CM praises ACE for uncovering corruption in P&D dept

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif underscored her zero-tolerance policy against corruption, declaring, 'Corruption is a red line and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.'

In a statement on Tuesday, the CM commended the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab for its swift action on a complaint involving the Planning and Development (P and D) Department. The department arrested P and D Board Assistant Chief Industries Muhammad Ahmed Mufleh-ur-Rehman on charges of accepting bribes worth millions of rupees in exchange for including schemes in the Annual Development Program. A case has been registered against the accused, and an investigation is underway.

The CM urged the public to report corruption complaints immediately, emphasizing that indiscriminate action will be taken against corrupt elements.

Cleanup operation: 4 truckloads of goods, 50 carts seized

Lahore: The district administration of Lahore has launched a significant operation against encroachments, resulting in the seizure of 4 truckloads of confiscated items and over 50 carts.

The operation is ongoing, and three lawbreakers have been arrested. Anti-encroachment operations were carried out across the city, including areas such as Haji Camp, Sabzi Mandi, and Aziz Bhatti Town.

In preparation for the 21st Ramadan procession, all flexes and banners along the procession routes were removed. Acting on the directives of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Lahore, action was also taken against illegal constructions along the River Ravi. The Traffic Police have been instructed to monitor illegal parking on roads.

DC Syed Musa Raza emphasized that ensuring smooth traffic flow and facilitating citizens are the top priorities of the administration. He stated that indiscriminate action against encroachments will continue without any compromise. The district administration remains committed to maintaining order and addressing violations of the law to ensure the city's development and the convenience of its residents.

KEMU holds seminar

Lahore: A special seminar was held on Tuesday at King Edward Medical University, (KEMU) Lahore, aimed at raising awareness about workplace harassment against women and highlighting measures to ensure a safe environment. Punjab Ombudsperson for Women, Nabila Hakim Ali Khan, attended the event as the chief guest while MS Mayo Hospital Professor Mahmood Ayaz, renowned Journalist Wasif Nagi, VC KEMU, as well as a large number of medical students and professors participated.

Punjab Ombudsperson for Women, Nabila Hakim Ali Khan, in her address, said that women in Punjab

are now safer than before, and justice in such cases is ensured promptly. The time required to

resolve cases has been significantly reduced, she added. She emphasised that under the Harassment Act 2010, it is mandatory for institutions to have an anti-harassment committee with the same authority as the ombudsperson.

The organisers of the seminar said that the primary purpose of the event was to educate students about their rights and promote the establishment of an anti-harassment committee within the institution to ensure a safe and confident working environment for women. Experts provided detailed discussions on the current legal framework, the nature of such offenses, and the available support facilities for victims.

Two human smugglers arrested

Lahore: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) conducted an operation, arresting two accused involved in visa fraud. A spokesperson for the FIA said, the suspects, Talat Rizwan and Khurram Munir, were apprehended during a raid in Bahria Orchard, Lahore. The accused lured citizens with promises of sending them to South Korea and Canada, fraudulently collecting Rs 4.6 million.

The FIA teams are conducting raids to apprehend other accomplices.

PPSC recommends 7,458 candidates for government jobs in 2024

Lahore: The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) has released its annual recruitment report for 2024, revealing that 7,458 candidates were recommended for government jobs in various departments.According to the report, in 2024, the PPSC advertised 12,800 positions in different departmentsas a total of 762,392 candidates submitted online applications. Out of these, 589,897 candidatesappeared for the examination.A total of 27,819 candidates who passed the examination were called for interviews, and ultimately, 7,458 candidates were recommended for recruitment in various departments. Additionally, 1,163 positions remained vacant due to the unavailability of suitable candidates.

Alhamra receives iconic portrait of Nahid Siddiqui

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.