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Lahore: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, formally inaugurated the 983rd Annual Urs of Hazrat Ali Hajveri (RA), widely revered as Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA), by performing the traditional Chadar Poshi ceremony and inaugurating the ceremonial Sabeel-e-Doodh. On this auspicious occasion, he also unveiled the Punjab Auqaf & Religious Affairs Department’s special publication, “Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA) – Kamalaan Raa Rahnuma,” and reaffirmed that Pakistan was founded upon the eternal principles of Islam and the sovereignty of Almighty Allah, ideals that were magnificently exemplified and disseminated by the great Sufi saints through their scholarship, spirituality, and exemplary character. He observed that the timeless teachings of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA), centred on compassion, tolerance, justice, fraternity, piety and selfless service to humanity, continue to illuminate the path towards peace, national cohesion and social harmony. The ceremony was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Punjab Ali Dar, Provincial Minister for Housing Bilal Yasin, Provincial Minister for Finance Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Senior Member Board of Revenue Nabeel Javed, Secretary Excise Masood Mukhtar, Commissioner Lahore Nauman Yousaf, Secretary/Chief Administrator Auqaf Punjab Dr. Ehsan Bhutta, Director General Religious Affairs Hafiz Anees-ur-Rehman, Director Administration Auqaf Muhammad Shakir Sandhu, Director Projects Auqaf Rafiq Noor Wattoo, Deputy Commissioner Lahore Ali Ijaz, Administrator Data Darbar Muhammad Ali Khan, GM NESPAK Adil Nazir, and senior officers of the Auqaf Department, civil administration, law enforcement and security agencies. The annual Chadar Poshi ceremony was gracefully conducted by Maulana Mufti Kashif Jameel as Naqeeb-e-Mehfil, while the honour of Qur’anic recitation was bestowed upon Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali and Qari Ghulam Fareed Al-Hassani. Renowned Naat Khawans—Qari Muhammad Anas Mukhtar, Dr. Sarwar Hussain Naqshbandi, Hafiz Muhammad Waseem Abbas, Hafiz Noor Sultan Siddiqui, Marghoob Ahmad Hamdani, Abdul Razzaq Jami and Habib-ur-Rehman Bhatti—presented heartfelt tributes in praise of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), while Umar Chishti Group and Riaz Hussain Group presented soul-stirring Manqabat and Salaam. Floral tributes were offered at the sacred shrine, distinguished guests were ceremonially honoured with traditional turbans, and special collective prayers were led by Allama Mukhtar Ahmad Nadeem, Khateeb of Jamia Masjid Data Darbar. Following the ceremony, the Deputy Prime Minister officially launched the commemorative publication and received an extensive briefing from officials of the Communication & Works Department and NESPAK regarding the Data Darbar Expansion Project. Commending the Government of Punjab for its exceptional arrangements, Senator Ishaq Dar described the service of millions of devotees as a profound religious obligation and a matter of immense privilege, while paying rich tribute to the comprehensive security architecture, sanitation, healthcare, traffic management and public facilitation measures, and especially acknowledging the outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication of Dr. Ehsan Bhutta and his entire team. Advisor to the Chief Minister Punjab Ali Dar remarked that the shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA) remains an enduring symbol of spirituality, peace and interfaith harmony across the Subcontinent, adding that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, every possible resource has been mobilised to ensure a secure, dignified and spiritually enriching experience for pilgrims. Dr. Ehsan Bhutta further stated that, under the continuous supervision of the Chief Secretary Punjab, all Urs arrangements had been completed well in advance and to the highest professional standards, with special emphasis on security, Langar, Sabeel, medical services, cleanliness, parking, traffic management, control rooms and guidance centres. Multi-tier security measures were implemented throughout the shrine complex in close coordination with law enforcement agencies, including comprehensive search operations, deployment of armed personnel on surrounding high-rise buildings and stringent surveillance protocols, while additional personnel from the Tourism Department were also deployed to facilitate visitors. The inaugural day of the Urs witnessed an extraordinary influx of devotees from across Pakistan who thronged the sacred shrine to offer chadars, floral tributes and prayers, as the atmosphere resonated with devotional fervour, traditional drum performances and the continuous distribution of Langar. The first day also featured four prestigious spiritual and scholarly gatherings, including a Mehfil-e-Husn-e-Qira’at, an academic and educational session at Jamia Hajveria, a scholarly discourse titled “The Life and Legacy of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA)”, and a grand Mehfil-e-Naat, while the three-day Urs celebrations will continue with the inauguration of the traditional Mehafil-e-Samaa on 3 August at 10:00 a.m. at Rashid Events Complex, Chowk Sardar, Chappal Factory, Bilal Ganj, Lahore, where some of Pakistan’s most distinguished Qawwals will participate in the revered musical assemblies.

