Category: Lahore

Lahore: Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani on Monday said that best policies were being devised to ensure agricultural development and prosperity of farmers.

Presiding over a meeting of the Agriculture Commission here, he said that in line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the transformation of the agricultural sector in the province was underway.

The minister said that one meeting of Agriculture Commission must be held on monthly basis. He also directed that different panels of chairs be appointed for the commission to prevent disruptions due to official engagements.

He directed the formation of task force committees under the Agriculture Commission for various crops.

Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani further directed the inclusion of the new Price Control Commodities Department in the commission so that their input could be considered regarding crop storage and price determination.

The private members of the commission were assigned the task of preparing actionable recommendations through a structured format so that these suggestions could be finalized in the upcoming budget for the next fiscal year. The Punjab Agriculture department had achieved the target of wheat cultivation on 16.25 million acres, ensuring food security in the province, he said and added that for the first time Punjab CM had introduced the "Grow More Wheat" package, which helped achieve the wheat cultivation target.

He further said that Punjab chief minister had personally assured farmers that wheat growers would not face any financial losses.

Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani also announced the establishment of the Punjab Seed Authority to ensure the provision of high-quality crop seeds to farmers.

He said, "For early cotton sowing, a target of 1 million acres has been set and farmers cultivating 5 acres or more will receive Rs 25,000 via the Chief Minister's Kisan Card." This pilot project was expected to help in the revival of cotton farming in the province.

Additionally, in consultation with agricultural experts, Agro-Ecological Zones were being established in Punjab, minister added.

He further said that priority-based initiatives were being taken under service providers for agricultural mechanization, adding that the first phase of the Green Tractor Scheme would be completed next month.

The Punjab government was also taking measures to enhance coordination between agricultural research institutes and universities, which would lead to improvements in agricultural research standards.

Additionally, in the interest of agriculture and farmers, a farmers' bank would be established on the direction of Punjab Chief Minister.

Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo said that the Agriculture Commission had been reactivated after 8 years, which would help address agricultural challenges.

Lahore: Punjab Minister for Health and Emergency Services, Khawaja Salman Rafique, met with Junior Commissioned Officers of Frontier Corps Balochistan (North) at the Emergency Services Academy on Monday.

Secretary Emergency Services Punjab, Dr. Rizwan Naseer, was also present during the meeting. The Frontier Corps Balochistan personnel visited the Emergency Services Academy as part of their study tour, which included various institutions across Punjab.

Addressing the officers, the minister highlighted the significance of Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) as one of Pakistan's most reputable institutions. "Our identity and our introduction is Pakistan, and we have been entrusted with the responsibility of serving its people," he stated. He praised Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, calling her a successful and popular leader and administrator. "Under her leadership, the Punjab government has set records of development within the first year," he added.

During the meeting, a Frontier Corps Balochistan officer presented a souvenir to Khawaja Salman Rafique as a gesture of goodwill. The visit reflected inter-provincial collaboration and knowledge-sharing in emergency response and public service sectors.

Lahore: Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani on Monday said that full support would be provided for betterment of horticulture sector in line with the direction of Punjab Chief Minister.

He said this while chairing a consultative meeting at Agriculture House regarding uplifting of horticulture sector in Punjab.

The minister said that the Punjab government aimed at increasing exports and promote value addition in the horticulture sector. The implementation of the Rs 400 billion Kisan Package, initiated under the directives of the Punjab chief minister was ongoing which included a Rs 1.2 billion citrus rehabilitation project, he added.

As part of this initiative, he said, a Citrus Research Institute was being established in Toba Tek Singh. Furthermore, soybean cultivation had been successfully completed on 1,000 acres this year.

Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani directed the formation of a working group to address issues related to the horticulture business on a priority basis.

He emphasized that modern research in horticulture was the need of the hour and the Punjab government would provide full support for the growth of the horticulture and floriculture industries. In this regard, a separate zone would be designated for the proper development of nurseries in consultation with agricultural experts, he added.

Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo said that steps would be taken for the registration of nurseries under the Punjab Agriculture department. Additionally, efforts would be made to enhance the growth of certified plants, he added.

Lahore: Punjab Minister for Health and Emergency Services, Khawaja Salman Rafique, met with Junior Commissioned Officers of Frontier Corps Balochistan (North) at the Emergency Services Academy on Monday.

Secretary Emergency Services Punjab, Dr. Rizwan Naseer, was also present during the meeting. The Frontier Corps Balochistan personnel visited the Emergency Services Academy as part of their study tour, which included various institutions across Punjab.

Addressing the officers, the minister highlighted the significance of Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) as one of Pakistan's most reputable institutions. "Our identity and our introduction is Pakistan, and we have been entrusted with the responsibility of serving its people," he stated. He praised Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, calling her a successful and popular leader and administrator. "Under her leadership, the Punjab government has set records of development within the first year," he added.

During the meeting, a Frontier Corps Balochistan officer presented a souvenir to Khawaja Salman Rafique as a gesture of goodwill. The visit reflected inter-provincial collaboration and knowledge-sharing in emergency response and public service sectors.

Lahore: The Punjab Food Authority on Monday discarded 3,000 kg of diseased and unhealthy chickens in the city.

Inspections were carried out at 26 suppliers and shops with 74,000 kg of chickens checked and heavy fines imposed on a supplier.

According to DG Food Authority, the discarded chickens were found suffering from flu, low weight and various diseases. Inspections revealed poor hygiene in shops and lack of medical clearance for workers. Diseased chickens were intended for sale in Tollinton Market.

A veterinary specialist examined the seized poultry, confirming health risks. The DG Food Authority emphasized that selling diseased meat is a serious crime and operations against fraudulent suppliers will continue.

"We are establishing an international standard meat processing and distribution system, ensuring strict action against those endangering public health," stated Asim Javed. Citizens are urged to avoid pre-slaughtered meat and ensure chickens are slaughtered in front of them.

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Minorities Ramesh Singh Arora met with French Ambassador to Pakistan Nicolas Galey at his camp office here on Monday.

The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties between Pakistan and France, with a special emphasis on cooperation related to religious minorities, education, and cultural exchange.

During the meeting, both sides discussed the key areas of collaboration, including the protection and welfare of religious minorities in Punjab, and how France could play a pivotal role in supporting these initiatives.

Minister Ramesh Singh Arora highlighted the government's commitment to promoting religious tolerance, peace, and harmony within the province, and expressed gratitude for the continuous support of international partners like France. He informed the French Ambassador about the provincial government's ongoing efforts to issue Minority Identity Cards to ensure the protection of religious minorities' rights in Punjab.

The minister outlined various initiatives to support religious minorities, including financial assistance, healthcare, and community development programs aimed at improving the quality of life for religious minorities in the province.

Minister Arora also shared details of the scholarship programs available for minority students in Punjab, aimed at enhancing educational opportunities. He emphasized the provincial government's commitment to providing financial assistance and support to minority students in higher education institutions. Both sides discussed the potential for developing religious tourism in Punjab, particularly for Sikh and Christian communities. Minister Arora stressed the importance of promoting religious tourism as a means of cultural exchange, economic growth, and fostering mutual respect between different communities. He assured that the provincial government would continue to work diligently to uplift the lives of minorities in Punjab and collaborate with international allies to achieve these goals.

Nicolas Galey praised the provincial government's efforts in promoting welfare initiatives for religious minorities. He reiterated France's commitment to supporting Pakistan's efforts in achieving stability and development through shared partnerships and cooperation. The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to increase exchanges in various sectors, including education, tourism, and cultural heritage. The Ambassador expressed France's readiness to partner with Pakistan, especially in the areas of climate action and the protection of minority rights.

At the end of the meeting, provincial minister Ramesh Singh gave away a shield to the French ambassador.