Category: Lahore

Lahore: Minister for Mines and Minerals Sher Ali Gorchani, in his message on Pakistan Day, said on Sunday that March 23, 1940, "laid the foundation for our independence, and the Pakistan Resolution paved the way for a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Subcontinent".

He said: "Pakistan Day reminds us of national unity, sacrifices, and determination." He emphasised that Pakistan's future is bright, "and we must progress with unity and hard work. Pakistan Day is a day of renewed commitment, inspiring us to honour the sacrifices of our forefathers and work collectively for the country's development."

The minister stated that a strong, prosperous, and sovereign Pakistan is the true reward of our martyrs' sacrifices. "We must never forget these sacrifices and should play our part in the nation's progress in every possible way," he added.

Lahore: Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo has said that for the first time in Punjab a formal campaign is being conducted to promote early cotton sowing.

He presided over the review meeting on the target for early cotton sowing here on Sunday. Punjab Agriculture (Extension) DG Chaudhry Abdul Hameed briefed the meeting on the progress of early cotton sowing.

The secretary said that with the grace of the Allah Almighty, target to achieve early sowing of cotton on one million acres would be achieved. He further announced that financial assistance would be provided to farmers who would complete early cotton sowing by March 31. Under this initiative, farmers cultivating early cotton on five acres or more would receive cash assistance of Rs 25,000.

The registration process for farmers opting for early cotton sowing was ongoing and a verification form would be prepared to inspect the cultivated areas, he added.

The Secretary also commended the role of field formations in ensuring the success of this campaign and expressed satisfaction over the ongoing efforts.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has commended the Punjab Police for successfully eliminating two dangerous dacoits, including Shah Mir alias Meera Kosh, who were involved in the martyrdom of 12 police officers in Katcha area.

Expressing her appreciation, the CM acknowledged the bravery and dedication of the police force in their fight against crime. She also extended her best wishes to Punjab Police for continued success in their mission to eradicate criminals and ensure peace in the province.

Lahore: At least 10 people were killed and 1,639 others injured in 1,386 road accidents in Punjab during the last 24 hours. As many as 739 people with serious injuries were shifted to different hospitals, while 900 with minor injuries were treated at the incident site by the rescue medical teams.

The data analysis showed that 919 drivers, 68 underage drivers, 181 pedestrians, and 549 passengers were among the victims of road traffic crashes. The statistics showed that 279 accidents were reported in Lahore, which affected 340 persons placing the provincial capital at top of the list, followed by Faisalabad with 102 accidents and 125 victims, and at third Gujranwala with 79 accidents and 85 victims.

According to the data, 1,374 motorbikes, 85 auto-rickshaws, 140 motorcars, 32 vans, 10 passenger buses, 34 truck and 92 other types of vehicles and slow-moving carts were involved in these road traffic accidents.

Lahore: High blood pressure and diabetes during pregnancy not only pose serious risks to the health of expectant mothers but also endanger the well-being of their babies, increasing the chances of miscarriage and other severe complications.

If blood glucose levels exceed the required limit, issues such as high blood pressure, protein secretion in the urine, and body swelling can arise, further exacerbating pregnancy risks.

Renowned gynecologist and Principal of Ameer Uddin Medical College, Professor Dr. Muhammad Al-Fareed Zafar, highlighted these concerns during a special lecture on 'Problems Caused by Gestational Diabetes in Women and Preventive Measures' on Saturday. The lecture was attended by a large number of gynecologists and medical students.

Prof. Al-Fareed emphasized the importance of regular medical check-ups and timely diagnostic tests during pregnancy to detect complications early and ensure proper treatment. He stated, 'If the mother and child remain healthy throughout the pregnancy, the chances of delivering a normal and healthy baby increase significantly. However, if a child is born with disabilities or medical conditions due to negligence during pregnancy, it not only affects the family but also becomes a societal concern.'

The professor warned that gestational diabetes can hinder fetal growth, resulting in either an extremely low birth weight or excessive weight gain, which can lead to life-threatening complications for both the mother and child. In such cases, doctors are often forced to perform emergency C-sections to protect both lives.

Additionally, he noted that diabetes during pregnancy could lead to high blood pressure, affecting the baby's organs and increasing the risk of congenital heart diseases. Some women already suffering from Type 2 diabetes before pregnancy should consult their doctors while planning for a child to prevent the condition from worsening.

Prof. Al-Fareed pointed out that many women temporarily develop Type 2 diabetes during pregnancy, which typically resolves after childbirth. However, if proper precautions are not taken, both the mother and baby can face severe complications, including abnormal fetal growth and developmental issues.

He further explained that in some cases, diabetes-related complications cause excessive weight gain in the fetus, increasing the risk of C-section deliveries and severe health hazards for the mother. 'Due to a lack of awareness regarding health principles, the risks for both mother and child increase significantly, sometimes leading to permanent disabilities,' he added.

The Principal of LGH and PGMI urged health professionals to take an active role in spreading awareness about gestational diabetes and related complications. He stressed that creating awareness among women and society is crucial to ensuring a healthier future generation.

'Healthcare professionals must come forward and educate the masses to build a healthier society. Preventive measures and timely intervention can save countless lives,' Prof. Al-Fareed concluded.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has taken a groundbreaking step toward the economic empowerment of rural women by launching Punjab's first comprehensive IT and digital skills training programme.

Under this initiative, 27,000 rural women will receive scholarships during their online training, along with desktop computers and free Wi-Fi devices upon completion.

The Punjab Skills Development Department (PSDF) will provide six months of online training, and rural women can apply from home through the official website (psdf.org.pk). The program will cover IT, web development, coding, digital marketing, e-commerce, social media management, graphic design, freelancing, remote work, data entry, office automation, and cybersecurity. Upon completion, participants will receive certification and job placement support.

CM Maryam Nawaz said that the initiative will allow rural women to start freelancing, establish tech firms, or run online businesses from home, removing traditional barriers of distance and mobility. She added, 'Through IT and digital technology, we will economically empower women, enabling them to lead Punjab's digital revolution.'

The chief minister noted that digital education will not only enhance employment opportunities but also promote gender equality, reduce economic disparity, and integrate rural women into the global IT market. She added, 'Technology education will not just be a skill-it will be a tool for rural women to shape their own bright future.'