Author: Faizan Khan

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan, saying the perpetrators have no connection to Islam or Baloch identity. In a statement, she praised the security forces for foiling the attacks in a timely manner, adding that the nation takes pride in its brave defenders. She said Balochistan is an inseparable part of Pakistan, and Pakistan, in turn, belongs to Balochistan. “Every Pakistani loves Balochistan and its people,” she said. Maryam Nawaz warned that any hand raised against Balochistan would be dealt with firmly and that anti-state elements would not…

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has described the recent Lahore incident, in which innocent lives were lost, as a crime rather than an accident, saying it had left her “deeply ashamed”.In a strongly worded statement, the chief minister said the loss of lives in the heart of Lahore could not be dismissed as a mishap. “This was not just an accident. It was a crime, and it has bowed my head in shame,” she said.Maryam Nawaz criticized attempts to distort facts instead of accepting responsibility, accusing officials of trying to conceal incompetence. She said officers who…

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: In a historic first, Punjab’s cabinet ministers have begun an official training program on artificial intelligence (AI), personally led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The workshop, titled “Empowering Punjab with AI”, was attended by all ministers and marked the launch of a new initiative aimed at integrating digital technology into governance and public service. During the session, ministers were briefed on the practical use of AI tools such as GEMINI, policy frameworks, operational policymaking, sectoral reforms, and other areas where AI can support decision-making. Experts from Google for Education outlined a comprehensive plan, including master training…

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the “Ramzan Nighban” package, under which 4.2 million deserving families across the province will receive PKR 10,000 each during the holy month of Ramadan. The decision came during a meeting in Lahore chaired by the Chief Minister, focused on Ramadan preparations and public relief measures. Under the program, the government will issue Nighban cards to underprivileged citizens, enabling access to cash and essential goods. The scheme also includes ration cards, Nighban dining arrangements, “Sehoolat Bazaars” (facilitated markets), and other administrative measures. District authorities will distribute Nighban cards house-to-house, while…

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: The Punjab cabinet, in a meeting in Lahore on Friday, approved a series of public welfare and development initiatives, including the launch of the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar Program.” Under the new scheme, the government will allocate agricultural land to 50,000 landless farmers across the province. The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, also approved plans to expand electric bus services to the tehsil level. One thousand green buses with a cashless payment system will be procured to support the expansion. Cabinet members sanctioned hundreds of new posts across departments including Crime Control, Excise,…

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: The Punjab government has approved a plan to divide Lahore into two separate administrative districts in a bid to manage the city’s growing population and enhance governance, officials said. The decision, taken during a high-level meeting, is set to be implemented immediately after the Basant festival, marking a major restructuring of the provincial capital’s administrative framework. The government plans to redraw administrative boundaries to tackle long-standing challenges such as traffic congestion, encroachments, and other municipal issues more effectively. Lahore’s rapid population growth has placed significant strain on local services, prompting authorities to prioritize measures that can…

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: The Government of Japan has committed a grant of 2.91 billion Japanese Yen (around $18.62 million) to improve paediatric medical services in South Punjab. The “Exchange of Notes” and grant agreement were signed on Tuesday at the Ministry of Economic Affairs by Secretary Muhammad Humair Karim and Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi. The agreement formalizes Japan’s support for upgrading the Children’s Hospital and Institute of Child Health (ICH) in Multan, the region’s largest tertiary care facility. The project will provide modern medical equipment and enhanced healthcare services. Under the initiative, the hospital will undergo a comprehensive upgrade,…

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the construction of six biogas plants, aiming to expand the province’s clean energy initiatives. The decision was taken during a meeting on clean energy, where officials also agreed to launch a Waste-to-Energy project in Lahore. The Chief Minister further sanctioned three pilot biogas projects under the “Exemplary Village” program. Maryam Nawaz requested a detailed plan for small-scale biogas plants, emphasizing Punjab’s leadership in the field of clean energy. She highlighted that these plants would not only provide affordable gas for domestic use but also generate bio-fertilizer for agricultural purposes.…

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: Punjab’s information minister, Azma Bokhari, has said that the conduct of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ministers during proceedings in the provincial assembly was visible to all, arguing that their continued presence in Punjab reflected the government’s patience and restraint. Speaking to the media, Bokhari said the behavior adopted by KP ministers in the Punjab Assembly was a matter of public record. “It is a sign of our tolerance that they are still in Punjab,” she said, in remarks that underlined rising political tensions between the provinces. She said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Suhail Afridi was a citizen…

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif launched a lottery for 720 newly constructed flats aimed at providing housing for homeless industrial workers in the province, marking a significant step in the government’s efforts to improve living conditions for laborers. The Chief Minister inaugurated the draw by pressing a button and congratulating the successful applicants, while announcing plans to complete an additional 1,872 flats over the next 18 months. She also directed that widows and persons with special needs be given priority and allocated units on the ground floor for greater accessibility and safety. The event highlighted…