WILL NEVER TURN BACK ON PEOPLE OF SOUTH PUNJAB: PM
At the invitation of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will pay a two-day state visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan from 24-25 February 2025 This marks Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif ’s second visit to Azerbaijan since assuming office in March 2024 He will be accompanied
It also seeks a stay order against the transferred judges, including Justice Sardar Mohammad Sarfraz Dogar who recently took oath as the acting chief justice of the IHC The petitioners including Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri Justice Babar Sattar, Justice Rafaqat Imtiaz, and Justice Saman Rafat, have raised 13 pleas before the court They contended that judges cannot be transferred from one high court to another without public interest
This move comes after IHC judges wrote a letter to President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi expressing concerns over the appointment of the chief justice of the IHC They had requested that the chief justice be appointed from among the three senior judges of the court itself
his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan wherein they engaged in comprehensive discussions to further strengthen the longstanding bilateral fraternal ties In the meeting held in Abu Dhabi at the invitation of the UAE deputy prime minister and foreign minister the two sides explored avenues to enhance bilateral cooperation across key sectors including trade, investment, energy, defense, and people-to-people connections, a Foreign Office press release said Saturday The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, underscoring the importance of promoting peace, stability, and shared prosperity
Senator Ishaq Dar congratulated the UAE leadership on the successful organization of the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai from February 11-13, 2025, and commended the UAE s visionary initiatives in fostering
global dialogue and cooperation
He reaffirmed Pakistan s commitment to deepening its multifaceted partnership with the UAE and highlighted the pivotal role of the Pakistani diaspora in the UAE describing them as a bridge between the two nations Senator Dar also expressed gratitude for the UAE s consistent support for Pakistan s economic development and progress
In response, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan reiterated the UAE’s steadfast commitment to strengthening its strategic relationship with Pakistan He acknowledged Pakistan s
significant contributions to regional stability and expressed appreciation for the positive role played by the Pakistani community in the UAE’s development
The two leaders agreed to maintain a regular high-level engagements and consultations to further solidify bilateral ties and coordinate on regional and international issues of mutual concern
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both dignitaries expressing optimism about the future of Pakistan-UAE relations and their shared vision for a prosperous, peaceful, and stable region
g
held a meeting which was presided over by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zahoorul Haq and attended by senior academics the delegation was briefed about the history of the UoG and its current standing in the region Both sides expressed a keen desire to further strengthen the ties in the field of higher education Prof Dr Haq
COMMENT
What fintech needs
Digital banking, cloud computing and AI pull Pakistan into the digital age
WITH the first Digital Retil Bank licence granted to Mashreq Bank the State Bank has begun to see light at the end of the fintech tunnel, which it had opened when it granted No-Objection Certificates to five institutions in 2023, out of the 20 which had applied As can be seen from only one licence being granted progress has been slower than could have been wished Digital banking has the potential to render the need for physical bank branches obsolete, and for customers to perform all functions with their smartphones There are two or three technical requirements however First, that all transactions be secure Second, that all functions are available at all times, or at least at definite times as with physical branches One major target was to reach out to such underserved segments as women and small businesses
In effect, it means that cloud computing will have to grow something which is a little uncertain even though the various telephone companies are also offering various services There is a need for the setting up of new data centres so that the banks can accommodate the vast amounts of customer data that will be generated The banks are thus finding themselves getting more and more involved in blockchain technology, as they prepare to offer security The days may soon be over where masked men with guns hold up a bank but instead there will be the rise of the cyber-criminal Indeed he has already arrived, and must be preparing for the time when the digital banks go online It my be remembered that banks were at the cutting edge of computerization decades ago when they set up huge banks of machines running on magnetic tape Is it unlikely that they will now be obliged to sey up their own data centres? Meanwhile the role of the government has expanded While the State Bank continues to supervise and regulate it will keep doing so, though the regulations may involve more failsafes than safes The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority becomes even more important because it won’t represent the avility of social media users
Diplomatic Breakthrough or Political
THE geopolitical landscape shifted dramatically this week as US President Donald Trump reignited hopes and controversies around ending the war in Ukraine In a flurry of phone calls public statements and leaked plans Trump positioned himself as a mediator between Kyiv and Moscow claiming both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin are ready to negotiate Yet, as the Munich Security Conference unfolds, skepticism abounds over whether this push for peace will yield tangible results or deepen existing fractures in transatlantic alliances On February 13 Trump announced he had held lengthy and productive calls with both Zelensky and Putin, declaring that the leaders shared his desire for peace He revealed plans for a high-stakes meeting in Munich involving US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio though Kyiv later denied reports of a three-way negotiation involving Russian representatives Trump s optimism was echoed by the Kremlin which confirmed the 90minute call with Putin and emphasized a mutual commitment to diplomacy However, Trump’s approach starkly contrasts with the Biden Administration’s strategy While Biden prioritized military aid and isolating Russia Trump has criticized Western dependency on US support urging Europe to shoulder more defense responsibilities US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth underscored this shift, stating that NATO membership for Ukraine is unrealistic and that Europe must lead its own
