Saturday, December 20, 2025
Home Blog Page 183

LHC implements new SOPs for special messengers

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
LAHORE, Dec 10 (APP): The Lahore High Court (LHC) has introduced comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Special Messengers, marking a major advancement toward greater transparency, efficiency, and accountability in judicial processes.
The new SOPs, issued under the special directives of the LHC Chief Justice Miss Aalia Neelum, clearly define the procedures for the nomination, appointment, responsibilities, and remuneration of Special Messengers, says a LHC press release issued here on Wednesday.
Aimed at streamlining the service of notices and verification of land and property, the SOPs are designed to expedite judicial processes and ensure timely delivery of justice. Under the new framework, the Dealing Assistant will determine the requirement for appointing a Special Messenger and ensure that the prescribed fee is deposited by the concerned party. Additionally, the SOPs allow for the appointment of multiple Special Messengers for services outside the city (beyond 50 km), ensuring prompt service of notices.
The SOPs place strong emphasis on transparency and accountability by establishing clear guidelines for approvals, duties, and compensation. Remuneration will be calculated in line with TA/DA Rules and categorized based on the service location, ensuring fair and equitable compensation for Special Messengers.
To further enhance transparency and operational efficiency, the Lahore High Court is in the process of digitizing the entire system. A dedicated software module or cash-handling mechanism will be developed to automate fee collection and disbursement, ensuring secure and efficient financial transactions while streamlining the appointment and payment processes.
The Lahore High Court remains committed to providing efficient, transparent, and technology-driven justice to the public. The introduction of these SOPs, coupled with digital automation, represents a vital step toward strengthening accountability and improving the overall functioning of the judicial system—ultimately benefiting litigants and all stakeholders.
The LHC is confident that these initiatives will significantly enhance the quality, speed, and effectiveness of judicial services across Pakistan.

Hands-on training workshop at LGH enhances young doctors’ surgical skills

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
LAHORE, Dec 10 (APP):A hands-on Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Training Workshop was held on Wednesday at the ENT Department of Lahore General Hospital (LGH), where senior medical experts trained young doctors in modern surgical techniques and instrument handling.
Principal Ameer-ud-Din Medical College (AMC) Prof. Dr. Farooq Afzal said that practical training workshops play a crucial role in polishing the professional abilities of young doctors, enabling them to enhance their expertise and ultimately improve patient care.
Prof. Dr. Farooq Afzal appreciated the efforts of the organizing committee, including Dr. Adeel Niaz, Dr. Maqsood Ahmed, Dr. Amna Rafiq, and Dr. Zohra Aleem, for successfully conducting the workshop. He also distributed shields among participants and thanked the master trainers for their valuable contribution, expressing hope for their continued support in strengthening the training programs at PGMI, AMC and LGH.
MS Prof. Dr. Faryad Hussain, while addressing the participants, reaffirmed the commitment to continue providing world-class training and up-to-date medical skills to doctors, ensuring that the healthcare system remains aligned with international standards.
During the workshop, participants received detailed briefings on advanced endoscopic sinus surgery techniques, equipment usage, and technical procedures. Senior specialists demonstrated modern surgical methods, offering practical guidance to enhance clinical decision-making and operative skills, which was widely appreciated by attendees.
Doctors from Punjab as well as other provinces actively joined the workshop, reflecting the growing confidence of medical professionals across the country in the faculty and advanced training standards of PGMI.
The event was attended by Course Directors Dr. Muhammad Ilyas and Dr. Aamir Ayub, Master Trainers Prof. Anwar-ul-Haq, Prof. Najam-ul-Hasnain Khan, Prof. Tahir Rasheed, Prof. Saeed Khan and Dr. Mazhar Iftikhar, along with a large number of doctors.

