Day: July 14, 2026

Lahore: At least 12 people were killed and 1,601 others injured in 1,361 road traffic crashes across Punjab during the last 24 hours, according to the Emergency Services Department (Rescue 1122).

A Rescue spokesperson on Monday said 740 seriously injured victims were shifted to hospitals, while 861 people with minor injuries were provided first aid at the scene by Rescue Medical Teams, reducing the burden on healthcare facilities.

According to the data, the victims included 904 drivers, 62 underage drivers, 159 pedestrians and 550 passengers.

Lahore reported the highest number of accidents with 253 crashes involving 318 victims, followed by Multan with 87 accidents affecting 99 people and Gujranwala with 76 crashes injuring 88 people.

The accidents involved 1,454 motorcycles, 95 auto-rickshaws, 127 cars, 29 vans, 12 passenger buses, 49 trucks and 71 other vehicles, including slow-moving carts, the spokesperson added.

Lahore: Deputy Commissioner(DC) Lahore, Muhammad Ali Ejaz on Monday reviewed flood preparedness arrangements in Ravi Tehsil and directed the authorities concerned to ensure round-the-clock monitoring of the River Ravi and complete readiness to deal with any emergency during the monsoon season.

During his visit to Bund Road in Shahdara Town, the DC was accompanied by CEO MCL Kaleem Yousaf, Assistant Commissioner(AC) Ravi Humaira Shah, officials of the Irrigation Department and other relevant departments.

The Irrigation Department gave a detailed briefing on the prevailing flood situation and preparedness measures. The deputy commissioner was informed that all arrangements to tackle any possible flooding during the monsoon had been completed and preventive measures for the protection of citizens had been finalized.

DC Muhammad Ali Ejaz directed officials to maintain continuous monitoring of the River Ravi’s water flow, keep relief camps operational for any emergency and ensure that staff and machinery remain on high alert at all times. He also instructed the Irrigation Department, Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) and Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) to further strengthen coordination for an effective flood response.

The DC said the protection of citizens and safeguarding their lives and property remained the district administration’s top priority.

He said all available resources would be utilized to deal with any flood-like situation, adding that emergency preparedness had been completed and no negligence in protective arrangements would be tolerated.

He further said that 24-hour monitoring of protective embankments was being ensured to minimize any potential risk during the monsoon season.

Meanwhile, DC Muhammad Ali Ejaz also reviewed the ongoing desilting operation at Baradari Road, Begum Kot, directing officials to complete the cleaning of all drains before the monsoon season.

He ordered regular sewerage inspections, operational readiness of pumping stations in low-lying areas and said the administration was fully alert to prevent urban flooding and ensure effective drainage during rains.

Lahore: Punjab Minister for Irrigation Kazim Ali Pirzada has directed the officials to ensure completion of all flood restoration and development projects within the stipulated timeframe, emphasizing that quality, transparency and timely execution must be maintained at every stage.

He chaired a conference of Chief Engineers on Monday to review the progress of ongoing flood restoration projects and other development schemes across the province. Punjab Irrigation Secretary Dr Wasif Khurshid and all Chief Engineers attended the meeting.

The minister said that most flood restoration projects had already been completed, while work on the remaining schemes was progressing at a fast pace. Irrigation Secretary Dr Wasif Khurshid stressed the need for continuous monitoring of projects to ensure the timely achievement of targets.

He said the Punjab Irrigation department remained committed to strengthening water infrastructure and enhancing flood protection measures across the province. During the meeting, the Chief Engineers briefed the provincial minister on the progress and status of projects in their respective zones.

Lahore: The Punjab Employees Social Security Institution (PESSI) on Monday urged registered workers to submit their applications for the Hajj 2027 scheme without delay, as only two days remain before the closing date of July 15.

According to a PESSI spokesperson, registered workers meeting the prescribed eligibility criteria can submit their applications to the relevant Social Security Directorates across Punjab. Hajj application forms are available free of charge on the Punjab Social Security website and at all concerned directorates.

The spokesperson said that successful applicants would be selected through a transparent balloting process. Under the Punjab Social Security Hajj Scheme 2027, 10 registered workers will be sponsored to perform Hajj, with all pilgrimage expenses to be borne by the institution.

He added that registered workers had already been informed about the application procedure, required documents and eligibility criteria through newspaper advertisements to ensure maximum awareness and participation.

The spokesperson said PESSI was committed to the welfare and well-being of registered workers and their families by providing such social welfare initiatives.

Lahore: Punjab Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chaudhry Shafay Hussain held a meeting with Rameez Behbudov, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Punjab, to discuss UNICEF’s ongoing programmes in the province relating to education, health, skill development, child welfare and other social sectors.

The meeting, held at Punjab Skill Development Authority (PSIC) House on Monday, was also attended by UNICEF Education Specialist Sehar Raza Jafri and PSIC Director General Sarah Rashid. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in child welfare, clean drinking water, environmental protection, education, special education and other areas of mutual interest.

Speaking on the occasion, Rameez Behbudov said that promotion of technical education for children had contributed to a reduction in child labour in Punjab. He added that UNICEF has been working in Pakistan since 1948 and is successfully implementing programmes in various cities across Punjab. He added that UNICEF plans to further expand the scope of its programmes in the province.

Provincial Minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain appreciated UNICEF’s contribution towards child welfare, education, healthcare and other development sectors in Punjab. He said, the Punjab Government would take further steps to strengthen cooperation with UNICEF in skill development, clean drinking water, education, healthcare and other priority areas.

The provincial minister said that brick kilns across the province are being shifted to zigzag technology as part of environmental protection initiatives. In line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister, effective measures have been taken to eliminate child labour across the province. He added that children working at brick kilns are being removed from hazardous labour and provided with access to modern technical education.

He stated, Punjab Board of Technical Education (PBTE) has established a Job Portal to facilitate employment opportunities for skilled youth. He also noted that, under the leadership of Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain, the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis has signed agreements to send skilled manpower to Oman, Saudi Arabia and Italy.

Highlighting the government’s industrial agenda, he said, the Punjab government is committed to promoting the electric vehicle (EV) sector, with EV assembly and manufacturing plants being established rapidly across the province. He said, interest-free loans are being provided to industrialists to promote industrial growth, while new industrial estates are being developed in accordance with industrial demand.

Chaudhry Shafay Hussain further said that Gujrat enjoys international recognition for its fan manufacturing, ceramics and furniture industries, with locally manufactured furniture being exported to European countries. He suggested that UNICEF could provide technical support for skill development initiatives in Gujrat Division.

The Minister also informed the delegation that for the first time, TEVTA institutions have introduced language courses in German, Arabic, Korean and Japanese, in addition to Chinese, to better prepare skilled workers for international employment opportunities.

Lahore: Enforcement teams of the Punjab Food Authority on the directions of Director General Punjab Food Authority Syed Musa Raza, carried out an operation in Saggian Bridge and adjoining areas.

During the operation, a renowned bakery was sealed over poor hygiene conditions, while fines amounting to Rs 233,000 were imposed on 15 food business operators for violating food safety regulations.

Food safety teams found poor sanitation arrangements and a heavy infestation of insects during the inspections. Production area was in unhygienic condition with foul smell, while flies, lizards and rodents were present inside the facility. Open drains, rusted baking trays and dirty containers were also found being used during food preparation.

DG PFA Syed Musa Raza said that food handlers failed to maintain personal hygiene and mandatory medical screening and food safety training certificates were unavailable. He said that compliance with Punjab Food Authority regulations is mandatory for every food business operator.

He stated that PFA follows a zero-tolerance policy against food adulteration and businesses that deceive consumers. He further stated that PFA teams will continue carrying out strict enforcement operations across Punjab.