to maximize the utilization of renewable energy resources to reduce the country's oil import bill. Presiding over a meeting in Islamabad today, he said the oil import worth billions of dollars can be controlled by using alternative resources like solar, wind and hydel. The Prime Minister said the country currently imports oil worth twenty seven billion dollars to meet its power and transportation needs. Discussing the ongoing drive against power theft, he lauded the performance of the Punjab government and expressed hope that other provinces would also follow suit to overcome the challenge. The Prime Minister said that strengthening the country's power transmission system requires utmost efforts and investment. He said the power production and investments in the sector would go down the drain unless the flaws in distribution network are removed. He directed the energy ministry to engage world-class consultants to suggest ways forwa rd to improve power transmission and distribution system. The Prime Minister expressed deep grief and over loss of precious lives and damages in recent torrential rains in different parts of the country. He directed the National Disaster Management Authority to relief operations in rain-hit areas and ensure provision of all necessary relief goods to the affected people. The Prime Minister also directed to shift imported coal-fired power plants on local coal. He said in the future only clean and low cost hydropower and renewable plants will be installed in the country. The meeting was also briefed on the 600 MW solar power project under foreign investment. The Prime Minister issued instructions to the authorities concerned to speed up efforts for foreign investment in the solar energy project. Shehbaz Sharif directed to accelerate the process of privatization of active GENCOs and auction of inefficient power houses. The Prime Minister said all possible measures are being taken to reduce the per unit pr ice of electricity for the common man. Source: Radio Pakistan

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Islamabad Schools to End Centralized Grade 5 Exams, Focus on Holistic Development


Islamabad, The centralized examination system for grade 5 students in ICT FDE schools will be discontinued, a decision aimed at reducing the academic pressure on young learners.



According to Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, this policy change seeks to mitigate exam-related stress and discourage undue competition among students. The move is part of a broader strategy to cultivate a more nurturing and supportive educational environment that prioritizes holistic development over traditional academic achievement.



While the centralized exams are being phased out, the schools will maintain rigorous educational standards through summative internal diagnostic assessments to ensure ongoing teacher accountability and student learning. The ministry also plans to bolster the educational framework with a variety of co-curricular activities and initiatives designed to enhance students’ life skills and encourage participation in sports and other enriching experiences.

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Saudi FM in Islamabad for talks with Pakistani leadership

A high-level Saudi delegation, led by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud has arrived in Islamabad. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received the Saudi delegation at Noor Khan Air Base. The visit is aimed at lending positive impetus to enhanced bilateral cooperation and mutually rewarding economic partnership. The delegation consists of Saudi Minister for Water and Agriculture, Minister for Industry and Mineral Resources, Deputy Minister for Investment, Head of Saudi Special Committee and senior officials from Ministry of Energy and Saudi Fund for General Investments. The visit takes place essentially to expedite follow up on the understanding reached between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammad bin Salman, during their recent meeting in Makkah to enhance bilateral economic cooperation. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long standing fraternal relations marked by religio-cultural affinities. The people of Pakistan hold the Custodia n of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman in the highest esteem. This visit will lend a positive impetus to transforming bilateral cooperation into an enduring and mutually rewarding economic partnership. Source: Radio Pakistan

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Educational Crisis at Government Degree College Tulail: Staff Shortages and Faculty Absences Hinder Learning


Srinagar, Students at the Government Degree College in Tulail, located in the remote Gurez Valley of Bandipora district in north Kashmir, are facing significant educational setbacks due to persistent staff shortages and faculty absenteeism.



According to Kashmir Media Service, the college, which opened in 2019, is struggling to fulfill its educational mission. Students from Tulail Tehsil have reported that despite having a permanent English lecturer and other faculty members on contract, classes remain unattended by teachers. This situation is particularly disheartening for students from marginalized communities who view the college as a crucial opportunity for advancement.



The institution attracts students from various distant villages, with some traveling up to 25 kilometers or spending considerable amounts on transportation daily, only to find that no classes are held. The lack of reliable transport exacerbates the difficulty of accessing education, forcing some students to walk long distances.



Locals have expressed frustration, noting that while non-teaching staff manage the college’s administrative duties, they often have to double as supervisors and invigilators during examinations. The students are particularly concerned as the academic syllabus remains largely untaught, and with examinations approaching, there is no sign of improvement in faculty attendance or the introduction of alternative learning methods like online classes.



Farooq Ahmad, the acting principal of the college, acknowledged the challenges, citing a severe faculty shortage with only one permanent lecturer and several vacancies. He also highlighted issues such as remoteness, adverse weather conditions, and inadequate accommodation for staff, which contribute to the problem. Some contractual faculty members have even abandoned their posts.



Ahmad is hopeful that the construction of residential quarters will alleviate some issues by the year’s end and has promised immediate action to ensure that staff are available to complete the syllabus within the next few days, aiming to alleviate the students’ ongoing hardships.