  Zoe Saldaña has built an impressive career in Hollywood, achieving milestones that only a small number of actors can claim. From becoming an Academy Award winner to appearing in some of the world’s most successful film franchises, the actress has established herself as one of the industry’s most recognisable stars. However, Saldaña now appears ready to explore a completely different side of filmmaking by considering a move into directing. During an appearance at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, Saldaña spoke about her desire to eventually take control behind the camera. Addressing the festival audience, the actress said she believed there would come a point when simply watching other directors work would no longer be enough for her. Saldaña joked that after observing directors for so long, she might eventually feel compelled to take over the camera herself. Her comments reflected her growing interest in expanding her creative role within the film industry and exploring storytelling from a director’s perspective. The actress also expressed confidence in her own instincts, particularly when discussing women and their ability to recognise what they believe is right. With a humorous tone, she suggested that women often feel confident in their opinions because they are correct a significant amount of the time. For Saldaña, directing could provide an opportunity to test those instincts and prove what she can accomplish outside her established acting career. Her remarks came as she was being honoured at the prestigious Locarno Film Festival. Saldaña received a Special Honorary Pardo at the event, recognising her contribution to cinema and her successful career across a wide range of projects. During her appearance, the actress also reflected on her childhood and the experience of growing up between different cultures. Born in the Dominican Republic, Saldaña said her background and experiences of feeling like an outsider have played an important role in shaping the way she approaches acting and develops her characters. She recalled the challenges of being separated from a New York environment where she had been exposed to people from different backgrounds and cultures. According to Saldaña, living in a diverse environment allowed her to encounter different perspectives and understand the world beyond a single cultural identity. She later moved to a much smaller and more culturally homogeneous island, an experience she described as difficult during her formative years. The transition brought significant challenges, particularly because she encountered a society with a more unified religious and cultural identity. Despite the difficulties, Saldaña believes those experiences ultimately became valuable to her as an actor. She explained that the challenges of growing up between different cultural environments helped her develop a broader understanding of people and identities. That perspective, she suggested, became particularly useful when portraying some of her most famous characters, including Neytiri in the Avatar franchise and Gamora in the Guardians of the Galaxy films. For Saldaña, growing up between cultures provided both struggles and opportunities for personal development. She believes being exposed to different ways of life enriched her understanding of human experiences and gave her additional emotional depth as a performer. Now, after years of success in front of the camera, Saldaña appears interested in turning those experiences into a new creative challenge. Her potential move into directing could mark an important new chapter in her career, allowing her to bring her perspective, cultural experiences and storytelling instincts to filmmaking from behind the camera.