n s M e a n w h i l e , l e a k e d U S p e a c e p r o p o s a l s r ep o r t e d l y i n v o l v i n g t e r r i t o r i a l c o n c e s s i o n s a n d U k r a i n i a n n e u t r a l i t y h a v e f u e l e d f e a r s i n K y i v that Trump might sacrifice Ukrainian
H o w F i n t e c h i s C h a n g i n g I n v e s t m e n
t
to list its company-backed currency on a well-known exchange This step highlights its confidence in fintech innovation The launch will provide investors with new ways to engage in the field of crypto-finance For emerging markets like Pakistan, it signals greater inclusion in global financial systems A more accessible and transparent investment environment could benefit both local investors and businesses THE FUTURE OF FINTECH IN PAKISTAN As financial markets continue to evolve, Pakistan’s ability to adapt will shape its economic future The presence of global fintech
Perilous routes
Decades old roads
fostering an ecosystem that encourages collaboration between fintech
banks and policymakers Pakistan
as
player in
The integration of smart contracts, machine learning in trading, and the expansion of
financial services are just a few areas that could reshape the country’s economic outlook As fintech continues to evolve Pakistan has a unique opportunity to leverage digital transformation for sustainable economic growth The writer is a Research Fellow at the China International Press and Communication Centre
MuHAMMAd ZAMir AssAdi
M A HossAin
Par tisan and false advocacy
a one-sided view on the political landscape in the country during the week I have come across two articles in the media written by two well known intellectuals, one of whom is also a member of PTI and the other a former ambassador to the UK the USA and the UN The notions that they have tried to rub in are: the February 2024 elections were rigged which has denuded the coalition government led by Shahbaz Sharif of legitimacy; the gambit to remove Khan from power using coercion and fear and buying loyalties of people has never stopped spreading its pungent smell; the coalition government is dependent on the establishment and the bond between the two is hate of Khan; there is no rule of law in the country and the country has been pushed towards a more autocratic direction; despite efforts of SIFC investment has remained stagnant and investment-toGdP ratio has actually fallen from previous year; the economic stability claimed by the government is not sustainable; the concoction put in place comprising established criminals is busy making merry as the state of health of the country deteriorates and the dream of an economic resurgence is busted; through the 26th amendment the conquest of democracy is nearing culmination
The foregoing observations by these intellectuals are clearly an endorsement of the PTI narrative completely divorced from reality which necessitates unraveling the facts for benefit of the readers and all those stakeholders who crave unbiased evaluation of the issues raised by these so-called intellectuals in their discourses
The contention that February 2024 elections were rigged which has denuded the le-
gitimacy of the regime is the most preposterous proposition in view of the fact that it lacks authentic and legal evidence and is only based on the political narrative of PTI The falsehood is adequately exposed in the report by FAFeN which reveals that PTIbacked independent candidates filed a total of 206 petitions for recounting or re-polling which included 86 for NA and 120 for seats of provincial assemblies The election tribunals have dismissed 112 petitions so far including 38 by PTI-backed candidates in regards to 10 NA and 28 provincial seats The tribunals are likely to decide other cases in the near future but the trend adequately belies PTI claims of massive rigging in the election Further they should have known that the JUI(F) has also made persistent claims about its mandate having been stolen in KP where the PTI has formed the government While they made unauthentic claims of rigging in the 2024 election, one wonders why did they not mention that the 2018 elections were also rigged which is now a proven fact and the government formed on the basis of their result was also not legitimate? That is surely intellectual dishonesty Yet another reality which repudiates PTI claims and popularity is that in the by-elections on 4 of the NA seats in Punjab which were vacated by the PTI-backed independent candidates were won by PmL (N) Its candidates were also declared winners in two constituencies after recounting The assertion that the gambit of removing Imran Khan from power through coercion, instilling fear and buying loyalties of the people has never stopped spreading its pungent smell is again the biggest lie Imran Khan was removed through a constitutional process and it was the PTI which tried to torpedo the no-confidence motion through unconstitutional means as was vindicated by the unanimous SC decision in this regard That reality adequately unravels the love of the party for rule of law and respect for the Constitution
The narrative that the government was totally dependent on the establishment and the bond between the two was their shared hostility towards Khan is distortion of the facts The reality is that it was also the same during PTI rule Imran Khan is on record to have confessed a number of times regarding the dominant role played by then CoAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and about ther establishment and government being on the same page
To say that a concoction of established criminals has been put in place is also a
I s t h e A s i a n C e n t u r y o v e r ?
