Category: Lahore

Lahore: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday ordered the federal government to appoint a regular managing director (MD) for Pakistan Television (PTV).

Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh issued the order while disposing of a petition filed by Amjad Ali Shah, a retired PTV employee, who questioned the absence of a permanent appointment.

The petitioner argued that PTV had been operating without a regular MD since 2021. He highlighted that the government had repeatedly assigned the additional charge of MD to various officers on a temporary basis. He submitted that this practice not only violated the provisions of Section 186 of the Companies Act 2017 but also contravened the Public Sector Companies Rules 2012. He pleaded with the court to direct the government to appoint a regular MD for PTV in accordance with the law.

Lahore: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Tuesday extended the interim bail of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Azam Khan Swati until February 12 in five cases related to the May 9 riots.

ATC Judge Manzer Ali Gill conducted proceedings on Swati's pre-arrest bail applications. However, the PTI leader did not appear in court despite the expiry of his interim bail.

A counsel representing Swati submitted an exemption application, stating that his client was ill and admitted to a hospital in Mansehra for treatment. He further informed the court that Swati was unable to travel due to his illness and requested a one-day exemption from personal appearance.

Upon this, the court accepted the application and extended Azam Khan Swati's interim bail until February 12. However, the court emphasized that Swati must appear at the next hearing, warning that this was his last opportunity.

Lahore: An anti-corruption court on Tuesday once again delayed the indictment of the accused in the Punjab Assembly illegal recruitment case due to the absence of former chief minister Punjab Chaudhry Parvez Elahi.

At the start of the proceedings, a counsel representing Chaudhry Parvez Elahi submitted an exemption application, requesting the court to excuse his client from personal appearance for one day. He informed the court that doctors had restricted Parvez Elahi from walking due to his health condition.

At this, the court allowed Parvez Elahi's exemption application and adjourned further hearing till February 18. The court also directed all the accused to ensure their appearance at the next hearing for indictment.

Anti-Corruption Court Judge Sardar Muhammad Iqbal Dogar presided over the session, during which co-accused Muhammad Khan Bhatti and others appeared and marked their attendance.

The indictment of the accused in the case has been delayed for several months due to the repeated absence of Parvez Elahi at the hearings on medical grounds.

The case, registered by the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab, accuses Parvez Elahi of making illegal appointments and accepting bribes to influence the recruitment process during his tenure as chief minister. According to ACE, qualified candidates were bypassed in favor of unqualified individuals who had not even taken the required exams.

Lahore: Provincial Ministers Khawaja Salman Rafique, Bilal Yasin and Sohail Shaukat Butt called on Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan at the Governor's House, here on Tuesday.

The provincial ministers informed the Governor in detail about the reforms introduced in the Health, Social Welfare and Baitul Mal, and Housing departments. They also briefed on progress of the development projects regarding departmental performance.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan said that economic stability is impossible without political stability. He said, "The province is currently facing immense economic challenges for which we all have to work together." He said that the PPP took concrete steps for the welfare of the people in its previous tenures.

The Governor Punjab said that development of education and health sectors and providing relief to the people should be the priority of the government.

He said that provision of basic health facilities to the people and implementation of ongoing projects in this regard should be ensured. He said that provincial departments should also perform their duties under a coordinated strategy to solve the problems of the people of the province.

The Governor Punjab said the government's efforts are yielding positive results, with Pakistan's economy showing signs of improvement. This upward trajectory bodes well for the country's future.

Sardar Saleem Haider Khan further said that the young generation is the asset of the country and the nation and they should be provided with better opportunities to progress.

Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today unveiled the emblem for the milestone 10th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (HBL PSL) - a tournament that has become synonymous with world-class cricket, unrelenting passion and electrifying entertainment.

The much-anticipated season will take center stage across Pakistan from 8 April to 19 May 2025, marking a decade of thrilling cricketing excellence.

The HBL PSL 10 logo is a bold tribute to the league's phenomenal journey, encapsulating its evolution into one of the most dynamic and fiercely competitive T20 leagues in the world. Designed with a vibrant and modern aesthetic, the emblem celebrates the tournament's unwavering spirit, unity, and star-studded legacy while symbolizing the exciting future that lies ahead.

A striking element of the logo is the six bold lines, a heartfelt tribute to the six franchises that have carried the league's essence forward. These lines represent not only the regional identities and cricketing cultures that each team embodies but also the unbreakable bond of sportsmanship and camaraderie that defines the HBL PSL.

PSL Chief Executive Salman Naseer said: 'From breathtaking last-ball finishes to awe-inspiring centuries, the HBL PSL has delivered unforgettable moments that have become part of cricketing folklore. Over the past nine seasons, we have witnessed extraordinary talent, record-breaking performances and a league that has brought fans together like never before.

'As we embark on this landmark 10th season, the HBL PSL is set to elevate the spectacle even further - bigger stars, higher stakes and celebrations befitting a decade of excellence.

'Fans can brace themselves for an unforgettable season of high-octane action, legendary rivalries, and a cricketing carnival that will once again unite the nation and captivate audiences worldwide.'

With its remarkable journey over the past decade, the HBL PSL has evolved beyond a league - it's a movement, a festival, and a testament to Pakistan's cricketing passion. The countdown to Season 10 begins, and the celebrations are only getting started.

Lahore: Punjab University Department of History and Pakistan Studies organized a seminar to observe Kashmir Solidarity Day, here on Tuesday.

On the occasion, Chairman Department of History Prof Dr Mahboob Hussain, Assistant Professor Ghazi Muhammad Abdullah, faculty members and a large number of students were present.

In his keynote address, Ghazi Muhammad Abdullah shed light on the complexities of this long standing dispute. He said that the Kashmir issue is a multifaceted problem that goes beyond a simple border dispute between India and Pakistan. It's a conflict that has been fueled by historical, political, and social factors, leading to a flashpoint in South Asia, he added.

The speaker said that from the partition of India in 1947 to the present day, the Kashmir issue has been a major point of contention between India and Pakistan. He said that the conflict has resulted in numerous wars, insurgencies, and human rights violations, leaving deep scars on the region. He emphasized that it's essential to understand the historical context of the Kashmir issue, including the role of the British Empire, the accession of Kashmir to India, and the subsequent wars between India and Pakistan.

Dr Mahboob said that the seminar was a reminder of the need for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir conflict. He was of the view that it's crucial for India and Pakistan to engage in dialogue and find a mutually acceptable solution that takes into account the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, he added. He said that let's hope that one day, the Kashmir issue will be a relic of the past, and the region will thrive in peace and prosperity.