Category: Lahore

Lahore: The National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) has successfully achieved a milestone in the SCADA-III project with partial activation of the new Control Room and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system becoming partially live, installed at the National Power Control Centre (NPCC).

The system was inaugurated by the Managing Director NTDC, Engr. Muhammad Waseem Younas and senior NTDC officers, according to NTDC spokesman here Wednesday.

Earlier, Chief Engineer SCADA-III, Engr. Sumair Memon briefed the management about the project. It was apprised that 75pc progress has been achieved so far and the remaining will be completed during the current year.

The project reached to the milestone on February 20, 2025, with partial Go-Live of new SCADA system at NPCC Islamabad. This state-of-the-art SCADA system has the first 65 of 166 stations live, with the remaining stations to be integrated in the coming months as new communication links become available.

During the inauguration ceremony, Engr. Muhammad Waseem Younas said that this is a happy moments for all of us. Extending NTDC management's heartfelt congratulations to all the teams involved in implementation of SCADA-III project.

He said that SCADA-III project will bring numerous benefits to NTDC and the national grid. He said that the advanced SCADA system provides real-time monitoring and control of grid stations, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the power transmission network. This ensures prompt detection and resolution of faults in transmission network, minimizing downtime and improving overall grid performance. He emphasized the project team to complete the remaining works within the timelines and said that the issues being faced by the project team will be resolved soon and the management will support the team in all aspects.

In addition to SCADA deployment, the project includes the implementation of an Energy Management System (EMS) and Generation Management System (GMS). These systems enable optimized energy distribution and generation management, leading to more efficient use of resources and reduced operational costs. The project also includes the installation of 3,600 km of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW), of which, installation of 3300 kms has been completed, deployment of telecom equipment such as SDH, DPLC and PABX, and the establishment of a microwave backup communication link between NPCC and the Backup Control Center (BCC). These enhancements, scheduled to be completed during 2025, will ensure robust communication and data transmission across the network.

Deputy Managing Director (P and E), Engr. Qaiser Khan, Deputy Managing Director (AD and M) Engr. Rasheed A. Bhutto, General Manager (D and E) Engr. Dr. Khawaja Riffat Hassan, General Manager (SO), Engr. Nasir Ahmed, General Manager (Media and Public Relations) Muhammad Ibrahim, Chief Engineer (Operation Planning) Engr. Muhammad Zakria, Chief Engineer (Network Operation) Engr. Ijaz Ali, Chief Engineer Asset Management (North) Islamabad, Engr. Shoaib Khan, other senior NTDC officers and representatives of Hitachi, CMEC and SAGE Automation were present on the occasion.

Lahore: Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali has said that prescription of personalised medicine is a need of the hour, and molecular biologists play a key role in its advancement.

He expressed these views while addressing the first graduation ceremony, organized by the Punjab University Center for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB) at Al-Raazi Hall on Wednesday.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, Director CAMB Dr Rehan Sadiq Shaikh, Registrar Dr Ahmed Islam, Controller of Examinations Muhammad Rauf Nawaz, Chairman Hall Council Prof Dr Mahboob Hussain, Resident Auditor Hassan Rauf, faculty members, alumni, students and their parents were present. Degrees were awarded to the students of MPhil in Molecular Biology and Forensic Sciences, session (2021-2024).

In his address, PU VC Dr Muhammad Ali shared his biological research interests and encouraged them to explore entrepreneurship opportunities in molecular techniques. He congratulated the CAMB faculty on the department's transition to Allied Health Sciences and expressed confidence in Dr Rehan Sadiq Shaikh and his team for successfully initiating four BS programs in the upcoming fall admissions. He said that molecular biology is a vast and promising field with great future potential. He said that integration of artificial intelligence and big data with molecular biology is accelerating progress in personalized medicine, shaping the future of healthcare by making treatments more precise, effective, and patient-centered.

Prof Dr Rehan Sadiq Shaikh congratulated the graduating students, their parents, and teachers, calling this event a historic moment for CAMB. He highlighted that CAMB has been conducting high-impact molecular biology research and providing advanced biotechnical facilities since 1987. He said that the MPhil and PhD programs in Molecular Biology and Forensic Sciences were launched in 2015, followed by a self-supporting MPhil program in 2022. He said that CAMB has produced 08 PhDs and 200 MPhil scholars, many of whom are making significant contributions in academia, industry, and research institutes. He emphasized the importance of leadership, confidence, and skill-building beyond the classroom.

To support this vision, he initiated the creative club two years ago, providing students with extracurricular learning opportunities. Dr Muhammad Usman Ghani, the club's coordinator, shared the club's achievements and presented its constitution to the VC for approval.

