IG releases Rs2.57 million for treatment of employees

Lahore: Inspector General of Police Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar is committed to the best health welfare of the force and their families.

In line with this, the IG Punjab has released additional funds of Rs 2.57 million for the treatment of employees and their families suffering from serious illnesses. The Punjab Police spokesperson provided details, stating that retired Assistant Asif Javeed was given 550,000 rupees for treatment of his leg, and retired Constable Muhammad Aslam was given 500,000 rupees for cancer treatment. Sub-Inspector Liaqat Ali was provided 250,000 rupees for the treatment of his wife's brain illness and cancer. DSP Sajid Iqbal, Traffic Warden Muhammad Imran, and Constable Waheed Ihsan were each given 100,000 rupees for their treatment. Junior Clerk Zain Mahmood, ASI Tasawur Abbas, and Constable Sajjad Munir were given 100,000 rupees each for treatment. Traffic Warden Altaf Hussain, constable Afzal Zahid, constable Usman Mughal, and constable Amir Shahzad were each provided 100,000 rupees for treatment. Inspector Muhammad Ismail, Sub-Inspector Amir Hussain, and constable Ali Hassan were collectively given Rs 2.75 million for their treatment.

The spokesperson mentioned that the IG Punjab had approved the release of the funds after scrutiny by the Medical Financial Assistance Committee.

The IG Punjab mentioned that, under memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with various institutions, employees are also being provided with modern medical treatment facilities.

SACM vows to ensure affordable food prices for people

Lahore: Special Assistant to the Chief Minister (SACM) on Price Control Salma Butt has emphasized that, following the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the government is committed to ensuring affordable food prices for the common people.

Chairing a meeting with a delegation from the Poultry Associations at the Price Control and Commodities Management Department on Monday, she shared that the distribution of the Ramadan Relief Package is currently underway.

During the meeting, the SACM urged the association representatives to ensure a reduction in chicken prices, not just at relief markets, but also in general markets. Members of the Poultry Associations reassured her of their full cooperation in providing the necessary relief.

As part of the ongoing Ramadan Relief Package, chicken will be available at a discount of up to 22 rupees per kilogram at relief stalls throughout Punjab. The initiative will be implemented at model markets and relief stalls across all districts, ensuring the availability of affordable chicken for the public during Ramadan.

Salma Butt further reiterated that, under the Chief Minister's guidance, the government remains dedicated to keeping food prices within reach for the common citizen.

No cost to Punjab govt for biker lane colour: Azma

Lahore: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said that the biker lane colour in Lahore was applied by a local company as a test with a one-year guarantee.

She said the Punjab government has neither incurred any financial loss, nor has any payment been made to the company. The company will reapply the colour. She made these remarks in response to Barrister Saif's statement. The information minister said that Peshawar BRT had operated less and caught fire more frequently in the past five years, regularly facing accidents. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government still owes Rs 60 billion for Peshawar Metro. The Peshawar BRT case is still ongoing in the international court, she added.

She said that Barrister Saif always tries to stay in the news by criticising Punjab. "Those who have no achievements of their own find faults with the good work of others. The KP government spokesperson has yet to inform the nation about their chief minister's performance. Even today, people in KP have to cross rivers using makeshift dollies and take motorcycles through streams, she said.

Meanwhile, in Punjab, after Metro Bus and Orange Train, Tram and Underground Green Line projects are in progress, she concluded.

CS orders effective price monitoring

Lahore: The Punjab government has intensified efforts to regulate the prices of essential commodities during the holy month of Ramazan and Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman has ordered the preparation of baseline data to ensure effective price monitoring.

The instructions were issued during a video conference with divisional commissioners held at the Civil Secretariat on Monday. The meeting decided that the prices of food items recorded on 24th February would serve as the baseline, against which prices during Ramazan would be compared.

The Chief Secretary emphasized that providing relief to the people during Ramazan is the government's foremost priority. He directed the administrative officers to ensure the availability of food items at officially-fixed rates. He also issued instructions to the divisional commissioners to mobilize price control magistrates in the field.

The Chief Secretary stressed the need to closely monitor the demand and supply of essential commodities, ensuring no shortages of fruits, vegetables, or other items. He warned that stern action would be taken against profiteers and hoarders. The meeting was attended by the Secretary of Price Control and relevant officials, with all divisional commissioners joining via video link.

