Press-Release

LAHORE – Building on the success of its flagship “Made in Pakistan – SME Cluster Showcase Expo 2026” and its facilitation for entrepreneurs during the “Made in Gujranwala Exhibition 2026”, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) has further strengthened its engagement with Pakistan’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through its participation in Expo Faisalabad 2026. The three-day expo, being organized by the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), began at the Expo Center, Lahore on Friday. As a collaborative partner of the exhibition, SMEDA has established a dedicated helpdesk to facilitate entrepreneurs and visitors by providing information on the flagship initiatives, advisory services and enterprise development programmes. The helpdesk aims to promote business formalization by encouraging informal enterprises to register free of cost through the SME Registration Portal (SMERP). In a statement, Chief Executive Officer Nadia Jahangir Seth said SMEDA, in line with honorable Prime Minister Shehhbaz Sharif’s vision of inclusive economic growth, remains committed to creating opportunities that enable Pakistani MSMEs to innovate, formalize and expand their businesses. “SMEDA believes that exhibitions such as Expo Faisalabad 2026 are more than just business showcases – they are platforms for collaboration, learning and market access. By partnering with the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we aim to connect entrepreneurs with practical business support, encourage enterprise formalization and equip MSMEs with the knowledge and tools they need to compete in today’s evolving marketplace,” she said. She said SMEDA’s participation reflects the Authority’s continued commitment to supporting entrepreneurs by engaging directly with businesses through exhibitions, outreach programmes and capacity-building initiatives across the country. “Following the overwhelming response to the Made in Pakistan – SME Cluster Showcase Expo 2026 and our successful facilitation of entrepreneurs at the Made in Gujranwala Exhibition, we are pleased to continue this journey of empowering MSMEs through another important business platform. Our objective is to ensure that enterprises, particularly small and emerging businesses, have greater access to information, markets, networks and government support services,” said Ms Seth. To enhance the knowledge and competitiveness of participating enterprises, SMEDA is conducting sessions on “Marketing Strategies for SMEs” and “Improving Product Quality for Export Markets.” Recognized as Pakistan’s textile capital, Faisalabad offers immense opportunities for enterprise development, innovation and investment. Through its collaboration with FCCI, SMEDA aims to help participating MSMEs leverage these opportunities, strengthen business linkages and improve their long-term competitiveness. SMEDA invites entrepreneurs, startups, exporters and business owners visiting Expo Faisalabad 2026 to visit its helpdesk over three days to take advantage of its business advisory services, free enterprise registration through SMERP and expert-led training sessions designed to support sustainable business growth.

On the occasion of ‘Rathore Liberation Day,’ the Public-Private Medical Students Union Pakistan organized a symbolic cake-cutting ceremony outside the University of Health Sciences (UHS) to mark the retirement of former Vice Chancellor Ahsan Waheed Rathore. The ceremony was led by the Union Vice President, Dr. Azan Afzal. Dr. Azan Afzal stated that Ahsan Waheed Rathore’s tenure was the darkest chapter in the history of UHS. His authoritarian approach, anti-student policies, administrative incompetence, and decisions that undermined merit placed the future of thousands of students at stake. Rathore’s retirement marks a day of liberation for students. It is hoped that the government will appoint a competent, honest, and student-friendly Vice Chancellor this time instead of making another political appointment.

Lahore: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has strongly reacted to the statements made by Pakistan Peoples Party spokespersons, saying they should choose their words carefully and learn to respect their elders. She remarked that it was ironic that “those born out of a blackmailing mandate are now taunting us.” Azma Bokhari said PPP leaders repeatedly mock a person old enough to be their father by making faces and chanting “Raiwind, Raiwind.” She questioned whether they do not consider it disrespectful when their own leader ridicules someone of a father’s age. She further said that PPP leaders had collectively turned Raiwind into a subject of mockery and routinely insult senior individuals through their gestures and remarks. The Punjab Information Minister warned that if such abusive and disrespectful language continued, it would be met with an appropriate response. She added that Bilawal Bhutto is not some divine figure beyond criticism. Azma Bokhari further said that Bilawal Bhutto repeatedly mentions the names of Punjab’s cities in his speeches to spread falsehoods and misleading propaganda. She questioned whether his conduct was not both laughable and lacking in seriousness.

