Category: Lahore

Lahore: The highly anticipated Punjabi Festival commenced on Friday at the Alhamra Arts Centre, The Mall, marking the start of a vibrant three-day celebration of Punjabi culture, music, dance and art.

Running through Sunday, the festival showcases Punjab’s rich heritage and is set to attract both local and international guests.

The opening day featured an array of traditional music performances, folk dances and poetry recitations, all aimed at promoting the Punjabi language and culture. The Lahore Arts Council, known for its dedication to preserving and promoting the arts, has once again taken the lead in organising the grand event, ensuring that attendees experience the true essence of Punjab.

Speaking at the inauguration, a representative from Alhamra emphasised the council’s commitment to fostering harmony and mutual respect through cultural exchange.

“Alhamra is an institution that works tirelessly to promote art and culture, not just in Pakistan but across the globe. Whether it’s the Sufi Festival, Punjabi Festival, Think Fest, Faiz Festival or the Lahore Literary Festival, we strive to welcome and honor every guest, local or international, with the utmost hospitality,” the representative stated.

The Punjabi Festival plays a crucial role in the promotion and development of the Punjabi language, offering audiences an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about its evolution and contemporary significance. Through various sessions and activities, attendees can immerse themselves in Punjabi literature, music, and art, making it a truly enriching experience.

February is a bustling month at Alhamra, packed with festivals and events celebrating the diverse artistic heritage of Pakistan. Following the Punjabi Festival, the arts council will host various cultural events, ranging from Sufi music nights to literary discussions, offering something for every art enthusiast.

Later in the month, the Lahore Literary Festival will bring together renowned authors, poets and thinkers from around the world for thought-provoking conversations on literature and society.

Three-Day Punjabi Festival Schedule

The Punjabi Festival will continue over the next two days with a dynamic lineup of events:

Friday (Opening Day):

Traditional Punjabi music and dance performances

Folk songs and interactive sessions on Punjabi literature.

Saturday:

Workshops on Punjabi folk art, including pottery and embroidery

Grand musical night featuring renowned Punjabi artists

Sunday (Closing Day):

Punjabi poetry recitation competition

Cultural parade showcasing traditional Punjabi attire and crafts

Closing ceremony with awards recognising outstanding contributions to Punjabi culture

The Punjabi Festival at Alhamra is more than just a celebration – it is a testament to the enduring spirit of Punjab’s cultural heritage. As the festivities continue through the weekend, the event promises to be a memorable experience, fostering a deeper appreciation for Punjab’s rich traditions.

Lahore: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar chaired an important review meeting on crime control at the Central Police Office, here on Friday.

The meeting was attended via video link by Additional IG South Punjab Muhammad Kamran Khan, RPOs, CPOs, DPOs, DIG Operations Lahore, DIG Investigation Lahore.

During the meeting, the IGP reviewed the performance of districts in combating inter-provincial drug trafficking, organized gangs, and heinous crimes.

Regional and district police officers briefed on their performance in controlling organized crime. Suggestions were presented for improving the performance and effectiveness of the force in controlling organized crime.

The meeting also discussed the centralization of the working system and expanding its scope at the provincial level to enhance the fight against organized crime.

At the district level, challenges concerning CIA human resources, logistics, transport, uniform SOPs, TORs, and other operational issues were discussed.

The IG Punjab directed the officers to establish a centralized database for tackling drug trafficking, murder, kidnapping, vehicle theft, as well as the arrest of proclaimed offenders and habitual criminals. He further added that with a provincial mechanism for organized crime control and effective coordination, there will be an improvement in eliminating organized crimes across all districts.

The meeting was attended by Additional IG Punjab Sultan Ahmad Chaudhry, Additional IG Operations Punjab Shahzada Sultan, Additional IG Investigation Punjab Azhar Akram, Additional IG Logistics, DIG Headquarters Zeeshan Asghar, DIG Establishment-II Captain (R) Liaqat Ali Malik, AIG Development Sahibzada Bilal Umar, AIG Logistics Abdullah Lak, and AIG Operations.

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora held a meeting with World Bank (EB) President Ajay Banga in Washington, D.C.

According to an official release, issued here on Friday, the meeting was also attended by WB Vice President for South Asia Martin Raiser and other relevant officials. During the meeting, detailed discussions took place on addressing smog in Punjab, promoting religious tourism, and other significant matters.

