National

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    OGDC top executives receive monthly salaries rangi…

    ByJustpaste.in

      Islamabad:Details of the salaries and benefits of senior officials at Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC) were presented before the Senate, revealing that the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer receives a basic monthly salary of more than Rs. 5.56 million. The information was shared with parliament as part of a disclosure concerning the remuneration packages of senior executives at the state-owned exploration and production company. The figures show significant differences in the basic salaries of OGDC’s top management, with the company’s highest-paid official earning several million rupees each month before allowances and other facilities are added. According to the details presented in the Senate, Ahmed Hayat Lak, OGDC’s Managing Director and CEO, receives a basic monthly salary of Rs. 5,564,171. Chief Financial Officer Muhammad Anas Farooq earns Rs. 2,837,940 per month, while Executive Director Petroleum Muhammad Aamir Saleem receives Rs. 2,211,990. Among other executive directors, Shehzad Safdar, Executive Director Human Resources, has a basic monthly salary of Rs. 1,889,298. Zia Salahuddin, Executive Director Services, receives Rs. 1,849,433, while Atif Ghafoor Mirza, Executive Director Joint Ventures and Business Development, earns Rs. 1,893,434. The salaries of general managers are comparatively lower but still substantial. Khurram Shehraz, General Manager Internal Audit, receives Rs. 1,100,929 per month. Dr. Khalid Ameen Khan, General Manager Exploration, earns Rs. 900,881, while General Manager Production Habib Ullah Chohan receives Rs. 700,443. The company secretary, Waseem Ahmad, has a basic monthly salary of Rs. 607,754. In addition to their basic salaries, the ten senior officials are entitled to several allowances and facilities. These include a house-rent allowance equivalent to 45 percent of their basic salary and utilities allowance amounting to 10 percent of the basic pay. They are also provided with car and fuel facilities. After the applicable allowances are included, the monthly remuneration package of the OGDC managing director exceeds Rs. 8.6 million. The CFO’s overall monthly package is reported to be more than Rs. 4.4 million. The information presented to the Senate also showed that all ten officials have more than three decades of professional experience. Most of the executives were recruited through press advertisements and headhunters before being appointed by OGDC’s Board of Directors. Their educational qualifications include professional and advanced degrees in fields such as law, chartered accountancy, business administration, engineering and geophysics. The MD is based in Islamabad, while other senior executives are posted in Islamabad, Karachi, Quetta and Sukkur. OGDC is Pakistan’s largest exploration and production company and is listed on the stock exchange, with the government holding a majority share. The disclosure has drawn attention to the compensation structures followed by state-owned enterprises. During the Senate proceedings, questions were raised regarding whether OGDC’s remuneration packages are comparable with those offered by private-sector exploration and production companies. Senators also discussed the possible impact of high executive compensation on the company’s overall operational expenses. However, no change to the existing salary and benefits structure was announced during the briefing.

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    Multan commissioner vows faster development drive