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has said that Pakistan’s pharmaceutical exports have reached a 20-year high of $457 million, stressing that the pharmaceutical industry must establish a clear contribution towards the country’s ambitious target of generating more than $100 billion in exports by 2035. Speaking at a roundtable conference in Islamabad organised to facilitate pharmaceutical exports under the government’s Uraan Pakistan initiative, the federal minister said the industry needed to adopt a long-term strategy to expand its presence in international markets. Ahsan Iqbal called on representatives of the pharmaceutical sector to hold consultations over the next month and prepare a comprehensive roadmap for the industry’s development through 2030 and beyond. He said Pakistan’s objective should be to transform the country into a global hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing and exports. The minister emphasised that Pakistan needed to secure a significant position in the international pharmaceutical market by improving the competitiveness and quality of locally manufactured products. He said cooperation between the government and private sector could help the industry compete more effectively at the global level. According to the minister, continuity in government policies and the creation of a business-friendly environment are essential for the sustainable growth of the pharmaceutical sector. He stressed that investors and manufacturers require predictable policies and a supportive regulatory framework to make long-term investments in production, research and exports. Ahsan Iqbal also highlighted the need to reduce Pakistan’s dependence on imported pharmaceutical inputs and increase domestic manufacturing capacity. He said approximately 85 percent of the raw material used by the pharmaceutical industry is currently imported, creating challenges for the sector and increasing its exposure to international supply disruptions and currency fluctuations. He called for strengthening the local pharmaceutical value chain so that a greater proportion of raw materials, intermediate products and finished medicines could be produced within Pakistan. The minister said enhancing domestic production would not only reduce the country’s import bill but could also improve the competitiveness of Pakistani pharmaceutical companies in international markets. A stronger local supply chain could help manufacturers reduce production costs, improve efficiency and develop products that meet international standards. He further stressed the importance of developing a coordinated strategy involving government institutions, pharmaceutical manufacturers, researchers and other stakeholders. Such cooperation, he said, would be necessary to identify the major obstacles facing the sector and develop practical solutions. The roundtable conference was held as part of efforts under Uraan Pakistan to promote exports and strengthen productive sectors of the economy. The initiative aims to improve Pakistan’s economic performance by encouraging investment, increasing exports and promoting sustainable industrial development. Ahsan Iqbal said the pharmaceutical industry had significant potential to contribute to Pakistan’s export growth if its structural challenges were addressed. He urged industry representatives to use the consultation process to develop realistic targets and identify measures that could help Pakistan increase its share in the global pharmaceutical market. The minister’s remarks come as Pakistan seeks to diversify its export base and reduce dependence on traditional export sectors. He said the pharmaceutical industry could become an important contributor to this effort by improving domestic production, investing in innovation and expanding access to international markets. The government, he added, would continue working with the private sector to create conditions that encourage investment and promote the long-term growth of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry.

  Two bodies have been discovered inside an oil tanker in the Gujarat locality of Kot Addu, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. According to Rescue officials, the oil tanker had been parked at a local hotel after unloading its cargo two days earlier. The vehicle had remained stationary since completing its delivery, and the bodies were found during a subsequent inspection. The deceased have been identified, and both were residents of Rahim Yar Khan, a city in southern Punjab. Their identities have been confirmed by rescue authorities, although their names have not yet been released publicly. Officials stated that the exact cause of death remains unknown. Rescue teams and law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the incident to determine how the two men ended up inside the tanker and what led to their deaths. Authorities have not ruled out any possibility at this stage. The bodies have been shifted for further examination, and medical experts are expected to conduct post-mortem examinations to help establish the cause of death. Investigators are also gathering evidence from the scene and questioning individuals who may have information about the incident. Initial reports indicate that the tanker had completed its oil delivery and was parked at a hotel for approximately two days before the bodies were discovered. Authorities are examining whether the victims entered the tanker accidentally, intentionally, or under other circumstances. They are also reviewing the vehicle’s recent movements and speaking with the driver and other relevant individuals. Rescue officials emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages and urged the public to avoid speculation until the official findings are released. They noted that determining the cause of death will require a thorough forensic examination and detailed inquiry. The incident has raised concerns among local residents due to the unusual nature of the discovery. Authorities have assured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to uncover the facts and ensure that, if any criminal activity is involved, those responsible will be brought to justice. Police and rescue teams continue to coordinate their efforts as they work to establish a clear timeline of events. Investigators are expected to review available evidence, including witness statements and forensic reports, before reaching any conclusions. For now, officials have confirmed only that two men from Rahim Yar Khan were found dead inside an oil tanker parked in the Gujarat area of Kot Addu after it had unloaded its cargo. The investigation into the cause and circumstances of their deaths is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the inquiry progresses.