Punjab bans smoking in public parks to safeguard non-smokers

30
Jul

Punjab bans smoking in public parks to safeguard non-smokers

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In an attempt to safeguard nonsmokers and advance public health, the Punjab government has formally implemented a severe smoking ban in all of the province’s public parks. Every park is now a “no smoking zone” under the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers’ Health Ordinance 2002, which forbids smoking and the use of any tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. Individual users are not the only ones prohibited from smoking. It covers tuck shops, cafes, and other retail establishments that operate within public parks and forbids the selling of tobacco products on park property. The government has taken decisive action to guarantee the thorough and efficient enforcement of these regulations. Secretary Housing Noorul Amin Mengal issued a formal notification detailing the ban and issued clear directives for its enforcement. He instructed authorities to install visible ‘No Smoking’ signs throughout all parks in Punjab to alert visitors and maintain awareness. Additionally, a strict compliance monitoring system has been set up, with a ten-day timeline established for full implementation of the new regulations. Earlier in the day, Mengal visited Lahore’s renowned Bagh-e-Jinnah park, accompanied by Punjab Horticulture Authority Director-General Raja Mansoor. During this visit, Mengal highlighted the park’s historical and cultural significance and emphasized the importance of preserving its heritage. He underscored the need for public parks to be safe, clean, and welcoming spaces for families and individuals who visit for recreation and exercise. In alignment with the smoking ban, Mengal also ordered the installation of eco-friendly informational boards made from fiber and organic materials. These boards will promote environmental awareness and reinforce the new smoking regulations. His directives also called for the rigorous enforcement of all environmental policies within park areas to uphold sustainability goals. This initiative closely follows Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision to transform public parks into family-friendly and sustainable recreational spaces. The smoking ban is a vital step towards creating healthier environments where visitors can enjoy fresh air free from tobacco smoke and its harmful effects. The government’s decision to ban smoking in public parks aims not only to protect non-smokers but also to reduce the overall use of tobacco products in public spaces. By restricting access and visibility of tobacco within these popular areas, the policy hopes to discourage smoking, especially among younger visitors. The enforcement of this smoking ban across Punjab’s public parks will ensure cleaner air, less litter, and a safer environment for children, elders, and all citizens. It reflects the growing awareness of the hazards of smoking and the state’s commitment to improving public health standards. An important public health win for Punjab is the prohibition of smoking in public parks. This strategy will encourage healthier living and safeguard the province’s natural and cultural resources for future generations if it is implemented strictly and with community collaboration.

30
Jul

Government Launches Electric Bikes Scheme on Two-Year Installments to Boost EV Adoption

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The federal government has launched a ground-breaking program with a flexible two-year installment plan to encourage the use of electric bikes nationwide. This initiative seeks to lessen reliance on transportation fueled by gasoline and diesel while also accelerating the deployment of electric vehicles. With the provision of 116,000 electric bikes under this program, the government hopes to increase access to environmentally friendly transportation for a larger population. Official sources indicate that the finance and subsidy plan for electric bikes is almost complete. On the approaching Independence Day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is anticipated to make the official announcement of the new electric vehicle (EV) policy. The goal of this program is to lessen environmental pollution and promote environmentally friendly transportation. The instalment plan is being developed in collaboration with the State Bank and the Bank Association, ensuring easy financing options for buyers. Under this scheme, purchasers will receive a subsidy of Rs50,000 for each electric bike and electric rickshaw. The offer is available for citizens aged between 18 and 65 years, making it broadly inclusive. With the subsidy applied, the upfront cost of an electric bike will decrease substantially. The average price of these bikes is estimated at around Rs250,000, with buyers expected to pay the remaining balance in monthly instalments over two years. This affordable payment plan is intended to attract more consumers towards electric bikes, further boosting the shift to cleaner transportation. Currently, 17 manufacturers have secured licenses to produce electric bikes under the new policy. The government’s ambitious goal is to increase the share of electric vehicles on the roads to 30% by 2030. To support this transition, the government has pledged subsidies totaling Rs100 billion spread over the next five years. The annual subsidy distribution includes Rs9 billion for this fiscal year, rising to Rs26 billion by 2029. The policy also sets long-term targets for electric vehicles, aiming to produce over 2.2 million electric vehicles by 2030. Looking ahead, the government aspires to have 90% of all vehicles on the road be electric by 2040, and to achieve a fully zero-emission fleet by 2060. These targets highlight the government’s commitment to combating climate change and reducing air pollution. Adopting electric bikes and electric vehicles on a large scale is expected to significantly reduce the country’s fuel import bill and lower carbon emissions caused by traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. This move will also encourage the growth of local electric vehicle manufacturing industries, potentially creating new jobs and boosting the economy. To sum up, the government’s new program that offers electric bikes in two-year installments is a significant step in the direction of environmentally friendly transportation. This project encourages people to adopt electric vehicles and help create a healthier environment by lowering the cost and increasing the accessibility of electric bikes.

