Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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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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Five-day media training workshop on AI, journalistic safety concludes


Lahore: The Women Media Center Pakistan organised a five-day media training workshop on Artificial Intelligence, Journalistic Safety and Inclusive Journalism for female students associated with media, women journalists, media practitioners and women aspiring to pursue careers in journalism.



The workshop, held at a local hotel from July 27 to July 31, 2026, familiarised participants with modern journalistic skills and the evolving requirements of the media industry to enable them to work professionally in the field. Director General Public Relations Punjab, Farid Ahmed, attended the concluding session as the chief guest and addressed the participants.



Speaking on the occasion, DGPR Punjab Sheikh Farid Ahmed said that Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, as the first woman chief minister of the province, had made the welfare, protection and empowerment of women one of the key priorities of her government.



He said the Punjab government had undertaken numerous initiatives, including the establishment of state-of-the-art daycare centres for working women, provision of safe transport facilities for women, the Chief Minister Women Empowerment Package, Pink Games, the Pink Scooty Programme, expansion of working women hostels, promotion of women’s vocational and digital skills, creation of business opportunities and easy financial assistance, special facilities in the health and education sectors, and promotion of safe and dignified workplaces for women. He said these initiatives aimed to strengthen women economically and socially and provide them with an environment where they could perform their professional responsibilities with confidence and peace of mind.



He further said that under the leadership of Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Zahid Bukhari, women-friendly initiatives had also been introduced in the Information and Culture Department to provide women officers, journalists and media professionals with a safe, dignified and enabling professional environment.



He said that on the directions of Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari, the daycare centre established at the DGPR had been upgraded in line with modern requirements so that working mothers could perform their professional responsibilities with complete peace of mind.



He added that nearly 50 per cent of the recruitment in the department’s Digital Media Wing had been allocated to women, reflecting confidence in women’s capabilities and the department’s commitment to promoting gender inclusion.



He further said that a large number of female interns were also receiving practical training in the Information and Culture Department, where they were being provided ample opportunities to learn modern media, digital communication and public relations while enhancing their professional skills.



He said special emphasis was being placed on improving women’s professional capacity, digital skills, training opportunities and leadership development so that they could play an effective role in media and other sectors.



Addressing the participants, Sheikh Farid Ahmed said they were fortunate to have access to opportunities. He urged them to continue their education beyond a bachelor’s degree, pursue master’s and doctoral studies, focus on education and also undertake field visits, which he said were equally important.



Speaking about women’s education, DGPR Farid Ahmed said an educated woman was vital for future generations. He said significant opportunities existed in the country and hard work always yielded results.



Responding to a question, the DGPR said modern technology should be used as a tool for convenience rather than becoming dependent on it. He urged participants to develop reading habits and demonstrate their love for the country through their actions. He also said the training material should be provided to participants before the commencement of the workshop.



Sharing his views on the workshop, DGPR Punjab Farid Ahmed congratulated Women Media Center Pakistan and said the team from Karachi had provided practical training to the young women participating in the programme.



During the workshop, special focus was placed on equipping women journalists and female media students with modern journalistic skills in line with the rapidly evolving media landscape. Participants received practical knowledge and essential skills on a range of important subjects, including the use of artificial intelligence in journalism, digital and online safety, ethical reporting, fact-checking and inclusive journalism.



Certificates were distributed among the participants at the conclusion of the programme.



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Ahmed Usman assumes charge as Horticulture Agency MD


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.



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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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Minister reiterates govt commitment to ensure sustainable livelihood opportunities


Islamabad: Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah on Friday said the government, under the vision of Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, was implementing comprehensive social protection programmes to ensure quality healthcare, education and sustainable livelihood opportunities for deserving citizens across the country.



The minister made these remarks during his visit to the headquarters of the Zakat Foundation of America in Chicago, where he was accompanied by Consul General of Pakistan in Chicago Zaman Mehdi, said a news release issued here.



Highlighting the performance of his ministry, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah said institutions working under the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety were implementing targeted initiatives for poverty reduction, financial inclusion, skills development, healthcare, education and social welfare to improve the lives of vulnerable families.



Upon arrival, the minister was warmly received by Zakat Foundation of America Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Demir, Advisor Planning and Development, Farukh Raza and members of the Foundation’s team.



During the visit, Khalil Demir gave a detailed presentation on the Foundation’s global humanitarian work, informing the minister that the organization was operating in more than 40 countries. He said its programmes included orphan care, disaster relief, education for out-of-school children, provision of clean drinking water, skills development, rehabilitation services, mental health support and a broad range of humanitarian initiatives.



The federal minister thanked the Zakat Foundation of America for inviting him to participate in the Turkish Cultural Festival and lauded the organization’s humanitarian services around the world. He particularly appreciated the Foundation’s welfare initiatives in Pakistan and acknowledged its contribution to supporting vulnerable communities.



Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in poverty alleviation, human development and social welfare in Pakistan. At the conclusion of the visit, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah invited the leadership of the Zakat Foundation of America to visit Pakistan. Prominent members of the Pakistani diaspora in Chicago also attended the event.



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IFMP Board approves relocation to Islamabad to drive national financial literacy initiative


Islamabad: The Board of Directors of the Institute of Financial Markets of Pakistan (IFMP) has approved the relocation of the Institute’s head office to Islamabad as part of a major strategic transformation.



The move is aimed at for making IFMP the country’s premier institution for financial market education, continues professional training, and capacity building. The Institute will, however, maintain a regional office in Karachi, said a press releas issued by the SECP on Friday.



The Board unanimously elected Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), as Chairperson of the IFMP Board, while Muhammad Ali Farid Khawaja, Commissioner, Securities Market Division (SMD), SECP, joined the Board as SECP’s nominee member.



The meeting was attended by Dr. Mubbashar Sadiq, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), IFMP; Jawad Hashmi, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX); Shariq Jaffrani, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Central Depository Company (CDC); Dr. Ahmed Junaid, Dean, Karachi School of Business and Leadership (KSBL); Shahrukh Usmani, Company Secretary, IFMP; and Mr. Ahmad Javed, Manager Finance, IFMP.



Addressing the meeting, Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu said that with 64-67% of Pakistan’s population under 30, the country has immense potential to expand financial inclusion, retail investment, entrepreneurship, and employment.



He said SECP has set a target of increasing Pakistan’s capital market investor base from around 500,000 to 2.5 million, emphasizing that financial literacy and skills development will be fundamental to achieving this objective.



He said IFMP will lead a nationwide financial literacy initiative by taking financial education to schools, universities, and professional communities across Pakistan.



The Institute will equip youth and professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in the formal financial sector, strengthen investor confidence, and impart professional courses to develop qualified human capital for the capital market and insurance industries.



Commissioner SECP Mr. Muhammad Ali Farid Khawaja said the Pakistan Stock Exchange must expand its reach across Pakistan, noting that a growing number of new investors are emerging from Punjab and other regions of the country.



He said IFMP will significantly expand its mandate by introducing free online financial literacy courses, continuous professional development programmes, certification courses for capital market and insurance intermediaries, and specialized industry training to build a skilled financial services workforce.



The Board also placed on record its appreciation for the valuable contributions of outgoing SECP nominee directors Mr. Osman Syed and Dr. Yasir Mahmood, and acknowledged the dedicated leadership of Mr. Shoaib Javed Hussain during his tenure as Chairperson of the IFMP Board.