Category: Lahore

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.

Lahore: The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Department, Punjab has taken swift action against corruption in the Ministry of Planning and Development, arresting Assistant Chief Industries of the Planning and Development Board, Muhammad Ahmed Muflih-ur-Rehman.

According to a handout issued on Monday, the accused allegedly took bribes worth millions of rupees, promising to include certain schemes in the Annual Development Programme. However, despite receiving payments, the schemes were not added to the programme, prompting the affected party to approach the ministry.

After an internal investigation, Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Asif Tufail, provided concrete evidence to the ACE, which led to the immediate registration of a case and the initiation of an investigation against the accused.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb praised Planning Board Chairman Nabeel Awan and Secretary Dr. Asif Tufail for their prompt and strict action against corruption, calling it an example of good governance.

The ACE Punjab has reiterated its commitment to taking indiscriminate action against corruption, emphasising that no malpractice will be tolerated in any government department.

Lahore: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Monday framed amended charges against several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and other party members in three cases, including the attack on Askari Tower of May-9 riots.

ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gill conducted the proceedings at Kot Lakhpat Jail, where incarcerated PTI leaders, including Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Dr. Yasmin Rashid, and others were produced before the court. PTI social media activist Sanam Javed, Khadija Shah, and other accused individuals currently out on bail also appeared and marked their attendance.

During the hearing, the court formally framed amended charges against the PTI leaders and workers in cases of attack on Askari Tower and the torching of police vehicles near Jinnah House and Zaman Park.

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 13.

Notably, the court had previously approved the prosecution's request to amend the charges against the PTI leaders and workers in these cases.

Meanwhile, the court is set to frame amended charges against the accused, including PTI leaders, in the torching of the Shadman Police Station case at the next hearing.

Lahore: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday sought a response from the provincial government and the secretary of the Local Government department on a petition demanding the conduct of local government (LG) elections in Punjab.

Justice Farooq Haider presided over the hearing on a petition filed by Zia Ud Din Ansari, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Lahore region, urging the court to direct authorities to hold local body elections without further delay.

During the proceedings, the petitioner's counsel argued that the prolonged delay in conducting the elections is unconstitutional and violates fundamental rights under Article 140-A of the Constitution. He requested the court to instruct the respondents to take immediate steps to ensure free, fair, and timely polls.

After hearing the initial arguments, the court sought a response from the government and adjourned the proceedings for two weeks.

Lahore: At least 12 people were killed and 1,485 others injured in 1,279 road accidents in Punjab during the last 24 hours.

As many as 621 people with serious injuries were shifted to different hospitals, while 864 with minor injuries were treated at the incident site by the rescue medical teams.

The data analysis showed that 790 drivers, 74 underage drivers, 189 pedestrians, and 518 passengers were among the victims of road crashes. The statistics showed that 296 accidents were reported in Lahore, which affected 367 people, placing the provincial capital at top of the list, followed by Faisalabad with 87 accidents and 102 victims, and at third Gujranwala with 73 accidents and 76 victims.

According to the data, 1,191 motorbikes, 82 auto-rickshaws, 112 motorcars, 40 vans, 10 passenger buses, 33 trucks and 100 other types of vehicles and slow-moving carts were involved in the road accidents.

Lahore: The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) organised an exclusive heritage tour, offering participants a unique opportunity to explore five newly-restored historic sites in Lahore.

The event aimed to showcase the ongoing and completed conservation efforts undertaken by WCLA to preserve the city's rich cultural legacy.

The tour began at Tollinton Market, where around 70 history enthusiasts, heritage professionals, and culture lovers gathered.

The journey then took them to General Allard's Tomb, a significant remnant of Lahore's colonial past, followed by a visit to Bradlaugh Hall, a site deeply connected with Lahore's political and intellectual movements.

Next, participants explored the Tomb of Anarkali, an architectural masterpiece enveloped in history and legend.

The tour concluded at the magnificent Wazir Khan Baradari, where an Iftaar dinner was hosted for the participants, allowing them to reflect on the significance of these restored heritage sites.

Director General WCLA, Mr. Kamran Lashari, who also joined the tour, highlighted the importance of such initiatives in fostering public engagement with Lahore's historic sites. 'The purpose of this tour was to showcase the conservation efforts being carried out by WCLA, both completed and ongoing. These sites are an integral part of our history, and through restoration, we aim to revive their past glory while making them accessible to the public,' said Mr. Lashari.

The event successfully brought together people from different walks of life, fostering a shared appreciation for Lahore's architectural and cultural heritage.