Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

Lahore: An enforcement team of Punjab Food Authority discarded 700kg of fungus infested carrots and ash gourd, 800kg of Murabba Ashrafi and other substandard food items while suspending the production of a murabba manufacturing unit during a raid in Bhagat Pura, Lahore.

Operation was conducted on the order of Director General Punjab Food Authority Raja Mansoor Ahmad.

Food safety team raided the murabba production unit and found murabba being prepared from insect infested and fungus contaminated fruits. PFA took action after detecting serious violations of food safety regulations and ordered the immediate suspension of production.

Director General Raja Mansoor Ahmad said that poor sanitation arrangements and heavy insect infestation were observed throughout the unit. He said that fungus-infested ash gourd, carrots and other raw materials were being stored for use in food production.

He said that the unit owner was using prohibited chemicals to remove foul odours, insects and fungus from fruits and vegetables before processing. Non-food-grade blue plastic drums were also being used for storing fruits and vegetables.

He said that the unit failed to maintain proper storage conditions and could not produce mandatory expiry date records or food-grade certification. He said that the substandard murabba products were intended to be marketed across Punjab in attractive packaging to deceive consumers.

He further stated that strict action is being taken against the food fraud mafia that endangers public health for the sake of higher profits.

Lahore: Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol has urged the federal government, the Ministry of Interior, and relevant authorities to take practical steps to further improve passenger facilities, traffic flow, and administrative arrangements at Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore.

He, however, appreciated the efforts of the Federal Interior Minister and the airport administration, saying that significant improvements have been made over the past few years in airport management, security systems, and passenger services. These improvements have benefited citizens and helped project a positive image of Pakistan.

He said in a media statement here Wednesday that the increasing number of international flights, especially between 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., has led to heavy congestion in the airport’s departure area. Under the current situation, there is only one drop-off lane, which causes passengers to face long delays. This not only wastes time but also increases the risk of passengers missing their flights.

The LCCI President suggested the construction of additional drop-off lanes on the departure road to improve traffic flow and ensure that passengers can reach the airport terminal on time. He noted that major airports in developed countries successfully operate with two or three drop-off lanes, which significantly reduces traffic congestion.

Saigol also emphasized the need for further improvements in the parking system. He suggested introducing a limited-time parking policy in the departure area. Under this system, vehicles would be issued a token upon entry, and a penalty would be imposed if they remain parked beyond the allowed time. According to him, this measure would discourage unnecessary parking, improve traffic flow, and increase government revenue.

Regarding security arrangements, he appreciated the services of the Airport Security Force and other relevant agencies, stating that passenger safety should remain the top priority. However, he suggested that vehicles requiring detailed inspection should be moved to a designated inspection area separate from the main queue. This would help maintain security standards while preventing unnecessary delays for other passengers.

The LCCI President said that an airport creates the first impression of any country. Tourists, investors, business visitors, and overseas Pakistanis form their initial opinion about the country based on the airport’s facilities and management. Therefore, establishing a modern, organized, and passenger-friendly airport is of national importance.

He expressed hope that the relevant authorities would seriously consider these proposals so that the performance of Lahore Airport can be further improved, passengers and airport staff can enjoy greater convenience, and Pakistan’s international image can be strengthened further.

Lahore: Punjab Minister for Law Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan on Wednesday attended the closing ceremony of a two-month internship programme organised by PhysioGrow Clinic and Academy at the Committee Room of the New Ministers’ Block as chief guest. He distributed certificates among the interns who successfully completed the programme.

The ceremony was hosted by renowned physiotherapist and PhysioGrow Clinic and Academy Founder Dr Zahid Mirza. Dr Umm-e-Roman, faculty members, physiotherapists, students and distinguished guests from various walks of life also attended the event.

Addressing the ceremony, Dr Zahid Mirza highlighted the academy’s objectives and its role in providing professional training and enhancing the practical skills of young physiotherapists. He said the two-month internship programme was designed to equip participants with modern clinical knowledge, hands-on experience and effective patient-care skills to help them excel in their professional careers.

Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Minister for Law Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan congratulated the successful interns and said that the youth were Pakistan’s greatest asset and the country’s bright future. He emphasised that providing quality education, professional training and practical exposure to young professionals was the need of the hour.

The minister said physiotherapy was not merely a profession but a noble mission to serve humanity. He observed that whenever a person with a disability regained mobility, a stroke patient walked again or an injured individual returned to a normal life, the dedication, expertise and compassion of physiotherapists played a vital role in making such recoveries possible.

Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan reaffirmed the Punjab government’s commitment to promoting the physiotherapy profession, creating greater public awareness about its importance and addressing the challenges faced by physiotherapists. He assured the participants that he would extend all possible support, including through legislative initiatives where required, to strengthen rehabilitation services within the healthcare system.

The minister also appreciated the valuable contributions of Dr Zahid Mirza, Dr Umm-e-Roman and the entire team of PhysioGrow Clinic and Academy for their efforts to train young physiotherapists and develop skilled healthcare professionals. He said institutions such as PhysioGrow were playing an important role in improving healthcare services and preparing a competent workforce for the future.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the minister distributed certificates among the successful interns and extended his best wishes for their future careers, urging them to continue serving humanity with professionalism, dedication and integrity.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday approved the construction of 800 additional mini dams in the Potohar region over the next three years to enhance rainwater harvesting and strengthen the province’s long-term water conservation strategy.

Chairing a meeting on the Transformation of Agriculture and Water Management, here on Wednesday, the CM reviewed progress on water conservation and groundwater management. She was informed that 110 mini dams had already been completed across Punjab under the government’s water preservation initiative.

CM Maryam Nawaz directed the authorities to prepare a comprehensive plan for developing surface water bodies to maximise rainwater storage and called for further strengthening of the legal framework governing groundwater management.

The meeting decided to deploy dedicated human resources for water conservation and monitoring, while the agriculture, irrigation, housing and local government departments were directed to work in close coordination to promote efficient water management across the province.

The CM approved the construction of 800 new mini dams in Potohar, which were expected to create storage capacity of 32,000 acre-feet of rainwater over the next three years.

Reviewing agricultural support measures, the meeting also decided to provide 1,000 laser land levellers to farmers at a 50 per cent subsidy during the current financial year to improve land productivity and water-use efficiency.

Photographic evidence of recently completed mini dams in Attock, Talagang, Gujar Khan and Rawalpindi was presented during the meeting.

Addressing participants, the CM said prosperous nations were those that valued and protected every drop of water, stressing that water conservation was essential for ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural growth.

Officials informed the meeting that a comprehensive strategy had been prepared to reduce 30 per cent water losses during conveyance and 25 per cent losses during on-farm use across Punjab.

The briefing further revealed that lining of 2,600 watercourses covering 7,000 kilometres had been completed, resulting in 20 per cent water savings. Over the next three years, another 4,500 watercourses, spanning 11,500 kilometres, would be rehabilitated and lined.

The meeting was informed that the adoption of high-efficiency irrigation systems had already saved 18,000 acre-feet of water while increasing crop yields by 50 per cent. An additional 30,000 acres would be brought under modern drip and sprinkler irrigation systems during the next three years.

Officials also informed the chief minister that 100 groundwater recharge wells were already operational in the Gujranwala, Gujrat and Lahore divisions, while another 300 wells were nearing completion.

Lahore: Punjab Police have deported 37,000 Afghan nationals as well as other illegally residing foreign nationals from across the province as part of the ongoing repatriation drive, while 214 individuals are currently being held at designated holding points.

According to the spokesperson, the deported individuals included 14,954 men, 7,254 women and 14,783 children. The total also comprised 11,145 holders of Proof of Residence (PoR) cards, 11,137 Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders and 14,709 illegally residing foreign nationals.

The spokesperson said the repatriation campaign is continuing across Punjab, including Lahore, in line with the government’s policy.

Punjab Inspector General of Police Abdul Kareem said security remains on high alert throughout the province and the repatriation of all illegally residing foreign nationals is being ensured.

Lahore: The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Chairman Qamar Zaman on Wednesday paid tribute to the services of former Board Secretary Farid Iqbal at a farewell ceremony held at the Board headquarters.

Speaking on the occasion, the chairman said that Farid Iqbal had discharged his professional responsibilities with dedication, integrity and a strong sense of responsibility during his tenure. He said his valuable contributions to the institution would always be remembered and appreciated.

Qamar expressed his best wishes for Farid Iqbal’s future, praying for his continued success, good health and prosperity.

Addressing the ceremony, former secretary Farid Iqbal thanked the chairman and officers of the Board for their support and cooperation. He said serving the ETPB had been a valuable and memorable experience in his professional career.

He also appreciated the cooperation extended by the Board’s officers and staff during his tenure.

Chairman Qamar Zaman presented a commemorative shield to Farid Iqbal in recognition of his services.