Author name: Yasir Zubairi

ISLAMABAD — In the bustling area of Peshawar Morr, an elderly vendor was seen resting at his roadside stall, capturing the interest of many passersby. He was taking a brief nap while selling balls, highlighting the tiring pace of a vendor’s life in the federal capital. Challenges for Street Vendors in Islamabad Street vendors in Islamabad face numerous challenges as they work tirelessly to earn their livelihoods. Long working hours and strenuous conditions are normal, as they strive to secure daily earnings. These vendors, including the elderly man at Peshawar Morr, symbolize the struggles many endure to sustain their livelihoods through honest labor. The Federal Capital’s Daily Grind The dynamic atmosphere of Islamabad requires resilience from those making a living in the bustling city streets. Street vendors represent a spirit of determination as they labor diligently in these challenging conditions. The serene image of a vendor momentarily resting amid his daily hustle underscores the demanding nature of this occupation and the perseverance it demands.

FAISALABAD — A notorious robber, Mubasshar alias Bachhi, was killed in a police encounter with the Crime Control Department (CCD) teams in Faisalabad. The incident occurred near Chak 236/R-B Kajlay Wala Road, within the Roshanwala police station’s jurisdiction. Details of the Police Raid A police spokesman stated that CCD teams, including Inspector Hassan Sadiq Cheema of Lyallpur Division, Ali Akram Goraya of Iqbal Division, and Inspector Umar Sarfraz Waraich from CCD Headquarters, conducted a raid. The operation aimed at capturing proclaimed offenders involved in serious crimes. During the arrest attempts, the authorities faced gunfire from the suspects, leading to a prolonged exchange of fire. The Fatal Encounter In the gunfire exchange, Mubasshar was injured and captured. Unfortunately, he later died from his injuries at a hospital. Despite his capture, his accomplices successfully fled the scene. Mubasshar’s Criminal Involvement Police records reveal Mubasshar’s involvement in over 50 cases of robbery, theft, and other major crimes. He was also the prime suspect in a recent shop robbery within the Saddar police station’s jurisdiction. The authorities have taken Mubasshar’s body for legal procedures and continue efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects, as confirmed by the police spokesman.

ISLAMABAD — The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) has announced a schedule for planned power suspensions on Tuesday to conduct essential maintenance and development work. An IESCO spokesperson emphasized that these outages are crucial for public awareness and ensuring reliable service. Islamabad Circle Outages In the Islamabad Circle, electricity will be suspended from 7:00 am to 11:00 am. Affected areas include: Shareefabad Ghouri Garden CWO G-10 Markaz Category House G-10 Muave Area feeders The Gharial feeder will experience outages from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Rawalpindi Cantt Circle Outages In the Rawalpindi Cantt Circle, there will be power cuts from 7:00 am to 11:00 am. The sectors affected are: Nogazi Bajniyal-1 Top City FECHS NPF-I and NPF-II Doctor Town PWD-I and PWD-II feeders F/Block feeder in the Rawalpindi City Circle will have outages from 6:00 am to 10:00 am. Additionally, in the Attock Circle, power supply disruptions will occur on the Attock Rural, Teen Mela, and Bagh Nelab feeders from 7:00 am to 11:00 am. GSO Circle Outages The GSO Circle will face power cuts in several areas from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, including: Mirpur-4 Mangla Colony Bong No-2 Mirpur-2 Mirpur-3 Furthermore, outages will occur from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm in areas such as 132KV New Wah to POF, 132-KV Chakwal-Bhagwal-Talagang, and 132KV Kahuta City-Palandri. IESCO management apologizes for any inconvenience these disruptions may cause and assures efforts to complete the work swiftly. If maintenance concludes earlier than planned, power restoration will be prioritized ahead of schedule.

RAWALPINDI — The District Emergency Response Committee (DERC) convened a meeting to evaluate dengue prevention strategies with cooperative housing societies in Rawalpindi. The session, chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner Headquarters Abdul Rehman Khan, included officials from multiple departments and representatives of housing societies. Review of Anti-Dengue Measures Participants reviewed ongoing anti-dengue measures throughout the district. Housing societies were instructed to finalize their micro-planning, action plans, and logistical arrangements. This approach aims to efficiently manage potential dengue risks. Emphasis was placed on maintaining cleanliness and regularly monitoring open plots, graveyards, and vacant areas to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Coordination and Reporting Emphasis The meeting stressed the importance of coordination between all departments and housing societies to ensure the campaign’s success. A follow-up meeting is planned in five days to review progress and assess targets. Registration and Reporting Obligations Housing societies were urged to register and report their anti-dengue activities promptly on the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) dashboard.

The School of Visual and Performing Arts (SOVAPA) at the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi presented its fourth alumni theatre production, “System Down Hai.” The event captivated a large audience with a compelling storyline and striking performances. Creative Playwright and Skilled Direction The play was penned by renowned playwright Bee Gul, whose script was rich with depth and nuance. Esteemed director Khalid Ahmed ensured a seamless production, enhancing the play’s impact on viewers. Remarkable Lead Performance Nazar Ul Hassan gave an outstanding lead performance that received widespread praise. His portrayal effectively communicated the play’s central themes and captivated the audience. Prominent Figure Attendance The event attracted numerous notable figures, elevating the night’s prestige: Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Veteran actress Samina Ahmed Distinguished actor Manzar Sehbai Singer and activist Shehzad Roy Acclaimed actress Saba Hameed Renowned actress Rubina Ashraf These celebrities, along with many passionate theatre enthusiasts, added to the evening’s glamour and support.

PESHAWAR — Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi stressed the importance of quality education, youth empowerment, and sports for developing future leaders. He shared these insights during a meeting with cadets from Pakistan Scouts Cadet College Batrasi, Mansehra, held at the Governor’s House on Monday. Cadet College Delegation Meeting The delegation, led by Brigadier (Retd) Abdul Hafeez SI(M), the college principal, was warmly welcomed by Governor Kundi. He acknowledged the cadets as future leaders of Pakistan, praising the college as one of the province’s premier educational institutions. The governor also recalled its establishment by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. Focus on Education and Sports Governor Kundi expressed his dedication to advancing student welfare and the college’s development. He mentioned his intention to send a letter to the President regarding institutional growth and committed to visiting the college. Discussions centered on enhancing educational and sports opportunities for youth, recognizing the abundant talents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Boosting National Cricket and Educational Opportunities Highlighting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s contributions to national cricket, Governor Kundi called for more educational and sports options for young people. In response to cadets’ questions, he commended Pakistan’s military and political leaders for their roles in global peace. Additionally, he suggested initiatives like subsidized electric bikes for students and expanded scholarship programs.