Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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Over 4.84m driving licenses issued across province


Lahore: Punjab Police issued more than 4.843 million driving licenses across the province during the current year as part of efforts to improve compliance with traffic laws and promote road safety.



According to spokesperson on Friday, more than 5.83 million traffic challans had been issued for violations of traffic rules, resulting in fines exceeding Rs 11.16 billion.



As part of the anti-smog campaign, traffic police also issued challans to 45,881 smoke-emitting vehicles, impounded 6,871 vehicles at police stations and confiscated the fitness certificates of 28 vehicles, the spokesperson added.



Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abdul Kareem directed all field formations to continue strict enforcement against traffic law violators and ensure effective implementation of amended traffic laws, reforms and modern traffic management systems.



He ordered the continuation of the crackdown against overloading, overspeeding, underage drivers and one-way traffic violations, directing officers to take strict and indiscriminate action against offenders.



The IGP also instructed the authorities concerned to adopt effective measures for the recovery of outstanding traffic fines from defaulters, reiterating that ensuring road safety through effective enforcement of traffic laws remained a key priority of Punjab Police.



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PTI leader Dewan’s judicial remand extended in May 9 Sherpao Bridge case


Lahore: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Friday extended the judicial remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ghulam Mohiuddin Dewan by 14 days in a case relating to alleged provocative speeches, arson and vandalism at Sherpao Bridge during the May 9 riots.



The accused was produced before the court from jail after the expiry of his previous judicial remand.



ATC Judge Malik Abid Hussain heard the case and approved a 14-day extension in the accused’s judicial remand.



The investigating officer informed the court that the supplementary challan is still being prepared. He stated that Dewan was present at the scene of the incident and is allegedly involved in delivering provocative speeches and participating in arson and vandalism at Sherpao Bridge.



Sarwar Road police had registered a case against the PTI leaders and workers on charges of provocative speeches, arson and vandalism at Sherpao Bridge during the May 9 riots.



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Sindh Governor, US delegation discuss multi-sector investment ties


Karachi: Governor of Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi met a high-level delegation of American business leaders at the Governor House on Friday.



The meeting focused on promoting investment in Pakistan particularly in Sindh and explored opportunities for cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), infrastructure, dairy, livestock, agriculture, information technology and other key sectors.



The delegation was led by Muhammad Hanif Channa of the Embassy of Pakistan in the United States. Other members included Jamal Khawaja, President of Friends of Pakistan; Arif Zafar Mansoori, Chairman of Friends of Pakistan; Naveed Anwar, President of the Pakistan American Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce; Rana Khurram Malik, Vice President of the Pakistan American Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce; Naeem Zamdar, CEO of One AI; Engineer Maqsood Kambo, President of TSI Engineering; Haroon Inam, CEO of DG Matrix; Zain Jeevanjee, CEO of Insure123; as well as prominent Pakistani business leaders Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, Arshad Wali Muhammad, Ahmed Chinoy, and others, a communique said.



Welcoming the delegation, Governor Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi said that Pakistan and the United States enjoy longstanding relations based on mutual trust, respect, and shared interests, which can be further strengthened through enhanced trade, investment, and economic cooperation. He said that Pakistan is a secure, attractive, and emerging investment destination offering a business-friendly environment, a large consumer market, a young workforce, and profitable investment opportunities.



Governor Hashmi said that the Federal Government is fully committed to facilitating foreign investors, while Sindh offers immense opportunities in infrastructure, artificial intelligence, information technology, agriculture, dairy, livestock, and several other sectors. He invited American investors to explore these opportunities and contribute to strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.



He said that Pakistan is a peaceful, responsible, and sovereign state that has consistently pursued a policy of regional peace, stability, and mutual respect. He stated that Pakistan has never initiated aggression against any country; however, whenever its sovereignty, territorial integrity, or national interests are challenged, the entire nation stands united alongside its Armed Forces.



