KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has announced that the provincial government has taken foolproof security arrangements for peaceful observance of 8th, 9th and 10th Muharram across the province.
Speaking at a press conference here, he said that a total of 49,662 police personnel will be deployed across Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas, and Shaheed Benazirabad from 8th Muharram till Ashura to prevent any untoward incidents.
He said that 14,546 police personnel would be deployed for security of majalis, while 35,116 to protect Muharram processions. He said that over 14,000 additional personnel had been assigned to ensure security of all events.
He said that recently Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah held meetings with scholars belonging to different schools of thought and reviewed the security plan for majalis and processions during the mourning period.
Defends curbs on rickshaws
Mr Memon, who holds the portfolios of information, transport and mass transit said that the Karachi commissioner had issued a notification on April 15, imposing a ban on the movement of rickshaws on 11 major roads in the metropolis.
He clarified that the ban did not apply to all of Karachi but was limited to specific main roads.
This measure has been implemented under the Sindh Motor Vehicle Ordinance, 1965 and it is the administrative authority of the government to regulate traffic and ensure convenience for citizens, he added.
Sharjeel says 50,000 police being deployed in Sindh from today
He questioned as to whether rickshaws operate on major roads in any other part of the country.
Speaking about the education sector, Mr Memon said that the Sindh government had recruited 93,118 teachers across the province, including 31,075 women.
He said that 2,100 teachers were appointed under the minority quota, while 1,330 positions were given to differently abled persons.
He said that the recruitment process carried out through the Sukkur IBA test with complete transparency, leaving no room for criticism.
As a result of these measures, 5,000 previously closed schools had been reopened.
Currently, 5.5 million children are enrolled in government schools across Sindh, four million in private schools, and one million in Sindh Education Foundation schools, he said.
The minister stated that the Sindh government had taken revolutionary steps in health, energy, infrastructure and climate change.
WE just saw the release of the Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25 and the presentation of the budget for 2025-26. There is a lot that can be said about the economy and the budget, but in this article I want to focus on education and what the Survey and the budget tell us about it and this government’s priorities. All figures in this article are taken from the Economic Survey 2024-25.
Empty vessels make the most noise, and the Economic Survey section on education is a poorly written chapter, which is clearly meant to hide more than to reveal, as well as to glorify while having nothing to extol. It tells us that enrolments at the pre-primary level have declined over the last year or so while those at the primary, middle and high school level have increased a bit and that college/ university enrolments have come down somewhat.
Do these statistics tell a story? Yes, they do, and a very strong one. They tell us that despite the prime minister’s declaration of an ‘education emergency’ and despite the fact that around 26 million five- to 16-year-olds are out of school, the government has neither a strategy for this category of children nor an actual plan that it is implementing. We are seeing trend movements in enrolments. If education was a priority, if there was a strategy, if a plan was being implemented, one would expect to see a strong movement — beyond the trend — in an upward direction. Instead, what we see is the usual drift. This is the story of education for the current government. In this regard, the story is no different from that for most governments of the past: education has not been a priority for any government.
The Economic Survey tells us that the national literacy rate stands at 60.5 per cent only: 68pc for men and 52.8pc for women. The urban literacy rate is 74.09pc — for urban men it is 78.13pc. For rural women, it is only to 41.67pc. So, the gender and rural-urban gaps continue to persist. But there is a story hidden in geography as well. Where the literacy rate for Punjab is quoted at 66.25pc, it is 42pc for Balochistan whereas for rural women in Balochistan, it is only 26.59pc, ie, only one in four women in rural Balochistan is literate.
It is clear that governments — federal and provincial — do not want to spend more on education.
The net enrolment rate at matriculation for boys in Balochistan is only 18pc and just 9pc for the girls in the province. And this is supposed to be a federation!
Any government, all governments, any society, all societies, should feel ashamed at these numbers. But we don’t. We are celebrating our ‘achievements’.