29
Jul

SC Adjourns Hearing on Imran Khan’s May 9 Bail Pleas Without Notices

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The Supreme Court of Pakistan has postponed the Imran Khan bail hearing in eight cases linked to the May 9 riots, delaying the proceedings until August 12, 2025. The adjournment came without issuing any notices, despite a request from the legal team representing the PTI founder. On Tuesday, a two-member bench led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui heard Imran Khan’s appeal against the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) earlier rejection of his bail requests in these high-profile May 9 cases. Imran’s legal representative in the Supreme Court, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, appeared before the bench in place of senior counsel Salman Safdar, who is currently abroad. Raja informed the bench that Safdar had sought a one-week adjournment and requested the court to issue formal notices to relevant parties. However, the bench denied the requests and adjourned the Imran Khan bail hearing to next month. The cases stem from the violent protests that erupted on May 9, 2023, following Imran Khan’s arrest from the premises of the Islamabad High Court. The unrest led to attacks on government and military facilities, including the Lahore corps commander’s residence. In November 2024, an anti-terrorism court in Lahore denied Imran bail in these cases, a decision upheld by the LHC on June 24, 2025. Following the LHC verdict, Imran Khan moved the Supreme Court, arguing that he was in the custody of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) at the time of the violence, making it “impossible” for him to have orchestrated or abetted the attacks. The petition filed by Salman Safdar claimed that the PTI founder had been subjected to an “unprecedented campaign of political victimisation” since his ouster as prime minister in 2023. It also alleged that the LHC based its decision on “fabricated evidence,” including statements from police officials who reportedly attended PTI meetings in secret. According to the LHC judgment, prosecution witnesses claimed Imran instructed PTI leaders during meetings held on May 4 in Chakri and from May 7–9 at his Zaman Park residence in Lahore, encouraging them to attack military sites in the event of his arrest. Despite being acquitted in other politically charged cases such as the cipher and Iddat trials, the May 9 cases remain a major legal hurdle for the former prime minister. With the Supreme Court adjourning the Imran Khan bail hearing until August 12 without issuing notices, the legal battle over the May 9 incidents continues to evolve. PTI maintains that the charges are politically driven and based on unreliable testimonies. As the next hearing approaches, both legal experts and political analysts will closely watch the court’s next steps in one of Pakistan’s most significant political and legal sagas.