Fragmentation of rules-based order could give rise to an AI-driven 'Pax Technologica'
bizarre suggestion in view of the fact that though the PTI government implicated almost all the opposition leaders in false cases of corruption but they were all honourably acquitted by the courts of law Framing of rana Sanaullah in a false drug case as also admitted by the PTI itself after the end of its rule was the most ignominious act Not only did the PTI file a fake reference against for-
WHAT once appeared to be a decisive shift in global economic power -- from West to east from the developed world to a rising Asia led by China and bolstered by India -- now feels increasingly uncertain America s enduring technological edge and aggressive geopolitical pushback have clouded Asia's prospects dominance in the decades ahead remains undetermined and the ultimate victor may not be a nation or empire but a non-state entity
To be sure much of the Asian Century hype and ambition derived from epochs of global peace and order Well known are the imperial and dominant eras associated with rome, Britain and America, with their Latin references as Pax romana Pax Britannica and Pax Americana While rome lasted 1 500 years counting both its Western and Byzantine periods Britain lorded over a vast empire in the 19th century, before the U S
It waged a trade war against Japan's ascendancy in the 1980s After derailing the specter of a "Pax Japonica," it was back to business as usual for America
took over in the 20th Learning from the past its triumph in World War II led the U S to construct an international order with attendant rules and institutions that suited its interests It also immensely benefited the rest of the world through development aid and favorable trade privileges such as the Generalized System of Preferences While the U S -led world order proved superior to the communist alternative during the Cold War, it became a victim of its own success As the rest of the world increasingly closed the prosperity gap with the chief architect of the international system the U S pushed back First it waged a trade war against Japan s ascendancy in the 1980s After derailing the specter of a Pax Japonica, it was back to business as usual for America, coinciding with a new globalization phase and a burst of innovation in information and communication technologies The U S backed China s entry into the World Trade organization in 2001 fueling investment and technology transfers to a rapidly growing economic powerhouse, enabling low-cost production for both domestic consumption and global exports After China India followed suit with galloping growth reinforced by Southeast
Asia and still led by Japan and South Korea Chindia was one conception of the combined might and potential of the two most populous economies As China's average annual growth rate reached 10% in the 19912010 decades and 7% between 2011 and 2019 prior to the pandemic rumblings of a Pax Sinica made the rounds By 2020 Asia represented almost half of global gross domestic product with nearly three-fifths of the global population, comprising younger demographics with growing middle classes and greater buying power No wonder until recently the idea of the Asian Century rang so true and seemed so appealing europe seemed stagnant and the U S was in relative decline But the concept rested on shaky assumptions The misplaced premise was the expectation of uninterrupted prosperity, underpinned by global trade and finance rules that would keep all major players engaged As long as globalization continued to expand and deepen economic dynamism and development was expected to shift inevitably toward Asia home to the largest labor pools, biggest factories and most expansive markets The growth miracles of east Asia from the 1960s spreading to Southeast Asia in the 1980s and subsequently to China and India
undergirded the Asian Century narrative Border controls were loosened and trade and investment went up as global supply chains mushroomed and crisscrossed Asia, raising incomes and lifting countless millions out of poverty As long as established rules of the global economy carried the day, Asian economies were the main beneficiaries However when the U S under the first administration of President donald Trump started waging a trade and technology war against China and others, including the european Union, the roads toward an Asian Century faced bumps and barriers doubling down the second Trump administration is now conducting an open geoeconomic conflict against a wide array of economies from nearby neighbors to China -- with more to be announced -thereby accelerating the breakdown of the international rules-based order that has been indispensable for Asia's rise Production networks and supply chains will be shaken and rerouted as globalization and rapid technological advancements fragment along conflicting geostrategic goals even if the postwar international order could be maintained, the Asian Century would be hard to achieve because of another flawed assumption: There is no monolithic cohesive and uniformed Asia with viable leadership such as the Franco-German anchor to the european Union to underwrite and underpin an Asian Century China and India, Asia's two largest economies, have been at odds for decades China and South Korea, on one hand, and Japan, on the other, share a deep-seated historical enmity that predates World War II meanwhile democratic India and Japan form an unlikely partnership within the U S -led Quad alongside Australia With no Asian power accepted as the re-
