Author name: NEN News

SARGODHA — University of Sargodha Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas met Punjab Higher Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat Khan to discuss key development initiatives and the university’s recent achievements. The meeting covered ongoing and planned development projects at the university, along with progress made in academic and administrative areas, according to officials familiar with the discussions. No further details on specific proposals or decisions were immediately available.

ISLAMABAD — The Islamabad High Court on Wednesday restrained the Federal Investigation Agency from arresting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf activist Seemabia Tahir in a case registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. The court issued notices to the FIA seeking its response to the petition, effectively shielding Tahir from arrest until the agency submits its reply. The case is among several PECA proceedings that authorities have pursued against PTI members and supporters in recent months, drawing criticism from rights groups and opposition figures who argue the law is being used to suppress political dissent.

ISLAMABAD — The Islamabad High Court on Wednesday directed former Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas to resolve objections raised by the Registrar’s Office on his protective bail petition within seven days. The court’s directive requires the former AJK premier to address the procedural objections before his petition seeking protective bail in unspecified cases can be taken up for hearing. Tanveer Ilyas, who previously served as prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, had approached the IHC seeking protective bail amid an undisclosed legal threat. The Registrar’s Office had flagged objections on the petition, stalling its progress before the court.

KOHAT — The Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST) and the Kohat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration between academic institutions and the business community. The agreement aims to advance research, drive innovation, and improve skill development by bridging the gap between university graduates and the demands of local industry. The partnership is expected to create structured pathways for joint projects, internships, and knowledge-sharing initiatives between KUST faculty and KCCI member businesses over the course of the agreement.

LAHORE — City Traffic Police Lahore (CTPL) has launched the installation of Chief Minister Punjab QR Panic Buttons across public transport vehicles, a measure aimed at strengthening passenger safety in the provincial capital. The initiative is part of a broader push under Chief Minister Punjab’s vision for a safer province, enabling commuters to quickly alert authorities in emergency situations through scannable QR-linked panic buttons placed within vehicles. The rollout marks a step toward integrating technology into public safety infrastructure, with authorities targeting the city’s extensive network of buses, minibuses, and other mass transit options in the initial phase of deployment.

KARACHI — The State Bank of Pakistan on Wednesday launched a nationwide survey titled “User Experience of Digital Payment Services” aimed at improving the safety, convenience, accessibility, and reliability of digital payment systems across the country. The central bank said the initiative is designed to gather public feedback on existing digital payment infrastructure, with findings expected to inform future policy and service improvements. Pakistan has seen a rapid expansion in digital payment adoption in recent years, with the SBP actively pushing to bring more users into the formal financial system through mobile wallets, interbank transfers, and merchant payment solutions.

KARACHI — Pakistan Navy, in a joint intelligence-based operation, seized a sizeable liquor consignment from the Gadani area of Balochistan, authorities said. The operation was conducted in coordination with the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), the Excise, Taxation and Anti-Narcotics Department (South Zone) Balochistan, and the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre (JMICC). No arrests or further details on the volume of the seized consignment were immediately disclosed by officials.