National

League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif has been appointed chairman of the Lahore Heritage Area Revival Board. The Punjab governor approved his appointment as head of the newly formed board. Nawaz Sharif will lead the board in his capacity as a Member of the National Assembly. The Punjab Local Government Department has formally issued a gazette notification confirming the appointment. The governor has also approved the immediate formation of the Lahore Heritage Area Revival Board. The body will focus on efforts to revive and preserve Lahore’s historic and heritage areas. The formation of the board is aimed at strengthening institutional efforts to protect the city’s historic character. It is also expected to support initiatives related to the restoration and revival of important heritage sites. With the official notification now issued, the board can begin its work under Nawaz Sharif’s leadership. Further details about its structure, responsibilities and planned heritage projects are expected to emerge as the board starts functioning.

HYDERABAD,— In observance of World Hepatitis Day, the Aga Khan Maternal and Child Care Centre (AKMCCC), Hyderabad, organized a one-day health camp aimed at improving access to preventive healthcare and promoting early detection of liver disease. Held under the global theme “Hepatitis Elimination Starts with You,” the camp offered discounted specialist consultations and complimentary diagnostic services to residents from across Hyderabad. The health camp provided expert consultations with Family Medicine and Internal Medicine specialists at subsidized rates. To encourage timely diagnosis, participants received free rapid screening tests for Hepatitis B and C, along with complimentary assessments of blood pressure, pulse rate, height, and weight. The program also included health education and awareness sessions on hepatitis prevention, transmission, and treatment, as well as discounted laboratory and radiology services for further evaluation and follow-up. “Hepatitis remains a significant public health challenge, yet early detection and timely intervention can drastically alter patient outcomes,” said Syed Muhammad Sohail, Chief Operating Officer for Outreach Services and Off-Campus Hospitals at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). “Through today’s camp, AKMCCC is helping remove financial and geographic barriers to specialized care, empowering individuals across Hyderabad to take proactive steps toward their health,” he added. Health officials and AKMCCC representatives stated that such community outreach initiatives are essential to achieving the World Health Organization’s goal of hepatitis elimination by 2030. They reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to continuing similar programs in underserved areas to strengthen public health and foster a more informed community.The successful execution of the camp underscores AKMCCC’s ongoing dedication to preventive healthcare and community well-being.

