Lahore: Avicenna Medical College on Monday issued a statement countering allegations raised by a student who was expelled for disciplinary reasons.

The college revealed additional information regarding its educational standards and the circumstances surrounding the recent protests, which it described as "staged."

The reaction follows protests by students citing grievances over what they termed as "strict discipline," which they claimed had caused mental stress and allegedly led to five deaths over the past few years.

Chairperson Dr. Shandana Sheikh provided insight into the background of the student at the center of the controversy, identified only as [name withheld]. Initially a promising football player and class representative, the student's academic performance suffered following a leg injury, leading to fear of failure and depression.

A disciplinary committee meeting was convened on February 28 to address harassment allegations against the student, along with previous disciplinary infractions. Despite undergoing psychiatric treatment and showing signs of academic improvement, the student was involved in multiple disciplinary and harassment cases, including expulsion from Liaqat Medical University, Karachi.

Based on thorough deliberation and consideration of the student's psychiatric and behavioral issues, the Discipline Committee recommended informing the student's parents of the proceedings and termination of his enrollment due to concerns about potential future threats to colleagues and patients.

The college, drawing on interviews with students, revealed that the expelled student attempted to link a student's death to the college's disciplinary policies, a claim subsequently refuted by the University of Health Sciences.

While some students expressed reservations about strict penalties, others recognized their role in fostering professionalism. "Any measure that reinforces our commitment to our studies serves as a guiding light, steering us away from distractions," remarked one student.

Washington: Pakistan and United States on Monday reaffirmed shared determination to contribute to both regional and global security and stability.

The commitment was expressed by officials of both countries during the Pakistan-U.S. Counterterrorism Dialogue that was held in Washington DC.

It was co-chaired by Additional Foreign Secretary for the UN and OIC, Ambassador Syed Haider Shah, and US Department of State Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Ambassador Elizabeth Richard.

Discussions centered on the counterterrorism landscape in the region, with a focus on areas of mutual interest.

Pakistani and U.S. senior officials emphasized the importance of expanded counterterrorism collaboration and capacity building, including exchanges of technical expertise and best practices.

They also emphasized strengthening multilateral engagement such as in the UN and the Global Counterterrorism Forum.

The joint statement of the dialogues stated that Pakistan and the United States recognize that a partnership to counter ISIS-Khorasan, TTP, and other terrorist organizations will advance security in the region and serve as a model of bilateral and regional cooperation to address transnational terrorism threats.

It underscored the cooperation between Pakistan and the United States in addressing the most pressing challenges to regional and global security, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and ISIS-Khorasan.

Both governments resolved to increase communication on these topics and continue collaboration to detect and deter violent extremism through whole-of-government approaches.

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that the welfare of the people of Balochistan is their  first priority.

Chairing an important meeting on the affairs of Balochistan province, in Islamabad, he said the federal government will work together with the provincial government for the development and prosperity of Balochistan.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister reiterated the speedy completion of the process of shifting agricultural tube wells to solar energy in Balochistan.

He said the federal government will provide all possible assistance regarding the transition of agricultural tube wells to solar energy.

The Prime Minister directed to minimize the electricity load shedding in Balochistan until the transition of agricultural tube wells to solar energy so that agricultural production from crops is not affected. He also directed to expedite work on important projects of Prime Minister's South Balochistan Package.

The Prime Minister further said that equal opportunities for education and employment are being provided to the youth of the province so that the people of Balochistan continue to play an important role in the development of the country.

He expressed hope that the new provincial cabinet led by the Balochistan Chief Minister will play its role in solving the problems of the province and putting it on the path of development.