Day: July 9, 2026

Lahore: Immigration authorities at Lahore Airport on Wednesday foiled an attempt to use a forged travel document after detecting a fake Pakistani immigration stamp on the passport of a passenger arriving from Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

According to an FIA spokesperson, the passenger, identified as Rashid Ullah, was intercepted during immigration clearance when officials found a forged exit stamp on his Pakistani passport.

During preliminary questioning, the passenger admitted that he had paid 2,600 Malaysian Ringgit to an agent for obtaining the fake immigration stamp.

The spokesperson said the forged stamp had allegedly been arranged through an agent identified as Fazal, who is based in Malaysia.

The passenger was handed over to the FIA Anti-Human Trafficking Circle Lahore for further investigation and legal action.

Lahore: The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) enforcement teams carried out a grand operation against the adulteration mafia across Lahore.

During the operation, 36 food points and production units were inspected, four food units, including a renowned restaurant, were sealed, an FIR was lodged, one suspect was arrested and fines amounting to Rs629,000 were imposed on 31 food business operators.

Food safety teams conducted operations in Gulberg III, Multan Road, Iqbal Town, Chungi Amar Sidhu, Industrial Estate and adjoining areas. Teams recovered and discarded 146kg of branded infant milk powder, packaging material and used frying oil. Legal action was initiated against a production unit involved in food fraud, where a suspect was arrested and an FIR was registered.

DG PFA Syed Musa Raza said that strict action was taken against businesses for failing to comply with previously issued directions. During the inspections, mandatory water testing reports, medical screening records and food safety training certificates were found missing.

He said that poor sanitation and presence of insects, lizards and cockroaches, open drains, broken floors, stagnant dirty water and foul smelling production areas were observed. Inspectors also found unapproved product labels without manufacturing or expiry dates, while dairy and meat products were stored together in broken, rusted freezers.

He has requested the public to support the PFA in eliminating the adulteration mafia and report to the PFA on its 1223 helpline number in case of any complaints.

Lahore: Punjab Counter Narcotics Force (CNF) conducted 75 intelligence-based operations across the province during the last two weeks, arresting 87 suspects and recovering over 156 kilograms of narcotics worth more than Rs 29.5 million.

According to the CNF officials, the operations were carried out in Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, Sargodha and Sahiwal as part of the ongoing campaign against drug trafficking under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for a “Drug-Free Punjab, Healthy and Safe Punjab.”

A spokesperson said the recovered narcotics included 96.6 kilograms of hashish, 10.4 kilograms of opium, 5.9-kg crystal meth (Ice), 42.2 kilograms of cannabis (bhang), 1.2-kg heroin and 188 bottles of liquor.

The spokesperson said the force also recovered 13 pistols, two rifles and two 12-bore shotguns allegedly being used by criminal elements during various operations.

Lahore: Punjab Minister for Health and Emergency Services Khawaja Salman Rafique on Wednesday said that, on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Rescue-1122 has been equipped with the latest flood rescue resources to save lives and property of citizens during the upcoming monsoon season.

The minister made these remarks during his visit to the Rescue 1122 Headquarters, where he reviewed flood preparedness measures and the department’s rescue capacity. Secretary Emergency Services Department Dr. Rizwan Naseer briefed him on the flood preparedness and response plan, informing him that modern equipment had been procured to strengthen flood rescue operations.

During the visit, Khawaja Salman Rafique inspected the newly-acquired rescue equipment, including modern jet skis, aluminium rescue boats, life jackets and advanced communication systems.

The minister said that the induction of modern equipment and comprehensive advance planning had significantly enhanced the flood response capacity of Rescue 1122. He stated that providing timely, effective and safe rescue services to citizens in emergencies remained the government’s top priority, adding that advance preparedness, modern resources and well-trained personnel were essential for successful flood rescue operations.

Dr Rizwan said Rescue 1122 had conducted more than 100 flood mock exercises across Punjab in collaboration with relevant institutions. He noted that these drills had substantially improved coordination, response efficiency and operational capacity among all participating departments.

Lahore: Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) commemorated the 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Pakistan and the People’s Republic of China with a prestigious ceremony held at its Regional Office on Wednesday.

The ceremony was graced by H.E Sun Yan, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lahore; Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Provincial Minister for Finance; Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, Provincial Minister for Industries, Commerce and Investment; Zaki Aijaz, Regional Chairman and Vice President FPCCI, senior government officials, diplomats, industrialists, exporters, importers, and a large number of members of the business community. The participants celebrated the enduring friendship and ever-strengthening strategic partnership between Pakistan and China.

