Category: Lahore

Lahore: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Monday recorded the statements of four prosecution witnesses against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and workers in a case involving hate speech and violence at Sherpao Bridge.

The court adjourned further proceedings until February 6, summoning additional witnesses to testify.

ATC Judge Arshad Javed conducted the trial proceedings at Kot Lakhpat Jail, where incarcerated PTI leaders Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, and Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed were produced. Other accused individuals out on bail, including Sanam Javed, Aliya Hamza, and Khadija Shah, also appeared before the court.

It is pertinent to mention that the court has so far recorded the testimonies of 22 witnesses in the case.

The accused have already been indicted in the case, registered under FIR No. 97/23 at Sarwar Road Police Station, with the charges including inciting rebellion and provoking public riots.

Lahore: The city experienced a sunny yet cold day on Monday, with similar conditions expected over the next 24 hours, according to the Met Office.

Officials reported that continental air prevails over most parts of the country. Cold weather is likely to persist nationwide, with very cold temperatures in hilly areas during morning and night. However, Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir may see cloudy skies, light rain or snowfall, and gusty winds in the evening or night.

Leh recorded the lowest temperature at -12°C, while Lahore saw a minimum of 7.2°C and a maximum of 24.5°C.

Lahore: Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), in collaboration with Punjab Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), on Monday organized an e-Procurement orientation and training session for all the senior civil judges of Punjab at the Punjab Judicial Academy, here.

PPRA MD Waqar Azim conducted a detailed interactive session on the PPRA legal framework as part of the training session. The PITB e-Procurement team provided the orientation of the PITB developed system covering different modules. The session concluded with an interactive Q and A activity.

In this regard, Chairman PITB Faisal Yousaf commented, 'The e-Procurement system incorporates modern techniques to ensure secure, efficient government procurement. Under this system, vendors from any location can submit bids online, making the procurement process more convenient and accessible.'

The judges appreciated the system's ability to enhance transparency, accountability and simplification of tendering processes for both procuring agencies and suppliers.

The E-Procurement System is being implemented in various government departments across Punjab. As part of this, training sessions are being delivered jointly by PITB and PPRA to acquaint the concerned staff members with its functionality, scope and benefits.

Lahore: On the occasion of the completion of 100 years of cinema Lahore, the first three-day International Conference on Creative Arts was organized in collaboration with Punjab University Department of Graphic Design, British Council and other institutions at College of Art and Design.

The conference was attended by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali, Eminent British artist Elaine Shemilt, renowned director Syed Noor, renowned comedian Iftikhar Thakur, eminent personalities from the film and theater industry, Vice Chancellor Lahore College for Women University Dr. Uzma Qureshi, Vice Chancellor Home Economics University Dr. Faleha Kazmi, teachers and students in large numbers.

Addressing the ceremony, PU VC Dr. Muhammad Ali desired to establish a film academy at Punjab University in collaboration with the industry. He regretted that we have not valued our people in the film industry. He said that the bright stars of the film industry deserve honorary PhDs as we are proud of them. He said that distance from modern trends led to the decline of the film industry. He said that the youth should revive the splendor of cinema by adopting modern techniques in film. He said that people from the film industry should come to the university and teach and pass on their experience to the new generation. Renowned film director Syed Noor said that out of one hundred years of cinema industry, he is witness to 53 years and he has seen extreme rise and fall of the film industry. He said that he has never seen such a conference in which the trend of filmmaking is promoted among students. He said that today, filmmaking is being taught in universities and students do have a degree, but no one becomes a filmmaker. He said that if passion is created among the youth, then good filmmakers will be produced. Renowned comedian Iftikhar Thakur said that people like Syed Noor have created famous people in the film industry. He said that Hollywood and South films are successful because of graphic design. He said that if the film industry wants to move forward, the field of graphic design should be promoted.

Dr. Ahmed Bilal said that in the past we used to make 100 films in a year. He said that cinema goers are still there, however, we should use our own resources to revive the cinema industry. The conference will continue till January 29, 2025.

Lahore: A high-level delegation led by Martin Raiser, the World Bank's Regional Vice President for South Asia, called on Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif at CM's office here on Monday.

During the meeting, Martin Raiser commended Punjab's efforts in environmental improvement, declaring the province a 'Regional Champion' for its effective measures in this area.

The discussion also focused on joint initiatives for poverty alleviation, further advancements in IT and infrastructure, and resolving environmental challenges. Both parties agreed to accelerate the ongoing World Bank projects in Punjab, while also launching new ones to address these key sectors.

Martin Raiser praised Punjab's public welfare projects, noting that they align well with the World Bank's country partnership framework. He expressed the World Bank's full support for improving environmental conditions and sanitation systems in the province.

The delegation acknowledged the government's decision to merge the Population Welfare Department with the Health Department, calling it a positive move. Martin Raiser expressed optimism that this merger would enhance service delivery for the people of Punjab.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed her gratitude for the World Bank's continued collaboration in the province's development. She highlighted several key projects, including the launch of the Punjab Clean Air Program with World Bank's support, aimed at tackling environmental pollution. The program will introduce electric buses, rickshaws, and bikes, alongside the establishment of Vehicle Inspection Stations. The CM emphasized that eliminating pollution is vital for Punjab's survival, and the World Bank's ongoing support is crucial to this effort.

The CM also mentioned the introduction of special training programs to equip Punjab's youth with skills to engage in the global IT market. She further reiterated the province's commitment to enhancing education, health, tourism, and environmental projects with continued support from the World Bank.

World Bank VP Martin Raiser reaffirmed the Bank's commitment to strengthening its partnership with Punjab, particularly in the areas of education, IT, and climate change adaptation. He commended Punjab's exemplary steps in addressing these challenges.