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SAARC former president hails CM Punjab for pro-poor, tax-free budget

By
Kamran Muraad
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LAHORE, Jun 16 (APP): SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry former president Iftikhar Ali Malik on Monday congratulated Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif for presenting a pro-poor, development-oriented, and tax-free provincial budget for the fiscal year 2025–26.
In his statement, he praised the tax-free nature of the budget, noting that it would help alleviate the financial burden on common citizens while enhancing business confidence, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He expressed hope that efficient and transparent implementation of the budgetary measures would bring tangible improvements in the quality of life for the people of Punjab and serve as a model for other provinces.
He lauded the Chief Minister’s visionary approach, which focuses on uplifting underprivileged segments of society while simultaneously advancing infrastructure development and strengthening key sectors such as health, education, and agriculture. He emphasized that the budget reflects the CM’s strong commitment to inclusive growth and economic stability in the province.
Iftikhar Malik particularly appreciated the budget’s allocations for youth empowerment, skill development, and women-focused initiatives, terming them critical for building a foundation of sustainable prosperity in Punjab.

PA Speaker hails CM Maryam’s pro-people, visionary Punjab budget

By
Kamran Muraad
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LAHORE, Jun 16 (APP):Punjab Assembly (PA) Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has extended heartfelt congratulations to Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif and her economic team on presenting the budget for the fiscal year 2025-26.
In a media statement issued here on Monday, he said that the Chief Minister and her team have presented a welfare-oriented, developmental, and pragmatic budget that truly reflects the aspirations of the people. This budget is a positive step towards economic self-reliance and sustainable development in the province.
The Speaker said that the present government has successfully steered the economy out of crisis and placed it on the path of growth, which is a major achievement. The budget provides real relief to the middle class, which is a commendable initiative.
He added that record allocations have been made for key sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and industry, demonstrating the government’s commitment to pro-people policies. The Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) has shaped this budget not merely as a collection of figures but as a comprehensive manifesto for public welfare.
Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said that the Punjab government has taken sincere and practical steps to restore public confidence, evident clearly throughout this budget.

Punjab budget prioritizes journalists’ welfare, public development: Azma Bokhari

By
Kamran Muraad
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LAHORE, Jun 16 (APP): Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari on Monday lauded Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for incorporating proposals related to journalists in the provincial budget 2025-26, calling it a landmark step for media welfare and public development.
Speaking to the media at the Punjab Assembly premises, she expressed her gratitude to the Chief Minister and termed the new budget the best in Punjab’s history. She emphasized that the financial plan reflects a comprehensive vision for the province’s development, with a strong focus on public welfare, particularly in the sectors of health, education, transport, and service delivery.
“This is the best budget in Punjab’s history, where public welfare has been given top priority,” she remarked.
Azma Bokhari revealed that allotment letters for journalists will be issued soon, and efforts are underway to ensure the timely disbursement of salaries to media workers. She reaffirmed her personal commitment to addressing media-related issues, saying, “Any responsibility entrusted to me for the welfare of media and journalists will be fulfilled with sincerity.”
Touching on broader public initiatives, the minister stated that the health sector will be equipped with adequate staffing to provide effective medical care to citizens. “Punjab is moving rapidly on the path of development and prosperity. Other provinces now consider Punjab’s progress as a model, thanks to our people-friendly policies,” she said.
Azma Bokhari also spoke about the provincial government’s ongoing efforts to revive the film industry, emphasizing that the cultural and creative sectors are being reinvigorated as part of a broader development agenda.
She highlighted that the minimum wage in Punjab has been raised to Rs 40,000 — the highest among all provinces — and added that Punjab also offers the most competitive salaries and pensions in the country.
“The journey of prosperity in Punjab is in full swing, and we are committed to making every citizen feel the impact of this progress,” she concluded.

Opposition’s criticism on ads baseless, rooted in misinformation: Azma Bokhari

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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LAHORE, Jun 16 (APP):Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari on Monday strongly rebutted the opposition’s criticism regarding public sector advertisements, terming it baseless and detached from reality.
Addressing the Punjab Assembly, she stated that the opposition’s objections were based on fake posts and misinformation rather than facts.
“The claims made by the opposition were rooted solely in fake posts — and we cannot shape policy based on misinformation,” Bokhari asserted. She further added, “If I wanted, I could spin tales of rivers of milk and honey flowing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — but we speak from ground realities, not fabricated images.”
Bokhari criticized what she described as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public by portraying every government advertisement as political propaganda. “There is a clear difference between political publicity and social awareness campaigns,” she emphasized, underscoring the importance of disseminating accurate information about public welfare initiatives.
In a pointed remark, she questioned the opposition’s double standards: “For them, posting pictures with dogs is considered social publicity, but when we promote our ‘Apna Ghar, Apni Chhat’ housing scheme, it becomes political?”
Highlighting the need for effective public communication, she remarked, “The government cannot send out drummers or hang messages around pigeons’ necks to spread awareness. This bill is solely intended to ensure that government initiatives are communicated effectively to the people.”
Acknowledging concerns raised by journalists, Bokhari maintained that while media feedback is respected, legislative authority rests with the elected representatives. “Let it be clear — the power to legislate lies with Parliament, not the media,” she stated.
Concluding her address, Azma Bokhari reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working within the constitutional and legal framework. “The media is on the receiving end — it cannot dictate how advertisements should be designed. We will continue to legislate in the interest of the people,” she declared.

