Lahore:  A delegation of UK Higher Education leaders led by Slr Steve Smith met Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman at Governor House Lahore on Saturday.

Provincial Education Minister, Rana Sikandar Hayat Khan, was also present on the occasion. The delegation comprised Dr Wendy Alexander, Scotland's Education Champion.notable delegates from UK universities and British Council Pakistan representatives.

 Governor Punjab welcomed the participants of the delegation.

Talking on this occasion, Punjab Governor Muhammad Balighur Rehman said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its long-standing relations with Britain.

He said that more and more exchange programs should be started in the field of education between Pakistan and the UK. He said that the exchange of such educational delegations would help promote cooperation in higher education and research between Pakistan and the UK.

 He further stated that the government is taking steps to advance higher education and social welfare through research commercialization, innovation and collaboration. He said that he wants the academia associated with the UK universities to strengthen the educational exchange with the universities of Punjab. He said that he would like to express his sincere gratitude to the UK Government, British Council, Universities in the UK and HEC representatives for their collaborative endeavors aimed at internationalizing higher education through the promotion of principles such as quality, equity and transparency Governor Punjab expressed  hope that this continued cooperation will have a positive impact on the future of higher education.

Later, Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman along with his wife planted sapling in Governor House Lahore along with the students of Crescent Model Higher Secondary School Girls Campus in connection with Earth Day.

Speaking on this occasion, Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman said that trees produce oxygen for us, provide shade in the scorching heat and keep the climate moderate. He said that we should actively plant trees to control the increasing environmental pollution, to mitigate the effects of climate change and for the country's economic prosperity. Governor Punjab said that in Quran and Hadees, planting trees and protecting them has been declared as an important duty and ongoing charity. The Governor of Punjab said that it is a very welcome thing that the students of Crescent Model Higher Secondary School, Girls Campus have participated in the plantation campaign here today at the Governor's House.

Besides, Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman attended the book launching ceremony of M.A. Qureshi's book "Nasl Nau Aur Iqbal". Speaking on this occasion, Punjab Governor Muhammad Balighur Rahman emphasized the need for character building of the new generation in the light of Allama Iqbal's thoughts and ideas. He said that poet Allama Iqbal is our great asset and his poetry is widely read and appreciated in Iran, Germany and Turkey. On this occasion, Brigadier Retired Dr. Waheed-ul-Zaman Tariq, Uzma Zareen, MA Hijazi Waheed Khawaja, Pir Tariq Sharifzada, Manshah Qazi and Azam Munir were also present.

D. I. Khan: District and Sessions Judge Shakirullah Marwat, stationed in South Waziristan, was abducted by armed assailants near the border area of Tank and Dera Ismail Khan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the police confirmed on Saturday.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mohammad Adnan of DI Khan confirmed the incident, stating that it occurred in a village called Bagwal, situated in the border region between Tank and DI Khan. The abduction took place while the sessions judge was returning to DI Khan from duty.

The perpetrators abandoned the judge's vehicle and driver at the scene before fleeing, according to police reports.

No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the abduction, as per police sources.

Upon taking notice of the situation, KP CM Gandapur directed authorities to ensure the safe recovery of the abducted judge. He emphasized the urgency of the matter, instructing that all available resources be utilized for Marwat's retrieval.

Gandapur condemned the abduction, asserting that those responsible for such heinous acts would not evade justice.

Islamabad: Power Division on Saturday refuted reports of imposition of fixed tax on solar power.

The power division stated there is no truth in the news of solar power fixed tax.

The Central Power Purchasing Agency or Power Division has not sent any such summary to the government in this regard.

The power division said the Net Metering Policy of 2017 was aimed at promoting alternative energy in the system.   There has been a phase where the solarization has increased very rapidly.

The power division said that such proposals and amendments are being considered to save the poor from further burden.

The statement affirmed to protect the investment of one hundred and fifty to two hundred thousand net metering consumers.