Author: newsdesk

  • #DETOXLAHORE: A Revolutionary Step Against Smog in Punjab for Lahore’s air quality

    #DETOXLAHORE: A Revolutionary Step Against Smog in Punjab for Lahore’s air quality

    The Punjab government’s launch of the #DETOXLAHORE campaign, spearheaded by Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s fight against air pollution. Coupled with the announcement of Lahore’s 10-Year Sectoral Smog Mitigation Plan, this initiative aims to address the persistently high smog levels in Lahore and transform the region’s environmental outlook.

    Lahore’s 10-Year Sectoral Smog Mitigation Plan

    This groundbreaking plan is Pakistan’s first comprehensive strategy to tackle urban air pollution and smog through targeted, sectoral interventions. Developed by the Punjab government, it aligns with the province’s broader objectives to mitigate the environmental, health, and economic impacts of air pollution, particularly in Lahore, one of the country’s most populous and industrialized cities.

    Key Features of the Plan

    1.      Industrial Emissions

    • Introduction of cleaner production techniques and adoption of zigzag technology in brick kilns.
    • Transition to low-emission fuels and installation of emission testing systems to monitor industrial pollution.

    2.      Vehicular Pollution

    • Encouragement of electric vehicles (EVs) and phasing out older, high-pollution vehicles.
    • Expansion of public transport networks to reduce private vehicle dependency.
    • Implementation of fuel quality standards and vehicle fitness programs.

    3.      Agricultural Sector

    • Promotion of sustainable practices, such as crop residue management and biogas production.
    • Incentives for farmers to curb stubble burning, a major contributor to seasonal smog.

    4.      Urban Planning

    • Expansion of green spaces and urban forests to serve as natural carbon sinks.
    • Adoption of smog-resilient urban designs and improved management of construction dust.

    5.      Energy Sector

    • Transition to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
    • Modernization of power plants to reduce emissions and promotion of energy-efficient technologies.

    6.      Monitoring and Enforcement

    • Deployment of enhanced air quality monitoring systems and real-time smog alert protocols.
    • Strengthening of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) for more robust enforcement.

    #DETOXLAHORE Campaign Measures

    As an immediate response, the Punjab government has rolled out key actions targeting Lahore’s air quality crisis:

    • Industrial Crackdowns: Factories and brick kilns operating without environmental compliance are being shut down​
    • Electric Buses: Lahore will see an influx of 200–250 electric buses to curb emissions​
    • Traffic Regulation: Surveillance systems monitor and flag smoke-emitting vehicles, with fines imposed for repeated violations​
    • Public Engagement: The government has mandated mask usage in public and launched awareness campaigns to encourage eco-friendly practices.

    Enforcement Strategy

    The provincial government has declared a zero-tolerance policy for negligence in smog control. A task force comprising environmental experts and enforcement agencies is working on implementing penalties for non-compliance and rewarding adherence to environmental standards. Regular sessions in the Punjab Assembly ensure legislative support for these initiatives​

     

    Tackling Smog for the Long-Term

    The 10-Year Smog Mitigation Plan complements the short-term actions of #DETOXLAHORE by addressing root causes of air pollution through structural reforms. Together, these measures promise a cleaner, healthier future for Lahore and its citizens, setting an example for the rest of the country.

    By targeting Lahore’s air quality holistically, this initiative underscores the importance of government, industry, and public collaboration in combating the escalating environmental crisis. The combined efforts could transform Lahore into a model for sustainable urban living, reducing smog levels and improving the quality of life for generations to come.

  • A. R. Rahman’s children react to parent’s divorce announcement

    A. R. Rahman’s children react to parent’s divorce announcement

    Bollywood maestro A. R. Rahman and Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman and his wife, Saira Banu, have announced their decision to separate after 29 years of marriage. 

    Rahman shared an emotional note with his fans on November 19, thanking them for respecting their privacy during this difficult time. 

    In his post on X (formerly Twitter), A. R. Rahman expressed the pain of the separation, saying, “We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end. Even the throne of God might tremble at the weight of broken hearts. Yet, in this shattering, we seek meaning, though the pieces may not find their place again. To our friends, thank you for your kindness and for respecting our privacy as we walk through this fragile chapter.”

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    A. R. Rahman and Saira Banu tied the knot on March 12, 1995, and have three children together. 

