Youth being equipped for modern world needs: CM

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that the youth of Punjab is being provided with possible opportunities so as to adapt to the requirements of the modern world.

In her message on Digital Learning Day, she said that 'CM Laptop Scheme' will prove to be a revolutionary step for the students of Punjab.

The CM emphasized that technological advancements and modern education are essential for progress in today's digital era. She stated, 'Punjab's youth are being trained through international market-based IT programs, ensuring they stay competitive in the global workforce.'

She elaborated that courses in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Software Development, and Freelancing are being offered to equip young people with in-demand digital skills. Additionally, freelancers are receiving IT certifications aligned with international job market requirements, while smart classrooms and digital labs are being established in government schools to make traditional education more engaging and effective through modern technology.

The chief minister also shared updates on Pakistan's first-of-its-kind Nawaz Sharif IT City in Lahore, stating, 'The twin towers within Nawaz Sharif IT City will be completed this year, along with a 'Plug and Play' call center hub. This hub will provide IT education and job opportunities for the youth.'

The CM revealed that leading international IT universities are expressing keen interest in setting up campuses in Nawaz Sharif IT City. She reiterated that the Punjab government is committed to empowering the youth through digitization, paving the way for independence, progress, and success in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

LWMC completes cleaning of 1,500 mosques in city

Lahore: The Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) has intensified its efforts to provide a clean environment for citizens during Ramazan.

Under its special cleanliness plan, the LWMC cleaning operational teams have successfully completed the washing and cleaning of 1,500 mosques before the last 'Ashra' [ten days] of the holy month. Under the directives of LWMC Chief Executive Officer Babar Sahib Din, special cleaning teams have been deployed at major Namaz-e-Taraweeh location, Jamia mosques, and main routes in all towns. Additionally, more than 100 workers have been assigned cleaning duties at 16 Ramazan Sahulat Bazars and low price Sugar Centres, set up by the district administration.

To facilitate the public, over 50 containers and 43 waste bins have been installed around the Ramadan Sahulat Bazars. More than 100 workers are assigned to manage cleanliness in these markets during both morning and evening shifts.

As in previous years, the cleanliness of more than 45 major Iftar dastar khwans set up across the city is being ensured. Furthermore, the cleaning process has begun at the 250 small and large graveyards throughout Lahore. Complaints related to the Ramazan Sahulat Bazaars are being addressed promptly, and the public is encouraged to contact the helpline at 1139 for any cleanliness-related issues.

8 dead, 1,461 injured in Punjab road

Lahore: Eight people were killed and 1,461 injured in 1,267 road accidents in Punjab during the last 24 hours.

As many as 861 people with serious injuries were shifted to different hospitals, while 861 with minor injuries were treated at the incident site by the rescue medical teams.

The data analysis showed that 824 drivers, 60 underage drivers, 185 pedestrians, and 460 passengers were among the victims of road crashes. The statistics showed that 226 accidents were reported in Lahore, which affected 287 people, placing the provincial capital at top of the list, followed by Faisalabad with 99 accidents and 119 victims, and at third Gujranwala with 73 accidents and 76 victims.

According to the data, 1,212 motorbikes, 79 auto-rickshaws, 120 motorcars, 17 vans, 11 passenger buses, 37 trucks and 100 other types of vehicles and slow-moving carts were involved in the road accidents.

‘Wajd Ki Raat’ in Alhamra

Lahore: The Lahore Arts Council (Alhamra) in collaboration with the Asian Cultural Association of Pakistan organized a spiritual evening titled 'Wajd Ki Raat'. Alhamra Chairman Razi Ahmed expressed his sentiments on the occasion, stating that Alhamra continues to provide opportunities for the community to experience the spiritual richness of Ramadan. Alhamra Executive Director Tauqeer Haider Kazmi emphasized the profound wisdom in the messages of Sufi saints, which guide both individuals and society towards righteousness. Founder of the Asian Cultural Association of Pakistan Syed Sohail Bukhari extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Alhamra administration and lauded the collaborative effort as a meaningful cultural initiative. The evening commenced with the soulful Qasida Khawani by Abbas Jutt, setting a reverent tone for the event. The renowned artist Ainee Tahira and her ensemble delivered enchanting Sufi melodies, while celebrated performer Falak Mahmood paid tribute to her spiritual guide through a traditional Dhamal. The celebrated qawwal Tahir Mehdi captivated the audience with his unique style, followed by spellbinding performances by Mahboob Fareed and Akram Khan Fareedi, who transported the listeners into a state of spiritual ecstasy. Acclaimed artist Anwar Rafi enthralled the audience with his mystical renditions, earning resounding applause.

DC reviews LDP progress

Lahore: Deputy Commissioner(DC) Syed Musa Raza on Wednesday chaired a meeting at his office,reviewed the progress on Lahore Development Plan.

The session was attended by Chief Officer Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL) Shahid Abbas Kathia, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Finance and Planning) Mudassir Nawaz,Assistant Commissioner(AC) Nishtar, Assistant Commissioner Raiwind and representatives from WASA and NESPAK.

During the meeting,officials were briefed on the ongoing development projects in Tehsil Nishtar and Tehsil Raiwind. DC Lahore emphasized the importance of completing all schemes under the Lahore Development Program within the designated timelines.

The DC stressed that under this initiative,no street should remain unpaved and that there would be no compromise on the quality and standards of the development projects.

MCL CO Shahid Abbas Kathia and Additional Deputy Commissioner Finance and Planning assured their full cooperation in ensuring the program's success.

He announced that a monthly review meeting would be held to monitor progress,with Phase 1 set to be completed by the deadline of June 30,2025.

Furthermore,he reiterated the district administration's commitment to making the Chief Minister(CM)Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif's development program a success, ensuring efficient execution and high-quality infrastructure development across Lahore.

‘Wajd Ki Raat’ in Alhamra

Lahore: The Lahore Arts Council (Alhamra) in collaboration with the Asian Cultural Association of Pakistan organized a spiritual evening titled 'Wajd Ki Raat'. Alhamra Chairman Razi Ahmed expressed his sentiments on the occasion, stating that Alhamra continues to provide opportunities for the community to experience the spiritual richness of Ramadan. Alhamra Executive Director Tauqeer Haider Kazmi emphasized the profound wisdom in the messages of Sufi saints, which guide both individuals and society towards righteousness. Founder of the Asian Cultural Association of Pakistan Syed Sohail Bukhari extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Alhamra administration and lauded the collaborative effort as a meaningful cultural initiative. The evening commenced with the soulful Qasida Khawani by Abbas Jutt, setting a reverent tone for the event. The renowned artist Ainee Tahira and her ensemble delivered enchanting Sufi melodies, while celebrated performer Falak Mahmood paid tribute to her spiritual guide through a traditional Dhamal. The celebrated qawwal Tahir Mehdi captivated the audience with his unique style, followed by spellbinding performances by Mahboob Fareed and Akram Khan Fareedi, who transported the listeners into a state of spiritual ecstasy. Acclaimed artist Anwar Rafi enthralled the audience with his mystical renditions, earning resounding applause.