pha marks independence
| |

PHA marks Independence Day across Punjab

LAHORE: District agencies of the Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) have launched a range of Independence Day activities across Punjab, including fireworks, green-and-white illuminations, cultural programmes and plantation drives.

Lahore, Murree, Jhelum and Faisalabad welcomed August 14 with fireworks late Wednesday night. Authorities also decorated major roads, parks and public spaces with lights and national flags in the colours of the Pakistani flag.

In Lahore, the agency organised midnight fireworks at five locations, including Greater Iqbal Park, Liberty Roundabout and Gulshan Iqbal Park. It also installed decorative crescents, stars and traditional lamps at several sites and arranged a musical night.

Faisalabad hosted an entertainment programme at Bagh-i-Jinnah, featuring fireworks, family activities, magic shows and musical performances. The agency also decorated several parts of the city with illuminated structures.

Murree held a fireworks display and planned a cake-cutting ceremony after the flag-hoisting. Officials decorated Kuldana Road, Bagh-i-Shaheedan, View Forth Road, Jhika Gali, Kashmir Point and Pindi Point.

In Jhelum, fireworks took place at Akram Shaheed Park, which also received decorative lighting. Officials installed flags along the green belt on Old GT Road and placed streamers in several parks.

Rawalpindi will combine Independence Day celebrations with a plantation initiative at Allama Iqbal Park, where officials will distribute plants after the flag-hoisting ceremony. The agency has also decorated several major roads with lights.

Other districts, including Khushab, Nankana Sahib, Multan, Gujranwala, Dera Ghazi Khan and Okara, have arranged similar activities. Multan will distribute saplings at several parks, while Okara plans to plant 1,000 saplings and decorate nine major parks.

Dera Ghazi Khan has organised a musical night and will hold a rally in coordination with the deputy commissioner’s office. Gujranwala is promoting Independence Day through digital campaigns and decorations in parks.

The PHA said its celebrations also highlight environmental responsibility. District agencies are continuing monsoon plantation campaigns across Punjab to increase green cover and expand parks in urban areas.

A PHA spokesperson said Independence Day provides an opportunity to remember the sacrifices behind Pakistan’s creation while renewing the commitment to the country’s future and environmental well-being.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Kris Jenner remembers late mom MJ on her first hea…

    Kris Jenner is honoring the memory of her beloved mother, Mary Jo “MJ” Campbell, with an emotional tribute on what would have been her 92nd birthday. Just days after MJ’s passing on July 16, the Kardashian-Jenner matriarch took to Instagram to celebrate her mother’s life, expressing how deeply she misses the woman who shaped her family’s legacy. (people.com⁠) Sharing a collection of cherished family photos spanning several decades, Kris reflected on the irreplaceable role her mother played in her life. The heartfelt post featured smiling moments with children and grandchildren, capturing MJ’s warmth, kindness, and unwavering love for her family. “Happy Heavenly Birthday to my beautiful mommy. Today you would have been 92. I miss you every single day. I love you more than words can say,” Kris wrote in part. She went on to thank her mother for the countless lessons she taught her, from strength and resilience to unconditional love and generosity. (people.com⁠) Mary Jo Campbell, affectionately known as “MJ,” was more than just the Kardashian-Jenner family matriarch. She became a familiar and much-loved face to millions of viewers through Keeping Up with the Kardashians and later The Kardashians. Fans admired her gentle personality, quick wit, and the close relationships she shared with Kris, Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Rob Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, and her great-grandchildren. (people.com⁠) Following MJ’s death, members of the Kardashian-Jenner family have continued to share touching tributes celebrating her remarkable life. Kim Kardashian recently posted never-before-seen family photos while revealing that sorting through her grandmother’s belongings had helped her learn even more about the woman she admired. She ended her tribute by writing, “I miss you like crazy,” highlighting the profound impact MJ had on the entire family. (people.com⁠) For Kris, her mother was a constant source of wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional support. Throughout the years, she often credited MJ with teaching her the values that guided both her family and her successful career. Their close bond was evident on screen and off, making her loss especially heartbreaking. Although this birthday was the first the family celebrated without MJ physically by their side, Kris’s emotional message made it clear that her mother’s love and influence remain deeply rooted in their lives. As the Kardashian-Jenner family continues to grieve, they are also celebrating a remarkable woman whose legacy of compassion, strength, and devotion will continue to inspire generations. Through heartfelt memories and treasured photographs, Kris Jenner ensured that her mother’s first heavenly birthday was not only a day of remembrance but also a celebration of a life filled with love, family, and lasting impact.

