Month: July 2026

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Marriyum Aurangzeb felicitates US govt, people on Freedom 250 celebrations


Lahore: Senior Minister Punjab Marriyum Aurangzeb has felicitated the people and government of the United States on the occasion of the 250 years of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America on July 4, 1776 during a ceremony at the Lahore Fort on Sunday night.



In her address as Chief Guest at the Freedom 250 celebrations of the US Consulate here, Marriyum Aurangzeb said she was immensely honored to join the Freedom 250 ceremony celebrating the United States Independence Day.



‘On behalf of the Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, I extend our warmest congratulations to the people and the government of United States of America on the 250th Independence Day.



A spell-binding light-show on the Alamgiri Gate and Picture Wall of the historic Lahore Fort, cultural performances and a cake-cutting ceremony marked the freedom celebrations by the US Consul General Lahore Stetson Sanders.



US Consul General to Lahore Stetson Sanders welcomed the Chief Guest Senior Minister Punjab Marriyum Aurangzeb at the Hazoori Bagh where other dignitaries including Head of the Lahore office of the British High Commission Lahore Ben Wrrington, Turkiye Counsel General Lahore Durmus Bastug, honorary Consul General of Tunisia Mohammad Hameed, Director General Walled City of Lahore (WCLA) Najamussaqib Sheikh, Rector FCCU Dr. Jonnathan S. Addelton, business community representatives, youth leaders, journalists and renowned figures attended the 250 years of independence.



The Senior Minister Punjab said today, we celebrate not only the birth of a nation, but also the enduring values of freedom, democracy, opportunity, and resilience. These values continue to inspire people around the world. Pakistan and the United States share a relationship built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to peace and prosperity. Our partnership continues to grow in trade, diplomatic relations, investment, education, healthcare, technology, climate change, climate resilience, and cultural exchange.



On the significance of the Picture Wall, the minister, who also holds the portfolio of Culture, said the wall that we see behind us is also a reflection of partnership between United States of America and Pakistan, and I personally know because I, I’m also holding a portfolio of tourism across Punjab, so I personally witness the assistance and the partnership that we have in conserving, restoration of the heritage and archaeological sites with the help of United States of America and the friends and the people of United States of America.



‘The relationship between United States and America in recent months, my friends, we’ve also seen once again the power of diplomacy and the power of friendship. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as my friend was just narrating the, the first event that was held in Islamabad, with the support and leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan played a constructive and a memorable role in bringing peace in the world’, Marriyum added.



The Senior Minister acknowledged the government and the President of United States of America in encouraging dialogue and helping create an environment for peace, trust, and de-escalation in the region.



She said ‘We also acknowledge the leadership of President Donald Trump in supporting diplomatic engagement and recognizing Pakistan’s efforts. These developments have reinforced confidence in Pakistan as a responsible partner, friend, committed to peace, dialogue, and regional stability.’



Marriyum said the American story, my friends, is a story of courage, sacrifice, enterprise, innovation, and national self-belief, adding that, today, the United States stands as a nation known for innovation, technology, education, culture, and global leadership.



The Minister expressed the resolve to closely with the Consul General Stetson Sanders and explore lots and lots of opportunities being introduced by the Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif , which of course would be a start of new era of partnership in terms of innovation, transformation, value addition, and the industrial growth that the Chief Minister, the entire transformation plan that the Chief Minister has put up for the entire value addition.



She hailed the interest shown by the investors from the United States and around the globe in the private sector and invited Sanders to discuss more openings.



Senior Minister Punjab Marriyum Aurangzeb also met with the little performers from the Surtaal Music academy who performed Paksiatn and United States national anthem at the ceremony.



Senior Minister Marriyum Auranzeb congratulated the people of United States on the Freedom 250 celebration before she cut the cake along with the US Consul General Stetson Sanders and the guests.



