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Tag: Punjab

  • Punjab govt buries abandoned bodies, says they are not of Baloch missing persons

    Punjab govt buries abandoned bodies, says they are not of Baloch missing persons

    The Punjab government revealed on Wednesday that the abandoned bodies that were found on the roof of Nishtar Hospital’s mortuary in Multan are not of Balochistan’s missing persons and have been buried.

    Punjab Chief Minister’s Advisor, Tariq Zaman Gujjar, clarified that the Vice Chancellor and administration of Nishtar Medical Health University have a complete record of abandoned bodies and none of them is a missing person

    On the same day, the hospital’s administration and Edhi Foundation buried the remains of 66 corpses, all found in various stages of decomposition.

    Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) Chief, Sardar Akhtar Mengal, had also expressed concerns that the bodies could be of Balochistan’s missing persons. Mengal had demanded that an investigation must be held.

    The Baloch leader also asked for conducting DNA tests on the corpses, fearing that some of them might be missing persons.

    Responding to this, Gujjar said that he respects Akhtar Mengal but his statement was surprising in that he suspected the abandoned bodies might be those of missing persons.

    Last week, the grisly discovery of putrefied bodies found lying in open on the roof of Multan’s Nishtar Hospital grabbed the country’s attention after videos were widely shared on social media.

    At that time, it was speculated by online media that up to 500 bodies were allegedly found on the rooftop of the hospital. Soon after, an investigation was launched.

    Earlier, Nishtar Medical University’s (NMU) Head of Anatomy Department, Dr Mariam Ashraf said that the facility does not just keep bodies for research purposes but also for safekeeping, if handed over by police or Rescue personnel.

    She claimed that there were only four bodies on the rooftop. “The only reason for keeping bodies on the roof is that their influx is huge and they aren’t being returned back to police stations in the numbers that they should,” she claimed.

  • CNG stations in Punjab, KP to remain shut till March 2023

    CNG stations in Punjab, KP to remain shut till March 2023

    CNG stations in Punjab and KP will stop operating from November 2022 to March 2023 as the gas crisis increases as a result of the lack of required LNG during the winter.

    While the government is obligated to purchase 12 LNG cargoes each month, Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) has been unable to do so; as a result, the country will only have 10 LNG cargoes available in December and nine LNG cargoes each month in the following months. Due to the decreased LNG import cargoes, gas utilities will be forced to limit the supply of gas to captive power plants by 50 per cent.

    According to Express, in Punjab and KP, there won’t be any LNG available for CNG stations during the winter. Due to insufficient local gas output, Punjab has also been experiencing a gas crisis.

    According to government officials, the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) system’s gas supply to the fertiliser sectors won’t be reduced. Due to the probable political reaction this would cause, the government does not intend to reduce supplies of gas for the household sectors, therefore there will always be a supply available.

    As instructed by the federal government, SNGPL has been providing Re-Gasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) to a number of subsidised industries, including domestic consumers, export-oriented businesses, and fertiliser producers.

    Government payments to SNGPL for RLNG subsidies are Rs199 billion as of this writing. SNGPL’s capacity to pay RLNG suppliers PSO and PLL has been severely hampered by the reduced pricing. The amounts owed to PSO and PLL are now Rs284 billion and Rs135 billion, respectively.

    The power industry pays in full, but because its receivables have grown to over Rs115 billion, payments to suppliers have been significantly delayed.

  • Former Governor Omar Cheema is new Punjab Home Advisor

    The name of former Governor of Punjab, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, has been approved by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for the slot of adviser to the Chief Minister (CM) Punjab on home affairs.

    This decision came about after the resignation of Punjab Home Minister Hashim Dogar, who reportedly left his post after differences with Imran Khan.

    Punjab Home Minister resigns as IK reportedly not happy with him

    Punjab Home Minister Hashim Dogar has stepped down from his office, citing personal commitments and health issues.

    On Tuesday, Dogar shared his resignation on Twitter with a caption saying: “Today I have resigned from my post due to my personal reasons. Inshallah, I will continue to work as a regular worker of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).”

    His resignation states: “It was a great pleasure to have served as Minister for Home and Prison Department under your able command. I feel regretted to inform you that I shall not be able to continue due to my personal commitments and some health issues.”

