Category: Lahore

Lahore: The University of Home Economics (UHE) has announced the launch of its BS in Artificial Intelligence program for the upcoming Fall Admissions 2025.

The decision was made during the third meeting of the Board of Advanced Studies and Research (BASR), chaired by Prof. Dr. Faleeha Zahra Kazmi, Vice-Chancellor of UHE. During the meeting, BASR members unanimously approved the new BS Artificial Intelligence program, which will be offered under the

Department of Computer Science and Technology. Additionally, the board approved the launch of PhD programs in Sociology and Gender Studies, PhD in Food and Nutrition, and an MPhil in Gender Studies.

The division of the Department of History and Pakistan Studies into two separate departments was also endorsed. The BASR also approved the recommendations put forward by the Board of Studies for 11 different departments.

Prof. Dr. Faleeha Zahra Kazmi highlighted that the BS Artificial Intelligence program is designed to address the growing technological needs of the country, ensuring the curriculum aligns with global

standards.

She also emphasized that the introduction of these new academic programs would play a significant role in transforming UHE into a hub of cutting-edge education and research.

The meeting was attended by Prof. Dr. Sajida Vandal, former Principal of NCA, Dr. Syeda Zia Batool, Chairperson of PEIRA, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nasir, Professor of Persian at PU, Sadia Munir, Controller of Examinations at UHE, and Madiha Naz, Registrar of UHE.

Also present were Mr. Ahmed Faraz, Director of QEC, Dr. Tayyaba Sohail, Director of Academics, and Ms. Rozeena Sadiq, Additional Director of External Linkages.

Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced that the HBL PSL 10 Player Draft will be held at the iconic Huzoori Bagh opposite majestic Lahore Fort on January 13 (Monday) at 12.30 p.m.

The event was originally designed to be held in the port city Gwadar, Balochsitan, but it was moved to the heritage site in Lahore due to unforeseen logistical challenges.

However, Gawadar remains a key location for the HBL PSL 10 Trophy Tour scheduled in March when the trophy will be displayed at many cities across Pakistan.

The landmark 10th edition of the HBL PSL will take place between 8 April and 19 May later this year. The six franchises will assemble their star-studded squads on Monday, 13 January during the Player Draft ceremony at one of Lahore's most iconic heritage sites.

Lahore: An accountability court on Tuesday indicted former chief minister Punjab Chaudhry Parvez Elahi in a corruption reference related to development projects in Gujrat.

Accountability Court Judge Zubair Shahzad Kiyani presided over the reference proceedings, during which Advocate Amjad Pervaiz appeared on behalf of Parvez Elahi, who remained inside his vehicle parked on the court premises during the hearing.

Advocate Amjad Pervaiz apprised the court that the former chief minister was present on the premises but unable to leave his vehicle. He stated, "Anyone can verify his presence as he is within the court premises." He also submitted a request seeking permanent exemption from court appearances for Parvez Elahi.

In response, court staff marked Parvez Elahi's attendance by visiting his vehicle. While Parvez Elahi denied the allegations, he signed the charge sheet, prompting the court to summon witnesses for January 21.

The court also issued a notice to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on an application filed by Chaudhry Parvez Elahi seeking permanent exemption from appearance and sought a reply.

It is pertinent to mention that the court had previously indicted co-accused Muhammad Khan Bhatti and others during the last hearing.

The NAB had accused Parvez Elahi and Moonis Elahi of receiving over Rs. 1 billion as kickbacks through intermediaries in more than 200 development projects in the Gujrat district during Parvez Elahi's second term as Punjab chief minister.

Lahore: Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Punjab Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani met with Prince Mansour Bin Muhammad Al Saud, former governor of Province Hafir Albatin, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the Punjab Assembly. The meeting focused on matters of mutual interest and strengthening bilateral relations.

The Minister for Agriculture said that Pakistan values its friendship with Saudi Arabia, which has supported Pakistan in every difficult time. The minister appreciated Saudi Arabia's cooperation in various sectors of Punjab.

He highlighted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab government is focused on agricultural sector development, taking comprehensive measures to achieve the goal. He further said that the "Transforming Punjab Agriculture Programme" is being implemented with a significant investment of 400 billion rupees, under which 150 billion rupees interest-free loans would be provided to farmers through the Kisan Card this year.

The minister emphasised that mechanisation is a long-term solution to the issue of smog, and the government has taken timely measures to control it. This year, 5,000 super seeders are being provided to farmers with a 60/40 subsidy. Additionally, the Punjab government would soon launch a modern agricultural machinery rental service, where farmers would have access to all necessary machinery at subsidized rates.

The minister also announced that Agri- Malls will be established in every district of Punjab, offering high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides at subsidized rates. Farmers would have the option to either purchase or rent agricultural machinery, added Kirmani.

Furthermore, under the Green Tractor Scheme, the Punjab government is providing 9,500 tractors, each with a million rupee subsidy. Steps are also being taken to convert farmers' electric tube wells to solar energy, he added.

Kirmani reaffirmed the Punjab government's commitment to developing the livestock sector, mentioning initiatives such as the Livestock Card for farmers and the distribution of calves (animals) among widowed and divorced women in 12 districts of South Punjab.

Lahore: Punjab Food Authority discarded 2,000 liters of adulterated milk during inspections on Sheikhupura Road here on Tuesday.

Acting on the orders of DG Food Authority, dairy safety teams tested over 6,500 liters of milk from 50 vehicles at early morning checkpoints discarding substandard milk on the spot.

Adulterated milk, intended for supply to Lahore was found to have water contamination, reduced fat levels and substandard LR (Lactometer Reading) and SNF (Solid-Not-Fat) content. Strict legal action is being initiated against those involved in its production and distribution.

DG Asim Javed stated that Punjab Food Authority is implementing international standards to ensure traceability and safety in milk supply chain across Punjab. He reiterated the PFA commitment to eliminating adulteration, warning traders of strict penalties and business closures for violations.

Dairy safety teams continue daily monitoring and inspections to safeguard public health and maintain food quality standards. Citizens are encouraged to report food related violations to PFA helpline 1223.