Category: Lahore

Lahore: The Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) is driving environmental projects to tackle Lahore's rising smog and pollution, setting a benchmark for sustainable urban living.

During a Ravi Protection Rally on Sunday, RUDA media representatives Sher Afzal Butt and Bilal Shaheen reaffirmed their commitment to restoring nine forests along the River Ravi. Hundreds participated in the rally, which started from Istanbul Square and ended at the old Ravi Bridge, highlighting the significance of Ravi City.

RUDA is actively revitalising historic forests, including the 3,071-acre Rakh Jhoke Forest, with plans to plant millions of trees. Already, 200 acres have been afforested with 100,000 trees to support biodiversity, create wildlife habitats, and reduce carbon emissions. This large-scale effort aims to leave an enduring ecological legacy.

Bilal Shaheen highlighted RUDA's commitment to managing the Ravi River in a climate-friendly way, noting that river training works at the Ravi Siphon have been completed. The 7-kilometre Sapphire Bay project, costing billions, has reshaped the river's flow, with new embankments under construction to prevent flooding. Work on a barrage and afforestation of nine forests is in its final stages, while the Sapphire Bay Trade Centre is also progressing rapidly.

RUDA has initiated Lahore's largest 400-acre vegetable market at Kala Khatai Road and prepared feasibility studies for road networks along the riverbanks.

Speaking at the rally, journalist and activist Javed Chatha praised RUDA's vision for urban sustainability, transforming environmental challenges into assets through renewable energy solutions and green spaces. He highlighted how these initiatives not only combat pollution but also create long-term economic opportunities, improving Lahore's quality of life.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that a mother language is the most valuable symbol of a nation's identity, culture, and heritage.

In her message on International Mother Language Day, the CM stated that preserving one's native language ensures cultural autonomy and intellectual freedom. Highlighting its significance, she noted that the mother tongue is not just a means of communication but a vital bridge for passing down history, traditions, and civilization across generations. She stressed that languages play a crucial role in national unity and progress.

Reaffirming the Punjab government's commitment to linguistic preservation, she announced that the Punjab Institute of Language, Art, and Culture has been further strengthened to promote and protect mother languages. She underscored that these languages are an integral part of identity, and their development remains a top priority.

CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized the need to connect the younger generation with their native languages to keep them rooted in their culture and history. She highlighted that various initiatives are underway to incorporate language development, research, and promotion into the educational curriculum.

The CM reiterated that the Punjab government will take every possible step to safeguard and promote mother languages, ensuring their rich legacy for future generations.

Lahore: Anti Terrorism Court (ATC) Lahore has extended till April 9 interim bail of PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi in attack on Jinnah House and Askari tower cases.

Admn Judge Mazhar Ali Gill of ATC took up the case for hearing Saturday.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi was not presented in the court. Remand paper of Shah Mehmood Qureshi was presented in the court.

The court has already sought record of cases and investigation report.

Lahore: The two-day 65th Railway Inter-Divisional Athletic Championship concluded at the Railway Stadium, Garhi Shahu, on Saturday.

Organized under the supervision of the Pakistan Railway Sports Board, the event saw participation from nine divisions, including the Railway Police, with approximately 250 male and female athletes competing in various athletic events. The closing ceremony featured Waqar Ahmad Shahid, General Manager Welfare and Special Initiative, as the chief guest. He distributed awards among the winning athletes and officials. Before the prize distribution, Hamdan Nazir, Vice President of the Pakistan Railway Sports Board, presented a comprehensive report on the board's sports activities over the years.

Addressing the gathering, Waqar Ahmad Shahid reiterated Pakistan Railways' commitment to supporting sports within its available resources, ensuring that athletes continue to achieve medals and bring pride to the department. He also highlighted the significant contributions of Railway athletes who have represented Pakistan at international competitions, earning accolades for both the department and the country.

Among the notable attendees were DS Lahore Muhammad Hanif Gul, DS Workshops Muhammad Kashif Butt, Secretary General Sports Control Board Muhammad Ismail, and Railway Sports Officer Muhammad Owais Akbar, who witnessed the thrilling conclusion of the championship.

In the competition, the Workshops Division emerged victorious, securing the General Trophy with 1,211 points, while the Lahore Division followed as the runner-up, winning the Walton Trophy with 937 points. Workshops Division was also named the best-performing division in sports competitions for the 2024-2025 season, earning the prestigious Walton Trophy, while Lahore Division claimed the Walton Runner-up Team Trophy.

In the athletics segment, Lahore Division claimed first place with 162 points, followed closely by Multan Division, which secured the runner-up trophy with 141 points. The championship also honored the fastest athletes of the season, with Pervaiz from Multan Division being named the fastest male athlete and Maria from Lahore Division securing the title of the fastest female athlete, both winning the 100-meter races.

