Category: Lahore

Lahore: The 60th meeting of the Mines Welfare Board was held under the chairmanship of Secretary Mines and Minerals Department Pervez Iqbal, which approved 100 per cent scholarships for mine workers' children pursuing professional degree programmes.

The meeting was attended by Mines Labour Welfare Commissioner Punjab, Riaz Ahmed Chaudhry, board members, and other officials. Significant decisions were made for the welfare of mine workers and their families, focusing on education, health, and housing facilities.

In the meeting it was decided that students securing more than 85% marks in Matric and Intermediate exams will be provided with laptops and e-bikes. It was also decided to install RO plants in all MLW schools to ensure a continuous supply of clean drinking water, along with transport facilities for students. Furthermore, a 'Best Teacher Award' will be introduced for science and arts teachers in every school. The Women's College Khewra and Model High School will receive 15 computers and furniture as part of the initiative.

In the health sector, significant steps were also taken, including the installation of MLW dispensaries and water filtration plants in Lundi Syedan (Rajanpur District) and Basti Rojhani (Dera Ghazi Khan District) at a total cost of 36.5 million rupees. To enhance medical facilities, it was decided to outsource the hiring of doctors, nurses, paramedics and other staff in Mines Labour Welfare Hospitals. Moreover, a relief package of Rs 9.5 million was approved for 53 disabled mine workers to ensure their well-being.

Important decisions were also made regarding housing and welfare initiatives for mine workers. The construction of four labour barracks in Khushab and Mianwali districts was approved. Additionally, a pilot project will be launched to establish daycare centers for mine workers' children and provide meal services for employees. It was further decided to hire consultants to develop more effective policies and welfare plans for mine workers.

Expressing his satisfaction over these approvals, Minister for Minerals Sher Ali Gorchani said that, in line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, scholarships, e-bikes, and laptops will be provided to mine workers' children. He added that these development projects will significantly improve their standard of living. He also emphasised that practical measures are being taken to enhance the quality of life for mineral workers and ensure their well-being.

These decisions mark a major milestone in mine workers' welfare, leading to significant improvements in their educational, medical, and housing facilities.

Lahore: The Punjab Home Department has launched an initiative to help release underprivileged prisoners who have completed their sentences but remain incarcerated due to unpaid fines or blood money.

According to the spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department, there are 150 such prisoners in various jails of Punjab who, despite having completed their sentences, are incarcerated due to non-payment of blood money or fines. A total of 100 million rupees remains unpaid for their release. Philanthropists can pay the prisoners' blood money, compensation (Arsh), Daman, or fines under the Zakat scheme, after which the prisoners can be released before Eid.

This is a rare opportunity during Ramadan for the release of underprivileged prisoners and for them to celebrate Eid with their loved ones. The spokesperson mentioned that last year, with a payment of 17 million rupees, 226 prisoners were released. Individuals wishing to donate for the release of prisoners should contact the Punjab Jail Department. To guide citizens and assist with the release of underprivileged prisoners, a 24-hour active helpline, 0429200498, has been launched. Detailed lists of prisoners and fines can be requested on this helpline. The spokesperson clarified that by depositing funds into the Punjab Prison Foundation's account, prisoners can be released before Eid.

The spokesperson further added that citizens can deposit the fine amount into the bank on behalf of a prisoner and submit the challan form at the respective jail. Donations for the release of underprivileged prisoners can be made to the Punjab Prison Foundation's Bank of Punjab account number PK37BPUN6510000418900018.

The spokesperson emphasised that philanthropists should only make donations to the mentioned account of the Punjab Prison Foundation for the release of prisoners. Donations should not be made to any other institution, NGO, or individual for prisoner releases. No jail officer or official is authorized to directly receive money for the payment of fines or blood money. Philanthropists are encouraged to participate generously in this noble initiative for the swift release of prisoners who have completed their sentences, added department spokesperson.

Lahore: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed her gratitude on the successful culmination of Jaffar Express operation and paid tribute to the security forces on conducting a successful operation.

She paid homage to the brave soldiers who embraced martyrdom during the operation. She said, 'Using innocent passengers, women and children as shields depicts the worst example of cowardice. The terrorists being cosigned to hell have become a symbol of disgrace.'

Lahore: The National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC), the backbone of Pakistan's power sector, has continued the initiative to promote local industry and indigenisation by placing educational orders worth approximately Rs 781 million with the domestic manufacturers.

These orders encompass transmission towers, high-accuracy energy meters, monitoring devices for autotransformers and conductors.

