Day: July 20, 2026

Lahore: Weather has started to take a turn once again in various parts of Punjab including Lahore, as the fresh monsoon has entered the country.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted light and heavy rain in most districts of the province today and has advised citizens to be careful.

According to the Meteorological Department, there is a possibility of sunshine and clouds continuing in Lahore throughout the day, while light rain is expected in the city after noon. The Meteorological Department says that the minimum temperature in Lahore is expected to be recorded at 31 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature is expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius.

In view of the expected rains, the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert to all district administrations. The agency has directed that advance security measures be taken in low-lying areas and sensitive places so that any emergency situation can be dealt with in a timely manner. On the other hand, Managing Director Wasa Ghufran Ahmed has also issued instructions to all operational staff to remain on high alert due to the possibility of rains in Lahore.

He clarified that officers and field staff will remain on duty until the rainwater is completely drained from the city roads and low-lying areas so that the drainage process can continue uninterrupted. Authorities have also advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during the rain and to monitor the latest weather information issued by government agencies.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister(CM),Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Sunday renewed Pakistan’s steadfast diplomatic,political and moral support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK),stressing that a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions remained essential for ensuring the rights of the Kashmiri people and lasting peace in the region.

In her message on Kashmir’s Accession to Pakistan Day (Youm-e-Ilhaq-e-Pakistan),the CM said the historic resolution adopted by the people of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir on July19,1947,in favour of accession to Pakistan reflected their unwavering commitment and deep-rooted affinity with the country.

‘The Accession to Pakistan Resolution stands as enduring testimony that the hearts of the Kashmiri people have always beat with Pakistan,’she said.

CM Maryam Nawaz said Pakistan would continue to extend unwavering diplomatic,political and moral support to the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for their internationally recognized right to self-determination,adding that Pakistan would continue raising the voice of oppressed Kashmiris at every regional and international forum until they were granted their legitimate rights.

Paying tribute to the courage,resilience and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people,the CM said their decades-long struggle for freedom continued to inspire the nation.

Expressing optimism,she said the day was not far when the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir would exercise their right to determine their own future in accordance with their aspirations and the relevant UN resolutions.

Lahore: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Sunday said that July 19, observed as Youm-e-Ilhaq-e-Pakistan (Day of Kashmir’s Accession to Pakistan), symbolised the historic bond between Pakistan and Kashmir and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

Addressing a gathering in connection with the elections for Kashmir refugee seats here, the minister said that on July 19, 1947, the people of Jammu and Kashmir, through the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference, adopted a resolution in Srinagar in favour of accession to Pakistan.

He said the day was significant not only from a historical perspective but also for the ongoing Kashmir freedom movement, adding that the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination was guaranteed under the United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Tarar said the day reminded the world that the people of Kashmir had already expressed their desire to accede to Pakistan in 1947, adding that the bond between Pakistan and Kashmir was unbreakable. He said millions of Kashmiris were living across the world, including in Europe, the United States, the Middle East and the United Kingdom and they were not less than those living in Kashmir itself. He stated that Kashmiris, who had migrated to Pakistan, carried a history of immense sacrifices made by their forefathers.

Attaullah Tarar said, “There have been two migrations in history that led to the establishment of states which Allah Almighty blessed with success and prosperity. The first was the migration associated with the establishment of the State of Madinah, when the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) migrated from Makkah to Madinah and laid the foundation of an Islamic state. The second was the creation of Pakistan, which came into being after the migration during the night of the 27th of Ramazan, when young people, elders, sisters and mothers sacrificed everything and migrated from India to Pakistan.”

The minister said that no one had the right to say that the seats reserved for those who migrated would be abolished, saying no one had the authority to deprive them of their constitutional rights. He stated that attempts to question the refugee seats were part of a broader conspiracy aimed at weakening the historic relationship between Pakistan and Kashmir. He said the issue was not merely about reserved seats but an effort to undermine the identity and rights of Kashmiris living in Pakistan and abroad. He added that a Kashmiri remained a Kashmiri regardless of whether he or she lived in Britain, the United States, Lahore, Karachi or Peshawar.

Tarar said, “A few thousand people gathering together, marching with sticks and clubs, and believing they could impose their will through force could not succeed. Otherwise, they would have contested the elections, presented their agenda to the public, unveiled their manifesto, and voiced their views in the assembly. However, they knew that the people of Kashmir would reject this conspiracy outright. That is why they neither had the courage nor the confidence to take part in the elections.”

Speaking about the refugee seats election, the minister urged party workers to ensure the victory of Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) candidates Nasir Dar from the LA-34 Jammu refugee seat and Amir Shah from the LA-41 Valley seat. He praised Nasir Dar and Kiran for their longstanding association and loyalty to the PML-N and appreciated Uzma for withdrawing her nomination papers in support of the party candidate and actively participating in the election campaign.

Referring to a statement by PTI leader Noreen Niazi, Tarar said it had triggered widespread public anger. “All this politics, these governments, ministries, opposition and public offices exist because Pakistan exists. Without Pakistan, none of this would exist,” he remarked. The minister said those making such statements were mistaken if they believed it would revive their political fortunes, claiming that their politics had already lost public support.

He said the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) was in decline and had fragmented into multiple factions. He criticised the PTI government in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa for failing to deliver despite remaining in power for over a decade.

In contrast, he said, the PML-N had consistently focused on public service. He praised Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for working tirelessly for welfare of people and said the development initiated during his tenure as Punjab chief minister was visible across the province.

Tarar also commended Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for accelerating the pace of development and setting new benchmarks in public service. The minister said Pakistan’s recent achievements had enhanced the country’s international standing, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had earned respect and recognition on the global stage. He said Pakistan had played a constructive role in international efforts for arbitration and diplomacy, while accusing the opposition of attempting to malign the country’s image for political gains.