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Law Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan chaired an important meeting at the Home Department regarding the provision of financial assistance and residential facilities to the families of martyred police personnel under the Government of Punjab’s Shuhada Package. The meeting was attended by Secretary Home Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi, Additional Inspector General of Police Imran Arshad, Additional Secretary (Police) Kanwar Anwar Ali Khan, DIG Welfare Mehboob Rashid and other senior officials. The meeting approved financial assistance, residential houses and other benefits under the Government of Punjab’s Shuhada Package for the families of 14 police personnel who embraced martyrdom in the line of duty in Bhakkar, Layyah, Bahawalnagar, Sargodha, Rajanpur, Faisalabad, Gujrat, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rahim Yar Khan and Sahiwal. Package-1 was approved for Constable Muhammad Shahbaz and Constable Muhammad Faheem, who were martyred in the terrorist attack on Dajal Check Post in Bhakkar, and for Constable Muhammad Asad Naseer, who embraced martyrdom while fighting terrorists in Layyah. Package-2 was approved for the families of Sub-Inspector Shahid Pervaiz of Bahawalnagar, Sub-Inspector Amir Rizwan of Sargodha, Constable Muhammad Nasir of Rajanpur, Driver Constable Iftikhar Ahmad of Faisalabad and Constable Mirza Umar Aftab Baig of Gujrat. Package-3 was approved for the families of Sub-Inspector Muhammad Zaman Zia, Assistant Sub-Inspector Muhammad Bashir and Constable Muhammad Waris of Bahawalnagar, Constable Muhammad Bismillah of Dera Ghazi Khan, Constable Muhammad Ramzan of Rahim Yar Khan and Constable Tahir-ul-Zaman Siddiqui of Sahiwal. The meeting was informed that under Package-1, the family of a martyred constable will receive Rs. 10 million, a five-marla house and other benefits. Under Package-2, the family of a martyred constable will receive Rs. 4 million, a five-marla house and other benefits, while the family of a martyred Assistant Sub-Inspector will receive Rs. 5 million, a seven-marla house and other benefits. Under Package-3, the family of a martyred constable will receive Rs. 3.5 million and other benefits, while the families of martyred Assistant Sub-Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors will receive Rs. 4 million along with other prescribed benefits. Addressing the meeting, Provincial Minister for Law Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan said that the martyrs are the pride of the nation, the crown of our heads and the true heroes of the homeland. He said the sacrifices made by brave police personnel in protecting the country, maintaining law and order and safeguarding the public will always be remembered. He directed that all financial dues, residential facilities and other benefits for the families of martyrs be provided without delay, adding that no negligence or unnecessary delay would be tolerated. He further stated that no injustice would be allowed against any martyr’s family and that the Government of Punjab would continue extending full support to the bereaved families. The Provincial Minister further stated that terrorists responsible for martyring police personnel in the line of duty would be brought to justice in accordance with the law and that the fight against anti-state elements would continue with full determination. The meeting concluded with prayers for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs, the security and prosperity of Pakistan, and patience and strength for their bereaved families.

Lahore: In a significant move to provide residential facilities to the journalist community, the Government of Punjab has decided to relocate Journalists’ Colony Phase-II from Katar Band Road to J Block of the Charbagh Scheme. The project will be developed in accordance with the previously approved master plan. A high-level meeting was held at the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), jointly chaired by RUDA Chief Executive Officer Imran Amin and Secretary Information Punjab Tahir Raza Hamdani. The meeting reviewed the relocation of Journalists’ Colony Phase-II, the progress made so far, and the future roadmap to ensure the timely completion of the project. The meeting was attended by Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari, General Secretary Afzal Talib, Punjab Journalists Housing Foundation (PJHF) Deputy Managing Director Adnan Rashid, Assistant Director (Administration) Asad Hussain, RUDA Director Public Relations Colonel Abid Latif, and other senior officials. It was decided that, in order to expedite the project, the Punjab Journalists Housing Foundation would immediately provide RUDA with the list of eligible journalists for Phase-II plots. Upon receipt of the list, RUDA will issue formal allotment/intimation letters to the eligible applicants so that the remaining stages of the project can proceed without delay. The meeting further decided that the Charbagh Scheme (J Block) project will be implemented under the previously approved master plan. Advance payments and installment schedules will remain unchanged and will be collected in accordance with the original agreement. Development charges will be collected directly by RUDA, while all the rules and regulations applicable to Journalists’ Colony Phase-II will continue to apply to the eligible allottees. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Information Punjab Tahir Raza Hamdani thanked RUDA CEO Imran Amin and appreciated his efforts in line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to provide housing facilities to journalists. He expressed confidence that RUDA would complete the development work, hand over possession of the plots, and finalize all remaining stages of the project within the stipulated timeframe, enabling journalists to construct their homes. Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari thanked Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Provincial Minister for Information Azma Bukhari, Secretary Information Tahir Raza Hamdani, and RUDA CEO Imran Amin for their commitment to fulfilling the government’s promise to the journalist community. He said that the relocation of Journalists’ Colony Phase-II to the prime location of Charbagh reflects the Punjab Government’s dedication to the welfare of journalists. He added that the entire journalist community appreciates this initiative and congratulated all eligible journalists included in Phase-II.

Lahore: A three-month-old missing child, Ghulam Rasool, has been safely reunited with his parents as a result of a successful efforts of “Mera Pyara” Virtual Centre for Child Safety of Punjab Safe Cities Authority. According to the spokesperson of Punjab Safe Cities Authority, the missing child Ghulam Rasool, who was found within the jurisdiction of Police Station Sadar Muridke, was safely shifted by police to the Child Protection Bureau Lahore. Following this, “Mera Pyara” team initiated immediate efforts to identify the missing child and successfully traced his family. The spokesperson stated that after the child was found missing on April 13, 2026, “Mera Pyara” team conducted a detailed interview to collect information and started process of locating his parents. The child did not know his complete home address; however, he only remembered name of 32 Chak.Using modern technology, available data, and multiple sources of investigation, “Mera Pyara” team successfully identified 32 Chak, District Pakpattan. Further investigation revealed that the child’s parents had moved from 32 Chak and were currently residing in Arifwala. The spokesperson further stated that “Mera Pyara” team contacted child’s parents with the help of local sources and, after continuous efforts, successfully reunited missing child Ghulam Rasool with his family. The spokesperson appealed to the citizens that in case of any information regarding a missing, abandoned child, or a special person, citizens should immediately call Punjab Emergency Helpline 15 and select Option 3 or dial contact number 0309-0000015, enabling swift action along with ensuring safe recovery and protection of vulnerable individuals.

Lahore :Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bukhari, responding to Sharjeel Memon, said, “Oh really! That’s why you have secured Sindh for the fourth time through blackmail, isn’t it?” Azma Bukhari said that the Day of Judgment did not come when opposition candidates were made to disappear for the sake of a House seat, and when the local government elections in Sindh were stolen. She said that they have always been using blackmail in the name of “national interest” and have remained in occupation of Sindh for the last 18 years. Azma Bukhari said, “Big revolutionaries, fake democrats.”