Month: July 2026

Lahore: Punjab Minister for Information Azma Bukhari said on Monday that India’s BJP government had adopted a fascist approach.

According to a press release issued here, she said that India believed that it could openly violate the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and international laws governing water sharing without facing any accountability.

She said, “The Indian government’s belief that no one can hold it accountable is a serious misconception.” Narendra Modi and his supporters should remember that Pakistan has, in the past, dispelled many of India’s misconceptions and possessed the full capability to take every necessary step to safeguard its national interests.

Azma Bukhari stated that the Indus River was the foundation of Pakistan’s agriculture, economy and national survival. She said, “Any aggression against Pakistan’s water resources or any violation of the Indus Waters Treaty is not only a breach of international law but is also tantamount to challenging Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” She emphasized that Pakistan would not compromise in any way on its national security, water rights, or the interests of its people.

Any illegal action or provocation concerning the Indus River would not be tolerated, she said and added that Pakistan would continue to raise its voice forcefully at every appropriate international forum to protect its legitimate rights.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Monday approved the establishment of the Asset Management Authority of Punjab (AMAP) to ensure comprehensive identification, management and optimal utilisation of the province’s assets, aimed at enhancing transparency, governance and revenue generation.

The approval was given during a meeting chaired by the chief minister to review the proposed legal framework and governance structure of the authority, here on Monday.

According to an official briefing, AMAP would serve as the central institution for the identification, management, transfer, disposal, valuation, payments and marketing of government-owned land and other provincial assets. It would oversee all matters relating to land administration, leasing, sale and commercial utilisation of public assets.

The meeting was informed that the authority would prepare a comprehensive digital database of all provincial assets and ensure their regular market valuation. It will also oversee site selection for asset transfers, formulate development and master plans, and manage the marketing, promotion and transaction design of transferred assets.

Officials said government properties with investment and privatisation potential would be identified on a priority basis. Various financing and development models, including leasing, rental arrangements, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Joint Ventures (JV), would be adopted to maximise the value of provincial assets. The authority will also prepare feasibility studies, manage contracts, supervise project implementation, and conduct monitoring and evaluation.

Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed the authorities to enhance provincial revenue through the sale, leasing and collateral financing of government assets. She observed that effective resource management required a complete and accurate record of all provincial assets.

She noted that no single institution previously existed to regulate Punjab’s scattered assets, resulting in the absence of a centralised record, inadequate valuation and inefficient utilisation of government land, which had caused substantial revenue losses. She also pointed out that public land remained vulnerable to illegal encroachments while the recovery of valuable assets often involved lengthy and costly litigation.

The chief minister said the proposed autonomous authority would ensure comprehensive management, protection and productive utilisation of provincial assets, and appreciated the initiative to establish AMAP.

The meeting was informed that the authority would be supervised by a high-powered governing board headed by the Punjab Chief Secretary, while its executive affairs would be managed by a Grade-20 Managing Director. Qualified professionals from the private sector would also be inducted on merit through a competitive selection process.

It was further decided that all matters relating to the transfer, valuation and management of provincial assets would remain subject to approval by the provincial cabinet. A detailed governance and approval framework for the authority will be presented before the cabinet committee for final approval.

Officials further informed the meeting that 98 per cent of the net income generated through AMAP projects would be deposited into the provincial treasury, while the remaining 2 per cent would be retained by the authority to meet operational expenses and staff salaries. A dedicated AMAP Fund will also be established to ensure financial transparency. The governing board of the authority will comprise 11 members.

The meeting also decided that legislation for the establishment of the Asset Management Authority of Punjab would be introduced without delay.

Lahore: Newly-appointed Inspector General (IG) of Prisons Punjab Salik Jalal formally assumed charge of his office after a rank-pinning ceremony held at the Punjab Home Department on Monday.

Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi pinned the rank insignia on the new IG Prisons during the ceremony. Special Secretaries Zainab Khan and Faisal Farid also participated in the rank-pinning ceremony.

Congratulating the new IG, Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi expressed his best wishes and urged him to work diligently for the welfare and rehabilitation of inmates across Punjab.