Ramesh Arora thanked World Bank President Ajay Banga for the ongoing projects in Punjab and invited him to visit Kartarpur. He highlighted the steps taken by Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz to protect the rights of minorities and to promote religious tourism across the province. These measures have not only improved facilities for the minority communities but have also benefited the provincial economy through religious tourism. He further stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, revolutionary welfare initiatives are underway in Punjab, providing the public with better health, education, and other essential services.

Ajay Banga praised the leadership and vision of Maryam Nawaz, commending the Punjab government’s role in promoting religious tourism and protecting the rights of minorities. He emphasized that religious tourism not only offers spiritual solace to people but also plays a significant role in stabilizing the local economy. He expressed his pleasure that World Bank projects are making important contributions to various developmental sectors in Punjab, and these projects will be further strengthened to bring positive changes to people’s lives. The meeting also highlighted the importance of taking joint actions to mitigate the effects of global climate change.

Lahore: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Friday said that gathering at Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Asia and Southeast Asia Regional Conference was a testament of shared commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable future for respective countries and regions.

He said this while addressing CPA conference as a chief guest at Punjab Assembly.

He congratulated Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan for holding this conference and getting everyone together.

He said there was a long gap since a last regional meeting held in Islamabad in 2019 to strengthen parliamentary ties, foster closer regional cooperation, collaborate and advancing democracy, good governance and sustainable development in our region.

He said, “We are pleased to welcome Maldives back to our commonwealth parliamentary fraternity.”

Ayaz Sadiq said that the two countries had along history of parliamentary cooperation and presence would enrich their joint pursuit for democratic south Asia.

He said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka shared historic ties, mutual respect, collaboration and remained committed in advancing peace, trade and cooperation.

Similarly, Pakistan and Malaysia enjoyed longstanding friendship, adding, “We appreciate Malaysia role in promoting regional peace and development and look forward to enhance parliamentary and economic cooperation.”

He said, “We miss the absence of Parliament of Bangladesh but I believe in the wisdom of Bangladesh’s leadership and hope for early return of democratic institution their.”

He further said that it was heartening to note the presence of provincial and regional speakers of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, Sindh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

He said he had an honour of hosting Pakistan’s 18th Speaker conference in Pakistan for ensuring parliamentary supremacy to enhance performance and effective oversight.

He said that after 18th amendment he appreciated Punjab Assembly for bringing their rules and procedures in conformity with constitution and at par with National Assembly for effective parliamentary functions.

He further said that one of the major milestone of 18th Speaker conference was creation of first ever Pakistan National Group of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to ensure better coordination between legislators, paving way for meaningful role in commonwealth fraternity.

Democracy across the globe was facing challenges of populism, polarization and elite capture, he said.

He further said, “In the National Assembly of Pakistan since 2014 we have introduced parliamentary courses, being taught in many universities across the country.” Ayaz Sadiq said, “We have also offered courses for other parliaments as well.”

He said, “With phenomenon of collaborative governance, we can enable our respective struggling democracies to win confidence of our directorate and to check onslaught of fake news and disinformation.”

He said, “Our democratic order is successfully struggling to answer poverty, climate change, digital transformation, public health and much more.”

National Assembly Speaker said that national and provincial governments succeeded in establishing strong collaborative network of civil bureaucracy, civil society and communities for ensuring better service delivery mechanism.

He said that under dynamic leadership of first woman Chief Minister in Punjab some landmark initiatives had been taken for under privileged and marginalized section of society. Initiatives included fully funded scholarships for deserving youth, schemes for farmers, housing for homeless and even schemes for persons with disabilities, he added. He said that such fine examples of collaborative governance were also evident in Sindh where state of health sector and housing facilities made available for flood victims of 2022 through public private partnership.

He further said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through its Ehsaas Programme, Balochistan through numerous schemes of IT based services, provision of cost effective solar panels to remote community, addressing growing challenges of energy deficiency and expansion of mining industry on modern footing to provide job opportunities were few examples which reflected common resolve to reach out and serve the masses.

The Speaker said, “South and South Asia are rich in culture, economic diversity, ecological significance yet we have face common challenges that required a united response. We have many lessons to learn from each other which can be replicated to get solutions to our common problems.”

A unique maternal health care of Sri Lanka was model that needed to be replicated, he maintained.

He said that to tackle challenges parliamentary exchanges and interactions were best available platforms to ensure meaningful collaborations.

He said that as elected representatives it was their responsibility of ensuring governance and serve all citizens equally and effectively.

Ayaz Sadiq said that challenges of poverty, climate change, digital transformation and public health demanded transnational cooperation. It was a shared belief that nation’s economic growth must be inclusive, empowering marginalized and providing equitable opportunities to all, he added.

