Category: Lahore

Lahore: In a profound celebration of artistic legacy, Alhamra, Lahore Arts Council, has been gifted a limited-edition portrait of the legendary Kathak dancer Nahid Siddiqui, captured by award-winning French-Pakistani photographer Aun Raza.

This remarkable gesture, made possible with the generous support of Alliance Fran§aise Lahore and its Director, Fabrice Didier, underscores the deep and enduring bonds between Alhamra and the global artistic community.

Chairman Alhamra Razi Ahmed expressed his heartfelt appreciation for this invaluable contribution, emphasizing the power of visual storytelling in preserving cultural heritage. "Every brushstroke, every captured moment, every movement on stage is an echo of our artistic soul," he remarked. This portrait stands not just as an image but as a beacon - urging generations to embrace the transformative power of art with devotion.

He said Alhamra's walls have long been adorned with the legacies of Pakistan's greatest artists. With an unyielding commitment to promoting Pakistani art and culture globally, Alhamra continues to strengthen its artistic connections worldwide, ensuring that the essence of its rich heritage transcends borders, he added.

Razi said this latest addition to Alhamra's esteemed collection reaffirms its role as a cultural bridge, uniting diverse artistic voices and fostering an unbreakable dialogue between history and the future of the arts. As Alhamra's dedication to creative excellence remains unwavering, this portrait of Nahid Siddiqui - an icon of grace, discipline, and passion - will stand as a testament to the boundless spirit of Pakistani culture, he added.

He said that with every stroke of creativity and every gesture of artistic generosity, Alhamra continues to illuminate the path for future generations, proving that art is not merely to be observed but to be lived, felt, and carried forward.

Lahore: A special seminar was held at King Edward Medical University (KEMU) to raise awareness about workplace harassment against women and discuss measures to ensure a safe working environment.

The event was attended by MS Mayo Hospital Prof. Mahmood Ayaz, renowned journalist Wasif Nagi, Vice-Chancellor of King Edward Medical University, and a large number of medical students and professors.

Punjab Ombudsperson Nabila Hakim Ali Khan graced the occasion as the chief guest. While addressing the seminar, she stated that women in Punjab are now safer than before. She emphasized that justice is ensured in such cases without delay, and the resolution time for complaints has been significantly reduced. She also highlighted that psychological consultation is provided to women facing trauma due to harassment.

She added that under the harassment Act 2010, it is mandatory for institutions to have an anti-harassment committee with the same powers as the Punjab Ombudsperson. Additionally, she mentioned that amendments are being made to the law regarding cases where harassment is not proven to prevent unjust punishment.

Nabila Hakim Ali Khan elaborated that workplace harassment not only violates women's dignity but also negatively impacts institutional performance. She reaffirmed that existing legal and administrative measures have significantly reduced harassment cases, and strict actions will be implemented.

The seminar organizers stressed that the primary objective of the event was to educate students about their rights and promote the establishment of anti-harassment committees in institutions to ensure a safe and secure working environment for women. Experts also discussed the legal framework, the nature of harassment crimes, and the facilities available to support affected individuals.

Lahore: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Tuesday acquitted two accused in a kidnap-for-ransom case, citing a lack of evidence.

ATC Judge Arshad Javed announced the verdict while allowing the acquittal application of the accused, Zulfiqar Muzaffar and Toqeer Akram.

In its ruling, the court stated that the prosecution had failed to provide sufficient evidence to support the charges, making a conviction unlikely. It also noted that the complainant had retracted his initial statement, further weakening the case.

The Sundar police had registered the case against the accused in 2022.

Lahore: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Tuesday extended the interim bail of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Azam Khan Swati in five May 9 cases, including the attack on Jinnah House, until April 15.

ATC Judge Manzer Ali Gill presided over the hearing, during which Swati appeared before the court as his interim bail expired.

During the proceedings, DSP Legal Javed Asif requested additional time to present case records, informing the court that key documents, including those related to Jinnah House, had been sent to the Supreme Court and were currently unavailable for submission.

Responding to a court inquiry, Asif stated that the Supreme Court was reviewing the approval of bail for 60 accused individuals and would conduct hearings in April.

At this stage, the investigating officer informed the court that the investigation had been completed and that Swati had been found guilty in the cases.

Following the arguments, the court extended Swati's interim bail until April 15 and adjourned further proceedings.

Lahore: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday disposed of a petition filed by former chief minister Punjab Chaudhry Parvez Elahi, seeking details of cases registered against him.

A single bench, headed by Justice Tariq Nadeem, heard the petition.

During the proceedings, Parvez Elahi's counsel expressed reservations about the report submitted in court, stating that it lacked clarity regarding the cases against his client. He urged the court to summon a fresh report.

However, the court observed that if the petitioner had any concerns, he should approach the relevant forum for redressal. Subsequently, the petition was disposed of in light of the report submitted during the last hearing.

A provincial law officer had previously submitted a report detailing the cases against Parvez Elahi. According to the report, a total of 32 cases have been registered against the former chief minister across Punjab.

The report stated that 15 cases, including those related to the May 9 incidents, were registered in Lahore. Additionally, four cases were filed in Faisalabad, while one case each was registered in Attock and Gujranwala. The report further revealed that 11 cases linked to the May 9 incidents were lodged in Rawalpindi.

Lahore: SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry former President Iftikhar Ali Malik on Tuesday urged the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to gradually reduce the policy rate and bring it down to a single digit.

In a statement issue here, he highlighted that reducing the policy rate would enable businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to access loans at lower costs. This would boost economic activity, create employment opportunities, and enhance exports.

He stressed that the current high-interest rate was non lucrative to investment and places an excessive financial burden on industries already struggling with inflation and economic challenges. He urged policymakers to adopt business-friendly monetary policies to support local industries and promote economic stability. He also pointed out that regional competitors offer lower borrowing rates, making Pakistani industries less competitive in the global market.

Calling for a gradual reduction, Iftikhar Ali Malik suggested that lowering the policy rate would restore investor confidence and attract foreign direct investment. He reiterated that a stable and growth-oriented economic policy is crucial for Pakistan's economic revival and long-term sustainability. Highlighting Pakistan's struggle with inflation, sluggish growth, and low industrial productivity, he noted that accessible credit could spur sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, and exports, which were critical for economic stability. He suggesting said Pakistan should adopt global approach and a similar strategy to counter rising input costs and stagnant demand.

Malik argued that high borrowing costs under the current monetary policy have stifled business expansion, hampered job creation, and limited access to affordable financing for industries, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He emphasized that lowering the policy rate would reduce loan costs, enabling businesses to invest in modernization, scale operations, and enhance competitiveness amid persistent economic challenges.