29
Jul

COMSATS LAHORE Lahore Teacher Faces Backlash Over Alleged Student Abuse

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An alarming case of alleged COMSATS LAHORE teacher abuse has emerged from Lahore, sparking outrage among students and raising questions about accountability within academic institutions. The incident, which reportedly occurred on June 19, has brought COMSATS LAHORE University Lahore under scrutiny after a teacher allegedly insulted a student and his family in front of an entire class. The controversy began when a student arrived without a laptop to a lecture and was publicly reprimanded by Dr. Tayyab Chaudhary, a faculty member at the university. According to students present during the incident, the situation escalated quickly as the teacher made offensive remarks, allegedly targeting the student’s father and questioning the family’s financial status. Incident Caught on Camera A fellow student reportedly captured the episode on their mobile phone, which has since been circulating among the student body. The clip allegedly shows Dr. Chaudhary instructing the student to call his elder brother during class and asking him to arrange a laptop through “zakat”—a term referring to charitable donations in Islam. This remark in particular has been widely condemned as humiliating and insensitive. This disturbing instance of student harassment triggered an immediate reaction from classmates, who approached senior faculty members and the Head of Department to report the behavior. However, their concerns were allegedly brushed off. “They told us not to make a big deal out of it and said the teacher might’ve been stressed,” a student wrote in an Instagram post recounting the experience. Instead of addressing the complaints, students claim the teacher retaliated by deliberately lowering the grades of the entire class. Multiple students have since come forward alleging similar instances of past misconduct by the same faculty member, accusing the administration of turning a blind eye. Students argue that this incident reflects a broader issue of unchecked power and lack of disciplinary oversight within the university system. They have called for an official investigation and disciplinary action against Dr. Chaudhary, demanding that COMSATS LAHORE take steps to prevent further student harassment. This isn’t the first time students have voiced concern about this particular faculty member. Several testimonies suggest a pattern of disrespectful and aggressive behavior. Yet, administrative inaction has allowed such incidents to continue, undermining the mental well-being and academic progress of students. The alleged COMSATS LAHORE teacher abuse case has ignited a wave of criticism online and on campus. With students publicly demanding transparency and justice, COMSATS LAHORE University now faces increasing pressure to hold faculty accountable and foster a respectful learning environment. The student community awaits a formal response and hopes for systemic change to ensure dignity and fairness for all.

29
Jul

Islamabad and Ankara Urge Immediate Ceasefire Amid Gaza Crisis

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In a strong diplomatic move, Pakistan and Turkiye have jointly called for an immediate Gaza ceasefire and the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid. This development came after a telephonic conversation between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Both leaders condemned the continued Israeli military operations in Gaza, expressing deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis, which includes widespread starvation, forced displacement, and the loss of countless innocent lives. The foreign ministers emphasized the need for a permanent and immediate Gaza ceasefire, urging international actors to come together for a peaceful and lasting resolution. They stressed the importance of allowing unimpeded humanitarian assistance into the besieged region and highlighted the urgency of coordinated global action. Both Islamabad and Ankara reiterated their steadfast support for the Palestinian people as the situation on the ground worsened. The ministers hoped that the international conference on the two-state solution’s implementation, which is taking place at the United Nations today, would yield significant results. In the meantime, Gaza’s humanitarian situation keeps getting worse. Israeli forces murdered 27 Palestinians, including 12 closes to areas where aid is distributed, according to the Gaza Civil Defense Agency. The region’s humanitarian catastrophe is made worse by the continuous fighting, which also continues to impede relief attempts. In a limited move toward easing the suffering, Jordanian and Emirati military aircraft airdropped food supplies into Gaza on Sunday. These efforts coincided with Israel’s initiation of a “tactical pause” in its military operations, allowing aid agencies a narrow window to deliver critical resources to starving civilians. Tom Fletcher, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, welcomed the tactical pauses in conflict. “I’m in contact with our teams on the ground who will do all we can to reach as many starving people as we can in this window,” he stated. However, international observers and humanitarian organizations continue to stress that these brief pauses are not enough. Only a full Gaza ceasefire and consistent humanitarian access can prevent the total collapse of essential services and the further loss of civilian life. The joint call from Pakistan and Turkiye reinforces the urgent need for the global community to push for an immediate Gaza ceasefire. With the humanitarian crisis deepening each day, coordinated efforts are crucial to end the violence and deliver aid to those most in need. The world watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough toward peace and justice in Gaza.

