Category: Lahore

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: The Punjab Home Department has launched a departmental inquiry into a private security company following an incident at Beijing Underpass, where a guard employed by the company fired directly at a citizen.

According to the spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department, a show-cause notice has been issued to Onyx Security and Management Services. The security company is required to submit a written response to the show-cause notice within 30 days. If the response is unsatisfactory, the company's license will be revoked.

The spokesperson also mentioned that the offices of the private security company have been temporarily sealed. He added that the security company was obligated to comply with the "Private Security Companies (Regulation and Control) (Amendment) Act, 2004." According to the regulation, the security company cannot hire anyone as a guard who is not mentally or physically fit. The home department has also summoned the CEO of the security company for a personal hearing on Monday.

Lahore: The Punjab Safe Cities Authority has released the performance report of the Virtual Center for Child Safety, established under the directives of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

The Safe City Virtual Center for Child Safety remains committed to child protection 24/7. According to the details, over the past eight months, the Virtual Center for Child Safety received 428,052 cases seeking assistance. Out of these, 308,206 cases have been successfully resolved, while 365 cases are still under investigation. Through the efforts of the Virtual Center, FIRs were registered in 7,565 cases, ensuring justice for the victims.

The center actively collaborates with the Child Protection Bureau, Edhi Center, and other welfare organizations to enhance child safety efforts. To further strengthen child protection, the Virtual Center for Child Safety has launched the Meri Pehchan Service and Facial Recognition Service, which are proving instrumental in identifying missing children and locating their whereabouts promptly.

Parents or individuals seeking assistance related to child protection can call 15 and press 3 to immediately connect with the Virtual Center for Child Safety.

The spokesperson of the Safe Cities Authority stated that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of children.

The Mera Pyara Center team is diligently providing its services with dedication and commitment. Citizens are encouraged to contact the Virtual Center without hesitation for any information or assistance related to child protection. Citizens can also reach out to the Mera Pyara Center via WhatsApp at +92 309 0000015.

Lahore: A Lahore-based organization, Life At Lahore, in collaboration with the Culture Wing of the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), hosted the 3rd Annual Interfaith Iftar at the historic Masjid Wazir Khan Chowk.

The event reaffirmed a collective commitment to harmony, inclusion, and nation-building, beautifully aligning with Punjab Culture Day - a celebration of the province's rich heritage of coexistence.

LifeAtLahore's Interfaith Iftar was more than just a shared meal: it was a powerful message of unity and inclusivity. Held at Masjid Wazir Khan Chowk, the event symbolised Pakistan's commitment to protecting and uplifting religious minorities, echoing the significance of the white in the national flag.

Aligning with Punjab Culture Day, the Iftar highlighted the province's rich tradition of interfaith harmony, bringing together Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians. In a moving gesture, non-Muslim community members served Iftar to fasting Muslims, embodying empathy, kindness, and brotherhood.

Organised by LifeAtLahore - a project of Digital Development Lab, led by Syed Kashf Ahmed (ShahofLahore) and supported by the Culture Wing of the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) - the event reinforced Lahore's cultural identity as a city of shared heritage.

Kamran Lashari, Director General of WCLA, highlighted Lahore's history of inclusivity, stating that celebrating diversity strengthens national unity. Syed Kashf Ahmed echoed this sentiment, stressing that LifeAtLahore remains dedicated to fostering initiatives that build a more unified Pakistan.

With participation from diplomats, government officials, and community leaders, the Interfaith Iftar stood as a beacon of peace, reinforcing that Lahore's true strength lies in its diverse and united people. LifeAtLahore extends heartfelt thanks to WCLA, Allah Walay Trust, community partners, and volunteers for their role in making this event a symbol of hope and solidarity.

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.

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.