Addressing the ceremony, the Home Secretary said the reform and rehabilitation of around 70,000 prisoners in Punjab’s jails was a major responsibility. He stressed the need to effectively implement the Punjab government’s prison reforms agenda envisioned by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

He said efforts were underway to transform the Prison Staff Training College into an institution of international standards. He also directed that the dignity of prisoners must be respected at all times while ensuring strict implementation of jail discipline and prison rules.

Dr Ahmad said no leniency would be shown towards officials responsible for bringing disrepute to the department, while officers demonstrating outstanding performance would be encouraged.

Speaking on the occasion, Punjab IG Prisons Salik Jalal expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for entrusting him with the leadership of the department.

He said prison reforms in Punjab would continue with renewed commitment, adding that he would utilize the experience gained during his 32 years of service to bring meaningful improvements to the prison system. “We will strive to ensure that each passing day brings further improvement in the functioning of Punjab’s prisons,” he added.

Additional Secretary Prisons Roman Borana, DIG Prisons Naveed Rauf, DIG Prisons Mohsin Rafiq, and other senior officials attended the ceremony.

Lahore: The government of Punjab has announced a 10% discount on the payment of Motor Vehicle Token Tax to facilitate citizens and encourage timely tax compliance. The special concession will remain available until August 31, 2026.

Citizens are encouraged to pay their Motor Vehicle Token Tax before the deadline to benefit from the discount while also avoiding late payment penalties and ensuring compliance with the applicable government regulations.

According to a press release, PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf said that the digital payment system developed by the Punjab Information Technology Board reflects the government of Punjab’s vision of digital governance by providing citizens with a modern, secure, and transparent mechanism for making government payments. He added that the initiative aims to make public services more accessible, convenient, and efficient through the adoption of digital technologies.

Citizens can conveniently pay their Motor Vehicle Token Tax through e-Pay Punjab.

Lahore: Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Ijaz on Monday reviewed sanitation and drainage operations in Gujjar Colony on Defence Road and directed the authorities concerned to ensure 100 percent waste clearance and immediate resolution of sewerage issues under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s Suthra Punjab initiative. During his visit, the DC inspected ongoing cleanliness and drainage operations and received a detailed briefing on waste collection, waste clearance and measures being taken to improve environmental conditions in the area.

Chief Officer Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL) Shahid Abbas Kathia, Assistant Commissioner Model Town and officials of the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) and Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) accompanied the DC during the visit. Officials informed the DC that daily waste collection was being carried out to maintain cleanliness in Gujjar Colony, while WASA teams were working to eliminate stagnant water and address sewerage-related issues on a priority basis.

The DC was also briefed on an environmental initiative aimed at producing biogas from animal waste to promote sustainable waste management and reduce environmental pollution. Directing the field teams, Muhammad Ali Ijaz ordered that 100 percent waste clearance be ensured in Gujjar Colony and adjoining areas. He also instructed WASA officials to resolve sewerage complaints and remove standing water without delay. He further directed the authorities to undertake desilting of sewer lines to prevent future water accumulation and improve the area’s drainage system.

The DC emphasized the need for stronger coordination among all relevant departments to enhance field operations and called for making the biogas project more efficient through better utilization of collected waste.

He said the district administration was fully committed to implementing the Chief Minister’s vision of a clean Punjab and ensuring a healthy environment for citizens. ‘There will be no tolerance for negligence in providing a clean and healthy environment to the people,’ he said. The DC added that field teams remained fully active across Lahore to ensure effective waste management, while resolving drainage and sewerage problems continued to be one of the district administration’s top priorities. He also stressed that active public participation and cooperation were essential for the success of the Suthra Punjab mission.

Lahore: Intensifying action against unregistered private schools, it has been decided to seal 30 schools in Lahore, The Education Department has issued notices to these institutions several times to get register them, however, strict action was decided if they did not comply despite the passage of the stipulated period. The District Education Authority has requested the district administration for formal cooperation and action to seal the relevant schools.

On the other hand, it has also been decided to extend the deadline for the survey of registered and unregistered schools across the city. According to CEO Education Authority Tariq Mahmood, a survey of all registered and unregistered schools in the city will be completed today. He said that so far, notices have been issued to more than 744 schools regarding registration, while action will continue against unregistered educational institutions as per the law.