This is a quote from the education chapter in the Economic Survey. “Cumulative education expenditures by federal and provincial governments in FY25 (July to March) were estimated at 0.8pc of GDP. Expenditures on education-related activities during FY25 decreased by 29.4pc…”. They decreased from Rs1,251.06 billion to Rs899.6bn. Of course, there will be some spend from April to June but will it be 30pc? Unlikely. So, expenditure on education has gone down in nominal terms too. In real terms, given inflation, the drop would be much larger. And now we are spending only 0.8pc of our GDP on education, whereas UN agencies recommend spending a minimum of around 4pc of GDP on education. And the manifestoes of all major political parties promise that education expenditure will increase to 4pc of GDP.
The figure of 0.8pc includes all vanity projects such as the Daanish schools and the laptop schemes, especially in the federation and Punjab. I am sure it includes a portion of advertising spend of the provinces as well. But if you ask the ministers, the chief ministers or the prime minister, they will tell you, and emphatically so, that education is a top priority for their governments.
The Economic Survey headlines the news that the country now has 269 universities: 160 public sector and 109 private sector universities. But it does not dwell too much on the fact that the Higher Education Commission has not been given more resources for the new public sector universities. Some of the universities, even the older and bigger ones, are facing severe financial difficulties. Their budgets from the HEC have been more or less stagnant. Some cannot even make payrolls and have to cut pension payments. Some of the new universities in the public sector have not been given any support at all by the HEC. The government has done nothing to address these concerns. But launching new universities has been a priority.
The dialogue on education is quite broken. It is clear that governments — federal and provincial — do not want to spend more on education or on fixing the public sector education system. They believe they do not have the resources for it, nor do they have the patience and, possibly, the ability for medium- to long-term reforms. It is also clear that, given the thriving private sector in education, it is only the poor who depend on public sector provision of education and so, from a political point of view, there is no pressure on the government to fix education either: the poor are even more voiceless in this country than the middle- and upper-income classes.
And yet, in terms of rhetoric and public pronouncements, the government cannot be politically incorrect to admit all of the above. So, it will continue to pay lip service to the ‘education emergency’ and the ‘right to education’. And this game is bound to continue. Who will suffer? The young of the country and, therefore, the future of the country. But, for those in power, hunooz dilli dur ast, reality has not set in and political horizons are too short.
The writer is a senior research fellow at the Institute of Development and Economic Alternatives and an associate professor of economics at Lums.
• Two-judge bench says prosecution’s evidence shows PTI founder played a role in violent attacks • Ex-PM’s refusal to submit to polygraph tests ‘hindered investigation’
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ruled that the PTI founder, Imran Khan, was involved in the conspiracy and abetment of violent attacks on May 9, 2023.
In a detailed verdict, a two-judge bench noted that the prosecution has evidence that reflected Mr Khan’s role in the violence that broke out following his arrest in Islamabad.
The argument by Mr Khan’s counsel that he was in jail when the violent attacks took place on May 9 “is of no help to him,” ruled Justice Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi and Tariq Mahmood Bajwa, who had dismissed the PTI founder’s bail application on June 24.
Mr Khan had sought bail in eight cases of riots, including the attack on the Lahore Corps Commander’s House.
In its detailed verdict, the bench reproduced the statements of two police officials and prosecution witnesses, who claimed to have secretly attended PTI’s meetings wherein the party’s founder allegedly gave instructions to other leaders to attack military installations in case of his imminent arrest from the Islamabad High Court.
The meetings were held at a rest area of Chakri, Rawalpindi, on May 4 and at Zaman Park residence of Imran Khan on May 7-9, 2023.
The bench observed that the witnesses’ statements cannot be termed belated.
The bench held the statements “prima facie reflect the conspiracy and abetment” for the offences committed on May 9 were perpetrated by Mr Khan.
His role in the violence attracted Sections 120-B (punishment for criminal conspiracy) and 121-A (conspiracy to commit offence of waging or attempting to wage war against the country) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
“We have also noticed that the effect of the petitioner’s criminal conspiracy/abetment and the words uttered by him resulted in loss of lives and the state property,” the bench observed adding the case of Mr Khan, being PTI’s leader, was “distinguishable” from the cases of those who have been granted bail by different courts.
The bench noted that the prosecution has audio and video evidence, which required forensic analysis.
However, despite successive efforts by the investigating officer, Mr Khan refused polygraph and photogrammetric tests, which hindered the investigation and reflected his “evasive conduct”.
Based on these observations, the judges stated, “We are not inclined to grant post arrest bail to the petitioner and being so, this petition is dismissed.”