gional leader ASeAN has taken on the role of broker and bridge The grouping of 10 Southeast Asian member states had a good two-decade run after the Cold War -- coming up with groupings such as the Asia-Pacific economic Cooperation, ASeAN regional Forum, east Asia Summit and ASeAN defence ministers meeting Plus But these crucial platforms for strategic dialogue and promotion of peace and prosperity have lost momentum as ASeAN has become divided over the U S -China tussle for dominance, China's belligerence in the South China Sea, myanmar s military coup and civil war, and the russian war on Ukraine ASeAN can only be effective if major regional powers can maintain a delicate balance and are at relative peace with each other -- especially with Washington and Beijing at loggerheads Finally, the frontiers of technology, innovation, productivity growth and value creation remain in the West This new fragmented phase of globalization that is constrained by borders does not bode well for the aspirations of an Asian Century The world s top billionaires are American and the most advanced software and artificial intelligence systems are conceived, coded, and developed in Western labs over the next 25 years we may see the rise of an AI-driven "Pax Technologica" that shapes the global order at the expenses of humans This could give nation states the chance to close ranks and remake a new order they can collectively control Thitinan Pongsudhirak is professor at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Political Science and a senior fellow at its Institute of Security and International Studies in Bangkok A quarter into the 21st century the "Asian Century" seems to have lost its momentum
I G N U K R A I N E R E S O U R C E S D E A L
Yi says China to continue suppor ting WTO reform
Chinese FM reaffirms two -state solution as key to lasting peace in Gaza
with
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Saturday while returning from the Group of 20 (G20) Foreign Ministers Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa During the conversation, Wang also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee held in-depth discussions on regional issues with Abdelatty Abdelatty provided an update on the latest developments in Gaza noting that Egypt is committed to promoting the full imple-
mentation of the ceasefire agreement and is working with other Arab countries to develop a reconstruction plan He emphasized that Egypt opposes the forced displacement of the Palestinian people China is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and the council s rotating president this month and Arab countries highly value China s unique and important role, Abdelatty said, adding that Arab countries hope for China’s support in restoring peace and rebuilding Gaza Wang said that China is a friend of Arab countries and a comprehensive strategic partner of Egypt He expressed China’s support for the just position of Arab nations and opposition to the forced displacement of the Pales-
tinian people calling for the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire agreement Gaza is part of Palestinian territory, and any future arrangement concerning it must respect the will of the Palestinian people while adhering to the principle of Palestinians governing Palestine in post-conflict governance Wang said, stressing the urgency of formulating reconstruction and governance plans China appreciates the efforts of Egypt and other Arab countries he added Only by adhering to the two-state solution can the root causes be fully resolved and a lasting peace ultimately achieved, Wang noted The two sides also exchanged views on issues related to Sudan and Syria
genuine multilateralism and firmly supports both the international system with the UN at its core and the free trade system with the WTO at its core He pointed out that while unilateralism and protectionism are prevalent today the trend of economic globalization is irreversible Therefore all parties should work together to promote trade liberalization and facilitation while accelerating global economic recovery China will continue to support the director-general in advancing WTO reform, listening to the voices of countries in the Global South, and keeping pace with the progressive trends of the times Wang said China adheres to its position as a developing country but it never shirks its international responsibilities he said We will continue to fulfill our due obligations and demonstrate our responsibility as a major country Okonjo-Iweala, for her part, noted that amid the chaos in the world China has moved in the right direction achieved the UN poverty reduction target ahead of schedule advanced industrialization rapidly and made remarkable achievements in education China s success has set a model for other developing countries to follow, she said The WTO highly appreciates China’s commitment to resolving trade disputes through dialogue and consultation within multilateral mechanisms in a mature and rational manner It also hopes to continue receiving strong support from China in promoting WTO reform she added
