HEAL PAKISTAN conference unites leaders for climate action, sustainable development

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.

Punjab to upgrade 1,802 villages with WB support: minister

Lahore: Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq chaired a meeting at the Civil Secretariat on Thursday to review the progress of a program aimed at providing municipal services in selected villages.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian, Special Secretary Asia Gul, and Punjab Rural Municipal Services Company (PRMSC) CEO Asadullah, who briefed the participants.

Minister Zeeshan Rafiq announced that, with World Bank support, 1,802 villages across 16 tehsils will be upgraded in the program's first phase. A needs assessment survey has already been conducted, and model municipal services have been introduced in 200 villages.

The minister highlighted that the projects will focus on water supply, sewage systems, and paved streets in underdeveloped villages. The selected tehsils for the first phase include Bahawalnagar, Khairpur Tamewali, Kahrore Pakka, Shujaabad, Alipur, Taunsa Sharif, Liaquatpur, Rojhan, Kallar Kahar, Noorpur Thal, Esakhel, Kot Momin, Darya Khan, Bhuana, Ahmedpur Sial, and Pakpattan.

The minister instructed the PRMSC to shift to an e-tendering system immediately, directing the Special Secretary to liaise with the relevant authorities. He also emphasized that following the launch of the Suthra Punjab program, the solid waste management component should be removed from the rural development project, as sanitation is already arranged in every village. PRMSC will continue to oversee sanitation in the villages under its jurisdiction.

HEAL PAKISTAN conference unites leaders for climate action, sustainable development

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.

17 dead, 1,439 injured in Punjab road accidents

Lahore: At least 17 people were killed and 1,439 others injured in 1,228 road accidents in Punjab during the last 24 hours.

As many as 674 people with serious injuries were shifted to different hospitals, while 765 with minor injuries were treated at the incident site by the rescue medical teams.

The data analysis showed that 782 drivers, 70 underage drivers, 174 pedestrians, and 500 passengers were among the victims of road crashes. The statistics showed that 265 accidents were reported in Lahore, which affected 318 people, placing the provincial capital at top of the list, followed by Faisalabad with 92 accidents and 112 victims, and at third Multan with 76 accidents and 88 victims.

According to the data, 1,166 motorbikes, 75 auto-rickshaws, 115 motorcars, 24 vans, 13 passenger buses, 31 trucks and 110 other types of vehicles and slow-moving carts were involved in the road traffic accidents.

Preventing misinformation vital to protect democratic values: PA Speaker

Lahore: Punjab Assembly (PA) Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has said that digital platforms are playing a key role in promoting democracy, however, misinformation and misleading content on these platforms pose a serious threat to democratic values.

A major training session titled 'Practice in Digital Democracy' organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was held at a local hotel on Thursday.

He emphasized fact-checking, responsible digital governance and platform accountability are essential so that misinformation could be addressed in a timely manner.

Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan said, 'Punjab Assembly is committed to take effective measures against digital misinformation and protecting freedom of expression is our top priority, but preventing misinformation is also very important to ensure the protection of democratic values.'

He said that the existing laws to prevent gender-based violence would be made more effective and comprehensive, so that women could be provided safe and empowered digital environment.

Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan emphasized cooperation between all institutions is indispensable for establishing a safe digital environment, so that a system could be created based on transparency and accountability.

He said, 'The Punjab Assembly is taking vigorous steps for strong legal safeguards, effective implementation and policy reforms to ensure the promotion of democracy.'

The speaker appreciated the efforts of UNDP and said that such events promote joint efforts to promote democracy and address digital challenges.

Inspector awarded President’s Police Medal

Lahore: Inspector Javed Hasnain was awarded the President's Police Medal (Tamgha-e-Shujaat) for his extraordinary courage and bravery in the line of duty.

The award was presented by CCPO Lahore Bilal Siddique Kamyana in recognition of Inspector Hasnain's fearless efforts in combating crime.

In November 2023, Inspector Javed and his police team swiftly responded to an emergency 15 call, where six armed robbers had taken a family hostage in College Block, Iqbal Town. Displaying exceptional professionalism and swift action, the police force eliminated all the robbers, ensuring the safe rescue of the hostages. The criminals, identified as Mohsin alias Gogi, Waseem son of Sharif, Imran son of Allah Ditta, Noman son of Abdul Majeed, and two individuals named Ali Raza, were notorious offenders from Mian Channu, wanted in over 25 criminal cases.

CCPO Bilal Siddique Kamyana lauded Inspector Javed Hasnain and his team for their unwavering commitment to public safety.