FDA successfully implementing E-Biz: Asif Chaudhry

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
FAISALABAD, Dec 10 (APP):Director General (DG) Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA) Muhammad Asif Chaudhry said that FDA is successfully implementing the Government of Punjab’s ‘Ease of Doing Business’ initiative, known as “E-Biz,” in line with the vision of Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz.
He was addressing a review meeting in which Additional Director General Qaiser Abbas Rind, Director IT Yasir Ijaz Chatta, Director Town Planning Asma Mohsin, Directors Estate Management Junaid Hassan Manj and Sohail Maqsood Pannu, Deputy Director IT Abdullah Noor and other senior officials were also present.
He highlighted that through the portal introduced by the Government of Punjab under the modern One-Window platform, the individuals can now access all types of FDA services related to business from the comfort of their homes.
These services included obtaining various permits/ no objection certificates, requesting change of land use, seeking approval for building plans and construction permits and other related facilities, he added.
He said that prospective businesspersons can submit their online applications by depositing the prescribed fees and uploading the necessary documents. The progress of these applications can also be tracked in real-time, he added.
FDA Director General instructed the officials to ensure there is absolutely no delay in departmental action on any application received online under the Punjab government’s ‘Ease of Doing Business’ project so as promoting investment by facilitating the business community becomes a revolutionary step.
An active departmental role must be played to achieve the goals of saving time and ensuring transparency, he added.
During the session, the officials reviewed the nature of applications received under the “E-Biz” project, their approvals, and the latest progress updates.

SMIU management finalises arrangements for 3rd GRC, six international conferences

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
KARACHI, Dec 10 (APP): Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) is schedule to organise the two-day 3rd Global Research Congress (GRC) and six international conferences on December 17-18, 2025, at its campus. To review the arrangements of the congress and international conferences, a meeting was held on Wednesday at the conference room of the university, which was chaired by the Vice Chancellor (VC), Dr Mujeeb Sahrai.
The meeting was informed that out of the 200 abstracts of research papers received from international and national scholars, 180 abstracts have been accepted. The meeting was further informed that 09 national and international keynote speakers are participating in the GRC and international conferences.
Furthermore, besides inaugural and concluding sessions, 10 technical sessions and 6 panel discussions will be held on two days of the congress and conferences. The very significant panel discussion will be of the six vice chancellors, who will discuss higher education and other related issues. A training session will also be held on 16th December, which will be conducted by an Iranian scholar.
Speaking in the meeting, VC Dr Mujeeb Sahrai said that SMIU is organizing a much-needed two-day Global Research Congress on “Reinventing Societies: Integrating Intelligence to Transform Leadership, Learning, and Living.” He said it is an international event that will unfold many aspects of higher education, especially in the areas of research and artificial intelligence.
Dr Mujeeb Sahari said before this, the SMIU had organized two successful Global Research Congresses and 11 international conferences in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Likewise, the 3rd GRC and six international conferences will also be successfully held, as prominent international and national scholars are attending the event.
Dr Mujeeb Sahari expressed satisfaction on the arrangements made by the organizing committee and advised the organizers to include more students as volunteers during the congress and conferences as they could learn from the event.
The meeting was attended by the Convener of the GRC Dr Jamshed Adil Halepoto and other members of the organizing committee along with heads of different administrative departments.

TDAP holds seminar on ‘Circularity and Functional Textile in Smart Manufacturing for EU Green Compliance’

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
FAISALABAD, Dec 10 (APP):Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) organised a seminar on ‘Circularity and Functional Textile in Smart Manufacturing for EU Green Compliance’ at Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) here on Wednesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Senior Vice President FCCI Naveed Akram Sheikh said that FCCI is committed to play its proactive role to promote “Circularity and Functional Textile in Smart Manufacturing for EU Green Compliance” to maintain its supremacy in textile exports.
He thanked TDAP for arranging the seminar in FCCI and said textile is the iconic representation of Faisalabad which also helps Pakistan to fulfill its 80% domestic needs of cloth and clothing in addition to contributing 50% share towards the textile export of Pakistan.
He said that nearly 28% of our exports go to the European Union, which remains one of our largest and most demanding markets.
He said that circularity is a new term for our SME sector which has potential to give a quantum jump to our textile exports.
He emphasized that clean and safe production, eco-friendly methods, saving energy and water and reducing waste are imperative to maintain the supply chain.
“At the same time, these changes also bring new opportunities for Pakistan to grow and improve”, he said and added that the textile sector is the backbone of our economy and we need to use better and modern machinery, follow cleaner production methods and move towards eco-friendly practices.
He further said that Pakistan is ready to improve and adopt new environment related measures. “This will help us to enter into new markets and strengthen our exports”, he said and added that using circularity as a branding strategy means that Pakistan will be recognized not just for volume or price but for quality, responsibility and leadership also in sustainability.
Madam Naheed Akhtar, Senior Director, TDAP Faisalabad, Madam Bukhtawer Akhter Deputy Director TDAP, Karachi (Textile and Leather Division), Mr Dirk Zschenderlein, Head of Transfer, Sexon Textile Research institute (STFI), Dr Arslan Chaudhry Assistant Professor, Department of Structures and Environmental Engineering, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Dr Muzzamal Hussain, Director National Center of Composite Materials, Co-founder Knowtex, Faisalabad also spoke on the topic in addition to other guest speakers.
Later, Mr. Naveed Akram Sheikh senior vice president presented FCCI shield to Madam Naheed Akhtar and Madam Bukhtawer Akhter.

