TOBA TEK SINGH: The grand closing ceremony of the 5th International Students Convention & Expo 2025 at Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF) featured an address by Dr Ahmed Ali Sirohey, Director General Africa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighting the need for stronger ties between Pakistan and African countries in higher education and industry.

He said that collaboration in these sectors is crucial for economic growth, research advancements, and improved academic standards.

Vice Chancellor Dr Rauf-i-Azam said the university partnerships between the two regions would improve joint research, technological advancements and industrial progress.

UAF: Youth must be equipped with first-aid survival techniques to address increasing ailments and road accidents in society, said Dr Muhammad Sarwar Khan, vice chancellor of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad.

Speaking at the Pakistan Life Saver Programme and Rescue Scout Course by the Agrivarsity Scout Group in collaboration with Punjab Emergency Service 1122 on Wednesday, he said that providing aid and support to others creates a more compassionate society.

He added that scouting instills discipline, teamwork, and responsibility in young minds, preparing them for emergencies and making them responsible citizens.

The training programme covers first aid, crisis management, survival techniques, public safety, and CPR, aiming to equip participants with basic lifesaving skills to handle accidents and disasters. Dr Waseem Akram, Dr Ahmad Sattar, Dr Kashif Iqbal Khan, and Amir Iqbal also addressed the event.

ACCIDENT: Three motorcycle riders were killed and a fourth was critically injured when their motorcycle crashed into a roadside wall near the Jeewan Wali canal bridge on Jassowali Road in Shorkot on Wednesday evening.

According to Rescue 1122, the accident occurred when the tyre of the motorcycle suddenly burst.

The deceased were identified as Muhammad Ramzan (19), Sughra Bibi (42) and Allah Wasai (45). The injured, Nasim Bibi (32), was shifted to Shorkot THQ Hospital.

Also, a motorcyclist died after being run over by a pickup near Chak 66-GB in Samundri tehsil of Faisalabad.

The deceased was identified as Muhammad Hanif (27).

SUSPENDED: Faisalabad’s Roshanwala station house officer (SHO) Muhammad Waseem was suspended from service on Wednesday.

According to a spokesperson for the police, the SHO was suspended over poor performance and misuse of authority.

FIA: The Faisalabad wing of the FIA cybercrime unit arrested a man on Wednesday for allegedly sharing a social media post against Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and state institutions.

Reports said that a case was registered against Malik Muhammad Mobeen of Jaranwala.

He was presented before a judicial magistrate, who sent him to jail on a 14-day judicial remand.

MODEL BAZAAR: A Ramazan Relief Centre has been set up at the model bazaar in Toba Tek Singh to provide essential commodities at subsidised rates.

Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Naeem Sindhu said on Wednesday that 19 essential food items are available at discounted prices.

Sugar is being sold at Rs130 per kg, compared to Rs160 in the open market, while a 10-kg flour bag is priced at Rs 780, significantly lower than market rates.

Also, vegetables and fruits are available at a 5 to 10 percent discount, while grocery items also carry a similar reduction in prices.

JAPANESE ENVOY: Ambassador of Japan Shuichi Akamatsu visited the Improvement of Water Treatment Plant project at Jhaal Khanuana at Faisalabad on Wednesday and reviewed various parts of the project and took a briefing regarding water supply there.

He also inspected the process of water supply to the citizens in different areas of Faisalabad.

Published in Dawn, February 27th, 2025