Jibran Salman Butt elected President PWF

Lahore: Jibran Bin Salman Butt on Monday was elected as the President of the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation (PWF) for a year term (2025-2029) during the General Council meeting at the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) House here.

Hafiz Imran Butt, the outgoing president PWF, chaired the general council meeting.

The election was conducted under the supervision of Advocate Zulfiqar Ahmed of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, who served as the chairman Election Committee.

Muhammad Jahangir, Deputy Secretary General of the Pakistan Olympic Association, monitored the electoral process on behalf of the Pakistan Olympic Association.

A total of 25 affiliated representatives and members participated in the electoral General Council meeting. Jibran Bin Salman was elected as President, while Shiraz Muhammad, Sheikh Muhammad Anwar, Nafseen Ahmed, Abdul Sattar Rahi, and Sahira Munir were elected as Vice Presidents.

Sidra Gul was chosen as General Secretary, and Mian Nasir Ahmed as Treasurer. Humaira Latif and Aqeel Javed were elected as Associate General Secretaries. The Executive Members include Muhammad Bilal, Muhammad Rashid, Nahla Maqsood Butt, Salma Faiz, and Muhammad Kashif.

The newly President PWF said that the federation is committed to promoting and developing a doping-free sport across the country.

Man arrested for attempting to travel abroad on fake documents

Lahore: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration conducted an operation

at the Sialkot Airport, arresting a passenger attempting to travel abroad using fake travel documents.

A spokesperson for the FIA said the accused had been identified as Arsalan Ahmad who had obtained fake South African travel documents from an agent named Khan for Rs2 million. He had been handed over to the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Gujranwala for further action.

CM Maryam sets new milestones in Punjab’s development: Azma Bokhari

Lahore: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has lauded Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her remarkable achievements in governance, stating that she is the first Chief Minister in the province's history to initiate over 80 projects within a year.

According to Bokhari, more than 50 of these projects have already been completed, demonstrating CM Maryam Nawaz's dedication and efficiency in improving the province's infrastructure and services.

Bokhari emphasised that Maryam Nawaz's leadership and performance are winning the hearts of the people. She pointed out that certain individuals are fearful of CM Maryam Nawaz's rising popularity and urged those who wish to compete with her to match her level of efficiency. She also criticized the spokespersons of opposing governments, who, according to her, are solely focused on finding faults in Punjab's initiatives rather than offering constructive solutions.

The Information Minister also noted that Maryam Nawaz's style of governance is gaining traction not just in Punjab but across other provinces, reflecting her growing influence. She stressed that when a government fails to deliver after years in power, the public naturally gravitates towards a Chief Minister who is actively working to bring about change.

Bokhari concluded her remarks by highlighting the strong leadership of Mian Nawaz Sharif, stating that both the federal and provincial governments under his guidance are setting new standards of performance. She expressed confidence that 2025 will usher in a new era of progress and prosperity for Pakistan.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital marks success in Clubfoot treatment

Muzaffargarh: A grand event titled "Celebrating Success in Clubfoot Treatment" was held at Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital, Muzaffargarh, to mark the recovery of children born with clubfoot.

The event brought together recovered children, their families, medical experts, and distinguished guests, celebrating hope and healing. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Dr Muhammad Amin Chinoy, Executive Director of Indus Hospital and Health Network and Head of the Orthopedics Department; Dr Irfan Javed, Head of Campus at Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital; Dr Rashid Qamar Rao, Dr Ayesha Saeed, Orthopedic Surgeon at Indus Hospital Karachi; Dr Hassan Raza Khosa, Head of the Orthopedic Department at Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital; and Orthopedic

Consultant Dr Gauhar Nawaz Khan.