LCCI urges govt to address transporters’ concerns promptly

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
LAHORE, Dec 10 (APP): Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Wednesday urged government to address transporters’ concerns promptly.
In a joint statement, LCCI office-bearers including President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, and Vice President Khurram Lodhi said here that sudden changes in laws and fines create uncertainty among the business community, which is not investor-friendly. Stakeholder consultation is essential in policy-making. When stakeholders are ignored, complex situations arise—like the ongoing national crisis. They urged the government to continue negotiations with transporter representatives and take their concerns seriously.
LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol said that due to the nationwide strike by goods and public transporters, the supply of food items, industrial raw materials, and other essential goods has been severely affected.
In various cities, he added, trucks and containers parked at terminals have brought business activities to a standstill, while citizens are facing serious difficulties in travel. The disruption in the supply chain has also increased the risk of rising prices in the markets.
Saigol expressed concern over the situation caused by the countrywide strike. He said that the transport sector is the backbone of the economy. When the supply of goods stops, not only does the availability of food items get affected, but industrial production, exports, and business continuity also suffer badly.
He stated that it is the government’s responsibility to urgently resolve the genuine concerns of transporters so that the supply chain can be restored and the public can get relief.
The leadership of the Lahore Chamber has also made a practical offer to help end this crisis. The President, Senior Vice President and Vice President said that the Lahore Chamber is ready to act as a mediator between the government and transporters so that problems can be resolved through dialogue and the economy does not suffer further damage.
The LCCI leadership stressed that the government must review the traffic ordinance and ensure that all decisions are taken in consultation with the transport sector. They said that timely action is necessary to restore the supply system, facilitate public travel, and prevent further economic losses. The Chamber expressed hope that all issues will soon be resolved through dialogue, and business activities will return to normal.
They said that strike is delaying export shipments, disrupting production lines in factories, and causing severe distress to the business community. If the situation continues, inflation and business losses will further increase. They stated that the government and the transport alliance must adopt a joint strategy to prevent the crisis from worsening.

LHC overturns nine-year sentence in narcotics case

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
LAHORE, Dec 10 (APP):The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday set aside the nine-year sentence handed down to Muhammad Idrees in a narcotics case, ordering his immediate release after finding significant legal flaws in the trial court’s judgment.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Farooq Haider and Justice Muhammad Tariq Nadeem Bajwa pronounced the verdict after completing the hearing on the appeal. The court observed that the conviction could not be sustained due to legal deficiencies in the trial proceedings.
The trial court had sentenced Idrees in 2023 to nine years imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 100,000 following the alleged recovery of 1,430 grams of narcotics from him in a case registered at Police Station Chak Jhumra, Faisalabad.
Challenging the conviction, the appellant argued that the case was fabricated and unsupported by credible evidence.

PRA holds meeting on administrative, legal reform agenda

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
LAHORE, Dec 10 (APP):The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) is continuing its administrative and legal reform agenda.
In the 130th Authority meeting chaired by its Chairman Moazzam Iqbal Sipra here Wednesday, the PRA decided to initiate immediate action against non-filers and businesses under-reporting their sales.
To further strengthen transparency in tax collection, the sector-wise implementation of the Electronic Invoice Monitoring System (e-IMS) was also approved.
The meeting included consultations on proposals for a new service structure for PRA officers and officials, while recommendations for amendments to the Sales Tax on Services Act were also reviewed. Officials gave a detailed briefing on the PRA Monitoring Dashboard and the “Sahulat” mobile application.
The Authority additionally approved a mechanism for achieving new tax targets and enhancing monthly revenue collection. Member Policy, Member Support Services, Member Legal, Member Taxpayers, Chief Headquarters and other senior officers attended the meeting.

