Category: Lahore

Lahore: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Lahore Zone arrested a man involved in human smuggling during a raid in Shahdara, Lahore.

A spokesperson for the FIA said that the accused has been identified as Gulfam. He served as a carpool employee in the ASF (Airport Security Force). He was found involved in visa fraud, deceiving innocent citizens, said the spokesperson.

The accused swindled Rs 4 million each from two citizens by promising employment in Bosnia. The accused first sent the victims to Sharjah on visit visas. In collusion with other accomplices, the accused affixed fake Bosnia visas to the victims' passports. The victims attempted to travel from Sharjah to Bosnia using these visas.

Upon discovering the fake visas, the victims were deported from Sharjah.

FIA Director Lahore Zone Sarfaraz Khan Virk said that the crackdown against elements involved in human trafficking is ongoing. All available resources are being utilized to arrest human trafficking agents, said Virk.

The zero-tolerance policy against human trafficking is being strictly enforced, he added.

Lahore: A meeting was held at the Civil Secretariat under the chairmanship of Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafiq to review the Suthra Punjab Programme tehsil-wise. Work done so far in four districts of Lahore division came under consideration. Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian, Special Secretary Asia Gul and concerned contractors participated in the meeting. CEO of Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) Babar Sahib Din briefed the provincial minister about the performance in 12 tehsils, while contractors of Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura and Kasur informed about targets and challenges. Addressing the meeting, Minister Zeeshan Rafiq said a phase review of all waste management companies was being conducted. "The people's full trust in the Suthra Punjab Programme is an honour for us", he observed. The provincial minister took notice of non-fulfillment of targets in some areas of Nankana Sahib and directed to reach all rural areas within a week. "Equal sanitation facilities s hould be provided in cities and villages", he vowed. He said that action should be taken on complaints within the stipulated time and pictorial evidence should be sent to control room.

Lahore: Through the Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS), developed by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), the profiles of over 674,000 government officers from Punjab government departments have been digitised.

This emerged during a progress review meeting presided over by PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf here on Monday.

In addition to digitizing profiles, the HRMIS has facilitated the issuance of transfer notifications for over 212,000 government officers, streamlining personnel management and expediting administrative processes across the province. This comprehensive system maintains accurate records-including profiles, skills, postings, and performance data-ensuring enhanced transparency and efficiency in public administration.

In his remarks on the occasion, PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf stated, 'The HRMIS is ensuring transparency and effective administration in our government departments. By modernizing the records of public servants, the system has not only enhanced governance but also significantly improved the efficiency of service delivery."

Lahore: The Australian Men's cricket team on Monday reached Lahore to take part in the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025.

The 31-member Australian contingent reached Lahore from Colombo, Sri Lanka, via a connecting flight from Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The team travelled to Lahore in two groups.

The 14-member squad including captain Steven Smith and the coaches reached Lahore in the wee hours of Monday. The group consisted of the support staff.

The other 17-member squad including 15 cricketers reached Lahore Monday morning and comprised Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Travis Head, Matthew Short and Adam Zampa.

Australia will face arch rivals England in their opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy campaign at the Gaddafi stadium on February 22 (Saturday) in a D/N fixture.

Australia will play their second match against South Africa at Rawalpindi Cricket stadium, Rawalpindi, on February 25 (Tuesday). The Kangroos will play their last match of the group stage against Afghanistan at the Gaddafi stadium on February 25 (Friday).

Lahore: The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) on Monday sealed another 84 properties besides demolishing several structures during its daily operation on illegal commercial buildings, unauthorized constructions, and encroachments.

The LDA teams carried out actions in Wapda Town, Main Pine Avenue Road, and OPF Scheme, targeting unauthorized constructions. In Wapda Town, a building under construction on Plot No. 64H-1 was demolished due to violations of the approved building plan. Additionally, part of an illegal structure on Plot No. 9H-1 was also dismantled.

Along Main Pine Avenue Road, illegal shutters of shops were removed. In the OPF Scheme, illegal shops and rooms under construction on Plot No. 32, Block D, were demolished.

The crackdown extended to various areas, including Gulberg, Faisal Town, Model Town, Sabzazar, Main Jail Road, Gulshan Ravi, and Shad Bagh. LDA teams sealed 28 properties in Gulberg, Faisal Town, and Model Town, while 31 properties were sealed in Sabzazar. In Gulshan Ravi and Shahd Bagh, 25 properties were sealed, and multiple illegal encroachments along Main Jail Road were removed.

The sealed properties included private schools, beauty salons, auto workshops, technical institutes, private universities, estate offices, grocery stores, food outlets, shops, offices, and more. Prior to the operation, multiple notices were issued to these properties.

The operation was carried out under the supervision of Chief Town Planner Asad-ul-Zaman and Chief Town Planner-II Azhar Ali.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has emphasized the importance of promoting tourism in Punjab, highlighting the province's natural beauty and cultural richness.

In her message on Global Tourism Resilience Day, she said that Allah Almighty encourages travel and exploration in the Holy Quran, underscoring the spiritual and economic significance of tourism. 'Pakistan is a country blessed with extraordinary natural beauty,' she said, adding that Punjab's diverse landscapes-ranging from deserts and mountain ranges to lakes and rivers-hold immense tourism potential. She reaffirmed the government's commitment to showcasing Punjab's scenic beauty on a global stage.

The CM highlighted that sustainable measures are being implemented to boost tourism across the province. She stressed that tourism is essential for economic growth, the preservation of local culture, and strengthening international relations. CM Maryam Nawaz described the Islamabad-Murree Glass Train Project as a game-changer for tourism development. She revealed that the master plan to transform Murree into a world-class tourist destination is already underway, with significant progress being made. She announced upgrading major roads to provide safe and comfortable travel experiences for tourists. Religious tourism is also a priority, with plans to build an international-standard hotel at Kartarpur to accommodate pilgrims and promote cultural harmony. She further revealed that new, attractive tourist destinations are being introduced across Punjab to diversify and enhance tourism offerings. The CM assured that comprehensive security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all visitors, reinforcing Punj ab's commitment to providing a secure and welcoming environment for both local and international tourists. 'We will continue to take practical steps to unlock Punjab's full tourism potential and present its beauty to the world,' she concluded.