CTO visits Mukhtaran Rafiq Welfare Hospital, lauds healthcare initiative for traffic wardens


Lahore: Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Abdul Raheem Shirazi on Monday visited Mukhtaran Rafiq Welfare Hospital, where he reviewed medical facilities and appreciated the hospital’s collaboration with Lahore Traffic Police to provide quality healthcare services to traffic wardens.



Upon his arrival, the CTO was received by Project Director Col (retd) Najeebullah Malik, President Abdullah and Vice President Chaudhry Shafiq.



During the visit, Abdul Raheem Shirazi inspected the hospital’s state-of-the-art dialysis centre and other departments. The hospital administration briefed him on the medical facilities and healthcare services being provided to patients.



The hospital also organised a medical camp at the Traffic Police Lines, Manawan, where a team of doctors conducted medical examinations of traffic wardens for various health conditions.



The CTO appreciated the initiative to provide quality healthcare services to traffic personnel and said the welfare of traffic wardens remained a priority.



Under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Lahore Traffic Police and Mukhtaran Rafiq Welfare Hospital, traffic wardens would receive discounted and free medical facilities. Wardens would be entitled to a 50 per cent discount on laboratory services, while deserving traffic personnel, including the families of martyred officials, would receive free medical services of up to 100 per cent.



He added that traffic officers and officials would also be able to avail discounted medical tests for up to six family members under the agreement.



SPAL intensifies zero-waste operation across Shalimar Town


Lahore: The Suthra Punjab Agency Lahore (SPAL) is continuing its uninterrupted citywide cleanliness drive, with sanitation teams intensifying zero-waste operations across Shalimar Town.



On the directions of Suthra Punjab Authority DG Babar Sahib Din, more than 1,100 sanitation workers, assisted by 110 operational vehicles, cleared 6 identified waste hotspots in Shalimar Town as part of the ongoing zero-waste drive. To strengthen daily waste collection, 190 loader rickshaws have been deployed across the town for door-to-door collection.



Sanitation teams also carried out manual washing and water sprinkling around Shalimar Gardens and adjoining roads to maintain cleanliness in the area. Special cleanliness operations were completed around Neelam Cinema Commercial Market, Kotli Pir Abdul Rehman, Jameel Park, Ali Park, Bhogiwal Road, Shalimar Link Road, Jani Pura and the vicinity of Muhammad Ali Marriage Hall.



Waste clearance and manual sweeping operations are continuing in China Scheme, Chamra Mandi, Misri Shah, Shad Bagh, Sukh Nehar Road, Ghore Shah, Baghbanpura Bazaar, Ramgarh Bazaar and Suhawari Bazaar.



Daily zero-waste operations are also being maintained at the Fazalpura waste enclosure and the temporary waste collection point in China Scheme.



DG Babar Sahib Din said that special sanitation arrangements are being implemented in both urban and rural union councils to ensure improved cleanliness services for residents. He stated that all 9 towns of Lahore are being converted into zero-waste zones in phases under the Suthra Punjab initiative, while tractor-trolleys are also being used to clear waste from open plots in rural union councils.



Citizens have been urged to report sanitation-related complaints through the Suthra Punjab helpline 1139 or social media platforms.



PAKMMAF contender series: Twin sisters, Star Duo Power Pakistan toward IMMAF World Championships


Lahore: The Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation (PAKMMAF) successfully staged the inaugural PAKMMAF ACTIVIT Contender Series at Fight HQ in Lahore, bringing together many of the country’s finest mixed martial artists for an action-packed event featuring 12 elite contests.



Designed to bridge the gap between domestic competition and the international stage, the Contender Series showcased Pakistan’s emerging talent as athletes continued their preparations for upcoming IMMAF World Championship campaigns. The event was headlined by outstanding victories from twin sisters Maliha Ali and Manesha Ali, rising youth sensation Aurangzeb Ahmed, and former national wrestling champion Rashid Gujjar.



The standout performance of the evening came from former National MMA Champion Manesha Ali, who earned both a dominant unanimous decision victory over Karachi’s Imama and the prestigious Fight of the Night award. Representing Brave Gym and hailing from Hunza, the accomplished international competitor controlled every aspect of the contest across all three rounds, demonstrating the composure, technical ability and championship pedigree that have established her as one of Pakistan’s leading female mixed martial artists.



Her twin sister, Maliha Ali, also delivered an impressive performance to maintain the family’s perfect night. The Hunza-born Brave Gym athlete defeated Quetta’s Sadia despite conceding approximately five kilograms in weight to her opponent. A Wushu champion and national kickboxing gold medallist, Maliha displayed exceptional skill, determination and resilience throughout the contest, underlining her credentials as one of Pakistan’s most promising international prospects.



Former national wrestling champion Rashid Gujjar enjoyed a memorable victory by defeating Qurban Khan in a highly anticipated rematch. The result carried added significance as Gujjar avenged his defeat to Khan in the National Championship final, highlighting his rapid evolution since transitioning from wrestling to mixed martial arts and further strengthening his credentials ahead of upcoming international competition.



