تازہ ترین

  The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has announced a series of special measures to ensure that students from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), who have been affected by prolonged internet disruptions, are able to participate in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) without facing unnecessary obstacles. As part of these initiatives, the PMDC has established a dedicated examination center in Islamabad and has also reached a preliminary agreement to set up a regional PMDC office in Azad Kashmir. The decisions were made during a meeting between AJK Secretary of Health Brigadier Aamir Raza and Joint Admission Committee Chairman Professor Dr. Faisal Bashir with PMDC President Professor Dr. Rizwan Taj, Registrar Brigadier (Retd.) Rehan Naqvi, and Director of Admission Affairs Dr. Imdad Ali Khushk. The meeting focused on the registration challenges faced by AJK students due to the prolonged internet shutdown and explored practical solutions to ensure that no eligible candidate is deprived of the opportunity to take the MDCAT. During the meeting, the Secretary of Health of the AJK government informed PMDC officials that the ongoing internet suspension in the region had created serious difficulties for students attempting to complete their online registration for the entrance examination. He requested the council to extend every possible facility to affected students so that deserving candidates would not miss the examination because of circumstances beyond their control. Speaking on the occasion, PMDC President Professor Dr. Rizwan Taj stated that the council had already introduced several special measures to facilitate students from Azad Kashmir. He emphasized that the Government of Pakistan remains committed to ensuring equal opportunities for every eligible student seeking admission to medical and dental colleges, regardless of the challenges they face. Dr. Rizwan Taj explained that, considering the extraordinary circumstances in the region, the deadline for MDCAT registration with the regular fee had been extended twice. Initially, the deadline was extended until July 13, and later it was further extended until July 23, 2026, to provide additional time for students affected by the communication disruptions to complete their registration process. The PMDC President further said that students from Azad Kashmir had been given multiple options for submitting their registration applications. In addition to the online process, applications could be sent through WhatsApp, email, postal mail, or submitted in person. He also assured students experiencing registration difficulties that they could contact the PMDC directly, where officials would provide all possible assistance to help them complete the process successfully. To further support students, the PMDC has established a special MDCAT examination center in Islamabad specifically for candidates from Azad Kashmir. A public notice has already been issued regarding the facility, and a dedicated focal person has been appointed to guide students throughout the registration and examination process. The council hopes these measures will reduce confusion and ensure smooth coordination for affected candidates. During the meeting, PMDC President Professor Dr. Rizwan Taj and Registrar Brigadier (Retd.) Rehan Naqvi assured the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir of their full cooperation in addressing students’ concerns. Both sides also reached a preliminary agreement to establish a PMDC regional office in Azad Kashmir to improve access to council services for students and healthcare professionals in the region. The proposal will now be presented to the PMDC Governing Body for formal approval. At the conclusion of the meeting, the AJK Secretary of Health and the Chairman of the Joint Admission Committee appreciated the PMDC’s timely response and the special facilities provided for students affected by the internet shutdown. They expressed confidence that these initiatives would ensure that no eligible student from Azad Jammu and Kashmir would be deprived of the opportunity to appear in the MDCAT because of technical or communication-related difficulties.