    On November 19, Saira Banu’s lawyer, Vanda Shah, released a public statement conforming the separation.  

    The statement read: “After many years of marriage, Mrs Saira has made the difficult decision to separate from her husband Mr AR Rahman. This decision comes after significant emotional strain in their relationship”

     “Despite their deep love for each other, the couple has found that the tensions and difficulties have created an insurmountable gap between them, one that neither party feels able to bridge at this time. Mrs Saira emphasised that she has taken this decision out of pain and agony. Mrs Saira requests privacy and understanding from the public during this challenging time, as she navigates this difficult chapter in her life”, the further statement read.
      
    Last night, the children of A. R. Rahman, Khatijam Ameen and Raheem took to Instagram stories to react to the news. 

    Ameen wrote on his Instagram story, “We kindly request everyone to respect our privacy during this time. Thank you for your understanding.”  

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    His daughter, Khatija, wrote her story on Instagram: “I would greatly appreciate it if this matter could be treated with the utmost privacy and respect. Thank you for your consideration.” 

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    Earlier, Indian musician and singer A. R. Rahman shared a startling personal revelation, revealing that he contemplated suicide multiple times during his youth.

    Speaking at the Oxford Union Debating Society, Rahman revealed that his mother had told him to live his life for others and that if he could switch his mindset and do so, it would dispel negative thoughts.

    Rahman expressed gratitude for his mother’s advice and said it was the “most beautiful counsel”.

    Rahman also stressed the importance of living for others, saying it was essential.

    “I took my mother’s advice seriously, whether it’s composing music for someone, writing, or buying food for those in need,” Rahman said, adding that “acts like these, even just smiling at someone, are what give us reasons to live.”

  • Asim Azhar shares the love of young fan attending his concert

    Asim Azhar shares the love of young fan attending his concert

    Singer Asim Azhar recently shared a heartwarming moment with a young fan who attended his concert. The young fan, completely enthralled by Asim’s songs, did not know that her love for his music had also won the singer’s heart while he was on stage.

    Asim Azhar took to his Instagram stories to express his affection for the young fan, writing, “This cutie had my heart the whole time I was on stage.”

    The adorable interaction highlights the strong bond between Asim and his fans, showing his appreciation for their support.

    His followers have widely appreciated the video and the message, with many fans praising the singer’s kindness and the genuine connection he shares with his audience.

    He also continues to be a beloved figure in the music industry, known for his captivating performances and warm interactions with fans.

    Earlier, Asim Azhar was ready to start a new part of his music career with his first album, ‘Bematlab’, releasing in April. The album included seven songs, with five collaborating with other artists.

    Azhar cleared his Instagram feed, suggesting big changes in his career. He posted a mysterious message hinting at something new, leaving fans eager for more details. Then, as the countdown started, the 27-year-old revealed the songs on the album, teasing exciting collaborations with both big names in the industry and up-and-coming stars.


     
    Familiar names like Talha Anjum and Talhah Yunus, who worked on tracks like ‘Bematlab’and ‘Karma,’ are featured there. But what gets fans excited is the promise of new partnerships, especially the collaboration with Hasan Raheem on the song ‘You,’ while Nehaal Naseem will add energy to the album with ‘Mujhsa Na,’ and Umair will appear on ‘Kyun.’

    After being in the music business for 11 years, Asim caused a stir online when he deleted all his Instagram posts on Tuesday, similar to what Taylor Swift and many other international artists would do. Shortly after, he came back with an exciting teaser for his first album.

    The teaser gave a sneak peek into Asim’s life as a musician, from his childhood to his youth, making it clear that fans can expect a personal seven-track album. In the caption, he announced the release date, saying, “A new journey, a new beginning, Bematlab, my debut album.”

    Fans and colleagues from the entertainment industry rushed to the post to show their support and best wishes. Asim’s fiancée, Meerub Ali, also joined in, hyping him up with comments like “the most dramatic entry ever” and “ap cha gaye hou” (you are everywhere)

    The story of ‘Bematlab’ goes back to Asim’s early days when he gained attention by singing heartfelt covers of Western songs on YouTube. But it was his standout performance in Coke Studio 9 that put him in the spotlight, showing off his talent and making him a star. Since then, Asim has been delivering hit singles and captivating audiences with his versatile voice and emotional performances in popular dramas.

