Author: Faizan Khan

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with members of the national cricket team selection committee, advising them to exercise complete free hand in their duties. Naqvi emphasized performing responsibilities honestly and without pressure, urging the committee not to worry about criticism and assuring them of his full support. The committee thanked the chairman for his confidence. Earlier, following Aleem Dar’s resignation, Misbah-ul-Haq and Sarfaraz Ahmed were included in the selection panel. #PCB #Cricket #Selection #Pakistan #Sports

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet implemented the proposed 5 million PKR (approx. $15,000) fine for players following Pakistan’s defeat to India in the T20 World Cup 2026. Sources say the board is considering financial penalties for future poor performances at the international level and is exploring tougher measures to improve accountability within the national team. However, the PCB chairman is reportedly a strong advocate for providing players with top-notch facilities and benefits. Under his leadership, the PCB introduced an auction system in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), replacing the previous draft mechanism for…

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: The Punjab education department has banned morning assemblies in all public and private schools as a precautionary measure following heightened security concerns linked to ongoing clashes with Afghanistan. The Home and School Education departments issued directives requiring schools to strengthen security immediately. District officials have instructed schools to ensure CCTV cameras are operational, deploy security guards at gates and surrounding areas, and assign teachers to support security duties. Main gates must remain closed during school hours, with only one central entry point in use. Emergency drills, phased evacuation plans, and awareness campaigns for students are to…

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif formally inaugurated Phase-III of the CM Green Tractor Program in Lahore on Monday, marking a significant step in the province’s ongoing efforts to modernize its agricultural sector. The ceremony also witnessed the launch of the balloting process for eligible farmers, signaling the official start of tractor allocations under the new phase. Addressing attendees, Maryam Nawaz highlighted the transformative impact of the Green Tractor Scheme on Punjab’s farming landscape. CM Maryam emphasized that by providing access to modern machinery, the program was not only easing the physical burdens on farmers but…

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed on Wednesday that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) remained committed to its founding principles and steadfast in upholding the legacy of its historic leadership. Speaking at a meeting with the party’s local and provincial leadership at Bilawal House in Lahore, Zardari underlined the centrality of political dialogue and democratic engagement in addressing the country’s challenges. He urged party workers and leaders to view alliances and conversations with other political forces not as strategic maneuvers alone, but as essential tools to foster justice, national harmony, and sustainable development. “Democracy is not merely…

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: Punjab’s chief minister, Maryam Nawaz, said her government would distribute Rs40bn in financial assistance to four million households during Ramazan, as she announced the launch of a new welfare initiative. In a statement issued from Lahore, she expressed gratitude over the introduction of the Ramzan Nigehban ATM card, describing it as a key step towards ensuring transparent and efficient delivery of aid. She said the financial support would reach families across the province during the holy month, providing relief at a time of rising living costs. Maryam Nawaz said the entire Ramzan Nigehban package would operate…

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: Muhammad Aurangzeb urged senior civil service officers to embrace a forward-looking and solutions-oriented mindset during a lecture at the National School of Public Policy (NSPP), Pakistan Administrative Staff College in Lahore on Friday. Speaking as part of the “Strategic Policy Dialogue,” an initiative designed to foster direct engagement between national leadership and top bureaucrats, the finance minister outlined his vision for Pakistan’s economic trajectory and stressed the critical role of institutional resilience in managing complex policy challenges. Aurangzeb highlighted the importance of strategic thinking and data-driven decision-making, emphasizing that coordinated action across ministries was essential to…

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said Basant had not only been successfully revived in Lahore but was also celebrated peacefully. Speaking about the festival in Lahore on Thursday, she said the people of Punjab had upheld the trust placed in them by the government. She also expressed grief over the recent bomb blast in Islamabad, underlining the nation’s determination to defeat the enemies of Pakistan and foil their designs. The chief minister said it was encouraging to see the younger generation put aside electronic gadgets and actively participate in Basant festivities. She described Basant as…

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced on Monday that the Basant festival celebrations in Lahore would be extended until 5am. In a message posted on X, she said the extension was intended as a reward for the city’s residents, who celebrated the festival with discipline while responsibly adhering to safety protocols. Maryam Nawaz praised the public for observing the festival in an orderly manner, highlighting that adherence to safety measures had allowed authorities to grant additional hours for festivities. The extension is seen as an acknowledgement of the city’s vibrant cultural spirit while balancing concerns…

By Faizan Khan LAHORE: The Punjab government has urged the public to strictly follow safety measures to ensure peaceful and secure Basant celebrations in Lahore. In a media statement, Home Department Punjab Secretary Ahmad Javed Qazi said comprehensive administrative and security arrangements had been put in place across the city ahead of the festivities. Qazi added that all relevant government departments were on high alert and actively performing their duties to safeguard the public. He emphasized that these measures were aimed at preventing accidents, maintaining order, and ensuring that citizens could celebrate the festival without risk to life or property.…