Day: July 18, 2026

Lahore: The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (MoNHSRC) on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National AI Hub, Pakistan’s first nationally coordinated artificial intelligence hub, established by the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), to advance the responsible use of AI in the country’s health sector, particularly to improve maternal, newborn and child health outcomes.

The MoU provides a framework for collaboration in research, innovation, evidence generation, policy engagement and capacity building in artificial intelligence for healthcare. Under the partnership, MoNHSRC and the National AI Hub will identify national priorities, support the development and evaluation of AI-enabled healthcare solutions, and promote the ethical and effective integration of artificial intelligence into Pakistan’s health system.

The agreement was signed by Federal Secretary, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Muhammad Aslam Ghauri, and Director General (Population) Dr. Shabana Saleem on behalf of the ministry. Other officials present included District Health Officer ICT Dr. Rashida Batool, District Population Welfare Officer ICT Muhammad Ayub and Deputy Director (Technical) Dr. Beenish. Representing LUMS were Provost Dr. Tariq Jadoon and Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science, Dr. Agha Ali Raza. Consultant to the Gates Foundation Naveed Akbar also attended the ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Federal Secretary Muhammad Aslam Ghauri said the collaboration would play a pivotal role in improving maternal and child health services through the safe, responsible and effective use of artificial intelligence.

Dr. Tariq Jadoon said the partnership created an important opportunity to translate interdisciplinary research into meaningful public impact. He said LUMS was pleased to contribute its expertise in artificial intelligence and data science to support stronger, more responsive health systems and improve outcomes for mothers, newborns and children across Pakistan.

The partnership will support joint research, technical cooperation, knowledge exchange and stakeholder engagement while contributing to policies and implementation strategies for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. It will also bring together expertise from government, academia, healthcare institutions, industry and development partners to strengthen national capacity.

As Pakistan advances its digital health agenda, the MoU marks an important step towards using artificial intelligence to build more resilient, efficient and equitable health systems for mothers, newborns and children.

Lahore: The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) Friday accelerated the implementation of province-wide business registration and Invoice Monitoring System (IMS) to strengthen tax compliance and curb tax evasion.

The decision was taken during a video-link meeting chaired by PRA Chairman Moazzam Iqbal Sipra, which was attended by commissioners and relevant officers from all districts of Punjab. During the meeting, the commissioners briefed the Chairman on the progress of new business registrations and enforcement measures against non-filers.

A detailed review of district-wise performance and progress towards monthly revenue targets was also conducted.

PRA Chairman directed all officers to adopt an effective strategy to ensure the timely and transparent filing of tax returns by taxpayers. He emphasized that the registration process and tax collection from the services sector should be made more efficient to broaden the tax base.

He further instructed all commissioners to actively engage with the business community, create awareness about government initiatives and tax laws, and facilitate the prompt resolution of taxpayers’ issues.

The Chairman also directed to ensure timely follow-up of all pending cases and take special measures for the recovery of outstanding tax payments.

Reiterating the Authority’s commitment to transparency and digitalization, PRA Chairman stressed the need to accelerate efforts for the timely achievement of revenue targets.

He also directed enforcement teams to expedite operational activities, respond promptly to public complaints, and intensify actions against fraudulent practices, including fake invoicing and tax manipulation.

Lahore: Punjab Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique on Friday met President of the Shia Wafaq-ul-Madaris Pakistan and Patron-in-Chief Ayatollah Hafiz Syed Riaz Hussain Najafi and senior religious leader Muhammad Afzal Haideri to express condolences over the death of Haideri’s sister.

During the meeting, the provincial minister conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to Muhammad Afzal Haideri and joined the participants in offering Fateha for the departed soul.

Khawaja Salman Rafique prayed that Allah Almighty may grant the deceased the highest ranks in Jannah and bless the bereaved family with patience and strength to bear the irreparable loss.

Lahore: Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) Director General (DG) Najmus Saqib on Friday visited various ongoing conservation and rehabilitation projects across Lahore to review the quality of work, monitor progress and issue directions for their timely completion.

The visit started from Shalimar Gardens, where the DG inspected conservation and maintenance activities and emphasized preserving the site’s historical authenticity.

The Director General then visited the Spice Market Revitalization Project, where he inspected the removal of old electricity poles following the replacement of the conventional electrical distribution system with the Aerial Bundled Cable (ABC) system.

He also reviewed the ongoing work to cover the open drains in front of Akbari Mandi and inspected the anti-encroachment measures, including the pushback of buildings along Gur Mandi Road, directing the project team to maintain the pace of work while ensuring quality and adherence to approved conservation standards.

The DG also inspected restoration works at Zakki Gate before holding a review meeting at the DG Office.

Later, he visited Chuna Mandi Girls College to assess the ongoing rehabilitation works and instructed the concerned officers to maintain quality and expedite progress.

The final inspection was carried out at the Anarkali Tomb, where the DG reviewed the ongoing conservation work and appreciated the efforts of the technical team while stressing the importance of preserving the monument’s historical significance.

Speaking on the occasion, Najmus Saqib said that ”The Punjab government is committed to protecting the province’s rich cultural heritage through scientific conservation and restoration. He emphasized that regular field inspections help ensure transparency, maintain quality standards and facilitate the timely completion of heritage projects.”

Lahore: Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Abdul Raheem Shirazi on Friday visited Alkhidmat Foundation, where both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation to curb professional begging, dismantle organised begging networks and rehabilitate deserving individuals.

During the visit, the CTO met volunteers of the Foundation’s Bano Qabil project and discussed a joint strategy to address the growing challenge of professional begging in the provincial capital.

According to a Lahore Traffic Police spokesperson, volunteers of the Bano Qabil project will assist Lahore Traffic Police in the mapping, research and profiling of beggars to help identify handlers and organised networks involved in professional begging.

The CTO said legal action would be taken against such elements under the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018 and other relevant laws.

He said eliminating begging required not only strict legal action but also the rehabilitation of deserving individuals. In collaboration with welfare organisations, women, children and transgender persons would be provided vocational training, including beauty, tailoring and other technical skills, to help them secure dignified employment.

The meeting also agreed to establish “Jhuggi Schools” in informal settlements across Lahore to provide education to underprivileged children and protect them from being pushed into begging.

Abdul Raheem Shirazi said the increasing number of beggars had become a serious social challenge that required coordinated efforts by government institutions, welfare organisations and citizens. He urged the public to extend assistance to deserving people through credible charitable organisations instead of encouraging professional beggars.

The spokesperson said Lahore Traffic Police had taken action against more than 3,500 beggars so far this year. Begging children, men and women had been shifted to Social Beggars Homes, Edhi centres and the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau, while 726 cases had also been registered with the assistance of Lahore Police.

Director of the Bano Qabil project Shahid Iqbal appreciated the efforts of Traffic Police and assured full cooperation in the campaign against professional begging and the rehabilitation of deserving individuals.