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PHC seals 646 illegal treatment centres across Punjab in June


Lahore: Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) continued its province-wide crackdown against quackery during June, sealing 646 illegal treatment centres across the province. PHC spokesperson said on Sunday, the action followed 2,837 inspections conducted by enforcement teams of the commission’s Anti-Quackery Department at various healthcare establishments. Lahore recorded the highest level of enforcement activity, with 457 visits resulting in the sealing of 142 illegal outlets operating without qualified medical professionals. In Faisalabad, PHC teams conducted 123 visits and sealed 32 illegal centres, while in Sargodha, 165 inspections led to the closure of 17 quack outlets. Significant action was also taken in Rajanpur, where 144 healthcare establishments were inspected and 27 illegal centres sealed. In Kasur, 96 facilities were visited and 43 quack outlets closed, while Gujranwala recorded 101 inspections and 23 sealings. Other districts witnessing notable enforcement included Multan, where 99 visits resulted
in seven closures; Bahawalpur, with 87 visits and 11 sealings; Muzaffargarh, with 85 inspections and 14 closures; Vehari, with 82 visits and 12 sealings; Pakpattan, with 70 visits and 21 sealing; and Sialkot, where 113 inspections led to the sealing of 23 illegal outlets. The anti-quackery drive also extended to semi-urban and rural areas, with districts such as Attock, Bahawalnagar, Bhakkar, Chiniot and Jhang recording multiple inspections and closures, reflecting the commission’s commitment to eliminating illegal medical practices across Punjab.



The spokesperson said that, in addition to sealing 646 illegal treatment centres, enforcement teams found 148 premises where quackery-related businesses had either ceased operations, shifted locations or been converted into other businesses following previous actions. Another 1,865 healthcare establishments, where qualified medical practitioners were present during inspections, have been placed under surveillance to ensure continued compliance with legal and professional standards. The PHC spokesperson added that sustained anti-quackery operations have significantly transformed Punjab’s healthcare sector. Since the launch of the campaign, the commission has conducted 252,186 inspections, sealed more than 72,700 illegal outlets, forced nearly 32,000 unqualified practitioners to abandon unsafe practices and placed over 45,500 establishments under surveillance.



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Crackdown on illegal constructions under way in Lahore


Lahore: The crackdown on illegal and unplanned constructions by the city metropolitan corporation is under way, and a record recovery of more than Rs. 400 million has been made for the first time in terms of map fees.



According to metropolitan corporation official sources, at the end of the financial year, the recovery of Rs. 409.77 million was completed, while the planning department was given a target of Rs. 400 million for the current financial year.



According to the performance of the zones, Allama Iqbal zone stood first with 127 per cent recovery while Data Gunj Bakhsh zone came second with 105 per cent recovery. Ravi Zone achieved 69 per cent recovery and Sumanabad zone 51 per cent recovery, while overall all zones performed well to achieve the set targets.



Officials say that indiscriminate actions against illegal constructions will be continued in future and citizens have been instructed to get an approved map from the authority concerned before construction to avoid legal complications.



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PM pays tribute to hero of Kargil war


Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif paid rich tributes to the hero of the Kargil War (1999), Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed Nishan-e-Haider, on his 27th martyrdom anniversary, and appreciated his great sacrifice and unparalleled bravery.



In a statement, he said, “The extraordinary bravery and eternal sacrifice of Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed in the most adverse circumstances is a shining chapter in the military history of Pakistan, which is a testimony to the highest traditions of loyalty to the motherland and bravery.”



“Defence of the beloved homeland is a sacred duty, and the great sacrifices made by the sons of the pure land are the guarantor of our peace and sovereignty today,” he added.



He reiterated the firm resolve of the government and the people of Pakistan that they stand shoulder to shoulder with their armed forces against any external or internal threat facing the country.



“This great sacrifice of Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed reminds us that our freedom and sovereignty are due to the sacred blood of our martyrs,” he added.



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Technology revolution changes event booking, photography trends


Islamabad: A noticeable digital shift is taking place in the event sector, with online booking of venues and photography services gaining popularity through social media platforms and modern online marketplaces, streamlining event planning, with youth leading this trend by actively using online platforms for quicker and easier arrangements.



