UoE achieves prominent position in Times Higher Education Rankings 2025

Lahore:The University of Education (UoE) Lahore has made a significant mark in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Subject Rankings 2025.

According to the recently released results, the university has been ranked among the top 600-800 universities globally in the Life Sciences category, while securing 10th position at the national level. In the Physical Sciences category, it has achieved a global ranking of 600-800 and a national ranking of 17th. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings assess nearly 1,500 universities worldwide based on academic standards, research contributions, and the practical impact of graduates in various fields.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Education, Lahore, Professor Dr. Aqif Anwar Chaudhry, congratulated the faculty, administration, and students on this remarkable achievement. He highlighted that this year's performance shows significant improvement compared to the previous year, which is a testament to the relentless efforts and dedication of the university's staff. This recognition reaffirms the UoE's commitment to excellence in education, research, and innovation on both national and global fronts.

Conservation efforts underway at Shalimar Gardens by WCLA

Lahore:The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has launched an ambitious conservation initiative at the historic Shalimar Gardens, following the transfer of its administrative control on May 31, 2023.

This landmark project is aimed at preserving the rich heritage of one of Pakistan's most treasured cultural landmarks.

With the guidance of the advisory committee constituted for conservation works, the WCLA initiated a detailed documentation process using state-of-the-art 3D laser scanning technology. This advanced technique captures the intricate architectural details of the monument, providing a precise and historically accurate representation of its current state.

Speaking about the initiative, Director General of the Walled City of Lahore Authority Kamran Lashari stated:

'Shalimar Gardens is not only a symbol of Lahore's glorious past but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that represents the artistic and cultural achievements of its time. Our priority is to ensure that this historical gem is preserved using the most advanced techniques, ensuring its legacy endures for future generations.'

The conservation work is divided into phases. During the initial phase, emergency stabilization of the flooring, walls, fountains, and other critical components was undertaken. Significant progress has been made in restoring these elements to ensure structural stability and functionality, he added.

Mubashar Hassan, Deputy Director of Conservation and Planning, elaborated on the conservation approach:

'Our focus has been on balancing preservation with authenticity. By carefully analyzing the site's needs, we've not only restored deteriorating components but have also retained their historical essence. This meticulous process ensures that Shalimar Gardens remains true to its original grandeur while being safeguarded for years to come.'

The second phase of the conservation initiative is currently in progress, targeting six key structures of the gardens:

Entrance Gate of the Nakaar Khana

Daulat Khana e Khas-o-Aam

Conservation of King's Chamber

Conservation of Beghum Ki Khawabgah

Conservation and Upgradation of Aiwan

Restoration of the outer boundary of Terrace No. 03 has also been a priority, with efforts directed towards stabilizing and preserving the historically significant gate as part of the north wall of the terrace.

The Walled City of Lahore Authority is committed to preserve the heritage of Shalimar Gardens while employing modern technology to ensure meticulous accuracy and respect for its architectural and cultural integrity, he added.

FIA Gujranwala arrests 68 human traffickers

Lahore:The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Gujranwala zone has intensified its operations against human trafficking, resulting in the arrest of 68 human traffickers so far in the current month. A spokesperson for the FIA said, among those arrested, eight are proclaimed offenders. Additionally, 10 individuals involved in the boat tragedy in Greece had also been apprehended. The FIA seized illegal properties worth Rs 260 million belonging to human traffickers and frozen bank accounts worth over Rs 40 million. The FIA immigration department continues its rigorous passenger screening process at the Sialkot Airport. Over the past month, 135 passengers had been offloaded, including 10 who were found to be involved in using fake documents and begging. Of these, three were arrested for begging and seven for using fraudulent documents. The accused had been transferred to the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Gujranwala for further investigation. During this month, an attempt of three fugitives, wanted by the Punjab Police, to flee abroad was successfully thwarted.

These individuals were on the stop list and were wanted by the police in Rawalpindi, Kamoke, and Sialkot for serious criminal cases. They were later handed over to police officials. Director Gujranwala Zone Abdul Qadir Qamar said the crackdown on individuals involved in boat accidents continued, and operations against human trafficking networks have been further intensified. He confirmed that strict monitoring of passengers was ongoing at the Sialkot Airport, with their travel records being thoroughly reviewed. He emphasized that the zero-tolerance policy against human trafficking was being implemented and those responsible for boat tragedies will be given severe punishments. Qadir reiterated that international human trafficking networks will be completely eradicated.

Safe City launches Virtual Blood Bank Donor Registration Campaign

Lahore:Safe City has launched the Virtual Blood Bank Donor Registration Campaign.

According to details, Safe City has introduced an easy and modern process for blood donations and donor registration.

The spokesperson of the Safe Cities Authority said that citizens should join the Safe City Virtual Blood Bank as donors.

Citizens can register through the QR code available on Safe City's website and social media.

By donating blood, citizens can play a role in saving human lives. Citizens across Punjab should actively participate in this humanitarian mission. Awareness about the PSCA Virtual Blood Bank will be spread through universities, colleges, public places, and social, electronic, and print media.

The spokesperson further mentioned that awareness camps regarding donor registration will be set up at universities and colleges. Citizens, civil society, blood donor agencies, and students can register themselves as donors through the 15-call service or Safe City's website. By donating blood through the Virtual Blood Bank, you can light the hope of life.

AI-Force Tech Company delegation meets Minister Kirmani

Lahore:A delegation of China's AI Force Tech Company led by its Chief Executive Officer Mr Han Wei on Thursday met Punjab Agriculture and Livestock Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani.

According to official sources here, the minister said, "China is a global leader in agricultural sector with regard to modernization and technology."

He said that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was determined to promote agricultural mechanization across the province. He said that Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Punjab government and China's AI-Force Tech Company during Punjab CM's visit to China last month.

Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani said that under this MoU modern agriculture machinery would be promoted in Punjab.

As per the agreement, China's AI-Force Tech Company would set up plant in Punjab to prepare robotic agricultural tools, he said.

The Punjab government required cooperation of AI-Force Tech Company to launch robotic and electric tractors, he added.

He further said that agriculture sector would further progress with the support of China.

CEO Han Wei said that cooperation would be extended for precision agriculture in Punjab, digital plantation, establishing digital labs, satellite monitoring and control besides promoting modern research.

Police arrest fugitive wanted in murder case

Lahore:Punjab Police Special Operations Cell, in a successful operation, arrested another wanted fugitive in a murder case from abroad.

According to the details, the proclaimed offender Munsaf Ali was wanted in a murder case to Gujranwala Police.

The accused Munsaf shot and killed a citizen in 2023 and fled to Muscat after the incident, after which the Punjab Police continued to follow up continuously.

In 22 days of this year, the fifth fugitive criminal has been arrested from abroad and transferred to Pakistan.

IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar congratulated the RPO, CPO Gujranwala and the police team for the arrest of the proclaimed offender and directed that the Special Operation Cell continue the crackdown to arrest more proclaimed offenders.

In cooperation with Interpol and FIA, more proclaimed offenders involved in serious crimes should be arrested and brought back to Pakistan, he added.