  • | | |

    Fazl says Naqvi couldn’t speak without PM&#8…

    Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi could not have made recent remarks without consulting the prime minister, while calling for a national policy to address the country’s political and administrative challenges. Addressing a press conference in Quetta, Fazlur Rehman said there was no comprehensive national policy to improve the country’s current situation. He said the proposal to create new provinces should be considered carefully in light of Pakistan’s administrative structure and overall capacity. He said creating new provinces was not a bad idea in principle, but stressed that it was not a simple process and required serious consideration of the country’s political, constitutional and financial realities. The JUI-F chief alleged that new political debates were often introduced to divert public attention from pressing national issues. He urged Mahmood Khan Achakzai to convene a meeting of the joint opposition to discuss the country’s political situation. Fazlur Rehman said if such a meeting was not called, his party would organize a broader national-level conference to deliberate on the challenges facing the country. He warned that democracy could not flourish if governments continued to be formed according to individual preferences rather than the public mandate. He further said democratic institutions had weakened and Parliament was no longer functioning effectively. According to him, Pakistan must be governed strictly in accordance with the Constitution to restore public confidence. Calling for a fair and nationally inclusive policy, Fazlur Rehman said the country needed governance based on justice and equality. He also confirmed that JUI-F had decided not to join the government in Balochistan. Commenting on provincial politics, he said JUI-F remained the country’s largest public political movement and added that he had no knowledge of any proposal regarding Abdul Malik Baloch becoming the next chief minister of Balochistan.

  • | |

    J-10C jets downed six Indian aircraft: report

    Pakistan Air Force’s J-10C fighter jets reportedly engaged Indian aircraft during the May 2025 aerial confrontation without direct support from airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. The claim was made in a report by Ukrainian defence publication Defense Express. The report cited Chinese state television and comments from Chinese radar specialist Ben De. According to the report, Pakistani J-10C jets used their onboard KLJ-7A radars to detect and engage Indian aircraft. The jets were reportedly able to track targets from a distance of around 200 kilometres. The report claimed that six Indian aircraft were shot down during the confrontation. It included three Rafale fighter jets among the aircraft allegedly destroyed. The report said the Pakistani fighters did not require direct targeting assistance from AEW&C aircraft during the reported engagements. Instead, the J-10Cs reportedly used their own radar systems to identify and track targets. The KLJ-7A is an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar designed for modern air combat. It can detect and track multiple targets and provide information needed for air-to-air engagements. The report’s claims have drawn attention because AEW&C aircraft are normally used to provide wider-area surveillance and help fighter jets detect threats at longer ranges. The reported use of the J-10C’s onboard radar suggests that the aircraft could conduct long-range engagements with greater independence from airborne surveillance platforms. The May 2025 confrontation involved intense aerial activity between Pakistan and India. Both sides made competing claims about losses and the effectiveness of their military operations. The claim that six Indian aircraft were destroyed, including three Rafales, has not been independently verified. India has also disputed Pakistan’s claims about aircraft losses. The reported account therefore remains a claim attributed to Chinese sources and the Ukrainian defence publication.

  • | | |

    Bullet casing found near spot where Mir Raza Ali&#…

      Police investigating the death of a young man, Mir Raza Ali, have recovered a spent bullet casing from the area where his body was found in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Jauhar neighborhood. The discovery is being treated as a potentially important piece of forensic evidence that may help investigators determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. According to police sources, the bullet casing has been collected and will be sent for forensic examination. Experts will conduct ballistic testing to determine the type of firearm from which the bullet was fired. Investigators hope the analysis will establish whether the casing can be linked to a specific pistol or any weapon previously used in other criminal cases. Officials said that forensic testing is a standard part of the investigation and could provide valuable clues regarding the events leading up to Mir Raza Ali’s death. If the casing matches a firearm recovered in the future or one already registered in forensic databases, it could help identify those responsible or provide investigators with new leads. Police sources stressed that it is still too early to reach any conclusions about the case. They cautioned against speculation, saying that the investigation remains in its initial stages and that all available evidence is being examined carefully. Authorities emphasized that no official determination has yet been made regarding the motive or the exact circumstances of the young man’s death. Investigators have also confirmed that the pistol believed to have been used in the incident has not yet been recovered. The search for the weapon is continuing, and police teams are working to locate it as part of the ongoing investigation. Recovering the firearm is considered a key objective, as it would allow forensic experts to compare it directly with the recovered bullet casing and establish whether the two are connected. In addition to the forensic examination, investigators are expected to continue gathering evidence from the crime scene and surrounding areas. Police may also review available surveillance footage, interview potential witnesses, and collect any additional material that could assist in reconstructing the sequence of events. Such investigative steps are commonly taken in cases involving suspicious deaths to ensure that all possible evidence is preserved and analyzed. Authorities have reiterated that the investigation is progressing and that further updates will be shared once forensic reports and additional evidence become available. Until then, police are urging the public to avoid drawing conclusions based on unverified information. The recovery of the bullet casing marks an important development in the investigation, but officials maintain that it represents only one piece of the overall evidence. The final findings will depend on forensic analysis, witness statements, and any additional evidence collected during the course of the inquiry. For now, investigators remain focused on uncovering the facts surrounding the death of Mir Raza Ali and determining whether any criminal involvement was responsible for the incident.

