Tag: Punjab

  • ‘In-person classes in schools for Grades 1-8 to be suspended till April 28’

    ‘In-person classes in schools for Grades 1-8 to be suspended till April 28’

    Minister for Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mehmood on Tuesday announced that there will be no on-campus classes for Grades 1 to 8 in areas affected by coronavirus till April 28.

    The minister made the announcement while addressing the media after a meeting of the National Command and Control Centre (NCOC) that reviewed the opening of the country’s educational institutions. Besides this, the meeting also discussed the schedule for exams including those for Grades 9, 10 and 11 as well as those for O’ and A’ Levels.

    “During today’s meeting it was decided that classes for grade 1 to 8 will not be held in districts that are affected [by Covid-19] and this will go on till April 28,” said the minister.

    Punjab Minister for Education Dr Murad Raas informed that 13 districts have been affected by the virus and therefore no on-campus classes will take place in these areas for grade 1 to 8 students. The minister added that this decision will be reviewed again in the last week of April, when the NCOC will decide on whether or not to close down educational institutions till Eid.

    The minister also said that classes for grade 9, 10, 11 and 12 will be allowed to continue with strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) from April 19 so that students can finish the syllabus and be prepared for their exams.

    He added, however, that universities in affected districts will remain closed and classes will shift online.

    “Otherwise, universities will function as per usual,” he said.

    Later, Mahmood also asserted that “decisions regarding [the] exams are final,” and told students to start preparing and working hard.

    “This decision will not be changed so no one should have any uncertainty in their mind,” added the minister.

  • Punjab police make face-mask violators stand in scorching sun

    As the country battles the third wave of COVID-19, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has asked the provinces to ensure the strict implementation of SOPs to control the spread of the virus.

    Talking to Dawn, Lahore Commissioner retired Capt Muhammad Usman warned that those found violating the SOPs will be sent to jail.

    “We are passing through peak time of the third wave of the coronavirus that is spreading very fast in Lahore in particular and other parts of Punjab in general. Since many Covid-19 positive patients are being shifted to hospitals [in Lahore] on a daily basis, we have decided to ensure strict preventive measure to avert the further spread of the virus,” said the commissioner.

    He added: “We have decided to launch a crackdown from March 28 against all those not wearing masks, besides flouting other SOPs. We have been left with no option but to arrest all those found without masks on the city roads, markets, hospitals, parks, shops, malls etc.”

    As per reports, more than 400 first information reports (FIRs) have been filed against face-mask violators in Lahore with dozens of them taken into custody.

    The assistant commissioner of Jhelum’s Pind Dadan Khan city came up with a rare punishment for mask violators as he made them stand in the scorching sun for over half an hour.

    Punjab has already imposed a partial lockdown in the province banning mass transport, weddings and ordering markets to close by 6 pm to avoid the spread of the virus.

  • Mobile vaccination program launched for senior citizens in four cities

    The Government of Pakistan has launched a mobile vaccination service for senior citizens aged above 80 years and for differently-abled persons aged above 50. As per reports, the service is initially available in four cities of Punjab including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Multan.

    Read more – Lahore: 550 doses of COVID-19 vaccine go missing from one hospital, 350 spoiled at another

    The step has been taken to speed up the process of vaccination amid a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in the country.

    “Senior citizens who are 80 years and above and those with disabilities over 50 years of age don’t have to leave home for the vaccine as the government vaccine vans will reach them wherever they are,” said Punjab Minister for Health Dr Yasmin Rashid while talking about the initiative.

    Chief Minister Usman Buzdar urged people to get vaccinated and said “citizens can simply call the health helpline 1033 to get vaccinated at home.”

    Vaccinations for people over 60 years and above commenced on March 10, while registrations for people above 50 started last week on March 30.

    Meanwhile, 5234, people tested positive in the last 24 hours in Pakistan whereas, 83 people have lost their lives to the deadly virus. The positivity rate has jumped to 10.43 %.

  • Chakwal resident spends Rs35,000 to cancel Rs300 fine

    Chakwal resident spends Rs35,000 to cancel Rs300 fine

    A citizen hailing from  Punjab’s Chakwal district spent over Rs 35,000 challenging a traffic violation ticket worth Rs300 for using improper number plates on his vehicle. The challan was issued to him by the National Highway & Motorway Police (NHMP).

    As per reports, the petitioner Mohammed Noman Awan had to involve a lawyer, bear his travel expenses and deposit a court fee to register a writ petition against NHMP. He has approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to withdraw that challan.

    The petitioner challenged the NHMP act on the basis that there was no specific violations in the Motorway Ordinance under which vehicles on Motorway with improper/duplicate number plates was illegal.

    An official of the NHMP on February 27, 2021, had stopped Noman’s vehicle when he entered the M2 (Lahore-Islamabad) section of the Motorway from Balkasar Interchange.

    Motorway official told him that he was not using specified number plates on his vehicle. However, the police official could not state the exact law under which plying of vehicles on the Motorway with such number plates was a violation.

    Talking to Gulf News on Sunday, Advocate Saad Bin Safdar, the lawyer for the petitioner,  said it was not a matter of Rs 300 but it involved a substantial question of law and the petitioner had asked for the IHC’s involvement for its explanation.

    “Under the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1956, only Motor Vehicle Registration Authority issues specific registration number plates that are computerised and of similar size and shape. For the motorists plying their vehicles in Punjab it is mandatory to use these plates on their vehicles. However, since Motorway falls under federal government’s jurisdiction, Punjab’s or any other province’s laws don’t apply there,” said Bin Safdar.

    Moreover, he said it is the basic principle of the criminal law that no conduct may be held as criminal unless it is precisely described in a penal law in the shape of unambiguous statutory text, he said.

    Justice Babar Sattar after hearing the petitioner has asked the Inspector General of the NHMP to submit a detailed reply by April 29.

  • COVID-19: Punjab to impose lockdown in districts with over 12% positivity rate

    COVID-19: Punjab to impose lockdown in districts with over 12% positivity rate

    The Punjab government has decided to impose lockdowns in districts with a COVID-19 positivity rate of more than 12 per cent from April 1 to control the spread of the virus.

    Talking to media, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar said  the lockdown will continue till April 11. He added that this will be reviewed by the cabinet committee on COVID-19 after seven days.

    The Punjab districts with a positivity rate higher than 12pc, as of March 28, include:

    Lahore – 17pc

    Faisalabad – 15pc

    Rawalpindi – 15pc

    Multan – 12pc

    Sargodha – 12pc

    Sialkot – 12pc

    Districts/cities with positivity higher than 8% are:

    Buzdar stated that the provincial government will not enforce any limitations on economic activities or industries. “The construction, transport, goods and industrial sectors will continue to operate as per regular according to standard operating procedures (SOPs),” he said.

    A complete ban will be imposed on wedding events and other gatherings in the province. “It was also decided to close down the mass transit transport system which includes the Orange Line Metro Train and the Speedo bus service.”

    There will be also a complete ban on indoor and outdoor dining at all restaurants and hotels, Buzdar said. “However, takeaway and home delivery will be allowed.”

    He said that the same restrictions will be applied  on sporting, cultural and social activities. “Parks will be closed. Commercial timings for bazaars and markets will be till 6pm, while shops will remain closed two days of the week.”

    Buzdar urged people to follow SOPs strictly. “You will protect yourself and your family members by wearing face masks,” he said.

    Pakistan is currently fighting against the third wave of COVID-19 with a total tally of 659,116.  The country reported 4,525 cases and 41 deaths on Monday.

  • Punjab education minister urges students to ‘ignore’ misinformation and ‘be patient’

    Punjab education minister urges students to ‘ignore’ misinformation and ‘be patient’

    Punjab Minister for Education Dr Murad Raas has urged students in the province not to believe any any information coming from unofficial sources.

    “Ignore all tweets wherever they are coming from,” wrote the minister in a tweet. “Anything to do with Punjab will be tweeted by me. Please be patient, dates will be announced in a day or two.”

    “These amount of calls and messages is insanity,” he added.

    Earlier, Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood announced that schools located in COVID-19 hotspot areas will remain closed till April 11.

    Mahmood also informed that after several rounds of talks, Cambridge has agreed to reschedule this year’s O’ Level exams to after May 15.

    “A’ and AS’ Level exams will take place as per the original timetable following all the SOP,” stated the minister.

    Prior to the announcement, Mahmood had told students that all “decisions are made keeping their best interest in view not what is popular”.

    “Educational institutions are closed on the advice of health authorities,” said Mahmood. “Decisions about exams are being made considering what is best for them. Have faith.”

    Pakistan is currently battling with its third wave of COVID-19. According to the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC), Pakistan has reported 4,368 cases and 63 deaths in the last 24 hours.

    Number of cases recorded in different provinces in the last 24 hours are as follows:

  • Four chief secretaries, six IGs, 15 secretaries; six DG Khan, four Lahore commissioners changed under Buzdar rule

    In what appear to be efforts by Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Usman Buzdar to prove his mettle as a good administrator amid severe criticism over a number of things, it has emerged that new records were set within the past two and a half years as the provincial chief executive struggled to constitute the best team.

    Soon after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) came to power in 2018, Buzdar was handed reins of Punjab by Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan despite reservations expressed by several allies of the premier.

    “He will prove to be the best Punjab has ever had,” PM Imran said while defending Buzdar time and again, especially amid criticism aimed at the newcomer over his lack of experience, unpopular decisions, and as the masses drew comparisons between Buzdar and his predecessor, Shehbaz Sharif.

    Two and a half years since his election, it has emerged that CM Buzdar set a new record, but it might not exactly be for what you think or could have expected…

    He became the first provincial chief executive to have made the most number changes to his team in no time, the details of which are as follows:

    FOUR CHIEF SECRETARIES:

    Jawad Rafique Malik (April 2020 – Present)

    Azam Suleman (5 Months 3 Days)

    Yousaf Naseem Khokhar (13 Months 24 Days)

    Akbar Durrani (3 Months & 19 Days)

    SIX INSPECTOR GENERALS (IGs):

    Inam Ghani (September 2020 – Present)

    Shoaib Dastagir (9 Months 10 Days)

    Arif Nawaz (7 Months 11 Days)

    Amjad Javed Saleemi (6 Months 2 Days)

    Tahir Khan (1 Month 4 Days)

    Kaleem Imam (2 Months 28 Days)

    OTHERS:

    Besides over a dozen transfers and postings among secretaries of different Punjab departments, the other prominent officials sent packing included those serving in the provincial capital and CM Buzdar’s hometown Dera Ghazi (DG) Khan.

    DG KHAN CHIEF COMMISSIONERS:

    Dr Irshad Ahmed (Incumbent)

    Tahir Khurshid

    Muddassir Riaz

    Asadullah Faiz

    Naseem Sadiq

    Sajid Zafar

    LAHORE COMMISSIONERS:

    Asif Bilal Lodhi (Second Appointment)

    Mujtaba Paracha

    Saif Anjum

    This, however, isn’t where it all ends.

    According to sources, major changes in Punjab are once again on the cards and Primary and Secondary Health Secretary Capt (r) Muhammad Usman is likely to be made Lahore commissioner soon.

    While the chief secretary and the IG could also be replaced, reports regarding Buzdar’s own dismissal have been rebutted by both Centre and the Punjab CM himself.

    Speaking to Geo News, Buzdar said rumours of his removal went rife every once in a while. “There is no truth to rumours of my removal [as CM Punjab],” he said, adding that the main objective of these rumours was to stop development work in the province.

    He said that the Punjab Assembly and “his leader” — Prime Minister Imran Khan — had complete confidence in his abilities as the province’s chief executive.

    “I am staying here and will continue to serve the people of Punjab,” he said. “We are governing Punjab transparently; not even a single corruption case has been exposed,” he added.