Islamabad: A controversy over a motorway incident involving a couple’s video and growing concerns over delayed road projects dominated the Senate Standing Committee on Communications meeting, where lawmakers questioned the role of motorway police and raised serious concerns over incomplete highways due to funding problems. The committee was informed that the motorway police officer involved in the incident had been suspended and an inquiry was underway after officials clarified that moral policing is not part of the department’s official duties. Inspector General Motorway Police told the committee that the incident took place on 16 July when motorway police found a vehicle parked on the roadside. He said an argument developed when the vehicle moved away. The IG informed lawmakers that stopping people for moral reasons is not included in the motorway police’s standard operating procedures. He assured the committee that action had been taken against the officer involved and the inquiry would be completed soon. The Senate Standing Committee on Communications, chaired by Senator Pervaiz Rashid, also reviewed major road development issues and questioned delays in important infrastructure projects. During the meeting, lawmakers raised concerns over the incomplete Kuchlak to Zhob N50 Highway project, which covers around 298 kilometres. Officials informed the committee that the project remains unfinished because of a shortage of funds. Senator Zameer Hussain Ghumro questioned why new development plans are considered when existing projects are still waiting for completion. The Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Communications informed the committee that no new projects had been started during the current year. The committee stressed that incomplete projects increase public difficulties and may also increase costs because delays often create additional financial pressure. Members discussed improving the National Highway Authority’s funding system so road projects can continue without stopping due to delayed payments. The committee recommended that project funds should be released every three months to ensure contractors receive payments on time and construction work continues smoothly. Officials also discussed creating a bridge financial system to prevent road projects from being affected by temporary funding shortages. The committee was briefed about financial matters related to development loans and agreed that funding mechanisms should be discussed separately to create better policies for future projects. Senator Muhammad Abdul Qadir also raised concerns about the distribution of development funds and pointed out differences in allocation for road projects. He said that out of Rs116 billion approved for Balochistan, around Rs100 billion was allocated for the N25 Highway project. The committee said better planning was needed to ensure development funds are distributed effectively and important routes receive timely attention. Several questions related to road projects in Chitral and Balochistan, including CPEC related highways and the Karachi Bela Road, could not be discussed because the members who had submitted the questions were not present.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has urged the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to accept its defeat in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections instead of making allegations of rigging. In a video statement, Maryam responded to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s criticism of the election results. She said the PPP should accept the outcome “with an open heart” and focus on its political responsibilities. Maryam said complaints and accusations would not change the election results. She also advised the PPP to concentrate on governance rather than questioning the electoral process. Her statement came after Bilawal strongly criticised the PML-N and raised questions about the conduct of the AJK elections. Speaking at a workers’ convention in Muzaffarabad, Bilawal questioned whether the situation in AJK could be described as genuine democracy. Bilawal claimed that PPP candidates had received strong public support and suggested that the party’s performance did not reflect the votes and expectations of the people. He also questioned whether political interests were being prioritised over the wider interests of AJK. The remarks triggered a political exchange between the two parties following the completion of polling in the first phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections. According to unofficial and provisional results, the PML-N emerged as the leading party by winning nine of the 13 constituencies contested in the first phase. The PPP secured the remaining four seats across the Mirpur division. The results prompted celebrations among PML-N workers and supporters, while the PPP raised concerns over the electoral process. The first phase covered constituencies in Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber. Voting was held on July 27, with polling time extended by one hour after the scheduled closing time. The electoral contest has intensified political competition between the PML-N and PPP in AJK.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has said that a meeting with the party’s founder is essential for improving the current political situation. Speaking to reporters near Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Gohar said political tensions could not be reduced through the registration of cases and continued confrontation. He was responding to questions about a case registered against Noreen Bibi. Gohar said statements made by Noreen Niazi should be viewed as her personal opinion. He added that she had already clarified her position. He also stressed the importance of Kashmir for Pakistan, saying the region held a special place in the country’s national interest. The PTI chairman criticised the political approach of the country’s two major parties. He said their political activities had contributed to the current situation. Gohar also defended PTI’s decision to boycott the recent Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections. He said the party had called for a better political environment before participating in the electoral process. He stressed that free and fair elections were necessary for Pakistan to move forward. According to him, political parties should avoid unnecessary point-scoring at a time when the country needs stability. Gohar also made PTI’s position on terrorism clear. He said the party would not support the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan under any circumstances. He described TTP members as terrorists and said action against terrorism was necessary. At the same time, Gohar said peaceful political protests should be handled differently. He emphasised that peaceful demonstrations should not be treated in the same manner as acts of terrorism or violence. He said PTI would also hold discussions with Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai. He expressed hope that allied political parties would stand together on August 5. Speaking about national security, Gohar referred to the recent conflict with India. He described Pakistan’s response as a matter of national pride and said the country would respond strongly if India attempted similar action in the future. Gohar also commented on Aleema Khan’s political activities. He said PTI’s important members of the National and Provincial Assemblies were supporting her. He again defended the party’s boycott of the AJK elections. Gohar claimed that voter turnout remained very low, estimating it at around 5 to 7 per cent. He said PTI had decided not to support demands that it considered against the state or the Kashmir cause. He maintained that the election boycott was a carefully considered political decision. Gohar said the current situation required politicians to listen to the people instead of focusing solely on political competition. He stressed that public concerns should remain at the centre of political decision-making.

Lahore police have registered a case against the Station House Officer (SHO) of Sarwar Road Police Station and 10 other personnel following a raid at the residence of Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Awan. According to police, the officers had information about a house adjacent to the Attorney General’s residence. However, they allegedly entered the wrong property during the operation. The FIR states that the SHO and 11 police personnel were charged for allegedly exceeding their authority during the raid. The incident has also prompted further action against the officials involved. Awan’s driver, Irfan, claimed that the SHO and other police officers entered the house by jumping over the gate. He further alleged that the police took away the CCTV camera system during the raid. According to the driver, only domestic staff were present at the residence when the police arrived. The Attorney General reached home after finishing a meeting after being informed about the incident. Irfan also alleged that the police later returned the digital video recorder (DVR) after deleting CCTV footage from the system. The raid reportedly caused damage to property outside the residence, including flower pots placed near the entrance. Police officials said the raid was conducted based on information concerning the neighbouring house and that the officers mistakenly entered Awan’s residence. Meanwhile, the SHO of Sarwar Road Police Station has obtained interim bail from the court in connection with the case.