Category: Lahore

Lahore: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday disposed of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's petition seeking permission to hold a rally at Minar-e-Pakistan on March 22, following a report submitted by the district administration.

The single bench comprising Justice Farooq Haider heard the petition, filed by PTI leader Akmal Bari.

During the proceedings, a provincial law officer presented a report and notification issued by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Lahore, which cited security concerns as the reason for rejecting the rally request.

According to the notification, recent terrorist attacks, including an assault on Bannu Cantonment and an attack on the Jaffer Express, posed a significant security threat. The report also referenced a specific threat alert, warning that Fitna al-Khawarij had trained 76 terrorists who could potentially target Pakistan.

Following the report's submission, the court disposed of the petition, stating that the DC had already denied permission for the rally. The court added that if the petitioner wished to challenge the decision, he could do so through the appropriate legal channels.

Lahore: Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar chaired a meeting at the Central Police Office here on Friday to review matters related to the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA).

The conference was attended by MD Punjab Safe Cities Authority, Muhammad Ahsan Younas, DIG IT Rana Mansoor-ul-Haq, Chief Operating Officer Safe Cities, Captain (R) Mustansar Feroz, SPs and other officers serving in the Safe Cities Authority.

Additional IG South Punjab, DIG Operations Lahore, RPOs, CPOs, and DPOs participated via video link.

The meeting thoroughly reviewed the performance of Punjab Emergency I communication features, advanced tablets, LTE handsets, and the progress in the completion of Smart Safe Cities. On this occasion, MD Safe Cities Authority, Muhammad Ahsan Younas, briefed on the objectives and utility of Punjab Emergency I, stating that it is the safest communication system, connected to the 15 emergency call service, equipped with all police apps, crime data, and case history. Tablets and advanced LTE handsets connected to the integrated technology of Punjab Emergency I were provided to RPOs, CPOs, and DPOs.

Calls from the emergency helpline 15 will now be directly received by SHOs through the Punjab Emergency I system.

Punjab Emergency I is connected to all police control rooms, with wireless and telephone facilities available simultaneously. It is linked to the central police dashboard and will monitor response time in case of serious crimes, with four types of alerts being issued. The system will continuously improve crime trend monitoring and artificial intelligence features. IG Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, also reviewed the progress of ongoing Smart Safe Cities projects across the province, emphasizing that Safe Cities projects are the sole solution for modern policing for the next 20 years. Under Phases 1 and 2, the majority of Smart Safe Cities projects in various districts are in the final stages of completion.

Once the projects are completed in all districts, the scope will be extended to all 140 tehsils in Punjab.

DIG IT, Rana Mansoor-ul-Haq, provided a briefing on Smart I, e-Gadgets, tenants' registration, and the monitoring of e-police forces.

IG Punjab also pinned ranks of Superintendent Police to the newly promoted DSP Officer Jan Muhammad, who has been serving in the Punjab Safe Cities Authority.

Lahore: The Punjab Agriculture department on Friday organized largest afforestation event at Kala Shah Kaku in connection with International Forest Day.

The event was attended by Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Usama Khan Leghari, and Punjab Agriculture Secretary Agriculture Iftikhar Ali Sahoo.

Usama Khan Leghari said, "Trees are being planted under the 'Green Punjab' initiative, in line with the vision of Punjab chief minister." He highlighted that international forest day was being celebrated across Punjab with great enthusiasm and the Agriculture department actively participated in all major environmental campaigns.

Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo aid that millions of saplings were being planted in Punjab to mark World Forest Day. Both public and private institutions were playing an active role in the afforestation campaign, he said and added that more than 500,000 saplings were being planted under Punjab Agriculture department.

He emphasized that successful afforestation efforts were expected to significantly reduce environmental pollution.

He further said, "Agroforestry plays a crucial role in tackling the challenges of climate change."

The largest afforestation event was organized at Kala Shah Kaku, where 5,000 fruit-bearing trees were planted simultaneously, setting a unique example. The Punjab Agriculture department was also providing guidance at the farm level to promote agroforestry.