He said, “Decision of instituting a permanent secretariat of CPA Asia to be based in National Assembly of Pakistan would bring discipline and on behalf of National Assembly of Pakistan I assure this august forum a complete consideration.”

He said, “Let us devise joint strategy for tackling climate change, ensuring regional peace, connectivity and inclusive economic development.”

There was need to build consensus on environmental policies, promote cross border conversation of projects, ensure sustainability and legislators must regulate artificial intelligence, expand digital access, he said.

This conference must pave way for innovative solutions, enduring cooperation for an inclusive resilient and sustainable future, he added.

Earlier, souvenirs were given to distinguished guests. Later, after ‘Juma prayer’ remaining agenda of the conference was followed.

Ayaz Sadiq welcomed and thanked Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif, Gilgit Baltistan Assembly Speaker Nazir Ahmed, Sindh Assembly Speaker Awais Qadir Shah, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati and distinguished delegates, MNAs, MPAs and senators for attending the conference.

Lahore: The Director-General(DG) Punjab Food Authority(PFA) Asim Javed and Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of LESCO Engineer Shahid Haider on Friday distributed lunchboxes at the inauguration of the School Nutrition Program at WAPDA Girls High School in Shalimar.

Speaking at the event,DG Food Authority said that 8,500 children in government schools across Lahore are receiving lunchboxes on a daily basis as part of the initiative.These lunchboxes which include fortified bread,milk and dry fruits (nuts),aim to ensure children receive nutritious meals throughout the school week.

‘Currently,we are providing nutritious lunchboxes for six days a week. This program was designed to combat malnutrition and stunting,’ said Asim Javed.

The DG also highlighted the troubling statistics,revealing that 40% of children are suffering from stunting,28% are underweight, and 30% are shorter than the average height for their age. He further emphasized that according to the National Nutrition Survey,25% of children suffer from zinc deficiency and 30% are lacking iron in their diets.

Food insecurity was a significant issue in Pakistan,according to Asim Javed,and he called for a ‘nutritional emergency’ to address these challenges.’We are expanding this program to ensure the health of young girls and community nutrition initiatives will be launched soon.Parents will be given full awareness about the importance of nutrition for their children,’ he added.

To date,over 10,000 children have been screened,with 700 children found to be severely affected by nutritional deficiencies.

The DG expressed concern that neglecting children’s nutrition could not only stunt their physical growth but also hinder their mental development.

CEO LESCO,engineer Shahid expressed his gratitude towards DG PFA Asim and his team for including them in the program,emphasizing that healthy eating would lead to healthier childhoods for the children involved.

Lahore: Pakistan white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan has said that Pakistan may and may not revise the 15-men squad submitted to the cricket’s governing body for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 (CT 25) as the rules allow the change.

Defending the squad for the CT 25 during a pre-match press conference at the Gaddafi stadium here on Friday, Mohammad Rizwan said a balanced squad has been announced and he found no reason to change the already announced squad. He further said that the team has yet one match in the tri-nation series before the expiry of the deadline to submit a change.

The white-ball captain further said that the squad was picked keeping in view the weather and pitch conditions at this time of the year, adding that inclusion of one specialist spinner was due to the expected dew factor.

He said the eleven for the match is picked as per the demand of the pitch and not the prowess of the fast-bowling attack or the spin-bowling strength of a team.

He said the revamped Gaddafi stadium will pose a challenge in team selection as well as nothing can be predicted about the pitch condition as the match will be played here after a long time (the Pakistan and New Zealand fixture will be the first international match at the ground in 18 months). He said this is a new stadium and it is yet to be known how air and weather conditions affect the pitch.

On Faheem Ashraf, he said, Faheem’s performance in the List A over the past years has been excellent and he was preferred to other fast-bowling all-rounders. He said Asharaf maintained a batting average of 46 during the past two years.

When confronted by a journalist on the batting average of Faheem Ashraf, he said the statistics were provided by team analyst Hassan Cheema.

He further said Khushdil Shah was picked for his effective left-arm orthodox bowling and excellent form with the bat, adding, the all-rounder did really well in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) recently. Rizwan also mentioned Khushdil’s excellent performance in the domestic events last year.

On Saim Ayub, he said Saim Ayub is a complete package who would perform in all departments, be it bowling, batting or fielding. Adding that his absence has ‘disturbed’ team plans but the team will rise to the occasion.

On Fakhar Zaman, the captain said that the explosive opening batsman suffered from hyper thyroid condition and he was himself unaware of his condition. He said Fakhar Zaman overcame the illness and is fit now.