Category: Lahore

Lahore: Federal Minister for Planning Development, and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, Chaudhry has said that Pakistan is prepared for a major economic transformation, emphasising that good governance and policy continuity are essential for progress.

Speaking at a three-day training session for directors of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) at the Executive Development Institute (EDI) of the National School of Public Policy (NSPP), he highlighted the government's commitment to reforms, transparency and modern technology adoption. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he expressed confidence that Pakistan would soon emerge as a global economic force.

The federal minister said that organising a Directors' Training Programme to professionalise the leadership of SOEs and enhance their performance is a significant step. He congratulated the administration of NSPP and the EDI for the initiative, which will improve governance in the public sector and help align SOEs with international standards.

He highlighted that SOEs are crucial economic assets to the country, providing services in energy, transportation, finance and public utilities. Currently, there are 212 active SOEs in Pakistan, but their financial performance lags behind global standards. He mentioned that the government introduced the SEOs (Governance and Operations), Act 2023 to strengthen transparency, accountability frameworks and reduce financial irregularities, which often lead to financial burdens. The goal is to cut financial losses related to SOEs by 30% within five years and enhance their contribution to economic development. He expressed optimism that the performance of SOEs would improve by 20-25% in the next three years.

He also indicated that, if necessary, poorly performing SOEs would be privatised or restructured. Additionally, public-private partnerships (PPPs) would be established to improve their operational efficiency. Ahsan shared his personal experience working with SOEs, emphasising that proper governance training can lead to cost savings and service improvements.

Citing an example, he recalled that in 1986, when the Ghee Corporation of Pakistan faced intense competition from the private sector, it was successfully reorganised within just six months under the leadership of then-chairman Dr. Hassan. The strategy is now studied as a case at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). He emphasised that the success of any institution-public or private-depends on how it is managed and a well-managed public sector can even outperform the private sector in gaining public trust.

The minister stressed that continuity of policies is vital for national development, and every citizen must play their role in nation-building. He warned that history would not forgive if necessary steps were not taken. He reiterated that Pakistan has no shortage of talent or resources, with a vast pool of skilled young individuals capable of transforming the country's destiny.

He urged reflection on how nations that once lagged behind Pakistan have now surpassed it, despite Pakistan being a nuclear power. Without serious introspection and corrective measures, the country will continue to fall behind in global competition. Recognising weaknesses and leveraging strengths is essential. The world sees Pakistanis as hardworking and intelligent and their ancestors' vision and principles should be upheld to move the nation forward.

He outlined four critical factors necessary for progress: Development is impossible without peace, political stability is essential for sustainable progress, continuity of policies is the most crucial factor for national development and government changes should not disrupt policy continuity.

Prof Ahsan Iqbal emphasised that developed nations have maintained their status through consistent policies, regardless of government transitions. He urged Pakistan to follow the same approach. He highlighted that the world is witnessing a digital and technological revolution, and adopting modern technology in agriculture, water resources, and various other sectors is imperative.

The minister pointed out that Pakistan's rapidly growing population is another major challenge. According to the latest census, the population growth rate has increased from 2.0% to 2.55%, making Pakistan the fifth most populous country in the world. If this trend continues, the population will reach approximately 400 million in the next 25 years. This will put immense pressure on national resources, agriculture, food security and infrastructure. Therefore, controlling population growth and accelerating economic progress is essential to compensate for 77 years of setbacks.

The federal minister said that when electricity loadshedding lasted for 18 hours in the country, no one came to help, but China supported Pakistan and helped it overcome the crisis by investing billions of dollars in an 8MW electricity project. He added that in the past, our ministers made unnecessary statements about China, which caused embarrassment to China at the international level.

He stressed that good governance is fundamental to achieving the goals. Despite all challenges, the government remains committed to working tirelessly for national progress, and the day is not far when Pakistan will be on the path of sustainable development.

He urged officials to actively participate in the training programme and implement strong governance frameworks in their organisations. By improving corporate governance and financial discipline, SOEs can be transformed from financial burdens into national assets. The government is fully committed to supporting and implementing these reforms to ensure that SOEs play a significant role in economic development.

Representatives from various departments including OGRA, OGDCL, AGPR, Pakistan Mint, AGPR, NHA, RAILCOP, Armed Services, government of Punjab, government of KP, government of Sindh, The Urban Unit, The Bank of Punjab, First Women Bank Ltd, Port Qasim Authority, Trading Corporation of Pakistan, NSPP and private sector, participated. The Dean of the Executive Development Institute (EDI), NSPP, Ahmad Nazir Warraich, presented a souvenir to the minister.

