Category: Lahore

Lahore: Pakistan Single Window (PSW), the designated operator of the Pakistan Single Window System, and Maqta Technologies, the digital arm of AD Ports Group, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at advancing international trade through innovative digital solutions.

The PSW, a state-owned entity, is responsible for developing, implementing, and operating the Pakistan Single Window System - a unified digital platform that streamlines cross-border trade by enabling traders to submit import, export, and transit-related data electronically.

The Maqta Technologies specialises in integrated trade, transport, and logistics solutions, contributing to the digital transformation of global trade.

According to a press release, issued here on Thursday, the collaboration focuses on driving digital innovation and enhancing efficiency in cross-border trade by leveraging both organisations' expertise in cutting-edge digital solutions. The partnership will introduce value-added services, including digital customs clearance, smart warehousing, risk management systems, eCommerce, port community systems, trade finance, and predictive analytics for trade optimisation and risk management.

Harnessing advanced technologies such as AI, Blockchain, and IoT, the partnership aims to streamline trade processes, reduce delays, and boost transparency and regulatory compliance.

Under the agreement, Maqta Technologies and PSW will jointly identify and develop commercial opportunities in digital trade facilitation and logistics solutions worldwide. The partnership also emphasises promoting environmentally sustainable trade practices by adopting paperless documentation and carbon-efficient logistics.

Dr. Noura Al Dhaheri, CEO of Digital Cluster and Maqta Technologies Group - AD Ports Group, stated: "Our partnership with Pakistan Single Window highlights our dedication to enhancing cross-border trade through advanced digital solutions. We will leverage our combined capabilities to unlock new commercial opportunities and maximize trade facilitation in Pakistan and global markets."

Syed Aftab Haider, CEO of Pakistan Single Window, remarked: "This partnership marks a significant step in PSW's vision to contribute to global trade facilitation by collaborating with leading regional players. Maqta Technologies brings invaluable global expertise in digital trade solutions, while PSW is emerging as a regional leader in single window implementation. Together, we are well-positioned to drive impactful advancements in trade facilitation."

Maqta Technologies, recognised by the World Customs Organization (WCO) for its innovative customs and trade solutions, has processed approximately 200 million transactions, generating extensive data sets that foster advanced technological development and enhance trade efficiency.

Pakistan holds a pivotal role in AD Ports Group's strategic growth in Central Asia, serving as the maritime gateway of the "Middle Corridor" linking Asia and Europe. The Group has invested in maritime and logistics businesses along this corridor, spanning Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.

The Pakistan Single Window initiative is a transformative effort to enhance Pakistan's trade competitiveness by reducing the time and cost of cross-border trade through digitalisation. By eliminating paper-based procedures and introducing an electronic platform, PSW simplifies trade by allowing all parties to submit standardized information and documents through a single-entry point. As the technology partner of Pakistan Customs, PSW supports the digital transformation of customs clearance processes, including the enhancement of the customs risk management system.

This partnership signals a new era of digital trade collaboration, reinforcing Pakistan's position as a vital player in the global trade landscape.

Lahore: The police conducted 1,710 raids on drug-peddlers' hideouts across the province including Lahore during a week and 928 drug peddlers were arrested and cases were registered.

A spokesperson said that 548 kilograms of charas, 59 kilograms of heroin, 31 kilograms of ice were recovered from the possession of drug peddlers, while 14 kilograms of opium and more than 8,000 liters of alcohol were also recovered.

Lahore: Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has emphasized that complete transparency is being ensured in the financial affairs of Punjab's medical universities.

He made this statement while presiding over the 17th Syndicate meeting of Rawalpindi Medical University at the Department of Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education on Thursday.

During the meeting, various agendas were approved, including the extension of contracts for non-gazetted employees from scale 2 to scale 16 and for nine gazetted employees. Additionally, the appointment of ad-hoc employees on a contract basis for the next six months was sanctioned. Several matters related to Holy Family Hospital, Benazir Bhutto Hospital, and Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital also received approval.

Khawaja Salman Rafique commended Vice Chancellor Professor Muhammad Umar for the exceptional performance of Rawalpindi Medical University and reiterated that modern research is being encouraged in Punjab's medical institutions. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving healthcare facilities in line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

The meeting was attended by Additional Secretary Ashfaq-ur-Rehman, Additional Secretary Sidra Saleem, Deputy Secretary Budget Hammad Al-Rab, Parliamentary Secretary Zia Ullah Shah, Syndicate Member Dr. Jamal Nasir, and Vice Chancellor Professor Muhammad Umar, along with other members via video link.

