punjab cnf launches

Punjab CNF launches crackdown on drugs near schools and seminaries

ByJustpaste.in

Lahore – The Punjab Counter Narcotics Force (CNF) has launched a special crackdown against the illegal sale of narcotics and intoxicating products in markets and shops located in the vicinity of educational institutions and religious seminaries in different cities.

During the operation, teams conducted raids at various shops, inspected suspicious products, and confiscated items whose sale near educational institutions has been prohibited under the law.

The Punjab Counter Narcotics Force along with district administrative of multiple cities has also issued orders to seal shops found violating the relevant laws and regulations.

Earlier, the Directors of the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force visited various educational institutions and met with the administrations of schools and religious seminaries. During the visits, the administrations were urged to closely monitor students activities within the institutions and immediately report any presence or sale of narcotics or intoxicating products in the vicinity of educational institutions to the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force helpline 1012.

The Punjab Counter Narcotics Force also organized lectures and awareness seminars in Murree to educate students about the harmful effects of narcotics and intoxicating products.

According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force, CNF is carrying out similar operations across the province to protect students from the menace of drugs. The spokesperson emphasized that discouraging the use of products that may gradually lead young people towards narcotics is essential for preventing drug abuse. Raising awareness about the harmful and devastating effects of narcotics is also a key component of an effective anti-narcotics strategy.

The spokesperson said that parents and teachers have a fundamental role in protecting students from drugs. Parents at home and teachers at educational institutions can play a vital role in safeguarding students by keeping a close watch on their activities and identifying signs that may expose them to the risk of drug use.

The spokesperson said that the Punjab Government is taking serious and comprehensive measures to eliminate drugs from the province. In line with the vision of the Chief Minister of Punjab, the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force is continuing effective enforcement operations against narcotics across the province alongside public awareness initiatives.

The Force has now launched similar operations across Punjab against the illegal sale of narcotics and intoxicating products in and around educational institutions and religious seminaries.

The spokesperson reiterated that the mission of the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force is to make Punjab drug-free, and operations against drug peddlers and the illegal sale of intoxicating products will continue until this mission is achieved.

Public cooperation and timely reporting are essential to the success of law-enforcement agencies. Citizens are urged to immediately report the illegal sale of narcotics, intoxicating medicines, and other such products to the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force helpline 1012.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Maj Gen (R) Dr. Rajih Al-Baqami needs to go beyond defence diplomacy

