Over 86,500 minority citizens benefited from Punjab police’s Meesaq Centers

Lahore: Punjab Police's Meesaq Centers are actively engaged in providing policing services to the minority community citizens.

The Punjab Police spokesperson said that more than 86,500 minority individuals have so far benefited from the Meesaq Centers. Over 12,200 minority individuals had their issues resolved, while more than 37,700 availed services related to police facilitation centers. Additionally, over 46,000 minority individuals expressed satisfaction with the facilities provided by the Meesaq Centers.

The IG Punjab emphasized that these centers are helping resolve the issues faced by the minority community and are playing a vital role in promoting interfaith harmony. Across 37 districts of the province, 57 Meesaq Centers are actively providing high-quality services to the minority community. He said that through these centers, immediate resolution of the problems faced by minority citizens is being ensured.

IG releases Rs2.3mn for medical expenses of injured personnel

Lahore: Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, is committed to ensuring the best medical treatment for police personnel injured in the line of duty.

Continuing this commitment, an additional 2.3 million rupees have been released to cover medical expenses for injured personnel in Lahore and various other districts.

The Punjab Police spokesperson said that injured Constable Asad Abbas has been granted 1 million rupees for medical expenses. Injured Inspector Muhammad Sarwar has received 500,000 rupees for medical treatment, while injured constable Shiraz Khan has been given 200,000 rupees. Injured Trainee Sub-Inspector Waheed Ahmed, Head constable Muhammad Rashid, constable Hamid Iqbal, constable Amir Mehmood, Constable Ikram Haider, and Constable Liaqat Ali have each been provided with 100,000 rupees for their medical costs.

The spokesperson further added that these officers and personnel sustained injuries in various incidents while performing their duties. The Compensation Award Committee, chaired by Additional IG Welfare Imran Irshad, approved the release of the funds.

The IG Punjab emphasized that ensuring the best treatment and speedy recovery of injured police personnel is a top priority, and every possible support will continue to be provided.

He directed supervisory officers to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the best healthcare and welfare for injured Ghazi personnel.

2,030 arrested for kite flying

Lahore: On the directives of Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, Punjab Police is actively ensuring strict enforcement of the Anti-Kite Flying Act in light of the Amended Kite Flying Prohibition Bill.

The Punjab Police spokesperson said that this year, a total of 2,030 accused have been arrested across Punjab, including Lahore, for violating the Anti-Kite Flying Act, and 1,993 cases have been registered. Additionally, 420,266 kites, 14,139 spools of kite string recovered, and 1,731 case challans have been submitted.

In Lahore alone, 534 accused have been arrested, 542 cases have been registered, while 19,508 kites and 779 spools of kite string have been seized. Last year, across Punjab, including Lahore, 12,525 accused were arrested, and 11,866 cases were registered.

The IG Punjab has instructed supervisory officers to ensure strict implementation of the Amended Kite Flying Prohibition Bill. He directed RPOs, CPOs, and DPOs to intensify crackdowns against kite flyers, sellers, and manufacturers. The IG Punjab further emphasized that this life-threatening activity will not be tolerated, and those involved in this deadly trade will face zero tolerance. He also ordered strict action against those engaged in the online sale of metallic kite strings and kites.IG Punjab urged parents to keep their children away from this dangerous activity, while citizens were encouraged to demonstrate responsibility by reporting kite flying incidents to Helpline 15.

Former SAARC chamber president praises PM’s economic reforms

Lahore: Former president of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Iftikhar Ali Malik, has commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for implementing transformative and inclusive policies to revitalise Pakistan's economy.

In a statement issued on Sunday, he highlighted the PM's direct engagement with business leaders and his focus on pragmatic reforms aimed at strengthening the economy and restoring investor confidence.

Malik highlighted the government's efforts to improve the ease of doing business by reducing bureaucratic hurdles, simplifying tax processes, and enhancing transparency. Key initiatives include infrastructure development, energy security, and digital connectivity to foster a business-friendly environment.

He also praised the prime minister's focus on attracting both foreign and local investments by addressing structural challenges and ensuring policy consistency. Efforts to stabilise the macroeconomic environment, manage inflation, and promote public-private partnerships have been instrumental in creating opportunities in agriculture, technology, and manufacturing sectors.

Malik concluded that these policies had positioned Pakistan as a competitive player in the international market, laying a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth.

PFC to offer free training for convicts in Punjab jails

Lahore: The Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) has announced a free specialised training programme for convicts in Punjab jails to produce highly skilled woodworkers.

The initiative was discussed during a meeting between PFC Chief Executive Officer Mian Kashif Ashfaq and Inspector General of Prisons Punjab Mian Farooq Nazeer, on Sunday.

Mian Kashif stated that Pakistan is currently facing a severe shortage of skilled woodworkers. To address this issue, the PFC has decided to train convicts using modern techniques to meet market demands. He also assured that upon successful completion of the training, the convicts would be offered employment in furniture manufacturing factories with attractive salary packages.

Dr Waqar Chaudhry, advisor to the PFC, suggested that the council might consider providing a reasonable monthly stipend to trainee convicts to encourage maximum participation. The training program will initially include a six-month course in the central jails of Lahore, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi. The PFC will deploy top-class trainers and organise special lectures on the importance of planting more trees to combat climate change and meet the country's wood requirements.

Inspector General Mian Farooq Nazeer appreciated the PFC's goodwill gesture and formed a high-level committee to assess the feasibility of launching the training courses.

Chinese companies show interest in MoUs with Pakistan’s food sector: FPCCI convener

Lahore: Three leading Chinese companies have expressed strong interest in signing memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with Pakistani counterparts in the food sector, indicating a promising boost for bilateral trade and technological cooperation.

Shahid Imran, convener of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Committee on Food and leader of a Pakistani food exporters' delegation, shared these developments with the media on Sunday upon his return from China.

He disclosed that the Chinese companies, renowned for their expertise in food machinery and technology, aim to capitalise on Pakistan's expanding food industry to broaden their market presence and promote mutual growth. These potential partnerships underscore the rising interest of Chinese enterprises in Pakistan's food sector, driven by the country's strategic location, rich agricultural resources, and growing demand for processed foods.

Shahid highlighted that the MoUs, if signed, could pave the way for technology transfer, skill development, and enhanced trade relations, benefiting both nations economically and socially. He detailed the profiles of the three interested Chinese companies:

1. Taizhou Fulida Electromechanical Co. Ltd: Based in Taizhou, this company is recognised for its expertise in manufacturing advanced food processing and packaging machinery. With a focus on innovation and efficiency, Fulida aims to introduce cutting-edge technology to Pakistan's food sector, helping local businesses improve productivity and comply with international standards.

2. Taiwan High Dream Intellectualised Machinery Co., Ltd: Headquartered in Foshan, High Dream specialises in intelligent food processing equipment. The company's state-of-the-art machinery, designed for automation and precision, has the potential to transform Pakistan's food production processes. By collaborating with Pakistani firms, High Dream seeks to establish a strong presence in South Asia while supporting the modernization of Pakistan's food industry.

3. Nantong Wealth Machinery Technical Co. Ltd: Located in Rugao, this company offers a diverse range of machinery for food processing, packaging, and preservation. Known for its reliable and cost-effective solutions, Wealth Machinery is keen to partner with Pakistani businesses to address local challenges and enhance food security through advanced technology.

Shahid Imran emphasised that these prospective collaborations reflect a significant opportunity for Pakistan to upgrade its food processing capabilities, attract investment, and strengthen trade ties with China. The FPCCI is optimistic that the MoUs will lead to sustainable growth and development in the country's food sector.