Lahore: Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan on Thursday presented a cash reward of rupees five lac and commendation certificate to Abdul Hadi, a student who secured first position in the international science competition in Singapore.

During a meeting at the Governor's House here on Thursday, he congratulated the student on his excellent performance and expressed the hope that the young lad will continue to win more accolades.

He said that Abdul Hadi has brought glory to Pakistan by securing first position. He also expressed his best wishes for the future of Abdul Hadi.

Lahore: Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi has strongly condemned the tragic attack on the Jaffer Express in Balochistan. Speaking at a press conference at Jamia Manzoor-ul-Islamia on Thursday, he emphasised that Pakistan's security and unity are non-negotiable.

Ashrafi criticised India for allegedly celebrating the incident and accused anti-Pakistan forces of orchestrating the attack to destabilise the country. He stressed the sanctity of human life, stating that killing one person is akin to killing all of humanity.

Expressing deep concern, he lamented that those who do not respect Ramazan and humanity would not hesitate to target sacred places like mosques. Drawing historical comparisons, he noted that even during the Soviet era, Darul Uloom Haqqania was never attacked, yet now the head of Pakistan's largest seminary has become a target. He warned that enemies of Pakistan are once again attempting to impose a wave of terrorism and create internal chaos, but assured that such conspiracies have failed in the past and will fail again.

Ashrafi highlighted that the issue extends beyond Balochistan, framing it as a broader conflict between extremists and Muslims. He reaffirmed the unwavering support of Pakistan's Ulema and Mashaykh for the country's armed forces and national institutions. Mourning the innocent lives lost in the Jaffer Express attack, he stated that its aim was to spread fear across the nation.

Addressing Afghanistan, Ashrafi questioned whether targeting Darul Uloom Haqqania was a justified response to Pakistan's past support. He demanded an immediate end to the bloodshed and called on Afghanistan to reciprocate Pakistan's desire for peace. Urging a firm stance from the Pakistani state, he likened the Jaffer Express attack to 9/11 but praised the Pakistani army for preventing further devastation.

He strongly condemned attacks on mosques, asserting that those responsible cannot be true followers of Maula Ali (RA) or Umar bin Khattab (RA). Announcing a nationwide initiative, he declared that Friday sermons across the country would address and condemn the Jaffer Express attack, while also raising awareness about the protection of the Finality of Prophethood. He supported the government's decision to designate March 15 as the official day for the protection of the Finality of Prophethood.

Ashrafi criticised elements fueling unrest, pointing out that some support the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), while others back blasphemy offenders. He urged the government to take strict action against those spreading chaos.

Turning to Palestine, Ashrafi highlighted the dire conditions faced by Palestinians, including the lack of clean water for Iftar and Suhoor. He praised the Prime Minister's announcement of aid for Gaza and called on philanthropists to extend their support.

He announced that the last 10 days of Ramazan would be dedicated to raising awareness for the protection of Al-Aqsa and other holy sites. Expressing solidarity with Kashmiris, he encouraged them to intensify their struggle for freedom and urged Pakistan's Foreign Ministry and media to amplify these critical issues on global platforms.

Lahore: Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) Muhammad Ali Randhawa called on Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan and discussed launching of the operations of electric buses on Fateh Jang and Hassan Abdal routes during a meeting in Islamabad on Thursday.

It was decided in principle to extend the routes of CDA electric buses on the Fateh Jang route to make the journey to Islamabad more convenient for the people. The Chairman CDA assured to get formal approval from the BoD.

Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, speaking on the occasion, said that he is with the Chief Minister Punjab for the development and betterment of the province.

'Although the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) enjoy distinct identities as political parties, both will continue to work together for the welfare of the country and the people.

Appreciating the initiative of running electric buses on the Fatah Jang route, the Punjab Governor said that the CDA is running environment-friendly electric buses in Islamabad and its expansion of the routes of electric buses for the people of backward areas is commendable. He added that we need to put aside all our political differences and prioritize only the public interest.

Punjab Governor said the PPP manifesto is dedicated to serve the people and provide them with basic facilities of life.