Tarar alleged that those criticising Pakistan for political purposes would be judged by history and called upon them to apologise to the nation and the families of martyrs. Paying tribute to the sacrifices of the armed forces, he said that any attempt to disrespect the martyrs or the state was highly condemnable. Expressing confidence in the country’s future, the minister said Pakistan was steadily progressing on the path of development and its dignity and standing in the international community continued to rise with each passing day.

Lahore: Pakistan is actively pursuing a complete nationwide ban on social media accounts for minors under the age of 16. Legal, social media and child protection experts are seeking strict legal frameworks to combat digital addiction, online sexual abuse, cyber bullying, and negative impacts on adolescent mental health.

Experts further believe that the increasing negative effects of social media on the moral training, mental and physical health of minors, various countries have started bringing bad results related to the use of online platforms.

Meanwhile, recently, a resolution has been submitted to the Punjab Assembly, seeking a nationwide ban on social media accounts for children under the age of 16 without parental consent, amid growing concerns over cyber bullying and digital addiction among the minors.

The resolution, moved by Punjab lawmaker Sarah Ahmad, urges the provincial government to recommend to the federal government to introduce comprehensive legislation to regulate children’s access to social media platforms and strengthen online safety measures.

Muhammad Nauroze, a leading social activist and lawyer said that the protection of children’s mental, physical, psychological and moral development is both a legal and moral responsibility of the state, adding that direct access to social media has exposed minors to cyber bullying, inappropriate content, psychological distress, digital addiction and other serious online threats.

Deen Muhammad Dard, a noted journalist and a social activist said that Social media presents significant psychological, social, and behavioral risks to minors, with a body growth impact of evidence indicating that its current design can actively harm adolescent development. He said studies indicate that adolescents who spend significant time on social media are more likely to experience negative mental health outcomes.

It may be mentioned here that If adopted by the Punjab Assembly, the resolution will serve as a recommendation to the federal government, which has legislative authority over telecommunications, internet regulation and digital platforms.

Lahore: Pakistan Railways has finalized comprehensive master plans for the restoration, conservation and modernization of the historic Lahore and Taxila Railway Stations, following the special interest of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and the directives of Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi. Pakistan Railways spokesperson said on Sunday, the Punjab government would provide full support for the implementation of projects on the instructions of the Chief Minister Punjab. The initiative aims to preserve the country’s railway heritage while introducing world-class passenger facilities and transforming the stations into modern, secure and tourism-friendly public spaces.

The restoration plans focus on protecting the original architectural character, historical identity and cultural significance of both stations while upgrading infrastructure, improving passenger amenities and creating a welcoming public environment.

The Lahore Railway Station project includes structural strengthening of the heritage building, repair of damaged sections, waterproofing, roof rehabilitation, drainage improvement, installation of heritage-style lighting and uniform signage, refurbishment of the main concourse and reservation office, establishment of a modern family lounge, redesigned information desk, dedicated history wall, restoration of platforms, comfortable seating and modern kiosks. All work would be carried out without compromising the station’s historic character, he added.

For Taxila Railway Station, the master plan includes pedestrian-friendly walkways, organized parking, modern public washrooms, restoration of the historic ticket office, adaptive reuse of the old goods warehouse as a caf© and restaurant, Taxila stone paving, Victorian-style lighting, landscaped public spaces, restoration of historic verandahs and platforms, and heritage displays highlighting the rich civilization and cultural legacy of Taxila. Pakistan Railways said both projects would follow internationally recognized heritage conservation principles.

Unauthorized additions made over the years would be removed to restore the original architectural appearance, while improved accessibility, landscaping, lighting, safety measures and modern passenger facilities would be introduced. The projects would also promote adaptive reuse of historic railway buildings, allowing them to serve cultural, public and tourism-related purposes while preserving their heritage value. Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said that Lahore and Taxila Railway Stations were not merely transport facilities but important symbols of Pakistan’s historical, cultural and national heritage.

He thanked Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her support, saying the restoration would preserve the stations’ historic identity while providing passengers with modern, safe and comfortable facilities. The minister added that Pakistan Railways was undertaking phased restoration of historic railway stations across the country to preserve railway heritage, promote tourism, enhance passenger services and modernize railway infrastructure in line with international standards. He said the landmark projects would help protect Pakistan’s historical heritage while transforming the two stations into major centers of cultural identity, tourism and urban development for future generations.

Lahore: Punjab University successfully conducted its second undergraduate admission entry test across the country, witnessing a record-breaking participation of 36,511 candidates the highest ever in the university’s history, surpassing all previous records. On the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mahmood Saleem, Registrar Dr. Ahmad Islam, DG Dr. Rehan Sadiq, Director Students Affairs Dr. Shahzaib Khan, Controller of Examinations Rauf Nawaz, and other senior officials visited various examination centres to oversee the arrangements.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali said that for the first time such a large number of candidates had appeared in the second entry test. He said that Punjab University was providing the highest quality education at the lowest fee structure, and the overwhelming participation of students reflects the public’s confidence in the institution. He added that examination centres had been set up in Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, Gilgit, Skardu, and other major cities to facilitate candidates from across the country.

He further said that special arrangements had been made not only for candidates but also for their parents. Guidance stalls were set up, and a shuttle service was provided on the New Campus to ensure convenience for visitors. The university spokesperson said that the entry test was being conducted at 129 examination centres nationwide. A total of seven categories of entry tests are being held for admission to various undergraduate programmes. He added that 25 percent of the admission merit was based on the entry test, and to facilitate candidates, the test was being conducted in two shifts.