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LHC bars tree-cutting, construction violating green building rules

By
Muhammad Zubair
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LAHORE, Jul 04 (APP):The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday directed that no building in the city be constructed without complying with green building standards.
The court also emphasised that no development project involving tree cutting should be approved.
Justice Shahid Karim passed the directives while hearing a set of petitions, filed by Haroon Farooq and others concerning smog control.
During the proceedings, a  representative of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) submitted a report highlighting the inclusion of green building standards in the new building bylaws. The court was informed that a construction certificate from the Pakistan Green Building Council will now be mandatory for all future buildings.
At this, the court remarked that LDA must also enforce these environmental standards on ongoing construction projects and encourage compliance from already constructed buildings.
NESPAK Project Manager Jamshed Janjua briefed the court regarding the Blue Line project along the Lahore Canal.
Addressing the NESPAK officer, the court observed , “The Blue Line project is under review. Canal Road is lined with large, old trees. These must not be removed.”
It clarified that the court was not opposed to development but insisted that all projects must meet environmental standards. “Trees are essential for our environment. Please show mercy to this country and its people; you have children too,” the judge remarked. He also noted that the Supreme Court had already declared the canal a heritage site.
NESPAK’s project manager assured the court that all trees along the canal have been geotagged and none would be cut.
The court further highlighted the issue of persistent traffic jams on service roads, calling it a serious concern. It directed the Chief Traffic Officer and the Environmental Commission to consult on resolving parking-related congestion.
Deputy Attorney General Asad Ali Bajwa presented a booklet outlining the efforts made by the Motorway Police. The judge appreciated their role, noting that motorway officers consistently attend each court hearing and their contribution to the proceedings is commendable.
Also present in court were Assistant Advocate General Hassan Ijaz Cheema, Deputy Director Environment Ali Ijaz, members of the Environmental Commission, and representatives from various departments.
The court adjourned further hearing until July 11.

RCB achieves record property tax collection of Rs 1.48 Bn

By
Kamran Muraad
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RAWALPINDI, Jul 04 (APP): The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) has recorded a historic property tax collection of Rs 1.482 billion for the fiscal year 2024-25, marking a significant increase of Rs 246.0 million compared to the previous year’s total, according to Arshad Khan, Additional CEO of RCB.
Arshad Khan highlighted that RCB’s introduction of a 10% rebate on property taxes, valid until June 30, 2025, received an overwhelming response from both domestic and commercial taxpayers, encouraging timely payments. “This incentive played a key role in driving the record collection figures,” he said.
” This represents a 20% rise in collection, attributed to the addition of 2,054 new units in the Cantonment areas, boosting the tax base”, said Muhammad Siddique, Revenue Superintendent RCB who has been directly supervising the tax collection drive.
Separately, the water charges collection reached Rs 343.0 million in the current fiscal year, up from Rs 301.0 million last year, reflecting a 13.6% increase or an additional Rs 42 million (approximately).
Siddique observed that these gains underscore RCB’s efforts to enhance revenue streams amid growing demand for services.
The figures signal a robust financial performance for RCB, however the Add’l CEO emphasized ongoing efforts to ensure compliance and sustain this upward trend.

SECP appellate bench resolves 124 appeals in FY 2024–25

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Jul 4 (APP):The Appellate Bench of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), in interest of timely justice and regulatory accountability has disposed 124 appeals during the financial year 2024–2025.
Of the appeals decided, 22 cases pertained to the Insurance Ordinance, 2000, while 15 were related to the Securities Act, 2015. Additionally, 34 appeals involved provisions of the Companies Ordinance, 1984, and the Companies Act, 2017, and 05 appeals addressed violations of the Non-Banking Finance Companies Regulations, 2008, said a press release issued here on Friday.
The remaining 48 appeals concerned breaches of the SECP’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Regulations, 2018 and 2020. Out of the 124 appeals filed against orders issued by SECP’s adjudicating authorities, the Appellate Bench upheld 113 decisions, while 11 orders were set aside. This outcome underscores the Bench’s efficiency, impartiality, and its role as an effective appellate forum for redressal of grievances and dispute resolution.
All decisions rendered by the Appellate Bench are publicly accessible on the SECP’s official website, reflecting the Commission’s ongoing commitment to transparency and good governance. In addition to clearing a substantial portion of the backlog, the Appellate Bench registered 73 new appeals during the same period. This rising caseload highlights the increasing reliance of stakeholders on the Bench as a vital instrument of regulatory justice.
To further enhance accessibility, the Appellate Bench has also been conducting sittings at SECP’s regional offices across major cities on request.
This initiative aims to facilitate appellants based outside Islamabad.