Dr Hassan Raza Khosa and Dr Gauhar Nawaz Khan warmly welcomed the attendees and highlighted the achievements of the "Pehla Qadam" programme, which focuses on clubfoot treatment. Dr Gauhar Nawaz Khan presented encouraging statistics, stating that in 2021, 40 children were successfully treated, followed by 30 in 2022, 35 in 2023, and 40 more in 2024. Since 2017, a total of 737 children with clubfoot have been registered for treatment. Once struggling with a congenital deformity,

these children can now walk with confidence, leading normal lives.

Dr Muhammad Amin Chinoy praised the relentless efforts of the "Pehla Qadam" team and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that no child has to live with clubfoot-related disability. He shared the significance of comprehensive public health initiatives in bridging societal gaps and creating a brighter future for children with disabilities.

Programme Manager Saadia Ahmed expressed gratitude for the programme's ongoing success, stating that "Pehla Qadam" continues to transform children's lives every year. She credited divine blessings for the progress made and reiterated the team's determination to provide affected children with a complete and prosperous life.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the "Pehla Qadam" programme is that all clubfoot treatments at Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital are provided free of charge. Additionally, financial assistance is offered for follow-up travel expenses, ensuring that no child is deprived of treatment due to financial constraints.

The event was filled with joy and optimism as recovered children were awarded certificates and gifts. Entertainment activities, including magic tricks and puppet shows, delighted both children and their parents, making the occasion truly memorable.

LHC directs authorities to make decision on application about Aurat March

Lahore: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday directed the Additional Deputy Commissioner Lahore to decide on an application regarding the Aurat March after hearing the petitioners' stance and submit a report by February 6.

Justice Anwaar Hussain issued the orders while hearing a contempt of court petition filed by women activists Leena Ghani, Neelum Hussain, Fatima Jaan, and Shireen Umair against Deputy Commissioner Syed Moosa Raza and other officials.

During the hearing, Additional Deputy Commissioner General, SP Civil Lines Dr. Abdul Hanan, and a representative from the traffic department appeared alongside Assistant Advocate General (AAG) Muhammad Usman Khan.

The AAG informed the court that Lahore is set to host three major international events on the same dates: a Triangular Cricket Series, the ICC Champions Trophy, and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference.

At this, the court remarked that significant events should not lead to the suspension of other activities, stating, "The world experiences both joy and sorrow simultaneously; governance means managing everything side by side."

However, the AAG argued that the case does not qualify as contempt of court since the application had not been dismissed and was still under review alongside other major events.

The court, however, criticized the administration for delaying action, pointing out that the petitioners had approached the court in a timely manner.

The AAG suggested that the petitioners meet with district authorities to discuss the matter and devise an acceptable plan.

In response, the court questioned whether the authorities had invited the petitioners for discussions earlier.

Subsequently, the court ordered the Additional Deputy Commissioner to hear the petitioners' stance today and make a decision on the application regarding the Aurat March, with a final report due on February 6.

The petitioners had approached the court seeking contempt proceedings against district authorities for failing to implement a 2023 court order related to the Aurat March. They argued that their application to hold the event on February 12 this year was not being processed by district authorities despite the 2023 court order. They further contended that the respondent authorities were employing delaying tactics and failing to follow the procedure previously adopted in compliance with the court's directive.

FIA arrests two suspects involved in visa fraud


Lahore: Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Gujranwala Zone claimed on Monday to have arrested two suspects from Gujranwala and Nankana Sahib involved in visa fraud. According to FIA sources, the arrested individuals have been identified as Syed Mehdi Raza and Amanat, involved in deceiving innocent citizens under the pretense of visa arrangements. Suspect Mehdi Raza defrauded a citizen of Rs 1.4 million, falsely promising employment in Canada. A case had been registered against him at FIA Composite Circle Gujranwala since 2022. Similarly, suspect Amanat received Rs 4.689 million from a citizen for travel to Italy, but instead he sent him to Libya and then cut off all contacts. Director FIA Gujranwala Zone, Abdul Qadir Qamar said that operations against human smuggling networks had been further intensified. Those exploiting innocent lives would be brought to justice, he added.