Category: Lahore

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.

Lahore: The Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA-Punjab Zone) has refuted claims that sugar exports are responsible for rising prices, stating that the industry had a surplus of 1.2 million metric tons of sugar by September 2024, valued at Rs. 250 billion and pledged with banks at high-interest rates.

The spokesman stated that exports were only allowed after verifying surplus stocks and were crucial to preventing industry collapse. He highlighted that an agreement with the government in June 2024 set the ex-mill sugar price at Rs. 140 per kg during the export period, while record-high sugarcane prices (up to Rs. 750 per maund) have benefited farmers and ensured future crop sustainability. He attributed recent price hikes to market manipulation by hoarders and speculators, noting that domestic consumers currently have access to subsidised sugar at Rs. 130 per kg at designated stalls.

The industry has long demanded independent cost audits for transparency and proposed a two-tier pricing system, distinguishing between the commercial sector, which consumes 80pc of sugar and is unregulated, and domestic consumers. The spokesman urged the government to develop a support mechanism for household consumers in collaboration with the sugar industry.

Lahore: As many as 1,117 startups have successfully graduated while over 24,000 jobs have been created under the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) Tech Incubation Wing, showcasing remarkable impact in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation across Pakistan.

Moreover, an impressive Rs. 2,984 million have been generated in revenue by these ventures, underscoring their potential for economic sustainability and growth.

This was highlighted during a progress review meeting presided over by PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf, with PITB Director General (DG) e-Governance Sajid Latif also in attendance.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that PITB Tech Incubation Wing's flagship initiatives-Plan9, Regional Plan9, and the National Expansion Plan of NICs - have been instrumental in supporting startups from ideation to execution. These programs have been providing essential mentorship, funding access, and business development resources, helping young entrepreneurs thrive in competitive markets and contribute to the country's digital economy.

A key focus of PITB's incubation programs is gender inclusivity, with 34pc of incubatees being women. This commitment to diversity ensures that female entrepreneurs have equal opportunities to innovate, lead, and scale their businesses.

PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf remarked, 'By supporting young entrepreneurs, we are driving innovation, creating economic opportunities, and paving the way for a technology-driven future.'

PITB remains dedicated to expanding its incubation efforts and strengthening Pakistan's startup landscape, empowering businesses to achieve long-term success in the digital age, he maintained.

Lahore: The Lahore Police have arrested 679 people and registered 667 cases over violation of kite flying ban this year so far.

A police spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday that more than 22,000 kites and 847 spools of string were recovered from the possession of the arrested suspects. In City Division, 142 suspects were arrested, 232 in Cantonment, 41 in Civil Lines, 44 in Sadar, 91 in Iqbal Town, and 129 in Model Town.

CCPO Bilal Siddique Kamyana stated that those involved in the deadly game of kite flying and the use of metallic string do not deserve any leniency. He issued directives to ensure indiscriminate action against those endangering human lives. He emphasized that intelligence-based operations should be carried out against those involved in the bloody business of kite manufacturing.