Chonburi Governor Orders Strict Safety Crackdown on Pattaya Entertainment Venues, Threatens License Non-Renewal for Violators

The body of Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi, who lost his life in a tragic avalanche accident on Broad Peak, has been transported to Skardu by an Army Aviation helicopter. Sohail Sakhi was among the climbers caught in a devastating avalanche that struck Broad Peak in the early hours of July 31. The incident occurred during the night between July 30 and 31, when a massive avalanche swept across the mountain, leaving 10 mountaineers missing, including nine foreign climbers. Following the accident, rescue and recovery efforts were launched in the difficult and dangerous conditions of the Broad Peak region. The mountain, located in the Karakoram range of Gilgit-Baltistan, is one of the world’s highest peaks and is known for its challenging terrain, extreme weather and unpredictable climbing conditions. Sohail Sakhi was among the climbers who could not survive the disaster. His body was recovered from the mountain and later transported to Skardu, an important hub for mountaineering expeditions in the region. The use of an Army Aviation helicopter helped facilitate the transfer of the body from the remote mountainous area. The tragedy has caused grief among the mountaineering community in Pakistan and abroad. Broad Peak attracts climbers from different parts of the world every year, but the extreme environment can make rescue operations extremely challenging. Avalanches, sudden changes in weather, freezing temperatures and difficult terrain pose serious risks even to experienced mountaineers. The July 31 incident involved 10 missing climbers, nine of whom were foreign nationals. Rescue teams and authorities continued efforts to locate and recover those affected by the avalanche. The recovery operation was complicated by the harsh weather and the dangerous conditions at high altitude. The bodies of seven climbers who died in the accident had already been transported to their respective countries. Their repatriation was carried out after recovery operations and the completion of necessary procedures. The transfer of Sohail Sakhi’s body to Skardu marks an important step in the process of returning the deceased Pakistani climber to his family. Further arrangements will be made for the transportation of his body to his hometown, where his family and friends are expected to receive him. The incident once again highlights the risks associated with high-altitude mountaineering in the Karakoram. Despite advances in climbing equipment, communication systems and rescue technology, climbers continue to face life-threatening dangers when attempting some of the world’s highest and most difficult peaks. Sohail Sakhi’s death is a significant loss for Pakistan’s mountaineering community. His passing has drawn attention to the courage and determination of climbers who undertake expeditions in some of the most challenging environments on Earth. Authorities and rescue teams remain focused on recovery and repatriation efforts following the Broad Peak avalanche. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of high-altitude expeditions and the importance of safety, weather monitoring and coordinated rescue operations in mountainous regions.

LAHORE: Institute of Public Health Lahore and Rahnuma Family Planning Association of Pakistan joined hands to organize a Policy Dialogue on promoting Breastfeeding in connection with the World Breastfeeding Week 2026. The week is commemorated globally from 1-7 August to highlight the importance of breastfeeding. The house discussed strategies to improve breast feeding as only 45% of newborns in Pakistan were put to breast milk within the first hour of life, resulting in stunted growth and vulnerability to disease outbreaks. Moderated by Dean IPH Dr. Saira Azfzal, the event was joined by foreign dignitaries from the UKHSA, Chairman BoG IPH Prof Abdul Majeed Chaudhry, Executive Director Punjab Institute of Neuro Sciences & Principal General Hospital/PGMC Sardar Al Farid, former chairperson BoG Punjab Healthcare Commission Prof Atiya Mubarak, Head of Office WHO Punjab Dr. Jamshaid Ahmed, UNICEF Health Specialist Dr. Quratul Ain Ahmed, former Executive Director Health Services Academy Prof Shakila Zaman, WHO Technical Officer Dr. Irfan Ahmed, DGHS representative Dr. Zubair Hafeez as well as KEMU, Jinnah Hospital, SIMS and Ganga Ram experts including Prof Sobia Qazi, Prof Nadia Khursheed, Prof Munir Akhtar Saleemi, Dr Rameeza Kaleem Dr Asif Batani, Dr Mamoona, , Dr Ali Arshad, Prof. Dr Madeeha Rashid, Prof. Dr Muntaha, Dr Ammara Dr Amber Mustafa and a large number of students. Project Director GAVI RISE Rahnuma FPAP Sajjad Hafeez acknowledged IPH for joining hands with Rahnuma for a national cause. Highlighting this year’s theme “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” he said that Rahnuma-FPAP is one of the largest and oldest organizations in Pakistan, renowned for integrated package of mother & child health services, (ANC, safe deliveries PNC, vaccination, nutrition and family planning) at its country-wide network of facilities. Prof Sardar Al Farid highlighted barriers for mothers especially in office settings and need to designate workplace nursing stations. WHO representative Dr. Jamshaid elaborated key indicators (Early Initiation of Breastfeeding, Exclusive Breastfeeding and Continued Breastfeeding, highlighting that formula milk must not be marketed aggressively. UNICEF representative Dr. Quratul Ain highlighted that deliveries in Punjab under skilled birth attendants have improved to around 80%, yet the breastfeeding figures remain sub optimal. This requires integrating skilled counseling into routine family planning and reproductive health services.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has highlighted a series of ongoing and planned infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity, boosting trade and promoting tourism across Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. Speaking at a ceremony held to honour police martyrs, the minister said the proposed extension of the Murree Expressway to Muzaffarabad will provide modern travel facilities, while the MNJC Motorway will offer an alternative route to the Karakoram Highway, strengthening Pakistan’s strategic road link with China. He said the Sialkot-Kharian-Rawalpindi Highway will reduce the distance between Islamabad and Lahore by around 100 kilometres and cut travel time by more than an hour. In Karachi, he noted that the M-10 and Lyari Expressway are improving cargo movement from the city’s port, while construction on the M-6 Motorway is expected to begin soon. Aleem Khan added that work is progressing on the Guru Nanak Expressway, which will connect Kartarpur with Nankana Sahib to promote religious tourism and facilitate Sikh pilgrims from around the world. He also said infrastructure development is advancing on tourist routes in Gilgit, the N-25 Highway is expected to be completed next year, and the M-8 Motorway projects in Balochistan will strengthen regional connectivity and cross-border trade with Iran. Paying tribute to police martyrs, the minister described their sacrifices as a lasting symbol of courage and praised the Motorway Police for their professionalism. He announced plans to establish modern police stations, dedicated parking areas and emergency ambulance services near toll plazas to improve the safety of patrolling officers. Aleem Khan also highlighted the National Highway Authority’s financial progress, saying its revenue has increased from Rs66 billion in 2024 to more than Rs127 billion in 2026. He said the improved financial position has enabled Pakistan to expand its motorway and highway network using domestic resources without relying on external funding. Inspector General of Motorway Police Sultan Ahmad Chaudhry also paid tribute to the fallen officers, reaffirming the department’s commitment to supporting the families of martyrs and honouring their sacrifices.