Category: Lahore

Lahore: Prime Minister's Youth Programme (PMYP) Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan reaffirmed on Sunday the government's unwavering commitment to quality education, calling it a top priority.

Speaking at an annual student awards ceremony, hosted by a local private school here, he highlighted that under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's leadership, Pakistan is progressing towards development and prosperity.

He reiterated that providing quality education remains the government's foremost priority, with revolutionary measures being implemented to equip students with essential tools for success. 'The youth are our greatest asset. Together, we will fulfill the dreams of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Dr. Allama Iqbal for Pakistan's development,' he stated.

Praising Punjab's initiatives under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Rana Mashhood lauded the focus on educational reforms, particularly enhancing Information Technology (IT) skills. He described the merit-based laptop distribution programme as a crucial step in empowering students with modern knowledge and digital access. The establishment of IT labs across Punjab, with investments worth billions, further underscored the provincial government's dedication to preparing students for a digital future. 'We are committed to ensuring that no child, whether in traditional, technical, or IT education, is left behind,' he added.

He assured that every effort was being made to provide children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with education and employment opportunities. 'Our goal is to create avenues for youth employment, ensuring prosperity for families and communities. We are working closely with private educational institutions to facilitate job creation,' he added.

Reflecting on national progress, Rana Mashhood acknowledged the sacrifices made by Pakistan's elders and expressed confidence in the country's future. 'Our enemies have tried to weaken Pakistan, but we remain steadfast. This country was built to last, and we will transform it into an economic powerhouse,' he declared.

Discussing economic recovery, he noted that a year ago, under the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan was on the verge of economic collapse, facing fears of default. However, due to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's leadership, the nation is now on the path to stability. 'Inflation has dropped from 40pc to 4pc, the stock market has hit record highs, remittances have increased, and interest rates have fallen from 23pc to 11pc,' he stated.

He highlighted growing foreign investments, with countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, China, and Russia committing billions of dollars to Pakistan. 'Under the PMYP, the government is providing easy loans to youth, and this year, 500,000 children will be sent abroad for employment,' he announced. Additionally, a 'Mina Bazaar' is set to be organised this month to create job opportunities for women. 'With the collaboration of private institutions, we will ensure education reaches every child because where there is education, there is prosperity,' he asserted.

Rana Mashhood condemned external attempts to destabilise Pakistan, stating that efforts to push the country into economic turmoil had failed. 'The conspiracies to turn Pakistan into Sri Lanka and push it into bankruptcy have been thwarted. The journey of public service will continue,' he affirmed.

The event included a student tableau performance, which was well received by attendees. At the conclusion, Rana Mashhood distributed awards to students who excelled in their exams.

The ceremony was attended by former MPA Mehr Ishtiaq Ahmad, Muhammad Owais, Zainul Abidin, Shehzad Ahmed, Advocate Khurram Rafiq Shah, Yameen Mughal, Amir Shah, Malik Zeeshan, and other political and social figures, along with students and teachers.

Lahore: Prime Minister's Youth Program (PMYM) Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan has emphasized the government's strong commitment to promoting sports, including hockey, across Pakistan.

Talking to the media during the opening ceremony of the Prime Minister's Talent Hunt Program here on Sunday, he emphasized that the government is focused on creating a conducive environment and providing all necessary facilities to foster sports in the country.

Rana Mashhood highlighted that the Youth Program is dedicated to offering opportunities to talented athletes, aiming to develop sports across the nation. He noted that the Pakistani flag is now proudly waving in stadiums worldwide. He said that the government is committed to providing a supportive environment and facilities for sports activities alongside education and skills development for the youth. He highlighted that the successful hosting of the Commonwealth Youth Asia Alliance has opened doors to 56 countries for Pakistani youth.

He further explained that, following the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, merit is being prioritized in the selection of athletes. Although many thought the revival of hockey in the country was impossible, thanks to Allah Almighty, the government has made it happen. Nearly 2,500 young athletes from across the country participated in the talent hunt trials, he added.