29
Jul

Punjab New School Timings Post Summer Break

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As the summer vacation draws to a close, the Punjab government has announced fresh Punjab school timings for both public and private institutions. Schools and colleges across the province are scheduled to reopen on August 15, 2025, subject to weather conditions. The announcement helps students and parents plan better for the upcoming academic session. According to the official notification, the standard school reopening date remains mid-August, though there’s a possibility of further delay due to the intense heatwave affecting several regions in Punjab. Authorities have assured that any extension in the holidays will be communicated promptly. New Timings for Educational Institutions Punjab’s single-shift schools are currently scheduled to operate from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm, Monday through Thursday. Due to religious observances, these establishments will close earlier on Fridays at 11:30 a.m. For schools operating on a double-shift basis, the morning shift will also begin at 7:30 am and end by 1:00 pm. The second or afternoon shift will start at 2:00 pm, continuing until 6:00 pm from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, the second shift will run from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm, giving students and staff a slightly shorter day. These adjustments reflect the government’s effort to maintain academic continuity while managing the current climate challenges. The school reopening process will be monitored closely, especially in regions where the heatwave is particularly severe. Parents Advised to Stay Alert Parents and school administrators have been encouraged by the Punjab Education Department to stay vigilant about weather updates and any additional notices. Authorities have not ruled out extending the summer vacation due to the risk that the ongoing high temperatures represent. Students’ safety and wellbeing continue to be the primary concern. While Punjab school timings are now officially in place, a final decision on reopening will depend on environmental factors. If no extension is announced, normal classes are expected to resume by Monday, August 18, 2025. In the meantime, parents are encouraged to begin preparations such as buying uniforms, books, and school supplies, but also remain flexible in case of last-minute changes. The government will issue updates as needed through official channels. With the school reopening scheduled to begin soon, the Punjab government is striking a balance between educational needs and student safety. It is recommended that parents, students, and school personnel frequently check for any updates regarding Punjab school schedules and reopening schedules.

28
Jul

9 Dead, 30 Injured in Tragic Bus Accident on Islamabad-Lahore Motorway

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A horrific Islamabad-Lahore motorway accident occurred early Sunday morning near the Balkassar Interchange in Punjab’s Chakwal district, claiming the lives of nine passengers and injuring 30 others. The ill-fated bus, en route to Lahore from Islamabad, veered off the road and plunged into a ditch after one of its tyres burst, causing the driver to lose control. According to Rescue 1122 officials, the accident site was located near the M2 Motorway, a known hotspot for traffic mishaps. The Chakwal bus crash drew a swift response from rescue teams, the National Highways and Motorway Police, local authorities, and the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO). Six rescue vehicles were dispatched to the location to assist with medical treatment and recovery operations. Dr. Saeed Akhter, Chief Executive Officer of the Chakwal District Health Authority (DHA), confirmed the casualties. “Eight people died at the scene, while one later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. Thirty others sustained injuries of varying severity,” he said. The deceased include four children — among them an eight-month-old infant, a one-year-old, and two sisters aged 14 and two years. The oldest victim was 45 years old. The list of casualties released by authorities highlights the tragic toll the Chakwal bus crash has taken on families, with both adults and minors among the dead. Officials confirmed that the bus driver was also among the fatalities. A Filipina national, Emy Dela Cruz, who resides in Lahore, was also injured in the crash. The injured passengers were transported to Kallar Kahar Tehsil Headquarters Hospital and Chakwal District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital. Dr. Mukhtar Sarwar Niazi, Medical Superintendent at DHQ Hospital, reported that four of the twelve critical patients were referred to Rawalpindi for specialized care. Chakwal Deputy Commissioner Sarah Hayat and Assistant Commissioner Zeeshan Sharif visited the DHQ hospital to meet the injured. DC Hayat emphasized the provision of all necessary medical assistance to the victims and directed hospital staff to remain on high alert. District Police Officer Ahmed Mohiuddin has ordered a thorough investigation into the Islamabad-Lahore motorway accident, while the crash site remains cordoned off for evidence collection. “We are following all legal procedures and ensuring transparency in the probe,” a police spokesperson stated. Chakwal Rescue and Safety Officer Shaukat Ali urged the public to ensure proper vehicle maintenance — including checking tyres, brakes, and steering systems — especially before long-distance travel. He stressed that mechanical failures, combined with overspeeding, continue to contribute to fatal accidents on Pakistan’s highways. Pakistan’s motorways have witnessed several devastating crashes in recent months. Just weeks earlier, a similar accident on the same motorway near Chakri claimed six lives and injured 27 others. The frequency of these tragedies underscores the urgent need for stricter traffic safety enforcement and public awareness.