Speaking on the occasion, Chinese Consul General Mr. Sun Yan said that Pakistan and China are jointly advancing towards an upgraded phase of cooperation under CPEC 2.0, with a strategic focus on key sectors such as industry, agriculture, and mining. He underscored that developing a skilled workforce with proficiency in the Chinese language would be vital to unlocking the full potential of bilateral trade and investment. The consul general recalled Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China, during which both sides reaffirmed their commitment to supporting each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security while expanding cooperation in defence, economic development and global governance. Highlighting the significance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he said, the flagship initiative has attracted billions of dollars in investment and generated thousands of employment opportunities in Pakistan. He added that future collaboration would increasingly focus on emerging sectors such a
s textiles, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, education and innovation. He also pointed out that Pakistani astronauts had been invited to China for professional training.

Mr. Sun Yan reiterated China’s commitment to working closely with the FPCCI, the Punjab government and the business community to deepen economic cooperation and strengthen people-to-people exchanges.

Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said that over the past 75 years, Pakistan-China relations have successfully withstood every test of time and today stand as a model of strategic partnership for the world. He noted that as the global economy rapidly evolves through digital technology, artificial intelligence and innovation, new avenues of cooperation between Pakistan and China will play a vital role in advancing the shared prosperity of both nations.

He said, the CPEC has made a remarkable contribution to Pakistan’s economic development by strengthening infrastructure, energy security and regional connectivity. As CPEC enters its next phase, greater emphasis is being placed on industrial cooperation, technology transfer, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, renewable energy and modern agriculture.

He mentioned, Punjab government is implementing comprehensive reforms aimed at promoting investment, strengthening institutions and accelerating sustainable economic growth.

The Punjab Government, he added, is fostering an investor-friendly environment through fiscal discipline, transparency, digital governance and regulatory reforms. Punjab offers vast investment opportunities for Chinese investors in advanced manufacturing, information technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, electric vehicles, agriculture, healthcare, logistics, tourism and technical education. “We are also keen to expand cooperation with China in smart agriculture, water-efficient irrigation, agricultural mechanization, seed technology and food processing to enhance food security and agricultural productivity.”

The Finance Minister said that Punjab remains dedicated to further strengthening economic cooperation with China by pursuing transparent policies, efficient governance and an investor-friendly business environment while extending every possible facilitation to investors.

Punjab Minister for Industries and Commerce Syed Shafay Hussain highlighted the vast investment opportunities and robust infrastructure available in the province. He said the Punjab Government is working closely with China to promote innovation in the agricultural sector, while also benefiting from Chinese expertise in seed development and artificial intelligence technologies.

FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh described Pakistan-China relations as one of the world’s strongest, long-standing, and most exemplary strategic partnerships, founded on mutual trust, unwavering support, and a shared commitment to peace, development, and prosperity.

In his address, FPCCI Regional Chairman and Vice President Zaki Aijaz stated that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President Xi Jinping, Pakistan-China relations have entered a new era of economic cooperation through CPEC 2.0. He emphasized that the next phase of bilateral collaboration should prioritize industrial cooperation, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), advanced manufacturing, information technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, agriculture, healthcare, logistics, tourism, and youth entrepreneurship.

The participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-China economic cooperation, expanding bilateral trade and investment, promoting industrial collaboration, and deepening the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership for the mutual prosperity of both nations.

Lahore: The Lahore Arts Council (Alhamra) is successfully conducting its annual Summer Art Camp, providing children with a creative platform to develop artistic skills through drawing, painting and calligraphy while encouraging imagination, confidence and self-expression.

According to a spokesperson, the camp, one of Alhamra’s flagship educational initiatives, is aimed at introducing children to the world of fine arts during the summer holidays in a positive and inspiring learning environment. More than 30 children between the ages of five and 12 are participating in this year’s programme, receiving practical training under the supervision of experienced artists.

Renowned artist Usman Khalid is leading drawing and painting sessions, familiarising participants with basic artistic techniques while encouraging them to experiment with colours, composition and creative expression. At the same time, noted calligrapher Fatima Waqar is conducting calligraphy classes, helping children appreciate the beauty, precision and cultural significance of the traditional art form.

The drawing and painting classes are being held regularly at the Alhamra Art Studio every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The Summer Art Camp will continue until August 5 and conclude with a certificate distribution ceremony to recognise the participants’ dedication and artistic achievements.

Alhamra Executive Director Muhammad Nawaz Gondal said every child possesses a creative spark waiting to be discovered. He said encouraging children to imagine, create and express themselves through art helps them grow into confident, thoughtful and compassionate individuals, adding that investing in children’s creativity is an investment in Pakistan’s cultural future.

He said Alhamra remained committed to promoting arts and culture through initiatives that nurture young talent and provide meaningful opportunities for children to explore their creative potential, reinforcing the institution’s role in developing the country’s future artists and cultural ambassadors.