Mikel Arteta revealed he has had difficult conversations with forwards Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus as both Brazilian internationals appear set to depart Arsenal.

“It’s inevitable, at some point you need to have certain discussions and say certain things that sometimes are tough,” said Arteta.

Martinelli left training early on Thursday amid speculation he is set for a move to Saudi side Al Hilal for a fee that could reportedly rise to £50million ($68 million).

“I think everybody knows and recognises how much we love Gabi (Martinelli). Whatever the outcome is, it will be because everybody agrees to that,” added Arteta.

Jesus has fallen well down the pecking order during an injury disrupted time in north London and was not even included in training on Thursday as he enters the final 12 months of his contract.

“It’s something to do with the numbers that we have in the squad at the moment and the way we’re managing that kind of situation individually with all the players — they have some personal situations,” Arteta said of the former Manchester City striker.

Arsenal have been linked with bolstering their forward line with a move for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez.

The Argentine is caught in an acrimonious stand-off after Atletico refused to let him depart the Spanish capital for Barcelona.

“Don’t go there,” said Arteta about Arsenal’s interest in Alvarez. “I’m not going to make any comment about any player that is not with us.”

Ezri Konsa is already an Arsenal player and could make his debut back at Villa Park on Monday after securing a £51 million move from Aston Villa.

The England international could receive a frosty reception but Arteta said that would not influence his decision in throwing Konsa into action.

“If I see something different in the player then I may have a question about that, but the way I’ve seen Ezri since day one, knowing his personality really well and through people that have worked with him, I have no concern there.”

Bruno Guimaraes could also be fit to make his first competitive Arsenal appearance after missing the 3-0 win over Coventry last weekend due to a groin problem.

ISLAMABAD  –  A fire safety audit conducted by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) following a tragic fire incident in the PIMS have revealed serious fire safety deficiencies at Capital Hospital CDA and the Federal Government Polyclinic (PGMI) of Islamabad.

The audit revealed that with the existing fire-safety arrangements at the two major healthcare facilities are inadequate and requiring comprehensive improvement.

According to details, audits, conducted on Thursday by the Capital Emergency Service’s Fire Prevention, Protection & Advisory Unit, identified shortcomings in fire detection and suppression systems, emergency evacuation arrangements, firefighting infrastructure, electrical and gas safety and emergency preparedness.

At Capital Hospital CDA, the audit found that the fire alarm system was conventional or only partially installed, while an addressable fire alarm system was required. A dedicated fire control room was also unavailable and smoke-control systems had not been installed in several blocks.

The report further noted that fire doors were not available at all required locations, while emergency stairs and protected evacuation routes were inadequate. ICU, operation theatres and other critical areas lacked adequate fire-rated compartmentation and protection.

Existing fire extinguishers were found to be expired, insufficient in number and improperly installed. The hose-reel system was described as old or non-functional, while wet risers and yard hydrant systems had not been installed. Automatic sprinkler systems were also missing from required blocks.

At Federal Government Polyclinic (PGMI), Sector G-6, the CDA audit identified 34 fire and life-safety requirements with substantial deficiencies requiring immediate corrective measures.

According to the audit, several critical hospital areas did not have proper emergency exits, with some exits closed or obstructed. Automatic fire detection, manual fire alarms, sprinkler systems, hose reels, wet risers, yard hydrants and fire pumps were not provided.

The polyclinic also lacked dedicated underground and terrace firefighting water storage tanks. The audit observed electrical wiring in poor condition and reported gas leakage near the main kitchen.

Other deficiencies included inadequate housekeeping, lack of non-slip stair protection, fire blankets and PPE, glass anti-shatter protection and proper compartmentation of critical areas.

The CDA has recommended immediate corrective measures at both facilities, including restoration of emergency exits, rectification of gas leakage and unsafe electrical wiring, installation of addressable fire alarm and detection systems, automatic sprinklers, wet risers and hydrant networks, and provision of dedicated firefighting water tanks and pumps.

Meanwhile, CDA has urged the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) to make a valid Fire Safety NOC/Plan Approval mandatory for registration, licensing and renewal of all healthcare facilities in Islamabad.

It also called for mandatory fire-system maintenance records, functional alarms, extinguishers, hydrants and emergency exits, besides regular fire-safety training and evacuation drills, stressing early action to ensure life safety and emergency preparedness.

On the other side while responding to PIMS fire incident, the CDA has issue a incident occurrence report. The report said that a fire incident at the Children Nursery Ward of PIMS Hospital, Sector G-8, Islamabad, on August 26.

The report said the fire was apparently caused by an electrical short circuit or plug overload. CDA emergency teams reached the site within six minutes, while a total of 19 victims were evacuated, including seven babies, 10 females and two males.

The report highlighted serious safety lapses at the hospital, stating that fire and life-safety arrangements were inadequate and emergency exits were permanently locked from outside or obstructed. It also noted that hospital security staff created hurdles in the fire crew’s initial response and that crowd management at the incident site was inadequate. A total of six fire tenders, six ambulances, a rescue van, a water bowser and 44 operational staff were deployed during the operation.