  • Interior Ministry likely to block CNICs, degrees of students participating in PTI protest

    Interior Ministry likely to block CNICs, degrees of students participating in PTI protest

    In a worrying development, Pakistan’s state-owned broadcaster PTV News posted a news alert yesterday on its official X (formerly Twitter) page, informing the public that the Interior Ministry has warned students that if they “participate in the 24th November protest, their educational certificates, admissions and CNICs could be blocked.”

    The News Alert further stated: “The federal government has started geo-fencing Afghan Muhajireen camps within the federal capital and nearby cities. The government is considering blocking the CNICs, degrees and admission of students who engage in violent protests. The interior Ministry is also considering blocking the passports, CNICs, and SIMs of those who participate in protests.”

    The statement follows a call by the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, for nationwide protests while also warning party leaders to either participate in the upcoming protest or leave the party.”

    In a recent statement, Khan stated that those unable to join the planned “power show” should “disassociate themselves” from the PTI, calling it a critical moment in the party’s struggle for freedom and justice.

    Khan, in his announcement on November 13, also denounced what he described as a “stolen mandate,” unjust arrests, and the passage of the 26th amendment, which he claimed strengthened a “dictatorial regime.” 

    In a statement shared on X, Imran reiterated the importance of the November 24 protests. He framed the event as “a golden opportunity to secure genuine freedom for Pakistan” and warned that “enslaved nations eventually die away.”

    The PTV News alert also noted that the federal government is ready to “deal with strictness” on the upcoming November 24 protest by PTI. 

    “Islamabad’s deputy commissioner has imposed Section 144 for two months,” read the news alert by PTV News. 

    Upset social media users reacted over the Interior Ministry’s policy, with one user writing, “Foreigners may find it wild: Pakistan state TV is broadcasting this government message threatening: – surveillance of Afghan refugee camps (fuelling ethnic tensions) – cancellation of ID cards, passports and degrees of students. All to stop PTI protests.”

    Another X user, Ammar Rashid, posted: “Unelected regime thugs inciting racial fears & openly threatening Pakistani students with stripping of their citizenship & right to education for attending a protest. No depth to which this dictatorship will not sink to cling on to power.  Meanwhile, the spineless gaggle of PDM frontmen & their mindless acolytes in the media & social media will clap at these violations of the constitution as if they’re markers of democratic progress & ‘resistance to fascism’.”

  • Peshawar: Mob protesting Quran desecration attacks police station

    Peshawar: Mob protesting Quran desecration attacks police station

    A riled-up mob in Peshawar protesting against the alleged desecration of the Holy Quran attacked a police station in an attempt to punish the man already booked on the same charges.

    Several policemen, including a senior officer at Khazana police station in the Charsadda Road area, resultantly suffered injuries. 

    Dawn reports that nearly 2,000 people attacked the police station and clashed with the cops as they were demanding the custody of a man who was already arrested for allegedly desecrating the Holy Quran during a domestic fight.

    The report also quotes a police official who stated that the mobsters damaged the main gate of the police station and pelted stones on the premises.

    The police resorted to tear gas shelling and aerial gunfire to disperse the mob in response. 

    An FIR has been registered against the mob. 

    The violent protest led to the closure of the major Charsadda Road, which connects Peshawar with the Charsadda district and creates inconvenience for thousands of commuters. 

    The city police’s official statement informed the media that the desecration incident took place in the Riaz Ghari area under the jurisdiction of the Khazana police station.

    The accused was immediately taken into custody and shifted to the police station for interrogation by the police. 

    The officials detailed that police resorted to tear gas shelling and aerial gunfire to disperse the mob as a large number of locals had taken to the streets and blocked the Charsadda Road while suspending traffic. 

    The superintendent of police (rural division), Inam Jan and several officials suffered injuries during the stone pelting by miscreants.

    A team of higher-ups of the city police headed by Peshawar SSP (operation) Kashif Zulfiqar held talks with the local elders and religious leaders in a bid to persuade mobsters to disperse peacefully.

    The protesters took leave after the police assured them of legal action against the alleged desecration of the Quran. 

    The police claimed that no loss of life was reported during the protest as a result of their “good strategy.”

    The police also pledged to prosecute mobsters under the relevant laws while acknowledging that there are also reports of protesters suffering injuries, but their number is not known.

