Month: July 2026

Lahore: On the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Special Assistant to Chief Minister (SACM) on Special Education Sania Ashiq on Sunday inaugurated the Maryam Nawaz School for Special Children, Centre of Excellence, in Narowal to expand quality education and rehabilitation facilities for children with special needs. Himmat Cards and modern assistive devices were also distributed among special children during the inauguration ceremony to support their education, mobility and independent living. Addressing the ceremony, Sania Ashiq said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif was taking practical steps to ensure quality education, rehabilitation and an empowered future for children with special needs. She said every new project launched for special children reflected the chief minister’s unwavering commitment to their welfare. She said the chief minister regularly inquired about the well-being of special children and regarded them as her own children. She described initiatives including the Hi
mmat Card, Meal Programme, Khud Mukhtar Programme, health screening and the provision of assistive devices as landmark welfare measures introduced for children with disabilities. SACM Sania Ashiq said the Special Education Department was actively implementing the chief minister’s vision of expanding inclusive education and rehabilitation services across Punjab. Secretary Special Education Syed Shoaib Iqbal and Director General Special Education Shoaib Jadoon also attended the ceremony.

Lahore: The decision to close the Lahore Airport runway at specific times has been implemented from Sunday.

In view of the unusual number of birds and the risks of possible bird strikes, it has been decided to close the runway at specific times every morning for two months and 10 days.

According to airport sources, the runway will be closed from 5 am to 8 am every day from July 5 to September 15. In this regard, the runway remained closed during the aforementioned times on the first day as well to ensure safe operation of flights.

A regular NOTAM has been issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) regarding the temporary closure of the runway, under which all airlines have been instructed to make necessary changes in their flight operations and schedules.

According to airport sources, all domestic and foreign airlines have rescheduled their flights departing or arriving between 5 am and 8 am so that passengers face minimal inconvenience and flights can continue to depart and arrive safely.

Officials say this step has been taken to reduce the risk of bird strikes and ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft during air operations. Passengers have also been advised to check the latest flight schedule with the relevant airline before their flight.

Lahore: Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration arrested a passenger and a travel agent from Allama Iqbal International Airport here on Sunday for attempting to travel to Canada on a forged visa. According to FIA spokesperson, the passenger identified as Umar Jamil, was scheduled to travel to Canada on flight QR-621 when immigration officials found him suspicious during the clearance process. Upon examination, a Canadian visit visa affixed to his Pakistani passport was found to be forged. During interrogation, the suspect disclosed that he had obtained the fake Canadian visit visa from an agent, identified as Atiq, after paying Rs 6.5 million. Acting on the passenger’s identification, FIA officials arrested the alleged agent from the airport premises. Both suspects were shifted to the FIA Anti Human Trafficking Circle (AHTC), Lahore for further investigation and legal proceedings.

Lahore: A young man riding a motorcycle sustained injuries after a stray kite string cut his throat in Ladhar village, here on Sunday.

According to Rescue sources, the injured person has been identified as 19-year-old Haseeb Umar, a resident of Mananwala, and he was going to Jaman village. On the way, a stray kite string fell on his neck near Ladhar village, due to which he was injured.

He was provided immediate medical assistance. According to rescue sources, his condition is out of danger, while more information about the incident is being obtained.

Lahore: Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan on Sunday underscored the importance of sports and constructive youth engagement in the fight against drug abuse. He expressed these views while attending the ‘Ride for a Cause – Cycle Rally Against Drugs’ as the chief guest.

The rally was organised by the Drug Advisory Training Hub (DATH) in collaboration with the Deputy Commissioner Office Lahore to promote a drug-free society and encourage healthy lifestyles among young people. Addressing the participants, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said sports and recreational activities played a vital role in steering youth away from drugs by providing them with positive avenues to channel their energy and talent. He stressed that safeguarding the younger generation from substance abuse was a shared national responsibility requiring the collective efforts of government institutions, civil society, educational organisations and families. He appreciated the organisers for launching an awareness campaign through cycling and described such initiatives as effective platforms for promoting physical fitness, discipline and social responsibility among youth. He announced that future cycling initiatives would be organised in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme to expand public partic
ipation and encourage healthy living.

Rana Mashhood also announced that the government would organise a large-scale cycling event on August 14 as part of the Independence Day celebrations to promote fitness, patriotism and greater youth participation across the country. He said the government was committed to empowering young people through sports, community engagement and awareness programmes, adding such initiatives would help build a healthier, more active and drug-free Pakistan. Later, the PMYP chairman also distributed commemorative shields among the participants in recognition of their contribution to the anti-drug campaign.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Sunday expressed profound grief over the martyrdom of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Group Captain Asim Tariq, who embraced martyrdom while trying to save a woman in Islamabad.

The CM extended her heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family of the martyred officer, paying tribute to his courage, selflessness and sacrifice.

She said that Group Captain Asim Tariq set a remarkable example of bravery and humanity by laying down his life while protecting another person.