PR Lahore division begins solarization of railway stations

Lahore: The Pakistan Railways Lahore Division has initiated the transition of railway stations to solar power under PC-1, aiming to reduce energy costs and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.

According to Divisional Electrical Engineer Lahore, Muhammad Nasir on Friday, after successfully converting Raiwind Railway Station to solar power, the transition of Gujranwala and Gujrat railway stations is progressing rapidly. He stated that a solarization system will be installed at 14 major railway stations in the Lahore Division, including Okara, Okara Cantt, Sangla Hill, Chak Jhumra, Kot Lakhpat, Walton, Lahore Cantt, Changa Manga, Kala Shah Kaku, and Kot Radha Kishan.

Each railway station is expected to save approximately 3,000 electricity units, translating into a monthly cost reduction of PKR 1.5 million. Overall, the Lahore Railway Division anticipates savings of PKR 210 million per month in electricity expenses through this transition.

The Divisional Electrical Engineer (Power) emphasized that, under the leadership of Divisional Superintendent (DS) Railway Lahore Division, Muhammad Hanif Gul, the solarization project will soon be completed. DS Muhammad Hanif Gul highlighted that this transition will not only ensure an uninterrupted power supply but also enhance train operations. He further added that the move will significantly cut down operational costs, contributing to financial savings for Pakistan Railways.

It is worth mentioning that the Lahore Railway Division is the first to implement the solarization system under PC-1, setting an example for sustainable energy solutions within Pakistan Railways.

Chairman NAB orders distribution of Rs1.16b as compensation installment to Eden scandal victims before Eid

Lahore: In line with public-friendly initiatives, Chairman NAB Lt. Gen. (retd.) Nazir Ahmed has directed the immediate distribution of the fourth installment, amounting to Rs1.16 billion, recovered from those involved in the well-known Eden Scandal. The distribution process has already begun and will be completed before Eid-ul-Fitr.

To facilitate the victims, NAB Lahore has set up special desks to expedite the process, ensuring compliance with the chairman's directives. NAB Lahore will remain open on Saturday and Sunday to ensure the continuous and seamless distribution of compensation cheques.

Director General NAB Lahore, Muhammad Ahtram Dar, stated that, according to NAB's records, direct bank transfers to victims' accounts have also begun under his direct supervision, ensuring timely disbursement of funds. He reaffirmed the chairman's clear instructions that public welfare remains the top priority.

As a result of NAB Lahore's efforts, a historic Plea Bargain amounting to Rs16 billion was reached with the accused in the renowned Eden scandal. This distribution marks the fourth installment of the recovered amount.

To further assist victims during Ramadan, NAB Lahore has introduced a pick-and-drop (shuttle) service within its premises, with senior citizens being prioritised.

PPSC declares final results for various departments vacancies

Lahore: The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) has announced the written test and final results of various government departments.

PPSC sources told reporter that 85 candidates have passed the written examination for 19 posts of Scientific Officer in the Agriculture Department, while 9 candidates have passed the written examination for the post of Audit Officer in the Finance Department, including Muhammad Shah Zain Warraich, Khawaja Khalid Walid, Muhammad Shoaib Zafar Sultani, Sidra Basharat, Rana Asher Saleem, Nisha Tariq, Mahnoor Wasim Butt, Ukasha Sadiq, Haseeb Qaiser.

In addition, Mustafa Farid was successful in the post of Inspector in the Tourist Services Department. Likewise, candidates were successful in the 8 posts of Consultant Urologist in the Primary and Secondary Department, including Elahi Bakhsh, Aamir Imtiaz Khan, Faisal Rauf Khan, Omar Haseeb Zulfiqar, Farhat Abbas, Muhammad Amin, Muhammad Rahim Sajjad, Shiraz Abdul Sattar. Three posts remained vacant due to unavailability of the candidates.

The successful candidates for the 87 posts of Senior Registrar Surgery in the Health Department include Junaid Khalid, Rao Nasira Saleem, Shoaib Anwar, Sajjeel Ahmed, Zain Mukhtar, Suleman Asif and others. The list of these candidates includes more than 40 successful candidates who have shown excellent performance in their field.

Similarly, 39 candidates were successful for the post of Senior Registrar Orthopedic, including Faizan Majeed, Muhammad Adnan, Muhammad Salman Khalil Appal, Nabil Yazdani, Zahid Shafiq, Muhammad Shahid Sattar, Fida Hussain and others. Five seats remained vacant due to unavailability of the candidates.

In this regard, the successful candidates will be called for interview by the relevant departments.

FIA arrests notorious fugitive in Lahore

Lahore: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) continued its crackdown against human traffickers and successfully arrested a notorious fugitive involved in a visa fraud in Lahore.

A spokesperson for the FIA said, the accused, identified as Umar Tariq, was involved in defrauding innocent citizens through a visa scam. Tariq had promised to send them abroad, specifically to Canada, but failed to fulfill his promises, collecting large sums of money in return.

Tariq, who had been on the run since 2024, was a wanted criminal by the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle Lahore. He managed to swindle a total of 35 million rupees from various victims. After receiving the payments, Tariq went into hiding, but he was successfully apprehended during a raid in Lahore.

The FIA has launched a detailed investigation into the case, and the crackdown on human trafficking continues with full force.

FIA officials have reiterated their commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards human trafficking. "The arrested accused will face severe punishment in accordance with the law," said Director FIA Sarfraz Khan Virk.

The ongoing efforts by the FIA reflect their dedication to ending human trafficking and ensuring justice for the victims, added Virk.

Lahore police arrest four drug-peddlers

Lahore: Lahore police arrested four drug-peddlers from Gulshan-e-Ravi, here on Friday. According to the police spokesperson, the accused were identified as Mughees, Babar, Allah Bakhsh and Kashif, all of whom were selling drugs in the streets and markets of Gulshan-e-Ravi. The police said that the accused were arrested from different areas on a tip-off. A total of 4 kg 480 grams of hashish was recovered from the possession of the drug peddlers. A case of drug trafficking has been registered against the accused and they have been handed over to the Investigation Wing.

LHC warns of emergency measures over delayed water meter installation

Lahore: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday warned of imposing emergency measures over the delayed installation of water meters, expressing dissatisfaction with the performance of the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA).

Justice Shahid Karim heard a set of petitions, filed by Haroon Farooq and others, highlighting the ineffective measures to tackle smog.

During the proceedings, WASA submitted a report stating that it was in the process of installing 1,000 water meters. However, the court criticized the slow pace of implementation and directed the agency to submit an updated report by next Friday.

The court also took up a report from the Transport Department, presented by a provincial law officer. It revealed that meetings had been held with 18 transport companies, who had had licenses to manufacture auto and loader rickshaws. The report further stated that discussions were underway to convert loader rickshaws to electric power, with a proposal to turn metro stations into charging points.

To which, the court stressed the need to provide incentives to companies promoting electric vehicles and urged the government to formulate a policy to support the transition.

In a separate directive, the court suggested that the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) and the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) establish Miyawaki forests in all housing societies. It also proposed tax relief for individuals constructing environmentally friendly buildings.

The hearing was adjourned for a week, with the court seeking implementation reports from all relevant departments by next Friday.