Punjab govt presents people-friendly budget focused on public health: Minister Salman

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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LAHORE, Jun 16 (APP):Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has praised the Punjab annual budget 2025–26 as a “people-friendly” initiative, reflecting the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
In a statement issued on Monday, he said the budget presents a historic opportunity to transform the healthcare system of the province.
Highlighting major health initiatives, he noted that a 915-bed state-of-the-art Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research is being constructed in Lahore at a cost of Rs 72 billion. Additionally, Nawaz Sharif Institutes of Cardiology are underway in Lahore and Sargodha with estimated costs of Rs 8.8 billion and Rs 8.6 billion, respectively.
The government has also announced the establishment of the Nawaz Sharif Medical City in Lahore, with a total investment of Rs 54 billion. This mega medical complex will include Children’s Hospital 2, an Institute of Genetic Blood Diseases, an Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Institute, a Specialized Medical Hospital and Medical College, a 1,000-bed Cardiac Institute, a Medical University, a State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Lab, and a Center of Excellence for Nursing Education, he added.
He said that three new medical colleges are planned for Narowal, Okara, and Layyah with a combined cost of Rs 16 billion. Burn units are being introduced in Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan with an allocation of Rs 4 billion, while a teaching hospital in Sialkot will be set up with Rs 7 billion. A dedicated Children’s Hospital in Rawalpindi is also on the cards, with Rs 8.5 billion allocated.
In a landmark move, he said, the Punjab government has earmarked Rs 79.5 billion for the provision of free medicines in government hospitals—an unprecedented allocation in the province’s history. An additional Rs 25 billion has been allocated for the Universal Health Insurance Program, ensuring accessible and quality treatment for all.
The government will continue several key programs in the coming fiscal year, including the Chief Minister’s Children’s Heart Surgery Program (Rs 3.2 billion), the Transplant Program (Rs 3.6 billion), and the Dialysis Program (Rs 8.7 billion). Furthermore, Rs 3 billion have been set aside for the establishment of Cath Labs at the district level.
The minister also highlighted the successful launch of the province-wide air ambulance service and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritizing health projects in the year ahead. Ongoing projects include the revamping of existing facilities like the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research, the Nawaz Sharif Cardiology Institutes in Lahore and Sargodha, and the Punjab Institute of Mental Health.
Reinforcing health as a central theme of the budget, he stated that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has once again placed public health at the heart of provincial development. For the fiscal year 2025–26, a record Rs 181 billion has been allocated for health sector development, while Rs 450 billion has been set aside under the non-development budget to ensure comprehensive healthcare reform.

Court grants 4-day physical remand to accused involved in murder of TikToker Sana Yousuf

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 16 (APP): The District & Sessions Court on Monday granted police a four-day physical remand of the main suspect in the murder case of TikToker Sana Yousuf.
The accused, Umar Hayat, was presented before the court after being identified by the victim’s mother and aunt.
Judicial Magistrate Muhammad Hafeez ordered that the suspect be handed over to police custody for four days. The magistrate also directed that the suspect undergo a medical examination and asked police to submit the report at the next hearing.
Earlier, police produced Umar Hayat in court after completing the identification process. According to the prosecution, the suspect was identified by the victim’s mother and paternal aunt during the identification parade.
The police requested a seven-day remand from the court, arguing that they needed time to recover the mobile phone and vehicle allegedly used by the suspect. However, the court approved only a four-day remand.
During the hearing, the suspect told the court that he had already handed over his mobile phone to the police. He also requested a medical examination and informed the court that he had no contact with his family, so he was unsure whether to hire a lawyer.
The court ordered that the medical report be submitted before the next hearing and directed that the suspect be presented again on June 20.

