Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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Rawalpindi Board Chairman stresses fair exams evaluation


Rawalpindi: Chairman Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Rawalpindi, Prof. Dr. Iqbal Mehmood, paid an inspection visit to the Intermediate First Annual Examination 2026 marking center at Government Graduate College GT Road, Jhelum, on Friday.



Reviewing answer sheet evaluation processes, administrative discipline, and marking protocols, Prof. Dr. Iqbal Mehmood directed examiners to ensure transparent, unbiased, and standardized assessment in line with the provincial government’s examination reform directives.



The BISE Chairman emphasized that the credibility of educational results relied on rigorous evaluation standards, warning that negligence or deviations from the approved marking scheme would not be tolerated.



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Decision to create unique IDs for 15m school students


Lahore: The School Education Department has started working on issuing unique IDs for 15 million students studying in government schools and creating a unified data system.



Through this system, tracking of students will be possible, while basic information including their pass or fail, class, age, health and city of residence will be available with a single click.



According to officials, the unique ID of the students will remain intact even in case of changing schools, which will preserve the educational records.



The Secretary School Education says that this unified system is being introduced to make the administrative system and educational standards more effective.



According to the department, in the first phase, a unique ID will be created for students of government schools, while later a unique ID will be mandatory for students of private educational institutions as well.



Mudassar Riaz further said that the implementation of this project will be done after the approval of the Chief Minister of Punjab.



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Young artists showcase creativity at Alhamra summer workshop


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.



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Seminar on justice systems of Pakistan-China proposed to strengthen institutional relations


Peshawar: Prominent legal expert and Advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan, Ali Zaman has proposed holding a seminar on justice systems of Pakistan and China so that the legal frameworks and judicial systems of both countries could be studied and compared.



He expressed these views during his visit to China Window, the Chinese cultural and information centre established in Peshawar.



He said that the proposed seminar would provide legal experts, lawyers, academics and students with an opportunity to understand the judicial structures, legal traditions and dispute-resolution mechanisms of both countries.



Such an initiative could also help identify areas where legal institutions and professional bodies of Pakistan and China could exchange knowledge and experiences.



Ali Zaman Advocate emphasized that relations between Pakistan and China should be strengthened not only through economic and development cooperation but also through institutional, academic and professional exchanges.



He observed that interaction between lawyers and legal scholars of the two countries could contribute to greater mutual understanding and open new avenues of cooperation in the field of law and justice.



The proposed seminar could include discussions on constitutional frameworks, the functioning of courts, access to justice, legal education, commercial laws and the role of modern technology in judicial proceedings.



Participation by senior lawyers, judges, researchers and representatives of academic institutions would make the event an effective platform for meaningful dialogue.



Ali Zaman Advocate described China Window as an important milestone in Pakistan-China friendship.



He said that China Window is playing a commendable role in creating awareness about Pakistan-China friendship in Peshawar and across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.



Ali Zaman expressed the hope that China Window would continue to promote people-to-people contacts by organizing cultural, educational and awareness activities related to China and Pakistan-China relations.



He said that the proposed legal seminar would add a new dimension to these efforts by bringing together members of the legal community and encouraging dialogue on the judicial systems of the two friendly countries.



During his visit, Ali Zaman Advocate toured the various galleries of China Window, where he was introduced to different aspects of Chinese history, culture and development, as well as Pakistan-China friendship. At the conclusion of the visit, he signed the Friendship Wall.



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CCP approves acquisition of BP’s global Castrol lubricants business


Islamabad: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has approved the proposed acquisition of BP plc’s global Castrol lubricants business by Motion JVCo Limited, a special purpose vehicle established by U.S.-based investment firm Stonepeak Partners, after its Phase-I review.



Castrol lubricants are marketed and sold in Pakistan through Castrol Group Holdings Limited. Notwithstanding the fact that the transaction is global, under Pakistan’s merger control law, acquisitions involving businesses with operations in Pakistan are reviewed to ensure they do not substantially lessen competition or create or strengthen a dominant position in the relevant market, said a release issued here on Friday.



Under the transaction, BP plc will sell Castrol Group Holdings Limited-which owns the global Castrol lubricants business-to Motion JVCo. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), through its wholly owned subsidiary, will acquire an indirect minority stake, while Stonepeak will retain indirect sole control following completion.



CCP identified the relevant market as the sale of lubricants in Pakistan. The Commission found that neither Stonepeak nor CPP Investments has existing operations in Pakistan’s lubricants market. As a result, the transaction does not combine competing businesses in Pakistan and creates no horizontal or vertical overlap with the target’s operations. In Pakistan, Castrol lubricants are marketed through a third-party distributor.



The Commission concluded that the acquisition would not alter the market structure, create entry barriers, or result in the creation or strengthening of a dominant position in Pakistan’s lubricants market. Accordingly, it authorised the transaction under Section 31(1)(d)(i) of the Competition Act, 2010.



The Commission’s approval is confined to its competition assessment under the Competition Act, 2010. The transaction remains subject to all other applicable legal and regulatory requirements.



Pakistan’s merger review framework facilitates investment, corporate restructuring, and mergers and acquisitions while preserving competition. Through timely, transparent and predictable merger assessments, the Commission enhances investor confidence, supports foreign direct investment, and promotes a competitive business environment that encourages innovation, sustainable economic growth and ease of doing business.



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Muqam seeks inquiry into Quetta mine disaster


Islamabad: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Engineer Amir Muqam, on Friday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in a gas explosion at the Sorange coal mine near Quetta, where several miners were killed.



According to initial reports, a large number of the victims belonged to Shangla district.



The minister contacted Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti by telephone and urged a transparent and comprehensive investigation into the tragedy, while the provincial government assured a full inquiry into the incident.



Expressing heartfelt condolences, Mr Muqam said the nation stood with the bereaved families in their hour of grief and sorrow.



During his conversation with Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, the federal minister stressed the need to determine the causes of the explosion and ensure accountability through an impartial investigation.



The Balochistan chief minister assured him that a complete probe would be conducted and all aspects of the incident would be thoroughly examined.



Mr Muqam also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls, the elevation of their ranks, and strength and patience for the families left behind.



The deadly explosion has triggered widespread grief across the country, particularly in Shangla, from where many of the deceased miners are believed to have originated, according to preliminary information.