Digital transformation is reshaping the event industry and service booking patterns, with media reports highlighting a steady rise in online platforms for venues, photography and related services. This shift reflects growing public preference for faster, more convenient and technology-based solutions in event planning.



According to event planners, the event industry is undergoing a major digital shift, with service booking for venues, photography and related arrangements increasingly moving to online platforms.



They further observe that both men and women are equally engaging in this growing digital market, highlighting wider participation and expanding opportunities across the sector.



Customers commented that while scrolling through social media platforms, they come across a wide range of options where service providers actively display their work, packages and event portfolios. This makes it easier for them to explore different choices in one place without visiting multiple offices or locations.



They also note that this digital browsing experience helps them quickly compare prices, quality and availability, allowing them to select the most convenient and suitable service according to their needs, making event planning more flexible and time-saving.



A female photographer working in the online photography sector said that it has now become much easier to grow and operate in the industry, as digital platforms are providing new opportunities for professionals.



She noted that this rising trend has opened doors for many creatives to showcase their talent and reach a wider audience.



She added that by displaying their work on social media and online marketplaces, photographers can directly connect with customers, allowing them to easily view portfolios and choose services according to their preferences. This digital exposure is helping expand opportunities and strengthen the overall photography market.



A man associated with the catering business and event planning said that in earlier times, the industry relied heavily on traditional methods, where bookings were made through personal contacts, referrals and physical visits to vendors.



He noted that this process was often time-consuming and limited in reach, making it difficult for customers and service providers to connect efficiently.



He added that in the past, there was no digital visibility, so businesses depended mostly on word-of-mouth and local reputation.



The absence of online platforms meant fewer opportunities for growth, and customers had limited options when planning events compared to the wide range available today, he added.



A female commented that while planning her brother’s wedding, she found the process much easier through online platforms.



She said that digital access to multiple vendors, services, and packages helped them organize everything more quickly and efficiently.



Female added that instead of visiting different shops and offices, they were able to compare options online and finalize arrangements with greater convenience, saving both time and effort during the wedding preparations.



Overall, the growing shift toward digital platforms is making event planning more convenient, efficient, and accessible for both service providers and customers. From photographers and catering businesses to families organizing weddings, online systems are streamlining the entire process, offering wider choices, better visibility and significant time savings compared to traditional methods.



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Put country before political agendas, Aun Chaudhry urges PTI leadership


Islamabad: Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Aun Chaudhry Sunday called on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership to prioritize the country’s interests by exhibiting political maturity and seriousness, actively participating in Parliament before putting forward its demands.



Talking to the media, Aun Chaudhry said the government was ready to listen to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’ s reservations, but stressed that the party must first demonstrate political seriousness and maturity.



He said PTI contested elections only to tender resignations later instead of fulfilling its parliamentary



responsibilities. “They neither ensure meaningful participation in Parliament nor raise public issues on the floor of the House. This is not the way democratic politics works,” he remarked.



Aun Chaudhry said the government had repeatedly offered dialogue to PTI, but meaningful talks could only take place when the party adopted a serious and responsible approach. “The doors for dialogue remain open, but PTI must first prove its commitment to democratic and parliamentary politics,” he added.



Minister, while responding to a question about the Gilgit-Baltistan election results and Kashmir-related political narratives, said that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is a respected political leader and that discussions with him had been positive.



He said that during consultations, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had accepted certain reservations and demands related to Gilgit-Baltistan.



He expressed confidence that the PPP would continue to remain an allied party working together in the broader political framework.



Chaudhry added that if any political leader issues statements during an election campaign, it is their democratic right.



He further said that political narratives during election drives are common, including in Kashmir and if any region brings change aligned with its aspirations, there is no objection as long as it reflects the will of the people.



He concluded that national stability remains a priority for the Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N), calling for political unity to strengthen the country’s direction.