Category: Lahore

Lahore: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has strongly criticised the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government, led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, over its alleged failure in governance, infrastructure development and public service delivery.

In a press conference held at DGPR on Thursday, she compared KP's performance with Punjab's recent initiatives. Azma highlighted the sharp fare hike in the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which increased from Rs 110 to Rs 510, while Punjab's electric bus fares remain at Rs 20. She further said that the cost of Peshawar BRT has surpassed Rs 120 billion, whereas Punjab has implemented three transport projects for less than that amount.

The information minister also accused the KP government of taking credit for old projects, pointing out that the Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC) project was initiated by WAPDA in 1995 and that the Peshawar-D.I. Khan Motorway is a China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, not a provincial initiative. Additionally, she revealed that the contractor of Peshawar BRT has filed a Rs 57 billion compensation claim against the KP government in an international court.

Azma criticised KP's employment record, added that only 173 jobs were created in the technology sector, whereas over 100,000 people have been employed under Punjab's "Suthra Punjab" Programme. She also claimed that KP's "Ikhtiyar Awam Ka" mobile app is a copy of Punjab's "Maryam Ki Dastak" app, with a low registration rate of just 0.04pc.

Regarding healthcare, Azma noted that KP built only 25 dialysis units in the past 12 years, most of which are now non-functional. She also condemned the government's failure to meet housing targets, added that out of a promised 5 million homes, only 200 have been completed.

Information Minister Azma Bukhari criticised the KP government's "Taleem Card" initiative, said that it is scheduled for 2027 but has been included in their current performance report. In contrast, she highlighted Punjab's "Honahar Scholarships" programme, which has already awarded scholarships to 30,000 students, with plans to expand to 50,000.

She also noted that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is providing electric bikes and scooters to students, building thousands of homes under the "Apni Chhat Apna Ghar" programme, and distributing Green Tractors and Kisan Cards to support farmers.

She accused the KP government of failing to handle security issues, added that while violence escalated in Kurram, Gandapur was more focused on political activities in Islamabad.

Comparing welfare efforts, she said that Punjab has set up 80 Ramazan markets across the province, offering goods at prices lower than the official rates, and has launched a Rs 30 billion Ramazan relief package.

Azma concluded by adding that the KP government is attempting to take credit for projects it did not initiate while failing to deliver on its promises in key sectors such as transport, education and healthcare.

Lahore: The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has officially commenced the conservation and upgradation of key shrines in Uch Sharif under the Sufi Trail / Pilgrim Trail project.

This significant initiative aims to restore and enhance the historical and cultural importance of the region, improving accessibility and promoting religious tourism.

The project focuses on the preservation of seven shrines: Hazrat Jalal-ud-Din Surkh Posh Bukhari, Hazrat Makhdoom Jahania Jahan Gasht, Hazrat Badar-ud-Din Naqvi, Hazrat Fazal-ud-Din Ladla, Masjid-e-Hajaat, Hazrat Rajan Qataal, and Hazrat Mehboob Subhani.

The conservation work includes roof treatment, waterproofing, woodwork, surface rendering, flooring, electrification, and illumination. Some shrines, such as Hazrat Badar-ud-Din Naqvi and Hazrat Fazal-ud-Din Ladla, will also undergo structural consolidation and the reconstruction of verandas and shelter rooms.

In addition to shrine restoration, the project also aims to enhance the pilgrim trail infrastructure by developing gateways, parking areas, a tourist facilitation center, restrooms, ablution areas, and drinking water facilities. The streets leading to the shrines will undergo surfacing improvements to assist visitors. Furthermore, the project includes the implementation of an underground sewerage and drainage system, the provision of sheltered sitting spaces, and the illumination of the entire pilgrim route, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for visitors.

Speaking about the project, Director General WCLA Kamran Lashari stated, 'The conservation of these historic shrines is not just about preservation; it is about reviving the spiritual and cultural legacy of Uch Sharif. Through this initiative, we aim to improve religious tourism, provide modern amenities to visitors, and create opportunities for local artisans. This project reflects our commitment to safeguarding our heritage while making it more accessible to the world.'

The conservation and upgradation work officially began on January 28, 2025, and is expected to be a transformative step in promoting Uch Sharif as a significant religious and cultural destination. The WCLA remains dedicated to preserving Pakistan's historical sites and ensuring they continue to inspire generations to come.

Lahore: Police claimed on Thursday to have arrested a female drug peddler and recovered narcotics from her possession. SP Cantonment Owais Shafiq said that outpost in-charge of Super Town, along with a police team, arrested Tahira Bibi red-handed and recovered more than 12 kg hashish from

her possession. A case has been registered against the accused.

