Category: Lahore

Lahore: Punjab Food Authority continues its crackdown against those endangering public health.

On directives of DG Food Authority Asim Javed, food safety teams conducted raids on Multan Road and Sundar Estate, seizing and disposing off 1,500 kg of fungus-infested pickles and 470 kg of unsafe food colors and flavors.

During the operation, production at a ghee and oil unit was halted, while a fine of Rs. 200,000 was imposed on a pickle production unit. The PFA DG said that the ghee sample failed quality tests due to high acid content, leading to the unit's closure. Violations of previous warnings were observed including poor hygiene conditions, use of expired loose colors, pest infestations, lack of records and food items stored directly on the floor.

DG Asim Javed emphasized that strict action will be taken against those deceiving the public in the name of food products. He urged food business operators to comply with prescribed regulations and called on the public to report such violations to Punjab Food Authority helpline 1223.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that educated and empowered women are the guarantee of a bright and prosperous Punjab.

In her message on International Women's Day being celebrated on Saturday, the CM emphasised the importance of women's empowerment, equality, and protection. She highlighted the steps taken by the Punjab government to ensure women's rights and their active participation in all spheres of life.

CM Maryam Nawaz paid glowing tribute to every daughter, sister, and mother, stating, 'A woman is not just an individual; she is the architect of generations.' She emphasized that Islam granted unparalleled respect and rights to women, and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) set an eternal example of honoring daughters.

The CM stressed the necessity of providing equal opportunities for women in education, employment, and development. She highlighted the appointment of women officers across various divisions and districts in Punjab as a testament to women's empowerment. Women in the police and other departments are performing exceptionally well with dedication and hard work.

She said, 'Women and children are my 'red line.' This is my vision.' She reiterated that there is no room for discrimination or injustice against women. To ensure women's safety and empowerment, her government has established virtual police stations, launched the Women Help Line and Pink Button Project, and built hostels for working women under the Safe City Authority. Additionally, the E-Bikes Scheme was introduced to facilitate women's mobility, with plans to distribute more bikes in the future, she added.

In the realm of education and economic empowerment, 60 percent of scholarships under the Hunarmand Scholarship Program were awarded to female students on merit, she informed. Female students are also being equipped with modern technology through the Laptop Scheme, and 18 Women Development Centers have been established in public universities, she asserted. To support working women, 307 daycare centers are benefiting 9,541 families, and 16 working women hostels have been set up across Punjab, she mentioned.

The CM said that social and economic programs such as the Punjab Dhee Rani Program are organizing mass weddings for underprivileged girls, while financial assistance is being provided to deserving minority women through the Minority Card. Rural women in South Punjab are being empowered through the Livestock Program, and women entrepreneurs are being encouraged through easy business finance and card schemes. The Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Scheme offers interest-free loans for women to build their own homes.

She said in sports and recreation, the Pink Games initiative is providing sports opportunities for women. Maryam Nawaz vowed to create a Punjab where every woman is respected, protected, and provided with opportunities. She said, 'I am building a Punjab where there is no place for prejudice or malice against women.'

The CM said 'My daughters, my sisters! Your safety, dignity, and prosperity are the top priorities of my government. I stand with you at every step-I am your protector and your strength.'

Lahore: The Punjab government has successfully addressed the long-standing issue of delayed honorarium payments for trainee doctors, nurses, and lady health visitors (LHVs) under the Department of Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education (SHandME).

A high-level meeting was held on Saturday, chaired by the Secretary of SHandME and attended by the Managing Director of Punjab Health Foundation (PHF), representatives of trainee doctors, and officials from the Bank of Punjab. The meeting focused on reviewing the honorarium distribution process and implementing measures to ensure timely payments.

According to the SHandME spokesperson, more than Rs. 17 billion has been disbursed in honorariums over the past ten months, benefiting over 26,000 trainees across Punjab. The Punjab Health Foundation is now responsible for managing these payments, ensuring that trainees receive their honorariums directly in their bank accounts without unnecessary delays.