28
Jul

Monsoon Devastation Continues Across Pakistan as New Spell Begins

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As torrential rains continue to batter the country, Pakistan braces for a fresh monsoon spell beginning July 28, adding to an already dire situation. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the death toll from rain-related incidents rose by six in the last 24 hours, bringing the nationwide fatality count to 271 since June 26. Over 655 individuals have sustained injuries due to the ongoing floods and rain-related disasters. The latest NDMA report confirms that four deaths occurred in Balochistan and two in Punjab due to incidents such as roof collapses, flash floods, and drowning. These tragic occurrences have become a daily reality as weather patterns grow more erratic and extreme. In southern Punjab, the Pakistan monsoon spell has caused the River Indus to swell to dangerous levels. At Taunsa Barrage, water flow exceeded 430,000 cusecs, submerging eight riverside villages near Ghazi Ghat and over 20 additional settlements in Taunsa Sharif. Rescue teams are grappling with accessibility challenges, as entire communities face rising waters and damaged infrastructure. To handle the crisis, the local administration has established over 25 flood relief camps, primarily in government school buildings, across Taunsa and Kot Chutta tehsils. The camps are offering basic necessities, but access remains difficult due to submerged roadways and poor communication in flooded zones. Meanwhile, rain-related incidents in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) have claimed 10 lives so far. Seven of the fatalities were recorded in Babusar, while two more were reported in Thore Valley in the Diamer district. One death was also confirmed in Astore. A body, possibly of a missing tourist, was recovered from the Indus River in the Minar area of Chilas, according to G-B government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq. As search and rescue operations continue in G-B, stranded tourists are being evacuated to safer locations. Authorities have urged the public to remain alert and follow advisories, particularly in areas prone to landslides and flash floods. Adding to the urgency, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning for a new Pakistan monsoon spell, expected to bring more widespread rain, thunderstorms, and heavy downpours from July 28 through July 31. The monsoon currents affecting the upper and central regions of the country are likely to intensify, with a new westerly wave entering on July 29. Rain-wind/thundershower activity, along with isolated heavy falls, is forecast across Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and various districts in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The PMD cautions residents in vulnerable regions to take preventive measures and stay informed through official updates. With saturated ground conditions and already overwhelmed drainage systems, the upcoming days could bring further destruction. As the Pakistan monsoon spell continues, authorities at all levels are urging communities to prioritize safety and preparedness.