The cases against Mr Khan pertained to attacks on Askari Tower at Liberty Chowk, offices of PML-N in Model Town, Shadman police station and setting fire to police vehicles near the corps commander’s house and violence at Sherpao Bridge.
• Flash flood risk in northern areas from July 7-12 • Heavy rain forecast across all provinces, GB and AJK • Second monsoon spell expected to affect most Punjab districts • PDMA Balochistan warns of flash floods in 20 districts • Tourists advised to avoid high-risk areas; citizens urged to stay indoors
RAWALPINDI / LAHORE / QUETTA: The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued impact-based weather alerts ahead of predicted monsoon activity and a strong westerly wave expected to affect multiple regions of the country from July 6 to 10. Flash flood risks are also anticipated in northern areas from July 7 to 12.
Isolated rain and thunderstorms are expected in Islamabad and across Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Faisalabad, Lahore, Kasur and Okara from July 6 to 10.
Widespread moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast across northern and central Punjab, while southern districts such as Multan, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, and Dera Ghazi Khan may receive low to moderate showers.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in Dir, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Battagram, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Haripur, Bannu and Kohat.
Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir will likely experience moderate to heavy rainfall, particularly during evening and night hours. Flash flood threats persist in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Diamer, Ghanche, Shigar, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Haveli and Bagh.
The expected weather conditions could result in flash flooding in streams and nullahs, landslides, road closures and disruptions to power and communication lines.
In Sindh, isolated to moderate rainfall is expected in Sukkur, Nawabshah, Kashmore, Hyderabad, Karachi, Tharparkar, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Tando Allahyar, Thatta, Badin and Mithi. Heavier rainfall is likely in Ghotki, Khairpur, Shikarpur, Larkana, Jacobabad and Dadu, potentially leading to urban flooding, traffic congestion and infrastructure damage.
Scattered to heavy rainfall is also forecast in Balochistan, including Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Kalat, Khuzdar, Awaran, Barkhan, Jaffarabad, Kohlu, Sibi, Dera Bugti, Loralai, Lasbela and Naseerabad. Risks include waterlogging, traffic disruption and structural damage from strong winds and lightning.
The NDMA has urged the public to adopt precautionary measures, including avoiding unnecessary travel, staying indoors during severe weather and securing loose items and vehicles. Tourists are strongly advised against visiting high-altitude or flood-prone areas during the forecast period.
Local authorities have been directed to ensure the readiness of response teams, drainage clearance and public awareness campaigns. Motorists have been warned to avoid driving through flooded roads and underpasses. Emergency services remain on high alert for potential rescue and evacuation operations.
The NDMA asked citizens to monitor its advisories and use the ‘Pak NDMA Disaster Alert’ app for real-time weather updates and safety information.
Punjab on high alert
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued its own alert ahead of expected monsoon rains from July 5 to 10, warning of urban flooding and rising river levels.
It said the second monsoon spell is expected to affect most districts, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal and Faisalabad. Thunderstorms with heavy downpours are predicted in Okara, Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Bhakkar, Mianwali and southern districts such as Bahawalpur, Multan and Dera Ghazi Khan.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia warned of potential flooding in hill torrents and rain drains from July 7 onwards. Urban flooding may also impact northern and central Punjab.
Departments including the Water and Sanitation Agency, Rescue 1122, health, irrigation and local government have been directed to remain on high alert. Citizens have been advised to stay indoors during storms, avoid travel and keep children away from waterlogged areas and electrical hazards.
PDMA’s recent rainfall data shows Jhelum recorded the highest precipitation at 31 millimetres in the past 24 hours, followed by Mangla (29mm) and Attock (14mm), with minimal rainfall in Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Sialkot and Multan.
New monsoon spell in Balochistan
The PDMA Balochistan has also issued a weather alert for a fresh monsoon spell expected to hit 20 districts from July 4 to 8 July.
Heavy downpours are forecast in Sherani, Zhob, Ziarat, Musakhail, Duki, Loralai, Harnai, Sibi, Barkhan, Nasirabad, Usta Muhammad, Kalat, Lasbela, Surab, Khuzdar, Awaran, Sohbatpur, Jaffarabad, Dera Bugti and Kohlu, with flash floods likely in seasonal streams and rivers.
Tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, and residents are urged to stay away from dams and picnic spots. Deputy commissioners have been instructed to monitor the situation closely and deploy heavy machinery on key roads to maintain access.
PDMA district teams have been ordered to prepare for rescue and relief operations in the event of any damage caused by the rains.
PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrives at the Islamabad airport before his departure to Azerbaijan—APP
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Azerbaijan on Thursday for a two-day official visit to attend the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO).
Upon arrival at Fuzuli Airport in Shusha, the premier was received by Azerbaijan’s Minister for Culture Adil Karimli, Ambassador to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Qasim Mohiuddin and senior diplomats and government officials.
PM Shehbaz was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi.
The premier will address the ECO Summit being held in Khankendi, Azerbaijan. In addition, he will hold bilateral meetings with other world leaders participating in the summit.
According to the Foreign Office, the prime minister will “share Pakistan’s perspective on key regional and global challenges, reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to the ECO Vision 2025, and advocate for enhanced intra-regional trade, transport connectivity, energy cooperation, and sustainable development”.
He will also hold meetings with other ECO leaders on the sidelines of the summit to discuss matters of mutual interest, the statement added.
The theme of the summit is “New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Future”.
• Flash flood risk in northern areas from July 7-12 • Heavy rain forecast across all provinces, GB and AJK • Second monsoon spell expected to affect most Punjab districts • PDMA Balochistan warns of flash floods in 20 districts • Tourists advised to avoid high-risk areas; citizens urged to stay indoors
RAWALPINDI / LAHORE / QUETTA: The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued impact-based weather alerts ahead of predicted monsoon activity and a strong westerly wave expected to affect multiple regions of the country from July 6 to 10. Flash flood risks are also anticipated in northern areas from July 7 to 12.
Isolated rain and thunderstorms are expected in Islamabad and across Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Faisalabad, Lahore, Kasur and Okara from July 6 to 10.
Widespread moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast across northern and central Punjab, while southern districts such as Multan, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, and Dera Ghazi Khan may receive low to moderate showers.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in Dir, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Battagram, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Haripur, Bannu and Kohat.
Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir will likely experience moderate to heavy rainfall, particularly during evening and night hours. Flash flood threats persist in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Diamer, Ghanche, Shigar, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Haveli and Bagh.
The expected weather conditions could result in flash flooding in streams and nullahs, landslides, road closures and disruptions to power and communication lines.
In Sindh, isolated to moderate rainfall is expected in Sukkur, Nawabshah, Kashmore, Hyderabad, Karachi, Tharparkar, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Tando Allahyar, Thatta, Badin and Mithi. Heavier rainfall is likely in Ghotki, Khairpur, Shikarpur, Larkana, Jacobabad and Dadu, potentially leading to urban flooding, traffic congestion and infrastructure damage.
Scattered to heavy rainfall is also forecast in Balochistan, including Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Kalat, Khuzdar, Awaran, Barkhan, Jaffarabad, Kohlu, Sibi, Dera Bugti, Loralai, Lasbela and Naseerabad. Risks include waterlogging, traffic disruption and structural damage from strong winds and lightning.
The NDMA has urged the public to adopt precautionary measures, including avoiding unnecessary travel, staying indoors during severe weather and securing loose items and vehicles. Tourists are strongly advised against visiting high-altitude or flood-prone areas during the forecast period.
Local authorities have been directed to ensure the readiness of response teams, drainage clearance and public awareness campaigns. Motorists have been warned to avoid driving through flooded roads and underpasses. Emergency services remain on high alert for potential rescue and evacuation operations.
The NDMA asked citizens to monitor its advisories and use the ‘Pak NDMA Disaster Alert’ app for real-time weather updates and safety information.
Punjab on high alert
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued its own alert ahead of expected monsoon rains from July 5 to 10, warning of urban flooding and rising river levels.
It said the second monsoon spell is expected to affect most districts, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal and Faisalabad. Thunderstorms with heavy downpours are predicted in Okara, Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Bhakkar, Mianwali and southern districts such as Bahawalpur, Multan and Dera Ghazi Khan.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia warned of potential flooding in hill torrents and rain drains from July 7 onwards. Urban flooding may also impact northern and central Punjab.