To further improve efficiency, medical colleges have been directed to upload the attendance of all trainees on the Punjab Health Foundation portal by the 15th of every month instead of the 25th. This adjustment aims to accelerate payment processing and prevent delays. The Punjab Assembly Standing Committee on Health has praised these improvements and assured full support for the initiative.

Since taking over the responsibility of honorarium payments in April 2024, the Punjab Health Foundation has introduced a modern digital portal to enhance transparency and efficiency. Previously, trainees had to visit multiple offices to receive their payments, but the new system allows them to receive their honorariums while sitting at home, a step particularly appreciated by female trainees.

The implementation of this digital payment system has also eliminated fraudulent practices such as ghost employees, double salaries, and fake jobs.

Lahore: DG Khan police achieved another major success and foiled the second major attack by Khawarji terrorists on Punjab-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border check post "Lakhani" this week.

Providing the details, the Punjab police spokesperson said that 15 to 20 Khawarji terrorists suddenly attacked the border post Lakhani at the time of Sehri. They attacked the check post in the form of small groups from all sides. They used rocket launchers and heavy weapons in the attack. Due to the alertness of the police personnel, the terrorists were identified from a distance using thermal image cameras. The police personnel promptly retaliated by firing machine guns and mortars. Due to the vigorous retaliatory action, the Khawarji terrorists failed to reach the check post and retreated.

There are reports of heavy casualties among the terrorists as a result of the effective retaliatory action.

It should be remembered that 6 days ago, another attack by the Khawarji terrorists on the check post was foiled. The operation against the terrorists was commanded by RPO DG Khan Captain (R) Sajjad Hassan Khan and backup teams of QRF under the command of DPO Dera Ghazi Khan Syed Ali immediately reached the spot. IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar has congratulated the police team who repelled the terrorist attack and said that Punjab Police has previously foiled 19 attacks by the Khawarji terrorists. Terrorists will be defeated on every front. Punjab Police will ensure the safety of the lives and properties of the people at all costs. The Punjab government has provided the border posts on the Punjab-KP border with the latest weapons. Due to the alertness of the police personnel the Khawarij terrorists could not succeed in their nefarious objectives, he said.

RPO Dera Ghazi Khan said that the police along with other agencies are conducting a search operation in the border areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Lahore: The Department of Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education (SHandME) has successfully completed the selection process for 85 new Senior Registrars in Cardiology.

According to an SHandME Department spokesperson on Saturday, there had been a shortage of Senior Registrars in government cardiology hospitals, which was affecting patient care and surgical procedures. With these new appointments, cardiac surgeries and overall treatment facilities in government hospitals are expected to improve significantly.

The spokesperson further stated that the department remains committed to enhancing healthcare services and will continue its efforts to provide the best medical facilities to the public.

Lahore: The Edhi Welfare Foundation has released its monthly performance report for February 2025, highlighting its extensive humanitarian services across various regions.

According to the report, Edhi ambulances provided free transportation for 17 deceased individuals who lost their lives in accidents. Additionally, 569 injured persons were shifted to hospitals, ensuring timely medical assistance.

The foundation facilitated the transportation of 3,949 patients between their homes and hospitals, while 1,354 deceased individuals were moved from hospitals to their residences.

Edhi Foundation also arranged the burial of 41 unclaimed bodies, while 53 bodies were bathed and shrouded at the Edhi mortuary. Under the Edhi Identification Program, biometric identification was successfully conducted for 14 unidentified bodies, which were then handed over to their families.

In social welfare efforts, the Bilquis Edhi Home in Lahore admitted 118 individuals, out of which 73 were reunited with their families through Edhi ambulances. Furthermore, the Edhi Free Langar service provided meals to 11,501 people in need.

The Edhi spokesperson urged the public to report any emergency immediately by contacting the Edhi Emergency Number 115, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to serving humanity.