SIALKOT: March 10 –
A vendor displaying shoes to attract the customers at his roadside setup.
SIALKOT: March 10 –
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif receives briefing regarding the monitoring cell for disbursement of Ramzan Package 2025 at the National Telecommunications Corporation.
ISLAMABAD: March 10 –
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ISLAMABAD: March 10 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif receives briefing regarding the monitoring cell for disbursement of Ramzan Package 2025 at the National Telecommunications Corporation. APP/TZD
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry is addressing the staff of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs.
ISLAMABAD: March 10 –
Honourable Mr. Justice Yahya Afridi, Chief Justice of Pakistan in a meeting with High Court Bar Associations of Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Bahawalpur along with the District Bar Association Sargodha at Supreme Court of Pakistan.
ISLAMABAD: March 10 –
Honourable Mr. Justice Yahya Afridi, Chief Justice of Pakistan in a photo with Muhammad Salim Khan Registrar, Supreme Court and Engr. Dr. Muhammad Hanif GIKI after MoU signing ceremony between Supreme Court of Pakistan and Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute (GIKI) at Supreme Court of Pakistan.
ISLAMABAD: March 10 –
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif receives President Asif Ali Zardari as he arrives at the Parliament House to address Joint session of the Parliament.
ISLAMABAD: March 10 –
vendor displaying ‘Afghani bread’ to attract the customers at his shop in a local market.
QUETTA: March 10 – A
vendor displaying ‘Afghani bread’ to attract the customers at his shop in a local market.
People gather to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan at Jamia Masjid Karmanwali, Mohalla Sadiqabad, Nishatabad.
FAISALABAD: March 10 –
Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production, assumed office.
ISLAMABAD: March 10 –
PFA discards 137 litre beverages,10kg unhealthy food
MULTAN, Mar 10 (APP):In a bid to ensure the supply of safe and high-quality food, the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) intensified its operations across multiple districts, including Multan, Khanewal, Vehari, and Lodhran.
The authority’s food safety teams conducted inspections at various hotels, grocery stores, hospital cafeterias, and ice cream shops, imposing heavy fines for violations of hygiene and food safety standards.
During the crackdown, PFA teams confiscated 137 liters of expired beverages and 10 kg of substandard food, which were immediately disposed of.
In Multan, inspections were carried out at Nag Shah Chowk, Jinnah road, and Nagana Chowk, where three hotels were fined a total of Rs. 75,000 for storing stale food in freezers, poor kitchen hygiene, and failure to provide medical certificates for workers.
In Khanewal, three beverage plants in Adda Rahim Shah and 3 Marla Scheme near Fatima Masjid, Jahanian, were fined Rs. 35,000 for using bottles of other brands and producing drinks with zero bricks value.
Meanwhile, in Burewala, an ice cream shop was penalized Rs. 7,000 for failing to maintain the required fat content in milk and lacking proper purchase records.
Additionally, an inspection was conducted at Tehsil hospital Kahror Pakka, where a hospital canteen was fined Rs. 10,000 for selling expired beverages. Furthermore, a grocery store in Kahror Pakka was fined Rs. 10,000 for selling adulterated spices and storing food directly on the floor.
CM starts 3rd phase of mechanized agriculture in Punjab with 60 % subsidy on super seeders
LAHORE, Mar 10 (APP):Under the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a historic era of mechanized cultivation of the Super Seeder project has officially been launched in Punjab for the first time.
The launch of the largest Super Seeder project is likely to significantly reduce smog. The third phase of the provision of Super Seeders at a 60 percent subsidy has been started in Punjab. The Agriculture Department has sought applications from the farmers for the provision of Super Seeders in the third phase.
The CM had formally launched the program by carrying out balloting for 1000 Super Seeders last year. In the second phase, the manufacturing process of 2,000 Super Seeders is nearing completion. In the third phase, a target has been set to complete the provision of 2000 Super Seeders before the sowing of wheat in October. With the use of Super Seeder, the remains of the paddy crop are mixed into the soil.
Wheat cultivation has improved on more than 110,000 acres of land in Punjab through super seeders. Through super seeders, an increase in production will be possible, crores of rupees will be saved in terms of fertilizers and seeds for the wheat crop. Farmers who get super seeders will provide services on rent to other farmers.
In the third phase of super seeders, farmers who own 65 horsepower tractors can apply for super seeder.
The farmers can apply from home from the official website www.agripunjab.gov.pk. Application forms are also available in the offices of the concerned Agriculture Officer, Assistant Director Agriculture (Extension) or Assistant Director Agricultural Engineering. A toll-free number 0800-17000 has also been established for further information and guidance of the farmers.
CM Maryam Nawaz said the dream of innovation in Punjab’s agriculture has become a reality with agricultural mechanization. The use of super seeder will prevent the burning of paddy residue and the farmers of Punjab will be equipped with the latest agricultural technology. She added, “We are adhering to our policy of reducing costs for the farmers by increasing production. The promotion of industry and trade is also conditional with better farming. ‘Kisan Khushal……Punjab Khushal’ is not just a slogan but a reality. Kisan Card, Super Seeder and other programs will cause a visible increase in the production of crops as well as yield per acre records in Punjab.”