    “I was and will always be available to serve you and my party chairman for times to come”, he added.

    However, Journalist Hamid Mir, on Geo News’ programme “Capital Talk”, claimed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan called Dogar and asked for his resignation. Reportedly, he was not happy with the provincial minister.

    “Imran was told that Dogar belongs to the unit of a senior officer of the establishment and often meets him”, he said.

    Mir claimed that the PTI chairman had been getting information about Dogar. It is yet to be proved whether the information was correct or not.

    Earlier, Dogar said, “If Imran Khan announces a long march then the Punjab government will not become part of it. We will not facilitate the participants of the long march but security will be provided”.

    He also said that government resources will not be used and called Khan’s long march a “political matter”.

    On the contrary, reacting to Dogar’s statement, Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Pervaiz Elahi said, “That is, as such, no matter”.

  • Rs16 billion money laundering case: PM Shehbaz appears before court, terms case as ‘fake’

    Rs16 billion money laundering case: PM Shehbaz appears before court, terms case as ‘fake’

    A special court in Lahore adjourned the hearing till October 8 in a Rs16 billion money laundering case filed by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) against Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and his son, Hamza Shehbaz.

    The court also directed the lawyer to submit additional details on the acquittal plea by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders.

    In the hearing which took place on Friday (today), PM’s son Hamza Shehbaz did not appear before the court as he had sought exemption on medical grounds. However, PM Shehbaz appeared before the court but later sought exemption as he had “important” matters to attend to.

    PM’s lawyer Amjad Pervaiz told the court that the first information report (FIR) registered against his clients mentioned they were involved in money laundering worth Rs25 billion from 2008-2018 through fake companies. However, he said, “During this 10-year span, PM Shehbaz was neither the director nor a shareholder of those companies.”

    PM Shehbaz also spoke before the court, stating that the money laundering case against him is “fake”.

    He claimed that when he was Chief Minister (CM) for 20 years he had made decisions that “hurt” his family’s sugar business. “I was requested to provide subsidy to sugar mills, but I refused. I refused as the amount (that would be used for subsidy) belonged to the poor people in Punjab,” he declared to the court.

    Later, he sought an exemption from the court which was granted to him. After Shehbaz left, the court went on a break.

    Once the hearing resumed, the lawyer presented his arguments again. Then, the court adjourned the hearing till October 8 and asked him to continue deliberations at the next hearing.

    In 2021, the FIA submitted a challan against Shehbaz and Hamza to the special court for their alleged involvement in laundering Rs16 billion in a sugar scam.

    The report added that the amount was kept in “hidden accounts” and “given to Shehbaz in a personal capacity”.

    At the time, FIA had said that the amount of Rs16 billion has nothing to do with the sugar business of Shehbaz’s family. The money allegedly received from the accounts of low-wage employees was transferred outside Pakistan, ultimately destined for the beneficial use of his family members.

  • ‘Use of teargas shells, rubber bullets will be considered’: Rana Sanaullah ahead of PTI’s long march

    ‘Use of teargas shells, rubber bullets will be considered’: Rana Sanaullah ahead of PTI’s long march

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah talked about the long march call given by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.

    The minister said that “it is not possible to talk to a person like Imran Khan, Khan has to prepare but we are fully prepared”, reports Geo Urdu.

    On the question about controlling the participants of the possible PTI sit-in, Sanaullah said that modern methods would be adopted to fire teargas shells and rubber bullets on the protesters and the use of drones would also be considered.

    When asked what if the provincial governments in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) where PTI is in power refused to provide police forces when Islamabad police asked for it. Sanaullah said that the government would take action against them in line with the Constitution.

    Rana also said that the red zone was sealed as a precaution, but warned that when PTI approach Islamabad, the red zone would be sealed again.

    However, Imran Khan warned the minister said that “he should be worried” because the PTI will be marching towards Islamabad with “full preparation” this time.

    “We promise you that you will not be able to hide in Islamabad,” Khan told Sanaullah, adding that he will make a decision on Saturday about giving a call to the public to take to the streets.

