Day: April 19, 2024

Chief of Turkish General Staff, General Metin Gurak visited Naval Headquarters in Islamabad and called on Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf. During the meeting, they discussed cooperation between the two navies, maritime affairs and situation in the region. The Turkish General lauded the efforts of Pakistan Navy in maintaining security and stability in the region. Source: Radio Pakistan

With a surge in Congo virus cases, the Punjab Health Department has issued a threat alert across the province, urging vigilance and preventive measures to curb its spread. According to the circular disseminated by the health department, the Congo virus situation in Punjab has taken a serious turn, necessitating urgent and coordinated efforts to address the escalating crisis. District Health Officers have been tasked with the crucial responsibility of promptly identifying and reporting suspected cases to higher authorities, facilitating timely intervention and containment measures. The looming risk of the Congo virus outbreak is particularly pronounced during the upcoming months, spanning from April to July, as indicated by reports and epidemiological data. This period is historically characterized by heightened transmission rates of the virus, posing a significant public health challenge that demands proactive measures to mitigate its impact. Livestock authorities have been urged to implement stringent me asures to safeguard public health, including the relocation of cattle markets away from densely populated residential areas. Additionally, special emphasis has been placed on the need to establish temporary cattle markets outside urban centers during Eid-ul-Azha festivities to minimize the risk of virus transmission among animals and humans alike. The health department's proactive approach underscores the importance of early detection, swift response, and community cooperation in combating the Congo virus threat. Authorities are working diligently to ensure public safety and mitigate the risk of a widespread outbreak across the province. Source: Pro Pakistani

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a total of thirty-six people died and forty-six others injured due to rains related incidents during the current wave of torrential rains. According to the latest PDMA report, the dead include twenty children, eight men and eight women. A total of two thousand, three hundred and ninety-one houses were damaged out of which three hundred and eighty-eight houses were completely damaged while two thousand, and three were partially damaged. The provincial government has released one-hundred and ten million rupees to PDMA Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the families of the victims of the recent rains related incidents. Meanwhile, PDMA has distributed relief goods including tents, blankets, kitchen sets, hygiene kits, mosquito nets and other commodities of everyday use among the flood and rains affected people in different districts. Source: Radio Pakistan

In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, the Punjab government has announced plans to introduce environment-friendly initiatives across the province. The focal point of these initiatives is the launch of the 'No to Plastic' campaign, aimed at curbing the usage of plastic bags. Under the directive of the Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab Maryam Nawaz, a comprehensive ban on plastic bag usage will come into effect from June 5, 2024. This decision was endorsed during a review meeting chaired by the CM, where Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasized the critical need to address the health hazards posed by plastic pollution. The 'No to Plastic' campaign seeks to raise public awareness about the severe health risks associated with plastic pollution. Minister Aurangzeb underscored the urgency of banning polythene bags' production, distribution, and usage, citing their adverse environmental impact and contribution to respiratory ailments and other life-threatening conditions. To ensure the effective implementati on of the plastic bag ban, department heads and deputy commissioners will enforce strict measures within their offices and jurisdictions. Educational institutions will play a crucial role in this endeavor by organizing special lectures and workshops to educate the public about the health hazards of plastic. Furthermore, a dedicated awareness campaign will be launched on Earth Day, utilizing mass media and social media platforms to reach a wider audience. Minister Aurangzeb urged citizens to embrace cloth and paper bags as alternatives to plastic, emphasizing their role in disease prevention. Business establishments, including shopping malls, restaurants, and bakeries, are encouraged to participate in the campaign by discontinuing plastic bags and containers for food and beverages. The minister stressed the media's pivotal role in raising awareness about environmental and health issues, emphasizing the need for citizen-media cooperation for the campaign's success. Minister Maryam Aurangzeb reiterated the CM 's directive and emphasized the June 5 deadline for the complete ban on plastic bag usage, underscoring the government's commitment to promoting public health and reducing environmental pollution. In a separate development, the district accounts officer and various authorities have disbursed over Rs13.6 million to applicants seeking family pensions and other dues, following orders from Ombudsman Punjab Maj (retd) Azam Suleman Khan. Thirteen applicants from different districts submitted applications to the Office of the Ombudsman Punjab, seeking assistance in obtaining their legal entitlements from relevant departments. Source: Pro Pakistani

FC Balochistan (North) along with other relevant agencies have carried out a major anti-smuggling operation in Mastung district of Balochistan and recovered items such as cigarettes, betel nuts, clothes, solar panels, tyres, urea fertilizer and equipment of electronics. The value of the seized items is estimated at around ten billion rupees which is the largest seizure ever in an anti-smuggling operation. Source: Radio Pakistan