Category: Lahore

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.

Lahore: A youth delegation from the Institute for Social and Youth Development (ISYD) and Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA) held a meeting with Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, hosted by

(PPP).

The discussion centered on youth empowerment, social change, and strengthening collaborations to expand youth-led initiatives in KP.

The delegation was led by Joshua Dilawar, a social activist and highlighted their work in addressing critical social challenges, including gender-based violence (GBV), social cohesion, peacebuilding, women's empowerment, digital literacy, and climate action.

They shared insights on how young people are leveraging technology, startups, fashion, arts, and culture to drive meaningful change.

The discussion focused on the role of artistic mediums such as theatre, storytelling, and digital art in challenging societal taboos and fostering positive behavioral change.

ISYD presented its innovative methodology for using creative expression to educate and inspire communities, while ITA showcased its impactful work under the Aawaz-II, PLP, and Young Omang programs, aimed at strengthening youth and community engagement.

Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed his admiration for the dedication and efforts of youth-led organizations, recognizing their critical role in shaping a progressive society.

He emphasized the vast potential of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's young population, particularly in technology-driven initiatives, and assured his full support in facilitating future collaborations.

'Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has a significant youth bulge with immense talent. We must invest and trust in them to create a stronger, more empowered Pakistan,' he stated.

Ex-MPA Sania Kamran commended the relentless efforts of all the delegation members in advocating for social change. She reaffirmed her commitment to supporting initiatives that promote youth leadership, women's empowerment, interfaith harmony, and social cohesion.

The meeting concluded on a positive note with a group photo and a token of appreciation presented to the Governor.

This engagement marks a significant step towards strengthening partnerships between youth-led organizations and the KP government, paving the way for impactful, long-term change in Pakistan's youth and social development landscape.

Lahore: Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has said that the Punjab CM's vision aimed at protecting wildlife and rare birds is being implemented in letter and spirit.

According to officials sources here on Sunday, teams of wildlife department while carrying out action in areas of Jhang and Taunsa barrage, recovered 5 rare aquatic birds (Neel Balai) and a bear from illegal possession.

She appreciated the Punjab Wildlife department officers and staff and said that strict action would be taken against those involved in illegal hunting and keeping wildlife in illegal custody.

Marriyum Aurangzeb said that recovered aquatic birds had been left in upstream of Sindh River while materials used in illegal hunting had also be seized. She said that an FIR had been registered against the accused besides submitting a challan in the court.

Lahore: Lahore Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza has said that district administration is committed to providing relief to the public, emphasising that controlling inflation and stabilising prices during Ramazan remains a top priority.

In a media statement issued on Sunday, he directed authorities to take strict measures against inflation and price hike during the holy month. 'Ramazan should be a time of peace and blessings for all Muslims,' he said, underscoring the administration's resolve to curb profiteering.

The DC instructed price control magistrates to maintain a strong field presence throughout the month, ensuring strict monitoring of both prices and the quality of essential commodities. He assured that the administration would guarantee the availability of quality goods at reasonable rates. The district administration, he stated, has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against profiteers, making it clear that price manipulation and illegal profiteering will not be tolerated anywhere in the city, including at Ramazan Sahulat Stalls.

The DC assured that excellent facilities would be provided to citizens during Ramazan, with proper security arrangements at Ramazan Model Bazaars. Special provisions have been made for elderly citizens and women, with dedicated queues set up at all relevant facilities. He also ordered price control magistrates to maximize inspections to prevent price exploitation.

Reiterating the administration's firm stance, he said that violators of price regulations will face strict action. He urged all stakeholders to play their part in ensuring relief for citizens during the holy month. The Market Committee has been fully mobilized to maintain strict vigilance against profiteers and prevent artificial price hikes in city markets.

The DC emphasized that essential commodities, including potatoes, onions, and tomatoes, will be available in sufficient quantities, and their prices will be strictly regulated. 'Price control of essential items during the month of Ramazan will be strictly enforced,' he asserted. He also directed Assistant Commissioners, Price Control Magistrates, and their teams to remain active at all times to maintain market stability.

'Keeping prices under control is our top priority,' he said, urging citizens to report complaints to the control room at 0307-0002345. He instructed officials to ensure the prompt resolution of all public grievances related to pricing and market regulations.

Lahore: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) conducted operations in Lahore and arrested four accused including Red Book's most wanted human smuggler involved in human smuggling.

According to the FIA spokesperson, the arrested accused were identified as Raheel Pervez, Muhammad Umar, Yamam Nadeem and Rohan Mahmood. They were involved in visa fraud with innocent citizens and arrested from Model Town, Rehman Garden and Shama, Lahore. Accused Raheel Pervez is a wanted human smuggler of Red Book.

The FIA says that the accused had been on the run since 2019. The accused collected Rs 9 million to send citizens to Canada. The other accused were running an illegal travel agency.

The accused extorted millions of rupees from citizens by promising them jobs abroad. They were collecting passports from citizens without a licence. They were committing visa fraud by collecting huge amounts of money.

According to the FIA, 12 Pakistani passports, educational documents and mobile SIMs were recovered from them during the raids. The accused used to go into hiding after collecting huge amounts. They could not satisfy the authorities regarding the recovered passports.