Interviews for constables in progress
GUJRAT, Mar 10 (APP):The interview phase for the recruitment of constables and lady constables in Gujrat police is in progress at the DPO Complex.
According to a police spokesperson, candidates who cleared the physical measurements, running test, and written examination are now appearing for interviews. Chairman Recruitment Board, DIG Ayaz Saleem (CPO Gujranwala), DPO Gujrat Dr. Mustansar Atta Bajwa, and SSP Muhammad Hassan Iqbal conducted the interviews, with 234 candidates participating in the process.
To ensure transparency, the interviews are being video-recorded, and candidates’ attendance is registered through a biometric system. Strict security measures have been implemented during the proceedings.
The chairman of the recruitment board reiterated that merit and transparency would be upheld at all stages. The final list of successful candidates will be released upon completion of interviews.
CM takes notice of reaction of injection on patients in Mayo Hospital
LAHORE, Mar 10 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has taken notice of news of reaction of an injection on patients in Mayo Hospital.
The CM expressed profound grief and sorrow over the deaths of patients due to alleged reaction of an injection. She expressed her heartfelt sympathies and condolences with the bereaved families and sought a report from the Secretary Specialized & Healthcare. The chief minister directed to provide best medical treatment facilities to the patients. She said, “I am deeply concerned over the incident of reaction of an injection. Strict action should be taken against those responsible for committing this negligence.”
SCP to hear appeals for cancellation of bail in cases relating to May 9
ISLAMABAD, Mar 10 (APP):The Supreme Court has adjourned, for a month, hearing of the Punjab government appeals against Lahore High Court judgements granting bails in cases relating to May 9 and 10 events. The Court will hear the same after Eid holidays, April 2025.
A three-member Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Yahya Afridi and comprising Justice Musarrat Hilali and Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb was scheduled to hear the appeals.
The court granted adjournment on the request of the Counsel for the Punjab Government, Advocate Zulfiqar Naqvi who appeared before the court and sought adjournment.
The Counsel pleaded before the Court saying he needed time to study the cases and prepare his arguments as he is appointed recently by the government in all appeals for cancellation of bail granted by the LHC in the same event.
The Chief Justice noted that there are cases of the same nature fixed before the court tomorrow and the other days. The Chief Justice, expressing his displeasure, remarked that the prosecutor was pleading for time yesterday and the counsel today. There are more than 50 such cases of appeals of the provincial government for cancellation of bails.
The Counsel requested the court to adjourn all such cases fixed for the current week so he can prepare for the cases fixed during the coming weeks.
The Court granted the appeal de-listing all appeals of the Punjab government against LHC judgments granting bails in cases relating to May 9 and 10, 2023.
Pakistan made progress to empower women amid major structural, cultural barriers: Experts
ISLAMABAD, Mar 10 (APP):Experts on Monday at the International Women’s Day Seminar here highlighted that Pakistan has made progress in meeting gender equity and women empowerment goals amid persisting major structural, legal, and cultural barriers.
The panelists urged accelerated efforts in gender-responsive budgeting, stronger law enforcement, and active community engagement to ensure that the commitments made under Beijing+30 and SDG-5 translate into tangible improvements in women’s lives.
These were the takeaways from the seminar titled “Rights, Equality, Empowerment Through Beijing+30 in Pakistan: Reflections, Challenges and Future Directions” organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) to mark International Women’s Day, said a press release.The event brought together experts, policymakers, and activists to evaluate Pakistan’s progress on gender equality, particularly in light of the Beijing Declaration adopted 30 years ago.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Shafqat Munir Ahmed, Deputy Executive Director of SDPI, emphasized that Pakistan has been an active participant in the Beijing+30 forum, striving to uphold women’s rights and drive global commitments to gender equality. He highlighted that patriarchal and structural mindsets remain major barriers, embedding a system that continues to sideline women.
He added that to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, three reports were launched, all of which concluded that the world had failed to meet its targets and remains far from achieving SDG-5 (Gender Equality). However, UN Women, UNICEF, and UNITAD contributed to these reports, stressing that while women’s participation in various sectors has increased, their overall status remains unsatisfactory.
Dr. Munir noted that gender inequality is not just a developing world issue, as countries like the United States are also grappling with similar challenges.
Gender and Women’s Expert, SDPI, Sadia Satti in her technical keynote analyzed the nine progress on the key targets of SDG-5, which include ending discrimination, eliminating gender-based violence, and abolishing harmful practices. She shared alarming statistics claiming that nearly 19 million children in Pakistan fall prey to early child marriage. Women under 10 years old mostly remain unpaid for their work. Women’s representation in politics stands at 20.5% of parliamentary seats and female labor force participation fluctuates between 21-26%, the lowest in South Asia with a 38% gender gap in mobile phone ownership and internet usage.
