10% discount on Motor Vehicle Token Tax payments until August 31 in Punjab


Lahore: The government of Punjab has announced a 10% discount on the payment of Motor Vehicle Token Tax to facilitate citizens and encourage timely tax compliance. The special concession will remain available until August 31, 2026.



Citizens are encouraged to pay their Motor Vehicle Token Tax before the deadline to benefit from the discount while also avoiding late payment penalties and ensuring compliance with the applicable government regulations.



According to a press release, PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf said that the digital payment system developed by the Punjab Information Technology Board reflects the government of Punjab’s vision of digital governance by providing citizens with a modern, secure, and transparent mechanism for making government payments. He added that the initiative aims to make public services more accessible, convenient, and efficient through the adoption of digital technologies.



Citizens can conveniently pay their Motor Vehicle Token Tax through e-Pay Punjab.



Work on Faisalabad-Chiniot road project progressing rapidly: Minister Bharth


Lahore: Punjab Minister for Communication and Works (CandW) Malik Sohaib Ahmad Bharth on Monday chaired a meeting to review the progress of the Faisalabad-Chiniot road development project and directed the authorities to ensure its timely completion in accordance with the prescribed standards.



The meeting was informed that work on the dualisation of the Faisalabad-Chiniot-Sargodha road was progressing rapidly and was being carried out in line with the project targets.



Officials briefed the meeting that the 24-kilometre section from Kamalpur Interchange to Tehsil Chowk, Chiniot, had entered its final stage. Asphalt work on the entire stretch had been completed, while lane marking and median construction were continuing at a fast pace.



Speaking on the occasion, the minister said the project was being executed at a cost of Rs7.575 billion and, upon completion, would provide safer, faster and smoother travel between Faisalabad, Chiniot and Sargodha.



He said the upgraded road infrastructure would not only improve transportation facilities but also promote trade and commercial activities, thereby strengthening the local economy.



Malik Sohaib Ahmad Bharth said the Punjab Communications and Works Department remained fully committed to the timely completion of quality infrastructure projects for the benefit of the public. He added that, in line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the construction of modern and safe road infrastructure across the province was continuing without interruption.



Mentally disabled teen recovered in Gulberg kidnapping case: child found in Islamabad


Lahore: Gulberg Police have safely recovered a 17-year-old mentally disabled boy in a kidnapping case while a separate operation led to the recovery of a one-year-old child abducted from Sargodha,officials said on Sunday.



According to police sources,Naveed(17) had gone missing from Al-Hafiz Center,Gulberg,prompting the registration of a kidnapping case and immediate search operation.



Police said the abduct was traced to the Qila Gujjar Singh area during investigation.



Officials added that an unidentified person had reportedly left the boy there and fled the scene.



The police took the minor into custody and after completing legal formalities,handed him over safely to his uncle.



Family members appreciated the swift response and professional conduct of the police.



Officials said further investigation was underway to trace those responsible.



In a separate development, a one-year-old child abducted from Sargodha a few days ago was recovered from Islamabad.



Police of Industrial Area police station said the child was recovered from Faizabad following a confidential tip-off.



The recovered minor was later handed over to Punjab Police for reunion with his family.



The operation was conducted by a special team formed under the supervision of SP Industrial Area Pari Gul Tareen.



Lahore Airport runway closure begins at specific times, NOTAM issued


Lahore: The decision to close the Lahore Airport runway at specific times has been implemented from Sunday.



In view of the unusual number of birds and the risks of possible bird strikes, it has been decided to close the runway at specific times every morning for two months and 10 days.



According to airport sources, the runway will be closed from 5 am to 8 am every day from July 5 to September 15. In this regard, the runway remained closed during the aforementioned times on the first day as well to ensure safe operation of flights.



A regular NOTAM has been issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) regarding the temporary closure of the runway, under which all airlines have been instructed to make necessary changes in their flight operations and schedules.



According to airport sources, all domestic and foreign airlines have rescheduled their flights departing or arriving between 5 am and 8 am so that passengers face minimal inconvenience and flights can continue to depart and arrive safely.



Officials say this step has been taken to reduce the risk of bird strikes and ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft during air operations. Passengers have also been advised to check the latest flight schedule with the relevant airline before their flight.



CM pays tribute to Capt Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed


Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Sunday paid rich tribute to Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, on his martyrdom anniversary, saying the nation would always remember his unmatched courage and supreme sacrifice in the defence of the motherland. In her message, the chief minister said the entire Pakistani nation saluted its brave son, whose extraordinary valour and unwavering commitment had become a symbol of patriotism and national pride. She said Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed displayed exceptional courage on the battlefield, striking fear into the enemy ranks through his determination and bravery. His gallantry was so remarkable that even the enemy acknowledged his courage and professionalism, she added. CM Maryam Nawaz said the sacrifices of Pakistan’s martyrs would continue to inspire future generations to serve the country with dedication, honour and courage.



SACM inaugurates Maryam Nawaz School for Special Children


Lahore: On the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Special Assistant to Chief Minister (SACM) on Special Education Sania Ashiq on Sunday inaugurated the Maryam Nawaz School for Special Children, Centre of Excellence, in Narowal to expand quality education and rehabilitation facilities for children with special needs. Himmat Cards and modern assistive devices were also distributed among special children during the inauguration ceremony to support their education, mobility and independent living. Addressing the ceremony, Sania Ashiq said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif was taking practical steps to ensure quality education, rehabilitation and an empowered future for children with special needs. She said every new project launched for special children reflected the chief minister’s unwavering commitment to their welfare. She said the chief minister regularly inquired about the well-being of special children and regarded them as her own children. She described initiatives including the Hi
mmat Card, Meal Programme, Khud Mukhtar Programme, health screening and the provision of assistive devices as landmark welfare measures introduced for children with disabilities. SACM Sania Ashiq said the Special Education Department was actively implementing the chief minister’s vision of expanding inclusive education and rehabilitation services across Punjab. Secretary Special Education Syed Shoaib Iqbal and Director General Special Education Shoaib Jadoon also attended the ceremony.