  • Pakistani weightlifter wins three medals at World Bodybuilding Championship

    Pakistani weightlifter wins three medals at World Bodybuilding Championship

    A young weightlifter from Sukkur has brought glory to Pakistan by winning two gold and one silver medal in the Bodybuilding World Championship organised by the United World Sports and Fitness Federation.

    He participated in the 2024 World Championship in Thailand at his own expense.

    “When financial difficulties arose, Sindh Government Spokesperson and Sukkur Mayor Arsalan Sheikh provided full support. If I am fully supported, I can bring glory to Pakistan further,” he said.

    He won the title of Mr. Sindh in 2021 in bodybuilding competitions and later participated in the South Asia Championship, secured third place, and now won three medals in the World Championship.

    Moeed Baloch wins gold medal in World Military Games

    Earlier, Pakistan’s Moeed Baloch won the gold medal in the 400-meter race at the World Military Games in Venezuela while representing the Pakistan Air Force in the event.

    Earlier in the Olympics held in Paris, Pakistan’s athlete Arshad Nadeem set a world record in the javelin throw and won the gold medal for Pakistan after 40 years.

    At the same time, Amir Khan from Swat won gold at the International Taekwondo Championship in Bangkok.

  • Imran Khan okays negotiating with ‘powerful quarters’

    Imran Khan okays negotiating with ‘powerful quarters’

    As the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) gears up to march on the federal capital, party founder Imran Khan has given the nod to initiate talks with “powerful quarters”, Khan’s counsel Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry has said.

    “The PTI founder has agreed to hold talks in a nearly two-hour meeting with [party chairman] Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and [Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister] Ali Amin Gandapur at Adiala Jail,” Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry told a private media outlet.

    Imran Khan’s counsel maintained that Barrister Gohar and CM Gandapur had visited the incarcerated former premier in jail to seek his approval for talks with the government and establishment.

    The development comes as the government reportedly tries to reach out to the PTI leadership to “call off” its scheduled November 24 protest in Islamabad.


    According to reports, the incumbent government’s initial contact with PTI was positive, and the party could “call off” the protest in exchange for some assurances on their demands.

     
    Meanwhile, CM Gandapur is expected to raise the issue of incarcerated party founder Imran Khan and his party’s ongoing troubles with the establishment at an Apex Committee meeting to be chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

    Khan’s sister Aleema Khan maintains that her brother has only given a deadline till Thursday for party leaders to hold dialogue with “powerful quarters” regarding the release of party workers.


    It merits a mention that Khan’s “final call” for protests in the federal capital comes days after a foreign media outlet reported the establishment’s stance on possible negotiations.


    London-based The Guardian had last week quoted senior military sources as ruling out the possibility of striking a deal or negotiating with Khan. The report came days after the former premier expressed willingness to engage in talks with the military leadership from his jail cell at Adiala.

    According to reports, the British newspaper had sent a questionnaire to Khan via his legal team, and in his responses, the incarcerated PTI founder confirmed that he had not had any direct interaction with the military since after he was arrested and locked up in August 2023.


    Khan, however, said he would not rule out striking a deal with the establishment.

    The report quoted senior military leadership as saying that Khan, for the past few months, had been “applying pressure” for discussions with the military and had even offered to hold unconditional talks while seeking a deal for his release.

    However, the military leadership was resolute in refusing to enter into any negotiations with him, the report said.

  • Faryal Mehmood reveals relationship status

    Faryal Mehmood reveals relationship status

    Actress Faryal Mehmood has been in the spotlight for both her impressive acting career as well as candid opinions. This time, however, she has made headlines for opening up about her relationship status.

    Appearing as a guest on After Hours with Ushna Shah, Faryal opened up about her current relationship status.

    When asked if she was single, she said, “I am single… very much single.” It may be noted that Faryal Mehmood had tied the knot with actor Daniyal Raheal in 2020, but the marriage had ended in divorce.

    On the show, it wasn’t just about her relationship status as the Raqeeb Se actor also voiced discomfort with a growing trend among celebrities, particularly women.

    “This new trend where people sit and praise their lovers on TV is very cringeworthy. For God’s sake, stop it! Especially women… you know, they sit on TV shows and say, ‘This is what happened to me… they are like this… they are like that.’ For God’s sake, respect yourself and keep your dignity. Women talking like this doesn’t look good, especially actresses,” she said while calling out celebrities who openly gush about their partners on TV shows.

