Category: Lahore

Lahore: The Punjab Judicial Academy (PJA) has launched two simultaneous training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of judicial officers.

The first initiative, a two-week Performance Evaluation Training Program 2025, is designed for senior civil judges-cum-judicial magistrates and civil judges-cum-judicial magistrates. Meanwhile, the second program is a six-day specialized training course on "Revenue Documents Analysis and Inheritance Issues" for judges of the district judiciary.

The inaugural session was presided over by PJA Director General Justice (Retd.) Sardar Ahmad Naeem. The event was also attended by Hafeez Ullah Khan (Adviser and Director Admin), Mansoor Ahmad Khan (Director Program), Bushra Zaman (Director of Research), Irum Ayaz (Director of Training), and senior instructors Mahmood Azam, Ayesha Khalid, and Muhammad Khalid Khan.

Speaking on the occasion, Justice (Retd.) Sardar Ahmad Naeem emphasized the importance of promotion training in equipping judges with leadership skills and preparing them for higher responsibilities. He also expressed optimism that the specialized training on the judicial analysis of revenue documents would enable judges to ensure the efficient administration of justice.

The 11th six-day training course on the judicial analysis of revenue documents is currently being attended by Civil Judges, Senior Civil Judges, and Additional Sessions Judges.

Lahore: Special Assistant to Chief Minister (SACM) on Price Control Salma Butt said that the Punjab government is committed to providing relief to people during Ramadan through coordinated efforts and strict enforcement of price control measures.

Talking to the media at Mian Plaza Model Bazaar Johar Town, here, she said that Model Bazaars have been set up under CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif's directives to provide relief to the public.

The SACM said that seventeen to twenty essential items, which are widely consumed, are now available at lower rates. She highlighted that the price of chicken meat has been reduced by Rs. 20-22 per kg, cooking oil has been lowered by Rs. 10 per liter, and sugar is being sold at Rs. 130 per kg.

Salma Butt revealed that around 40,000 to 50,000 people visit the Model Bazaar daily for shopping. While many are benefiting from the initiative, complaints have also been received regarding pricing and availability. Addressing concerns, she assured that, unlike previous years, there are no purchase restrictions in Model Bazaars, allowing people to buy as much as they need. She reiterated that the fundamental purpose of setting up Ramadan Bazaars is to provide the public with affordable goods. She further disclosed that financial assistance is being directly provided to 300,000 households, and pay orders are being distributed to three million families through the Bank of Punjab. Dismissing claims that Ramadan Bazaars were not being set up and that people were left helpless, she termed such reports as propaganda. Giving examples, she mentioned that potatoes are available for Rs. 50 per kg inside the bazaar while the market price is Rs. 80, and onions are being sold at Rs. 75 per kg.

Speaking about the government's strict measures against price gouging, she stated that this time, instead of imposing fines, shops found engaging in profiteering will be sealed. She acknowledged that the open market remains a major challenge, but assured that CM Maryam Nawaz has personally met with all Deputy Commissioners to address the issue. She warned that those found guilty of price manipulation will face severe consequences.

Discussing price control on sugar, she mentioned that the government has been working with sugar mills to regulate the supply. To ensure wider availability, each individual is allowed to purchase up to 5 kg of sugar at subsidized rates.

Salma Butt reaffirmed Punjab government's commitment to public welfare, stating that she did not assume this role for personal gain and will continue to work diligently. She clarified that she does not consider traders a 'mafia' but as an integral part of the economy. She warned that strict action will be taken against those engaging in profiteering and hoarding.

She said that the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) will soon become operational. This body will focus on curbing artificial inflation and will be granted magisterial powers to take direct action against price manipulators.

Lahore: Eight persons were killed and 1455 injured in 1268 Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) in all 37 districts of Punjab during the last 24 hours. Out of these, 619 people with serious injuries were shifted to different hospitals, while 836 victims with minor injuries were treated at the incident site by Rescue Medical Teams thus reducing the burden of Hospitals.

Furthermore, the analysis showed those 801 drivers, 73 underage drivers, 167 pedestrians, and 495 passengers were among the victims of road traffic crashes. The statistics show that 255 RTCs were reported in Lahore which affected 311 persons placing the Provincial Capital at top of the list followed by Multan 80 in with 93 victims and at third Faisalabad with 77 RTCs and 94 victims.

According to the data 1154 motorbikes, 89 auto-rickshaws, 163 motorcars, 26 vans, 12 passenger buses, 26 truck and 105 other types of auto vehicles and carts were involved in these road traffic accidents.

Lahore: Modern Urdu ghazal writer and renowned poet Nasir Kazmi was remembered on his 53rd death anniversary on Sunday here and across the Subcontinent.

The unique and stylistic poet Nasir Kazmi was born on December 8, 1925 in Ambala (India). His real name was Syed Nasir Raza Kazmi. After receiving his early education in Ambala, Nasir Kazmi enrolled in Government College Lahore but was unable to complete his BA due to the turmoil of Partition.

Nasir Kazmi initially wrote romantic poems in the style of Akhtar Sherani. After that, he turned to ghazal and created several excellent poetry collections, including Berg Ne, Diwan, Pehli Barash, Nishat Khaab, Itabar Naghma and Khushk Chashme Ke Kandar.

Poet Nasir Kazmi also served as the editor of various literary journals and then became associated with Radio Pakistan Lahore and remained there until his last breath.

Nasir Kazmi died of stomach cancer on March 2, 1972, but his ghazals still resonate with listeners today.

Noted Urdu poet, playwright, column writer Mansoor Aafaq in this connection told reporter that at a time when ghazal-writing became few and sparse, Nasir Kazmi emerged as a unique ghazal composer who not only revived ghazals, but also amazed his readers with the beauty of reality, nature and the universe, with his creative essence.

While replying to a query Aafaq said that after the partition of the country, Nasir Kazmi surfaced as a poet who succeeded in restoring the creative character of ghazal to its fullest. The new generation of poets feel the expression of Nasir Kazmi close to their hearts and souls because the new poetry has moved away from collectivism and has become deeply attached to private life, he added.

As a result of this tendency, Nasir Kazmi, compared to poets who preach humanity and collectivism, feels more realistic and tangible, Mansoor Aafaq said.

Lahore: A Pakistani food delegation from South Punjab, currently on a 10-day tour of 10 cities in China, is receiving an overwhelming response from their Chinese counterparts.

According to a message received here on Sunday from China, Shahid Imran, convener of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry's regional food committee and leader of the delegation, said the group, comprising food entrepreneurs and exporters, aims to strengthen bilateral trade and explore new opportunities for Pakistani food products in the Chinese market. South Punjab, renowned for its rich agricultural produce and internationally recognized snacks, is showcasing a variety of traditional and organic food items.

Shahid Imran added that the delegation has been warmly welcomed, with Chinese importers and businesses expressing strong interest in the unique flavors and high-quality offerings of Pakistani cuisine. Several productive business-to-business (B2B) meetings are being held, enabling the delegation to connect with potential buyers and distributors.

The visit also includes discussions on streamlining trade processes, reducing tariffs, and improving logistics to enhance food exports from Pakistan to China. Imran emphasized that the tour is part of broader efforts to strengthen economic collaboration between the two countries. The delegation's visit is expected to open new export avenues for South Punjab's food industry, especially international-standard snacks, and foster long-term partnerships with Chinese businesses.

The positive reception underscores the growing demand for Pakistani snacks in China and highlights the potential for mutual growth in the agricultural and food sectors.