PU improves in QS subject ranking worldwide

Lahore: The QS World Universities Rankings has ranked 19 subjects of Punjab University among top institutions of the world in different categories while a number of subjects have improved as compared to previous year's ranking.

According to a press release, in the latest 2025 QS subject-wise rankings, Petroleum Engineering and Library and Information Management have been ranked in the range of 51-100 best institutions in the world separately. Other ranked subject are Linguistics (301-350), Chemical Engineering (351-400), Pharmacy and Pharmacology (251-300), Social Science and Management (401-450), Biological Sciences (451-520), Chemistry (301-350), Physics and Astronomy (301-350), Business and Management (401-450), Mathematics (201-250), Natural Sciences (401-450), Agriculture and Forestry (251-300), Computer Science and Information Systems (401-450), Material Science (401-550), Economics and Econometrics (451-500), Medicine (601-650), Engineering and Technology (363) and Environmental Sciences (401-450).

It is pertinent to mention here that PU is the only university in Pakistan which has been ranked in 19 subjects in QS 2025 Subject ranking. The subjects of Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Agriculture and Forestry, Engineering and Technology, environmental Sciences, Social Sciences and Management, Computer Sciences and Information Systems and Materials Sciences have significantly improved as compared to last year's rank. PU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali has congratulated faculty members, students and staff for this phenomenal increase in PU ranking. He said that due to a number of recent initiatives, it is expected that more departments of PU would be included in the global rankings next year. He also appreciated the efforts made by the Chairman of the University Ranking Committee Prof Dr Muhammad Usman Awan and his team.

Prof Dr Muhammad Usman Awan has expressed confidence that PU has capability to lead Pakistani universities in the global higher education landscape. He said that it is a matter of pride that so many subjects taught at University of the Punjab have been ranked by the QS ranking. QS Ranking is considered as one of the most reliable ranking in academic circles around the globe.

Two injured over land dispute

Lahore: Two persons were injured over land dispute that took place near Sundar area of Lahore, tv channels quoting police sources reported on Thursday.

According to details, a man injured his brother with sharp weapon for settling land dispute near Sundar area of Lahore.

A woman who was trying to protect son during scuffle also received injuries. The Police team after receiving reports rushed to the site and shifted the injured to nearby hospital for emergency treatment.

Police team also started search operation to trace the accused behind this tragic incident.

ATC frames amended charges against PTI leaders

Lahore: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Thursday framed amended charges against several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and party members in the Shadman Police Station torching case.

ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gill presided over the proceedings at Kot Lakhpat Jail, where incarcerated PTI leaders, including Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, and Senator Ijaz Chaudhry, were produced before the court. Other accused individuals, who are currently out on bail, also appeared and marked their attendance.

During the hearing, the court formally framed the amended charges against the PTI leaders and workers. However, all the accused denied the charges and expressed their intent to contest them.

Following the proceedings, the court summoned prosecution witnesses to record their testimony at the next hearing, scheduled for March 17.

Earlier, the court had approved the prosecution's request to amend the charges against the PTI leaders and workers in the case.

Vanity number-plates generate Rs. 109m revenue

Lahore: The Excise and Taxation Department Punjab's vanity number-plate scheme has generated a revenue of Rs. 109 million in last few months.

According to Director General Excise and Taxation Punjab Umer Sher Chatha, 51 number-plates were auctioned in the Gold Category, while 22 special numbers were sold in the Platinum Category. He said there would be additional financial benefits from the sale of vanity number-plates in future. The growing interest of citizens in purchasing preferred number-plates for their personal vehicles is proof of the scheme's success, Chatha added.

Furthermore, the E and T department's operation against property tax defaulters continues to be successful. The DG assured that by March 25, all property tax defaulters will be recovered.

Punjab Culture Day postponed to April 14

Lahore: The Punjab Culture Day, originally scheduled for March 14, has been postponed in light of the tragic Jaffer Express incident and out of respect for the holy month of Ramazan.

The government of Punjab, alongside key cultural bodies, has announced that the event will now take place on April 14.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, emphasising the province's deep sense of empathy, expressed that the delay is a symbol of Punjab's shared grief and solidarity. "Punjab Culture Day is not merely about festivities but is a celebration of our values. Today, our hearts are with the victims of the train tragedy. This postponement honors both their memory and the sacredness of Ramadan," she stated.

Azma Bokhari, Punjab's Minister for Information and Culture, reiterated this stance, highlighting that the rescheduling reflects the province's tradition of compassion. "While culture is at the heart of our society, it is empathy that binds us. The postponement of Punjab Culture Day is a mark of respect to those affected by this tragedy. We pray for the swift recovery of all and extend our deepest sympathies to the families grieving this loss,' she affirmed.

Punjab Culture Day is an opportunity to celebrate the province's artistic heritage, which includes its iconic literature, music, and craftsmanship. This festival honors the legacy of poets like Waris Shah and Bulleh Shah, the vibrancy of folk music, and the intricate beauty of Phulkari embroidery. The rescheduled festival in April is expected to be an even grander celebration of Punjab's rich cultural tapestry.

Razi Ahmed, Chairman of Alhamra Arts Council, which has long been instrumental in organising the event, expressed solidarity with the decision. "Alhamra has always been a guardian of Punjab's cultural legacy. Postponing the event is in line with our core values. When Punjab Culture Day is celebrated in April, it will be a heartfelt tribute to our cultural heritage and our community," he said.

Executive Director Tauqeer Haider Kazmi also praised the decision. "Culture thrives in moments of unity and humanity. The postponement reflects our collective conscience in this difficult time. We are committed to delivering a memorable event in April," he said.

CM Maryam appreciates security forces on successful Jaffar Express operation

Lahore: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed her gratitude on the successful culmination of Jaffar Express operation and paid tribute to the security forces on conducting a successful operation.

She paid homage to the brave soldiers who embraced martyrdom during the operation. She said, 'Using innocent passengers, women and children as shields depicts the worst example of cowardice. The terrorists being cosigned to hell have become a symbol of disgrace.'