Month: August 2026

Lahore: The Lahore Arts Council (Alhamra) has continued its Summer Art Camp without interruption despite ongoing renovation work at its historic complex and the monsoon season.

According to a press release issued on Sunday, children were participating in drawing, painting and calligraphy classes under the guidance of experienced instructors.

The camp, which concludes on August 5, has received an encouraging response from families with parents continuing to seek admissions.

Lahore Arts Council Executive Director, Muhammad Nawaz Gondal said Alhamra was committed to nurturing creativity and confidence among children through quality arts education.

He said the strong public response reflected the growing importance of arts education in developing future generations.

He said the successful continuation of the camp was made possible with the support of the Punjab government.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister(CM), Maryam Nawaz Sharif and with the support of Provincial Minister for Information and Culture, Azma Zahid Bokhari and Secretary Information and Culture Syed Tahir Raza Hamdani, Alhamra’s modernization project would strengthen cultural infrastructure and improve opportunities for artists, students and visitors.

He added the Summer Art Camp reflected Alhamra’s continued efforts to promote creativity and provide quality arts education despite the ongoing development work.

Lahore: Punjab Minister for Law Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan on Sunday took notice of the disappearance of Majid Aslam, a student of Aitchison College, and directed the police to register a case immediately while ordering all-out efforts for his safe recovery.

The minister sought an immediate report from the District Police Officer (DPO) Rahim Yar Khan and instructed law enforcement authorities to take prompt and effective action to trace the missing student.

According to the available information, Majid Aslam went missing a few days ago while travelling in his vehicle from Rahimabad to Sadiqabad. Reports indicate that the last known location of his vehicle was traced in Balochistan, leading his family to fear that he may have been abducted.

Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan directed the police to register a formal case without delay and utilise all available resources to locate and recover the student at the earliest. He said the safe recovery of Majid Aslam was the Punjab government’s top priority, adding that all relevant law enforcement agencies had been instructed to leave no stone unturned in ensuring his earliest possible recovery.

Lahore: Convener of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Committee on Food, Shahid Imran on Sunday called for improved infrastructure and facilities in rural areas, saying food security and sustainable agricultural growth depended on empowering farmers.

Talking to a delegation of farmers here, he said Pakistan’s food security was shaped in its rural areas and neglecting rural economies could have serious consequences for the country’s agricultural sector and overall economy.

He urged the government to provide better infrastructure and essential facilities to rural communities to achieve food self-sufficiency and strengthen the agricultural economy.

Shahid Imran said farmers should be provided with access to modern agricultural technology, quality seeds, affordable farm inputs, efficient irrigation systems and better market linkages to enhance productivity.

He said inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance, post-harvest losses and weak marketing mechanisms continued to affect the productivity and profitability of rural communities.

He called for long-term, farmer-friendly policies to increase agricultural output and promote sustainable rural development instead of relying on imported food.

He added that investment in rural roads, storage facilities, cold chains, agricultural research, education and healthcare would improve living standards, create employment opportunities and contribute to economic growth.

He said a strong rural economy was essential to ensure food security, reduce dependence on imports and build a self-reliant Pakistan.

Lahore: Punjab Minister for Law Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan on Sunday took serious notice of the alleged abduction of a woman within the jurisdiction of Sundar Police Station and sought an immediate report from the SP Saddar Lahore.

The minister directed the police to register an FIR without delay on the complaint submitted by the victim’s mother and ordered a thorough, transparent, impartial and merit-based investigation into the incident.

He instructed the authorities to ensure the woman’s safe and earliest possible recovery, immediately arrest the accused, and bring all those found responsible to justice in accordance with the law.

Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan stressed that no leniency would be shown to anyone involved in the alleged crime and directed the police to take strict legal action against the culprits. He also instructed the authorities to provide every possible legal assistance to the affected family and conduct the investigation professionally to ensure timely justice.

Reaffirming the Punjab government’s commitment to protecting women, the minister said there would be no compromise on the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of citizens. He said a zero-tolerance policy would be adopted against those involved in crimes against women, adding that, in line with the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the government remained fully committed to ensuring women’s protection and the effective enforcement of the rule of law.

Lahore: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday expressed deep grief and sorrow over the suicide blast in Kabal area of Swat that claimed precious lives.

The prime minister extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in the blast.

He prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the deceased and for patience and fortitude for the bereaved families.

The prime minister also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the blast and directed the relevant authorities to ensure the provision of the best possible medical treatment to them.

Shehbaz Sharif said the struggle against the scourge of terrorism would continue until its complete eradication.

Lahore: Punjab Minister for Law Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan on Sunday hailed the Rahim Yar Khan police for the safe recovery of abducted student Majid Aslam, saying the swift action of law-enforcement agencies reflected their professionalism and commitment to protecting citizens.

The minister congratulated District Police Officer (DPO) Rahim Yar Khan and the entire police team on the successful operation, appreciating their prompt response, vigilance and professional handling of the case that resulted in the student’s safe recovery.

He said the police carried out their responsibilities with dedication and efficiency, adding that the successful operation was a testament to their coordinated efforts and deserved appreciation.

Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan also congratulated Majid Aslam’s parents and family, saying the student’s safe return had brought immense relief after a difficult ordeal. He commended the police for acting promptly to ensure the recovery and restore the family’s confidence.

The minister said that, under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the provincial government accords the highest priority to the protection of the lives and property of citizens. He said all law enforcement agencies remain fully committed to maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety and taking effective measures to safeguard people across the province.