Category: Lahore

Lahore: The 'Maryam Ki Dastak' initiative, developed by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) for the Government of Punjab, has significantly enhanced public access to government services. To date, over 369,000 online applications have been received as part of the initiative.

During a high-level meeting chaired by PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf held at Arfa Software Technology Park (ASTP), it was revealed that more than 310,000 requests have been successfully processed, while an additional 59,000 applications are expected to be completed in the coming days.

The initiative has also witnessed remarkable participation, with over thousands of individuals registered as Dastak Facilitators, ensuring efficient service delivery to citizens.

In this regard, PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf highlighted that 'Maryam ke Dastak' is operational in 40 districts of Punjab, offering over 70 essential services at citizens' doorsteps. These include the issuance of Domiciles, Birth Certificates, Copy of FIR, Copy of Registry, Fard for Record and various other public services, eliminating the need for visits to government offices.

Citizens can conveniently avail these services through the 'Dastak Doorstep Delivery App' or by calling helpline 1202. Chairman Faisal Yousaf also emphasized that 'Maryam Ki Dastak' is not only making public services more accessible and efficient but also setting a new benchmark for good governance and citizen facilitation-saving time, resources, and enhancing service delivery across Punjab.

Lahore: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday announced the match schedule for ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025 in Pakistan from April 9 to April 19.

The 15-match round-robin tournament will be staged in Lahore from 9 to 19 April in which six teams will compete for two places in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 to be held in India in October-November 2025.

Hosts Pakistan take on Ireland at the Gaddafi Stadium while the West Indies play Scotland at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) on the opening day.

The sixth edition of the Qualifier sees teams from four Full Members - Bangladesh, Ireland, Pakistan and the West Indies - compete with Associate Members Scotland and Thailand in the 15-match league tournament that will decide the two qualifiers for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 to be held later this year.

Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka apart from hosts India, have already qualified for the World Cup by virtue of finishing in the top six of the 10-team ICC Women's Championship (2022-25).

Bangladesh, Ireland, Pakistan and the West Indies play in the Qualifier as they finished from places seventh to 10th in the Women's Championship, while Thailand and Scotland made it as the next two best ranked sides in the ICC Women's ODI Team Rankings as of 28 October 2024.

Some exciting matchups in the tournament include Pakistan taking on the West Indies on 14 April in a day-night game at the Gaddafi Stadium, Bangladesh going up against the West Indies at LCCA on 17 April and sub-continental rivals Pakistan and Bangladesh clash at the LCCA on 19 April.

ICC CEO, Geoff Allardice said: 'We are pleased to announce the match schedule for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025.

'The six competing teams are just one step away from the Women's Cricket World Cup and I am sure they will all be eagerly looking forward to the competition.

'On behalf of the ICC, I would like to wish the teams all the best for the tournament in Lahore as part of the build-up to the Cricket World Cup later this year.'

ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025 match schedule (day matches begin at 09h30 and day/night matches at 14h00 local time)

Wednesday, 9 April

Pakistan vs Ireland - Gaddafi Stadium (Day)

West Indies vs Scotland - LCCA (Day)

Thursday, 10 April

Thailand vs Bangladesh - LCCA (Day)

Friday, 11 April

Pakistan vs Scotland - LCCA (Day)

Ireland vs West Indies - Gaddafi Stadium (Day)

Sunday, 13 April

Scotland vs Thailand - LCCA (Day)

Bangladesh vs Ireland - Gaddafi Stadium (D/N)

Monday, 14 April

Pakistan vs West Indies - Gaddafi Stadium (D/N)

Tuesday, 15 April

Thailand vs Ireland - LCCA (Day)

Scotland vs Bangladesh - Gaddafi Stadium (D/N)

Thursday, 17 April

Bangladesh vs West Indies - LCCA (Day)

Pakistan vs Thailand - Gaddafi Stadium (D/N)

Friday, 18 April

Ireland vs Scotland - Gaddafi Stadium (D/N)

Saturday, 19 April

Pakistan vs Bangladesh - LCCA (Day)

West Indies vs Thailand - Gaddafi Stadium (D/N)

Lahore: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Friday extended the interim bail of Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, until April 8 in three cases related to the May 9 violence.

Due to the leave of ATC Judge Manzer Ali Gill, Duty Judge Arshad Javed presided over the hearing on Ayub's pre-arrest bail applications. The opposition leader appeared before the court and marked his attendance during the proceedings.

Omar Ayub faces multiple charges, including attacks on Jinnah House and Askari Tower, as well as the torching of Shadman Police Station.

Lahore: The Hindu community celebrated Holi with great fervour amid high security at Krishna Mandir in Lahore on Friday by smearing each other with brightly colored powder, dancing to festive music and feasting on traditional sweets prepared for the occasion.

Holi has its origins in Hindu mythology and lore and celebrates the divine love between the Hindu god Krishna and his consort Radha, and signifies a time of rebirth and rejuvenation.

Across the country, Hindu community, mostly dressed in all white clothes, celebrated the festival by hurling colored powder at each other. Children, perched on rooftops and balconies, flung water balloons filled with colored pigments at passers by.

Similarly, Holi was celebrated across the country, especially in Mithi, Hyderabad, Jacobabad, Tharparkar areas of Sindh province, members of the Muslim community participated in Holi celebrations along with Hindus, expressing love and religious harmony.

Meanwhile, on the occasion of the Holi festival, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said in his message that I extend my heartfelt greetings to the Hindu community across Pakistan on the joyous occasion of Holi.

This festival, which announces the arrival of spring, symbolizes the triumph of love and goodness, gives a sense of vibrant energy.

He added that while celebrating new beginnings and the strength of renewed relationships, this day highlights the importance of building a stronger, more united nation and the inclusion of all citizens. May this festival of colors fill your lives with happiness, health, success and prosperity.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, while issuing a message on the Hindu community's festival of Holi on Friday said that this beautiful festival of colors, Holi, is a symbol of love, peace and brotherhood. Pakistan is a beautiful blend of communities of different religions. Everyone has equal rights and opportunities. I pray that this day brings a message of happiness, love and interfaith harmony to everyone, she added.

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.