Satti mentioned that Commission on Status of Women (CSW) Beijing+30 review will be conducted at national and international levels. While Pakistan has enacted several gender-focused legislations from 2020-23, implementation gaps persist, she added. She also pointed out that during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 floods, women and children were 14 times more likely to die than men, and 69% of girls dropped out of school in flood-affected areas.
Barira Hanif, Member of the Planning Ministry and Gender Expert, shed light on Uraan Pakistan, a newly launched initiative aimed at promoting equity and gender empowerment alongside economic development.
She highlighted that efforts are being made to mainstream gender in planning and development, particularly at the local community level. The Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) projects are also being reviewed with a gender-inclusive focus, she said, adding, the Planning Ministry, in collaboration with UN Women, has launched a Gender Action Plan that will be rolled out across federal ministries, whereas academia is also being engaged to evaluate and monitor gender-related indexes, ensuring a data-driven approach to policymaking.
Saman Ahsan from UN Women reflected on the Beijing Declaration, recalling that Pakistan was represented by a female prime minister when it was passed. Despite progress in legislative reforms and increased women’s participation in politics, significant gaps remain in implementation and enforcement.
Legal expert Riffat Inam Butt, former Secretary of Law and Justice, stressed that while 80% of women’s issues could be addressed through existing legal frameworks, weak enforcement limits their effectiveness. She underscored the importance of gender-disaggregated data to develop inclusive policies. She also pointed out that only 8% of the total workforce in the federal government comprises women, and media representation of women in leadership roles remains low.
In her concluding remarks, Dr. Fareeha Armughan, Research Fellow at SDPI, emphasized the urgency of shifting from gender-exploitative to comprehensive gender-transformative model. She pointed out that only 5% of women in Pakistan hold leadership roles and women’s solidarity networks are missing, limiting their collective bargaining power. She called for legislative measures to address these exploitative practices.
The Punjab Emergency Service Department responded to 21 road traffic accidents across Chiniot
CHINIOT, Mar 10 (APP):According to the report of District Emergency Chiniot, during the last 24 hours, the Punjab Emergency Service Department responded to 21 road traffic accidents across Chiniot and rescued 22 injured persons.
The number of men is 19 while the number of women is 3. Out of these 22 injured persons, 18 persons were slightly injured and were discharged on the spot after providing immediate medical aid, while 4 persons were seriously injured and were shifted to the relevant hospitals in a Rescue 1122 van after providing first aid.
Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi is being met by Secretary Railways Syed Mazhar Ali Shah.
ISLAMABAD: March 10 –
ISLAMABAD: March 10 – Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi is being welcomed by Secretary Railways Syed Mazhar Ali Shah upon his arrival at the Ministry of Railways. APP/MAF/FHA
Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi is presiding over a high-level meeting after assuming charge.
ISLAMABAD: March 10 –
Maryam Nawaz committed to healthcare reforms, says Azma Bukhari
LAHORE, Mar 10 (APP):Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bukhari has underscored Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s hands-on approach to addressing public healthcare concerns, stating that she is the first CM to personally visit hospitals to assess issues on the ground.
She lamented the unavailability of essential medicines in public hospitals, terming it “unacceptable,” and stressed the need for effective utilisation of government funds allocated for healthcare. Her remarks came during a press conference at the Punjab Assembly, where she also criticised the alleged politicisation of healthcare crises.
She said the Punjab government has increased the health budget by 500% and primary health centres have been made operational to ensure better medical facilities for the public.
Azma emphasised that hospital administrations are responsible for utilising government-provided funds for public welfare. She added that accountability does not rest solely with the chief minister but with all relevant officials.
Bukhari expressed sorrow over the deaths of two patients due to incorrect injections at Mayo Hospital, stating that the CM was deeply saddened by the incident and took immediate action by ordering strict measures against those responsible. The chief minister dismissed the hospital’s Medical Superintendent (MS) and CEO; however, this decision was subjected to unnecessary media trials, she said.
She further added that the unavailability of essential medicines in hospitals is unacceptable. The chief minister questioned the MS as to why patients were forced to buy medicines from outside when Mayo Hospital had a budget of Rs1.33 billion. Additionally, Rs 150 million had been allocated for health insurance, patients were still facing difficulties, which is a serious case of negligence, she added.
Azma Bukhari highlighted administrative issues within the health department and stressed the urgent need for improvement. She acknowledged that Punjab doctors are extremely hardworking and honest, but negligence will not be ignored. She expressed concern over doctors’ protests and strikes, stating that such actions create difficulties for the public and are unacceptable. She also remarked that Maryam Nawaz is the first Chief Minister of Punjab to personally visit hospitals to assess public issues, yet, unfortunately, baseless propaganda was created regarding the resignation of the MS, which is highly irresponsible.
The provincial minister reiterated that the Punjab government is taking all possible steps to provide better healthcare facilities to the public and that no negligence will be tolerated.
Federal Minister for Board of investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh assumed office of BOI.
ISLAMABAD: March 10 –