e r their release Those expected to be expelled were serving heavy sentences The ceasefire has so far seen 2 1 l i v i n g I s r a e l i h o s t a g e s f r e e d from Gaza in exchange for more than 1,100 Palestinian prisoners released from Israeli
Punjab CM: C lear vision and unwavering dedic ation to ser ve pubic like never before
Maryam Nawaz articulated
the
(Saudi Arabia), e& (UAE), G42 (UAE), Telecom Egypt, Zain Oman International (ZOI), Algérie Télécom, TeleYemen and other global service providers The cable system spans 10 000 kilometres and employ state-of-the-art advanced technologies The system will link Pakistan with strategic locations including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, France, Kenya, and Djibouti The cable will be terminated at Africa-1 Cable station in PTCL Exchange Misrishah Phase-VI DHA Karachi further positioning Pakistan as a vital hub in the global digital network
IB Day 2025 Celebrates Excellence, Growth, and Innovation in IB Education in Pakistan
KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T The International Baccalaureate (IB) community in Pakistan gathered today at the Movenpick Hotel Grand Ballroom to celebrate IB Day 2025 an event dedicated to recognizing the impact, growth, and contributions of IB education in the country Hosted by International Baccalaureate (IB) in collaboration with IBPAK the event brought together educators students policymakers and global IB leaders for insightful discussions success stories and a shared vision for the future
of
through comprehensive
plans and
wavering resolve to bring about meaningful change Her first year in office stands as a testament to her promises fulfilled and her vision turned into action This year-long journey of compassionate leadership and steadfast commitment to public service is a narrative of progress and transformation that goes beyond words It is a story of dedication perseverance and an unyielding commitment to the people of Punjab Since assuming office as Pakistan's first female Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz has exemplified visionary leadership through the launch of numerous public-friendly initiatives across diverse sectors These initiatives are not merely spontaneous actions but are backed by comprehensive research and a deep understanding of the ground realities, ensuring their effectiveness and sustainability Maryam Nawaz has consistently demonstrated her commitment to the progress and inclusion of all segments of society while upholding the principles of honor and dignity for a prosperous Punjab Her relentless dedication has been evident, as she tirelessly works to transform Punjab into a Progressive Punjab Amidst the detrimental politics of everyday protests I deem Maryam Nawaz s leadership is none other than a GOD s blessing for all of us Her leadership stands as a beacon of hope and stability Her unwavering efforts to deliver quality public services and her commitment to sustainable development are setting new benchmarks for governance and public welfare across the province She is not only reshaping the future of Punjab but also rekindling hopes for economic growth and prosperity
Working alongside such an enthusiastic compassionate visionary, and dedicated leader is truly inspiring It is always a privilege and feeling of satisfaction to communicate to public the impact of over 90 initiatives led by the Chief Minister These are not mere promises but tangible programs being executed on the ground, setting new standards for public service The transformative policies introduced under her leadership have inspired other provinces including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh to adopt similar progressive measures This influence reflects the far-reaching vision of a leader who leads by example That’s how a leader ’s vision inspires others, and we are proud that my CM takes a lead The Punjab CM has consistently demonstrated commitment to public welfare by taking historic initiatives, particularly for journalists and the youth of Punjab Her leadership stands as a beacon of progress and empowerment setting new standards in governance Under her visionary guidance the welfare of journalists has been prioritized like never before Despite the challenging economic conditions, CM Maryam took decisive action to double the Journalists Support Fund ensuring financial relief and security for media professionals
Additionally the Punjab Journalists Housing Foundation Lahore Phase II has been initiated Notably, journalists will only be required to pay
development charges as the cost of land will be borne by the government Furthermore Rs150 million have been earmarked to support Press Clubs across Punjab, reflecting her commitment to promoting freedom of expression and maintaining the media s role as a vital feedback mechanism for the government