Referring to the recent regional tensions, the Governor said that under the prudent leadership of the Prime Minister and the professional military strategy of the Field Marshal, Pakistan successfully defended its borders and effectively thwarted hostile designs.



Members of the American business delegation appreciated Sindh’s investment-friendly environment, government policies, and economic potential, expressing strong interest in investing and collaborating in the fields of artificial intelligence, infrastructure, agriculture, dairy, livestock, information technology, and other key sectors.



They noted that Pakistan’s economic potential, skilled workforce, and business opportunities make it an attractive destination for international investors.



Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-United States economic partnership by expanding cooperation in trade, investment, advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, agriculture, infrastructure, and other strategic sectors.



They also expressed confidence that enhanced private-sector engagement would further deepen bilateral relations, create new employment opportunities, facilitate technology transfer, and generate significant economic benefits for both countries.



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Pakistan, Turkiye agree to strengthen railway cooperation, revive ITI freight train


Lahore: Pakistan and Turkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding long-term cooperation in the railway sector, with both countries agreeing to promote joint investment, technology transfer and modernization projects during a high-level meeting held in Ankara.



According to the PR spokesperson on Friday, the understanding was reached during a delegation-level meeting between Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu on the second day of the Pakistani minister’s official visit to Turkiye.



The two sides agreed to restore the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) freight train service at the earliest and develop it into a permanent commercial trade corridor. They described the ITI freight corridor as a strategic initiative for enhancing trade and regional connectivity among South Asia, Central Asia and Europe.



During the meeting, the Pakistani delegation briefed the Turkish side on the upgradation of the Rohri-Taftan Main Line-3 (ML-3), stating that the project would significantly improve regional trade and freight operations through Iran. Progress on the Karachi-Rohri Main Line-1 (ML-1) project was also shared, while Turkish companies were invited to invest in the remaining sections of the railway network.



Pakistan also invited Turkish public and private sector companies to participate in Pakistan Railways’ infrastructure projects. Both sides discussed the possibility of Turkiye’s participation and technical cooperation in the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Corridor (UAPRC).



A detailed presentation was given on Pakistan Railways’ digital transformation, modern signaling systems, rolling stock upgradation and private sector participation. The two countries agreed to enhance cooperation in technology transfer, digital railway solutions, capacity building and modern operational systems.



The meeting also explored opportunities for joint investment, joint ventures and local manufacturing at Pakistan Railways’ Carriage Factory in Islamabad, concrete sleeper factories and engineering workshops. Both sides expressed interest in utilizing Turkish technology for the local production of railway equipment, passenger coaches and freight wagons.



Pakistan and Turkiye also agreed to promote cooperation in railway manufacturing, outsourcing, industrial collaboration and greater private sector participation. Detailed presentations on railway projects, regional connectivity and investment opportunities were delivered by both delegations.



Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said Pakistan would fully benefit from Trkiye’s experience, investment and advanced technology in the modernization of Pakistan Railways.



The two countries reaffirmed their resolve to transform bilateral railway cooperation into practical projects, joint investments and initiatives aimed at promoting regional economic growth and connectivity.



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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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Punjab govt approves new selection mechanism for medical recruitment


Lahore: The Punjab government has approved a new selection mechanism for the recruitment of doctors, specialists and other medical experts in newly established government health centers and has decided to give appointment powers to special selection committees.



According to the official documents, recruitments will be made on a 2-year contract basis on BS-17 and above teaching, non-teaching, health establishment and other related medical posts on merit. Each selection committee will be headed by the executive director, principal or head of the institution concerned as convener, while the committee will include the commissioner of the concerned division or his representative, professor of the concerned department, senior representatives of the Department of Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education and the Department of Regulations Wing SandGAD.



The Department of Regulations Wing has given formal permission for this procedure, while the Department of Finance has made it clear that the financial resources required for these recruitments will be met from the annual budget of the concerned department and no additional financial burden will be imposed. The government’s position is that timely provision of quality medical facilities to the public will be ensured through prompt, transparent and merit-based recruitments in new health centers.