Author: Osama Tabasam

Punjab government plans to develop Asia’s largest forest in Lahore

The Punjab government plans to establish Asia’s largest forest in Lahore. The Horticulture Authority (PHA) and various divisions of government have partnered to plant Miyawaki saplings at 51 locations across the city. In addition, 1.1 million saplings have already been planted by the provincial government. Officials will plant 500,000 more saplings and eleven Miyawaki forests across various areas in Lahore during the monsoon.

New five-year auto policy brings good news for Pakistanis

The government is preparing a new five-year auto policy that will encourage the production of low-cost cars and increase auto exports. Commercial vehicles have experienced a significant price drop, making them more affordable. The local vehicle’s GST is reportedly going from 17 to 12%. The government also reduces the price of small cars (850cc) by Rs. 105,000 and Rs. 146,000 for 1000cc ones.

PM Imran will no longer use protocol for private functions

PM Imran Khan says he won’t use protocol for private functions in order to save taxpayers money. On Tuesday, the Prime Minister tweeted he was also looking into the protocol and security provided to ministers, governors, PTI chief ministers, and other officials. Furthermore, he said a comprehensive policy would be decided by the next federal cabinet meeting.

Government plans to build international airport in Skardu to promote tourism

An international standard airport will be built in Skardu to meet the needs of international tourists and promote tourism. The government intends to build an all-weather international airport in Skardu and to upgrade existing airports in Skardu and Gilgit. Furthermore, the Prime Minister has strictly ordered that all airports connected to tourism remain open throughout the year.

Islamabad police arrest Usman Mirza for blackmailing and threatening a couple

In Islamabad, police have arrested Usman Mirza, the man identified in a video that circulated yesterday as assaulting a couple. He is seen verbally abusing, threatening, and beating the couple. Video of the violence against the man and the woman went viral on social media. A few hours later, Islamabad police arrested the suspect, registered an FIR, and started legal proceedings.

Govt faces backlash after referring domestic violence bill to Council of Islamic Ideology

Government officials face backlash after sending the Domestic Violence Protection and Prevention Bill 2021 to the Council of Islamic Ideology for review. The majority of the public opposes this move since no woman is included in the Council of Islamic Ideology. Many complained that the Domestic Violence Bill mostly affects women, so how do all men get to decide on it?

Punjab to build auto parts technology park in Sheikhupura

The provincial minister for industry and commerce, Mian Aslam Iqbal, announced the opening of the Auto Parts Technology Park in Quaid-e-Azam Business Park in Sheikhupura. The announcement was made during a meeting during which the performance of the PIEDMC was discussed. This technology park will include a design center, a training center, as well as a manufacturing and testing facility.

Murad Raas announces to open schools for transgender students in Punjab

Punjab’s Schools Minister Murad Raas announced Tuesday to open a school for transgender students in Multan. Further, there is a plan to open more schools for transgender people in other parts of Punjab. Previously, we had ignored a whole community and never thought they would receive education or employment,” Murad Raas said. Adding that they made the decision after meeting with transgender community representatives.

Pakistan ranks third in Economist’s return to normal index

According to The Economist’s Global Normalcy Index, Pakistan ranked third out of 50 countries. It aims to identify which countries have returned to their pre-pandemic levels by grading each one. The Economist’s “normalcy index” analyzes countries using eight indicators: time of day in the office, retail, traffic patterns, flights, cinema attendance, and retail use.

Pakistan & Uzbekistan to sign trade agreement to tap $90 billion in export market

In the fiscal year 2021-22, Pakistan will sign trade agreements with Uzbekistan to explore more than $90 billion of export prospects in Central Asia. Prime Minister Khan will visit Uzbekistan between July 13 and 15 to sign transit and preferential trade agreements. Furthermore, Pakistan & Uzbekistan plan to establish several warehouses in Gwadar and Tashkent.