Category: Lahore

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Sunday expressed profound grief over the martyrdom of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Group Captain Asim Tariq, who embraced martyrdom while trying to save a woman in Islamabad.

The CM extended her heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family of the martyred officer, paying tribute to his courage, selflessness and sacrifice.

She said that Group Captain Asim Tariq set a remarkable example of bravery and humanity by laying down his life while protecting another person.

Lahore: Carpet Training Institute (CTI) Chairperson Ijaz-ur-Rehman said on Sunday that export agreements worth millions of dollars would be signed in the international exhibition to be held in Pakistan, which would not only strengthen the industry but also help in introducing the skills of local craftsmen at the global level. The exhibition would prove to be an effective means of promoting exports and also play an important role in economic development, preservation of cultural heritage and strengthening global trade ties. He was addressing a meeting of industrialists and exporters in connection with International Handloom Carpet Exhibition scheduled to be held in Lahore from October 6 to 8. Ijaz-ur-Rehman said, such international exhibitions provide numerous opportunities to promote exports, access new markets and establish direct links with global buyers.

He added that international handloom carpet exhibitions will contribute to important areas such as increasing exports, economic development, global partnerships, awareness of modern design trends, innovation and cultural diplomacy. The CTI Chairperson said that international exhibitions were of utmost importance for countries where centuries-old traditions of handicraft and weaving exist.

He mentioned the major international carpet exhibitions of the world and said that the global events held in Germany, Pakistan, Turkey, China, India, Tehran and Baku were considered the most important platforms for the handmade carpet industry. He said the international exhibition organized by the Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PCMEA) had a unique position which has been successfully organized for the last 42 years and it is a great honor for the Association. He urged the industrialists and exporters to participate vigorously with high-quality handmade carpets, new designs, color combinations and diverse collections keeping in mind the modern global trends so that the attention of international buyers could be attracted.

Lahore: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Central Punjab leadership, in a joint message on the 49th Black Day marking the overthrow of the elected government on July 5, 1977, said that the democratic journey of the country was interrupted when the government of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was removed.

PPP Central Punjab President Raja Pervez Ashraf said that the imposition of martial law weakened parliament, the Constitution, and democratic institutions.

He stated that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto revived hopes for the restoration of democracy in 1988, while President Asif Ali Zardari voluntarily returned parliamentary powers in 2008, describing the restoration of the Constitution in its original spirit as a historic achievement of the PPP.

He said that the honor of Pakistan is linked with the sacrifices of the people,national institutions and the armed forces, adding that under the leadership of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the party continues its mission of public service.

PPP Central Punjab General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza said that July 5 remains a dark day in the country’s history when an elected government was overthrown under the banner of operation Fair Play. He emphasized that the supremacy of the Constitution, democratic continuity, respect for public opinion, and the rule of law were essential for building a strong, stable, and prosperous Pakistan.

Senior Vice President Rana Farooq Saeed termed July 5 as one of the darkest chapters in Pakistan’s democratic history, saying that the country continues to face the consequences of decisions taken during the Zia era.

He reiterated the party’s opposition to terrorism and extremism and said that the PPP seeks a strong, peaceful, and stable Pakistan rather than power for its own sake.

He added that the struggles of late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto were dedicated to Pakistan and democracy while Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would never compromise on national interests.

He said the party would continue its efforts to safeguard the people,the Constitution and democratic values.

PPP Central Punjab Information Secretary Shahzad Saeed Cheema said that the martial law imposed on July 5 deprived the people of their constitutional right to vote.

He described the Constitution as a sacred social contract between the state and its citizens and stressed that democratic continuity was indispensable for the country’s progress and stability.

He further said that Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was pursuing politics based on constitutional supremacy, parliamentary democracy and the protection of public rights.

He emphasized that the party envisions a Pakistan where freedom of expression is protected, the Constitution reigns supreme, and democracy guarantees the rights of the people and national stability.

Lahore: Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan on Sunday underscored the importance of sports and constructive youth engagement in the fight against drug abuse. He expressed these views while attending the ‘Ride for a Cause – Cycle Rally Against Drugs’ as the chief guest.

The rally was organised by the Drug Advisory Training Hub (DATH) in collaboration with the Deputy Commissioner Office Lahore to promote a drug-free society and encourage healthy lifestyles among young people. Addressing the participants, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said sports and recreational activities played a vital role in steering youth away from drugs by providing them with positive avenues to channel their energy and talent. He stressed that safeguarding the younger generation from substance abuse was a shared national responsibility requiring the collective efforts of government institutions, civil society, educational organisations and families. He appreciated the organisers for launching an awareness campaign through cycling and described such initiatives as effective platforms for promoting physical fitness, discipline and social responsibility among youth. He announced that future cycling initiatives would be organised in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme to expand public partic
ipation and encourage healthy living.

Rana Mashhood also announced that the government would organise a large-scale cycling event on August 14 as part of the Independence Day celebrations to promote fitness, patriotism and greater youth participation across the country. He said the government was committed to empowering young people through sports, community engagement and awareness programmes, adding such initiatives would help build a healthier, more active and drug-free Pakistan. Later, the PMYP chairman also distributed commemorative shields among the participants in recognition of their contribution to the anti-drug campaign.

Lahore: The Punjab government has strictly banned the manufacturing, sale, and single-use plastic shopping bags and polythene bags with a thickness of less than 75 microns. Strict crackdowns are being carried out, conducted by the Environment Protection Agency Punjab and the Punjab Food Authority to ensure retailers and manufacturers comply. The ban includes polythene shopping bags under 75 microns, as well as various single-use disposable plastics, multi-layer packaging, and polystyrene. EPA official sources said that violations could lead to heavy administrative fines (ranging from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 50,000 for shopkeepers), immediate sealing of businesses, and confiscation of plastic inventory. Manufacturers have started facing substantially higher consequences. Meanwhile, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also launched its first skimming boat designed to remove plastic waste from canals and rivers, in a major step towards tackling plastic pollution.

The boat will begin operations as a pilot project in the Lahore Canal, marking the introduction of a technology-based solution to address water pollution in the province. The EPA Punjab officials said the skimming boat, with a waste collection bin installed at its front, would play a vital role in collecting floating plastic waste from waterways, supporting the province’s broader campaign against plastic pollution. They noted that the pilot project would help assess the effectiveness of the technology before its potential expansion to other canals and rivers across Punjab. EPA Punjab’s Director General (DG) Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh said that practical measures were essential to eliminate plastic pollution. He added that the real challenge would begin after the pledges, as commitments needed to be translated into concrete action. He reaffirmed the EPA’s determination to eliminate banned the single-use plastic bags from Punjab and said enforcement teams and special squads would continue operations against violator
s across the province.

Lahore: A young man riding a motorcycle sustained injuries after a stray kite string cut his throat in Ladhar village, here on Sunday.

According to Rescue sources, the injured person has been identified as 19-year-old Haseeb Umar, a resident of Mananwala, and he was going to Jaman village. On the way, a stray kite string fell on his neck near Ladhar village, due to which he was injured.

He was provided immediate medical assistance. According to rescue sources, his condition is out of danger, while more information about the incident is being obtained.