LAHORE: Chairperson of Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) Dr Shahid Munir while underscoring the pivotal role of local governments in Balochistan, emphasised their potential to ensure peace and development.
The PHEC chairperson was speaking at the launching ceremony of book “The Case of Local Governments” at the University of Home Economics here on Monday. According to a press release, the launching ceremony was attended by UHE VC Prof Dr Faleeha Zahra Kazmi, Dr Amjad Magsi, Batool Rajput and author of the book Salman Abid.
Dr Shahid Munir expressed the belief that implementing local government systems in Balochistan could effectively address security concerns, contributing to the region's overall stability. He advocated for the devolution of powers to the local level, asserting that such a system promotes community participation in decision-making processes across the country.
He also highlighted the potential for enhancing revenue systems in major cities through the governance model of local governments. Dr Faleeha Kazmi emphasised the administrative efficacy of local government structures in resolving urban and rural population issues at the grassroots level. Dr Amjad called for measures from the newly formed govt after the upcoming elections to implement local governments in accordance with the Constitution, offering a solution to the burgeoning problems faced by Pakistan's growing population.
Awareness lectures
Under the Health Education Programme of the Post Graduate Medical Institute, on the directives of Principal Amiruddin Medical College Prof Dr Al-Farid Zafar, awareness lectures were organised for citizens in Outdoor Department, LGH, about the severity of the weather and prevention of diseases so that people can take precautionary measures. By following the measures, people can ensure the safety of their health.
Addressing the participants, Assistant Prof of Medicine Dr Muhammad Maqsood said heart diseases, high blood pressure and other diseases increase in cold weather because the consumption of water and drinks decreases in cold weather, which thickens the blood and constricts the blood vessels that affects blood circulation leading to high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. He said it is necessary for heart diseases and blood pressure patients to continue using hot drinks, warm water, use dry fruits, wear warm clothes, socks, hats, mufflers to keep the body warm.
Book talk
Punjab University Library Book Club organised introductory talk on ‘If we burn: The mass protest decade and the missing revolution’ by Vincent Bevins and ‘Falsafa-e-Naimat-o-Musibat’ by Maulana Qari Muhammad Tayyab. Dr Shahzeb Khan, delved into the dynamics of societal protests, exploring their far-reaching effects and providing essential insights into terminology, concepts and slogans associated with these movements. He also recited verses from the poetic masterpiece of Munnu Bhai’s Nazam ‘Ki Hoya Aye’ and highlighted Bevin’s thought-provoking insight.