Author: Faizan Khan

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said on Wednesday that the provincial government was introducing legal reforms aimed at further empowering women and strengthening their rights. She made the remarks during a meeting with Acting US Ambassador to Pakistan Natalie A. Baker in Lahore, where the two sides discussed a range of issues, including education, security, investment and climate-related challenges. Maryam said comprehensive policies were needed to address the province’s development challenges and the growing impact of climate change. She stressed the importance of cooperation and expertise to help Punjab respond more effectively to environmental and developmental…

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: Squash legend Jahangir Khan has urged young players to understand that success cannot be achieved through shortcuts and requires sustained hard work and dedication. Speaking to the media in Lahore, Khan said Pakistan had no shortage of sporting talent but stressed the need to guide children properly and develop their commitment to the sport. “Success does not come through shortcuts. You have to work hard,” he said, warning that the way squash was currently being managed could lead to negligence in developing young talent. Khan made the remarks after inaugurating three newly constructed squash courts at…

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz invited US investors and business leaders to participate in the Punjab StartUp Fund, highlighting the province’s growing opportunities in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. Speaking to a US business delegation in Lahore, she said Punjab was seeking greater cooperation with American companies in technology transfer, technical expertise and investment to accelerate economic growth. She said stronger international partnerships could help expand the province’s emerging technology sector and create new opportunities for young professionals. The chief minister said the provincial government had set ambitious targets to develop human capital in frontier technologies. She…

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved the construction of 800 mini dams in the Pothohar region as part of the provincial government’s efforts to conserve rainwater, improve water management and address growing challenges related to water availability. Chairing a meeting on agriculture transformation and water management in Lahore, the chief minister reviewed progress on ongoing initiatives aimed at conserving water resources and improving groundwater management across Punjab. Maryam Nawaz directed the departments of Agriculture, Irrigation, Housing and Local Government to work together under a unified “One Window Water Security” framework to ensure better coordination and faster…

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: Lahore was hit by six hours of torrential rain, leaving large parts of the city submerged, disrupting traffic and causing fatalities as floodwaters inundated roads, underpasses and residential areas. The DHA and Harbanspura underpasses were flooded and closed to traffic, while rainwater entered homes in Tajpura and neighbourhoods near the airport. Several vehicles were submerged and many motorcycles broke down in the floodwater. Two brothers were killed after their motorcycle reportedly skidded on Ferozepur Road and crashed into a utility pole. Four other people were injured in separate incidents involving roof collapses during the storm. After…

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: The tuition teacher injured in the roof collapse that killed 14 children in Lahore’s Kahna area has rejected claims that construction work was under way at the time of the accident, saying the children were not being taught in unsafe conditions. In a statement following the incident, the teacher said she would not have held classes if building work had been in progress or if electricity had been unavailable. The roof of the tuition centre collapsed on 30 June, killing 14 children and injuring several others, including the teacher. Rescue workers, assisted by local residents, pulled…

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first against Australia in the second One-Day International at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday. The home side retained the same playing XI that secured victory in the opening match, while Australia made one change to their lineup. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa replaced fast bowler Billy Stanlake as the visitors looked to level the three-match series. Pakistan entered the contest with a 1-0 lead after winning the first ODI and will be aiming to seal the series with another victory in Lahore. Australia, meanwhile, need a win to keep the series…

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said Pakistan’s armed forces crushed India’s arrogance during the Maarka-e-Haq operation as the country marked the first anniversary of the military success with ceremonies held across the region. She attended the main event at Wagah Border, where a large number of citizens gathered to witness the commemorative ceremony. The chief minister also visited the Martyrs’ Memorial and laid flowers in tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the country. Speaking on the occasion, Maryam Nawaz congratulated the nation on completing one year since the operation and said Pakistan had given…

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi conducted a surprise visit to the NADRA centre at Shimla Pahari in Lahore and expressed strong displeasure over heavy rush and non-functional air conditioning. The visit focused on reviewing public service delivery and on-ground facilities. During the inspection, the minister directed authorities to improve arrangements at the centre and personally interacted with citizens waiting in queues. He asked them about the process of obtaining identity cards and other documents, and visited several counters to review operations. Mohsin Naqvi said he had visited the centre earlier when conditions were better, but this…

By Fain Khan LAHORE: Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 has officially announced its prize money ahead of the final, with the winning team set to receive $500,000 and the runner-up to get $200,000. The final will be played on Sunday at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore between Peshawar Zalmi and Hyderabad Kings. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that this is the first time separate prize money has also been allocated for franchises, including $200,000 for the team with the best player development programme and an additional $500,000 special reward for winning players. Peshawar Zalmi, who finished runners-up in 2018,…