Author: Web Desk

Rawalakot, The University of Poonch Rawalakot held an awareness seminar on “Human Rights Awareness” with support from the Federal Ministry of Human Rights. The seminar aimed to educate on human rights issues, with a focus on the importance of understanding rights to prevent violations.

According to University of Poonch Rawalakot, the seminar featured presentations from Registrar Dr. Abdul Rauf, Director of the Ministry of Human Rights Aziz Iqbal, Deputy Director Zeeshan Munir, and Coordinator of Student Affairs Dr. Zabir Abbasi. Dr. Rauf underscored the critical importance of human rights education, especially for students in higher education, highlighting that awareness among citizens is key to the realization of their rights.

Director Aziz Iqbal detailed the government’s commitment to achieving international human rights goals, outlining the legislative procedures, enforcement measures, and frameworks established by Pakistan. He emphasized the need for debates on human rights within universities and assured that the government upholds basic human rights, including freedom of expression and gender equality.

The seminar also addressed the government’s zero-tolerance policy on harassment and its initiatives to ensure women’s participation in institutions, reflecting the population’s gender composition. The presenters reiterated that informed citizens can better understand and leverage the mechanisms the government has implemented for the protection of these rights.

The event saw a significant turnout, with many faculty members and students from various colleges and departments engaging in discussions on international human rights legislation and its relevance to Pakistan.

Karachi, Muhammad Ismail Haniyeh, leader of the Hamas movement, has sent a letter of thanks to Dr. Sahibzada Abul Khair Muhammad Zubair, head of Jamiat Ulema Pakistan and the National Unity Council. The letter expressed gratitude for the condolences received on the deaths of his sons, grandsons, and 60 family members, acknowledging the support shown during their time of mourning.

According to Jamiat Ulema Islam, Haniyeh’s message highlighted the significance of the sacrifices made by his family members, who died in what he described as an ongoing struggle to liberate and establish an independent Palestinian state centered around Bait-ul-Maqdis (Jerusalem). He framed these personal and collective losses as part of a broader historical context of resistance, referring to the efforts as a “glorious battle of Al-Aqsa,” anticipated to eventually lead to Palestinian freedom.

Karachi, Commuters in Karachi are facing severe disruptions as the construction of the Redline Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system has been significantly delayed, causing extensive upheaval along University Road. Altaf Shakoor, Chairman of the Pasban Democratic Party (PDP), highlighted the profound impact on daily travel within the city, demanding urgent action to expedite the project.

According to Pasban Democratic Party, Shakoor criticized the Sindh government’s handling of the Redline BRT, a critical public transport project for Karachi, accusing them of neglecting the city’s transport needs. He pointed out that the provincial government, led by the PPP, shows little interest in completing the project. Shakoor also remarked on other problematic projects, such as the only partially completed Green Line BRT and the stalled Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), which he claims are indicative of broader governance issues affecting Karachi’s development.

The PDP chairman called for a more integrated approach to resolve Karachi’s transport problems, involving all levels of government—federal, provincial, and city. He also suggested improvements to the Lyari Expressway and proposed utilizing the Lyari River bed for heavy traffic during dry seasons to alleviate congestion. Shakoor has proposed the creation of a Public Transport Authority to oversee and address Karachi’s commuting challenges and has appealed directly to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, and City Mayor Murtaza Wahab to prioritize the overhaul of the city’s transport infrastructure, starting with the immediate resumption and completion of the Redline BRT project.

Karachi, The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has vowed to tackle the deprivation of fundamental rights in Karachi under the leadership of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, As per Deputy Secretary Information of the PPP Karachi Division, Asif Khan. This commitment was made during a series of meetings with local delegations at the liaison office of NA 235, where Khan discussed various development plans and strategies to resolve local government issues promptly.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, Khan emphasized the importance of elected representatives maintaining close contact with voters to address their concerns and facilitate the immediate resolution of problems at the local level. He noted that efforts are underway to improve essential services, including the provision of clean drinking water in underprivileged areas. Furthermore, the party plans to establish regional offices to enhance communication between elected officials and the public, ensuring that community voices are heard and acted upon.

Khan also highlighted that PPP is the only party that has fulfilled its electoral promises to the people of Karachi. He announced upcoming initiatives where provincial ministers will engage directly with the public in NA 235 through open courts, listening to grievances and issuing orders for swift action. This approach aims to foster a more inclusive and responsive governance model, with development plans crafted and implemented at the UC level through extensive public consultation.