Category: Lahore

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.

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.

Lahore: The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) sealed two food outlets during an inspection on Friday and also imposed heavy fine on poor sanitary and hygiene conditions.The inspection targeted 14 restaurants and samosa units, resulting in the closure of two units for poor sanitary conditions. A total fine of 380,000 rupees was imposed during the operation. The authorities took action due to the use of unusable oil for frying, as highlighted by the DG of the Food Authority.Furthermore, food handlers were found lacking medical and training certifications, with several storage areas infested with pests and displaying unapproved labels.The use of substandard oil in food preparation can significantly affect the liver and stomach, warned the DG Food Authority.

Lahore: The Punjab Assembly (PA) on Friday passed the Punjab Forensic Science Authority Bill 2025, the Provincial Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill 2025 and The Punjab Public Private Partnership Bill 2025.

The Punjab Assembly session started at 2: 11pm behind the scheduled time of 2: 00pm with Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan in the chair. The proceedings started with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by the Naat-e-Rasool-e-Maqbool.

The bills were presented by Minister Parliamentary Affairs Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman.

Later, on completion of the agenda, Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channar adjourned the session till sine die.

Lahore: Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has declared that conspiracies to destabilize Pakistan will not succeed. He stated that the attack on Jaffer Express was an attempt to create chaos, but security forces acted swiftly, foiling the enemy's nefarious plans.

Speaking to the media at Lahore Railway Station on Friday, alongside CEO Railways Amir Aziz Baloch, DS Railways Muhammad Hanif Gul, and other officials, Abbasi revealed that 427 passengers were aboard Jaffer Express, including eight suicide bombers, but the bravery of the Pakistan Army and FC personnel thwarted the attack. He assured that the nation, armed forces, and people stand united against such threats, and operations against terrorists and their facilitators in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are being carried out with full force.

Abbasi accused India and Afghanistan of trying to create unrest in Pakistan, alleging that India is financing terrorists in Afghanistan to conspire against Pakistan. However, he asserted that security agencies, including CTD, NACTA, and others, are fully alert and prepared to counter any threats.

Discussing railway reforms, the minister highlighted that Pakistan Railways is undergoing rapid restructuring. He assured that steps are being taken to ensure timely train operations, and if any train is delayed, the concerned DS will be held accountable. He also mentioned efforts to repair faulty coaches and bring them back into service. On the restoration of Quetta's railway track, he confirmed that operations are underway, and the track will soon reopen for train services.

On pension and administrative issues, he said the government is taking immediate steps under the Prime Minister's directives. A meeting with the CEO Railways is scheduled soon to resolve pending pension dues.

Abbasi also revealed that the government is considering outsourcing Lahore Railway Station to provide better facilities to passengers. He claimed that Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves have increased due to government policies, reflecting economic stability.

Praising the media's role, he acknowledged that it has always been a strong partner in promoting the national narrative. He reaffirmed that the people, government, and armed forces of Pakistan are united, vowing to defeat the enemy on all fronts and lead the country towards stability and development.

Earlier, Hanif Abbasi visited Lahore Railway Station, inspecting the Railway Police Help Center and Family Waiting Room. He reviewed the facilities being provided to passengers and directed railway officials to improve services.

Lahore: Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (Punjab Zone) spokesman said that there is no shortage of sugar in the country and people with vested interests are creating unrest in the country by spreading rumors regarding sugar paucity.

In a statement issued here on Friday, the spokesman said that grocery merchants, speculators and hoarders were spreading baseless rumors and hatching a conspiracy against the country's second largest agricultural industry.

Like other industries in the country, the sugar industry should be allowed to operate freely and be given a free market facility by giving complete deregulation.

There is an appeal to the government to completely deregulate the sugar sector and save it from destruction, he added.