As part of this effort, a five member committee led by General Manager (Design and Engineering), Engr. Dr. Khawaja Riffat Hassan, accompanied by General Manager (Asset Management) North, Engr. Muhammad Mustafa, Chief Engineer (Transmission Line Design), Engr. Shahid Shafi Sial and Chief Engineer (Material Procurement and Management) Engr. Zahid Iqbal visited the premises of M/s Siddique Sons in Lahore to evaluate the quality of their manufacturing processes and equipment.

This initiative builds upon NTDC's indigenisation efforts that began in 2017 during the present Chairman Board of Directors, Dr. Fiaz Ahmed Chaudhry's tenure as Managing Director. Subsequent managing directors and board of directors have continued to support this cause.

Managing Director NTDC, Engr. Muhammad Waseem Younas approved the award of Educational Order to local manufacturers of Energy Meters. With the execution of this order, local industry will have sufficient capability of manufacture Energy Meters of 0.2s class accuracy for the first time in Pakistan.

Educational orders are issued, pursuant to SRO 827 issued by the Ministry of Commerce, to encourage new entrants who otherwise do not fulfill the regular bidding qualification criteria. This strategic approach has resulted in contracts worth billions of rupees being awarded to local industries, helping to save precious foreign exchange while ensuring timely delivery of crucial project material and better after-sale services. Several firms, including manufacturers of transformers and high-voltage transmission towers, have already been registered under this initiative, with more companies presently under consideration.

Lahore: The Lahore Development Authority (LDA), during its ongoing operation against illegal commercial properties across the city, sealed 61 more properties on Thursday.

In New Muslim Town, 20 illegal commercial properties were sealed while in Faisal Town, 12 properties were sealed. During a recovery operation in Sabzazar, 29 properties were sealed.

The sealed properties included private schools, restaurants, workshops, food points, shops, and offices.

The operation was carried out under the supervision of Chief Town Planner Asad-uz-Zaman.

Lahore: NESPAK, in strategic partnership with Synergy Inc., successfully organised the HEAL PAKISTAN Conference on Thursday at a hotel in Lahore.

The campaign was officially inaugurated at NESPAK House, Lahore, by Zargham Eshaq Khan, Managing Director and President of NESPAK. Later, he welcomed esteemed guests at the PC Hotel, where the two-day conference took place. In his opening remarks, Mr. Khan emphasized the urgent need for environmental sustainability and proactive measures to combat climate change.

Ambrin Sipra, Chief Executive Officer of Synergy Inc., addressed the audience, presenting key insights on "App Demonstration - A Digital Leap for Environmental and Infrastructure Integration" and "Technology and Sustainability-Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Practice."

Prominent stakeholders delivered keynote addresses on crucial climate and sustainability topics:

- M. Imran, DG SUPARCO: Discussed policy direction for data integration and the necessity of using local satellite-based data to tackle climate change challenges.

- Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Additional DG EPA: Highlighted the regulatory framework for sustainable urbanization.

- Zeeshan Usman, Director Engineering, LDA: Stressed the importance of ensuring essential services are within a 15-minute distance to reduce emissions and promote pedestrian-friendly transport options. He emphasized collaborative efforts among like-minded individuals to find viable climate solutions.

- Professor Catalina Turcu, University College London: Outlined the health impacts of climate change, including heat waves and poor air quality.

- Vice President, Bank of Punjab (BOP): Discussed financial models supporting green infrastructure development.

- Kamal Ali Haider, Member Judicial Water and Environment Commission of Punjab: Advocated for balancing existing landscapes with green interventions, urging urban planners to integrate current green spaces rather than displacing them.

- Director, Ministry of Climate Change (MOCC): Highlighted the urgent need for climate financing and collective action to address climate challenges.

The conference brought together policymakers, environmental experts, urban planners, and industry leaders to tackle Pakistan's most pressing climate and sustainability issues. Through collaborative discussions, policy dialogues, and strategic planning, the initiative aims to chart a path toward a climate-resilient Pakistan, ensuring both environmental sustainability and economic growth.

HEAL PAKISTAN is part of the Green Punjab Initiative launched by the government of Punjab, spearheaded by NESPAK in collaboration with Synergy Inc. This ambitious initiative seeks to promote sustainable development and climate resilience across the country.

'HEAL PAKISTAN is more than just a conference-it is a movement. This initiative calls for immediate action, innovative policy reforms, and sustainable solutions to safeguard Pakistan's future,' said a NESPAK spokesperson.

With Synergy Inc. as a strategic partner, HEAL PAKISTAN is not only setting the agenda but also driving actionable solutions. By leveraging industry expertise and sustainability-focused innovation, the initiative aims to transform discussions into concrete climate action, policy implementation, and lasting change.

As Pakistan faces unprecedented environmental and economic challenges, HEAL PAKISTAN marks a significant step in aligning the nation's development goals with global climate commitments. This initiative represents a bold move towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.