Category: Lahore

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.

Lahore: At least 19 people were killed and 1,260 others inured in 1,100 road accidents in Punjab during the last 24 hours.

As many as 565 people with serious injuries were shifted to different hospitals, while 695 with minor injuries were treated at the incident site by the rescue medical teams.

The data analysis showed that 706 drivers, 54 underage drivers, 132 pedestrians, and 441 passengers were among the victims of road traffic accidents. The statistics show that 242 accidents were reported in Lahore, which affected 309 people, placing the provincial capital at top of the list, followed by Faisalabad with 68 accidents and 69 victims, and at third Multan with 67 accidents and 70 victims.

According to the data, 1,019 motorbikes, 69 auto-rickshaws, 108 motorcars, 30 vans, 10 passenger buses, 38 trucks and 93 other types of vehicles and slow-moving carts were involved in the road accidents.

Lahore: Hundreds of thousands of devoted worshippers began observing Aitkaf (spiritual retreat) on the 20th of Ramazan, after the Asr prayers on Friday.

Under the supervision of the Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department, large-scale arrangements have been made for Aitkaf at the Data Darbar Complex, the historic Badshahi Masjid, and other endowment mosques.

At Data Darbar Complex, more than 1,800 worshippers from across the country, including Lahore, Nankana Sahib, and Peshawar, have gathered for Aitkaf.

Administrator Sheikh Jameel Ahmed, along with Aitkaf Committee Head and Manager Tahir Maqsood, Zahid Anwar Butt, Asif Saeed, Saqib Naseem, and Alhaj Tabrez Mahmood Chishti, welcomed the worshippers.

The Data Darbar managers, accompanied by around 100 volunteers, checked the identification cards of the participants and supervised the screening of their belongings.

The fortunate worshippers were guided to designated cabins within the Aitkaf halls, named Bab-e-Ghosia, Bab-e-Faridiya, Bab-e-Bahoo, and Bab-e-Ahmad Raza.

During their stay, the worshippers at Data Darbar will be provided Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (fast-breaking meal) with the assistance of Madina Foundation, Hajveri Foundation, and other philanthropists.

At Badshahi Masjid Lahore, approximately 500 worshippershave undertaken Aitkaf. Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee and Khateeb (chief cleric) of Badshahi Mosque, Maulana Syed Abdul Khabir Azad, welcomed them.

In the provincial capital, Aitkaf gatherings have also been arranged at mosques under the Auqaf Department, including Masjid Wazir Khan, Sunehri Masjid, and Jamia Masjid Shah Kamal.

Several major religious institutions, such as Minhaj-ul-Quran, Jamia Ashrafia, Jamia Naeemia, Jamia Al-Muntazar, Jamia-tul-Hussain Johar Town, Jamia Al-Qadisiyah, Markaz Ahl-e-Hadith Lawrence Road, Grand Bahria Mosque, and Jamia Masjid Mansoorah, are also hosting collective Aitkaf.

Other mosques in Lahore hosting Aitkaf include Jamia Masjid Nadwat-ul-Ulama, Jamia Masjid Abu Huraira, Jamia Masjid Kubra New Samanabad, Dar-ul-Uloom Hanafiya Liberty Market Gulberg, and Jamia Masjid Fatima Workshop Stop Gulberg.

Additionally, Jamia Masjid Ahsan-ur-Rahim Gulberg, Jamia Masjid Siddiqia (Bairun Masti Gate), Jamia Masjid D Block Model Town, and Jamia Masjid Ahmad Ali Lahori (Sheranwala Gate) have also arranged for Aitkaf.

Mosques such as Masjid-e-Shuhada on Mall Road, Jamia Al-Quds at Chowk Dalgaran, and several others have also witnessed a large number of people engaging in Aitkaf.

It is highly likely that the Eid-ul-Fitr moon will be sighted on Sunday, March 30, marking the conclusion of Aitkaf.

Eid-ul-Fitr prayers are expected to be observed nationwide on Monday, March 31.

As the final ten days of Ramazan (last Ashra) begin, the number of worshippers in mosques has significantly increased, and the presence of those observing Aitkaf has further enhanced the spiritual atmosphere.