Youth empowerment remains at the core of CM Maryam s vision for a prosperous Punjab Her deep emotional connection with youth was evident during the Honhaar Scholarship distribution ceremonies where she offered guidance and encouragement fostering a bond of trust and admiration Recognizing the potential of the younger generation, she provides them with the highest standards of education and equal opportunities Her vision is encapsulated in her Three Es motto for students: Education: Providing internationalstandard education to equip students for global challenges Empowerment: Enhancing educational facilities and resources to foster growth and innovation Equality: Ensuring equal opportunities for all students regardless of their background
Under the CM Honhaar Scholarship Program, over 30,000 talented students have been awarded scholarships exceeding 15 million rupees With the successful completion of the first phase applications have already been invited for the second phase which will include an additional 20,000 scholarships next year Furthermore, the CM Punjab Laptop Scheme aims to empower the youth by equipping them with modern tools for learning and research Her other areas of focus include Provision of Transport for Girls Colleges in various districts to ensure safe and accessible education for female students, CM School Meal Program benefiting over 400 000 children daily ensuring better nutrition and academic performance Public School Reorganization Program, enhancing the infrastructure and quality of education across Punjab, and Establishment of the First-Ever Autism School in Lahore promoting inclusive education for special needs children Punjab CM E-Bikes Scheme is also facilitating eco-friendly transportation for the youth On the other hand, 27 Electric Buses in Lahore are already on roads of Lahore setting a benchmark in sustainable urban transport
The CM has steadfastly championed the cause of social inclusion and equality through her transformative welfare initiatives Her unwavering commitment to delivering quality public services at the doorstep of every citizen without discrimination underscores her vision of a just and progressive Punjab Guided by deep empathy and respect, CM Maryam has prioritized the well-being of marginalized communities, including minorities whom she regards as the crown of her head Her conviction in fostering harmony and social security is evident in the launch of the Minorities Card, which presently benefits 50,000 families with a planned expansion to 75,000 families This initiative is a testament to her dedication to uplifting vulnerable communities and ensuring their rightful place in society Among her trailblazing pro-
grams is the Punjab Dhee Rani Pro-
gram, a pioneering initiative that celebrates the marriages of underprivileged couples with grace and dignity This program has supported 3 000 couples offering gifts which includes double bed with mattress bedsheets dinner set bridal and groom dresses, makeup, artificial jewelry and other household items
Furthermore, 100,000 rupees salami is a token of love from the chief minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif s inclusive governance also extends to empowering persons with disabilities (PWDs) through the CM Himmat Card Program, with a budget of Rs2 6 billion provides financial assistance and essential assistive devices ensuring that PWDs are integrated into mainstream society with respect and independence
Another landmark initiative is Ramzan Nigheban program, to cater to the needs of deserving families with dignity and self-respect for which approval of Rs30 billion have already been accorded Developing a data driven system for registering families Punjab Socio Economic Registry was launched in which around 3 95 million families (including 17 13individuals) registered till early February this year Apni Chat Apna Ghar is a program that stands out among many initiatives CM Punjab announced interest-free loans worth billions of rupees, and now two dozen houses have been completed in a short period of time, while around 8,969 houses are under construction Loans worth Rs13 2 billion have been disbursed among 14 103 beneficiaries till mid-February
More than Rs11 billion have been released in terms of loans so far for the applicants of the Apni Chat Apna Ghar scheme Punjab CM is conscious of the pain of homeless people so she has announced 3-marla plots for the poor and needy homeless people across Punjab Maryam Ki Dastak, offering 98 facilities, is another remarkable program aims to facilitate and digitalize the province by providing various services at their doorsteps
The Punjab CM s visit to China symbolizes progress cooperation and prosperity It was not just a diplomatic trip, but the beginning of a new era one that is driving Punjab toward modern technology economic development health agriculture environmental protection and the IT revolution
The Chinese leadership acknowledged the efforts of Maryam Nawaz in empowering youth, stabilizing the economy and promoting public welfare projects ranking her among world-class leaders
My CM Punjab s commitment to building a transformative Punjab led her to sign various MOUs in China to apply modern technology in the fields of agriculture, health, and environmental protection CM Punjab signed a memorandum of understanding with AI Force Tech in Beijing for the production of robotic agricultural machinery
