Punjab CNF command changes hands

  Lahore: Pakistan’s cultural capital has earned international recognition after being ranked among the world’s safest major cities in the 2026 Numbeo Crime and Safety Index. The latest report shows that Lahore recorded one of the lowest crime index scores among several globally recognized metropolitan areas, reflecting continued improvements in public safety and law enforcement. According to the 2026 rankings, Lahore outperformed a number of major international cities in terms of safety. The city ranked ahead of Karachi, New Delhi, Paris, London, Washington, New York, and Mexico City, highlighting its growing reputation as a comparatively secure urban centre. The results suggest that residents and visitors perceive Lahore as offering a safer environment than many other large cities included in the global survey. The report also indicates measurable progress over the past year. Lahore’s crime index declined from 36.8 in mid-2025 to 36.2 in mid-2026, while its safety index improved from 63.2 to 63.8during the same period. A lower crime index reflects reduced concerns about criminal activity, while a higher safety index indicates increased public confidence in personal security and the overall law-and-order situation. The improvement in these indicators demonstrates a positive trend for the city, suggesting that ongoing efforts to enhance public safety have produced encouraging results. Although no major city is completely free of crime, Lahore’s steady progress has strengthened its position among the safer urban centres included in the international rankings. Deputy Inspector General (Operations) Muhammad Faisal Kamran welcomed the report, saying the improved ranking reflects the Lahore Police’s continued commitment to maintaining peace and protecting citizens. According to the senior police official, the department has implemented a range of security measures designed to reduce crime, improve emergency response, and strengthen law enforcement across the provincial capital. He noted that increased police patrols, intelligence-based operations, the use of surveillance technology, and closer coordination between law enforcement agencies have all contributed to improving the city’s security environment. Authorities have also focused on enhancing community policing initiatives, encouraging greater cooperation between residents and police to help prevent criminal activities. Officials believe that these efforts have not only improved public confidence but have also made Lahore a more attractive destination for business, tourism, and investment. A safer urban environment is considered an important factor in promoting economic growth, encouraging commercial activity, and improving the overall quality of life for residents. The Numbeo Crime and Safety Index is widely referenced for comparing perceptions of crime and safety across cities around the world. The rankings are based on user-contributed data and reflect public perceptions of crime levels, personal safety during the day and at night, concerns about violent and property crimes, and confidence in local law enforcement. While authorities welcomed the latest ranking, they emphasized that efforts to improve security will continue. Police officials said they remain committed to further reducing crime through modern policing strategies, technological innovation, and stronger public engagement. Lahore’s improved standing in the 2026 Numbeo Crime and Safety Index represents a significant achievement for the city. The latest figures highlight continued progress in public safety and reinforce Lahore’s growing reputation as one of the safer major cities in the world, while authorities pledge to build on these gains in the years ahead.

The University of Okara (UO) commemorated Kashmir Exploitation Day on Wednesday by organizing a seminar and a solidarity walk to reaffirm unwavering support for the people of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (OJK) in their struggle for the right to self-determination. The event was organized by the Directorate of Student Affairs and attended by a large number of faculty members, administrative staff, and students. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Okara, Prof. Dr. Sajjad Mubin, presided over the ceremony. Addressing the participants, Prof. Mubin highlighted the decades-long suffering of the Kashmiri people and called upon the international community to play its role in ensuring the implementation of the United Nations resolutions on Kashmir. “Kashmir is the lifeline of Pakistan and an issue that remains central to peace and stability in South Asia. The resilient people of Kashmir have made unprecedented sacrifices for their legitimate right to self-determination, and the global community must not remain a silent spectator to their plight,” he said. The VC also paid tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces for safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Our armed forces have rendered unparalleled sacrifices to make Pakistan impregnable. Their commitment to national security enables us to stand firmly with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their just struggle,” he added. Speaking on the occasion, the Registrar of the University of Okara, Jamil Asim, said that observing Kashmir Exploitation Day serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to raise awareness about the humanitarian situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. “We stand in complete solidarity with the people of Kashmir and reaffirm our support for their internationally recognized right to determine their own future. Universities have an important role in educating the younger generation about issues of justice, peace, and human rights,” he remarked. The Pro VC, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Wajid, and the DSA, Dr. Shoaib Saleem, also addressed the gathering and emphasized the importance of maintaining national unity and continuing moral, diplomatic, and political support for the Kashmiri people. A one-minute silence was observed to honor the sacrifices of the people of Kashmir and to express solidarity with those who have lost their lives during the prolonged conflict. The seminar concluded with a solidarity walk in which the participants carried placards and banners expressing support for the Kashmiri cause and reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the right of self-determination for the people of Kashmir.

  A major initiative has been announced to establish an automotive zone on 150 acres of land at Port Qasim in Karachi, with the government expecting the project to create new opportunities for exports and generate significant foreign exchange for Pakistan. The announcement was made during a meeting of the Port Qasim Authority Board, chaired by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry. The meeting reviewed plans aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure and promoting industrial and export-related activities through the country’s major port facilities. Speaking at the meeting, Federal Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the proposed auto zone would cover approximately 150 acres at Port Qasim. He said the project was expected to generate around $500 million in annual exports, while contributing approximately $200 million in foreign exchange earnings each year According to the minister, the auto zone will provide a range of facilities linked to the automotive industry. These will include refurbishment facilities, display areas and spare-parts services. The development is expected to support businesses involved in the import, refurbishment and export of automotive products and components. The minister said the project would create new export opportunities for Pakistan’s automotive sector and help the country strengthen its position in international markets. He described the proposed auto zone as an integrated framework that would bring together automobile imports, refurbishment and exports at a single location. The initiative is also expected to encourage greater investment in the automotive sector by providing businesses with dedicated infrastructure and facilities. By bringing different stages of automotive-related activities together, the project could help improve efficiency and create opportunities for companies seeking to expand their operations in Pakistan. Port Qasim’s strategic importance as one of Pakistan’s major ports could further support the project. The location provides access to maritime transportation and international trade routes, potentially making it easier for automotive businesses to handle imported vehicles, spare parts and other related products before exporting refurbished or finished products to overseas markets. The government expects the auto zone to contribute to the country’s broader efforts to increase exports and generate foreign exchange. Pakistan has been seeking new avenues to expand its export base and reduce pressure on its foreign exchange reserves. In this context, the proposed automotive zone could provide a platform for developing value-added activities rather than relying solely on the import and sale of automotive products. The inclusion of refurbishment facilities is particularly significant because it could allow imported vehicles and automotive components to be repaired, upgraded or prepared for resale and export. Similarly, dedicated spare-parts facilities could support both local businesses and export-oriented automotive operations. The project is therefore being presented as more than a conventional industrial development. It is intended to establish an integrated automotive ecosystem connecting imports, refurbishment, display, spare parts and exports. If implemented as planned, the Port Qasim auto zone could attract investment, support businesses associated with the automotive industry, create employment opportunities and increase Pakistan’s export earnings. The government believes that the project will open new avenues for growth in the automotive sector while contributing to the country’s overall foreign exchange generation and export expansion efforts.