6000 youth provided latest training in various fields under BUE&EI: CM Bugti

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
QUETTA, Jul 04 (APP):Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Friday said that so far, more than 6,000 youth from across the province have been provided with modern training in various fields under the Balochistan Youth Empowerment and Engagement Initiative (BUE&EI) due to positive measures of provincial regime.
He said that this program is not only opening new doors of development for the youth but is also becoming a driver for the overall economic and social development of Balochistan.
He shared these views while addressing at a prestigious ceremony organized in Quetta under the Balochistan Youth Empowerment and Engagement Initiative as the chief guest.
In the ceremony, the Chief Minister also distributed certificates and prizes among the talented male and female students who completed training based on skills, creativity and innovation.
The CM appreciated the performance of the youth on this occasion and said that the future of Balochistan is linked to these talented and talented youth who are being brought into line with modern requirements.
Laptops were given to 46 students, who showed outstanding performance in the program while regular certificates were also issued to all the participants who completed the training.
At the ceremony, Pakistan’s leading software and IT companies announced to provide jobs and internship opportunities for 50 youth who received training in this program which is a clear proof of the success and effectiveness of this initiative.
Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that the main objective of this program is to equip the youth of Balochistan with modern skills, provide them with better employment opportunities and promote economic self-sufficiency in the province.
He said that sustainable development is not possible without the development and involvement of youth, and this initiative is laying the foundation for a bright future for the province.

Muharram processions taken out in Hyderabad amid security

By
Muhammad Zubair
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0
HYDERABAD, Jul 04 (APP):Hyderabad’s largest mourning procession, organized by Jamaatis, was taken out late on Thursday night amid stringent police security.
The procession started from Fakeer Jo Pirh and passed through the traditional routes before culminating at Qadam Gah Moula Ali (RA) near Puqqa Qila. Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan’s MNA Syed Waseem Hussain, DIG Hyderabad Tariq Razzaq Dharejo, SSP Adeel Hussain Chandio, Deputy Commissioner Zain-ul-Abedin Memon and Mayor Hyderabad Kashif Ali Shoro visited the procession. They also checked the procession’s security at the control room. Meanwhile, more than 30 processions were taken out on Friday in Hyderabad by Anjuman Safeena-e-Hussaini, shrine of Ashraf Ali Shah at Puqqa Qila and Jeay Shah, among other organizers in different parts of the city.

‘Umro Ayyar – A New Beginning’ represents Pakistan at SCO Film Festival, Minister lauds team

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jul 04 (APP):Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Muhammad Aurangzaib Khichi, has expressed deep appreciation for the team behind “Umro Ayyar- A New Beginning” as the film represents Pakistan at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Film Festival in China.
In a message shared on Friday, the Minister said that the film’s participation as “a proud moment for Pakistani cinema,” calling it more than just a movie “a celebration of our heritage, magic, and imagination.”
He noted that Umro Ayyar stands as a testament to Pakistan’s rich storytelling traditions and creative excellence and praised its role in showcasing the country’s cultural identity to international audiences.
“The selection of this film at a prestigious global platform like the SCO Film Festival is not only an achievement for the filmmakers but also a reflection of Pakistan’s growing presence in the world of cinema and arts,” he added.
Khichi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting creative industries and promoting Pakistan’s diverse cultural heritage worldwide.
He said that “Umro Ayyar – A New Beginning,” draws inspiration from classic folklore, and reimagines it for modern audiences, blending fantasy with elements of national pride and identity.

Housing scheme MD arrested for fraud

By
Muhammad Zubair
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0
MULTAN, Jul 04 (APP):The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Multan arrested Zain Murtaza Zaidi, Managing Director of Gulberg Executive Housing Scheme, for his alleged involvement in defrauding citizens through an illegal housing scheme.
According to NAB Multan officials, the accused is suspected of luring a large number of people to invest in an unapproved and illegal housing project, causing loss of billions of rupees. Acting on credible information and in collaboration with intelligence agencies, the NAB Multan conducted successful raids to apprehend Zaidi.
The court granted physical remand of the accused for further investigation, collection of relevant records and recovery of embezzled funds.
On the directions of DG NAB Multan, measures were underway to recover the looted money and to extradite the main accused, Ghulam Asghar Gurmani, along with other absconders, from foreign jurisdictions.