Rana Mashhood assured that selected athletes would receive world-class training, with top clubs from the Netherlands and Germany offering their services to train hockey players. Expert-led training sessions will soon be organized in Pakistan. He added that after the trials, the selected team will compete with international players to gain experience and bring pride to the country.

He emphasized that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is actively working to provide opportunities for youth and revive sports in the country, particularly hockey. He assured that any support needed for the revival of hockey would be provided.

Rana Mashhood also mentioned that whenever the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) has been in power, it has laid a comprehensive network of public projects. He cited the recent completion of the Qaddafi Stadium in record time, which was watched by 170 countries during its inauguration, helping enhance Pakistan's positive image globally.

To a question about India's refusal to play matches in Pakistan, he stated, "India is afraid to play against Pakistan. Defeat is India's destiny. The time is near when India will be compelled to play against Pakistan."

To another query, Rana Mashhood expressed optimism about Pakistan's future, saying, "Alhamdulillah, positive news is starting to emerge from Pakistan. The national economy is improving, the stock exchange has set a record of 95,000 points, inflation has decreased, remittances have increased, and foreign investment is returning to Pakistan." He added, "We must continue to progress in every sector, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the country is on the path of development."

The event was attended by several notable figures, including Khawaja Junaid, Javed Memon, Pervez Sindhila and others.

Lahore: A constable, who made an indecent video of a woman in Raiwind area, has been arrested.

According to the police, constable Arsalan, along with other policemen, had tortured two women a few days ago and made a naked video of one of them.

Police said Arsalan, attached with the Anti-Riot Force, was the main accused in the video case. Other three accused have already been arrested.

Police said a case registered against the accused in Raiwind police station also includes provisions of gang rape.

Lahore: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Sunday appreciated security forces for carrying out successful operation against 'Fitna-al-Khawarij', terrorists in district Dera Ismail Khan and district North Waziristan.

The premier paid tribute to security forces for killing seven 'Khawarij' terrorists in the operations. He said, "Entire nation salutes the security forces for valiantly fighting terrorists."

Shehbaz said, "We are fully committed to rooting out all types of terrorism from the country."

Lahore: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar has ordered for release of another Rs. 3.25 million to pay for medical expenses of injured personnel from various districts including Lahore.

A Punjab police spokesperson said that Rs. 1.5 million was given to injured constable Muhammad Asim for medical expenses. Rs. 0.5 million was released to the injured ASI Muhammad Murshid and constable Amir Farooq for medical expenses. Injured ASI Abdul Ghafoor and constable Muhammad Ashfaq were given Rs. 3 lakh each for medical expenses. Injured constable Bilal Arshad was given Rs. 150,000 for medical expenses.

The Compensation Award Committee chaired by Additional IG Welfare Imran Irshad approved the release of funds.

Lahore: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said on Sunday that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and its workers had witnessed tough times in past.

Talking to the media here, he said that the PML-N workers had faced jails, court and police stations. He said that everyone was witness to the arrest of Mian Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif and Hamza Shehbaz, adding that during hearings in courts, the PML-N leaders were kept away from media.

Sacrifices of party workers could not be forgotten, he said and added that the PML-N leaders had given a lot of sacrifices for democracy. Attaullah Tarar said that hardships, which PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and his family had faced could not be described in words. He said that the desire would always remain alive that Mian Nawaz Sharif should have spent time with the late Kalsoom Nawaz, her wife, during her last moments. He said, "We pay tribute to all our workers who have passed away."

The federal minister said that it was very sorrowful that Syed Hassan Asghar, affectionately known as 'Gudu Shah' had passed away. He said that it was government's top priority to solve problems of the party workers. He said that he wanted that if today workers organising committee was formed, then a party worker should be the head of that committee.

Attaullah Tarar said that recommendations of the organising committee would be implemented. He said that the late Chaudhry Ateeq and Gudu Shah had rendered a lot of services for the party. He said that there should be secretariat where details of workers regarding their joining of party should be maintained, adding that he would talk to party's Lahore president in this regard.

PML-N leaders Khawaja Saad Rafique and Pervaiz Rashid also spoke.