Departments including the Water and Sanitation Agency, Rescue 1122, health, irrigation and local government have been directed to remain on high alert. Citizens have been advised to stay indoors during storms, avoid travel and keep children away from waterlogged areas and electrical hazards.
PDMA’s recent rainfall data shows Jhelum recorded the highest precipitation at 31 millimetres in the past 24 hours, followed by Mangla (29mm) and Attock (14mm), with minimal rainfall in Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Sialkot and Multan.
New monsoon spell in Balochistan
The PDMA Balochistan has also issued a weather alert for a fresh monsoon spell expected to hit 20 districts from July 4 to 8 July.
Heavy downpours are forecast in Sherani, Zhob, Ziarat, Musakhail, Duki, Loralai, Harnai, Sibi, Barkhan, Nasirabad, Usta Muhammad, Kalat, Lasbela, Surab, Khuzdar, Awaran, Sohbatpur, Jaffarabad, Dera Bugti and Kohlu, with flash floods likely in seasonal streams and rivers.
Tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, and residents are urged to stay away from dams and picnic spots. Deputy commissioners have been instructed to monitor the situation closely and deploy heavy machinery on key roads to maintain access.
PDMA district teams have been ordered to prepare for rescue and relief operations in the event of any damage caused by the rains.
The Lahore High Court (LHC) has observed while referring to the testimonies of two police officials that former prime minister Imran Khan has been found involved in a conspiracy hatched for the violent events that occurred on May 9, 2023.
An LHC division bench headed by Justice Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi issued the detailed order regarding the dismissal of Khan’s post-arrest bail applications recently.
The bench had dismissed the bail applications in eight first information reports (FIRs) registered against the former PM in connection with the May 9 riots.
Inspector Ismat Kamal and Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Hassan Afzal had in their statements termed Imran Khan the mastermind of the incidents that had occurred on May 9.
They said that in meetings held on May 4, 2023, at the Chakri Rest Area in Rawalpindi, and on May 7 and 9 in Lahore, Khan had given directions to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership to attack military and sate installations in addition to police officials to build pressure in case he was arrested.
The officials stated that the leader had said that no one should go home until his release. They said the party leadership had termed Imran their red line and said they would jam the country by inciting the public if he was arrested.
The court observed that the role attributed to the petitioner, as evident from the reproduced statements, attracts the provisions of Section 120-B and Section 121-A of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which stood applied in the case. The reproduced statements of Inspector Ismat Kamal and ASI Hassan Afzal prima facie reflect that a conspiracy and abetment related to the offences committed on May 9 were perpetrated by the petitioner in different meetings, it observed.
Meanwhile, an anti-terrorism court summoned more prosecution witnesses on July 10 in a case registered against PTI leaders regarding the May 9 riots after the arrest of the party’s founding chairman.
The ATC judge recorded the statements of five prosecution witnesses in the case.
Sarwar Road police had registered the case against the leaders over disturbing law and order, creating chaos, arson and inciting the public after the arrest.
The ATC extended the bail hearing till July 8 of Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Umar Sarfraz Cheema and other leaders in cases registered against in connection with the riots. In another case of setting ablaze vehicles outside Jinnah House, the judge fixed July 10 for further proceedings.
Defamation case
A district court reserved its decision on Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif’s application for making a legal notice part of the record and to record secondary evidence in a defamation suit against Imran Khan.
The district court judge was hearing the PM’s defamation suit filed against the PTI founder, seeking Rs10 billion in compensation over an accusation of offering him bribe to withdraw the Panama Papers case.
The PTI counsel opposed the application, arguing that the legal notice was not signed by the petitioner and no secondary evidence could be recorded at this stage.
The petitioner’s counsel argued that suit had been filed after fulfilling legal formalities and the notice had been sent. He requested the court to allow secondary evidence.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the judge reserved the decision, which is likely to be announced by July 10.
On June 2, the prime minister had replied to the queries of the counsel representing the PTI founding chairman during cross-examination.
The queries revolved around PM Shehbaz Sharif’s affidavit, including its content, institution, stamps, attestation and other aspects of the case. The PM had appeared through video link.
