Category: Lahore

Lahore: SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry former president Iftikhar Ali Malik said on Wednesday that the entire business community stands united with the armed forces and law enforcement agencies in their efforts to combat wave of terrorism. In a statement issued here, he emphasized that maintaining peace and stability is crucial for economic growth and prosperity. The business community fully supports all measures taken by security forces to eliminate terrorism and ensure a safe environment for investment and trade.

He expressed confidence in capability of Pakistan's valiant armed forces and law enforcement agencies to counter any threat to national security. He urged all segments of society to play their role in promoting harmony and resisting elements that seek to destabilize the country. He also highlighted the economic losses caused by terrorism and stressed the need for collective efforts to restore investor confidence. Iftikhar Ali Malik reiterated that the business community had always supported national security institutions and will continue to do so, ensuring that Pakistan moves forward on the path of progress.

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora visited the Kinnaired Centre for Learning and Cultural Development at Kinnaired College for Women here on Wednesday, where he delivered a lecture on human rights and the protection of religious minorities.

He highlighted the importance of interfaith harmony and the protection of fundamental rights for all individuals.

In his address, the Provincial Minister stated that under the Constitution of Pakistan, all citizens enjoy equal rights. He further highlighted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, the protection of religious minorities' rights is being ensured. Maryam Nawaz has, for the first time in history, increased the Minority Affairs Department's budget by 200pc. Different steps are also being taken to skill the youth.

The Provincial Minister invited the students to visit Kartarpur, describing it as a prime example of interfaith harmony that exists on the border between India and Pakistan. He further said that recently, the Chief Minister of Punjab launched the issuance of 50,000 minority cards, a number which will increase to 75,000 in the next phase.

Ramesh Singh Arora stressed that the youth represent the future of Pakistan and emphasized that engaging with youth on an international level offers a greater opportunity to learn. During a Q and A session, the Provincial Minister elaborated on the importance of human rights and interfaith harmony, reaffirming the government's commitment to providing equal opportunities for all citizens in the creation of a comprehensive and peaceful society. The session concluded with a lively dialogue, during which students and faculty shared their views and concerns regarding human rights, social justice, and youth development.

Lahore: Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has directed strict action against a gang involved in the theft of medicines from various hospitals across the province.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the minister termed the theft of medicines a serious criminal offense and assured that the Department of Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education would thoroughly follow up on the case. He warned that those involved in this illegal trade would face the full force of the law.

Highlighting the severity of the issue, Khawaja Salman Rafique revealed that the highest number of stolen medicines has been reported from private hospitals. He reiterated that the health department is committed to ensuring accountability and will take all necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future.

Authorities have been instructed to identify and apprehend those responsible, ensuring that hospitals remain free from corruption and malpractice.

Lahore: The Qiraat and Naat Society of the University of Veterinary and Animals Sciences Lahore arranged walk and seminar to mark Yom-e-Tahaffuz-e-Namoos-e-Risalat Peace Be Upon Him in befitting manners here at City Campus Lahore.

UVAS Vice-Chancellor Meritorious Prof Dr Muhammad Younus (DLA.I, T.I) led the walk in the city campus while deans, director chairman/chairpersons and a large number of students from different departments, faculty members and administrative staff participated in the walk.

Later in the seminar, Prof Dr Muhammad Arshad Naqshbandi from Islamia Collage Railway Road was the guest speaker and said safeguarding the honour of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is not just a duty for every Muslim but a sacred trust that we uphold with absolute conviction.

Lahore: A photo walk was held at Government College University (GCU) Lahore on Wednesday to shed light on the history of Palestine and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Organised in collaboration with the Palestine Society and Friends of Palestine, the event aimed to raise awareness among students and express solidarity with the Palestinian people.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Babar Aziz, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, alongside Prof. Dr. Fauzia Ghani, Chairperson of the Political Science Department. Also present were Ahmed Raza Khan, Incharge of the International Relations Department, and Shahzad Ahmed, Controller of Examinations.

Speaking at the event, Palestine Society Advisor Muhammad Manzoor Elahi underscored the importance of educating students about Palestine's historical context. He emphasized that such initiatives play a crucial role in fostering awareness and critical thinking. He added that the exhibition was carefully curated to present an objective and factual account of Palestinian history and the ongoing conflict.

Lahore: An anti-corruption court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing of the Punjab Assembly illegal recruitment case until April 9.

Duty Judge Muhammad Faisal Ahmad presided over the session, during which co-accused Muhammad Khan Bhatti and others appeared and marked their attendance.

During the proceedings, Chaudhry Parvez Elahi's counsel submitted an exemption application, requesting a one-day exemption from personal appearance due to his client's health condition. The counsel informed the court that doctors had restricted Elahi from walking.

Accepting the request, the court granted Elahi's exemption and adjourned the hearing.

The indictment in the case has faced repeated delays due to Elahi's continued absences on medical grounds.

The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab has accused the former chief minister of making illegal appointments and accepting bribes to manipulate the recruitment process. According to ACE, qualified candidates were overlooked in favor of unqualified individuals who had not even taken the required exams.