Lahore: Additional Deputy Commissioner General (ADCG) Muhammad Shojain Vistro has said that Ramazan Sahulat Stalls are being established at ten model bazaars across the provincial capital.

Speaking to the media after chairing a crucial meeting on Ramazan preparations, here on Wednesday, he mentioned that these stalls will be set up to ensure the availability of essential commodities at reasonable prices. He added that, in anticipation of the holy month of Ramadan, the district administration of Lahore, under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza, has become fully active to ensure that citizens receive maximum relief.

The ADCG also highlighted that every stall will maintain an adequate stock of sugar to prevent shortages, and 75-micron shopping bags will be used to meet environmental standards. To control and stabilize the prices of food items, Assistant Commissioners and Price Control Magistrates will remain active in the field at each model bazaar, he added.

The ADCG emphasized that the sale of essential goods at controlled prices will be strictly enforced, with no compromise on the quality and standards of food items. Appropriate actions will be taken against any instances of substandard products. "We are committed to providing all possible relief to citizens during Ramazan," he said, underscoring the administration's dedication to safeguarding consumer interests. These proactive measures aim to ensure that residents of Lahore can observe the holy month with ease and access affordable, high-quality necessities, he added.

Lahore: The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), in collaboration with Revenue Mobilization, Investment, and Trade (REMIT), will host an exclusive post-WEXNET mentorship event on 27th February 2025 in Lahore.

The event will bring together the top 25 exhibitors from WEXNET Exhibition 2025 and prominent industry leaders to explore strategies for scaling women-led businesses in global markets. Under the theme "WEXNET Growth Journey: From Exhibitor to Entrepreneurial Leader," the event will provide actionable insights and practical guidance to help women entrepreneurs expand beyond local markets.

A key highlight of the event will be a high-impact panel discussion titled "From Local to Global: Strategies for Scaling Pakistani Industries." Industry experts will share valuable insights on critical areas such as market trends, branding, e-commerce strategies, and compliance standards. Attendees will also have the chance to participate in an interactive Q and A session to gain tailored, practical knowledge for their specific business needs.

The mentorship initiative is part of TDAP's ongoing commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs, equipping them with the tools and resources necessary to succeed in global markets. WEXNET remains a key platform for women-led businesses in Pakistan, fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth in international trade. With Pakistan's increasing involvement in global trade, this post-WEXNET event is expected to enhance export readiness, improve market access, and inspire the next generation of women entrepreneurs.

Lahore: The Lahore Arts Council continued to spearhead initiatives that promote cultural development in Punjab. Alhamra has completed its landmark Punjabi Comedy Workshop, a significant step in preserving and evolving regional performing arts in alignment with the Punjab government's commitment to artistic excellence.

The Alhamra Academy of Performing Arts played a pivotal role in ensuring the workshop's success, providing rigorous training to emerging talent. Esteemed artists, including Iftikhar Thakur and director Qaisar Javed, imparted their expertise to a new generation of performers, equipping them with the nuances of comedic timing, stagecraft, and performance techniques.

As the workshop concluded, participants showcased their skills in a compelling performance of the play 'Paisa Bolta Hai,' demonstrating their refined artistry and theatrical excellence. A certificate distribution ceremony further marked the event. Iftikhar Thakur and other mentors congratulated the artists on their achievements and extended their best wishes for their future careers.

Chairman Alhamra Razi Ahmed emphasized the importance of such initiatives: "Alhamra remains committed to nurturing artistic talent and ensuring that Punjab's cultural heritage continues to thrive through meaningful and innovative programs."

Executive Director Tauqeer Haider Kazmi, highlighting the workshop's impact, remarked: "This initiative reflects Alhamra's dedication to providing emerging artists with opportunities to learn, grow, and excel, ultimately enriching Pakistan's vibrant artistic landscape."

Lahore: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has urged the government to include the private sector in policy-making, key decision-making forums, and standing committees of the Senate and National Assembly to drive economic growth and address Pakistan's financial challenges.

LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad, Senior Vice President Engineer Khalid Usman, and Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry stated that the private sector plays a crucial role in shaping innovative, efficient, and practical economic policies. They stressed that close collaboration between the government and industry leaders is not just beneficial but essential for fostering a business-friendly environment, attracting investment, and creating jobs.

The LCCI leaders highlighted key areas where private sector involvement could have a significant impact, including tax reforms, trade policies, ease of doing business, and industrial growth. They advocated for simplified tax structures, streamlined regulations, and export-oriented strategies to boost competitiveness in global markets.

They also called for establishment of a permanent consultative mechanism between the government and private sector stakeholders to ensure continuous dialogue and effective economic planning. The LCCI reaffirmed its commitment to working with the government to drive economic progress and ensure long-term prosperity for Pakistan.