Pakistan sets record with 5,438 companies registered in July

  The Punjab University administration has intensified its efforts to address the issue of stray dogs on campus while ensuring compliance with legal directives and prioritizing the safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. According to university officials, the administration has been actively pursuing a comprehensive strategy to manage the stray dog population in collaboration with the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL). The initiative follows the directives of the Honorable Lahore High Court, which has prohibited the culling of stray dogs and instead instructed the relevant civic authorities to adopt humane measures for controlling their population. In line with the court’s orders, Punjab University has been coordinating closely with MCL to implement a systematic and lawful approach to the issue. University officials stated that several operations have already been carried out on different parts of the campus, during which MCL teams captured stray dogs and took them into custody as part of the approved animal control mechanism. The administration has also shared details of these operations to highlight the progress made so far. Officials emphasized that the campaign is not a one-time activity but an ongoing effort aimed at ensuring long-term results. The latest operation has already commenced and will continue in the coming days to further reduce the presence of stray dogs across the university premises. The administration believes that sustained operations, coupled with close coordination between the university and civic authorities, will help create a safer and more secure environment for everyone on campus. The stray dog issue has remained a concern for students and employees, with many expressing worries about safety while moving between academic departments, hostels, and other university facilities. Responding to these concerns, the university administration reiterated its commitment to resolving the matter through legal and humane means rather than adopting measures that violate court directives. University officials also urged members of the campus community to cooperate with the ongoing operations and avoid interfering with the work of MCL teams. They stressed that public cooperation is essential for the success of the campaign and encouraged anyone noticing areas with a high concentration of stray dogs to report them to the relevant university offices so that timely action can be taken. The administration further clarified that all measures being implemented are fully aligned with the directions issued by the Honorable Lahore High Court. Since culling has been prohibited, the focus remains on capturing, relocating, and managing stray dogs through the mechanisms prescribed by the competent authorities. Officials expressed optimism that the continued operations will gradually improve the situation and significantly minimize the risks associated with stray dogs on campus. They reaffirmed that the university will maintain close coordination with MCL until satisfactory and sustainable results are achieved. Punjab University has assured students, faculty members, and staff that their safety and well-being remain among the institution’s highest priorities. The administration stated that it will continue monitoring the situation, reviewing progress regularly, and taking all necessary steps within the legal framework to ensure a safe, secure, and conducive academic environment for the entire university community.

  Pakistani mountaineers have achieved a landmark feat by opening a brand-new climbing route on Broad Peak, one of the world’s highest mountains. The accomplishment is being hailed as a major milestone for Pakistan’s mountaineering community, showcasing the country’s growing expertise in high-altitude climbing and technical expedition planning. Broad Peak, standing at 8,051 metres (26,414 feet), is located in the Karakoram mountain range of Gilgit-Baltistan, approximately five miles from K2. Ranked as the world’s 12th-highest mountain, Broad Peak has long attracted climbers from around the globe because of its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. The newly established route, officially named the Mirza Ali Legacy Route, begins above Camp 3 and offers a fresh approach to the summit. The route was created after an intensive three-day effort that required climbers to navigate deep snow, steep rock faces, and mixed sections of snow and rock under extremely demanding conditions. The expedition was led by renowned Pakistani mountaineer Mirza Ali, founder of Karakorum Expeditions. Along with his team, he spent days fixing ropes and securing the mountain to make the route accessible for future expeditions. Their summit push began at 2:00 a.m. local time on July 19. Battling continuous snowfall, freezing temperatures, and severe weather, the climbers finally reached the summit at 9:55 p.m. after more than 24 hours of nonstop climbing. To establish the route, the team installed over 1,600 metres of fixed rope and placed permanent rock pitons at critical points to improve safety and stability. According to expedition organisers, the new line is shorter, more direct, and significantly safer than the traditional path, which passes through Broad Peak’s hazardous “V Section.” The redesigned route is expected to reduce climbers’ exposure to avalanches and falling rocks, two of the mountain’s most serious risks. Organisers estimate that under normal weather conditions, climbers using the new route should be able to reach the summit from Camp 3 within seven to eight hours and descend in approximately two to three hours, making the ascent both faster and more efficient. The route was unanimously named in honour of Mirza Ali to recognise his 16 years of dedication to Pakistan’s mountaineering sector. Throughout his career, he has trained aspiring climbers, organised national and international expeditions, and promoted Pakistan as a premier destination for adventure tourism. Reflecting on the achievement, Mirza Ali said the successful opening of the route demonstrates the technical capability, determination, and resilience of Pakistani climbers. He also stressed the importance of investing in mountaineering education, safety training, and adventure tourism, highlighting Gilgit-Baltistan’s enormous untapped potential within the mountain economy. International members of the expedition also praised the accomplishment. Argentine climber Juan Toro described the project as a historic milestone for Pakistani mountaineering, while Hungarian climber David Klein called the newly opened path an innovative and technically brilliant route that reflected the team’s exceptional skill and perseverance. The summit team included Mirza Ali, Ahmed Baig, Rizwan Dad, Waqar Ali, Nawaz Ali Khan, Zaman Karim, Juan Toro, and David Klein. To support future expeditions and improve emergency response, the team also recorded all major anchor locations using Garmin inReach GPS technology, ensuring the new route can be safely managed for climbers in the years ahead.