Day: July 30, 2026

Lahore: Punjab Police have deported 37,000 Afghan nationals as well as other illegally residing foreign nationals from across the province as part of the ongoing repatriation drive, while 214 individuals are currently being held at designated holding points.

According to the spokesperson, the deported individuals included 14,954 men, 7,254 women and 14,783 children. The total also comprised 11,145 holders of Proof of Residence (PoR) cards, 11,137 Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders and 14,709 illegally residing foreign nationals.

The spokesperson said the repatriation campaign is continuing across Punjab, including Lahore, in line with the government’s policy.

Punjab Inspector General of Police Abdul Kareem said security remains on high alert throughout the province and the repatriation of all illegally residing foreign nationals is being ensured.

Lahore: An enforcement team of Punjab Food Authority discarded 700kg of fungus infested carrots and ash gourd, 800kg of Murabba Ashrafi and other substandard food items while suspending the production of a murabba manufacturing unit during a raid in Bhagat Pura, Lahore.

Operation was conducted on the order of Director General Punjab Food Authority Raja Mansoor Ahmad.

Food safety team raided the murabba production unit and found murabba being prepared from insect infested and fungus contaminated fruits. PFA took action after detecting serious violations of food safety regulations and ordered the immediate suspension of production.

Director General Raja Mansoor Ahmad said that poor sanitation arrangements and heavy insect infestation were observed throughout the unit. He said that fungus-infested ash gourd, carrots and other raw materials were being stored for use in food production.

He said that the unit owner was using prohibited chemicals to remove foul odours, insects and fungus from fruits and vegetables before processing. Non-food-grade blue plastic drums were also being used for storing fruits and vegetables.

He said that the unit failed to maintain proper storage conditions and could not produce mandatory expiry date records or food-grade certification. He said that the substandard murabba products were intended to be marketed across Punjab in attractive packaging to deceive consumers.

He further stated that strict action is being taken against the food fraud mafia that endangers public health for the sake of higher profits.

Lahore: Lahore Divisional Commissioner Nauman Yousaf on Wednesday visited flood-hit Muridke to review ongoing rescue and relief operations, announcing that a fully operational relief camp had been established to provide shelter, food, healthcare and other essential services to displaced families.

During his visit to the Government High School Muridke relief camp, the commissioner inspected arrangements for accommodation, food distribution, medical facilities and other relief measures for flood-affected residents. He also reviewed the overall relief operation after conducting a late-night visit to the area on Tuesday.

Nauman Yousaf said residents from inundated localities, along with their livestock, had been safely evacuated and shifted to secure locations. He assured that the administration had ensured uninterrupted provision of food, relief supplies and other essential services, adding that sufficient stocks of ration and relief goods were available at the camp. He said the district administration remained fully mobilised to assist affected communities and was working round the clock to address their needs.

The commissioner said that, on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, all available resources had been deployed to ensure timely rescue and relief operations. He added that senior district officials were personally supervising rescue points and monitoring relief activities, stressing that there would be no compromise on the protection of human lives, property and livestock.

Lahore: Punjab Minister for Law Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan on Wednesday attended the closing ceremony of a two-month internship programme organised by PhysioGrow Clinic and Academy at the Committee Room of the New Ministers’ Block as chief guest. He distributed certificates among the interns who successfully completed the programme.

The ceremony was hosted by renowned physiotherapist and PhysioGrow Clinic and Academy Founder Dr Zahid Mirza. Dr Umm-e-Roman, faculty members, physiotherapists, students and distinguished guests from various walks of life also attended the event.

Addressing the ceremony, Dr Zahid Mirza highlighted the academy’s objectives and its role in providing professional training and enhancing the practical skills of young physiotherapists. He said the two-month internship programme was designed to equip participants with modern clinical knowledge, hands-on experience and effective patient-care skills to help them excel in their professional careers.

Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Minister for Law Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan congratulated the successful interns and said that the youth were Pakistan’s greatest asset and the country’s bright future. He emphasised that providing quality education, professional training and practical exposure to young professionals was the need of the hour.

The minister said physiotherapy was not merely a profession but a noble mission to serve humanity. He observed that whenever a person with a disability regained mobility, a stroke patient walked again or an injured individual returned to a normal life, the dedication, expertise and compassion of physiotherapists played a vital role in making such recoveries possible.

Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan reaffirmed the Punjab government’s commitment to promoting the physiotherapy profession, creating greater public awareness about its importance and addressing the challenges faced by physiotherapists. He assured the participants that he would extend all possible support, including through legislative initiatives where required, to strengthen rehabilitation services within the healthcare system.

The minister also appreciated the valuable contributions of Dr Zahid Mirza, Dr Umm-e-Roman and the entire team of PhysioGrow Clinic and Academy for their efforts to train young physiotherapists and develop skilled healthcare professionals. He said institutions such as PhysioGrow were playing an important role in improving healthcare services and preparing a competent workforce for the future.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the minister distributed certificates among the successful interns and extended his best wishes for their future careers, urging them to continue serving humanity with professionalism, dedication and integrity.

Lahore: City Traffic Police Lahore (CTPL) on Wednesday issued a public advisory urging motorists and commuters to exercise caution as the city experienced heavy rainfall under the fourth spell of the monsoon season.

Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi advised motorists to drive at a safe speed, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and avoid sudden braking on slippery roads.

He urged motorcyclists to wear helmets and refrain from unnecessary overtaking during rain to minimize the risk of accidents.

The CTO advised citizens to assess the depth of accumulated rainwater before attempting to cross flooded roads and avoid driving through submerged streets.

He also urged the public to stay away from electricity poles, transformers, feeders and other electrical installations during rain, and to immediately report fallen or damaged power lines to the relevant authorities.

Shirazi further advised citizens to avoid taking shelter near trees, weak walls, signboards and under-construction structures during adverse weather conditions.

He urged people to avoid unnecessary travel and check traffic conditions before leaving home.

The CTO said traffic wardens had been deployed at major roads, underpasses and low-lying areas to ensure smooth traffic flow and assist commuters. He also urged motorists to cooperate with WASA teams and traffic police at locations where rainwater had accumulated.

He said that observing simple safety precautions could help prevent accidents and save precious lives during the ongoing monsoon season.

Lahore: Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) Chairman Moazzam Iqbal Sipra has directed strict enforcement against businesses failing to implement the Electronic Invoice Monitoring System (EIMS).

While chairing a meeting to review the Authority’s divisional performance in business registration, EIMS implementation and tax collection here Wednesday, the Chairman directed field officers to accelerate the campaign for the mandatory implementation of EIMS and intensify efforts to register new businesses and bring them into the tax net. He emphasised that broadening the tax base and ensuring compliance remain key priorities of the Authority.

The Chairman further directed that complaints regarding the issuance of fake, unauthorised or QR code-less invoices be addressed without delay and that heavy penalties be imposed on violators in accordance with the law. He warned that businesses involved in tax evasion or other violations of tax laws would remain under continuous monitoring.

He underscored that the promotion of digital tax systems is essential for enhancing transparency, improving taxpayer services and increasing provincial revenue. He stated that effective enforcement, coupled with digitalisation, is indispensable for strengthening tax administration and ensuring sustainable growth in tax collection.