Lahore: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday left for a two-day official visit to United Arab Emirates (UAE) to participate in the World Governments Summit (WGS) in Dubai.

He is on a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 10 to 11 on the invitation of Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. A delegation also accompanies him.

Shehbaz Sharif will hold bilateral meetings with the UAE leadership as well as engage with heads of state and government from the participating countries. It is the second visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the UAE after assuming office. He will also meet Pakistanis living in the United Arab Emirates, business people and investors.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Khawaja Asif, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Sardar Awais Khan Leghari, Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to PM Syed Tariq Fatemi are accompanying the prime minister.

Lahore: Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani on Monday said that under able leadership of Punjab CM, efforts were being made to provide maximum benefits to farmers through Kisan Card initiative.

He said this while presiding over a meeting which reviewed the progress of Punjab Chief Minister's Transforming Agriculture Punjab initiative, particularly Kisan Card Phase-II and agricultural mechanization financing projects, here.

During the meeting, various options were discussed regarding the inclusion of small and medium-scale farmers (owning up to 25 acres of land) in the second phase of the Punjab Chief Minister Kisan Card.

The possibility of increasing the per-acre loan limit was also considered, with final approval to be given by the Punjab CM.

Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani suggested that farmers should also be allowed to purchase diesel using the 30% cash withdrawal facility provided through the Kisan Card.

Additionally, he emphasized the need to remove transaction charges on purchases made through the Kisan Card.

The Minister directed to introduce Cotton Crop Insurance Pilot Project under the Kisan Card and the formulation of a Disaster Crop Insurance Plan for other key crops.

He also stressed the importance of gathering farmers' feedback for the second phase of Kisan Card distribution through SMS surveys.

So far, 535,000 Kisan Cards had been approved for issuance.

Under Mechanization Bank Financing Programme, the Bank of Punjab would provide high-tech farm machinery to farmers over the next three years at a total cost of Rs 50 billion, he added.

He further said that a farmer could receive interest-free loans of up to Rs 50 million for purchasing farm machinery, with a repayment period of five years.

Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani also highlighted the need to increase the number of rice and cotton farming machines.

The meeting also finalized arrangements for the upcoming Green Tractor Programme launching ceremony, scheduled for this month.

Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo also spoke on the occasion.

Lahore: Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Prof Dr Mukhtar Ahmed has said that self-accountability is necessary along with autonomy of universities for their overall development in a true manner.

He was addressing a seminar on 'Higher Education in Pakistan: Governance, Finance and Quality', organized by Punjab University Institute of Education and Research and Academia on Monday. CEO Knowledge Streams and former Executive Director HEC Dr Sohail Naqvi, FAPUASA President Dr Amjad Abbas Magsi, IER Director Prof Dr Abdul Qayyum Chaudhry, PU DG State and Security Dr Rehan Sadiq Sheikh, Director Sports Dr Muhammad Shabbir Sarwar, Muhammad Ibrahim Qazi, faculty members and a large number of students were present.

In his address, Dr Mukhtar said that the higher education sector in Pakistan is facing issues like governance and quality which are related to financial matters. He said that many universities in Pakistan are facing difficulties to pay salaries and pensions, and even electricity bills. He said that to deal with these issues, teachers should focus on their responsibilities instead of negative politics. He said that only 0.22 percent is being spent on higher education in Pakistan, for which the authorities have to play a role in increasing the budget. He said that universities should strictly follow the rules and regulations to improve the academic matters of affiliated colleges. He said 'Instead of blaming each other, we should work together to increase the skills of the talented youth of Pakistan.' He said that industrialists should also be made members of the Academic Council for changes in the curriculum according to the requirements of the modern era. He appreciated the efforts of the organizers for organi zing a fruitful event.

Dr Naqvi said that annual publications in Pakistan have reached almost 40 thousand but are completely ineffective for the society. He said that the HEC has no role in the appointment of Vice Chancellors in universities. He said that universities are a place for the community of scholars and if the lawmakers and the implementers work together, a better system can develop. He said that it is regrettable that only 1.4 percent of GDP is being spent on education. He said that the youth of Pakistan are very talented.

Dr Magsi said that higher education in Pakistan has never faced so many problems at one time as it is facing now. He said that for more than two years, universities in Punjab and other provinces continued to work on ad hoc basis without Vice Chancellors, which led to financial and administrative problems. He said that governance, economy and quality cannot improve without promoting merit and credibility. He said that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is doing a good job in the province, but more steps are needed to uplift the higher education sector. He said that there is no permanent Chairman of HEC since six months; this is also problematic for the higher education sector.