Suthra Punjab Incharge expresses satisfaction on cleanliness in Rawalpindi

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
RAWALPINDI, Jun 16 (APP): Incharge of the ‘Suthra Punjab’ Programme Asim Mehmood on Monday expressed satisfaction over the cleanliness in the Rawalpindi city and the positive public feedback in this regard.
He was on a visit to the city on the special directives of Punjab Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif to have a first-hand account of the cleanliness situation there, an RWMC news release said.
Flanked by Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) Chief Executive Officer Rana Sajid Safdar and other senior officers, and Assistant Commissioner Eman Zafar, Asim Mahmood took round of various areas including Murree Road, Committee Chowk, Liaquat Road, Gawalmandi Bridge, Fawara Chowk, Raja Bazaar, Mochi Bazaar, Bani Chowk and others to inspect the cleanliness situation.
During the visit, he interacted with the public to get their feedback about the cleanliness, especially in the wake of Eidul Azha.
The city residents appreciated the improved cleanliness arrangements made by the RWMC and termed the ‘Suthra Punjab’ Programme a positive and effective initiative of the Punjab Government.
The praised the RWMC particularly for the timely and efficient disposal of animal waste and remains during the Eidul Azha days.
Commending the performance of RWMC’s sanitation staff, Asim Mahmood urged the public to play a positive role and help the authorities in ensuring a clean and healthy environment.
“Maintaining cleanliness is not the responsibility of  government or institutions only but a collective duty of all citizens also,” he said.
Asim Mehmood also met the representatives of traders community and urged them to fully cooperate with RWMC staff in order to further improve the cleanliness system.
He observed that the RWMC was implementing a comprehensive cleanliness plan aimed at providing a clean, green, and pleasant environment in the city.
He emphasized that garbage bins should be installed outside shops so that the waste generated from commercial activities could be collected in an organized manner instead of being dumped on streets, roads or open spaces around markets.
The RWMC staff, he said, would clean those garbage bins during the second shift, which would further improve the overall cleanliness of the city.
The traders also acknowledged the improvement in the cleanliness of the city and markets. The RWMC workers cleaned the markets in two shifts, which had significantly improved the standard of cleanliness, the added.
They assured their full cooperation for maintaining the city’s cleanliness.
Earlier, the Suthra Punjab Programme Incharge also visited the RWMC Control Room, where he was given a detailed briefing.

IHC sends contempt case to CJ regarding meeting of PTI founder

By
Shahzad Ahmad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 16 (APP):The Islamabad High Court IHC Monday sent the contempt of court petition filed by Patron-in-Chief PTI Focal Person Niazullah Niazi regarding his meeting with the founder PTI to Acting Chief Justice.
The court remarked that the larger bench had announced the verdict in this case on March 24, so this plea would also be heard by it.
The court said that it was sending the case file to the chief justice for an appropriate order.
Earlier, the court reserved the verdict on contempt plea that whether it can be heard by a single member bench or by the larger bench.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, hearing the case, remarked that the larger bench heard the case first, so let’s decide this first, the court will pass an appropriate order in this regard.
Advocate Niazullah Niazi appeared before the court. Advocate Niazullah Niazi said that “you can hear this contempt of court petition.”
The court, subsequently, sent the case file to chief justice and stated that the case would be heard by the larger bench.

Educated youth pivotal for prosperity, development of country: Ayaz

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 16 (APP): Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Monday said that the youth are the future of the nation and it has great expectations from young generation.
He emphasized that fulfilling these expectations and steering Pakistan towards progress and prosperity requires hard work.
Ayaz Sadiq expressed these views while addressing the inaugural session of the Summer Internship Programme for school and college students at Parliament House.
Addressing the interns participating in the Summer Internship Program, he highlighted the key initiatives undertaken by the National Assembly to promote public welfare and inclusive parliamentary engagement.
He said that the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights, the Parliamentary Task Force on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Young Parliamentarians Forum have been established in the National Assembly.
These platforms aim to address the challenges faced by women, children and youth while contributing to the development of a progressive and prosperous society, he added.
Ayaz Sadiq emphasized that these initiatives are not limited to the National Assembly alone. Similar forums have been established in all four provincial assemblies, the Legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and the Assembly of Gilgit-Baltistan.
He said the objective is to foster coordination among legislative institutions across the country and to work collectively toward resolving shared national issues.
He said the core purpose of the Summer Internship Program is to familiarize youth with the legislative process, parliamentary procedures and democratic values and traditions.
He remarked that today’s youth are fortunate to have access to modern information technology and encouraged them to harness these tools to play an active role in shaping a brighter future for the country.
Ayaz Sadiq urged the young participants to spend their energies for the pursuit of knowledge and intellectual development so that they can effectively confront contemporary challenges and prepare themselves for future leadership roles.
He expressed hope that this internship program would offer students valuable exposure to parliamentary functions, legislative procedures and the broader democratic process.
He further encouraged the interns to contribute to projecting a positive image of Pakistan, to speak in support of national interests, and to uphold the Constitution, laws, and institutions of the country.
Ayaz Sadiq appreciated the efforts of the organizers of the Summer Internship Program, particularly the Special Initiatives Wing of the National Assembly Secretariat.
He expressed confidence that such initiatives would play a vital role in raising awareness among the youth about parliamentary affairs and the legislative process.