    Islamabad asks for more police forces to deal with a possible PTI protest

    Islamabad’s red zone has been sealed with containers and Section 144 has been imposed ahead of a possible Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in the federal capital.

    The city administration reportedly plans to dig trenches and place hundreds of containers at the entrances of Islamabad to prevent PTI supporters from entering the city.

    Moreover, Islamabad police have asked for 30,000 personnel of police, paratroopers, and the Frontier Corps (FC) force from the provinces — 20,000 from Punjab, 4,000 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and 6,000 personnel of the Rangers and the FC force.

    However, the provincial governments of Punjab and KP have not yet decided how to respond to the Islamabad request, reports Geo News.

    According to the Islamabad police, “Some people from Punjab have set out for the federal capital to get their political demands”.

    Entry to D-Chowk has been restricted and barbed wires and shipping containers are placed in the area.

    Earlier, PTI Chairman Imran Khan warned the government to stop the “persecution” of his party workers otherwise he would again march on Islamabad.

    He had directed the party leaders to start preparations for a long march to Islamabad. He also asked party workers to wait for the Islamabad call. The final date is yet to be announced.

    In May, PTI leaders and thousands of supporters reached Islamabad where a six-day deadline was given to the government for announcing elections and dissolving assemblies. That long march ended a day after it started.

  • PTI MNAs using govt residences despite resigning from NA

    PTI MNAs using govt residences despite resigning from NA

    After former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan was ousted through a no-confidence motion, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Members of National Assembly (MNAs) tendered their resignations together.

    Months have passed but the party’s MNAs still have not evacuated the residences given to them by the government at the parliamentary lodges. It has been reported that not even one MNA has vacated the place.

    Including the lodges, 42 side rooms are also in use by the MNAs.

    When the magistrate was informed, he expressed disappointment and contacted the court in this matter.

    On July 29, National Assembly (NA) Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf accepted 11 resignations of PTI MNAs members under Article 64(1) of the Constitution of Pakistan.

    Additionally, 29 PTI members were still enjoying privileges as Members of the Punjab Assembly (MPAs) despite tendering their resignations, reported Dawn earlier in the month.

    According to the news outlet, salaries are being transferred to PTI members’ accounts as their resignations have not yet been formally accepted. Therefore, members are still enjoying the perks.

  • Traffic warden arrested for secretly making TikToks of women

    Traffic warden arrested for secretly making TikToks of women

    A traffic warden has been arrested in Lahore for filming TikTok videos of females on roads during his duty hours.

    The traffic warden used to make videos of female passengers without their consent. The arrested police officer also used to show his face in the videos.

    In view of the inquiry report, departmental action will be taken against the traffic warden.

  • How to apply for government jobs in Pakistan

    How to apply for government jobs in Pakistan

    Many Pakistanis prefer working for the government over the private sector since a government job not only offers job stability but also other incentives that encourage people to work for the government.

    People from middle-class households typically favour working in the government. We have addressed the benefits that favour government jobs for career advancement because there are some benefits that the private sector does not provide.

    Here are some advantages of government jobs:

    Working hours

    The benefit of choosing government employment over the private sector is the flexible work schedule. In contrast to positions in the private sector, when employees are occasionally required to work a little bit extra, occupations in the public sector have set working hours. However, in some government agencies, working overtime is required without compensation.

    Job security

    The biggest benefit of working for the government is job stability. And there is no job security in the private sector. In contrast, there is very little chance that any government official will lose his or her job.

    Employees in the private sector are displaced like houseflies because this perk is only available to those working in government sectors.

    Promotions

    Another crucial element in the public sector is the promotional benefit. Promotion in government positions is always contingent on how well and how long you work. However, this can occasionally be both a benefit and a drawback because someone who is above average may not be able to develop as quickly as his typical counterparts.

    Benefits and perks

    Next in the government sector are the perks and rewards. As a result, the government sector offers a wide range of benefits, including pension plans, retirement benefits, health care, housing loans, and childcare, among others. However, several significant private sector enterprises do provide such advantages.

    In the government sector, however, retirement becomes crucial since it guarantees the longevity of a person’s career.

