Category: Lahore

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has issued strict directives for an effective and comprehensive crackdown to control inflation across the province.Chairing a video link meeting with commissioners and deputy commissioners on Sunday, the CM instructed authorities concerned to launch a robust campaign against price gouging. She ordered that official price lists be prominently displayed at all shops and markets.To ensure the smooth supply of essential food items, she directed strict monitoring of demand and supply chains and called for immediate action against hoarders. She further instructed Punjab Chief Secretary to personally oversee the anti-price gouging and anti-hoarding campaign and to submit a detailed daily report on pricing.CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized that the prices and quality of essential commodities must be strictly maintained. She also directed deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners to keep a close watch on the prices of flour and roti. In addition, she instructed t he Punjab Food Authority (PFA) to launch a crackdown to ensure the quality of edible items.During Ramazan, the availability and pricing of fruits and vegetables will be closely monitored. She warned that strict legal action would be taken against those attempting to inflate prices. 'Ramadan is a month of blessings and mercy; traders must be considerate towards the underprivileged,' she said, urging the business community to voluntarily lower prices during the holy month. 'Across the world, prices are reduced in Ramazan, and we should also follow this practice voluntarily,' she added.The CM further directed that essential commodities be provided at lower rates in all Sahulat Bazaars across Punjab. She assured that she is personally monitoring price fluctuations multiple times a day via a dedicated dashboard.The chief minister warned that any negligence in the anti-profiteering campaign would not be tolerated. She reiterated that strict, indiscriminate action would be taken against profiteering and hoardi ng throughout Ramzan.

Lahore: Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, here on Sunday.

During the meeting, they discussed key matters related to the power sector, reviewing ongoing projects, challenges, and strategies to improve efficiency and address power sector issues nationwide.

The discussion also focused on addressing power shortages, modernising infrastructure, and implementing policies to ensure uninterrupted electricity for consumers.

They also exchanged views on the country's broader political and economic landscape.

Lahore: Pakistan's Ambassador to Oman Naveed Safdar Bokhari revealed on Sunday that numerous opportunities were available for Pakistani businessmen to engage in collaboration, joint ventures, investment, and enhance exports to Oman. Speaking here to Chief Executive Officer Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Mian Kashif Ashfaq, he emphasized the strong bilateral relations between Pakistan and Oman, highlighting the potential for enhanced economic cooperation. He said that Oman's strategic location and business-friendly environment make it an ideal partner for Pakistani entrepreneurs looking to expand their reach in the Gulf region and beyond. He urged Pakistani businessmen to explore sectors of agriculture, information technology, construction, and energy, where both countries could benefit from mutual expertise and resources.

He also stressed the importance of leveraging Oman's ports and logistics infrastructure to increase Pakistan's exports to regional and international markets. The ambassador assured full support from the Pakistani embassy in facilitating business delegations, organizing trade fairs, and providing necessary guidance to investors. Naveed Safdar Bokhari said that this initiative aligns with Pakistan's broader goal of strengthening economic ties with Gulf countries and diversifying its export markets.

He emphasized the untapped potential for collaboration between the two nations, urging Pakistani businesses to seize these opportunities and contribute to the economic growth of both countries.

PFC CEO Mian Kashif Ashfaq appreciated the hectic efforts of ambassador for creating awareness among Pakistan's businessmen for capitalization of market, strengthening trade relations and inviting them to Oman for exploring exports avenues.

Lahore: SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry former President Iftikhar Ali Malik said on Sunday that Pakistan's trade relations with Central Asian states had become increasingly important due to shifting geopolitical dynamics and economic challenges in the current global scenario. In a press statement, he said Central Asia, rich in natural resources and strategically located, offers immense opportunities for Pakistan to enhance its economic footprint.

The recent visits of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the region underscore Pakistan's commitment to strengthening ties and unlocking mutual economic benefits. He said Central Asian states of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, were key players in energy, agriculture, and mineral sectors, adding that Pakistan, with its growing population and strategic location as a gateway to South Asia, could serve as a vital trade and transit hub for these landlocked nations. Enhanced connectivity through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Trans-Afghan Railway project could facilitate trade and energy exports, benefiting both regions, he added. In the current global context, where economic diversification and regional integration are crucial, Pakistan's proactive approach towards Central Asia was a strategic move.

By fostering stronger trade relations, Pakistan could mitigate economic challenges, reduce dependency on traditional markets, and create new avenues for growth, he said. The recent Pak diplomatic efforts were a step in the right direction, promising better economic prospects and a stronger partnership with Central Asia in the years to come, he added. Iftikhar Ali Malik further stated that Premier Shehbaz Sharif's visits aimed to bolster bilateral trade, investment, and regional connectivity. Discussions focused on energy cooperation, particularly in oil, gas, and electricity, as well as joint ventures in agriculture, textiles, and infrastructure development. These dedicated sincere efforts will yield tangible outcomes,increased exports of Pakistani goods, improved access to Central Asian markets, and strengthened people-to-people ties, he added.

Lahore: Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Lahore Zone claimed on Sunday to have arrested four suspects involved in human trafficking and visa fraud from Model Town, Rehman Garden, and Shama here. FIA spokesperson told the media that suspects Raheel Parvez, Muhammad Umar, Yamam Nadeem and Rohan Mahmood were operating fraudulent travel agencies and deceiving citizens with false promises of overseas employment. Raheel Parvez had been on FIA's radar since 2019 for fraudulently collecting Rs 9 million from citizens, claiming to facilitate their immigration to Canada. Investigations revealed that the suspects were running unauthorised travel agencies and were illegally collecting passports from citizens. They allegedly committed visa fraud, extorting millions of rupees while luring individuals with promises of jobs abroad. During the raids, FIA officials recovered 12 Pakistani passports, educational documents, and multiple mobile SIM cards. The suspects failed to justify possession of the recovered passports. Authorities also reported that they would vanish after receiving payments, leaving victims stranded. FIA Director Sarfaraz Khan Virk said that operations against human trafficking networks had been intensified and strict legal action would be taken against the arrested individuals. He added that FIA was committed to dismantling international human trafficking networks and ensuring strict punishment for offenders under the law. Investigation was ongoing, and authorities were working to trace additional links to the human smuggling network, he added.

Lahore: Coordinator to Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Saif Ur Rehman on Sunday called upon Pakistani entrepreneurs for timely seizing the vast opportunities offered under "Saudi Vision 2030."

According to a message received here today from Riyadh, he highlighted the transformative potential of Saudi Arabia's ambitious economic diversification plan, which aims to reduce the kingdom's dependence on oil and foster growth in various sectors, including tourism, technology, food including snacks of international standards and infrastructure. He urged Pakistani businessmen to actively explore partnerships and investments in Saudi Arabia, leveraging the strategic ties between the two countries. He noted that "Saudi Vision 2030" offers a unique platform for Pakistani entrepreneurs to expand their businesses, access new markets, and contribute to the economic development of either countries. He stressed the need for proactive engagement, encouraging entrepreneurs to participate in trade exhibitions, business forums, and networking events to build lasting connections with Saudi counterparts.

Saif Ur Rehman is currently in Riyadh on a 15-days business tour along with a 10-member delegation. He also underscored the role of the Pakistani government in facilitating these opportunities, assuring entrepreneurs of continued support through policy initiatives and diplomatic efforts. By capitalizing on these initiatives Pakistani industrialists can play a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral relations ,driving economic growth and exploring untapped potential for collaboration between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in the years to come, he added.