Danish Taimoor sends heartfelt message to Lionel Messi

  The Directorate of College Education Karachi has announced a comprehensive ban on the use of tobacco products and narcotics in all public colleges across the city. The decision aims to create a healthier, safer, and drug-free educational environment for students, teachers, and other staff members. According to an official notification issued by the Directorate of College Education Karachi, the prohibition covers a wide range of tobacco and nicotine products. These include cigarettes, electronic cigarettes (vapes), nicotine pouches, pan (betel quid), and gutka. The use, consumption, or possession of these products within college premises is now strictly prohibited. The notification states that the ban has come into effect immediately and must be implemented without delay. College administrations have been instructed to ensure full compliance with the new policy and take all necessary steps to maintain a tobacco-free and drug-free environment within their institutions. Under the new directives, principals of all colleges have been assigned the primary responsibility for enforcing the ban. They are required to ensure that students, faculty members, administrative staff, and visitors strictly adhere to the rules. Principals have also been instructed to monitor college premises regularly and adopt preventive measures to discourage the use of tobacco products and illegal substances. The Directorate emphasized that educational institutions should remain places that promote learning, discipline, and healthy lifestyles. The use of tobacco products and drugs not only affects the health of individuals but can also negatively influence the academic environment and the well-being of students. By implementing this ban, the department hopes to protect young people from developing harmful addictions and encourage healthier habits. In addition to restricting tobacco and drug use inside college campuses, the Directorate has also taken steps to address the issue beyond institutional boundaries. According to the notification, official letters have been sent to Deputy Commissioners across Karachi, requesting their cooperation in preventing the sale and use of tobacco products and narcotics in areas surrounding colleges. The involvement of district administrations is intended to strengthen enforcement efforts and reduce students’ access to tobacco and drug products near educational institutions. Local authorities are expected to work with law enforcement agencies and other relevant departments to monitor vendors operating close to colleges and ensure compliance with applicable laws  and regulations. The Directorate believes that collaboration between educational institutions and district authorities is essential for creating a secure and healthy environment for students. By limiting the availability of tobacco products and narcotics around colleges, officials hope to reduce the risk of substance abuse among young people and reinforce public health initiatives. The decision reflects growing concerns about the increasing use of smoking products, vaping devices, and other addictive substances among students. Educational authorities have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding students’ physical and mental well-being while fostering an atmosphere that supports academic excellence and personal development. With the immediate implementation of the ban, college principals are expected to take proactive measures to ensure compliance and raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and drug use. The Directorate of College Education Karachi has made it clear that maintaining drug-free campuses is now a priority, and all stakeholders are expected to cooperate in achieving this objective for the benefit of students and the wider educational community.

JHELUM: In a major security lapse, armed men intercepted a prison van on the busy GT Road near Mandra and forcibly freed a murder suspect who was being taken back to District Jail Jhelum after appearing in court. The escape involved Malik Hamad, who is facing a murder case registered with Saddar Beruni police. He had initially been held at Adiala Central Jail before being transferred to Jhelum following the recovery of a mobile phone and other prohibited items during a surprise inspection. Hamad was brought to Rawalpindi on Tuesday for a court hearing. While the prison van was returning to Jhelum, it slowed near Galaxy Hotel at Bacha Stop, where another vehicle approached the van. According to sources, the occupants told prison officials that Hamad’s mother was seriously ill and requested a brief meeting with him. Taking advantage of the confusion, several armed men surrounded the van with their vehicles, pulled Hamad out and escaped. The incident immediately triggered a security alert, with senior police and jail officials rushing to the location. Police teams were subsequently formed to track down and arrest the escaped suspect. The incident has raised fresh concerns about the security arrangements for transporting prisoners. It comes weeks after 14 high-risk prisoners escaped from another prison van while returning from Kahuta in late June. All of them were later recaptured following an extensive search operation, while cases were registered against the policemen responsible for their security. Following that escape, Rawalpindi police introduced new standard operating procedures aimed at strengthening prisoner transportation security. The latest incident, however, has renewed questions about whether those measures are being properly implemented. Four policemen reportedly assigned to guard Hamad have been detained for questioning. Sources also claimed that the suspect had links with an influential individual associated with a private housing society. Despite the seriousness of the incident, senior police officials declined to comment publicly, while a search operation to recapture Hamad remained underway.