Tue, 21-Oct-2025

 Sindh Govt to upgrade emergency wards of major hospitals

Sindh Govt

KARACHI: Sindh Government has decided to upgrade emergency department of major hospitals to cater increasing number of patients in future.

Chief Secretary Sindh, Asif Hyder Shah, presided over a meeting to address the urgent need for upgrading the emergency wards in public hospitals across Sindh.

The meeting, attended by senior health officials including the Secretary of Health Rehan Iqbal Baloach and other key administrators, focused on enhancing the quality and efficiency of emergency healthcare services in the province.

Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah emphasized that the vision of Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah is to implement comprehensive reforms in the health sector by introducing people-centric interventions.

He highlighted that these reforms aim to improve the accessibility and efficiency of emergency healthcare services, ensuring that the growing demand for such services is met effectively across the province.

During the meeting, Chief Secretary presented findings from a detailed data collection exercise conducted across major hospitals in Karachi.

The data revealed the staggering number of patients being treated in the emergency departments of these hospitals. For instance, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC) handles approximately 2,000 patients daily, with a monthly total of around 60,000 patients.

Similarly, Dr. Ruth KM Pfau Civil Hospital receives 1,800 patients daily, with 54,000 patients each month. Other hospitals, such as Sindh Government Lyari General Hospital and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Institute of Trauma, also report high patient volumes daily.

In total, the hospitals in Sindh are managing nearly 10,000 emergency patients each day, amounting to more than 299,400 patients every month.

Acknowledging the overwhelming patient numbers, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah stressed the urgency of upgrading emergency wards across all major hospitals in Sindh, including district and tehsil hospitals, to cope with the increasing demand.

The hospital administrators welcomed this initiative and shared their recommendations based on the specific needs of their respective facilities. Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah directed them to submit detailed plans outlining the steps necessary for upgrading the emergency wards.

Chief Secretary reiterated the Sindh government’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of its citizens by improving healthcare services, particularly in emergencies, to provide timely and high-quality medical attention.

The planned upgrades to the emergency wards are expected to significantly enhance the province’s healthcare capacity, ultimately benefiting the people of Sindh, especially in critical medical situations.

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Sindh to launch crackdown against vehicles with fake number plates

Sindh

KARACHI:  The Sindh government has decided to launch crackdown against vehicles with fake number plates and black glasses.

A law and order meeting was held under the supervision of Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, in which it was decided to crack down on those displaying fake number plates, vehicles with black glasses and weapons.

In the meeting, the Chief Secretary directed the Home Department to conduct an awareness campaign in the media in this regard.

In the meeting, it was also decided to form a community watch group at the neighborhood level under the supervision of assistant commissioners to improve law and order situation.

Chief Secretary said that action should be taken against vehicles with fake number plates and black glasses and all law enforcement agencies should be active to ensure public safety.

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ECP takes notice of ballot paper theft during NA-231 recount

ECP

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) sought a report from the Provincial Election Commission, Sindh, regarding the reported burning and theft of ballot papers during the recount in NA-231, Karachi.

An ECP spokesperson stated that the Commission has taken serious notice of media reports regarding alleged hooliganism at four polling stations in Karachi during the recount of NA-231 on Friday.

The Commission has instructed the Chief Secretary and Inspector General of Sindh to take immediate and strict action against those involved in the disturbances.

The ECP has stopped the recount of votes in National Assembly Constituency NA-231 from Karachi for one week.

On the other hand, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has asked all members of parliament and provincial assemblies to submit their statements of assets and liabilities including those of their spouses and dependents by December 31.

According to ECP, all parliamentarians have to submit their yearly statements of assets and liabilities including similar details of their spouses and dependent children as on the preceding June 30 on Form B for the financial year 2023-2024.

The Commission, on the first day of January each year will publish names of members, who fail to submit the requisite statement of assets and liabilities within the period specified under sub-section (1).

The commission will on January 16 by an order suspend the membership of Senate, who fails to submit the statement of assets and liabilities and such Member shall cease to function till he files the statement of assets and liabilities.

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KP Govt lifts ban on all types of recruitment

KP Govt

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has lifted the ban on all types of recruitment in the province.