Governor KP hosts ‘Hussain Sab Ka’ Conference to promote unity, religious harmony

By
Muhammad Zubair
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0
PESHAWAR, Jul 04 (APP):A special conference titled “Hussain Sab Ka” was held at the Governor House on Friday under the patronage of Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi in connection with the holy month of Muharram.
The conference brought together prominent religious scholars, clerics, and political leaders from various schools of thought.
Notable participants included renowned religious scholar Syed Usama Ajmal Qasmi, Chief Khateeb of KP Maulana Tayyab Qureshi, President of Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith KP Fazlur Rehman Madni, Member of the United Ulema Board Allama Abid Hussain Shakiri, international preacher Maulana Imran Bashir, KP President of Shia Ulema Council Allama Waseem Azhar Turabi, Maulana Abdul Basir Madni, Mufti Atiqullah, Maulana Iqbal Shah Haidari from JUI, and Maulana Arshad Qureshi from JUI (S), among others.
In his address, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi welcomed the scholars and highlighted the significance of the conference, saying that it reflected a collective move toward unity, tolerance, and inter-sectarian harmony.
 “This gathering is a testament to our commitment to set aside differences and embrace brotherhood, which is the true message of Imam Hussain (RA) and the key to a bright future,” he said.
The Governor emphasized that the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (RA) serves as a timeless example for humanity, teaching us to stand firm against oppression and to distinguish between truth and falsehood.
“Imam Hussain is not just an Imam of one sect or nation he is a leader for the entire Muslim Ummah and for all of humanity,” he added.
Addressing broader issues, Governor Kundi remarked that the Muslim Ummah is facing oppression globally.
He referenced recent aggression by India, which was thwarted by Pakistan’s armed forces and resilient public, as well as Israel’s attack on Iran, which was met with a strong response from the Iranian people.
He called for greater unity among Muslim nations and praised Pakistan’s nuclear program, initiated by Shaheed Zulfikqar Ali Bhutto, as a protector of the Muslim world.
The Governor also pledged to continue organizing such events at the Governor House to promote peace and inter-sectarian harmony with the cooperation of religious scholars.
Speakers at the conference lauded Governor Kundi’s efforts and said that the message being disseminated from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa today would have far-reaching positive impacts. They stressed that the message of Karbala teaches unity, patience, and adherence to Islamic principles.

Digital system being implemented in vegetable, fruit markets

By
Muhammad Zubair
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0
APP16-030624 HYDERABAD: June 03 – Farmers busy in packing mangoes in boxes after plucking from tree in field area near Tando Jam to deliver in fruit markets. APP/AKS/MAF/TZD
RAWALPINDI, Jul 04 (APP):Secretary Price Control and Commodities Management Department Punjab Dr. Ehsan Bhutta announced that under the directives of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, it has been decided to implement a digital system in vegetable and fruit markets.
He stated that Kahna Kacha market will be made a model by November this year.
He was addressing a meeting of Punjab Agricultural Marketing Regulatory Authority (PAMRA) here.
Meeting was attended by Additional Secretary Ms Ramala Hassan, Director General PAMRA Tariq Basra, Director E&M Tanvir Shami, Director Agricultural Marketing Information System Ajmal and other officers attended.
Dr. Bhutta issued instructions to hand over the management of market sanitation to LWMC.
He added that outsourcing market fee collection will significantly increase revenue and directed to prepare a plan for its implementation.
He also emphasized the need for cleanliness, drainage, clean water and electricity supply in markets and directed to develop training modules to enhance staff capacity. Furthermore, Market Committee secretaries’ attendance will be mandatory through geo-tagging during auction hours, and strict action will be taken against Market Committees failing to meet annual targets. All authorities under the department will ensure digital database and coordination. D.G. PAMRA also brief the progress of the department.

Court orders transfer of lion to Safari Park after attack on children

By
Muhammad Zubair
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0
LAHORE, Jul 04 (APP):A local court on Friday ordered for transfer of an illegally kept African lion to Safari Park Lahore after it attacked and injured children and a woman.
Judicial Magistrate Hassan Sarfraz Cheema issued the directive while hearing an application filed by the Punjab Wildlife Department.
During the hearing, a wildlife inspector submitted the case challan and informed the court that the lion had been taken into custody from the accused on the night of July 3.
He submitted that the the accused was unlawfully keeping an African lion at a private residence in Johar Town area, where the animal attacked and injured several children and a woman on Thursday.
He requested the court to allow the safe relocation of the lion to Safari Park.
After reviewing the case record, the court accepted the request and directed that the lion be safely transferred to Safari Park under proper supervision.
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