Bilingual journal launched

ISLAMABAD, Feb 17: Pakistan-China Institute on Friday launched a bilingual (Chinese and English) cultural journal to be published both from Xinjiang Uyghur and Islamabad.

The launching ceremony was held at Faisal Mosque campus of Islamic International University Islamabad (IIUI).

Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) president Senator Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and  Chinese autonomous territory Xinjiang Deputy Governor Qiaojifu were guests of honour at the ceremony which was attended by a Chinese delegation, academia and students including institute chairman Mushahid Hussain Sayed, IIUI Rector Prof Fateh Muhammad Malik and magazine editor.

In his speech, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain said Pakistan-China Institute had been a big success in exploring new avenues of friendship between the two friendly countries and the enthusiasm demonstrated by the people on both the sides indicated how much both the people were determined to further cementing their ties. — Our Reporter

Iranian VP visits Lok Virsa

ISLAMABAD, Feb 17: Vice President of Islamic Republic of Iran, Mohammad Mohandis Bokei, who is part of Iranian president’s entourage, visited Lok Virsa (National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage) on Friday.

On arrival, the dignitary was warmly received by senior officers of Lok Virsa. He was briefed about the mandate and functioning of Lok Virsa as a specialised body to document, preserve and disseminate the tangible and intangible culture of Pakistan.

Later, the distinguished guest was taken to Pakistan National Museum of Ethnology, popularly known as Heritage Museum.

Iranian vice president took keen interest in cultural traditions and lifestyles of the people of Pakistan. — A Reporter

Eight vehicles impounded

ISLAMABAD, Feb 17: Eight public service vehicles were impounded and 60 others were imposed fine of Rs34,500 on Friday for violation of different rules.

Spokesman for the city administration said Secretary Islamabad Transport Authority (ITA) Khawaja Maqbool Mustafa conducted surprise checking of public transport vehicles plying on different routes including 105 and 138.

He imposed fines on 60 vehicles for traffic rules violations, non-completion of routes and for misbehaving of the drivers and conductors with the passengers.

Besides, eight vehicles were also impounded for not getting their permits renewed. ITA secretary said the drive had been launched to check route violations. He directed the transporters to renew the permits on time and follow the traffic rules. — Staff Reporter

Girl abducted

TAXILA, Feb 17: A teenage girl was abducted in the limits of Wah Saddar police station on Friday.

Tahir Mehmood reported to police that his daughter was abducted by Bashir Hayat when she was going to the house of a relative. Police registered a case and started investigation. — Correspondent

Two women smugglers held

TAXILA, Feb 17: Two woman smugglers were arrested and huge quantity of opium was recovered from their possession by Wah Saddar police on Friday.

Sub Divisional Police Officer DSP Raja Taifour Akhter while talking to newsmen said the woman smugglers, Sakeena Bibi and Naseem Bibi, were arrested by a police team during checking of vehicles at Wah garden bridge on GT Road and 57kg opium was recovered from them.

He said during preliminary investigation, both the accused confessed they had been working for an inter-provincial gang of drug smugglers. — Correspondent

Tree plantation

FATEHJANG Feb 17: Tree plantation campaign was inaugurated by MPA Ch Sher Ali Khan by planting a sapling in Government Boys High School No 1 on Friday.

While speaking on the occasion, Ch. Sher Ali said the farmers should plant trees in their uncultivated land and increase their income without extra labour. — Correspondent

YDA president elected

TAXILA, Feb 17: Dr Imran Younas was elected president of Young Doctors Association (YDA) rural chapter of district Rawalpindi on Friday.

YDA presidents of Gujjar Khan, Murree, Kahuta, Kallar Syedan, tehsil Rawalpindi and Taxila took part in the election process. — Correspondent