  The Karachi Traffic Police have announced a comprehensive traffic management plan for the city’s central Chehlum procession, informing residents that M.A. Jinnah Road will remain closed to traffic throughout the event. The special arrangements have been introduced to ensure the smooth movement of the religious procession while minimizing inconvenience for commuters. Citizens have been advised to plan their travel accordingly and use the designated alternative routes to avoid delays. According to the traffic police, all traffic traveling from Saddar toward Tower will be diverted through Preedy Street and I.I. Chundrigar Road. In addition, several key intersections and commercial areas, including Lighthouse, Empress Market, Regal Chowk, and Tibet Centre, will have temporary traffic diversions in place. These measures are intended to keep vehicles away from the procession route and maintain public safety during the event. Motorists approaching from Shahrah-e-Quaideen will be redirected toward Kashmir Road and Peoples Chowrangi. Vehicles arriving from Korangi, Landhi, and the National Highway will be diverted through Rashid Minhas Road before proceeding to the Super Highway. Traffic officials have urged drivers from these areas to follow diversion signs and cooperate with law enforcement personnel deployed along the routes. Commuters traveling from Nazimabad will be able to reach their destinations through Lasbela, Garden, and Nishtar Road. Similarly, traffic coming from Liaquatabad will be diverted at Lasbela Chowk toward Nazimabad No. 10. These alternate routes have been identified to reduce congestion and facilitate the movement of vehicles while the main procession route remains inaccessible. The traffic plan also outlines arrangements for vehicles coming from Hassan Square. Such traffic will be directed through Shahrah-e-Quaideen, Society Light Signal, and Teen Hatti before reaching Lasbela Chowk. Meanwhile, motorists traveling from Shahrah-e-Faisal will be guided through Society Light Signal and Sher Shah Suri Road to continue their journeys. Drivers using Jamshed Road and intending to travel toward Gurumandir have been advised to use Bahadur Yar Jang Road or Soldier Bazaar Road as alternative routes. The Karachi Traffic Police have imposed strict restrictions on heavy vehicles for the duration of the procession. Heavy traffic will not be allowed to enter the city from 10:00 a.m. until the conclusion of the Chehlum procession. The restriction is aimed at preventing congestion and ensuring the safety of participants and the general public. Transport operators have been instructed to adjust their schedules accordingly and avoid entering restricted areas during the specified hours. Authorities have also announced a complete ban on parking along the procession route. Any vehicle found parked in prohibited areas will be immediately towed away without prior notice. Traffic police have warned motorists to comply with parking regulations and follow the instructions of officers on duty to avoid penalties and unnecessary inconvenience. The central Chehlum procession is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, from Nishtar Park. A large number of mourners are expected to participate in the religious gathering, prompting extensive security and traffic arrangements across the city. Police and traffic officials will remain deployed throughout the procession to manage vehicle movement, assist commuters, and maintain public order. Residents are encouraged to stay updated through official traffic advisories before leaving their homes and to use alternative routes wherever possible. The Karachi Traffic Police have appealed to the public for patience and cooperation, emphasizing that the temporary restrictions are necessary to ensure the safe and peaceful conduct of the central Chehlum procession while minimizing disruption to daily life.

  The Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance has announced a nationwide strike beginning on August 8, warning that transport operations across the country may be significantly disrupted if the government fails to address its key demands. The announcement was made by the alliance’s president, Malik Shehzad Awan, who criticized recent government policies affecting the transport sector and called for immediate corrective measures. Speaking to the media, Malik Shehzad Awan said that transporters are facing increasing financial pressure due to the frequent fluctuations in petroleum prices. He argued that the current system of revising fuel prices on a daily basis has created uncertainty for transport businesses, making it difficult for operators to estimate transportation costs, negotiate freight rates, and manage their daily operations effectively. The alliance has demanded that the government abandon the practice of daily fuel price adjustments and instead adopt a monthly pricing mechanism for petroleum products. According to Awan, fixing fuel prices on a monthly basis would provide greater stability to the transport industry, allowing businesses to plan expenses more efficiently and reducing the uncertainty caused by continuous price changes. He maintained that predictable fuel costs are essential for sustaining commercial transport services and protecting transport operators from unexpected financial losses. In addition to seeking changes in the fuel pricing policy, the alliance has also demanded the resignation of Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik. Malik Shehzad Awan expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of issues related to the petroleum sector, arguing that the concerns of transporters have not been adequately addressed. He claimed that recent policies have increased operational costs and placed an unnecessary burden on transport businesses across Pakistan. Another major demand put forward by the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance concerns the withholding tax imposed on transport-related transactions. The alliance has urged the government to reduce the withholding tax rate from 7 percent to 2 percent, arguing that the current tax structure is excessive and has significantly increased the financial burden on transport operators. According to the alliance, lowering the tax rate would provide much-needed relief to the industry and improve the financial sustainability of transport businesses, particularly small and medium-sized operators. The transport sector plays a critical role in Pakistan’s economy, serving as the backbone of the country’s supply chain by moving goods between manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers. A nationwide strike by transporters could disrupt the movement of essential commodities, industrial raw materials, agricultural products, and imported goods, potentially affecting businesses and consumers alike if the dispute remains unresolved. The alliance has called on the federal government to engage in meaningful dialogue with transport representatives before the scheduled strike date. Its leadership has urged policymakers to reconsider the current fuel pricing mechanism and taxation policies in order to prevent disruption to trade and commercial activities. The transporters maintain that their demands are aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector rather than creating difficulties for the public. If negotiations do not produce a satisfactory outcome, the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance has indicated that transporters across the country will proceed with the nationwide strike on August 8. The proposed shutdown is expected to affect freight services on major highways and commercial routes, potentially disrupting the supply of goods and increasing pressure on businesses dependent on road transport. The alliance has expressed hope that the government will address its concerns before the strike begins, allowing transport operations to continue without interruption.