PM Shehbaz unveils Maritime Vision at PIMEC 2025; calls Blue Economy ‘Game-Changer’

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 16 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday declared the blue economy as Pakistan’s “new economic frontier,” calling for a unified national effort to unlock its vast potential.
Speaking at the soft launch of the 2nd Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC 2025), the prime minister laid out the vision for transforming Pakistan into a regional maritime powerhouse.
“It is a great pleasure to see the Pakistan Navy, under the patronage of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and in collaboration with key partners, organizing the second edition of PIMEC,” said the prime minister. He lauded the leadership of Naval Chief, Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, for their strategic foresight and dedication in steering this important initiative.
Highlighting the critical role of the Navy in national defense and regional security, he said, “The Pakistan Navy has been a formidable force through all conflicts and remains a strong pillar of our national security.”
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to international peace and maritime law, he cited the AMAN Exercise — featuring participation from over 50 countries as a symbol of Pakistan’s global engagement and cooperative maritime posture.
With over 1,000 kilometers of coastline and a position at the crossroads of vital sea lanes, Pakistan, the Prime Minister said, was uniquely positioned to harness the trillion-dollar global blue economy. “Even tapping a fraction of this economy could be a real game-changer,” he asserted.
“Our coastal trade already brings in nearly $7 billion a year and just imagine the potential if we fully develop this sector,” he said.
He urged the nation to take inspiration from global success stories such as Japan, which rose from limited maritime resources to become a global leader in marine infrastructure and regional trade. “Let there be open competition,” he added, emphasizing the importance of resilience, innovation, and strategic investment.
PM Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need to transform Pakistan’s maritime sector into a driver of inclusive, sustainable economic growth while calling for synergy among public and private sectors. “The time has come to take the lead,”  he said.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry outlined the government’s strategic roadmap for the maritime sector. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to building a vibrant blue economy and introduced the “Maritime at 100” Vision, a long-term plan to grow the sector into a $100 billion economic force by 2047 marking Pakistan’s centennial.
“PIMEC 2025 will be more than an exhibition; it will be a catalyst for investment, innovation, and regional cooperation,” the Minister told a gathering of policymakers, maritime professionals, and international stakeholders.
The minister while underscoring the immense potential of the sector, highlighted key economic drivers such as a Rs88 billion fisheries industry, the Gaddani Ship Recycling Yard, with recovery potential exceeding Rs30 billion, and a strategic location linking global trade routes.
“The oceans are not just water bodies, they are economic lifelines. Pakistan must position itself as a regional maritime hub,” he said.
To guide the sector’s future, the Minister announced that three major policy frameworks National Maritime Policy, National Shipping Policy, and National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy that were nearing completion and would ensure growth aligned with sustainability and innovation.
He also announced the creation of a Maritime Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a centralized Maritime Complaint Cell for transparency and efficiency, federal investment of Rs12 billion in the revival of the Gaddani Ship Recycling Yard, acquisition of four new ships for the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, raising the national fleet to 14 vessels, progress on a major dredging project at Port Qasim, and development of a multi-modal logistics corridor from Gwadar to bolster trade and connectivity.
He also emphasized Pakistan’s push to attract foreign investment and promote eco-friendly maritime practices, expressing optimism over Pakistan’s bid for a seat on the International Maritime Organization’s Council (Category C) in the upcoming elections in December 2025.
In his welcome remarks, the co-organizer of the event, Zohair Naseer, CEO of Badar Expo Solutions, said, “It is a moment of pride for us to collaborate with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Pakistan Navy for the second edition of PIMEC. This event will feature a high-level maritime conference, B2B networking sessions, and a dynamic exhibition attracting global industry leaders, exhibitors, and trade delegations. The upcoming PIMEC 2025 is scheduled to take place from November 3 to 6 at the Karachi Expo Centre.”
He added that today’s soft launch ceremony was aimed at building momentum for what was expected to be Pakistan’s most significant maritime event to date.
Commodore Ahsan Ali Khan, Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff, emphasized the vast economic potential of oceans in his remarks. “Oceans are not only a source of countless marine species and seabed resources  — they also serve as the most cost-effective medium for transportation and global trade,” he said.
He noted that oceans were increasingly being tapped for tourism, renewable energy, aquaculture, and extraction of valuable resources like hydrocarbons and minerals. “With rising global populations, ocean-based economic activity is surging,” he stated.
He highlighted Pakistan’s strategic location, offering the shortest sea access to Central Asian republics, Afghanistan, and western China via Karachi and Gwadar ports. “CPEC is a practical demonstration of Pakistan’s commitment to unlocking the blue economy’s potential and enhancing regional connectivity,” he said, adding that PIMEC represents a key milestone in that direction.
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