Day: July 11, 2026

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed profound sorrow over the death of three people, including a mother and her son, after the roof of an under-construction building collapsed in Faisalabad.

The chief minister extended her heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families.

She also directed the authorities concerned to ensure the provision of the best possible medical treatment to those injured in the incident.

CM Maryam Nawaz said the Punjab government stood with the grieving families in this difficult time.

She further reaffirmed her commitment to making dilapidated houses with unsafe roofs and walls secure through the “Apna Ghar… Mehfooz Ghar” scheme.

Lahore: A 42-member delegation of trainee officers from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday visited the Central Police Office (CPO) Lahore to study Punjab Police’s election security arrangements, modern policing practices and public service delivery system.

The delegation comprised 39 assistant election commissioners, two research associates and one assistant director.

During the visit, the trainee officers met Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abdul Kareem.

Additional Inspector General (Operations) Sarfraz Virk briefed the delegation on the security measures adopted by Punjab Police before, during and after general elections and by-elections. The officers were also informed about the force’s organisational structure, technology-driven policing, public service delivery mechanisms and key policing reforms.

The delegation also visited the Punjab Police Museum, the CPO Control Room and other operational sections.

Speaking on the occasion, IGP Abdul Kareem said Punjab Police fully recognised the vital role of election officers in the democratic process and ensured comprehensive security for election officials, polling staff and all election-related activities to facilitate the peaceful conduct of elections.

He also interacted with the trainee officers, inquired about their training experience and responded to their questions regarding policing and election security.

At the conclusion of the visit, the IGP and members of the delegation exchanged commemorative souvenirs.

Additional IG Investigation Shahzada Sultan, Additional IG Training Asim Gulzar, DIG Training Munir Ahmed Zia Rao, DIG IT Mansoor-ul-Haq and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.

Lahore: Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi on Friday distributed commendation certificates among officers and officials in recognition of their outstanding performance during Muharram security operations at a ceremony held at the Punjab Home Department.

Speaking on the occasion, the secretary appreciated the dedication and professionalism of the officers and personnel who performed their duties efficiently during Muharram, added that the provincial government was utilising all available resources to maintain peace and ensure public safety across Punjab.

He said the Punjab Home Department’s Central Control Room, Cyber Patrolling Cell and Muharram Portal remained operational round the clock throughout Muharram, continuously monitoring the law and order situation and receiving reports from across the province.

Dr. Ahmad said the department’s Digital Media Cell reported more than 5,000 sectarian hate-related social media accounts to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for necessary action. He added that the Muharram Portal played a key role in monitoring the latest security situation across Punjab.

He said comprehensive security arrangements were also being finalised for Chehlum, adding that cyber patrolling had been intensified to prevent the spread of provocative and disruptive content in the digital space.

The secretary reiterated that safeguarding the lives, property and dignity of citizens remained the state’s foremost priority. He warned that strict action would be taken against individuals promoting sectarian hatred or inciting unrest on social media under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Home Department Special Secretary Faisal Farid and Zainab Khan, Home Department Additional Secretary Asma Ejaz Cheema, Internal Security Additional Secretary Maham Asif Malik, Additional Secretary Special Initiatives Abdul Rauf, Civil Defence Director Tasneem Ali Khan and other senior officials also attended the ceremony.

Lahore: The Punjab government has launched an ambitious initiative to establish Artificial Intelligence (AI) laboratories in government primary schools across the province, marking a major step towards integrating emerging technologies into early childhood education and preparing students for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy.

According to officials, the initiative, being pursued under the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, seeks to introduce AI education from the primary level through dedicated AI laboratories equipped with modern computing facilities, interactive learning tools and age-appropriate educational software. The project is intended to familiarise children with artificial intelligence, coding, robotics and digital literacy at an early stage while promoting problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Officials said the AI labs will be established in phases, beginning with selected government schools before expanding across the province. Alongside the infrastructure, teachers will receive specialised training to effectively integrate AI-based learning into classroom instruction, ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces conventional teaching methods.

The project forms part of the Punjab government’s broader education reform agenda, which focuses on modernising public schools through digital infrastructure, smart classrooms and technology-driven learning. Authorities believe that exposing students to AI from an early age will help bridge the digital divide, improve learning outcomes and prepare a future workforce capable of competing in technology-intensive industries.

The government has already announced plans to establish two dedicated Artificial Intelligence schools in Lahore at an estimated cost of Rs810 million. These institutions are expected to offer advanced education in AI, robotics and information technology and serve as model institutions for technology-based education in the province.

Education experts have increasingly stressed the need to integrate AI and digital education into Pakistan’s school system. Addressing a ceremony at Punjab University earlier this year, Acting Governor Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said artificial intelligence and digital education should be introduced from the primary level, observing that the future belongs to AI and emerging technologies.

Officials say the AI labs initiative is expected to complement ongoing efforts to upgrade government schools with improved digital infrastructure and innovative teaching methods, enabling students to acquire future-oriented skills while strengthening Punjab’s transition towards a knowledge-based economy.

Lahore: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Friday intensified passenger screening at Lahore International Airport, intercepting a passenger carrying a passport bearing fake immigration stamps and arresting another suspect wanted in a separate case.

According to an FIA spokesperson, passenger Sohrab Khan, who was travelling to Colombo on SriLankan Airlines flight UL-154, was found suspicious during immigration clearance. A detailed examination revealed fake immigration stamps on his Pakistani passport.

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

In another operation, the FIA arrested a wanted suspect, identified as Abdul Wakeel Khan, upon his arrival from Dubai on flight 9P-503.

During immigration clearance, his name was found on the Provisional National Identification List (PNIL). The suspect had been wanted by the FIA Gujranwala since 2025 and was handed over to the relevant authorities for further legal proceedings, the spokesperson added.

Lahore: On the special instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has intensified emergency measures across the province to deal with the heat wave and severe fog situation.

According to the PDMA, there is a possibility of an increase in the intensity of heat wave and fog due to climate change, while the heat wave is predicted to continue during July. The districts of Thal, Cholistan and South Punjab have been included in the most affected areas.

A PDMA spokesperson said that on the instructions of the Punjab Chief Minister, heat wave camps have been established in the potentially affected districts, while the availability of heat wave counters, essential medicines, ORS, cold water and medical staff is being ensured in hospitals.

According to the PDMA, relief camps, clean water, filtration plants, water bowls and first aid facilities are being provided in urban areas, while mobile health teams will remain active to provide immediate medical assistance to heatstroke and dehydration patients.

The spokesperson said that 24-hour control rooms are active to provide timely awareness to the public and all district control rooms have been put on high alert to ensure immediate response in any emergency.

The Meteorological Department, Rescue 1122, Livestock, Local Government and District Administration are in constant touch and are keeping a close watch on the situation.

The PDMA has appealed to citizens not to step out of their homes unnecessarily from 10 am to 4 pm, drink plenty of water, take sun protection measures and immediately consult the nearest hospital if symptoms of heatstroke appear.