School Nutrition Program briefing at CSA, nutrient-rich lunchboxes distributed

Lahore: On the directives of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Food Authority conducted a briefing at Civil Services Academy for 240 officers of 52nd Common on School Nutrition Program. During the session, nutrient-rich lunchboxes were also distributed to children.

DG Food Authority Asim Javed, while addressing officers, shared concerning results from the preliminary screening of children. He revealed that a significant number of children are facing severe health issues with 11% suffering from serious conditions, 22% dealing with nutritional deficiencies and 36% being underweight for their age. Meanwhile, 18% of children were found to be overweight with 7% classified as obese. Disturbingly, 67% of otherwise healthy children are at risk due to poor food choices.

National Nutrition Survey further highlighted alarming statistics, showing that 25% of children are deficient in zinc, 30% lack iron, 40% suffer from stunting and 28% from wasting. These issues are exacerbated by improper dietary habits and lack of nutritional awareness.

Emphasizing the importance of mental and physical development for success, DG Asim Javed announced that School Nutrition Program will be expanded to 55,000 schools across Punjab. He urged parents to opt for home-cooked meals rather than junk food and stressed crucial role of media in raising awareness about the program's benefits.

Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Salma Butt, addressing the gathering, expressed her gratitude to Punjab Food Authority for their efforts. 'Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has sent me to you,' she said. 'This is not just a parental issue but a national one.' She also lauded the DG Food Authority's automated system and reiterated that good nutrition directly impacts academic performance.

Salma Butt stressed the importance of officers undergoing training at Civil Services Academy in leading the charge for a healthier future. 'We cannot wait for the future; we must act today. Pakistan needs you,' she concluded.

School Nutrition Program briefing at CSA, nutrient-rich lunchboxes distributed

Lahore: On the directives of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Food Authority conducted a briefing at Civil Services Academy for 240 officers of 52nd Common on School Nutrition Program. During the session, nutrient-rich lunchboxes were also distributed to children.

DG Food Authority Asim Javed, while addressing officers, shared concerning results from the preliminary screening of children. He revealed that a significant number of children are facing severe health issues with 11% suffering from serious conditions, 22% dealing with nutritional deficiencies and 36% being underweight for their age. Meanwhile, 18% of children were found to be overweight with 7% classified as obese. Disturbingly, 67% of otherwise healthy children are at risk due to poor food choices.

National Nutrition Survey further highlighted alarming statistics, showing that 25% of children are deficient in zinc, 30% lack iron, 40% suffer from stunting and 28% from wasting. These issues are exacerbated by improper dietary habits and lack of nutritional awareness.

Emphasizing the importance of mental and physical development for success, DG Asim Javed announced that School Nutrition Program will be expanded to 55,000 schools across Punjab. He urged parents to opt for home-cooked meals rather than junk food and stressed crucial role of media in raising awareness about the program's benefits.

Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Salma Butt, addressing the gathering, expressed her gratitude to Punjab Food Authority for their efforts. 'Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has sent me to you,' she said. 'This is not just a parental issue but a national one.' She also lauded the DG Food Authority's automated system and reiterated that good nutrition directly impacts academic performance.

Salma Butt stressed the importance of officers undergoing training at Civil Services Academy in leading the charge for a healthier future. 'We cannot wait for the future; we must act today. Pakistan needs you,' she concluded.

Punjab Assembly to host CPA Asia and Southeast Asia Regional Conference

Lahore: For the first time in history, the Punjab Assembly is set to host the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Asia and Southeast Asia Regional Conference which will take place in Lahore from February 6 to 8.

The prestigious international event would bring together over 100 parliamentary representatives from 20 countries including 13 Speakers, 4 Deputy Speakers and one Chairman, said a press release issued here on Monday.

Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan visited the Assembly to assess the conference preparations and finalize the arrangements. On this occasion, he emphasized that this conference is a remarkable opportunity to enhance global parliamentary cooperation and highlight Pakistan's parliamentary identity on an international level.

The conference, to be held in the historic Punjab Assembly, would focus on parliamentary democracy, transparent legislation and accountability.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) was established in 1911 and currently consists of 180 parliaments from 56 countries. Punjab Assembly has been a proud member of this organization since 1954.

Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan further said that this conference is an excellent opportunity to showcase Punjab's rich parliamentary traditions and values.

To ensure the security of the conference, a foolproof security plan has been devised and all relevant departments are actively engaged. The conference would witness the participation of delegates from Sri Lanka, Maldives, United Kingdom, Zambia, Malaysia and several other nations.

The Speaker directed that every aspect of the conference be closely monitored and the best possible arrangements be ensured to make this historic event truly memorable.

Lahore, will proudly host this landmark event further strengthening Pakistan's ties with the global parliamentary community.

PU organizes workshop on meta-analysis techniques

Lahore: Punjab University Library, in collaboration with the Institute of Information Management (IIM), hosted a one-day workshop on "Meta-analysis: Techniques, Tools, and Best Practices."

Dr. Irfan Ali, a faculty member from the Institute of Information Management, led the workshop, which was attended by over 50 participants, including faculty members, researchers, and medical professionals from Punjab University, University of Health Sciences, University of Education, Shalimar Institute of Allied Health Sciences, and Lahore Leads University.

The workshop focused on both theoretical and practical aspects of meta-analysis, with participants receiving hands-on training in two software programs: Meta-Essential and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis. IIM's Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Rafiq and Chief Librarian Dr. Muhammad Haroon Usmani were present at the event, where they distributed certificates to the attendees.

Participants expressed their gratitude, commending the workshop for its practical value and thanking Director of IIM Dr. Shafiqur Rehman and Chief Librarian Dr. Haroon Usmani for providing this valuable learning opportunity.

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.

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.