Islamabad: Former Interior Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Rana Sanaullah has been appointed as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs.

President Asif Ali Zardari has endorsed the appointment, granting Sanaullah the status of a federal minister.

The decision follows Sanaullah's defeat in the General Elections from Faisalabad, prompting PML-N to consider his induction into the Punjab cabinet or a significant role at the federal level.

Rana Sanaullah faced defeat in the National Assembly constituency NA-100 Faisalabad, where independent candidate Nisar Jutt backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged victorious with 131,996 votes, leading by 19,593 votes over Sanaullah, who secured 112,403 votes.

Lahore: Nawaz Sharif, the Supreme Leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and former Prime Minister, has returned home following a week-long visit to China, confirmed sources close to him on Tuesday.

During his visit, Nawaz Sharif engaged in discussions with heads of Chinese companies to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab, where his daughter Maryam Nawaz holds a significant position. The sources revealed that Chinese companies were invited to consider investment ventures in Punjab.

Additionally, the PML-N leader held meetings with individuals closely associated with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his six-day visit. It is anticipated that Ishaq Dar will visit China soon following Sharif's trip.

This marked Sharif's first international tour since his return to Pakistan in 2023 from a four-year self-exile in London. He had obtained court permission in November 2019 to travel to London for medical treatment based on recommendations from local doctors for urgent medical attention.

The sources indicated that preparations for his re-election are underway, with a meeting scheduled to discuss the arrangements.

Lahore: A delegation led by Kashif Anwar, President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), recently visited the Business Facilitation Center to assess the services provided by various federal and provincial departments aimed at facilitating the business community.

The delegation included members of the LCCI Executive Committee such as Fareeha Younis, Raja Hasan Akhtar, Ahmed Elahi, Shamim Akhtar, Waseem Yousaf, Mian Atiqur Rehman, Secretary General Shahid Khalil, and others. During the visit, Abid Saleem, the In-charge of the Business Facilitation Center, delivered a comprehensive presentation to the delegation.

The Business Facilitation Center houses 31 departments, with 26 operating under the Punjab government and five under the federal government, including EPD, LDA, PIEDMC, FIEDMC, Local Government, PFA, SNGPL, Energy, LESCO, and PHE, among others.

Kashif Anwar emphasized the significance of the one-window operation, which consolidates services from both provincial and federal departments, streamlining processes for the business community and saving their time and resources.

He also commended the Punjab Industries Department for its dedicated efforts and invaluable support to the business community, noting that the one-window operation initiated by the Punjab government has significantly improved the business environment in the province.

Anwar highlighted that this initiative has centralized various business-related procedures, simplifying interactions with different government entities at a single location, thus facilitating both local and foreign investors.

He stressed that the implementation of a one-window operation not only attracts foreign investment but also encourages local entrepreneurs to venture into new opportunities. Anwar cited studies indicating a surge in registered businesses in countries where such facilitation centers have been established.

Anwar proudly mentioned that the LCCI is the pioneer chamber in the country to introduce a one-window operation for its members, with numerous federal and provincial departments offering their services under one roof. He urged the business community to utilize the facilities available at the one-window business facilitation center to explore various opportunities.