Category: Lahore

Lahore: Punjab Assembly (PA) Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan on Friday said that women played essential role in the development of any society and a prosperous and balanced society was unimaginable without them.

In his special message issued on the occasion of International Women's Day here, he said that this day was dedicated to recognize the abilities, sacrifices and contributions of women.

He said, "Islam is the greatest protector of women's rights, granting them honor, equality and equal rights fourteen hundred years ago." According to Islamic teachings, women were fully encouraged and given complete freedom to play a positive role in all walks of life, he added.

Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan highlighted that Pakistani women had always proven their abilities.

"Whether it was the Pakistan Movement, with the contributions of Madar-e-Millat Fatima Jinnah and Begum Rana Liaquat Ali Khan, the leadership of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto our women have set remarkable examples of intelligence, courage and determination in every era," he added.

He further stated that today Pakistani women were working alongside men in all fields, which was a symbol of a bright and developed Pakistan.

The Speaker said that nearly half of the country's population consisted of women and their progress and prosperity were, in fact, the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

Under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Punjab government was taking practical steps to empower women, he said. Effective policies were being implemented for women's protection, equal rights, quality education, healthcare facilities and economic independence, he said and added that collective efforts were required for ensuring women's rights and protection.

Lahore: At least 11 people were killed and 1,463 others injured in 1,298 road crashes in Punjab during the last 24 hours.

As many as 632 people with serious injuries were shifted to different hospitals, while 831 with minor injuries were treated at the incident site by the rescue medical teams.

The data analysis showed that 831 drivers, 72 underage drivers, 210 pedestrians, and 433 passengers were among the victims of road crashes. The statistics showed that 252 accidents were reported in Lahore, which affected 304 people, placing the provincial capital at top of the list, followed by Faisalabad with 85 accidents and 95 victims, and at third Multan with 79 accidents and 89 victims.

According to the data, 1,237 motorbikes, 77 auto-rickshaws, 133 motorcars, 32 vans, 12 passenger buses, 32 truck and 86 other types of auto vehicles and slow-moving carts were involved in these road traffic accidents.

Lahore: As part of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr Usman initiatives, more than Rs. 398.8 million have been spent on welfare of the police force during the first two months of this year.

A police spokesperson stated on Friday that over Rs. 136.2 million had been spent for educational scholarships for the children of police employees. An amount of Rs. 92.03 million was provided as wedding gifts to the daughters of police employees. Over Rs. 47.4 million were distributed to the families of police employees in the form of a maintenance allowance.

More than Rs. 69.2 million were given to assist with medical treatments of employees. Over Rs. 38.8 million were provided for retirement grants to police employees. An amount of Rs. 10.6 million was given to the families of the force for funeral expenses. Immediate financial assistance of over Rs. 4.495 million was also provided to the police force.

Lahore: Chairperson of the Punjab Women Protection Authority (PWPA), Hina Parvez Butt, met with Secretary Home Punjab, Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, at his office in the Civil Secretariat on Friday.

Additional Secretary Home (Judicial) Imran Hussain Ranjha, Deputy Secretary General Tasneem Ali Khan and other relevant officials were present.

A spokesperson for the Home Department Punjab said, an important development has taken place in line with the vision of the chief minister Punjab regarding women's protection. It has been decided in principle to bring the PWPA under the administrative control of the Home Department.

During the meeting, Chairperson Hina Parvez Butt said that ensuring justice at the doorstep of the oppressed is the responsibility of the state. She emphasised that eliminating injustice against women and vulnerable segments of society is the chief minister's mission. She assured that women should not feel alone, as all state institutions are actively working for their protection.

Secretary Home Punjab, Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, highlighted that the Home department is in the process of legislating to prevent acid attacks and to fully regulate the sale and purchase of acid. Mengal further added that forensic reports for women-related cases are being prioritised and full implementation of merit is being ensured in all cases.

Lahore: A special court (central) on Friday adjourned the hearing of the money laundering case against former chief minister Punjab Chaudhry Parvez Elahi and others till April 9.

The court directed the parties to present arguments on Elahi's acquittal application at the next hearing. It also sought a report from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) regarding the arrest of Moonis Elahi and summoned the head of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) investigating the money laundering charges.

Duty Judge Naveed Ahmad presided over the proceedings, during which Parvez Elahi did not appear in court. His counsel submitted an exemption application, stating that Elahi was unwell and had been advised complete bed rest by doctors. The counsel requested a one-day exemption from personal appearance, which the court granted.

Following the decision, the court adjourned further proceedings until April 9.

The FIA has already filed a challan against Parvez Elahi and others on money laundering charges.

Meanwhile, Moonis Elahi has been declared a proclaimed offender due to his continuous absence from court proceedings.

Lahore: Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has reiterated that even one percent negligence in the treatment and care of patients in government hospitals will not be tolerated.

He made these remarks while chairing a meeting at the Department of Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education on Friday, where service delivery at Mayo Hospital, Lahore, was reviewed in detail.

During the meeting, officials assessed various administrative matters, including the bulk purchase of medicines, stock balance, live dashboard monitoring, and clinic operations. The minister emphasized that, as per the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a 100 per cent supply of medicines would be ensured at the hospital.

Khawaja Salman highlighted that sufficient stock of syringes, cannulas, and other essential disposables is available for patients at Mayo Hospital. He directed the hospital administration to facilitate patients efficiently, stressing that billions of rupees are allocated to government hospitals solely to enhance healthcare services.

Expressing concern over complaints of medicine shortages despite sufficient stock, the minister ordered the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department to investigate the issue and ensure accountability.

Punjab Health Secretary Azmat Mahmood, Special Secretary Operations Tariq Mahmood Rehmani, Special Secretary Development Zeeshan Shabbir Rana, and other senior officials attended the meeting. Vice Chancellor of King Edward Medical University, Professor Mahmood Ayaz, along with other senior faculty members and the Board of Management of Mayo Hospital, participated via video link.