Day: August 1, 2026

Lahore: The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has intensified its enforcement campaign against tax defaulters across the province. During operations conducted in Lahore and other cities, three premises, including a hotel, were sealed for tax non-compliance.

PRA spokesperson told media here Friday that the action was taken after tax evasion was established and repeated violations of tax laws were detected. Additionally, dozens of food outlets and aesthetic clinics were issued notices for failing to use Point of Sale (POS) machines.

The spokesperson stated that failure to deposit taxes collected from the public into the government treasury in a timely manner constitutes a violation of the law.

He further emphasized that non-use of POS machines facilitates the concealment of sales records and contributes to tax fraud. To ensure transparency in tax collection through digital monitoring, the implementation and use of POS machines is mandatory across the province.

The public has also been advised to obtain only PRA-verified receipts bearing the official QR code after making payments to ensure that their transactions are properly recorded and verified.

Lahore: Punjab University’s Institute of Social and Cultural Studies (ISCS), in collaboration with the Government of the Punjab, CrossEdge, and Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO), organised a seminar to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons under the theme ‘Trapped Behind the Scam: Human Trafficking for Forced Criminality and Cyber-enabled Financial Fraud.’

PU VC Prof Dr Muhammad Ali, former Health Minister Punjab Dr. Saeed Elahi, Director ISCS Prof. Dr. Farhan Navid Yousaf, Additional Secretary Home and Focal Person TIP, Government of the Punjab Ayesha Mumtaz, representatives from government institutions, law enforcement agencies, civil society, media, legal fraternity, academia, and students were present.

The seminar’s aim to raise awareness about emerging forms of human trafficking and the growing exploitation of vulnerable individuals in forced criminality and cyber-enabled financial fraud. In his address, PU VC Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali emphasized the need for collective efforts involving educational institutions, government agencies, law enforcement, civil society, media, and the legal community to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable populations.

Dr Saeed Elahi followed by an interactive question-and-answer session with participants. Ayesha Mumtaz highlighted government initiatives and interventions to counter trafficking in persons.

Assistant Director Investigation, AHTC, FIA Syed Zain ul Abideen spoke on the nexus between trafficking in persons, forced criminality, and cyber-enabled financial fraud. CEO CrossEdge Barrister Haaris Ramzan emphasized the importance of prevention, protection and rehabilitation of trafficking victims.

Senior Analyst Salman Abid highlighted the crucial role of media in public awareness and responsible reporting on trafficking-related issues.

Finance Secretary Lahore High Court Bar Association Ali Raza Khokhar discussed trafficking as a human rights abuse and the role of the justice system in ensuring accountability and protecting victims.

Prof. Dr. Farhan Navid Yousaf underscored the importance of creating awareness among young people about emerging forms of exploitation, particularly those facilitated through digital platforms and deceptive online schemes.

He said that seminar provided an important platform for dialogue on the evolving nature of human trafficking and highlighted the need for stronger public awareness, institutional coordination, digital literacy, victim protection, and effective legal mechanisms to address forced criminality and cyber-enabled financial exploitation.

Lahore: Ahmed Usman Javed has officially assumed charge as the managing director (MD) of the Horticulture Agency Lahore.

He formally took over his responsibilities on Friday. A senior officer of the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS), Grade 19, he previously served as Additional Secretary in the Home Department Punjab.

Upon his arrival at the Horticulture Agency Lahore office, Javed was warmly received by the agency’s senior officers, who welcomed him and congratulated him on assuming his new responsibilities.

Lahore: The Lahore Arts Council (LAC) is successfully hosting its Summer Art Workshop attended by a large number of students and children in training sessions on painting and calligraphy. The young children demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm and artistic talent.

Participants received hands-on instruction in a variety of visual arts, including portrait painting, abstract art, drawing, and traditional calligraphy. The workshop provides an inspiring platform for aspiring artists to refine their creative skills while experimenting with different techniques, colors, and artistic expressions.

The vibrant atmosphere reflected the passion of young participants, who are creating impressive artworks using brushes, pencils, and calligraphy tools under the guidance of experienced instructors.

The primary objective of the Summer Art Workshop is to promote art and culture while encouraging the younger generation to engage in positive and creative activities, said a press release here on Friday.

The initiative aims to provide a productive environment where participants can develop their artistic abilities and make meaningful use of their summer break.

Students attending the workshop appreciated the initiative and expressed gratitude to the Lahore Arts Council for providing them with an opportunity to learn, explore, and showcase their creative potential.

Lahore: Shehryar Arif Khan has assumed charge as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) and immediately began extensive field visits to review the city’s sanitation operations.

Soon after taking charge, the CEO visited several key locations, including Samanabad, Jail Road, Mall Road, Canal Road, Adda Plot, Multan Road, Thokar Niaz Baig and adjoining areas, to assess the performance of the waste management operation.

During the inspections, Mr. Khan reviewed the attendance of sanitation workers, examined the operational status of waste collection vehicles, and received detailed briefings on the deployment and formation of operational teams.

He also inspected cleanliness arrangements and emphasized the importance of maintaining high service standards, said LWMC spokesperson Umar Chaudhry.

At the Thokar Workshop, the CEO checked the arrival and departure timings of operational machinery and directed officials to ensure that all available machinery remains fully operational in the field throughout the monsoon season.

Lahore: On the instructions of Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, the Department of Punjab Wildlife Conservation and Parks is carrying out a crackdown to protect protected wild animals and birds across the province.

In this regard, wildlife teams raided a private breeding farm in Soye Asal area of Lahore and safely recovered a young leopard cub that was kept illegally.

The rescued leopard has been shifted to Safari Zoo Raiwind Road for special care and an FIR has been registered against the accused at Kahna Police Station.

In other operations, Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Sialkot arrested the accused involved in illegal trade of singing parrots and recovered 5 parrots. They were later released in the natural environment. Similarly, 2 illegal quail knitting gears have been recovered from the Saifan area in Vehari and legal action has been initiated.