  • | |

    Punjab launches Green Bus Service in seven more di…

    Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has inaugurated the Green Bus Service in seven additional districts, expanding the provincial government’s public transport network. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the chief minister said the Green Bus project has received an overwhelmingly positive response from the public by providing affordable, comfortable and high-quality transportation services. She said the Punjab government is gradually expanding the service and plans to introduce more buses across every district of the province in phases to improve public mobility. According to Maryam Nawaz, the Green Bus Service has officially started operations in seven districts, including Gujrat, Narowal, Kasur and Sheikhupura. The remaining newly covered districts were also included in the latest expansion under the provincial transport programme. The chief minister said all buses are fully air-conditioned and equipped with free Wi-Fi to provide passengers with a modern travel experience. She added that special facilities have also been introduced for senior citizens, women and students to make public transport more accessible and convenient. Maryam Nawaz said the expansion reflects the government’s commitment to improving public transport infrastructure and providing safe, reliable and economical travel facilities for residents across Punjab. The provincial government expects the expanded Green Bus network to improve daily commuting, reduce travel difficulties and encourage greater use of public transport throughout the province

  • | |

    Maren Morris reflects on major career milestone: ?…

    Maren Morris is celebrating a meaningful milestone in her music career, and the Grammy-winning singer admits the moment has been both exciting and emotional. Speaking with People magazine, the 36-year-old singer-songwriter reflected on nearly a decade since her breakthrough in country music, saying the journey has given her a renewed appreciation for how far she has come. (people.com⁠) Morris looked back on 2016, the year that changed her life with the release of her breakthrough album Hero. The record introduced hits such as My Church and established her as one of country music’s brightest new voices. As she approaches the 10-year anniversary of that defining period, the singer said revisiting those memories has stirred a range of emotions. “It feels really emotional,” Morris told People, explaining that reaching this stage of her career has reminded her of the hard work, uncertainty and determination that shaped her path. She admitted that when she first entered the industry, she never imagined how much her life would change over the following decade. (people.com⁠) The singer also reflected on the challenges she has faced throughout her career. From navigating the pressures of fame to evolving as an artist, Morris said every experience has contributed to her growth both personally and professionally. Rather than trying to repeat past successes, she believes each chapter of her career has taught her something valuable. Over the years, Morris has earned widespread recognition for blending country, pop and folk influences into her music. Her distinctive sound has won her multiple awards, including a Grammy Award, while songs such as The Bones, 80s Mercedes and Girl have become fan favorites. She has also collaborated with several leading artists across different genres, expanding her influence beyond traditional country music. (grammy.com⁠) Recently, Morris has embraced a new creative direction, exploring fresh musical styles while remaining true to her songwriting roots. She explained that personal growth naturally influences her work, allowing her to create music that reflects where she is in life today rather than who she was ten years ago. That willingness to evolve, she said, has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her career. (people.com⁠) As she celebrates this milestone, Morris expressed gratitude to the fans who have supported her since the beginning. Their encouragement, she said, has made it possible for her to continue taking creative risks and growing as an artist. Looking ahead, the singer remains excited about the future. While the past decade has been filled with unforgettable achievements, she believes her journey is far from over. With new music, fresh inspiration and a decade of experience behind her, Maren Morris is entering the next chapter of her career with confidence, gratitude and a deeper appreciation for everything she has accomplished.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *