فیچرڈ

LAHORE: The Punjab Teachers Union has rejected the recent increases in salaries and pensions announced by the provincial government, describing them as inadequate in the face of rising inflation and calling for the restoration of cutbacks in employee benefits. Central President of the Punjab Teachers Union Rana Anwar-ul-Haq, along with Yasin Warraich, Rana Liaquat and other office-bearers, said the government must end what they described as discriminatory economic treatment of public-sector employees. The union leaders said inflation had reached unprecedented levels, with prices now rising almost daily, making it increasingly difficult for government employees to meet their household expenses. They termed the announced 7 per cent salary increase and 3.5 per cent pension increase insufficient, arguing that the relief did not correspond with the rapidly rising cost of living. They demanded that Punjab employees receive salary increases at par with federal government employees. They also called for the restoration of cuts affecting leave encashment, pensions and gratuity. Yasin Warraich demanded a 45 per cent Disparity Reduction Allowance for Punjab government employees, arguing that denying them such an allowance while similar measures were being considered or implemented at the federal level would amount to unfair treatment. The union representatives also criticised the provincial government for failing to address the growing gap in compensation among public-sector employees. They said Punjab employees should not be deprived of financial benefits available to workers in other parts of the country. Rana Liaquat said employees affiliated with the All Government Employees Grand Alliance (AGEGA) Punjab remained united under the leadership of Chairman Khalid Javed Sangheera and expressed full confidence in the alliance’s leadership. The teachers’ representatives said they would honour the agreement reached between the two AGEGA groups at Masjid-e-Shuhada on June 16. They further announced that the Punjab Teachers Union would fully implement the protest schedule issued under the umbrella of AGEGA. The union leaders maintained that employees would continue their struggle for equitable salaries, pensions and service benefits until their demands were addressed.

LAHORE: The Punjab government has intensified its province-wide campaign against Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan without valid legal documentation, with more than 140,000 people repatriated from Punjab so far, according to the Home Department. The department said its Foreign National Security Cell was continuing monitoring and enforcement operations across the province under the government’s national repatriation policy. Individuals found to be residing illegally are being detained and transferred to designated holding centres, where registration and other formalities are completed before their return to Afghanistan. According to official figures, a total of 2,689,295 Afghan nationals have been repatriated from Pakistan, including 140,468 from Punjab. The Home Department said 39 holding centres are currently operational across Punjab, with 188 Afghan nationals presently housed there. Temporary accommodation, registration and repatriation arrangements have been established at these facilities, while those cleared for return are handed over to Afghan authorities at the Torkham border. Officials said checks were being conducted in residential areas and markets across the province as part of the ongoing enforcement campaign. The department maintained that the action was specifically aimed at individuals staying in Pakistan without legal status. The Home Department urged citizens to report cases involving illegal residence, identity fraud or suspicious activities to Emergency Helpline 15, assuring that the identities of informants would be kept confidential. The Foreign National Security Cell is continuing province-wide coordination and monitoring to support the government’s repatriation programme, the department said.

  KHANEWAL: Eleven farmers selected under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” initiative have protested over the delay in receiving lease letters for approximately 950 kanals of agricultural land in Chak 63/10-R. The farmers allege that the transfer process is being delayed because of the influence of an influential local figure who, they claim, is supporting people occupying the land. The affected farmers recently held a demonstration outside the Revenue Department office at the District Complex in Khanewal. They demanded that the authorities issue their lease documents immediately and complete the process of handing over the land allotted to them through the government’s official balloting process. According to the protesting farmers, nearly 950 kanals of agricultural land in Chak 63/10-R was designated for lease to 11 deserving applicants who were selected through a formal draw under the provincial government’s scheme. However, they claimed that the land has remained in the possession of alleged illegal occupants for almost 40 years. The farmers said the occupants had earlier approached the Lahore High Court and obtained a stay order regarding the disputed property. They claimed that the relevant bench of the Lahore High Court dismissed the stay order on August 3, 2026, which, according to them, removed a major legal hurdle in the way of implementing the government’s allotment decision. Despite the dismissal of the stay, the protesting farmers alleged that the Punjab Revenue Department and the Khanewal district administration had not yet issued the required lease letters. They further alleged that the individuals occupying the land had the support of an influential political figure in the area. The farmers claimed that political pressure was contributing to the delay and preventing the concerned departments from completing the formalities required for the transfer of the land. The applicants also pointed out that their names and allotment information are already available on the Punjab government’s official online portal for the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar”scheme. They questioned why the authorities had not issued the lease documents despite their successful selection through balloting and the reported dismissal of the court stay. The Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue), Khanewal, was contacted to obtain the administration’s position on the matter, including the delay in issuing the lease letters, the current legal status of the disputed land and the allegations of political interference. However, an official response from the ADCR was not available at the time of filing the report. The administration’s version will be included once an official response is received. The affected farmers have appealed to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Deputy Commissioner Khanewal Dr Hina Arshad Commissioner Multan Aamir Karim and the Senior Member Board of Revenue Punjab to take immediate notice of the issue. They demanded that the lease letters be issued without further delay and that possession of the allotted land be handed over to the successful applicants according to the balloting results, government policy and applicable legal procedures. The protesters also urged the provincial government to ensure transparent implementation of the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” scheme and prevent any political or external influence from affecting the rights of successful applicants.

  MANSEHRA: Young people were encouraged to expand their perspectives, develop stronger social networks and turn their ideas into practical actions at the ninth annual Qalb Conference, held on August 8 and 9 at Sirin Resort in Naran. The two-day event was organised by the District Youth Office Mansehra in partnership with the Qalb Welfare Foundation under the Directorate of Youth Affairs, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The conference brought together young people, volunteers, social workers and tourism enthusiasts from different parts of Pakistan to discuss youth leadership, community participation, volunteerism and the role of young people in the country’s social development. The conference was held under the theme “Explore, Connect, Change,” which encouraged participants to discover new opportunities, establish meaningful connections and contribute towards positive change in their communities. Adviser to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Sports and Youth Affairs, Taj Muhammad Khan Tarand, attended the event as the chief guest. Chairman of the District Development Advisory Committee (D-DAC) Mansehra Ikramullah Ghazi, along with other officials and guests, also participated in the gathering. Speaking at the conference, Mr Tarand highlighted the importance of young people in the social and economic development of the province. He said youth represented a valuable part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s social capital and needed greater opportunities to improve their skills, exchange ideas and participate in productive activities. He also stressed that young people should be actively involved in community-based initiatives. According to him, meaningful participation could help youth transform their abilities, creativity and ideas into practical contributions that benefit society. Director Youth Affairs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Abbas Khan Afridi said the Directorate was working to provide young people with platforms where they could strengthen leadership abilities, meet people from different backgrounds and discuss challenges faced by their communities. He emphasised that youth development should not be limited to occasional conferences or events. Instead, young people should have continuous opportunities for learning, collaboration, skill development and practical involvement in social activities. The conference took place in the scenic surroundings of Naran, providing participants with an environment that combined learning and interaction with personal development. Various activities focused on teamwork, leadership, communication and learning. Participants also shared their experiences in areas including social welfare, voluntary blood donation and tourism promotion. The presence of participants from different regions of Pakistan added diversity to the discussions and allowed attendees to exchange experiences and perspectives. Speakers and participants highlighted the potential of Pakistani youth to contribute to community welfare, promote volunteerism and create a more positive image of the country. The organisers said the main purpose of the conference was not only to encourage discussion but also to motivate young people to take practical steps towards bringing positive change to their communities. The two-day conference concluded on August 9 with participants reaffirming the message of “Explore, Connect, Change.” The event emphasised the importance of discovering new possibilities, building meaningful networks and empowering young people to play an active role in shaping a better future for Pakistan.