On the instructions of Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur, the ban on recruitment in the province has been lifted.

In this regard, the Chief Minister’s Secretariat has sent a letter to the Chief Secretary.

It is stated in the post that the Chief Minister has issued orders to remove the ban on recruitment.

It should be noted that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had imposed a ban on recruitment in government departments on March 2.

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Edu Ministry expresses concern over destruction of schools in KP

Edu Ministry

ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has drawn the urgent attention of Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Peshawar regarding the destruction of schools by terrorists in newly merged districts and demanded prompt action against the menace of terrorism.

In a letter written to the Chief Secretary KP, the Federal Secretary Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has expressed grave concern over the recent incidents of destruction of schools in the newly merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“It is particularly disheartening to note that these heinous acts of terrorism are disproportionately targeting institutions dedicated to girls’ education,” the letter said.

The federal government is deeply alarmed by these developments, which not only endanger the lives of our children but also threaten the progress we have made in promoting education and gender equality in these regions, it said adding that the education of girls is a cornerstone of our national development strategy, and any attack on this front is an attack on the future of our nation.

“I want to reassure you that the federal government stands in solidarity with the provincial administration of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during this challenging time. We are fully committed to supporting all necessary measures to ensure the security of educational institutions and to swiftly rebuild the schools that have been destroyed. It is imperative that we work together to counter this menace of extremism and restore a sense of safety and normalcy for our students and educators” the letter added.

To this end, the letter said, I propose the establishment of a joint task force comprising federal and provincial representatives to develop a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction of damaged schools and the enhancement of security measures across the region.

The letter also added that this task force should focus on community engagement and resilience-building to prevent further extremist activities and to foster an environment where education can thrive without fear.

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PESCO chief assures reduction in load-shedding in KP 

PESCO

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur held a meeting with the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) chief to discuss electricity crises issues in the province. 

During the meeting, the PESCO chief assured to reduce load shedding in the province.

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and the PESCO chief also agreed to issue a new load-shedding schedule in the province.

According to the new schedule, there will be 18 hours of load shedding in the areas that used to have 22 hours of load shedding, and 14 hours of load shedding in the areas that used to have 18 hours of load shedding.

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said that to implement the new schedule, the PESCO authorities should decide the procedure with the Chief Secretary today. He said “If there is load shedding even one minute more than the schedule in any grid, a case should be registered against the concerned operator” he added.

Ali Amin Gandapur said that he is ready to talk with the federal government to solve the problems related to electricity and added that the talk cannot happen until the people get immediate relief from load shedding.

The Chief Minister said that the provincial government wants to give relief to the people by deducting their arrears, and the federal government and PESCO are responsible for the line losses in the province.

Ali Amin Gandapur said that the energy affairs minister has been invited to the CM House the day after tomorrow. 

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Asif Haider Shah posted as Chief Secretary Sindh again

Sindh

KARACHI: Syed Asif Haider Shah has once again been appointed as the Chief Secretary of Sindh.

Asif Haider Shah, a Grade 22 Pakistan Administrative Service officer, has been appointed as the Chief Secretary of Sindh once again.

Notification of appointment of Asif Haider Shah as Chief Secretary has been issued.

Syed Asif Haider Shah presently posted as Secretary Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Division was transferred and posted as Chief Secretary of Sindh province with immediate effect until further orders.

It should be noted that Asif Haider Shah is the brother-in-law of Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, he has been the Chief Secretary of Sindh before and has also served as the Commissioner of Karachi.

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Punjab to install CCTV cameras in highly sensitive polling stations

Punjab

Lahore: The Punjab Government has decided to install CCTV cameras at every booth of highly sensitive polling stations in Punjab.

A meeting was held in Lahore under the chairmanship of Provincial Election Commissioner Ejaz Anwar Chauhan and Chief Secretary Punjab, in which it was decided to install CCTV cameras at every booth of highly sensitive polling stations.

Secretary Local Government Punjab gave a briefing regarding the preparations for the elections and security, transport, and communication plan for the elections were discussed.

Provincial Election Commissioner Punjab Ejaz Anwar Chauhan said that proper arrangements should be made for the training of security personnel and all district returning officers should supervise the process of preparing polling bags.