Lahore: People suffering from diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stomach ailments should not only consult their doctors before the month of Ramazan but also focus on their medication schedules and a balanced diet while following necessary precautions.These instructions were given by Professor of Medicine at Mayo Hospital, Dr. Israr-ul-Haq Toor, and Dr. Muhammad Maqsood of Medical Unit-III, Lahore General Hospital (LGH), while addressing the media on Saturday.They emphasized that medical precautions are crucial for maintaining good health during Ramadan. Fasting can offer physical benefits and help control various diseases if managed properly. However, the consumption of unbalanced foods during Sehri and Iftar can severely impact human health. They noted that patients with diabetes and heart disease often overlook dietary precautions, which can lead to complications. Excessive intake of foods high in salt and oil can be particularly harmful to individuals suffering from these conditions. Mor eover, even healthy individuals tend to consume fast food frequently, which can negatively affect their well-being.Dr. Israr-ul-Haq Toor highlighted the risks faced by ulcer patients, stating that prolonged fasting leads to an empty stomach, increasing the production of stomach acid. Patients with ulcers should take extra precautions, as improper food choices during Sehri and Iftar can aggravate their condition. He further advised patients with heart, kidney, and blood pressure problems to strictly monitor their salt intake, as excessive consumption can worsen their ailments.Dr. Muhammad Maqsood urged people to avoid consuming excessive sweets at Iftar, as this can lead to a sudden spike in blood sugar levels. He recommended breaking the fast with dates, which provide natural energy without causing harm. He also cautioned against overconsumption of beverages, which may reduce appetite and lead to improper nutrition. Moderation is key when consuming traditional Ramadan foods like pakoras, samosas, and chaa ts.Additionally, he advised against drinks with high caffeine content, as they can increase stomach acidity and cause discomfort. Instead, he suggested opting for fruits or chaats at Iftar to ensure a healthy and balanced diet during Ramadan.Health experts emphasized that by following these guidelines, individuals can observe fasting while maintaining their well-being and avoiding unnecessary health risks.

Lahore: A 158 runs partnership for the third wicket between Ben Duckett and Joe Root was vital in driving England to a mammoth total and setting Australia a target of 352 runs in the fourth match of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Saturday evening.

Ben Ducket 165 off 143 - the highest individual score of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 so far - was the mainstay of the England innings and played the sheet anchor role to take his team to a total past 300 runs in a crucial match to take ascendency in Group B.

Ben Ducket and Joe Root got together when England lost two wickets in quick succession with the total at 43 in 5.2 overs after they were asked to bat first by Australia who won the toss. Phil Salt and Jamie Smith played identical quick knocks but fell cheaply to Ben Dwarshuis. Phil Salt scored 10 off six ball including a boundary and a six while Jamie Smith hit three boundaries in an innings of 15 runs off 13 balls.

Duckett and Root steadied the England innings from the early scare and took their ship to safe waters with a big partnership of 158 runs off 154 balls before Joe Roof fell for 68 off 78 balls. His innings was marked by caution as he hit only four boundaries and helped England gain dominance.

Ben Duckett scored his 50 off 49 balls while Joes Root hit fifty of 56 balls while they reached the hundred runs partnership in 96 balls. Duckett brought the 100 runs partnership with back-to-back 4s off Zampa on the last two balls of the 21st over of the England innings.

The lean patch with Harry Brook continued in the Champions Trophy as he could score only 3 (6) runs before he misread a Zampa leg-break and gave Carey the third consecutive catch of the innings at point. No other English batter could make a major contribution as Jos Buttler 23 (21), Liam Livingstone 14 (17) and Brydon Carse 8 (7) were the other contributors. Jofra Archer 21 (10) and Adil Rashid 1 (1) remained unbeaten.

The bowlers toiled on the batting friendly, somewhat, placid Gaddafi stadium pitch as Australia used seven bowlers. If there was any juice left in the soil, it was exploited by Dwarshuis while the rest was blown away by the benevolent February Sun on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

It rained in Lahore on Thursday and the decision to field first by Australian captain Steve Smith might have been tempted by the comparatively low temperatures over the past two days in Lahore. Australia played three fast bowlers including Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis and Johnson Spencer with one specialist spinner in Adma Zampa. All-rounder Glenn Maxwell served as the fifth bowler while Matthew Short could also bowl gentle off-breaks.

Matthew Short bowled only one over while Marnus Labuschagne claimed two scalps including the wicket of Ben Duckett for 41 runs.

Dwarshuis was the only successful pace bowler who claimed three wickets off his 10 overs for 66 runs while Spencer Johnson and Nathan Ellis remained wicketless. Ellis conceded 51 runs off his 10 overs while Spencer gave away 54 runs in seven overs he bowled. The spin-bowling quartet of Zampa, Maxwell, Livingstone and Short bagged five wickets among them with Adama Zampa and Livingstone claiming a brace. Maxwell conceded 58 runs for one wicket in seven overs.