To ensure widespread participation, three agricultural universities were assigned separate afforestation targets under the department. International Forest Day was commemorated at the center, tehsil and district levels across Punjab.

During the event Usama Khan Leghari and Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, planted a sapling at the Rice Research Institute, Kala Shah Kaku.

Lahore: The Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) has launched a special cleanliness plan to ensure sanitation during processions and gatherings to be held in connection with Youm-e-Shahadat of Hazrat Ali (RA).

According to LWMC sources here on Friday, under the directives of CEO Babar Sahib Din, over 200 sanitation workers have been deployed in three shifts along the main procession routes. The plan includes pre and post event washing of roads, container clearance and continuous cleanliness monitoring.

A team of 90 workers has been currently stationed at Mochi Gate, Chowk Nawab Sahib, Lakri Mandi Bazaar, Kashmiri Bazaar, Dubbi Bazaar, Pani Wala Talab, Tarnam Chowk, Bazaar Hakiman, and Bhati Chowk while another 110 workers have been deployed at key locations, including Moriya Pul, Adda Crown, Mochi Ghati, Shah Alam Chowk, Akhbar Market Circular Road, Anarkali, Urdu Bazaar Chowk, Bhati Chowk, Gama Shah, Lower Mall Police Station, Salim Model School Kacheri Chowk, PMG Chowk, GC College Gate, Town Hall, Azadi Flyover, and Karbala Gamay Shah.

Additionally, LWMC's Ramadan special cleaning operation is ongoing successfully. Ahead of 'Itikaf' all major Mosques in the city have been cleaned and washed, ensuring a hygienic environment for worshippers, sources added.

CEO Babar Sahib Din emphasized that providing top-notch sanitation services to citizens is the company's top priority. He urged the public to cooperate with LWMC staff in maintaining cleanliness.

Lahore: The Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) will facilitate participation of its members in the upcoming Canton Fair 2025, one of the world's largest and most influential trade exhibitions which is scheduled to take place from April 15 to May 5, 2025, in Guangzhou, China.

The event provides a significant platform for businesses to explore global trade opportunities.

The PCJCCI Vice President Zafar Iqbal and Administrative Incharge Canton Fair held a meeting that was also attended by joint Chamber's executive committee members here at PCJCCI Secretariat on Friday.

They recognize the importance of international trade exhibitions in fostering business growth and global networking. To support its members, PCJCCI will provide the necessary Canton Fair invitation letter, which is a mandatory requirement for entry. This initiative is part of the chamber's broader efforts to strengthen bilateral trade ties and empower Pakistani businesses to access new markets and build strategic partnerships.

Amir Ali, Executive Committee Member, said that PCJCCI is dedicated to create avenues which enable our members to engage with the international business community. The Canton Fair is a prestigious event that offers unmatched exposure to global suppliers and buyers. By facilitating access through the provision of invitation letters, we aim to ensure our members can fully capitalize on this opportunity.

Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General PCJCCI highlighted that this fair provides a diverse range of product categories, opportunities for business expansion, and networking prospects with industry leaders from around the world. PCJCCI encourages its members to take advantage of this initiative and reach out for assistance in securing their participation.

Lahore: The Pakistan Railways has announced a special Eid gift to passengers by giving a 20 per cent discount on fares for Eid-ul-Fitr.

The decision aims to facilitate travelers and encourage more people to use rail transport during the festive season.

According to the official notification on Friday, the fare reduction will be applicable on all mail, express, and intercity trains during the first three days of Eid-ul-Fitr. The discount will also be available for passengers making advance bookings.

However, the Eid Special Trains will not be covered under this discount offer.

Pakistan Railways has directed all booking offices to ensure strict implementation of the 20 per cent fare reduction, ensuring that passengers fully benefit from the offer.

This initiative is expected to provide financial relief to travelers and enhance convenience for those heading to their hometowns to celebrate Eid with their families.