Direct flight from Lahore to Paris takes off from Allama Iqbal Airport

Wed, 18 Jun 2025, 10:03 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jun 18 (APP):Allama Iqbal International Airport has launched a new direct flight to Paris, marking an important milestone in Pakistan’s international air connectivity. The inaugural ceremony, held at the airport, was attended by the French Ambassador to Pakistan, the CEO of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the COO and Airport Manager of Lahore, and other senior officials.

The event included a cake-cutting ceremony and a speech by the French Ambassador, who welcomed the new route as a step toward strengthening ties between Pakistan and France.

The new flight, operated by PIA, is expected to boost tourism, trade, and travel between the two countries. It will also make travel easier for the Pakistani diaspora living in France.

ATC adjourns hearing in Rangers vehicle incident case linked to PTI protest

Shahzad Ahmad

Wed, 18 Jun 2025, 9:57 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jun 18 (APP):The Anti-Terrorism Court of Islamabad on Wednesday adjourned the hearing of a case related to the alleged attempt to run over Rangers personnel during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest held on November 26.

The case was scheduled for hearing in the court of Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, but due to the absence of the accused and their legal representatives, the proceedings could not take place. The court has now rescheduled the hearing for June 23.

During the hearing, the court was informed that neither the accused nor their lawyers appeared, leading to the adjournment without any arguments or progress. On the next date, the prosecution witnesses are expected to record their statements.

According to court documents, the prosecution has already submitted a charge sheet in connection with one of the accused, Hashim Abbasi.

The case was registered at Islamabad’s Ramna Police Station against several individuals including PTI founder, Bushra Bibi, former federal minister Ali Amin Gandapur, and Hashim Abbasi. They are accused of involvement in a protest where an attempt was allegedly made to run over Rangers officials.

Developing southern districts top priority: Minister

Shahzad Ahmad

Wed, 18 Jun 2025, 9:55 PM

PESHAWAR, Jun 18 (APP):Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Minister for Social Welfare, Syed Qasim Ali Shah, has said that a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Department of Social Welfare and the Kohat Development Authority, which is a very welcome development.

Under this agreement, he said special initiatives will be taken in the districts of Karak, Hangu, and Kohat for poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, provision of facilities to farmers in the agricultural sector, vocational training for children, and educational facilities for girls.

He expressed these views on Wednesday while addressing the signing ceremony of the MoU held here between the Department of Social Welfare and the Kohat Development Authority. On the occasion, Provincial Minister for Agriculture Major (R) Muhammad Sajjad Barkwal, Member of the Provincial Assembly, and other relevant officials were also present.

The Project Director gave a detailed briefing to the provincial minister on the initiatives under the agreement.

Speaking at the event, the provincial minister said that this public project by the Kohat Development Authority will have a positive impact on the quality of life of the poor people of southern districts including Kohat, Karak, and Hangu.

He pledged that these districts would be brought at par with the developed regions. He further stated that under this agreement, the Kohat Development Authority will spend 700 million rupees for the improvement of these districts.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs the Federal Cabinet Meeting

Khuram Maryam

Wed, 18 Jun 2025, 9:53 PM

APP54-180625 ISLAMABAD: June 18 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs the Federal Cabinet Meeting. APP/TZD

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting regarding Danish Schools and Danish University

Khuram Maryam

Wed, 18 Jun 2025, 9:53 PM

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting regarding Danish Schools and Danish University

Khuram Maryam

Wed, 18 Jun 2025, 9:53 PM

SECP directorate of legal education signs landmark MOU

Shahzad Ahmad

Wed, 18 Jun 2025, 9:53 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jun 18 (APP):The Directorate of Legal Education (DLE), PBC and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) held a MOU signing ceremony in the Supreme Court Building.

The Federal Law Minister attended the ceremony as Chief Guest, said a release issued here on Wednesday.

The MOU was signed between Barrister Usama Malik Director, Directorate of Legal Education and Mujtaba Lodhi Commissioner SECP.

The MOU aims at enhancing collaboration between the two organisations to promote trainings on the topics of corporate, company, banking and insurance laws for lawyers and law students.

The Directorate will also facilitate trainings for prosecutors and in-house legal counsels of SECP.

The ceremony was attended by Mr. Akif Saeed, Chairman SECP, Mr Mujtaba Lodhi Commissioner SECP, Mr Zeeshan Khattak Commissioner SECP and Mr Muzaffar Mirza Commissioner SECP. The ceremony was also attended by Mr Ahsan Bhoon Member Pakistan Bar Council, Mr Qalb-e-Hassan Shah Chairman Legal Education Committee, Mr Amjad Shah Member Pakistan Bar Council and Mr. Rauf Atta President Supreme Court Bar Association.

The Law Minister appreciated this collaboration and stressed the need for enhanced continued legal education for lawyers.

The Chairman SECP also lauded this effort and ensured full support in this regard on behalf of SECP.

Barrister Usama Malik stated that this MOU is the start of a long lasting collaboration between the two organisations which will improve the standard of legal training for lawyers, law students and SECP staff.

Qaiser stresses for enabling, secure environment for investors

Shahzad Ahmad

Wed, 18 Jun 2025, 9:52 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jun 18 (APP):Federal Minister for the Board of Investment (BOI),Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh Pakistan stressed the need for enabling and secure environment for investors to enhance the Foreign Direct Investment (BOI).

While addressing the “National Regulatory Reforms Conference” held in Islamabad, Federal Minister for the Board of Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, emphasized that the government is fully aware of the challenges faced by the private sector and is taking concrete measures to resolve them, said a release issued here on Wednesday.

The Minister stated that removing barriers to investment and restoring investor confidence is essential for sustainable development.

The conference was attended by several distinguished figures, including Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar, Prime Minister’s Coordinator, Rana Ehsan Afzal, Additional Secretary BOI Ms. Ambreen Iftikhar, along with other senior government officials and private sector representatives. Citing the example of China, Sheikh noted that in 1972, Chinese industrialists used to visit Pakistan to learn, but today, through serious reforms, China has become one of the world’s leading economies.

He stressed that Pakistan must adopt a similar reform-oriented approach and long-term strategy.

Praising the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the minister said that greater involvement of the private sector and promotion of joint ventures can significantly boost economic activity in the country.

He also underscored the need for effective diplomatic and economic strategies to attract global investors.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar, in his address, remarked that regulatory reforms and national development are deeply interconnected.

He noted that reforms are essential for improved governance and that the government is actively pursuing an agenda of sustainable economic reforms.

Highlighting the reduction in the interest rate from 22% to 11%, he termed it a positive development that is helping rebuild investor confidence.

He further emphasized that all relevant stakeholders are being consulted throughout the reform process.

Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Economic Affairs, Rana Ehsan Afzal, stated that the government is taking effective steps to stabilize the economy and enhance exports.

According to him, Pakistan is moving toward progress, and the goal of economic self-reliance can be achieved through sustainable reforms. He added that the tax system is being restructured and broadened to bring more sectors into the documented economy.