    ByJustpaste.in

    Multan Commissioner Aamir Karim Khan has said the Punjab government is taking a keen interest in the development of Multan and other parts of southern Punjab, stressing that the government, administration, business community and journalists must work together to address public issues and promote regional development. He made these remarks while speaking to journalists during a session titled “Guftagu” at the Multan Press Club. He also responded to questions regarding development projects, civic problems and other issues faced by citizens. The commissioner said the responsibility of government officers was not limited to sitting in offices. Officials must visit the field, assess public problems and take practical steps to resolve them. He said public service required officials to move beyond their comfort zones and remain connected with citizens. Aamir Karim Khan appreciated the Punjab government’s focus on Multan and southern Punjab, saying several major development projects were currently underway in the city. He stressed that timely availability of funds, proper engineering designs and other technical requirements were essential for completing development schemes. He said major sewerage projects in Multan were particularly important for the city and would provide significant relief to residents once completed. Work was also continuing on several major roads and development schemes, although some projects had faced delays because of land acquisition and other legal and administrative procedures. The commissioner said projects in areas including Eidgah Road and Shah Shams Park were being completed in phases. He added that a proposal worth around Rs6 billion had been sent to the Punjab government for improving roads from Delhi Gate to Daulat Gate and removing encroachments. Work on the project would begin once funds were made available. He said the preservation of Multan’s historic heritage, improvement of ancient gates and beautification of the city were among the administration’s priorities, along with the provision of basic civic facilities. He said action against encroachments on graveyards was continuing. Encroachments had been removed from a graveyard in Hassan Parwana, while similar operations would be carried out at other graveyards. The administration was also considering the renovation of smaller graveyards and provision of basic facilities there. The commissioner said a “Multan Enforcement Management Squad” had been established to tackle encroachments. The squad comprises officials from different departments and has been provided with motorcycles. It will monitor the city around the clock and identify encroachments. Its formal operations will begin on September 1. If the initiative proves successful, it will be expanded to other areas. Speaking about special education, Aamir Karim Khan said nearly 3,000 hearing-impaired children had been screened across 14 tehsils of the Multan Division. Around 320 children were identified as requiring hearing devices. With support from the business community, hearing aids had already been provided to 175 children. He said efforts were also underway to improve the speaking abilities of these children. The commissioner added that the Punjab government had been requested to introduce legislation making hearing screening mandatory for every child within six months of birth. Early diagnosis, he said, could significantly improve children’s education and future prospects. Regarding Jalalpur Public School, the commissioner said authorities had taken notice of the low number of students and were working with relevant departments to improve its functioning. He said the Punjab government was also working on a new public-private partnership scheme under which inactive government schools could be handed over to the private sector for better management. Aamir Karim Khan highlighted the important role of journalists in resolving civic problems. He urged journalists to use their observation, reporting and writing skills to identify public issues and contribute to social improvement. He said constructive criticism and highlighting genuine problems could help guide the administration. He also said direct communication with journalists would be strengthened so their concerns could be addressed more effectively. On cleanliness, the commissioner said maintaining a clean environment was a shared responsibility of the government and citizens. He urged shopkeepers to keep areas outside their businesses clean and residents to ensure cleanliness around their homes. During the meeting, Press Club President Shakeel Anjum briefed the commissioner about issues faced by the journalist community, particularly problems concerning the journalists’ colony. He stressed the need for their early resolution. The commissioner assured the journalists that he would contact the Director General of the Multan Development Authority regarding the issues and take steps for further progress. He said genuine concerns of the journalist community would be addressed on a priority basis. Aamir Karim Khan also answered journalists’ questions on various issues and assured them that practical measures would be taken to resolve public problems. He said the development of Multan was a collective responsibility and all stakeholders would have to work together to achieve this goal.

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    PHA illuminates Punjab to mark Eid Milad-un-Nabi

    ByJustpaste.in

      LAHORE: Cities across Punjab were illuminated with decorative lights and religious-themed displays as the Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) arranged special decorations to mark Eid Milad-un-Nabi, filling public spaces with festive and spiritual displays. As part of its annual celebrations, the PHA installed illuminated signs, decorative structures and religious motifs across all 21 districts under its administrative jurisdiction. Public parks, green belts and other prominent locations were decorated to reflect the religious significance of the occasion while adding a festive appearance to major urban areas. In Lahore, the authority carried out extensive arrangements, including the installation of specially designed billboards and religious-themed displays. Digital campaigns were also launched along important city routes, particularly The Mall and Gulberg, where illuminated decorations attracted public attention. Similar arrangements were made in several other major cities of Punjab. Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Khushab and Rahim Yar Khan were among the cities where parks and public spaces were decorated with colourful lighting and religious artwork. Illuminated domes, Islamic calligraphy, floral arrangements and other decorative features were used to create a festive atmosphere in honour of Eid Milad-un-Nabi. PHA district offices were also decorated with lights and buntings, giving government buildings a distinctive green appearance associated with the sacred occasion. The decorations were prepared ahead of the celebrations, with horticulture teams working to ensure that the installations were completed on time. PHA Director General Ahmad Usman Javaid described the celebrations as a significant honour and blessing. He said the authority had begun preparations several weeks before the occasion, with its horticulture and field staff working extensively, including overnight, to complete the arrangements. The celebrations were accompanied by discussions on the future administrative and financial direction of the authority’s newly established district agencies. During a separate meeting, Director General Javaid instructed the district agencies to prepare individual revenue-generation plans aimed at improving their financial sustainability. The initiative is intended to help reduce the agencies’ dependence on government funding while allowing them to generate resources according to the economic potential of their respective areas. The meeting reviewed the operational performance of the district agencies, administrative arrangements and progress in organisational development. Officials highlighted the importance of establishing financially sustainable institutions capable of meeting part of their expenses through locally generated revenue. Javaid directed the agencies to identify potential sources of income within their districts and develop strategies according to local commercial conditions. He stressed that all revenue-generating activities must remain within the relevant legal and regulatory framework. According to the PHA chief, Punjab’s districts have different economic and commercial characteristics, meaning that a uniform revenue model may not be suitable for every area. He said agencies should instead develop plans based on the opportunities available locally. For instance, districts with substantial commercial activity could generate revenue through the regulation of outdoor advertising. Other districts may have greater opportunities to lease underutilised government land or develop public-private partnerships for the construction, operation and management of parks. The PHA leadership said the objective was to create stronger and more financially independent district institutions while continuing to improve public parks, green spaces and horticultural services across Punjab. The Eid Milad-un-Nabi decorations and the accompanying administrative initiatives reflected the authority’s efforts to combine public-space beautification with longer-term institutional development.

