Category: Lahore

Lahore: Standing Committee on Industries, Commerce and Investment Chairman Junaid Afzal Sahi chaired the committee's meeting here at Punjab Assembly on Thursday.

Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain especially attended the meeting. The meeting reviewed the working, performance and other matters related to Industries, Commerce, Investment Department and its subordinate institutions in detail. Provincial Secretary for Industries and Commerce Umar Masood gave a briefing on the working of the department.

On this occasion, Chaudhry Shafay Hussain said, property business that has been going on in industrial estates for years has been stopped. Now only industrial units are being built on the plots acquired in the industrial centres, otherwise the plots are being cancelled.

He said, the policy of accelerating industrialization process is proving fruitful. The improvement of infrastructure in industrial centres has accelerated the industrialization process. Recommendations have been sent to the federal government to facilitate approval process of special economic zones. Summaries for the appointment of permanent vice-chancellors for technical universities have also been sent. New boards of institutions have been formed. Practical steps have also been taken to bring foreign investment to Punjab, he added.

The Minister said that Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched excellent interest-free loan schemes for the promotion of small and medium businesses in the province. Business facilitation centres are playing a key role in the promotion of business activities in the province. He said that a financial and performance audit of TEVTA is being conducted. In addition to Chinese, courses in German, Korean, Arabic and Japanese languages have been introduced in TEVTA institutions, he added.

Chairman Standing Committee Junaid Afzal Sahi said that promotion of quality technical education is essential to further accelerate the process of industrialization. There is a need to rationalize the interest-free loan schemes of Punjab Small Industries Corporation.

The meeting reviewed the issues of Special Economic Zones and Industrial Estates. Various proposals were reviewed to promote investment and accelerate the industrialization process in Punjab. The meeting was attended by members of the Punjab Assembly and heads of subsidiary institutions of the Department of Industries, Commerce and Investment.

Lahore: The Mines and Minerals Department Punjab and NESPAK have joined hands for the Attock Placer Gold Project, marking a significant milestone in country's mining sector.

It was stated by Zargham Eshaq Khan, Managing Director NESPAK, here on Thursday.

The undertaking of the Attock Placer Gold Deposits Project by NESPAK is a significant development in the mineral sector. In this regards, NESPAK has signed a contract for 'Consultancy Services for Preparing Bidding Documents and Transaction Advisory Services for Nine Placer Gold Blocks along River Indus in District Attock.'

Pakistan is endowed with abundant mineral resources, including construction materials, industrial minerals, and precious metals, which hold immense potential for driving the country's economic growth. Properly addressing the challenges and capitalizing on opportunities in this sector can position Pakistan as a key player in the global mining industry.

NESPAK has long been a cornerstone of Pakistan's development, offering engineering services across various sectors. With a strong focus on social responsibility and an international presence, NESPAK has cemented its reputation as a premier engineering consulting firm. Recognizing the significance of the mining sector, NESPAK has undertaken notable projects such as:

a. Construction Material Sources and Mineral Development Potential in Azad Jammu and Kashmir

b. Delineation of Positive and Negative Mining Areas for Cement Plants in the Salt Range (Punjab Mines and Minerals Department)

c. Lead-Zinc-Barite Exploration Project in Khuzdar, Balochistan in collaboration with Bollan Mining Enterprises (BME) and the Government of Balochistan.

These projects have positioned NESPAK as a trusted partner in harnessing Pakistan's mineral wealth.

Lahore: The Punjab Institute of Neurosciences (PINS) is set to inaugurate the "Almas Bashir Research and Auditory Office" soon, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of medical research and education.

This was announced by Executive Director PINS, Professor Asif Bashir, during a grand ceremony held on Thursday to honor Shaukat Ali Javed, Editor-in-Chief of the Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, for his outstanding contributions to medical research.

Welcoming Shaukat Ali Javed, Prof. Asif Bashir presented him with a Shield of Honor, recognizing his dedication, professional expertise, and long-standing service in the field of medical research. In his address, Prof. Bashir highlighted the pivotal role played by Shaukat Ali Javed in promoting neurosurgical research, particularly through the two special editions of the Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences dedicated to PINS. These editions have provided a platform for young neurosurgeons, doctors, and postgraduate trainees to publish their research, gaining international recognition.

Faculty members and young neurosurgeons attending the ceremony also praised Shaukat Ali Javed's contributions. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to enhancing neurosciences research and education in Pakistan.

Lahore: The Mines and Minerals Department Punjab and NESPAK have joined hands for the Attock Placer Gold Project, marking a significant milestone in country's mining sector.

It was stated by Zargham Eshaq Khan, Managing Director NESPAK, here on Thursday.

The undertaking of the Attock Placer Gold Deposits Project by NESPAK is a significant development in the mineral sector. In this regards, NESPAK has signed a contract for 'Consultancy Services for Preparing Bidding Documents and Transaction Advisory Services for Nine Placer Gold Blocks along River Indus in District Attock.'

