AIOU exams start today

ISLAMABAD, May 20: The final examinations for matriculation and postgraduate programmes of the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) for semester autumn-2011 will begin today (Monday) through the country.

It was stated by AIOU Controller of Examinations Muhammad Bashir Chaudhry. He said that the roll number slips had already been dispatched to all the eligible enrolled candidates at their given addresses.

He said that candidates who had not received their roll number slips so far were advised to contact the nearest regional office of the university or Deputy Controller of Exams (result section), for the issuance of duplicate roll number slips.

The candidates should bring two passport size photographs duly attested by a gazetted officer with them, he said. — A Reporter

Education City’s role lauded

TAXILA, May 20: Heavy Industries Taxila Education City (HITEC) is playing highly productive role in imparting quality education to the students in different fields.

Corps Commander Peshawar Lt General Khalid Rabbani expressed these views during his visit to the Education City on Saturday.  He said that the educational facilities provided to the students from pre-school to university level were highly appreciative and the students of this prestigious institution would excel in their respective fields.

He was much pleased to know that a good number of students particularly female students from backward areas like Fata and Balochistan were also being imparted education here. He took a round of various sections of the Education City and lauded the facilities provided at the religious education and research centre.

Earlier, on his arrival, Chairman Heavy Industries Taxila Lt General Ayaz Saleem Rana and administrator HITEC Brig (retired) Taj Iqbal received him and gave him a detailed presentation on various sections of the Education City. Later, the girls’ section students presented different tableaus. — Correspondent

IJT holds protest demo

TAXILA, May 20: A large number of Islami Jamiat Talba (IJT) activists organised a protest demonstration at Taxila Chowk on Sunday to press the government and law enforcement agencies for arresting the killers of the students in the Punjab University, Lahore.

The protesters were chanting full-throated slogans against the government and PU administration. The speakers condemned the brutal killing of IJT nazim of Law College Awais Aqeel by one of the former IJT activists at hostel No 16 on last Sunday. They also condemned police raids on PU hostels and arresting Jamiat office-bearers. They alleged that the killing of the students on the heavily guarded varsity premises was a result of criminal negligence of the administration. They also alleged that the killer was helped by the PU administration to flee the scene.   A heavy contingent of police rushed to the scene, but they did not stop the protesting students who after half an hour dispersed peacefully.—Correspondent

Acute water shortage

ISLAMABAD, May 20: The residents of Sector I-10/2 have been facing severe water shortage for the last a few weeks.

With the increasing temperature, the demand of water has risen but the residents are provided water supply for a few minutes during 24 hours.

Similarly, water supply through tankers is also inefficient as a consumer hardly succeeds to get water through the service.

“I registered a complaint with the department concerned of the CDA for water supply but the tanker arrived at midnight and could not reach my house because a number of cars have been parked in the street,” Ejazul Haq, a resident said. As a result, the whole family has to shift to the relatives in Rawalpindi, he added.

A large number of residents are now looking for other alternatives. Another resident said that long queues of people could be seen at the tube wells to get water. The tube well staff's behaviour to people's problems was always apathetic. They, however, blame the unscheduled power load shedding for the shortage of water. — APP

Better recreational facilities

ISLAMABAD, May 20: The residents of federal capital have demanded up-gradation of recreational facilities including parks, play areas and grounds to provide the people with more enabling environment to lead a healthy life.

The play areas and grounds in different sectors lack proper facilities and maintenance therefore the children and adults avoid outdoor games and focus on indoor activities which affect their health.Most of the swings installed at greenbelt or in playgrounds are broken which sometimes hurt children who come out to play in the park, residents of sectors I-10 and G-6 said.

The parks add value to a city and play a major role in improving the quality of life of the residents so the authorities concerned must ensure maintenance of these parks and playgrounds, they said. When contacted, an official of Capital Development Authority (CDA) said that the civic body was considering different options to revamp the sports facilities and upgrade the playgrounds with the assistance of the private and corporate sector. — APP

Hospital in a shambles

RAWALPINDI, May 20: The Holy Family Hospital (HFH), one of the three big hospitals of Rawalpindi, is in pathetic condition thanks to the unhygienic environment and lack of proper facilities for patients, it has been learnt.

The wards and different departments of the hospital, including out-patient department (OPD), orthopaedic and neurology departments, gynae ward and the laboratory need special attention of the higher authorities.

The cleanliness in and around the hospital is also not satisfactory. All the wards give an ugly look with no proper cleaning arrangements, the patients complained.

When contacted, Medical Superintendent Captain (retired) Mohammad Fayyaz said efforts were being made to improve the hygiene conditions in the hospital. — APP