Lahore: Punjab Prosecutor General Syed Farhad Ali Shah delivered a special lecture at the Punjab Bar Council on Thursday, shedding light on the key provisions of the Anti-Rape Act 2021, its legal framework, and implementation procedures.

During his address, he emphasized that the law is designed to ensure swift and effective justice for victims. He highlighted that investigations under the act must be supervised by a BPS-17 or higher-ranked police officer to maintain transparency and uphold investigative standards.

Discussing Section 164, he stressed that victims' statements must be video recorded to prevent manipulation or external pressure. However, he also pointed out gaps in the current investigative system, including inefficient use of forensic techniques and poor evidence management, which need urgent improvement.

The Prosecutor General urged lawyers, investigators, and law enforcement agencies to strictly follow the law's provisions to ensure prompt and fair justice for victims.

At the conclusion of the session, Punjab Bar Council members expressed their appreciation and reaffirmed their commitment to working together for the effective enforcement of the Anti-Rape Act.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has removed the CEO of Mayo Hospital and Medical Superintendent (MS) from their posts following public complaints about mismanagement and poor healthcare facilities.

The decision came after her surprise visit to Mayo Hospital on Thursday, where she encountered a flood of complaints from patients regarding the non-availability of medicines, unsanitary conditions, and other issues. Expressing severe displeasure, she reprimanded the hospital administration for their negligence.

During her visit, CM Punjab expressed deep concern over the plight of patients and stated, 'Allah Almighty's humanity is facing distress and discomfort, and no one is addressing their complaints. We are accountable to Allah Almighty for our conduct.' She described the hospital's condition as pathetic, emphasizing that people arrive with hope for timely treatment, yet the administration remains unaware of the state of the wards.

The Chief Minister further criticized the hospital staff for their indifferent attitude, questioning why the public should suffer due to mismanagement. She was particularly angered by reports that patients and their families were being mistreated and denied essential medical supplies such as syringes and branulas. Additionally, she was appalled by the presence of insects in the cardiology ward and other unhygienic conditions.

CM Punjab personally stopped to listen to patients' grievances in the waiting room and corridors. A young girl shared how she had spent the entire night running around for her mother's medicines, which deeply moved the Chief Minister. She immediately reprimanded the hospital administration and summoned an emergency meeting on the spot.

During the meeting, she ordered a detailed inquiry into the hospital's affairs and sought explanations from all responsible stakeholders. She directed the immediate clearance of outstanding dues for medicines and instructed that a 100% supply of medicines be ensured. She also ordered the Secretary of Health to identify negligent officials and take strict action against them.

To address the hospital's deteriorating infrastructure, CM Maryam Nawaz called for a comprehensive plan for the construction and repair of Mayo Hospital. She personally inspected the hospital's store to check the supply of medicines, syringes, and other essential items. She also reviewed the emergency block, ICU, cardiology, and other wards, visiting patients and praying for their speedy recovery.

Throughout her visit, the Chief Minister was repeatedly stopped by people who shared their problems. She issued on-the-spot directives to resolve their grievances. A couple from Sindh approached her with their complaints, and she ordered their immediate redress. Additionally, after a mother's plea, she directed urgent arrangements for a kidney transplant for her daughter. She also consoled an injured woman from Gujranwala, hugging her and ensuring she received the best medical treatment.

CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif closely monitored the treatment process of patients and inquired about their experiences. Upon reviewing the hospital's cleanliness, she found the conditions unsatisfactory and instructed immediate improvements. Her visit underscored the Punjab government's commitment to improving healthcare facilities and ensuring that hospitals provide quality medical care without negligence or delay.

Lahore: At least 12 people were killed and 1,520 injured in 1,313 road accidents in Punjab during the last 24 hours.

As many as 666 people with serious injuries were shifted to different hospitals, while 854 with minor injuries were treated at the incident site by the rescue medical teams.

The data analysis showed that 841 drivers, 75 underage drivers, 212 pedestrians, and 479 passengers were among the victims of road traffic crashes. The statistics showed that 274 accidents were reported in Lahore, which affected 335 people, placing the provincial capital at top of the list, followed by Faisalabad with 110 accidents and 126 victims, and at third Multan with 81 accidents and 87 victims.

According to the data, 1,253 motorbikes, 93 auto-rickshaws, 130 motorcars, 39 vans, 16 passenger buses, 40 truck and 92 other types of vehicles and slow-moving carts were involved in the road traffic accidents.