Among the evening’s most exciting moments was an emphatic knockout victory by Aurangzeb Ahmed, widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s brightest young MMA talents. His explosive performance served as another reminder of his immense potential as he prepares to represent Pakistan at the IMMAF Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi this August.



The victories represent significant milestones in Pakistan’s international MMA ambitions. Maliha Ali, Manesha Ali and Rashid Gujjar will now intensify their preparations for the IMMAF World Championships in Georgia this November, while Aurangzeb Ahmed turns his attention to the IMMAF Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi. The PAKMMAF ACTIVIT Contender Series has been established to provide athletes with consistent, high-level competition that mirrors the demands of international events, while also creating a pathway towards opportunities with leading professional MMA organisations.



Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, who attended the event as chief guest, praised the federation’s efforts in promoting mixed martial arts among Pakistan’s youth. She said the rapid growth of MMA is creating positive role models for young people while encouraging healthier lifestyles and stronger communities. She noted that participation in sport helps keep young people away from drugs, crime and other negative influences, contributes to improved mental health, reduces excessive screen time and instils discipline, resilience and strong character. She commended the Pakistan MMA Federation for creating opportunities that empower young athletes to pursue their dreams through sport.



PAKMMAF President Omar Ahmed said the federation’s vision extends far beyond winning medals on the international stage. “Success isn’t measured solely by medals. Success is building a complete athlete development pathway that creates sustainable opportunities for every aspiring mixed martial artist in Pakistan. Our pathway begins in schools and colleges, progresses through White Collar MMA, the Contender Series and the Pakistan Open before preparing athletes for IMMAF World Championships and ultimately professional organisations. We are building world champions while creating opportunities for Pakistani athletes to sign with leading international promotions such as BRAVE CF, UAE Warriors and ACA. Pakistan MMA is building a complete ecosystem for the sport, not simply organising events.”



Ahmed also acknowledged the federation’s partners for their continued commitment to the growth of mixed martial arts in Pakistan. “A special thank you to ACTIVIT and Rd. Rizwan Aftab Ahmed for once again believing in Pakistani MMA. Their continued support allows our athletes to compete internationally and proudly raise the Pakistan flag on the world stage.”



The inaugural PAKMMAF ACTIVIT Contender Series marked another important step in the federation’s long-term athlete development strategy, providing Pakistan’s top competitors with valuable high-performance experience while strengthening the country’s pathway to international success. As Pakistan continues to produce talented athletes capable of competing with the world’s best, the Contender Series is expected to play a pivotal role in developing future IMMAF champions and guiding the nation’s next generation of mixed martial artists towards successful professional careers.



UET Lahore begins autumn 2026 postgraduate admissions


Lahore: University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore has announced admissions to various postgraduate programs for autumn 2026. The university has invited online applications from eligible candidates for MS, MPhil, Masters and PhD programs.



According to the spokesperson, the last date for submitting online applications for admissions has been set as August 13, 2026, while the entrance tests of UET Lahore will start from August 17, 2026. Interviews for MS, MPhil and PhD programs will be held from August 20 to 22, while classes for the new academic session will begin from September 7, 2026. This was stated by UET spokesperson Dr. Tanveer Qasim.



UET Lahore is offering admissions in several cutting-edge fields including engineering, computing, artificial intelligence, data science. In addition, admissions are also open for MS, MPhil, Masters and PhD programs in Islamic studies, chemistry and other subjects.



According to the spokesperson, various programs at UET Lahore will be available in morning, evening and weekend shifts so that candidates from different walks of life can continue their education as per their convenience.



The university will also provide research support, scholarships and financial assistance to selected PhD students. In addition, special financial incentives have also been provided for alumni, women and faculty members.



PA’s Parliamentary Judicial Committee formed


Lahore: For the first time in the history of the Punjab Assembly, a parliamentary judicial committee has been formed. The committee was established under Section 11C of the Punjab Assembly Privileges Act 1972. Member of the Assembly Sardar Muhammad Owais Dareshak has been appointed as the chairman of the committee formed on the instructions of Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan.



Similarly, the members of the committee include Syed Ali Haider Gilani, Shaukat Raja, Noorul Amin Wattoo, Chaudhry Iftikhar Hussain Chachar, Amjad Ali Javed, Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Rahila Khadim Hussain and Ahmar Rashid Bhatti. Advisor to the Speaker Usama Khawar Ghuman will assist in the proceedings of the committee.



The judicial committee will be authorised to hear matters related to the privileges of the assembly, investigate and act on privilege references sent by the Speaker. The committee will have the power to issue notices, call for evidence and documents, record statements of witnesses and hear the views of the concerned persons.



Upon completion of the investigation, the committee will submit its report and recommendations to the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly. The committee will hear cases related to parliamentary privilege and discipline of the assembly. Criminal and civil cases will not be included in its jurisdiction.



In case of violation of privilege, the committee can recommend punishment or fine or take relevant legal action. The sources further said that DPO Kasur will be the first government officer whose case will come under hearing in this newly formed judicial committee of the Punjab Assembly.



CM expresses grief over demise of former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani


Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.



In her condolence message on Monday, the CM extended heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the bereaved family. She prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the departed soul eternal peace and bless the bereaved family with patience and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.