He had admitted that his name had been neither mentioned in the anchorperson’s questions nor in the replies given by the respondent, but asserted that it was clear that the baseless accusations were aimed at him.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has announced that a high-level committee has been formed to investigate the recent Swat tragedy, in which 14 people drowned in the Swat River. Speaking to the media after a court appearance at the Peshawar High Court, the chief minister said that anyone found negligent in the incident will not be spared.
“The tragedy in the Swat River is extremely unfortunate. A committee has been constituted to probe the incident and is actively working. Those responsible for negligence or carelessness will be held accountable once the committee presents its report,” Gandapur stated.
He added that an indiscriminate anti-encroachment operation is underway across the province, particularly along the banks of the Swat River. “No one is above the lawillegal structures, no matter who they belong to, will be demolished,” he asserted.
Referring to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, the chief minister launched a scathing attack, saying, “He can’t even win a councillor’s seat … how can he overthrow our government?”
The chief minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to removing encroachments without any discrimination and said that similar operations would be launched wherever illegal constructions are found in the province.
Meanwhile, a high-level delegation of the Polio Oversight Board (POB), led by Dr Christopher Elias, called on Chief Minister Gandapur in Islamabad to review and reinforce anti-polio efforts in the province.
The delegation included representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Rotary International, and other global partner organizations. Also present were Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Farooq, and senior officials from the National and Provincial Emergency Operation Centers.
During the meeting, the participants reviewed the province’s ongoing polio eradication efforts and agreed on further streamlining and strengthening strategies to eliminate the poliovirus from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Chief Minister expressed gratitude for the continued support of international partners and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to eradicating polio. “The fight against polio is not just a provincial issue but a national and global responsibility,” he said.
He noted that the provincial government is taking special measures to bolster the immunization program and has begun customizing anti-polio campaigns to fit the unique needs of each district. “Our strategy now involves local solutions to local challenges,” he said.
To enhance the outreach and acceptance of polio campaigns, Gandapur said elected representatives and religious scholars are being actively involved. He urged local leaders and clerics to help dispel misconceptions and boost public trust in vaccination efforts.
ISLAMABAD, Jul 03 (APP): Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC), Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, has reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s higher education sector under Vision 2047, with a strong focus on accessibility, technology integration, and institutional development.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Ahmed stated that the government aims to ensure modern educational facilities for 1.5 million youth. Under the P-10 project, the top ten universities in the country will be selected for targeted quality enhancement. In the first phase, 100 smart classrooms have already been established, while 200 more are under construction.
Highlighting the significant progress since the formation of HEC in 2001, he noted that the number of universities has grown from 59 to 370 (both public and private), and the student population has increased from under 3.5 million to over 8.5 million. Yet, he stressed that this number is still insufficient given Pakistan’s growing youth population. “Our target is to expand access and capacity further, especially in underserved regions,” he said.
One of the most remarkable statistics he shared was that approximately 48% of university students in Pakistan are female, a figure he called “a surprise to the world” and a testament to the country’s evolving education landscape.
Dr. Ahmed emphasized the importance of technology in education. Under the High-Performance Computing (HPC) initiative and cloud computing, students can now attend classes remotely, and teachers can deliver lectures from home a shift that ensures academic continuity during emergencies. He added that the reliance on expensive computing infrastructure is being reduced, making education more accessible.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Only 28% of university faculty hold PhDs, up from a previous 24%, and efforts are underway to increase this ratio. Over 6,000 students have been sent abroad on scholarships, reflecting the country’s focus on building a skilled academic workforce.
He also acknowledged resistance from some Vice Chancellors regarding the implementation of the Higher Education Data Repository (HEDR), a system meant to improve digital governance in higher education.
The Chairman stressed that academic-industry linkages are being promoted, with two universities recently recognized internationally for producing globally competitive graduates. Meanwhile, the $400 million World Bank-funded Higher Education Development Project (HEDP) is supporting faculty development, research, innovation, infrastructure upgrades, and strengthening the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE).
Dr. Ahmed concluded by stating that the HEC is not only enhancing higher education in urban centers but is also extending resources to backward regions to ensure equal opportunities for all. He emphasized that instead of merely increasing the number of institutions, the focus will remain on improving the quality and governance of existing universities.