This initiative laid the foundation for an agricultural revolution in Punjab which will not only increase production but also save labor and time for farmers Another MOU was signed for the use of the latest research and technology to address environmental pollution, especially smog
In the health sector, CM Maryam signed an agreement with Hygiea Medical Technology to provide the latest machinery to the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital This agreement extends beyond a single hospital and will guarantee the provision of modern treatment facilities across the entire province of Punjab This was the first time a
PM ORDERS PROBE INTO SMUGGLING NET WORK INVOLVING 78 CUSTOMS OFFICIALS, PRIVATE OPERATORS: REPORT
ISLAMABAD/LAHORE
Hamid Khan Group s Malik Asif Naswana was elected as president Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) by defeating Asma Jahangir Group’s Saqib Akram Gondal while the group s candidate also grabbed top slot of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association According to the LHCBA annual elections result, PTI-backed Asif Naswana obtained 7050 votes while Abdul Rehman Ranjha was elected as Vice President of LHCBA by getting 8225 votes Similarly Farrukh Ilyas Cheema became the Secretary of the Bar by obtaining 6833 votes Earlier, the voting timing for annual elections of the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) has ended which began at 9am and continued uninterrupted until 5pm Seven candidates were vying for three key positions, including
the president A tight contest is expected between presidential candidates Saqib Akram Gondal of Asma Jahangir Group and Asif Naswana from Hamid Khan Group For the seat of LHCBA Secretary Farukh Ilyas Cheema and Qasim Ijaz Samra are facing each other while for vice president three candidates – Sheikh Haseeb Bin Yousaf, Abdul Rehman Ranjha, and Abdul Razzaq Chadhar are in the race Hassam Bin Shoaib Kamboh has already been elected unopposed as finance secretary Election Board Chairman Shahzad Ahmed Mand said that out of the total 44,232 members, 30,763 registered voters were eligible to cast their votes in a biometric system He added that 2 287 women and 28 476 men will exercise their voting rights Seven polling booths have been set up equipped with 120 computers to facilitate the voting process Wajid Gillani elected as Presi-
dent IHCBA Meanwhile PTI-supported candidate Wajid Gillani was elected as President of Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) by obtaining 976 votes, against Abdul Wahid Qureshi who bagged only 704 votes Azam Nazir Tarar-backed Manzoor Judge was elected as Secretary of Islamabad High Court Bar by grabbing 844 votes against Qasim Nawaz Abbasi who got 828 votes Ifthar Ahmed Bajwa won the seat of vice president by getting 896 votes The runner up Raja Manzar Ali Kayani got 673 votes Bushra Haque Raja won the seat of Additional Secretary by obtaining 825 votes Palusha Ayaz Khan stood second with 815 votes Imran Ashfaq won the seat of joint secretary by getting 955 votes The runner Syed Zahir Shah got 655 votes Fazal Moula won the post of Finance Secretary with 966 votes the runner up Mohsin Abbasi came got 604 votes
Dr Saif of their respective concerns and requested strict action against the miscreants the KP information department said in a statement after the meetings The two sides reiterated their commitment to ensure full implementation of the peace agreement and assured full cooperation with the security forces and the government to establish peace ” 48 miscreants in Kurram arrested: IGP told On the other hand 48 miscreants were arrested in Kurram tribal district during an operation launched to ensure lasting peace in the region This was told during a meeting attended by Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shahab Ali Shah and Inspector General of Police Khyber
ISLAMABAD
S TA F F R E P O R T
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted widespread rain-wind/thunderstorms with snowfall over the hills across various regions of the country during the upcoming week A strong westerly weather system is expected to enter the western parts of Pakistan on the evening or night of February 24 and will extend to the upper parts by February 25, persisting in northern areas until March 02
Widespread rain-wind and thunderstorms with intermittent
heavy snowfall are predicted in Diamir Astore Ghizer Skardu Hunza Gilgit Guanche and Shigar in Gilgit-Baltistan as well as Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur in Kashmir from February 25 to March 02
Heavy rainfall and snowfall are expected in Chitral Dir Swat Shangla Kohistan Mansehra Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera Swabi Waziristan Kohat Karak Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan from the night of February
24 to March 01
Moderate to heavy snowfall is expected in Murree Galliyat and surrounding areas from February 25 to March 01 Rain-wind and thunderstorms are also forecasted for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, and Jhelum during the same period
expected in Hafiz-
Bahauddin, Sargodha, Mianwali,
Faisalabad and Toba Tek Singh
(evening/night) to February 28