28
Jul

China to Launch Pakistan’s New Remote Sensing Satellite on July 31

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In a significant leap for its space program, Pakistan is set to launch a new remote sensing satellite from China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC) on July 31, 2025. The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has confirmed that this mission marks a vital advancement in the country’s Earth observation and space technology capabilities. This Pakistan remote sensing satellite is designed to deliver high-resolution imagery and data under a variety of environmental conditions. Its primary focus is to aid in national development, environmental monitoring, and disaster risk management. By expanding Pakistan’s fleet of space-based assets, the launch aligns with SUPARCO’s satellite launch goals under the National Space Policy and Vision 2047 strategy. The upcoming launch builds on the foundation laid by two earlier satellite missions—PRSS-1, which was launched in July 2018, and EO-1, launched earlier this year in January 2025. Together, these satellites form a robust network for Earth observation, allowing Pakistan to monitor changes in its environment, improve decision-making, and contribute to sustainable development. Among the key applications of the Pakistan remote sensing satellite will be support for precision agriculture to improve crop yields, mapping of urban development and infrastructure, and tracking environmental issues such as glacier retreat, deforestation, and land degradation. The satellite will also play a pivotal role in disaster preparedness, offering early warnings for floods, earthquakes, and landslides through near real-time data collection. In addition to environmental and agricultural uses, the new satellite will enhance national projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) by enabling accurate mapping of transportation networks and identification of geohazard-prone zones. This geospatial intelligence will help planners, engineers, and emergency response units make faster and more accurate decisions. SUPARCO satellite launch officials have emphasized the broader strategic importance of this mission, stating that it represents Pakistan’s commitment to building a resilient and technologically advanced future. With the continuous expansion of its satellite infrastructure, Pakistan aims to take a more prominent role in the global space technology landscape. As international collaborations in space exploration continue to grow, the partnership with China for this launch once again highlights the strong technological cooperation between the two nations. The launch from XSLC also benefits from China’s advanced launch facilities and proven record in supporting international satellite missions. The Pakistan remote sensing satellite will not only serve national interests but also contribute to regional environmental and resource management efforts. With global attention increasingly focused on climate change, food security, and sustainable urbanization, Pakistan’s enhanced Earth observation capabilities come at a critical time.

28
Jul

Malaysia’s PM Anwar to Chair Ceasefire Talks Between Thailand and Cambodia

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In a major diplomatic development, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed he will chair peace talks between Thailand and Cambodia, amid a rapidly intensifying Thailand Cambodia ceasefire crisis. The talks come in response to escalating border clashes that began last Thursday, prompting international concern and regional urgency. According to Malaysian state media outlet Bernama, both the Thai and Cambodian governments have formally requested Anwar Ibrahim’s assistance to mediate the conflict. “I’m discussing the parameters, the conditions, but what is important is an immediate ceasefire,” the prime minister stated in a statement late on Sunday. The initiative, led by Malaysia under its ASEAN chairmanship, has gained the backing of both China and the United States, who have also offered to support the peace process. This global involvement reflects the growing risk the conflict poses to regional stability in Southeast Asia. The Anwar Ibrahim peace talks were proposed shortly after the outbreak of hostilities. Cambodia, which lost a soldier in the recent violence, had openly called for international mediation. Thailand initially supported a ceasefire in principle but expressed a preference for bilateral talks. However, in light of continued skirmishes and increasing casualties, both nations have now agreed to enter multilateral negotiations. Time is of the importance, Anwar said. The objective is to put an immediate end to the carnage. He emphasized the humanitarian importance of the Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire, saying, Ceasefire must come first before we can address border disagreements or long-term solutions. The clashes are believed to have stemmed from long-standing disputes over the boundary near the Preah Vihear temple area. Past tensions between the two countries have occasionally flared, but the recent confrontation marks one of the most dangerous escalations in recent years. By accepting to chair the Anwar Ibrahim peace talks, Malaysia reinforces its regional leadership role and commitment to ASEAN’s founding principle of peaceful conflict resolution. Political analysts suggest Anwar’s unique position — respected by both Western and Asian powers — may help bridge the gap between the two sides. The negotiations are expected to focus on establishing a framework for immediate de-escalation, with the possibility of deploying neutral observers along the conflict zone. ASEAN, with assistance from the U.S. and China, may also propose mechanisms for long-term conflict management and diplomatic engagement. As the world turns its attention to Southeast Asia, the upcoming Anwar Ibrahim peace talks could determine whether the region moves toward peace or further instability. With lives at risk and tensions high, the success of these negotiations will be a major test for regional diplomacy — and for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership.