Illegal occupants evicted from varsity colony

The Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU) has launched an operation against illegal occupants in the university colony after the Eid holidays. According to sources, several individuals had been residing unlawfully in staff houses. Taking notice of the situation, the university administration ensured the immediate eviction of the unauthorised occupants. The vacated houses have now been allotted to eligible employees on merit. The administration emphasised that the rule of law and institutional authority would be upheld at all cost. In a statement, the university clarified that strict legal action would be taken against those found involved in such violations. It stated that irregularities would not be tolerated in the future and transparency in all allotments would remain the top priority. Meanwhile, South Punjab Health and Population Special Secretary Muhammad Shahbaz Hussain said while addressing at a seminar at the BZU that no society can achieve sustainable development without educational and human progress, and healthy mother is the guarantee of healthy future generations. He said, "The World Health Day reminds us that health is a fundamental right of every individual," adding that the purpose of celebrating the day is to raise awareness about the fundamental and essential importance of health. He said the provincial government is continuously striving to provide quality medical facilities to people in remote areas of South Punjab, for which comprehensive health reforms have been initiated.

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Dar reassures Sindh's water share won't be affected amid canal project concerns

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday assured that Sindh’s share of water would not be compromised due to the proposed six-canal project over the Indus River, as protests against the project continue in the province. Speaking in the National Assembly, he reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to upholding provincial water rights. “The government is dealing with the issue of water distribution with transparency and care,” he said, adding that the canal project—first proposed in July 2023—had been delayed at Sindh’s request to allow for a thorough review. “I urged my colleagues not to make any decisions without full consultation. We are partners, not dictators,” Dar stressed, confirming that the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) had not approved the project and that stakeholder consent was still pending. Addressing political criticism, Dar rejected accusations of water theft. “The allegations that Punjab is stealing Sindh’s water are completely baseless,” he said, accusing certain political groups of exploiting the issue to gain relevance. He revealed that in a recent meeting with Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, he proposed an independent technical assessment of the project to safeguard Sindh’s water rights. Additionally, two new telemetry monitoring points are being installed to enhance transparency, he said. “We are not pushing this project forward for political reasons,” Dar maintained. “We are handling it with wisdom and balance.” The DPM reaffirmed adherence to the 1991 Water Accord, stating, “No province, including Punjab, will receive water meant for Sindh. Let there be no doubt — Sindh’s share of water is secure.” Calling for unity and cooperation, Dar urged leaders to avoid politicising the issue. “Pakistan is a federation of four provinces, and our strength lies in unity. We must move forward with fairness and transparency.” Senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Raja Pervaiz Ashraf also addressed the session, stressing the urgency of resolving water distribution disputes. “The PPP is fully committed to protecting the rights of all provinces,” he said. PPP MNA Shazia Marri echoed these concerns, calling the water crisis a national issue that requires serious dialogue rather than blame games. MNA Ejaz Jakhrani emphasised constructive engagement between political parties, adding that equal rights for all provinces are essential for justice and national unity.

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Nawaz to fly to London next week

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif is expected to travel to London next week. According to family sources, the PML-N president will undergo a routine medical check-up in London and will also address an overseas convention of party workers during his stay. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is likely to accompany Nawaz on the trip. The former PM is expected to stay in London for two weeks. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will also arrive in London from Belarus and several important meetings of the Sharif family are scheduled to take place during their stay.

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Power Division clarifies rumours about changes in electricity tariffs

The spokesperson for Power Division, Zafaryab Khan, has addressed rumours surrounding changes in electricity tariffs, stating that the federal government will implement the recently announced relief in power prices. In an interview with APP, Zafaryab Khan dismissed reports about changes to electricity rates, calling them baseless and contradictory. He added that certain elements were deliberately spreading false information about electricity rates and technical details, distorting the facts. “These reports misrepresent the government’s official position and are aimed at creating confusion among the public,” he said. The spokesperson emphasised that the announcement by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding a reduction in electricity rates is accurate, and its implementation will proceed as planned. Zafaryab Khan noted that, in light of the upcoming summer season, the Prime Minister had instructed immediate action to ease the burden on consumers. Following the Prime Minister’s announcement, NEPRA conducted a public hearing on April 4 to implement the relief package without delay. He further confirmed that the federal cabinet had already approved the relief package, which will apply to all power distribution companies across the country. The spokesperson attributed the achievement of this relief to months of negotiations, including talks with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to reduce tariffs. He also stated that discussions on tariff categories are unnecessary at this stage since the relief is now reaching the public. “The government deserves credit for this timely intervention,” he concluded.

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PIA to start Hajj operation from 29th

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is going to start its pre-Hajj flight operation from April 29. During this massive exercise, more than 56, 000 pilgrims will be flown to Saudi Arabia through 280 flights. These pilgrims will include 20,000 people utilizing the government Hajj scheme and 36,000 people performing pilgrimage through private Hajj operators. The PIA will use Boeing 777 and Airbus A320 planes for transportation of pilgrims. After the Hajj, the PIA on June 12 will start its post-Hajj flight operation to bring back the pilgrims to Pakistan.

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FIA launches inquiry over bank complaint

The FIA has registered an inquiry following a complaint lodged by officials of BankIslami Pakistan Limited, seeking record of five individuals — including three women — from all commercial banks. FIA's Commercial Banking Circle inquiry officer has written a letter to all the commercial banks, stating that after a written complaint by BankIslami senior officer Muhammad Shahid and Manager Zubair Ahmed, inquiry number 98/2024 has been registered against directors and associates of M/s Denim and Clothing, namely Farhan, Muhammad Hanif Machiyara, Maria Farhan, Iqra Hanif, and Aqsa Suleman Bawany. The FIA has requested the branch managers of the commercial banks to appear before the inquiry officer along with details of banks accounts and verified documents dated before Jan 8, 2025, including AOFs, SS cards, CNIC copies, complete debit and credit vouchers, IBFTVs account number, bank debit and credit cards and up-to-date account statements of the aforementioned individuals. It has directed banks to report whether these individuals hold any locker accounts or have availed other financial facilities. The FIA has also sought photocopies of any credit or debit transactions amounting to Rs100,000 or more, along with bank accounts details.

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SC to hear pleas against bails on 8th

The Supreme Court will take up Punjab government's appeal against the approval of bail application of the accused in the May 9, 2023 attack cases for hearing on April 8. A three-member bench led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and including Justice Shafi Siddiqui and Justice Shakeel Ahmed, will hear the case. The appeals were filed for the cancellation of the bail of 20 accused, including Alia Hamza and Khadija Shah. Shah has been included in the Chief Justice of Pakistan's Prison Reforms Committee for Punjab.

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