Ejaz Anwar Chauhan said that all the basic facilities should be ensured at the polling stations and control rooms should be made more active for redressal of complaints.

He said that up to 570,000 staff will be deployed on the election day and the training of the election staff will be completed by January 29.

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CS Punjab directs DCs to act against violators of Polls code

CS Punjab

LAHORE: Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman directed all the deputy commissioners to ensure the implementation of the code of conduct for general elections issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

He gave this directive while presiding over a meeting held at the Civil Secretariat to review the arrangements for the conduct of general elections. The Secretary Home Department and officers concerned attended the meeting while all divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners participated through video link.

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Secretary said that it is the constitutional responsibility of government officials to provide assistance in conducting free, fair and transparent elections.

He said that the implementation of the code of conduct issued by the Election Commission must be ensured and as per law, action must be taken against violators without any discrimination. He directed that in case of violation of the code of conduct, the report regarding the action be sent regularly.

The Chief Secretary said that according to the guidelines of the Election Commission, all the arrangements for the general elections should be completed in advance. He said that a comprehensive security plan should be prepared with the help of police and law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order on the polling day.

Provincial Focal Person /Secretary Local Government Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi gave briefing at the meeting. He mentioned that areal firing, display of weapons and use of loudspeakers would be banned across the province under the Section 144.

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CM Sindh directs to study viability of plastic roads in province  

CM Sindh
  • This he said while reviewing development portfolio of Works Depat.
  • Secretary Works briefed CM about progress of inspections.
  • Maqbool Baqar said there would be zero tolerance for sub-standard work.

KARACHI: Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar presiding over a meeting of the Works & Services department directed to study the viability of the concept of the plastic road by comparing the same with the world’s best practices.

This he said while reviewing the development portfolio of the Works & Services Department here at CM House. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary and other concerned officers.

Secretary Works Nawaz Sohoo briefing the CM said that in the ADP 2023-24 there were 956 schemes with an allocation of Rs 89,500.5 million against which Rs 39026.73 million have been released while the expenditures made so far come to Rs18089 million.

The Secretary Works briefed the CM about the progress of inspections, its observations, and findings along with recommendations conducted by him and his office in various districts of Sindh. He also showed the CM a new inspection proforma, and its parameters developed by the department.

The CM directed the Works department to add a new column in the inspection report proforma to reflect the `causes and details about the revision of the scheme/project.’

He also directed the works department to include a column in the inspection proforma about the performance of the contractor and officers involved in that project. For this purpose, the CM said that the services of any renowned engineering University could be hired for third-party inspection and validation of any chosen development scheme/project.

Baqar directed the works dept to take stern departmental action against the delinquent officers involved in corrupt practices and causing poor work of different development projects. He also directed the department to rationalize the proposed inspection mechanism, where the Secretary would visit schemes categorized as of high importance so that the efficiency and effectiveness of inspections may be increased.

He categorically told the works department that there would be zero tolerance for sub-standard work and those involved must be taken to the task.

Secretary W&S briefed about the PWD Manual and mandate assigned to various field formations/offices of the department. He also informed the CMN about the monitoring mechanism of various projects. At this, CM Baqar directed that for every major development project, there should be digital recordings, images, or videos at every stage of the project.

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Election Commission calls important meeting in Quetta today

Election Commission meeting

The Chief Commissioner will preside over the meeting. Important officials will participate in the meeting. IG and Chief Secretary will brief about the administrative and security situation.  Islamabad: The election commission has called an important meeting in Quetta on Wednesday to review the results of the general elections, Bol News reported. According to details, the … Read more

Jaranwala tragedy judicial commission: LHC summons Chief Secretary on Oct 2

Jaranwala

LHC heard case seeking formation of a judicial commission to investigate Jaranwala tragedy. The court summoned the Chief Secretary of Punjab on Oct 2. The petition was filed to probe the attack on minority community in Jaranwala. LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday heard the case seeking the formation of a judicial commission … Read more

