Category: Lahore

Lahore: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Tuesday extended the interim bail of Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, sisters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, until April 8 in a case related to the October 5 protest.

ATC Judge Manzer Ali Gill presided over the hearing on the pre-arrest bail petitions of the two sisters. Both appeared in court and marked their attendance.

The proceedings were adjourned until April 8 after the police failed to present the case record. The court directed the police to submit the required documents at the next hearing.

The case was registered by the Shafiqabad police against PTI leaders and workers on charges of inciting anarchy and disrupting law and order following the party's protest call on October 5, 2024.

Lahore: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday disposed of a petition filed by Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari, seeking action against those involved in sharing fabricated pictures and videos of her on social media.

A three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, heard the case. During the proceedings, Deputy Attorney General Asad Bajwa presented the Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) report, outlining the progress of the investigation. He informed the court that an FIR had been registered, leading to the arrest of two suspects. He further stated that a challan had already been submitted against the suspects, while legal proceedings were ongoing against the absconding suspects.

After reviewing the FIA's findings, the bench expressed satisfaction and formally disposed of the petition. Additionally, the bench directed the FIA to submit a progress report to the Deputy Registrar (Judicial) within 15 days.

Lahore: A high-level meeting, chaired by Secretary of Mines and Minerals Pervez Iqbal, approved four Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects worth Rs. 271 billion, marking a significant step towards the modernization of Punjab's mining sector.

The meeting also decided to conduct a pre-feasibility study for these projects, laying the groundwork for future advancements in mineral exploration and extraction.

Speaking at the meeting, Secretary Pervez Iqbal highlighted that, under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, the Mines Department is launching large-scale projects under the PPP model for the first time in its history. He emphasized that these initiatives are designed to ensure the efficient and responsible utilization of Punjab's mineral resources while fostering a stable and investor-friendly business environment. He added that these projects would play a crucial role in attracting foreign investment and strengthening the national economy. He reassured stakeholders that, in line with the Punjab government's vision, these initiatives would be executed with full transparency and strict adherence to international standards, ensuring investor confidence and long-term sustainability.

Pervez Iqbal also underscored that the PPP model presents an exceptional investment opportunity, which will not only boost the mining sector but also generate significant employment opportunities across the province. He said that Mines Department is committed to ensuring the successful execution of these projects through effective planning, oversight, and collaboration with private sector partners.

Lahore: Punjab Assembly (PA) Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan emphasized the crucial role of sports in channeling youth energy positively and contributing to national development.

Speaking as the chief guest at the annual Sports Day of the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) Lahore on Tuesday, he highlighted how sports promote both physical and mental well-being while fostering national unity.

During the event, he inaugurated the newly established Sports Complex and joined children in watching various sports competitions. He reiterated the importance of providing sporting opportunities to youth, ensuring their holistic development and strengthening the foundation of a progressive society.

Commending the efforts of CPWB Chairperson Sarah Ahmad, officials, and staff, the speaker acknowledged that under their leadership, the institution has attained an exemplary status. He assured full support for the welfare of the children under the bureau's care and reaffirmed his commitment to standing by them and the institution.

Praising the skill development programs, he noted that the various training initiatives under the CPWB have empowered the children residing there, enabling them to become self-sufficient. He also termed the establishment of the Child Rights Caucus as a revolutionary step toward safeguarding children's rights and expressed his commitment to formulating policies that ensure the well-being of children.

Expressing satisfaction over the achievements of the CPWB and the positive transformation in the lives of the children, the speaker said that the institution is not just a shelter but a place where practical measures are being taken to shape the lives of children and secure their future.

Later, while talking to the media, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan addressed recent national security issues, emphasizing that such sensitive matters should not be politicized. He stated that political point-scoring on national security could be detrimental to the country, urging all political parties to act responsibly on this matter.

He criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for not participating in the national security meeting, highlighting that this is a crucial issue that requires a unified stance from all parties. He added that he had personally witnessed two instances where PTI failed to attend national security discussions, and even in the past, the PTI founder, as prime minister, did not attend the National Security Council meetings.

The speaker pointed out that PTI once again abstained from attending today's National Security Parliamentary Committee meeting, reflecting their lack of seriousness. He urged PTI to prioritize the country's interests over political gains and to avoid politicizing issues that demand national unity. He further stated that during their time in opposition, even Shehbaz Sharif, as the Leader of the Opposition, participated in national security meetings because national interest should always take precedence over political differences.

Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan added that Nawaz Sharif could play a significant role in addressing the current situation, emphasizing the need for all political leaders, including Maulana Fazlur Rehman and others, to unite on a single platform to find solutions to the challenges facing the country.

Lahore: Sunny weather with traces of clouds was observed in the city here on Tuesday while the Met office predicted similar weather conditions for the next 24 hours.

MET officials said the minimum temperature in the city was 18°C and maximum was 28°C. They said scattered rain may hit some parts of the country.

Meanwhile, the average AQI of the city was 74 while the PM2.5 concentration was 4.3 times the World Health Organization annual PM2.5 guideline value.

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain here Tuesday held a meeting with a delegation from Azerbaijan related to livestock, pharmaceuticals and other sectors.

The meeting discussed ways and means to increase trade between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. The Provincial Minister said that it is the best time to increase trade between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. Punjab has a conducive environment for investment and excellent facilities are being provided to investors, he added.

He said that an agreement has been signed between the Punjab Agriculture and Meat Company (PAMCO) and an Azerbaijani company to operate the closed plant of the meat company. Under the agreement, the Azerbaijani company will operate the closed plant and provide the Punjab government with a substantial amount every month as plant rent, while PAMCO will provide all possible facilities to the Azerbaijani company to operate the plant. The operation of the plant will increase meat exports.

Chaudhry Shafay said that cooperation with Azerbaijan in the refinery and tourism sectors can be expanded. There is a need to review the increase in exports of goods needed by Russia. If the Azerbaijani delegation gives a list of the required goods, the government will arrange for the export of these goods. Chaudhry Shafay Hussain said that pharmaceutical products from Pakistan are being exported to Europe and other countries. Further steps will be taken to increase the exports of pharmaceutical products.

The head of the delegation, Mr. Babek, said that they want to increase trade with Pakistan. The Azerbaijani government is going to invest USD 2 billion in Pakistan.

The delegation included Mr. Gabil Asgarov, founder of PRAGMA PHARM, Mr. Babek, and others.

Punjab Board of Investment Director Dr. Imran Hashmi was also present.