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: For the second consecutive time, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has appointed a career military veteran as its ambassador to Islamabad, inaugurating a compelling new chapter in Pakistan-Saudi defense diplomacy. The recent designation of Major General (R) Dr. Rajih bin Tami Al-Baqami as the Saudi envoy comes at a pivotal geopolitical juncture. Smaller Gulf states like Qatar, Bahrain, and particularly Kuwait are increasingly turning their strategic gaze toward Riyadh for defense assurances. In response, Saudi Arabia has conspicuously integrated Pakistan into the its defensive calculus, both specifically within the Gulf and more broadly across the Middle East. This deepening collaboration signifies the beginning of the end of an era characterized by blind, unilateral reliance on the United States for regional security. Whether through multinational maritime security coalitions or trilateral defense pacts, Riyadh has unequivocally positioned Islamabad as a trusted strategic partner. Crucially, while Washington has not been entirely excluded from the new arrangements, the table that once seated only the US now accommodates Pakistan and Turkey’s president states that more seats will soon be filled. His hint is for Egypt. Turkey is playing a big game and Egypt is part of his plans for Sahel and Middle East. Moreover, Saudi Arabia has extended its supportive hand to facilitate Pakistan’s major defense agreements with Somalia, further expanding Islamabad’s footprint in Riyadh’s sphere of influence. This rapidly evolving landscape demands an exceptionally shrewd Saudi diplomat in Islamabad, given that intellectual powerhouses like the United States are unlikely to passively observe these seismic shifts in the affluent Gulf region. One could argue that defense diplomacy has cycled back to the fervor of the 1970s but the stark difference is that the towering strategic minds of that era, such as Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Ardeshir Zahedi, and Henry Kissinger, are no longer among us and on the other hand China of today is 100 times more important than China of 1970s. However, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has proven himself uniquely adept at this high-stakes game. Without jeopardizing ties with Washington, he has fortified relations with Beijing to an unprecedented degree; in fact, Riyadh is now expanding its commercial and strategic footprint with China more aggressively than with the US. According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, Dr. Al-Baqami is among eight newly appointed ambassadors who recently took their oath before the Crown Prince in Jeddah. Despite this formal announcement, frequent winner of government awards for his services in journalism, Saleh Zaafir, curiously attributed the news to his “sources.” Meanwhile, leading AI chatbots and search engines like ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and Gemini draw a blank regarding the nature of Dr. Al-Baqami’s specific postings in Saudi diplomatic missions London and Jordan, which strongly suggests a classified, defense-oriented portfolio. Dr. Al-Baqami hails from the warrior Al-Baqami tribe, a lineage renowned for its formidable resilience and esprit de corps. Yet, a note of caution is urgently warranted. Misleading and unrealistic commentary regarding Saudi-Pakistan defense pacts has become rife. These agreements will not automatically neutralize Pakistan’s internal existential threats, specifically, the escalating bureaucratic corruption and spiraling crime rates. The historical precedent is sobering: the practice of deploying military officers to diplomatic roles is ancient, tracing back to the Roman and Byzantine empires, yet it has no inherent correlation with a nation’s prosperity or moral standing. Napoleon formalized this tradition in the pre-WWI era, but French military envoys failed to stave off famine and destitution in France. Subsequently, professional foreign ministries emerged, and bureaucrats, much like termites, consumed diplomacy from the inside, burying interstate relations beneath classified files. When opacity became the norm, civil society rebelled, giving rise to digital media and public diplomacy, a trend recently taken to extremes by former US President Donald Trump. For the new Saudi ambassador, public diplomacy will prove a formidable challenge. Although several Saudi-funded media outlets operate in Pakistan, they have largely been hijacked by populist scribes who have reduced them to ashes of sensationalism. Reclaiming these platforms from the clutches of journalistic mediocrity must be an immediate priority. Dr. Al-Baqami’s predecessor, Nawaf bin Malik Al-Maliki, a retired Saudi Navy officer, remained in Islamabad for nearly twelve years. Pakistan’s navy has historically played a pivotal role in the formation and training of the Saudi Naval Forces. Al-Maliki initially arrived as defense attaché in 2014, the very year MBS ascended to a high office before being appointed Defense Minister in 2015. When MBS became Crown Prince in 2017, Al-Maliki assumed the ambassadorship. He retained this position for a decade indicating that he was a trusted confidant of the Crown Prince. Intriguingly, Al-Maliki’s next posting is Algeria—a nation where military dominance permeates business and governance, ensnaring the country in poverty and bloodshed. As Algeria remains a Saudi ally, it is premature to forecast the trajectory of his new mission. To conclude, one can only hope that Major General (Retd) Dr. Rajih Al-Baqami’s tenure in Pakistan transcends the narrow confines of defense diplomacy. The true test of his legacy will lie in revitalizing public diplomacy, fostering people-to-people connections, and navigating the intricate socio-political fabric of Pakistan with the same dexterity he brings to the strategic chessboard.

  • | | | |

    SBP holds interest rate at 11.5pc amid growth conc…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has kept its policy rate unchanged at 11.5 per cent, maintaining the existing monetary policy stance amid concerns over economic growth. The decision was announced on Monday by SBP Governor Jameel Ahmed following a meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). The central bank’s decision was largely expected by financial market analysts. Most experts had predicted that the SBP would maintain the current rate to support macroeconomic stability while monitoring economic conditions. Market surveys conducted by brokerage firms showed that more than 90 per cent of respondents expected the policy rate to remain unchanged. Only a small number of analysts had anticipated a possible increase. The decision comes as Pakistan continues to balance economic stability with the need to encourage business activity and investment. Higher interest rates can help control inflation and support financial stability, but they can also increase borrowing costs for businesses and consumers. The SBP had reduced its policy rate by 50 basis points to 10.5pc in December 2025. It later raised the rate by 100 basis points to 11.5pc in April 2026. Since then, the central bank has maintained the rate at 11.5pc. Business groups have continued to call for a significant reduction in borrowing costs. They argue that lower interest rates could help businesses expand operations, increase investment and support economic activity. However, the central bank has opted for a cautious approach. Policymakers appear focused on maintaining overall economic stability while assessing inflation, growth and other financial indicators.

  • |

    KP launches digital transformation policy & roadmap 2030 to accelerate e-governance