Dr Qayyum shed light on the history, educational and research activities of the IER. He said that promoting education according to modern requirements is the priority of the institution. He said that Times Higher Education has ranked the subject of education as the first in Pakistan in terms of subjects, which is the result of their best policies. He said that after the 18th Amendment, the responsibility of education has been entrusted to the provinces, but HEC will have to establish strong links for the improvement of the education system.

Lahore: The Punjab government has decided to establish the Punjab Forensic Science Training Center (PFSTC) in Lahore.

The Forensic Science Training Center will be named after the first DG of the Forensic Science Authority, Dr. Ashraf Tahir.

According to official sources, Pakistan's first forensic training center will be established with the Forensic Science Authority. The Punjab government has approved the Forensic Science Training Center.

The sources further informed reporter that forensic science will be taught in Pakistan's first forensic science training center. Scientists, trained in the forensic training center, will be able to work in other provinces of Pakistan. Forensic science laboratories will be established in provinces across the country, including Punjab.

It is worth mentioning here that the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) Training Laboratory in Lahore, is a training center that provides scientific training for law enforcement, scientists, and other stakeholders. Now the laboratory aims to improve the accuracy of forensic evidence and justice system.

Furthermore, the agency has got expertise in DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) that can be obtained from biological specimens left at crime scenes such as murder, aggravated battery, sexual assault, hit and run, burglary, etc.

The biological specimens most often encountered include blood evidence, seminal fluid, or saliva. In serology, these body fluids are identified and, if needed, the biological material is then further tested utilizing DNA analysis (STR or short tandem repeat analysis).

Lahore: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif met Members of the Punjab Assembly belonging to the Lahore Division, here on Monday.

Matters pertaining to public welfare projects and future political strategies were discussed in the meeting.

The participants paid tribute to CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif's strives on undertaking development works and public welfare projects in Punjab. These projects included Suthra Punjab, Kisan Card, Green Tractor Scheme, modern agricultural machinery, provision of Honhaar Scholarship program, construction and rehabilitation of roads, Dhee Rani program, up-gradation of basic and rural health centres along with revamping entire health system in the province.

PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, while speaking to the assembly members, expressed his hope that Pakistan would "take off" once again and acknowledged that Shehbaz Sharif is working very hard to change the destiny of dear homeland. He noted that after a long time, happiness and satisfaction are clearly visible among the people in Lahore and Punjab. He expressed gratitude to Allah Almighty for giving PML-N an opportunity to serve the masses wholeheartedly once again, adding, "Our journey to serve the masses will continue unabated." He said that Allah Almighty has enabled the incumbent government for putting the country on the path of progress and prosperity at a swift pace. He said that Allah Almighty has saved the country from getting derailed and falling into a pit, adding that he has seen many ups and downs in his life. He underscored that whenever PML-N comes into power, the country makes rapid progress. He said that if Pakistan had not been derailed and the journey of the 1990s had continued, the country wou ld have been much further ahead in terms of development and progress. He said that reduction in inflation has given the general public a sigh of relief. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif added that the policy rate decreasing from 22 to 12 percent is a sign of positive economic improvement along with moving in the right direction.

The Assembly Members acknowledged that every sector of Punjab province is moving towards progress and development in a short span of one year and CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif is the pride of Punjab. They added that PM Shehbaz Sharif and CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif have set a new bright example of Pakistan's development, progress and public service. They said that the traditions of both Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif are being carried out in an unprecedented and remarkable manner. They further commented that whenever PML-N comes into power, the country attains development, progress and prosperity in every sector. They further said that CM Maryam Nawaz has initiated an exemplary precedent of reforming the governance system by introducing a transparent system of e-tendering in Punjab. They said that the journey of equal and quality development is swiftly moving forward on the basis of merit in the province.

The Chief Minister, while addressing the Assembly members, she added, "By the grace of Allah Almighty, Nawaz Sharif is the name of Pakistan's development, and we are all his soldiers."

Senior party leaders Senator Pervez Rashid, Rana Sanaullah, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, and Rashid Nasrullah were present in the meeting. Samiullah Khan, Ghazali Saleem Butt, Muhammad Riaz, Mujtaba Shuja- ur- Rehman, Khawaja Imran Nazir, Sohail Shaukat Butt, Malik Muhammad Waheed, Khawaja Salman Rafique, Malik Ghulam Habib Awan and Chaudhry Muhammad Nawaz, Malik Asad Ali Khokhar, Malik Shahbaz Ali Khokhar, Imran Javed, Rana Rashid Minhas, Muhammad Ans Mehmood, Irfan Shafi Khokhar, Bilal Yasin, Marghoob Ahmed, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar also participated in the meeting.