Decision of Supreme Court challenge in LHC

Decision of Supreme Court

Citizen Mashkoor Hussain filed the petition. According to petetion providing interest-free loans is illegal. Judges are already receiving numerous benefits. The decision of the Supreme Court to grant an interest-free loan of 36 crore rupees to 11 judges was challenged in the Lahore High Court. The application was filed on behalf of citizen Mashkoor Hussain. … Read more

ECP orders removal of Chief Secretary KP

ECP
  • ECP sent letter to Secretary Establishment Division.
  • KP CS is not carrying out affairs impartially in province.
  • A diligent officer should be appointed as CS KP.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ordered the removal of the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

The Election Commission has sent a letter to the Secretary Establishment Division in which the Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry has been directed to be removed.

CS Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry is not carrying out the affairs impartially and diligently and is not providing the necessary support for transparent and fair general elections.

The Election Commission has directed that an impartial and diligent officer should be appointed as the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The letter has been sent by Secretary Election Commission Umar Hameed.

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Punjab Govt decides to launch crackdown against miscreants

Punjab Govt decides to launch crackdown against miscreants
  • This was decided in meeting chaired by CS  Punjab.
  • The security plan during Muharram was finalized.
  • An  intelligence-based operation would be conducted.

LAHORE: Punjab Government has decided to conduct an intelligence-based operation(IBO) against miscreants across Punjab, while action will also be taken against those included in the Fourth Schedule.

A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman in which the security plan during Muharram was finalized while the arrangements to deal with possible floods were also finalized.

In the meeting, the action was ordered against the persons included in the Fourth Schedule, while the movement of the persons included in it was banned.

It was decided that an intelligence-based operation would be conducted against miscreants across Punjab. In this regard, operation instructions were issued to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD).

Similarly, it was also decided to carry out search and sweep and combing operations across Punjab, under which 280 hotspots will be closely monitored across the province.

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Election Commission requests army for re-poll in Sindh

Election commission Sindh

Election commission requests Rangers during Sindh re-polls A letter in this regard is being sent to Chief Secretary Army personnel are also requested as quick response force KARACHI: The Election Commission Sindh has written a letter to the Chief Secretary for the deployment of Rangers during the local government (LG) re-polling in 15 constituencies of … Read more

Punjab Chief Secretary requests transfer

Punjab Chief Secretary

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal has written a letter to the federal government to withdraw is services with immediate effect. The letter was addressed to Establishment Secretary Inamullah Khan said his services should be withdrawn from Punjab and handed over to the Cabinet Division. The chief secretary said that transfers should be based … Read more

Punjab chief secretary orders to expedite work on uplift schemes

Punjab

LAHORE: Punjab chief secretary Kamran Ali Afzal has directed expediting work on the ongoing development schemes under the annual development programme (ADP), a statement said. Chairing a meeting to review the implementation of Rs560 billion ADP, he directed the administrative secretaries of all the departments to issue pending work orders immediately as per the rules. … Read more

Availability of fertilisers ordered

fertilisers

LAHORE: Punjab chief secretary Kamran Ali Afzal has directed all the deputy commissioners to continue monitoring the prices and availability of fertilisers in their respective districts. Chairing a video-link meeting of all deputy commissioners at the Civil Secretariat, he expressed satisfaction over the measures that helped decrease the fertiliser price. The chief secretary said no … Read more

PM Imran Khan replaces Punjab chief secretary and IG, once again

LAHORE: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday once again changed Punjab’s chief secretary and inspector general of the police. This is the fourth time that a new chief secretary has been appointed and the sixth time that a Punjab IGP has been changed since 2018. According to officials, PM Imran consulted Punjab Chief Minister Usman … Read more

Govt is committed to provide facilities to citizens: CM Punjab

CM Punjab

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Bazdar has said that our government is committed to provide basic amenities to the citizens at their doorstep. According to details, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Bazdar in which issues related to the performance and scope of Lahore Development Authority (LDA) were … Read more

Govt strictly enforce the SOPs for containing the spread of corona

Govt

The Punjab government has decided to strictly enforce the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for containing the spread of coronavirus and directions have been issued to all the divisional commissioners to ensure implementation of precautionary measures and take strict action including imposing fines in case of violation. The decision was taken at a meeting held at … Read more