Category: Lahore

Lahore: The newly appointed Inspector General of Railways Police, Muhammad Tahir Rai (Hilal-e-Shujaat, Sitara-e-Imtiaz), has officially assumed charge as the 28th IG of Railways Police on Monday.

Upon his arrival at the Central Police Office (CPO) Railways, he was warmly received by senior officers. A well-organized guard of honor was presented by the Railways Police contingent, followed by the IG laying a floral wreath at the Martyrs' Memorial and offering prayers.

During a departmental briefing by DIG Operations, IG Railways Police Muhammad Tahir Rai expressed his gratitude, stating, "It is an honor for me to serve in Railways Police. Allah has bestowed me with a great responsibility, and I am committed to making Railways Police one of the finest forces in Pakistan." He emphasized that ensuring the security of railway passengers remains the top priority. "Railways Police officers will be dedicated to the safety of passengers, railway trains, and railway assets. Passengers will be treated with respect, and their comfort will be ensured throughout their journey. Any misconduct by a Railways Police officer towards a passenger will not be tolerated, and strict action will be taken," he asserted.

The IG Railways further stated, "Negligence, carelessness, and corruption will not be tolerated, and I will take action against SPs and supervisory officers if needed." He acknowledged the sacrifices and historical significance of the Railways Police and announced plans to modernize the force. "Railways Police will be prepared for future challenges with enhanced safety measures for passengers. Police records will be digitized, and railway stations will be upgraded. The Railways Police will play an active role in Pakistan's development," he added.

Highlighting welfare initiatives, IG Tahir Rai underscored the importance of officer well-being. "On my very first day, I have revised the welfare rules of Railways Police, doubling all financial grants, including stipends. Effective immediately, deserving employees will receive double the amount compared to the past," he announced.

It is pertinent to mention here that the new IG is a distinguished officer from the 21st Common of the Police Service of Pakistan. He has previously held key positions, including DG National Police Bureau, National Coordinator NACTA, DG FIA, and IG of Balochistan. He has also served in senior roles in Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan Police. On the international front, he represented Pakistan at the UN Headquarters in New York, participating in high-level counter-terrorism conferences. He contributed to the UN General Assembly's Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy review and provided insights on Pakistan's role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (SCO-RATS), earning him an SCO Medal.

In recognition of his services in counter-terrorism, he was awarded the prestigious Hilal-e-Shujaat in 2017. Subsequently, in 2023, he received the Sitara-e-Imtiaz for his outstanding efforts in combating terror financing.

Lahore: The Punjab government, on the directives of the chief minister, has intensified efforts to regulate prices of essential commodities during the holy month of Ramzan and Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman has ordered the preparation of baseline data to ensure effective price monitoring. The instructions were issued during a video conference with commissioners held at the Civil Secretariat on Monday. The meeting decided that the prices of food items recorded on the 24th of February would serve as the baseline, against which prices during Ramzan would be compared. The chief secretary emphasized that providing relief to people during Ramzan is the government's foremost priority. He directed the administrative officers to ensure 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, ensur ing 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.

Lahore: Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has announced that state-of-the-art eye units are being established across the province with the coordination of international organizations.

He made this announcement while addressing a ceremony marking the completion of 40 years of the Institute of Ophthalmology Mayo Hospital and 25 years of the College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences at King Edward Medical University on Monday.

"Today, we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Institute of Ophthalmology at Mayo Hospital and the 25th anniversary of the College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences. These institutions have played a fundamental role in spreading knowledge, research, and awareness of eye diseases in the world of ophthalmology," the minister stated. "The eye department holds a crucial position in Pakistan's healthcare system, and we are committed to taking revolutionary steps through the Department of Specialized Health Care and Medical Education."

He emphasized that the Punjab government, in collaboration with international organizations, is implementing significant measures to prevent and treat eye diseases. "State-of-the-art eye units are being established with the support of global organizations, including the International Agency for Prevention of Blindness, World Health Organization, Christian Blind Mission, Sight Savers, Brain Holden Vision Institute, and Fred Hollows Foundation," he added. "Our joint efforts have led to remarkable improvements in diabetic retinopathy screening, retinopathy of prematurity detection, and low vision rehabilitation programs."

The minister highlighted the government's focus on training and capacity building. "We are promoting specialized postgraduate programs and subspecialty fellowships to enhance the skills of healthcare professionals. The Chief Minister's Cornea Transplant facility is now available to the public free of cost, and pediatric ophthalmology departments have been set up in various government hospitals," he said.

Discussing technological advancements, the minister remarked, "We are in a modern scientific era where innovations in gene therapy, artificial intelligence, and advanced imaging techniques are transforming healthcare. The Punjab government is committed to ensuring that people receive the best medical facilities at their doorstep."

He also discussed about the construction of state-of-the-art Nawaz Sharif Institutes of Cardiology in Lahore and Sargodha, as well as Asia's largest government-run Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore. "Additionally, flagship programs such as the Chief Minister's Children's Heart Surgery Program, Chief Minister's Dialysis Program, and Chief Minister's Special Initiative for Transplant are being implemented to improve healthcare accessibility," he noted.

Vice Chancellor of King Edward Medical University, Professor Mahmood Ayaz, acknowledged the contributions of Professor Munir ul Haq, Professor Asad Aslam Khan, and Professor Moin in the development of these institutions. "Through the Institute of Ophthalmology, we are not only providing vision care across Punjab but also extending our services nationwide," he stated.

Earlier, the minister inaugurated a newly donated mobile van and participated in a cake-cutting ceremony celebrating the anniversaries of the Institute of Ophthalmology Mayo Hospital and the College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences.

The event was attended by Vice Chancellor Professor Mahmood Ayaz, Professor Asad Aslam Khan, Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Muhammad Moin, Dr. Maryam Malik, Professor Abrar Ashraf, Professor Raza Ali Shah, Professor Nasir Chaudhry, Munaza Gillani, Dr. Farooq Awan, Fehmida Hussain, Representative Pakistan CBM, Dr. Zahid H. Awan, Inclusive Eye Health Manager, Dr. Qarat-ul-Ain, Health Specialist at UNICEF, faculty members, and a large number of attendees.

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.

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.

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.