Category: Lahore

Lahore: SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry former president Iftikhar Ali Malik Wednesday suggested the government to unlock sustainable development by adopt investor-friendly policies which also promote partnership between local and foreign private sectors.

In a media statement issued here Wednesday, he asserted that foreign direct investment (FDI) is another crucial element of economic growth. "Pakistan needs to aggressively market its investment potential by improving infrastructure and ease of doing business. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) can serve as magnets for foreign investors if they are efficiently managed with incentives like tax breaks, land acquisition facilitation, and reduced energy costs," he remarked.

Malik also stressed the need for continuity in import and export and other economic policies, and an effective mechanism to control exchange rate, besides simplifying tax regulations. The government should ensure long-term policy consistency and transparency, offering investors a stable business environment, adding that public-private partnerships (PPPs) should be strengthened in key sectors of energy, technology, and agriculture. Encouraging private sector-led infrastructure development would reduce fiscal pressure on the government while enhancing economic activity. "Digitization and financial sector reforms can further help attract venture capital and startup investments. Pakistan's economic revival depends on creating a business-friendly environment that assures investors of long-term returns. By improving governance, ensuring policy stability, and fostering innovation, the government can successfully charm private sector investors, paving the way for robust economic growth," he concluded.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif paid rich tribute to the social services of Prince Karim Aga Khan while expressing a deep sense of grief and sorrow over his sad demise.

In her message issued here on Wednesday, she offered condolences and extended her heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family members and other concerned.

Lahore: The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has intensified its enforcement efforts to ensure compliance with tax regulations and the Electronic Invoice Monitoring System (EIMS).

In a decisive move, the PRA formed special teams to inspect and monitor unregistered businesses and assess their adherence to the mandatory invoicing system.

On the directives of the Commissioner PRA Lahore Misbah Nawaz, Enforcement Officer Saud Attiq conducted targeted raids on well-known restaurants in Gulberg to verify their EIMS registration status. During inspections, several restaurants were found non-compliant and were fined Rs 100,000 each.

To facilitate compliance, all restaurant owners have been granted a 15-day deadline to submit their sales records. Businesses failing to comply within the given timeframe may face further penalties and strict legal action, including the potential sealing of their premises.

Lahore: Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that problem with regard to availability of meningitis vaccine for Umrah pilgrims will be solved in two days.

According to a handout issued here on Wednesday the minister had a telephonic conversation with Drug Regulatory Authority Pakistan (DRAP) Chief Executive Officer Dr Asim Rauf on the matter pertaining to non availability of meningitis vaccine for Umrah pilgrims.

Minister said, "We are in coordination with Drug Regulatory Authority Pakistan CEO and Dr Mukhtar Bharath and supply chain of the meningitis vaccine would restore in two days."

Khawaja Salman Rafique said that sufficient stock of meningitis vaccine was available in markets of the Punjab.

Lahore: Punjab Livestock Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani has said that farmers in Punjab were getting more prosperous as a result of successful projects launched in livestock and agriculture sectors.

The minister along with Parliamentary Secretary for Livestock Sardar Asim Sher Maken, on Wednesday, inaugurated digital balloting process for the distribution of livestock assets among widow and divorced women in South Punjab at Punjab Livestock office.

The initiative,launched by Punjab Chief Minister,aimed to empower women by providing them with livestock assets.

Under the program,healthy cows and buffaloes would be distributed free of charge in 12 districts of South Punjab.

So far, more than 110,000 applications had been received with 11880 women applications verified,the minister said.

He further highlighted that in first phase of distribution,5500 animals would be distributed among eligible women.

The Bank of Punjab would also give funds for feed of these animals for two months, he said and added that Livestock department would also ensure that all animals receive necessary vaccinations and insemination.

Lahore: Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Lahore Zone intensified its operations against human trafficking and visa fraud,resulting in the arrest of two key suspects.

A FIA spokesperson said here on Wednesday that the teams conducted targeted operations in Lahore and Kasur, leading to the arrest of Zahid Mustafa and Amjad Bhatti.

Zahid Mustafa, a wanted fugitive, was arrested for allegedly scamming a citizen with a fake Canadian job offer and embezzling a total of Rs 3.99 million. The suspect had been on the run since 2024, with a case registered against him at the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Lahore.

While, Amjad Bhatti ran a fraudulent employment scheme, deceiving multiple citizens with fake overseas job promises.

During the raid,the officials recovered several Pakistani passports and counterfeit Spanish passports from their possession. Neither of them could provide valid explanations of these documents.

During investigation, both suspects had illegally collected passports from citizens without authorization, but failed to facilitate their travel abroad. After taking large sums of money, they went into hiding to evade authorities.

FIA Lahore Zone Director Sarfaraz Virk confirmed that operations against human traffickers have been intensified, with ongoing coordination with victims.

The international human trafficking network will be dismantled entirely,"FIA vowed, reiterating its zero-tolerance policy against human smuggling.