IHC reserves verdict in case regarding illegal arrest of woman along daughters

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP):The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday reserved its verdict on the plea seeking quashing FIRs against citizens in a transit dispute with former CEO PIA Musharraf Rasool to dismiss two cases registered against Waqas Ahmed and his wife in the dispute over their transactions with citizens Waqas Ahmed and Sohail Aleem.
Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani heard the case against registration of cases against citizens Waqas Ahmed and and his wife.
During the hearing, DIG Islamabad Police Jawad Tariq appeared in the court on the court’s order and told the court that no entry was made in the relevant police station of the Islamabad Police raid in Lahore. A case of the incident in Lahore has been registered against the police officials there.
The public prosecutor told the court that Musharraf Rasool had given Waqas and Sohail Rs 8 million to buy vehicles.
 Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani said that if the money was given, how did the police recover the vehicles from Lahore? The Islamabad Police went to Lahore, did not get a search warrant and picked up the vehicles.
 The public prosecutor said that he had bought the vehicles with the money given, so the money was converted into vehicles. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani said that the vehicles were not in the name of Musharraf Rasool. A woman was kidnapped from Lahore along with three girls. Vehicles were also brought.
The court noted that the vehicles were declared case property and it was said that there was no need for a warrant. Justice Mohsin Kiyani asked if he had bought horses instead of vehicles.
Advocate Latif Khosa said that Rs 1.15 crore and gold were also stolen from the house. This is robbery.
Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani said that Musharraf Rasool had given the money to buy five vehicles, right? They brought three vehicles. Why didn’t they bring the furniture of the house instead of the remaining two vehicles?
Justice Mohsin Kiani taunted the police officials that if the other two vehicles were not there, they would have brought the household utensils.
 Justice Kayani said that if there was no Islamabad Police, then some robbers came wearing police uniforms. Then the blame lies not on the police but on the robbers. Arrest those robbers. While praising the DIG, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani said that this officer told the truth to the court and gave a correct report. The court decided to hear the arguments in the case.
The decision was then reserved.

Pakistan, U.S. deepen cooperation on education, technical training & mining development

By
Kamran Muraad
-
0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP):Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, Wajiha Qamar, held talks on Wednesday with a high-level U.S. delegation to explore avenues for deeper collaboration in education, technical training, and emerging industries such as minerals and mining.
Pakistan, U.S. deepen cooperation on education, technical training & mining development
The meeting took place at the Ministry following the inauguration of the new U.S. Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) building in Islamabad. Both sides said the facility will strengthen academic advising, exchange programs and broader educational collaboration between Pakistan and the United States.
The U.S. delegation included Sherry Keneson-Hall, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and Shelly Seaver, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, along with senior officials from the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.
Discussions covered academic cooperation, teacher development, enhanced outreach through USEFP and deeper collaboration in technical and vocational education (TVET). Qamar said Pakistan remains committed to creating meaningful opportunities for youth to access global learning and strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Qamar emphasized the importance of cooperation in the minerals and mining sector, calling it a key area for Pakistan’s long-term economic development. She said Pakistan welcomes U.S. support in adopting modern mining technologies, improving geological mapping, strengthening mineral processing capabilities and enhancing workforce training.
She noted that collaboration in this sector would support Pakistan’s broader skills agenda by preparing workers for careers in geology, mineral extraction, processing and advanced industrial technologies. Qamar added that such partnerships would help Pakistan increase value addition, improve safety practices and promote sustainable mining standards.
The meeting also discussed expanding partnerships between Pakistani TVET institutions and U.S. community colleges to modernize technical training, develop competency-based curricula and introduce internationally recognized certification programs.
“Pakistan values its partnership with the United States and remains committed to expanding cooperation in education, technical training and emerging economic sectors,” Qamar said. “Our discussions today reaffirmed our shared commitment to advancing skills development and exploring new opportunities—including in minerals and mining—that support Pakistan’s long-term growth.”
Both sides agreed to maintain regular engagement and move forward with follow-up actions to deepen collaboration in education, workforce development and sectoral innovation.
1...182183184...31,056Page 183 of 31,056

ABOUT US

Serving the nation since 1947 by providing an accurate, objective, uninterrupted flow of news to the people, the national news service is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to transform the existing news operations into a forward-looking service – APP Digital for its diverse subscriber-base and the public.

Contact us: news@app.com.pk

FOLLOW US

Copyright © Associated Press of Pakistan