  • VIDEO: Helicopter showers currency notes on wedding guests in Punjab

    VIDEO: Helicopter showers currency notes on wedding guests in Punjab

    A video showing a helicopter showering currency notes and rose petals on guests at a wedding in Punjab’s Mandi Bahauddin has gone viral on social media.

    According to reports, the groom’s brothers, who had come from abroad to celebrate their brother’s wedding, had specially arranged for a helicopter to shower currency notes and flowers on the ‘baarat’ guests.

    Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner of the area has asked officials to take legal action against the organisers for not seeking permission for the helicopter.

    Earlier, a man in Sialkot celebrated his wedding by showering US dollar notes on his guests.

  • Is Punjab Chief Minister Buzdar going home?

    Is Punjab Chief Minister Buzdar going home?

    Prime Minister Imran Khan dropped a hint at bringing major administrative changes in Punjab, a private media outlet reported. According to reports, the premier on Tuesday expressed reservations over the state of affairs in Punjab during an important meeting that was attended by senior party leaders. Reports said that before the meeting, PM Imran had an important discussion with Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Sardar Usman Buzdar.

    The meeting also discussed the election of chairman and deputy chairman of the Senate. The premier asked Defence Minister Pervez Khattak to get the support needed for the post of chairman and deputy chairman. The government has decided to take the allies into confidence for the post of Senate deputy chairman, reports claimed and added that the meeting also deliberated on giving the post of deputy chairman to any allied party.

    The performance of the Punjab government was also discussed in detail during the meeting chaired by the premier and attended by federal ministers except Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed, senior government members and constitutional experts, as well as CM Buzdar. When contacted, a senior Punjab official told The Current that a major shuffle might soon be held in the province. They hinted at the possible removal of the provincial chief executive as well as the chief secretary.

    While PM’s digital media aide has rubbished these claims, rumour has it that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) CM might also soon be replaced.

    Meanwhile, journalist Muneeb Farooq has also cited sources as saying that the Punjab CM is not going anywhere.

  • First lady’s friend among PTI’s Punjab candidates for Senate

    First lady’s friend among PTI’s Punjab candidates for Senate

     

    At least 29 candidates, including a close friend of the first lady, have filed their nomination papers for 11 Senate seats in Punjab with the elections scheduled to be held on March 3.

    The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has nominated 10 candidates: Jamshed Iqbal Cheema, Muhammad Khan Madni, Saifullah Sarwar Khan Nyazee, Robina Akhtar, Malik Zaheer Abbas Khokhar, Aon Abbas, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Ejaz Hussain Minhas, Ejaz Ahmad Chaudhary and Neelam Irshad Sheikh.

    While on seats reserved for women, three candidates are fielded by PTI, including Farhat Shahzadi who is reportedly a close friend of First Lady Bushra Bibi.

    Following criticism, PM’s aide Shahbaz Gill defended the selection of Farhat Shahzadi, saying she is a part of the PTI and has been an active political workers for many years. She is a covering candidate and it is her right, he added.

    On the other hand, the Pakistan Muslim League has put forth Mushahid Ullah Khan, Pervaiz Rasheed, Saiful Malook Khokhar, Afnan Ullah Khan, Saud Majeed, Zahid Hamid, Sajid Mir, Muhammad Baligh-ur-Rehman and Irfanul Haq Siddiqui for the Senate polls.

    The Pakistan People’s Party (7 lawmakers in the house) and Pakistan Muslim League-Q (10 legislators) have pitched one candidate each: PPP’s Azeem-ul-Haq Minhas and PML-Q’s Kamil Ali Agha.

    An aspirant for a general seat in Punjab requires votes of at least 53 provincial legislators.

    For the two Senate seats reserved for women, there are five candidates in the run: Zarqa Suharwardy, Farhat Shahzadi and Neelam Irshad Sheikh backed by the PTI; while two, Saadia Abbasi and Saira Afzal Tarar, are from the PML-N.

    There are three nominees for the Senate seats reserved for technocrats/Ulema. Two of them — Syed Ali Zafar and Atta Ullah Khan — belong to the PTI, whereas Azam Nazeer Tarar is a PML-N nominee.