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    PTI to refile contempt petition today

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan has said the party will refile its contempt of court petition before the Supreme Court today and seek the formation of a bench at the earliest so that the matter can be heard within the next two days. Speaking to reporters outside the Supreme Court in Islamabad, Barrister Gohar said he met the court registrar at the Facilitation Centre regarding the petition. He said the registrar’s office had raised objections to the application, prompting the party to withdraw it and submit a revised petition. According to Barrister Gohar, the petition concerns alleged violations of court orders, including issues related to meetings with PTI founder Imran Khan. He said the individuals allegedly responsible for contempt had not been provided with a list of the allegations, which was among the concerns raised during the filing process. He said PTI had approached the Supreme Court seeking an early hearing and would now address the objections before submitting the petition again. “We will file the contempt petition again today,” he said, adding that the party wanted the bench constituted today so the case could be taken up the day after tomorrow. Barrister Gohar also stressed the importance of Imran Khan’s health, saying that ensuring his family members can meet him is essential. He referred to the Supreme Court’s previous directions regarding meetings with the PTI founder and urged authorities to comply with the court’s orders. He pointed out that today was scheduled as a meeting day and appealed to the authorities to allow the meetings to take place without disruption. He said the party had already fulfilled its commitment regarding the previous meeting and that no information or discussion from that meeting had subsequently emerged. The PTI chairman reiterated that the party wanted the matter resolved through the legal process and expected the relevant authorities to follow the Supreme Court’s directions. He said the party would continue pursuing the issue before the court until its concerns regarding the implementation of the orders were addressed.

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    Hanif Abbasi says India tops list of Pakistan’s enemies

    ByJustpaste.in

      ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has said that only two or three countries can be considered enemies of Pakistan, with India at the top of the list. He said Israel and Afghanistan are also among the countries that PakistanFederal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has said that only two or three countries can be considered enemies of Pakistan, considers hostile. Speaking to journalists outside Parliament House, Abbasi said Pakistan does not regard all countries as enemies and stressed that the list is limited to a few states. His remarks came while discussing political and national issues with the media. The federal minister also spoke about his views regarding Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, describing him as a respected political figure. Abbasi said he would advise Fazlur Rehman to avoid making decisions while angry, arguing that emotional reactions can sometimes lead to wrong choices. Abbasi said that political differences were a normal part of democratic politics and that he was willing to accept opposition on political grounds. However, he drew a distinction between political disagreement and what he described as personal attacks. The minister said he could tolerate political opposition but did not accept personal hostility. Referring to remarks previously made by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan about Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Abbasi said that some of the words used against the JUI-F leader had been deeply disturbing. He said the language used against Fazlur Rehman was so harsh that it had left him shocked. According to Abbasi, political opponents could disagree with each other over policies, parties and political strategies, but personal criticism should not cross certain limits. “Political opposition would not have been an issue,” Abbasi said, while arguing that the criticism directed at Fazlur Rehman went beyond ordinary political differences and became personal. The minister’s comments reflect the continuing tensions and rivalries among Pakistan’s major political parties, where disagreements frequently extend beyond policy matters and involve criticism of individual political leaders. Abbasi’s remarks also highlighted the importance of maintaining political restraint, particularly when disagreements become intense. His advice to Fazlur Rehman suggested that political leaders should avoid taking major decisions while angry or under emotional pressure. The federal minister further indicated that political differences should be handled within the boundaries of democratic debate. While politicians may strongly oppose one another on ideological, policy or electoral matters, he suggested that personal attacks can deepen political divisions and make reconciliation more difficult. His comments regarding Pakistan’s perceived hostile countries also came amid continuing discussions about the country’s regional and international relationships. India has historically remained a major source of tension between Pakistan and its eastern neighbour, while relations with Afghanistan have also faced challenges over security and border-related issues. Pakistan’s relationship with Israel remains particularly sensitive due to the Palestinian issue and Islamabad’s longstanding position on the conflict. Abbasi’s statement therefore covered both domestic political differences and broader foreign-policy concerns. He emphasised that Pakistan has only a limited number of countries that it considers enemies, rather than viewing the wider international community through the same lens. The minister’s comments are likely to draw attention because of his criticism of personal attacks in politics and his appeal for political leaders to exercise greater restraint. His remarks underline the distinction between legitimate political opposition and criticism that becomes personal, an issue that continues to shape political discourse in Pakistan.