  Islamabad: The Pakistan SMA Symposium 2026, organised by STRIVE – Strive Eradication of Disability Foundation, was held at Serena Hotel Islamabad, bringing together leading doctors, professors, researchers, medical experts, academics, civil society representatives, volunteers and families affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). The symposium focused on raising awareness about SMA, promoting early diagnosis, discussing modern treatment options, genetic screening, medical research and the challenges faced by patients and their families. The gathering also provided an important platform for medical professionals and researchers to exchange views on the future of SMA care and research in Pakistan. Chief Health Sector Reforms Unit (HSRU) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Dr Syed Ejaz Ali Shah, Chairman Zakat and Ushr Council Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Imtiaz Khan, and Chairman STRIVE Muhammad Yasir Khan were among the prominent participants. Doctors, medical specialists, researchers, representatives of civil society, SMA-affected families and people associated with different walks of life also attended the event. A notable feature of the symposium was the participation of professors, heads of departments and academic experts from various universities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The experts shared their views on SMA, genetic disorders, medical research, recent developments in treatment and the future direction of medical science. Researchers working on SMA at the international level also participated in the symposium. Experts and researchers from Poland, the United Kingdom and other European countries joined the gathering, giving the Pakistan SMA Symposium an international academic and research dimension. The participation of foreign researchers provided an opportunity to strengthen links between ongoing efforts in Pakistan and international research and developments in the field of SMA. Participants stressed the importance of greater cooperation between Pakistani institutions and international research communities to improve knowledge, diagnosis and care for people living with rare diseases. Addressing the gathering, Chief HSRU Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Dr Syed Ejaz Ali Shah paid tribute to parents and families of SMA patients for their continued struggle and resilience. He said the efforts of families working for the better lives and futures of their children deserved recognition and appreciation. Dr Shah emphasised that awareness about complex and rare diseases such as SMA must be accompanied by effective support for patients and their families. He highlighted the importance of collective efforts involving healthcare professionals, families, government institutions and other stakeholders. Chairman STRIVE Muhammad Yasir Khan said SMA was not merely a medical condition but had become a wider struggle requiring the combined efforts of patients, parents, doctors, researchers, government institutions, media, civil society and social organisations. He said STRIVE was working to take awareness about SMA to different parts of the country, promote early diagnosis, encourage research and help create better pathways for patients to access treatment and necessary healthcare facilities. Yasir Khan also announced that STRIVE would organise a major SMA Summit on October 30 and 31, 2026, at Tulip Marquee Islamabad. He said the proposed summit would be one of the largest gatherings of its kind in Pakistan and would bring patients, parents, doctors, medical specialists, national and international researchers, policymakers, universities, civil society organisations, volunteers and other relevant stakeholders together under one roof. During the symposium, speakers discussed the symptoms of Spinal Muscular Atrophy, the importance of timely diagnosis, genetic screening, modern treatment, patient care, research and future strategies for addressing SMA in Pakistan. Doctors and researchers emphasised that early diagnosis, proper medical guidance and access to modern treatment can play an important role in improving the quality of life of children and individuals affected by SMA. They also stressed the need for greater public awareness so that families can recognise the condition and seek appropriate medical advice at an early stage. Participants observed that Pakistan requires further efforts in public awareness, medical facilities, genetic diagnosis, research and policymaking related to SMA. Strengthening these areas, they said, could help provide better support to children living with the condition and their families. The symposium also highlighted the importance of building stronger cooperation between universities, healthcare institutions, researchers, policymakers and international organisations. Such collaboration, participants said, could help Pakistan benefit from global scientific developments while encouraging local research into rare diseases. At the conclusion of the event, participants expressed their commitment to expanding awareness, research and advocacy for the rights and needs of people affected by SMA. They stressed the importance of developing stronger links between government institutions, universities, the medical community, media, civil society, patients and their families. The organisers said the Pakistan SMA Symposium 2026 was more than a single event, describing it as an important step towards creating a collective voice and sustained movement for greater awareness, research, early diagnosis and improved support for SMA patients in Pakistan. The gathering also reflected growing efforts by medical professionals, researchers, families and civil society organisations to place rare diseases on the national health agenda and to promote a more informed, inclusive and supportive healthcare environment for affected individuals and their families.

CHAKWAL: Authorities have busted an illegal cigarette factory near Dhrabi village in Chakwal and seized goods, machinery and raw materials worth more than Rs250 million, according to officials. The raid was conducted jointly by the Intelligence and Investigation team of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and other intelligence officials following a tip-off about an illegal cigarette manufacturing network operating in the area. According to FBR officials, the facility was a complete cigarette manufacturing unit that allegedly operated at night to evade Federal Excise Duty (FED) and General Sales Tax (GST). The factory was reportedly producing cigarettes under different brand names and supplying them to the market. Officials said the manufacturing unit was not registered with the FBR. The cigarette packets also allegedly lacked barcodes, which authorities said was part of the tax-evasion mechanism. The raid uncovered a substantial manufacturing operation. Eleven cigarette-making machines and three industrial generators were sealed during the operation. A large warehouse at the site contained significant quantities of finished cigarettes and raw materials. Authorities seized approximately 72,000 cigarette packets that were ready for sale, along with around 12,000 kilograms of raw tobacco. Other materials recovered from the premises included white paper rolls, silver and golden packaging rolls, aluminium foil rolls, polythene rolls and more than 107,000 empty cigarette packets. Officials also confiscated 30 cartons of filter rods, 14 cartons of filter paper, adhesive material and drums used in the manufacturing process. The initial assessment by FBR officials puts the combined value of the raw materials, finished products and seized machinery at more than Rs250 million. Authorities are also calculating the potential amount of tax allegedly evaded through the operation. The discovery highlights the scale of illegal cigarette manufacturing and the potential loss of government revenue through unregistered production and tax evasion. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the illegal cigarette network to determine the individuals and businesses involved in the manufacturing and distribution of the products. The illegal cigarette factory in Chakwal is among the latest targets of enforcement operations aimed at curbing illicit tobacco production and protecting government tax revenues.