ISLAMABAD  –  The Capital Development Authority (CDA), under the vision of Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Federal Minister for Interior and leadership of Sohail Ashraf, Chairman CDA, has taken an initiative to address one of the longstanding challenges of Islamabad’s rural areas by introducing a comprehensive integrated operations and resource planning system for solid waste management for collection and disposal of sold waste in zones IV and V.

For many years, the rural areas of Islamabad were neglected in terms of systematic cleanliness and solid waste management. Unlike the developed and central sectors of the federal capital, a comprehensive, organized and technology enabled mechanism for regular collection, transportation and environmentally responsible disposal of solid waste was not available across these areas.

Recognizing this long standing issue of the citizens of zones IV and V, CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf has made cleanliness and environmental sustainability of the rural areas an important priority and has directed to chalked out a comprehensive, workable and integrated system for solid waste collection and disposal covering 65 union councils in the rural areas of Islamabad.

The initiative has been developed in collaboration with a reputed Turkish waste management company, bringing international operational experience, modern machinery and equipments and technology based monitoring into the solid waste management system of Islamabad.

The CDA Board has also approved the comprehensive and effective solid waste disposal plan, paving the way for its phased approach which is firstly being implementation in Zones IV and V. Consequently, rural localities including Bani Gala, Ghauri Town and other surrounding areas will come under zones IV and V, will have structured and regular solid waste collection and disposal mechanism.

Rawalpindi  –  Fire safety arrangements at major government hospitals in Rawalpindi came under scrutiny after the death of 14 infants in fire at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on Wednesday, with the fire safety systems at only two of the city’s five major hospitals reported to be fully operational, according to sources.

The sources at different hospitals said the fire safety system installed at Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) was fully functional. Fire hydrants, fire alarms and emergency exits were also operational at the facility that became functional in the recent past. The fire safety system at Wah General Hospital was also reported to be functional fulfilling all requirements, sources said.

However, the arrangements at major three tertiary institutes i.e. Benazir Bhutto Hospital, District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital and Holy Family Hospital were not yet fully installed, different officials revealed during discussion with The Nation. The HFH has 175 fire extinguishers, while 251 extinguishers have been installed at BBH and DHQ, they added.

At Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology (RIC), 96 fire extinguishers have been installed, while fire hydrants have also been provided.

Authorities have directed the hospitals to install and activate fire alarms, emergency exits and smoke-detection systems beside functional water hydrants inside the hospital premises as part of efforts to strengthen fire safety arrangements.

Special instructions have also been issued to ensure that paediatric and gynaecology wards are made 100 per cent safe.

Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique on Thursday visited Rawalpindi and received a briefing from the hospital administrations, the sources said. Commissioner and deputy commissioner Rawalpindi also visited the hospitals and directed the administrations to ensure effective fire safety arrangements.

Teams from Rescue 1122 and the district administration also inspected the hospitals and made their recommendations to the relevant authorities, the sources added.

The fire safety systems already installed at the hospitals will be made more effective and upgraded where required. Standard operating procedures have also been issued for monitoring electricity-related systems and equipment in the hospitals to reduce the risk of fire incidents. Authorities have directed hospital administrations to ensure compliance with the safety measures and address deficiencies on a priority basis. 

ISLAMABAD  –  Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, on Thursday called for greater parliamentary unity and collective action to address global challenges, including armed conflicts, terrorism, climate change and economic inequality.

Addressing the inaugural session of the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) in Phnom Penh, in the presence of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and President of the Senate of Cambodia Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Sen, he lauded the participation of Prime Minister Hun Manet as a strong symbol of Cambodia’s commitment to parliamentary dialogue and cooperation.

Welcoming the Cambodian leadership, Chairman Gilani thanked the King of Cambodia for his message and expressed appreciation to the Senate and people of Cambodia for hosting the conference. He also acknowledged the leadership and hospitality of Samdech Hun Sen in bringing parliamentary Speakers together on a common platform. Speaking on the theme, “Solidarity for Peace and Shared Prosperity – Strengthening International Law and Resolving Conflicts Peacefully,” Gilani called for greater parliamentary unity and collective action to address global challenges, including armed conflicts, terrorism, climate change and economic inequality.

He stressed that parliamentary diplomacy must move “from commitment to action, from dialogue to delivery, and from promises to results.” He proposed that the ISC develop mechanisms for rapid parliamentary responses to emerging crises and strengthen adherence to international law as the foundation for peace and stability. Citing Pakistan’s experience, he said parliamentary diplomacy could create new avenues for dialogue when traditional channels faced limitations. He also highlighted Pakistan’s cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye for regional peace and stability. Quoting Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Chairman Gilani said leadership for peace required courage and conviction, and urged parliamentarians to lead with unity and vision. Earlier, Chairman Gilani led the participating Speakers and delegates on a courtesy call on Samdech Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia. The 2nd ISC is being hosted by the Kingdom of Cambodia and brings together parliamentary leaders to advance dialogue on peace, development and global cooperation.