LDA seals another 92 properties, removes encroachments

Lahore: Lahore Development Authority (LDA) on Monday sealed another 92 properties involved in illegal commercial activities in the city. Following the direction of LDA DG Tahir Farooq, the teams conducted daily operation against illegal commercial buildings and defaulters of commercial fees. The operation covered several localities including Gulberg, Faisal Town, New Garden Town, Shah Jamal, Shadman, New Muslim Town, and Green Town. A total of 29 properties were sealed in Gulberg, Faisal Town, and New Garden Town, while 25 properties were sealed in Shah Jamal, Shadman, and New Muslim Town. The largest number of properties, 38 were sealed in Green Town. The sealed properties included a variety of establishments such as private schools, food points, clinics, auto workshops, shops, salons, offices, and more.

These properties had previously been issued multiple notices before the action was taken. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Chief Town Planner Asad-ul-Zaman, and as per DG LDA Tahir Farooq's directions, the crackdown on illegal commercial buildings and defaulters of commercial fees continues relentlessly to ensure lawful practices in the city. Earlier, LDA teams conducted a grand operation in Green Town Scheme and successfully removed encroachments from 55 LDA-owned plots. LDA teams, in collaboration with the district administration, also carried out an operation in Shah Fareed Chowk Bazaar, Green Town, where numerous shops were cleared of encroachments. The operation was supervised by Director Housing For Yawar Bashir Virk and Assistant Commissioner City, with the support of the police, district administration, and LDA enforcement squad.

DIG Hazara issues notification for recruitment of 4 children of Police martyrs as ASI

Abbottabad: In a significant move, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Hazara, Nasir Mahmood Monday has issued a notification for the recruitment of four children of police martyrs as Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASI). This decision was made after fulfilling all departmental rules and regulations, with the children of four martyrs from Hazara Police now being appointed to the posts.

The children include Mubashir Ahmad, the son of martyr Constable Chanzeb from Manshera District, Ins Khan, son of martyr ASI Muhammad Akram from Kohistan District, Saif Sajid, son of martyr Constable Sajid Khan from Manshera District, and Nafis Hussain, son of martyr Constable Naveed Hussain from Haripur District.

While addressing the newly appointed children of the martyrs, DIG Hazara Nasir Mahmood Satti expressed his congratulations and acknowledged the sacrifices made by their fathers.

He emphasized that the martyred officers had laid down their lives for the protection of the nation and for maintaining peace and order.

He further noted that these martyrs had earned the highest honor of martyrdom, a significant sacrifice for the nation.

Nasir Mahmood Satti reaffirmed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police is always committed to supporting the families of its martyrs and prioritizes their welfare.

He also urged the newly appointed ASIs to serve the nation with the same dedication and commitment as their fathers did, ensuring peace, national security, and justice for the oppressed.

Satti encouraged them to uphold the values of hard work, dedication, and honesty in fulfilling their responsibilities and to make their martyred fathers, their families, and the department proud.

FS Baloch receives UNAMA Special Representative in Afghanistan

Islamabad: Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch on Monday received Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan Roza Otunbayeva, Head of United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), on the sidelines of the conference on girls' education.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on developments about Afghanistan and the international community's efforts to address the country's humanitarian challenges, Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.

Interfaith leaders unite in Abbottabad to discuss climate change

Abbottabad: A seminar on interfaith harmony and social unity addressing climate change was held in Abbottabad on Monday.

The event organized by the Center for Social Education and Development (CSED) featured comprehensive discussions on Pakistan's vulnerabilities to climate change and strategies to mitigate its impact.

Participants at the workshop learned that Pakistan is ranked among the top 20 countries most affected by climate change. The gathering brought together a diverse group of participants, including religious leaders, pastors, members of the Sikh and Hindu communities, university students, political representatives and women professionals.

Key speakers shed light on the severe consequences of rising global temperatures, such as disrupted rainfall patterns, glacier melt and adverse effects on wildlife, which increasingly encroach on human habitats due to dwindling resources in their natural environments.

Highlighting the role of trees in combating carbon emissions, experts noted that 80 trees are needed to neutralize the carbon footprint of one individual. They underscored that all major religions emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship and urged faith leaders to leverage their platforms mosques, churches, temples, and pulpits to educate communities about sustainable practices.

The seminar concluded with a collective call for a balanced lifestyle and equitable use of resources to address shared environmental challenges.

CSED Executive Director Mubashir Akram, trainers Sikandar Khan and Junaid Ahmed, Dr. Shahid Amin of Hazara University, religious scholar Mufti Jafar Tayyar Maqbool Awan, Pastor Aslam Nazuk, Sikh representative Tushar Singh, Hindu community leader Sajan Lal, Provincial Chairman of All Government Employees Union Shaukat Kayani, and women representatives Samina Arum and Ayesha were present in the seminar.

The participants collectively pledged to play an active role in raising awareness and combating the effects of climate change through interfaith collaboration and community initiatives.

PJA launches training course on forensic analysis of evidence

Lahore: The Punjab Judicial Academy (PJA) on Monday launched a comprehensive training course on the forensic analysis of evidence in criminal cases.

The current batch comprises 32 judicial officers, including civil judges, senior civil judges, and additional district and sessions judges, from across the province.

Addressing the inaugural session, PJA Director General Justice (Retd.) Sardar Ahmad Naeem emphasized that the Academy offers a range of training programs, conferences, seminars, and workshops to promote capacity-building and ethical development. He affirmed the Academy's commitment to providing top-quality training to judicial officers, enabling them to deliver impartial and sustainable decisions.

The director general highlighted the significance of forensic sciences in criminal cases and stressed the need for judges to remain updated on the latest advancements in the field. He underscored that judges play a pivotal role in upholding justice and that their decisions should have a profound impact on society. He encouraged the participants to gain as much knowledge and skill as possible from the course material and to benefit from the expertise of renowned instructors.

He added that this training course aligns with the vision of the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court and aims to equip judicial officers with the necessary tools to effectively analyze forensic evidence and deliver justice in criminal cases.

Pakistan, Bangladesh diplomats stress strengthening bilateral trade ties

Dubai: Consul General of Bangladesh in Dubai Md. Rashedujjaman on Monday paid a courtesy call on his Pakistani counterpart Hussain Muhammad here wherein both sides discussed bilateral ties and ways to further strengthen cooperation.

Welcoming the visiting Consul General, Hussain emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan, particularly in trade.

Both diplomats acknowledged the potential for collaboration and agreed to engage their respective consulates' trade sections to further promote bilateral cooperation.

During the meeting, Md. Rashedujjaman expressed his gratitude to Hussain Muhammad for the warm reception and appreciated the valuable insights shared regarding the consular services provided by the Pakistani consulate.

Both sides had an in-depth discussion on various consular services including passport issuance, national identity cards, and visa procedures.

They agreed to enhance information sharing and future collaboration regarding community services and public awareness initiatives.

The meeting was also attended by senior diplomats from both sides.