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    PTI leader Mian Mahmoodur Rashid shifted to servic…

    ByJustpaste.in

      LAHORE:Former Punjab minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Mian Mahmoodur Rashid has reportedly developed health complications and was shifted from prison to Services Hospital in Lahore for medical treatment. According to party sources in Lahore, Mahmoodur Rashid was transferred to the hospital after his health condition deteriorated. The move was made to provide him with specialised medical care and allow doctors to carry out the necessary treatment. Party sources said that the PTI leader underwent surgery for a tumour located in his abdomen. The operation was performed at Services Hospital, where doctors treated the medical condition that had been causing him health concerns. Following the surgery, Mahmoodur Rashid was reportedly transferred back to the prison hospital for post-operative care and monitoring. His condition is being observed by medical staff as he recovers from the procedure. The development has attracted attention because Mahmoodur Rashid is a senior PTI figure and a former member of the Punjab provincial government. His health has previously been a matter of concern for his party, particularly while he has remained in custody. The party sources did not provide extensive details about the nature of the tumour, its size or whether it was benign or malignant. They also did not disclose further information regarding the exact duration of his hospital stay or the expected recovery period. Medical procedures involving abdominal tumours can require careful post-operative observation, particularly during the initial recovery period. The decision to keep the PTI leader under medical supervision after the operation indicates that doctors are continuing to monitor his condition. Mahmoodur Rashid has remained a prominent figure within PTI and has held important political responsibilities in Punjab. As a former provincial minister, he has been associated with the party’s political activities for several years. His transfer from prison to a major public-sector hospital highlights the medical arrangements made for prisoners who require treatment beyond the facilities available inside a jail. Prison authorities generally rely on external hospitals when inmates require specialised diagnostic procedures, surgery or other forms of treatment that cannot be adequately provided by a prison medical unit. According to the available information, the sequence of events involved his transfer from prison to Services Hospital, the surgical treatment of the abdominal tumour and his subsequent return to the prison hospital for continued care. The party sources did not indicate any immediate complications resulting from the surgery. Further information about his health is expected to depend on the medical assessment carried out by doctors during his recovery. PTI supporters and party members have expressed concern over the health of the former Punjab minister, particularly because he is currently in custody and requires ongoing medical attention. The development comes as several PTI leaders and workers remain involved in legal and political proceedings following the party’s prolonged confrontation with the government and state institutions. Mahmoodur Rashid has remained among the senior party figures facing legal proceedings. For now, his recovery and medical condition are being monitored by healthcare professionals. The latest reports indicate that after undergoing surgery for the abdominal tumour at Services Hospital, he has been moved to the prison hospital, where he will continue to receive medical care. Further details about his condition, the outcome of the surgery and his recovery timeline are expected to emerge as doctors continue their assessment.

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    Noreen Niazi meets Imran Khan in Adiala jail, Alee…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former chairman Imran Khan was visited by his sister Noreen Niazi at Adiala Jail, while another of his sisters, Aleema Khan, said that relief for the former prime minister could only come through the courts. According to reports, Noreen Niazi met Imran Khan at Adiala Jail and later returned to the Factory Check Post. Media representatives and PTI workers attempted to ask her questions but she did not speak to the media and left without commenting. Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, Aleema Khan raised concerns about restrictions on meetings and communication with Imran Khan. She said that Imran Khan had still not been allowed to speak with his children, describing the situation as contempt of court. She also said that she and Dr. Uzma Khan had not been allowed to meet him. Aleema Khan maintained that the family was following court orders and questioned why the government was allegedly reluctant to implement them. She said that Dr. Uzma and Dr. Faisal had spoken about their experiences and that the family would present its concerns before the court. She further said that people were expressing relief because the courts appeared to be making efforts to ensure justice. According to Aleema Khan, public confidence in the judiciary could decline if people did not receive justice. “Courts themselves have to provide relief to the PTI founder,” Aleema Khan said emphasizing that the family’s hopes remained attached to the judiciary. She also criticized what she described as the government’s failure to follow court orders, saying that refusing to implement judicial decisions could create the impression that the authorities did not recognize the courts. Aleema Khan said she stood with judges who were working according to the law and urged Pakistanis to stand with their courts as well. The meeting between Noreen Niazi and Imran Khan comes amid continuing legal and political tensions surrounding the PTI founder. Aleema Khan’s remarks have once again highlighted the importance of judicial decisions and their implementation in matters concerning Imran Khan.