    ByJustpaste.in

    PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Suhail Afridi has officially launched the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Digital Transformation Policy and Roadmap 2030, describing it as a landmark initiative aimed at establishing transparent governance, improving public service delivery, and building a sustainable digital economy across the province. Speaking at the launch ceremony at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar, the chief minister said the policy is among Pakistan’s most comprehensive digital transformation frameworks and provides a long term roadmap for modernising governance through innovation, technology, and digital reforms. He said the provincial government is committed to implementing the vision of “Digital Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” and praised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa IT Board and other stakeholders for preparing the roadmap through extensive consultations, international best practices, and future-oriented planning. The Digital Transformation Policy and Roadmap 2030 is built on five strategic pillars, nine core objectives, 32 thematic domains, and 915 strategic interventions. It includes clear implementation timelines, institutional responsibilities, and a comprehensive monitoring framework to ensure effective and sustainable execution. The chief minister said the introduction of paperless governance and digital reforms would significantly improve transparency, accountability, efficiency, and service delivery. He added that reducing human intervention in administrative processes would strengthen merit, transparency, and accountability. Under the roadmap, public services will be digitised in phases and made citizen centric, enabling people to access government services and information through a single digital platform. The initiative is also expected to reduce unnecessary visits to government offices, particularly benefiting residents of remote areas. Highlighting the importance of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, Afridi said the government would equip more than 100,000 young people with AI and advanced digital skills, creating new opportunities in employment, freelancing, entrepreneurship, and investment while strengthening the provincial economy. He added that digitisation would not only improve governance but also reduce government expenditure, ensure more efficient use of public resources, minimise paper consumption, and contribute to environmental protection through greener administrative practices. Referring to the province’s fiscal performance, the chief minister said the government collected Rs150 billion in revenue during the previous fiscal year against a target of Rs129 billion, without imposing any new taxes. For the current fiscal year, the revenue target has been set at Rs180 billion, with expectations of reaching Rs200 billion through improved governance and financial management. During a detailed briefing, officials informed participants that the policy also includes measures to promote green ICT procurement, environmentally sustainable digital infrastructure, carbon footprint reduction, and the establishment of a carbon credit registry to support Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s transition towards a modern and environmentally responsible digital economy. In line with the policy’s digital-first approach, the roadmap has not been issued as a printed publication. Instead, all policy documents have been made available through a QR code, demonstrating the government’s commitment to digital accessibility and paperless governance.

  • | |

    Pakistan’s new diplomatic momentum: Ishaq Dar’…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s diplomatic profile has undergone a significant transformation over the past year. Once viewed primarily through the prism of regional security, the country is now increasingly being recognised as a constructive diplomatic actor capable of facilitating dialogue and contributing to regional stability. Against this backdrop, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar’s official visit to the United Kingdom, beginning on Monday, carries considerable strategic and political importance. The visit comes at a time when Pakistan’s international standing has strengthened through an active and confident foreign policy. Islamabad’s recent role in facilitating dialogue and reducing tensions in the Middle East has earned international recognition, while its efforts to promote regional peace have been acknowledged by major global powers. Pakistan’s leadership in supporting diplomacy between the United States and Iran, together with its broader commitment to regional stability, has enhanced its credibility as a reliable international partner. This growing diplomatic influence has also been reflected in the historic Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. The agreement has reinforced Pakistan’s position as an important contributor to collective security, strategic cooperation and peace in the wider Middle East, demonstrating its ability to work closely with key regional partners on issues of shared security. Senator Ishaq Dar’s visit to the United Kingdom is aimed at building upon this diplomatic momentum by further strengthening Pakistan’s relationship with one of its most important international partners. It will be Pakistan’s first high-level engagement with the United Kingdom since Prime Minister Andy Burnham assumed office on 20 July 2026, making the visit particularly significant in establishing an early and comprehensive dialogue with the new British leadership. A central feature of the visit will be Mr Dar’s meeting with United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband. The discussions are expected to cover the full spectrum of Pakistan–United Kingdom relations, including political cooperation, trade and investment, institutional collaboration, education, cultural exchanges and people-to-people links. Particular emphasis is likely to be placed on the invaluable contribution of the British Pakistani community, which continues to serve as a bridge between the two countries. Regional and international developments, particularly the evolving situation in the Middle East, are also expected to feature prominently on the agenda. The Deputy Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet the United Kingdom’s National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell. These talks are expected to focus on regional and global security challenges, with discussions covering counter-terrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing and broader strategic coordination. Such engagement reflects the growing importance both countries attach to security cooperation in an increasingly complex international environment. Another significant engagement will be Mr Dar’s meeting with International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez. The meeting will reaffirm Pakistan’s longstanding cooperation with the IMO and underline Islamabad’s commitment to promoting safe, secure and efficient international shipping. As a maritime nation with expanding regional connectivity ambitions, Pakistan’s engagement with the IMO remains an important component of its international diplomacy. Beyond the scheduled meetings, the visit represents a broader strategic opportunity. It offers both Islamabad and London the chance to redefine and modernise a long-standing partnership that extends beyond traditional diplomacy to encompass trade, investment, technology, education, climate cooperation and regional security. With changing geopolitical dynamics and emerging economic opportunities, both countries have strong incentives to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors. For Pakistan, the visit is also a demonstration of a more proactive and confident foreign policy that seeks engagement rather than isolation. It reflects Islamabad’s determination to cultivate stronger ties with major global powers while simultaneously playing a constructive role in addressing regional and international challenges. If successful, Senator Ishaq Dar’s visit is expected not only to strengthen Pakistan–United Kingdom relations under the new United Kingdom leadership but also to pave the way for further high-level exchanges in the months ahead. More importantly, it will reinforce Pakistan’s growing image as a responsible diplomatic partner whose influence extends beyond South Asia and whose voice is increasingly valued in discussions on international peace, security and strategic cooperation.

