Day: July 23, 2026

Lahore: Lahore Commissioner Nauman Yousaf on Wednesday visited Laxmi Chowk and Davis Road to review rainwater drainage operations after the city received 123 millimetres of heavy rainfall, directing authorities to deploy additional sucker machines to expedite clearance in low-lying areas.

During the visit, the commissioner inspected the ongoing drainage operation at Laxmi Chowk and instructed WASA officials to increase the deployment of machinery on Davis Road to accelerate the disposal of accumulated rainwater.

On the occasion, he said WASA’s disposal stations had been made fully operational following the cessation of rainfall, while additional sucker machines and manpower had been deployed according to the requirements of different localities.

Despite the heavy downpour within a short span of time, he said, the main Laxmi Chowk area had already been cleared of rainwater and the adjoining areas would also be cleared shortly. He explained that rainwater from Bedon Road, Shisha Road and surrounding localities converged at Laxmi Chowk, making it one of the city’s lowest-lying points.

The commissioner said drainage had been completed at Laxmi Chowk, while clearance operations in the remaining areas were underway and expected to be completed within the next two hours.

He said the district administration and WASA teams would remain in the field until the completion of the drainage operation, adding that emergency response teams were working continuously across the city to clear ponding areas in the shortest possible time.

Lahore: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Lt. Gen. (retd) Nazir Ahmad Butt called on Wafaqi Mohtasib (Federal Ombudsman) Naveed Kamran Baloch at his office, here on Wednesday.

Matters of mutual interest, particularly ways to strengthen cooperation between the two institutions in promoting transparency, accountability and good governance across the country, came under detailed discussion.

During the meeting, the Federal Ombudsman briefed the NAB chairman on the role and functions of his institution, saying it was committed to providing free, speedy and effective redress of public complaints relating to maladministration in federal government departments. He said the institution had resolved more than 250,000 public complaints during 2025 through its nationwide network of regional offices. He added that the number of complaints received this year was expected to exceed 270,000 to 275,000, reflecting growing public confidence in the Ombudsman’s complaint redress mechanism.

Naveed Kamran Baloch said the Wafaqi Mohtasib had established itself as a fast, reliable and accessible forum for citizens seeking relief against maladministration.

Chairman NAB Nazir Ahmad Butt appreciated the institution’s performance and observed that there was significant potential for mutually beneficial cooperation between NAB and the Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretariat in further strengthening transparency, accountability and efficient public service delivery.

Lahore: The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) has received 20,000 applications through its Global IT Certifications Program since its launch in September 2024. This was highlighted during a progress review meeting presided over by PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf.

The meeting was attended by PITB Director General (DG) e-Governance Sajid Latif, Director Skills Development Wing Chaudhry Ahmed Islam, and other senior officials. Participants reviewed the program’s progress, application processing, candidate verification, and reimbursement mechanism.

During the briefing, it was revealed that the eligibility of approximately 11,000 applicants has been verified through the PITB-developed portal. In addition, payment verification has been completed for around 1,350 candidates, while the certification verification process has been completed for nearly 1,150 candidates, enabling the reimbursement process to move forward.

The participants were further informed that the full certification fee has already been reimbursed to 662 successful candidates, with the amount transferred directly to their bank accounts after successful completion and verification of their certifications.

The Global IT Certifications Program aims to equip Punjab’s youth with globally recognized digital skills, enabling them to enhance their employability and compete effectively in the international technology market.

Speaking on the occasion, PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf said, ‘The overwhelming response from young professionals and the evolving needs of the IT industry reflect the growing demand for globally recognized digital skills. In response, we have expanded the scope of the program, which now offers 125 internationally recognized IT certifications, creating greater opportunities for Pakistan’s youth to build competitive careers in the global digital economy.’

Interested individuals can obtain further information and register for the program by visiting: https://certifications.pitb.gov.pk

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said the Punjab government’s proactive monsoon management strategy had ensured the clearance of rainwater from flood-hit districts within hours, as authorities intensified emergency response measures across the province amid continuing heavy rainfall.

According to a statement, the establishment of Water and Sanitation Agencies (WASAs) in 41 districts, supported by more than 1,000 machines and operational staff, enabled the rapid drainage of accumulated rainwater that would otherwise have taken days or even weeks to clear.

On the chief minister’s directions, rivers, dams and barrages across Punjab are being monitored round the clock through Safe City cameras, while district authorities have been instructed to ensure comprehensive safety arrangements around rivers, canals, rain-fed streams and low-lying areas.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz urged the public to avoid bathing in or visiting canals, rivers and seasonal streams during the ongoing monsoon season and any potential flood situation. She also directed district administrations to closely inspect weak and dilapidated buildings and advised citizens to stay away from structures vulnerable to roof collapse.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab issued a monsoon flood situation fact sheet, stating that rainfall was recorded in most districts during the last 24 hours and that rainwater was cleared in the shortest possible time despite heavy downpours.

According to the PDMA, the highest rainfall was recorded in Gujranwala (250 mm), followed by Sialkot (139 mm), Mandi Bahauddin (138 mm), Narowal (117 mm), Hafizabad (85 mm), Chakwal (70 mm) and Okara (64 mm). Gujrat received 49 mm of rainfall, Jhang 35 mm, Layyah 33 mm and Jhelum 32 mm.

The authority reported that water levels stood at 57 per cent in Tarbela Dam, 38 per cent in Mangla Dam and around 30 per cent in the Bhakra, Thein and Pong dams.

The PDMA reported 17 people had lost their lives and 107 others had sustained injuries in rain-related incidents during the current monsoon season. Of the fatalities, 12 resulted from the collapse of old and dilapidated buildings, two from lightning strikes and three from electrocution. It added that the injured were receiving the best possible medical treatment.

The chief minister also directed the authorities concerned to ensure timely compensation for the families affected by rain-related incidents and reaffirmed her government’s commitment to protecting lives and property through effective disaster management and coordinated emergency response.

Lahore: The Government of Punjab has officially renamed the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) as the Punjab Walled Cities and Heritage Areas Authority (PWCA).

The change has been formally notified through an official office order issued by the Authority. In accordance with the amended legislation, all references to the “Walled City of Lahore Authority” in official correspondence, notifications, records, and communications shall henceforth be read and referred to as the Punjab Walled Cities and Heritage Areas Authority (PWCA).

The Punjab Walled Cities and Heritage Areas Authority will continue its mission of heritage conservation, urban revitalization, tourism promotion, community engagement, and sustainable development while undertaking new initiatives for the protection and management of heritage assets.

The Authority has advised all government departments, partner organizations, stakeholders, and the general public to use the new official name, Punjab Walled Cities and Heritage Areas Authority (PWCA), in all future communications and official matters.

Lahore: Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Abdul Raheem Shirazi on Wednesday ordered for registration of a case against two traffic assistants after a citizen complained about their alleged misconduct with a family traveling in a car.

According to a Lahore Traffic Police spokesperson, Traffic Response Unit personnel Rizwan and Munawar were accused of misbehaving with the family during duty. Acting on the complaint, the CTO ordered an immediate inquiry into the incident.

The inquiry found both officials guilty of misconduct, following which a case under Section 155-C was registered against them on the complaint of the In-charge Old Airport. Both officials were taken into custody and lodged in lock-up.

The CTO said that abuse of authority and disrespectful behaviour towards citizens would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He said the Lahore Traffic Police was committed to protecting the dignity and self-respect of the public and would not allow anyone to undermine it.

Abdul Raheem Shirazi reiterated that the accountability process within the Lahore Traffic Police would continue without discrimination and that strict action would be taken against officials found violating discipline or citizens’ rights.