Category: Lahore

Lahore: Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Chaiirman Dr. Syed Ata-ur-Rehman announced that properties under the board's management are being offered for development, which is expected to increase the department's income fourfold.

Under the master plan, significant funds will also be allocated for the renovation and maintenance of gurdwaras and temples in accordance with legal regulations. The department has already generated over one billion rupees in revenue this year.

Dr. Ata-ur-Rehman made these remarks while addressing members of the board before the 357th board meeting. The meeting was attended by Hindu and Sikh members from across the country, along with both government and non-government representatives. Secretary of the Board, Fareed Iqbal, provided a detailed briefing on the latest initiatives.

He stated that, as per the Chairman's directives, previously unused properties will now be developed, leading to a significant rise in revenue. Government institutions and organizations will be involved in the development process to ensure proper utilization of the land.

The two-day meeting was attended by high-ranking officials, including Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Imran Rasheed, Board Member Brigadier (Retd.) Akhtar Nawaz Janjua, and various other dignitaries. Key agenda items discussed included investment of surplus funds in financial institutions, hiring a project director for development projects, and renovation work in temples and gurdwaras, including operational improvements at the PMU Kartarpur.

Several agenda items were approved by a majority vote, and the Chairman, along with board members, highly appreciated the Secretary's performance.

Lahore: PML-N senior leader and former federal minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq has demanded for lifting ban on X (former twitter).

He said on social media platform that one year has passed since the imposition of ban on X and every one uses it through VPN.

Ban on X has yielded no benefit during one year of ban. Therefore, this ban should be lifted.

According to a report the number of subscribers to X stands at least 45 lac. X was blocked some days after general election.

Lahore: CCPO Lahore Bilal Siddique Kamyana has stated that hosting an ICC event in Pakistan after 29 years is a highly welcome development.

He emphasized that the promotion of international cricket in Pakistan is a significant milestone. He said that Lahore Police is implementing a comprehensive security plan for Champions Trophy matches. He expressed his commitment to ensuring the smooth and secure conduct of international matches in a peaceful environment.

For the security of the Champions Trophy, 12 SPs, 37 DSPs, and 86 SHOs have been deployed. Additionally, 678 upper subordinates, 245 lady constables, and more than 8,000 officers and personnel will be on duty during the matches. Over 1,100 traffic wardens, 1,400 Dolphin Squad personnel, and 33 Elite Force teams will also perform their duties during the tournament.

The CCPO Lahore stated that security across the city will remain on high alert during the ICC Champions Trophy matches. He assured that Lahore Police is providing foolproof security to both national and international cricketers, as well as spectators. Bilal Siddique Kamyana mentioned that snipers have been deployed at sensitive locations. He directed the concerned officers to maintain constant coordination with the ICC, Pakistan Cricket Board, and security agencies. He emphasized that strict implementation of the security plan must be ensured for the cricket stadium, players' residences, and their routes.

He further stated that every individual entering the stadium will be thoroughly searched, and female spectators will be checked by lady police officers. Bilal Siddique Kamyana stressed that effective measures should be taken to ensure smooth traffic flow during the matches. He also instructed that the law and order situation should be closely monitored through Safe City Authority and other control rooms.

The CCPO Lahore added that Dolphin Force, Special Protection Unit, and Elite Force teams will conduct effective patrolling during the matches. Moreover, he directed senior police officers to remain in the field and keep a close watch on the situation.

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.