A joint flag rally and patrol were held in Swat to demonstrate solidarity with the Pakistan Army and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Police amid the prevailing security situation in the region. The event brought together security personnel and local residents in a show of unity aimed at reinforcing public confidence and promoting peace. According to official information, the rally featured participation from Pakistan Army personnel, KP Police officers, civilians, and children. Participants carried the national flag and expressed support for the country’s security forces while emphasizing the importance of cooperation between the public and law enforcement agencies. During the event, large crowds chanted patriotic slogans, including “Long Live Pakistan” and “Long Live Pakistan Army,” as the joint procession moved through key roads and public areas of Swat. The rally was accompanied by a coordinated patrol involving security vehicles and motorcycles, highlighting the continued presence of security forces across the district. The joint patrol was organized as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security, reassure local communities, and enhance coordination between the Pakistan Army and the provincial police. Officials said such activities are intended to improve the public’s sense of safety while maintaining vigilance against potential security threats. Authorities stated that the initiative also aimed to send a clear message that the people of Swat stand united with the country’s security institutions against elements seeking to disrupt peace and stability. The visible participation of residents reflected community engagement in efforts to support law enforcement and contribute to a secure environment. Residents from different segments of society, including families and young people, took part in the event, underlining a shared commitment to peace and national unity. Organizers described the rally as a symbol of cooperation between citizens and security forces, stressing that maintaining peace requires collective responsibility and mutual trust. The flag rally comes as security agencies continue to monitor the situation in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and carry out measures aimed at ensuring public safety. Joint patrols and community outreach initiatives have become an important part of broader efforts to strengthen coordination between security institutions and local communities. Officials expressed confidence that continued collaboration between the Pakistan Army, KP Police, and the people of Swat would help preserve lasting peace and stability in the region. They emphasized that unity, vigilance, and public cooperation remain essential in addressing security challenges and safeguarding the progress made toward maintaining law and order.

Rehman, widely known as Rehman Bhola, was reportedly taken into custody following a clash and firing incident at the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) headquarters in Karachi’s Bahadurabad area. The reported detention comes shortly after Rehman Bhola was acquitted in the Baldia Factory fire case, drawing renewed public attention to his activities. According to local reports, Rehman Bhola was taken into custody from his residence in North Nazimabad late Sunday night. The reported operation followed a dispute and exchange of gunfire that allegedly occurred at MQM-P’s temporary headquarters in Bahadurabad. CCTV footage circulating on social media and cited in local media reports appears to show plainclothes personnel, uniformed police officers, and female officers escorting Rehman Bhola from his residence before taking him away in official vehicles. However, authorities have not publicly verified the authenticity of the footage. Despite widespread reports of the detention, police officials had not issued an official statement confirming Rehman Bhola’s custody by late Monday night. As a result, the exact legal basis for the reported action and the charges, if any, remain unclear. The reported detention follows tensions at the MQM-P headquarters, where a dispute reportedly escalated into a firing incident on Sunday evening. While the circumstances surrounding the clash are still being investigated, reports indicate that law enforcement agencies launched operations in different parts of Karachi following the incident. Media reports also suggest that several MQM office-bearers and workers were detained from various areas of the city as part of the ongoing investigation. However, authorities have yet to release an official count of those taken into custody or provide details regarding their alleged involvement. Rehman Bhola recently returned to the public spotlight after being acquitted in the Baldia Factory fire case, one of Pakistan’s most high-profile criminal cases. His reported detention has therefore attracted significant attention, although officials have not linked the custody directly to any specific criminal allegation. The investigation into the Bahadurabad incident remains ongoing. Law enforcement agencies are expected to examine available evidence, including CCTV recordings and witness statements, to determine the sequence of events and identify those responsible for the reported violence. Until an official statement is issued, many details surrounding Rehman Bhola’s reported detention and the broader investigation remain unconfirmed. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the inquiry progresses.