Pakistan is endowed with abundant mineral resources, including construction materials, industrial minerals, and precious metals, which hold immense potential for driving the country's economic growth. Properly addressing the challenges and capitalizing on opportunities in this sector can position Pakistan as a key player in the global mining industry.

NESPAK has long been a cornerstone of Pakistan's development, offering engineering services across various sectors. With a strong focus on social responsibility and an international presence, NESPAK has cemented its reputation as a premier engineering consulting firm. Recognizing the significance of the mining sector, NESPAK has undertaken notable projects such as:

a. Construction Material Sources and Mineral Development Potential in Azad Jammu and Kashmir

b. Delineation of Positive and Negative Mining Areas for Cement Plants in the Salt Range (Punjab Mines and Minerals Department)

c. Lead-Zinc-Barite Exploration Project in Khuzdar, Balochistan in collaboration with Bollan Mining Enterprises (BME) and the Government of Balochistan.

These projects have positioned NESPAK as a trusted partner in harnessing Pakistan's mineral wealth.

Lahore: The Brazilian Cotton Producers Association (ABRAPA) has assured of extending full technical support to Pakistan to upsurge local production of Cotton.

This assurance was extended by a Brazilian delegation consisting of Brazilian Cotton Producers Association, Brazilian Cotton Shippers Association and Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency during its meeting at All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) here Thursday.

Brazilian delegation consisted of Mr. Alexandre Schnkel, President, ABRAPA; Mr. Celestino Zanella, Vice-President, ABRAPA; Mr. Fernando Rezende Silva Neves Rati, Project Coordinator, ABRAPA; Mr. Marcelo Duarte Monteiro, Director, ABRAPA; Mr. Miguel Faus, President, ANEA.

On their visit to APTMA, Kamran Arshad; Chairman APTMA; Asad Shafi, Chairman North, Faisal Javed, Din Industries; Muhammad Ali of Resham Textile; Sufyan Akhtar of Siara Textile; Raza Baqir, Secretary General and other senior APTMA members welcomed the delegation.

Both sides held fruitful discussions on sustainable cotton initiatives, industry challenges, solutions, and evolving buyers' requirements.

Pakistan and Brazil agreed to enhance mutual cooperation to strengthen bilateral ties in the cotton sector, while exploring investment opportunities in Pakistan. They discussed the significant potential for collaboration in cotton and textiles, as well as expanding trade and investment relations in other key areas.

The visiting delates acknowledged Pakistan's strong potential for growth in the textile sector. Brazilian team underscored the importance of continued engagement and dialogue with counterparts in Pakistan to increase trade volume and fully capitalize on the economic partnership between the two countries.

During the meeting, Chairman Kamran Arshad gave a detailed presentation, stressing the need to enhance bilateral trade relations to facilitate technology transfer for high-yielding cotton seeds. He also advocated for the entry of international seed companies with transgenic technology into Pakistan.

He hoped that discussions would yield significant benefits for Pakistan's textile sector, including greater adoption of sustainable cotton farming practices, improved supply chain transparency, and enhanced competitiveness in global markets.

Asad Shafi, Chairman North emphasized the promotion of linkages between Pakistan's textile industry and Brazilian cotton producers. These initiatives include the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between APTMA and ABRAPA, establishment of cotton warehousing facilities in Pakistan to serve regional markets, and strengthening of Brazilian cotton links with Pakistan's textile industry.

Additionally, both sides discussed collaboration on cotton traceability systems, the introduction of improved, genetically modified, and certified seeds, as well as synergies with Pakistan's cotton research institutes. They also emphasized the capacity-building of agricultural research institutions in Pakistan, training on contamination-free cotton production, and the establishment of joint ventures with Pakistani partners.

APTMA leadership informed Brazilian side that APTMA has already established APTMA Cotton Foundation to address challenges in cotton production, from seed certification to traceability and sustainability. The Foundation has commenced its operations and would achieve its objectives in a short time with the technical support of Brazilian Cotton Producers Association.

Lahore: The National Highways and Motorway Police (NH and MP) has launched a special campaign against over-speeding, following the directives of IGP Motorway Police Riffat Mukhtar Raja.

According to a spokesperson, vehicles exceeding 150 km/h on the motorway would be stopped immediately. He said that not only fine would be imposed, but an FIR would also be registered against the law violators. As per the regulations, the speed limit for cars on three-lane motorways is set at 120 km/h, while public service vehicles must not exceed 110 km/h.

Authorities have emphasised that speed monitoring on national highways will be made more effective to prevent accidents. Additionally, ensuring safety barriers on motorways is a priority to enhance road safety. The Motorway Police reaffirmed that providing safe travel on national highways remains their top priority.