Fine arts reflect society, inspire hope: PU VC

Lahore: Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali emphasized that fine arts not only mirror and educate society but also inspire hope for positive change.

He shared these thoughts during the inaugural ceremony of the 4th Anna Molka Awards and art exhibition, organized by the Punjab University College of Art and Design (CAD), here on Monday.

The event was attended by PU Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmood, CAD Principal Dr. Samina Naseem, former principals, faculty members, and a large gathering of students. The attendees paid tribute to Anna Molka, the founder of the College of Art and Design and a renowned artist, whose legacy continues to influence the art world.

In his address, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali highlighted the vital role of fine arts in advancing society, noting that positive thinking fosters progress, and as such, fine arts would continue to be promoted at PU. He praised the exceptional quality of works displayed in the painting exhibition, emphasizing that fine arts serve as a powerful medium for expressing emotions.

Dr. Samina Naseem, Principal of CAD, spoke about Anna Molka's lasting impact, noting that she founded the college in 1940 and created masterpieces that remain a source of inspiration. She also mentioned that the Anna Molka Awards serve as a tribute to Molka's historical legacy, both as an artist and educator.

This year, the competition received 250 submissions, with 118 exceptional pieces selected across six categories: painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, fiber arts, and digital arts. Dr. Naseem also explained that the jury faced the challenging task of selecting winners from two age groups: 20-40 years and 40+ years.

The event concluded with the distribution of prizes to the artists who won the prestigious Anna Molka Awards.

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.

Pakistan has always progressed in PML-N govt: Atta Tarar


Lahore: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said that Pakistan’s economy is improving, emerging from the risk of default, and moving towards development.



Addressing workers in his constituency, he said Pinky Gogi and the Captain looted Pakistan and fabricated false narratives when held accountable. He assured that promises made during the 22-day campaign would be fulfilled, highlighting improvements in the country’s economic situation, declining inflation, and the Prime Minister’s efforts to drive development. Positive economic news continues to emerge, he added.



Tarar said that Pinky Gogi and the Captain harmed Pakistan and resorted to religious narratives when the Al-Qadir case verdict was announced. However, he said, with their influence gone, the country is back on the path to progress.



He criticized the former prime minister for selling watches, contrasting it with the current leadership’s introduction of SOPs for Toshakhana. According to him, Pakistan has historically progressed under the PML-N, while opponents focused on amassing wealth rather than solving national issues.



He pledged to make Township an exemplary area and emphasized that under Uraan Pakistan, further development is expected this year. The stock exchange is reaching historic highs, and he urged workers to challenge those spreading misinformation. He also criticized opponents for neglecting national development and showing indifference to the sacrifices of young soldiers defending Pakistan.



He concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening the economy with public cooperation.



LGH treats nearly 2mln patients for free in 2024

Lahore: In line with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's vision of 'Health for All', Lahore General Hospital (LGH) provided free medical treatment to nearly 2 million patients during 2024.

This was stated by Principal of Postgraduate Medical Institute (PGMI) and Ameer Uddin Medical College Prof. Dr. Muhammad Al-Fareed Zafar, while presiding over a performance review meeting on Sunday. During the meeting, Prof. Al-Fareed highlighted that 98,925 surgeries of various types were performed at LGH, further strengthening the hospital's commitment to providing quality healthcare. He said that under the guidance of Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, significant improvements have been introduced, including the availability of senior consultants, enhanced medical facilities, a monitoring and feedback system, and philanthropic support for free food services for patients and their attendants. He also mentioned the construction of guest houses for patient attendants, which has provided much-needed relief to citizens visiting the hospital.

He expressed confidence that these steps have increased public trust in the LGH administration and medical staff. He stated that the hospital's healthcare professionals remain committed to serving humanity with dedication and will continue implementing patient-friendly policies in 2025, ensuring that people from Punjab and beyond receive timely and high-quality medical care. He stressed that nothing is more important than human life, and therefore, health professionals must always remain alert and dedicated to providing the best possible medical facilities. He added that the hospital's improved performance this year compared to previous years is a testament to teamwork and collective effort.

Medical Superintendent Dr. Faryad Hussain, while sharing the hospital's performance over the past year, stated that LGH conducted thousands of diagnostic procedures, including ultrasounds, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, dialysis, ECGs, gastroscopies, neuroangiographies, and childbirths. He expressed satisfaction that under the leadership of Prof. Al-Fareed Zafar, Lahore General Hospital continues to expand its services and provide better healthcare facilities to an increasing number of citizens each year.

The hospital administration reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high standards of healthcare and further enhancing medical services in 2025. They expressed their determination to continue making Lahore General Hospital an exemplary and state-of-the-art medical institution in Punjab's healthcare sector.

The meeting was attended by senior hospital officials, including Director Emergency Prof. Khizar Hayat Gondal, Director (Vigilance) Dr. Adnan Masood, Dr. Jafar Hussain Shah, Dr. Laila Shafiq, Dr. Ammara Akhtar, Dr. Nadia Arshad, Dr. Abdul Aziz, and Dr. Salman Shakeel.

Rs. 2.65m released for medical expenses of cops

Lahore: An additional amount of Rs. 2.65 million has been issued to pay for the medical expenses of injured police officers from various districts including Lahore.

While giving details, the Punjab police spokesperson said that Rs. 1 million was given to the injured Head Constable Ateeq Ahmad for medical expenses. Rs. 500,000 was released to the injured constable Naeem Maqbool and injured constable Aamir Shahzad each for medical expenses. Injured Head Constable Ali Ahmed was given Rs. 250,000 for medical expenses. Injured constable Ahmad Khan and constable Sibghat Ullah were given Rs. 200,000 each for medical expenses.

The spokesperson said that officers and personnel were injured during various incidents in the line of duty.