    Read more: Here’s how to use a SIM in a non-PTA approved phone

    Lesser stress

    The government sector, as we’ve seen above, has set working hours. Therefore, these hours will result in reduced work-related stress. The best time frame to finish the work on time and in the best way is offered by government jobs, which is not available in the private sector.

    Respect

    Along with all these advantages, working for the government increases respect. Everyone will treat you with respect if you work for the government because of your authority and position.

    Salary increments

    The other best perk of working for the government is, of course, wage increases. As a result, your compensation will rise without regard to how well you perform. So this is fantastic if you are an average performer.

    These multiple advantages provided by government employment may provide you a competitive advantage over the private sector. A government career is the ideal option, though, if you are considering doing something exceptional in the future and need job fulfilment.

    Where to apply?

    There are currently hundreds of job vacancies on the websites below:

    National Job Portal

    Punjab Jobs Online

    These websites allow interested applicants to submit applications for several Pakistani government job positions. Numerous openings, from entry-level to senior-level ones, are listed on these websites.

    Applying for posts in the following categories is possible: BPS-01, BPS-04, BPS-05, BPS-09, BPS-11, BPS-14, BPS-15, EVP/SEVP, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, Grade-10, Grade-11, Grade-12, MP-I, MS-VIII, PPS-10 and PPS-12.

    People who live in Punjab can apply for the most recent positions that the Punjab Government has posted, including those in the departments of planning and development, energy, and health care, by visiting Punjab Jobs Online.

  • ‘Fitna’: Maryam Nawaz slams Imran for ‘using religion’ for personal benefits

    ‘Fitna’: Maryam Nawaz slams Imran for ‘using religion’ for personal benefits

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice-President Maryam Nawaz has said that religion should not be used for political benefits and blasted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for allegedly using faith for political gain.

    “Using religion for personal motives is very bad. I have suffered this and I am a victim”, she said while talking to members of the media.

    “I think religion is a personal matter but it does not remain a personal matter when you say in rallies that ‘voting for PML-N is a sin and voting for me [Imran] is righteous and if my party members switch loyalties then it’s shirk’,” she stated, referring to a recent controversy speech given by Imran Khan at a rally.

    “Shirk’s definition is associating partners with God. Are you changing the entire dictionary and the meaning of religion for your disgusting politics,” she asked the former Prime Minister.

    Shirk is considered to be one of the most heinous sins in Islam.

    At a rally, Khan had said that “people who vote for PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif will be siding with a convict and are on the wrong side. This also means that you will go against Allah’s orders.”

    At one point, he also said that those who defected from his party [PTI] committed shirk.

    “I think all institutions, whether the judiciary or army or politicians or government, should acknowledge he [Khan] is a fitna (chaotic miscreant) who was launched for destruction and from whom no one is safe.”

    Maryam said that she is not in favour of fuel or electricity price increases.

    “I will request the government to focus on it. I don’t support this decision and it should be corrected. However, it will take time to stabilise the economy after what Imran Khan did,” she said, adding that PM Shehbaz Sharif has saved the country from default and slowly the economy will begin to revive.

    Moreover, the PML-N vice president asked Khan to dissolve the provincial assemblies of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) if he wants fresh general elections.

  • Pervaiz Elahi lifts ban on ad hoc appointments of doctors in Punjab

    Pervaiz Elahi lifts ban on ad hoc appointments of doctors in Punjab

    Chief Minister (CM) Punjab, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, has on Tuesday lifted a ban on ad-hoc appointments of doctors and nurses, reports The Nation.

    After the provincial Health Department forwarded a summary to the CM, the government allowed ad hoc appointment of doctors and paramedics to meet the severe shortage of health officials in public health facilities across Punjab.

    In a meeting chaired by Elahi, it was decided to extend the Health Card programme in an improved manner.

    According to the notification, both the health departments – Specialized Healthcare and Primary Health – are allowed to fill the vacant posts of doctors and paramedics on an impromptu basis.

    While the country continues to grapple with the ongoing devastation caused by floods, waterborne dengue infection has broken out in all four provinces, with panic and fear spreading among the public. According to the Primary and Secondary Healthcare secretary, 2,278 confirmed dengue cases and four deaths had so far been reported in the province this year.