DC Lahore issues advisory against dumping construction debris on roads


Lahore: Deputy Commissioner and Administrator Lahore Muhammad Ali Ejaz issued an advisory warning against dumping construction debris on roads and public places, directing authorities to take action against violators.



According to the advisory, fines and strict action will be taken against those found violating construction and environmental safety regulations.



The administration has made it mandatory for construction sites, including road-front, residential, and commercial projects, to spray water to control dust and prohibited disposal of debris on roads.



Builders and contractors have been directed to obtain necessary permissions before starting construction work and ensure that construction material and equipment are covered with green sheets.



The advisory also prohibits creating obstacles near hydrants and utility lines, while approved plans and environmental certificates must be displayed prominently at construction sites.



The administration said builders would be responsible for immediate removal of construction waste. DC Lahore Muhammad Ali Ejaz directed that all safety measures be ensured in accordance with the Local Government By-laws 2020.



PFA seals superstore warehouse, destroys 4,730kg of expired food items in Lahore


Lahore: The The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) on Saturday sealed the warehouse of a renowned superstore on Jia Bagga Road after recovering and destroying 4,730 kilogrammes of expired food products, citing serious violations of food safety regulations and unhygienic storage conditions.



The operation was conducted by PFA enforcement teams on the directions of Director General Punjab Food Authority Raja Mansoor Ahmad under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to protect public health.



According to a PFA spokesperson, the recovered and discarded stock included 1,500kg of chickpea lentils, 620kg of gram flour (besan), 500kg of porridge (dalia), 500kg of flour, 800kg of premium candies, 500 litres of cooking oil, 200kg of dry fruits and 110kg of wheat flour. Following the raid, the packing warehouse was sealed until corrective measures are implemented.



PFA DG Raja Mansoor Ahmad said the warehouse management had stored expired and fresh food products together in clear violation of Punjab Food Authority regulations. He said strict enforcement action was taken for failing to comply with previously issued directions and standard operating procedures.



He said inspection teams also found heavy insect infestation, foul odour and poor sanitation inside the storage facility. Dirty water was reportedly dripping onto food products, while several recovered items lacked mandatory labels and product registration, posing potential risks to consumers.



The DG said the PFA would continue strict enforcement against food safety violations and all forms of food fraud. He urged food business operators to fully comply with prescribed food safety standards, warning that negligence affecting public health would not be tolerated.



Commissioner reviews flood preparedness, development projects


Lahore: Lahore Division Commissioner Noman Yousaf on Saturday visited Kasur district to review flood preparedness along the River Sutlej and inspect ongoing development and healthcare facilities.



During the visit, he toured Talwar Post, Ganda Singh Border, Wale Wala village and Baba Bulleh Shah Hospital, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Kasur Asif Raza. Officials of the Irrigation and Highways departments briefed him on flood mitigation planning and precautionary measures undertaken in light of last year’s floods. The Irrigation Department informed the commissioner that all necessary arrangements had been completed in coordination with the Pakistan Army, Rangers, district administration and other departments.



The commissioner also inspected the dialysis unit, cardiac centre and wards at Baba Bulleh Shah Hospital, where he interacted with patients and attendants and expressed satisfaction over the availability of free medicines, diagnostic scans and laboratory tests.



Later, he reviewed progress on ongoing development and beautification projects, including the Green Bus Stand, City Food Court and Model Bazaar. He said the projects, being executed on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, would enhance the city’s beauty, upgrade major commercial markets, and promote business activities after completion.



SPAL steps up cleaning operations at overhead bridges and public places


Lahore: The Suthra Punjab Agency Lahore (SPAL) has intensified its citywide cleanliness drive under Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s Suthra Punjab vision, with operational teams carrying out round-the-clock sanitation activities to improve cleanliness across the city.



According to SPAL sources here on Saturday as part of the drive, overhead bridges, footpaths and road dividers were washed across the city to ensure improved sanitation services for Lahorites.



Cleaning staff were also deployed at bus stops, bus terminals, railway stations and other public places to maintain cleanliness conditions.



Sanitation workers remained engaged in both mechanical and manual sweeping operations on major roads and commercial markets, while mechanical sweeping and washing activities continued during both day and night. Manual scraping and mechanical sweeping were also being carried out at U-turns and service lanes along major boulevards as part of its enhanced cleaning strategy.



Sources said, “More than 950 kilometres of roads are mechanically swept and over 150 kilometres are mechanically washed on a daily basis.”



Police arrest acid attack accused


Lahore: Lahore Police have arrested a man accused of throwing acid on a young woman after she refused to enter into a relationship with him, following the immediate intervention of DIG Operations Faisal Kamran.



According to police, the victim’s mother sought justice during an open court session held by the DIG Operations. Taking notice of the complaint, Faisal Kamran directed the SHO of Factory Area Police Station to register a case without delay and arrest the suspect.



Police subsequently arrested the accused, identified as Fahad, and obtained his physical remand from the court for further investigation.



DIG Operations Faisal Kamran said crimes against women would not be tolerated under the Lahore Police’s zero-tolerance policy. He vowed that all those involved in violence against women would be brought to justice, adding that the protection of women remains a top priority and Lahore Police stands with every victim.



WCLA DG reviews conservation work at heritage sites in Lahore


Lahore: Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) Director General Najmussaqib on Saturday reviewed ongoing conservation and rehabilitation work at several historic sites in Lahore and directed officials to ensure high-quality restoration and timely completion of all projects.



During the inspection, the DG visited Ewening Hall, Newton Hall, Neela Gumbad and the Anarkali Tomb, where conservation work is currently in progress. He examined the pace and quality of restoration, interacted with project teams and reviewed the conservation techniques being employed to ensure compliance with heritage preservation standards.



DG Najmussaqib said preserving Punjab’s historic landmarks remained a priority of the Punjab government and stressed the need to safeguard the original architectural character of the monuments during restoration. He instructed the concerned officers and contractors to maintain the highest standards of workmanship while completing the projects within the stipulated timelines.



The DG said the WCLA was committed to protecting and restoring the province’s rich cultural heritage through professional conservation practices. He added that the ongoing projects would not only help preserve historic monuments for future generations but also promote cultural tourism and enhance public awareness of Punjab’s architectural and historical legacy.