  • | |

    PML-N backs Gilani for AJK Premiership

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Barrister Syed Iftikhar Ali Gilani is set to be elected as the 17th Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) today, August 28, after the AJK Legislative Assembly issued a revised schedule for the election. Gilani’s nomination by PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif has placed the party’s central leadership at the centre of the government-formation process in AJK, where the PML-N and its allies hold a comfortable majority in the 53-member Legislative Assembly. Election Schedule According to the revised schedule issued by the AJK Legislative Assembly, nomination papers will be filed from 9:30am to 10:30am, followed by scrutiny from 10:30am to 10:45am. The candidate list will be displayed at 11:00am, while candidates will be allowed to withdraw their papers until 11:30am. The final list will be issued at noon. The election for the prime minister is scheduled for 2:00pm, after Friday prayers, followed by the oath-taking ceremony at 4:00pm at the Presidency. PML-N Holds Numbers The PML-N and its coalition partners currently command 32 seats in the 53-member assembly, including support from JUI and Awami Dast-o-Bazu. The PPP has 14 members and has nominated Mukhtar Ahmed Abbasi and Bazal Naqvi for the prime ministerial contest. With the coalition holding a clear majority, Gilani is widely expected to secure the required votes and become the next AJK premier. Nomination Sparks Internal Reservations Despite the coalition’s numerical strength, Gilani’s nomination has reportedly exposed differences within the PML-N’s AJK chapter. Sources familiar with the matter told Minute Mirror that PML-N AJK President Shah Ghulam Qadir and former AJK prime minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan expressed reservations during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad on Wednesday in the presence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Qadir was also reportedly opposed to the nomination and indicated that he would neither vote for Gilani nor attend Friday’s assembly session. The extent of internal dissent became evident when only 26 of the 32 lawmakers supporting the coalition attended a dinner hosted by AJK Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Tariq Farooq on Thursday night. PML-N leader and Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed Gilani’s nomination on X, saying the decision was taken following consultations within the party leadership. Gilani’s Political Career Barrister Syed Iftikhar Ali Gilani became a member of the AJK Legislative Assembly in August 2026 on a technocrat seat. He previously served as an assembly member from October 2011 to August 2021, giving him considerable experience in AJK politics. Speaker, Deputy Speaker Elected The latest developments follow the election of Chaudhry Tariq Farooq as Speaker of the AJK Legislative Assembly on August 24. He secured 32 votes. Ahmed Raza Qadri was elected Deputy Speaker with the same number of votes. A small cabinet is also expected to take oath after the new prime minister assumes office. Nawaz Sharif’s Role The latest nomination marks another significant turn in the PML-N’s efforts to form the government in AJK. Following the party’s victory in the AJK elections, held in three phases between July 27 and August 10, Nawaz Sharif initially nominated Shah Ghulam Qadir for the top office. The subsequent nomination of Barrister Iftikhar Gilani has therefore introduced an unexpected twist to the government-formation process, while raising questions about whether the PML-N leadership can resolve internal differences before the new government takes shape.

  • | |

    Shazia Marri demands accountability over PIMS trag…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader and Member of the National Assembly Shazia Marri has strongly criticised the federal government over the deaths of newborn babies in the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) fire, calling the incident a serious example of administrative negligence. In a statement, Marri said innocent children had lost their lives, yet no one appeared to be taking responsibility for the tragedy. She alleged that ordinary citizens were paying the price for what she described as incompetence and poor management by the federal government. Marri demanded that those responsible for the incident be identified and proceeded against according to the law. She questioned the federal health minister’s position, asking what justification there was for remaining in office if the minister could not ensure the safety and proper administration of a major government hospital. The PPP leader said the deaths of newborns could not simply be dismissed as an accident while ignoring possible administrative failures. She called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the PIMS fire and urged authorities to determine whether negligence or shortcomings in hospital management contributed to the loss of lives. Marri also questioned the hospital’s fire safety arrangements and emergency response. She asked where the required safety measures were when the fire broke out and why immediate rescue and emergency procedures could not prevent the deaths. The PPP leader demanded strict legal action against anyone found responsible following the investigation. She said the federal government should accept responsibility for the incident and ensure justice for the families who lost their children. Marri described the loss of innocent lives as irreparable and said those found guilty of negligence should not be given any concession. Her remarks came amid widespread public anger following the PIMS tragedy, which has prompted demands for accountability, improved fire safety systems and stronger emergency preparedness at government hospitals.

Leave a Reply

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