    The Laal Ishq actress also talked about narcissism in society, stressing that it was important for people to recognise the basic traits of narcissists. “It is important for society to realise that narcissism very much exists,” she said and noted that narcissists often lacked empathy and showed no guilt for hurting others.

    Faryal Mehmood has starred in drama such as, ‘Farwa Ki ABC’, ‘Khuda Dekh Raha Hai’, ‘Aap Ke Liye’, ‘Teri Chah Mein’ and ‘Mohabbat Tumse Nafrat Hai’.

    She has also starred in movies such as ‘Wakhri’, ‘Nayab’ and ‘Chikkar’.

     

    Earlier, Faryal had also opened up about her divorce during an interview with Ahsan Khan. “The reason why I didn’t want to talk about it is that it’s not just me who is involved.”

    “I don’t want to talk about my ex-husband and his family, who are also prominently involved in the media. Whatever happened between the two of us, I would never want to dish out the details of it.”

    “It’s our personal lives, don’t say mean things about it. It happened because it was bound to happen, you know. It’s fine,” she said.

    The statements had come as Faryal confirmed her divorce. “Yes, it’s true. I mean, I am single but this isn’t something to be discussed.”

  • Schools to reopen tomorrow in Multan and Lahore

    Schools to reopen tomorrow in Multan and Lahore

    The Punjab government has issued a notification to reopen schools in Lahore and Multan starting tomorrow (Wednesday) as the smog situation has improved.

    The notification was issued by Environment Department Director General Imran Hamid Sheikh, who announced the reopening of educational institutions “in the whole province, including Lahore and Multan” starting tomorrow, November 20.

    Days after the government announced the closure of schools and eventually the educational institutes due to the cities’ air quality reaching hazardous levels, the government has decided to reopen them. 

    Certain restrictions have, nonetheless, also been imposed to ensure the health and safety of students and staff. These include all educational institutes, which shall not open before 8:45 am. Students and teachers are required to wear masks throughout the school day, outdoor activities will be banned, and schools shall close within class-wise school hours to avoid traffic congestion.  

    The Environment Department urged schools to strictly adhere to these guidelines to mitigate the impact of smog and air pollution in their area.

    Improvement in the smog situation in the province prompted the provincial government to implement the decision to reopen schools in Punjab.

  • ‘If people voted on basis of performance, PTI wouldn’t have won KP’

    ‘If people voted on basis of performance, PTI wouldn’t have won KP’

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sher Afzal Marwat has once again criticised his party leadership over unsatisfactory performance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) where it is currently in power for the third consecutive term.


    Addressing a workers’ convention in Abbottabad, the PTI leader pointed out the lack of facilities in the province and said that had people voted on the basis of performance, PTI would never have come to power again.


    Marwat also highlighted the persisting security situation, backwardness and lack of infrastructure in KP. “We cannot label backwardness as progress nor can we term deception as the truth.”


    “The people of KP have voted for PTI three times in a row and now it is the PTI’s turn to deliver for the people of the province,” Marwat stressed. He also suggested that party leadership must accept past mistakes and realise that party performance was not up to the mark in KP.


    Marwat, who is known for his candid and brut remarks, even against his own party, often faces backlashes for his statements both within and without the PTI.


    In May, Marwat was kicked out of PTI’s core and political committees on the direction of party founder Imran Khan following his remarks about Saudi Arabia. Marwat, in an interview, had alleged that Saudia Arabia was behind Khan’s ouster from power.


    In August, PTI’s official handle on X, formerly Twitter, announced the cancellation of Marwat’s basic party membership for a “gross violation/ breach” of discipline.


    While the notification had gone viral, PTI chief Barrister Gohar Ali Khan had termed it “fake”.


    “The notification regarding the cancellation of Sher Afzal Marwat’s membership is fake. It’s not possible,” Gohar had said, hinting at possible differences within the party leadership over Marwat’s fate.


    The notification also claimed that Marwat had been directed to “restrict himself and his statements to within the limitation as outlined in the letter. A committee was also set up to monitor his statements, media appearances and tweets.”


    The recent-most controversy surrounding Marwat also involved PTI leader Salman Akram Raja.
    “Sher Afzal Marwat must control himself. We are giving him a chance if he wants to play a role in the party. If he does not show discipline, we will take action,” Raja had said.


    Marwat, on the other hand, claims that his relation with PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan remains “strong as ever”.