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    IHC judge urges lawyers to improve courtroom condu…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro has expressed serious concern over the conduct of lawyers in the federal capital. He urged the leadership of the legal community to take steps to improve professional behaviour in courts. The judge made the remarks during the hearing of a case in which Supreme Court Bar Association President Haroon Rashid appeared before the court. Justice Soomro said he felt deeply disappointed after observing the attitude of some lawyers in Islamabad. He said lawyers were expected to cooperate with the court and maintain a respectful environment during proceedings. The judge observed that lawyers in Islamabad did not provide the level of assistance that he expected. He said the behaviour he had witnessed was painful and disappointing. Justice Soomro also referred to his background. He said he belonged to a village where people did not behave in such a manner. He remarked that even in his hometown, people showed greater respect while communicating with one another. “I came here to learn, but I did not learn anything,” the judge said while expressing his disappointment over the situation. He further criticised the manner in which some people spoke in the courtroom. He said it was regrettable to see people using inappropriate or disrespectful language during legal proceedings. Justice Soomro asked the Supreme Court Bar president to take up the matter with lawyers’ representative bodies. He urged him to visit the bar council and bar association and advise lawyers to maintain professional standards. The judge stressed that Islamabad was the federal capital. He said lawyers practising in the capital should demonstrate responsible and professional conduct. Addressing Haroon Rashid, Justice Soomro said he was the president of one of the country’s largest and most influential bar associations. He asked him to play an active role in guiding lawyers and improving the atmosphere in courts. The judge’s remarks highlighted the importance of discipline, mutual respect and cooperation between lawyers and judges. He said a healthy courtroom environment was essential for the smooth administration of justice.

  • Punjab CNF launches crackdown on drugs near schools and seminaries

    ByJustpaste.in

    Lahore – The Punjab Counter Narcotics Force (CNF) has launched a special crackdown against the illegal sale of narcotics and intoxicating products in markets and shops located in the vicinity of educational institutions and religious seminaries in different cities. During the operation, teams conducted raids at various shops, inspected suspicious products, and confiscated items whose sale near educational institutions has been prohibited under the law. The Punjab Counter Narcotics Force along with district administrative of multiple cities has also issued orders to seal shops found violating the relevant laws and regulations. Earlier, the Directors of the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force visited various educational institutions and met with the administrations of schools and religious seminaries. During the visits, the administrations were urged to closely monitor students activities within the institutions and immediately report any presence or sale of narcotics or intoxicating products in the vicinity of educational institutions to the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force helpline 1012. The Punjab Counter Narcotics Force also organized lectures and awareness seminars in Murree to educate students about the harmful effects of narcotics and intoxicating products. According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force, CNF is carrying out similar operations across the province to protect students from the menace of drugs. The spokesperson emphasized that discouraging the use of products that may gradually lead young people towards narcotics is essential for preventing drug abuse. Raising awareness about the harmful and devastating effects of narcotics is also a key component of an effective anti-narcotics strategy. The spokesperson said that parents and teachers have a fundamental role in protecting students from drugs. Parents at home and teachers at educational institutions can play a vital role in safeguarding students by keeping a close watch on their activities and identifying signs that may expose them to the risk of drug use. The spokesperson said that the Punjab Government is taking serious and comprehensive measures to eliminate drugs from the province. In line with the vision of the Chief Minister of Punjab, the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force is continuing effective enforcement operations against narcotics across the province alongside public awareness initiatives. The Force has now launched similar operations across Punjab against the illegal sale of narcotics and intoxicating products in and around educational institutions and religious seminaries. The spokesperson reiterated that the mission of the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force is to make Punjab drug-free, and operations against drug peddlers and the illegal sale of intoxicating products will continue until this mission is achieved. Public cooperation and timely reporting are essential to the success of law-enforcement agencies. Citizens are urged to immediately report the illegal sale of narcotics, intoxicating medicines, and other such products to the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force helpline 1012.

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    Islamabad gets foolproof security for Eid Milad

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Islamabad have finalised foolproof security arrangements for the peaceful observance of Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ. Security measures have been strengthened across the federal capital ahead of the religious occasion. Special arrangements have been made to protect citizens and ensure the smooth conduct of religious gatherings and processions. Law enforcement agencies have been directed to remain alert and closely monitor sensitive areas. Security personnel will be deployed at key locations, while additional measures will be taken around mosques, worship places and routes of Milad processions. Authorities have also stressed the need for effective coordination among the relevant departments. Police and other security officials will remain vigilant throughout the celebrations. The arrangements aim to prevent any untoward incident and provide a safe environment for people participating in Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ events. Officials have urged citizens to cooperate with security personnel and follow the instructions issued by the administration during the celebrations.