Over 5,000 police officers deployed for Bangladesh-New Zealand match

Lahore: The first match of the ICC Champions Trophy was held at Rawalpindi Stadium on Monday, where Bangladesh and New Zealand faced each other. On the directions of Inspector General of Police Punjab Dr Usman Anwar, Punjab Police remained on high alert, providing comprehensive security to players, officials, and cricket fans.

The IG Punjab instructed that in view of the security for the international cricket event, enemy elements should be closely monitored. He emphasised that every effort should be made to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of international matches in a peaceful and safe environment.

The IG Punjab said that effective coordination should be ensured with the Pakistan Cricket Board, district administration, security agencies, and all other departments. The Punjab Police spokesperson shared that over 5,000 police officers and personnel were deployed for the security of the Bangladesh and New Zealand match. Snipers were positioned at the players' residences, routes, stadium, and surrounding tall buildings. Dolphin Squad, Police Response Unit, and Elite teams conducted effective patrolling around the routes and key locations, while the Safe Cities cameras continuously monitored the routes of the teams, the stadium, and other important locations. To ensure uninterrupted traffic flow and proper parking, 367 traffic wardens were deployed.

The IG Punjab instructed that searches, sweeps, combing, and intelligence-based operations should continue around the players' residences, routes, and the stadium. Security personnel stationed at the stadium's entrances and gates were instructed to interact with the public in a polite and friendly manner.

The IG Punjab urged the fans to cooperate with Punjab Police to enjoy international cricket in a secure environment.

Zhuhai Comking & E-Trade Nexus collaborate to expand EV charging in Pakistan

Lahore: In a major step towards enhancing Pakistan's electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, Zhuhai Comking Electric Co., Ltd., a prominent Chinese company specializing in EV charging stations and piles, has signed an agreement with E-Trade Nexus Private Limited, a leading Pakistani firm, for the sale of EV charging stations and equipment in Pakistan.

E-Trade Nexus is committed to advancing Prime Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif's vision for green energy and the widespread adoption of environmentally friendly electric vehicles throughout the country. This collaboration is set to accelerate Pakistan's shift towards clean and sustainable transportation.

Speaking on the occasion, Najam ul Ghani, Director of Global Business at E-Trade Nexus, emphasized the Pakistani government's recent significant reduction in electricity tariffs for EV charging stations. The tariff has been reduced by around 44 percent, from Rs71.10 to Rs39.70 per unit, making EV charging more affordable for both consumers and investors. 'This initiative aims to promote EV adoption, lower transportation costs, and reduce the country's reliance on imported fossil fuels,' Najam ul Ghani explained. He also noted that the reduced tariff could potentially cut travel costs by up to three times compared to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles, making electric mobility a much more practical option for the general population.

To support the expansion of EV charging infrastructure, the government has simplified the approval process for setting up charging stations. The registration and operational procedures now take only 15 days through an online portal, encouraging more businesses to invest in EV charging facilities.

As part of Pakistan's broader strategy to achieve a 30 percent EV adoption rate by 2030, the government is focusing on converting a significant portion of the 30 million two- and three-wheeled vehicles currently in use to electric power. This transition is expected to save the country approximately $165 million annually in fuel import costs, providing a boost to the national economy.

Najam ul Ghani shared that Chinese companies are planning to establish EV charging station manufacturing units in Pakistan. This move is expected to stimulate local production, reduce costs, and accelerate the growth of the green energy sector. By lowering operational costs and fostering infrastructure development, the government aims to attract greater consumer and investor participation in the EV market.

The partnership between Zhuhai Comking Electric Co., Ltd and E-Trade Nexus represents a major milestone in Pakistan's journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. With strong government support, reduced tariffs, and streamlined policies, the country is well-positioned to build a robust EV ecosystem.

Zhuhai Comking Electric Co., Ltd is a leading Chinese company specializing in the development and manufacture of EV charging piles and stations. With a solid global presence, the company is committed to providing cutting-edge, efficient, and sustainable EV charging solutions.

E-Trade Nexus Private Limited is a premier Pakistani company focused on green energy solutions and EV infrastructure development. The company is actively working to support the government's clean energy and sustainable transportation initiatives.