Category: Lahore

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated Pakistan's first fully electric bus service, marking a major step towards sustainable urban transport, here on Wednesday.

The service will operate from Lahore Railway Station to Green Town. CM Maryam became the first passenger, boarding the bus from Punjab University. She helped a differently-abled person on a wheelchair to board the electric bus on the first complete electric bus service and directed to further improve its ramp. She also inspected a dedicated bus stop, directing the installation of water coolers, fans, and a mini canteen for commuters' convenience.

Speaking at the inauguration, she highlighted her efforts in reducing fares to ease the public's financial burden. At the launch in Expo Center, she digitally launched the pilot project and dispatched the first fleet of electric buses. A special documentary and song on the project were also presented.

Punjab Minister for Transport Bilal Akbar announced plans to introduce 500 more electric buses, with upcoming services in Faisalabad and Gujranwala. Lahore will also see two new mass transit systems.

The electric bus route covers key locations, including Haji Camp, Shimla Pahari, Governor House, Ichra, Punjab University, Township Bazaar, and Minhaj University. The service features free Wi-Fi, mobile charging ports, and CCTV cameras to enhance commuter safety.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has strongly condemned the killing of seven innocent people who were forcibly removed from a bus and murdered in Barkhan.

Expressing deep grief and sorrow, she extended her heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families, calling the incident a tragic and inhumane act.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed deputy commissioners across the province to ensure strict implementation of the one-dish rule at wedding ceremonies.

Expressing strong displeasure over violations, the CM emphasized that the restriction also applies to farmhouses and private properties.

CM Maryam Nawaz instructed authorities to impose fines and take legal action against violators, highlighting that excessive wedding expenditures place a financial burden on families. She also noted the negative social impact of violating the ban. Strict monitoring has been ordered in this regard.

Lahore: Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Chairperson and Member Provincial Assembly Punjab Sarah Ahmad on Wednesday held a crucial meeting with Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Lahore Athar Waheed to discuss the ongoing crackdown against child beggary and the organized beggar mafia in the provincial capital.

During the meeting, it was decided to further strengthen and enhance the joint rescue operation aimed at rescuing child beggars and curbing the beggar mafia.

Chairperson Sarah Ahmad emphasized that the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau and City Traffic Police will continue their collaborative rescue efforts to make Lahore free of professional beggars. She further said that strict action will be taken against those exploiting children for begging, with FIRs registered against them. To ensure swift action, rescue teams from the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau and traffic wardens will work together to identify hotspots where child beggars are frequently found, she added.

Chairperson Sarah Ahmad also announced that the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau and City Traffic Police will launch a public awareness campaign to educate citizens about the issue of child beggary and the beggar mafia. Traffic wardens stationed at traffic signals will immediately report the presence of child beggars to the Child Protection Bureau's rescue teams for prompt action. She reaffirmed the commitment to clearing all traffic signals and roads of beggars and ensuring the effective continuation of rescue operations in collaboration with City Traffic Police.

Chairperson Sarah Ahmad appreciated CTO Athar Waheed's efforts in anti-encroachment and other initiatives, acknowledging the positive impact of his measures on the city.

The public was urged to report any sightings of child beggars or the beggar mafia by calling the Child Helpline 1121 or 15.

During the visit, CTO Athar Waheed also met with children residing at the CPWB and distributed gifts among them.

The meeting was attended by CPWB Director General Aftab Ahmad Khan, along with the Director of Administration and Director of Programs.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif met with female students and faculty members of various colleges of Balochistan, here on Wednesday.

The delegation included 49 female students and 14 faculty members from universities, colleges, and technical institutions across Balochistan.

The CM warmly welcomed the delegation to Lahore, presenting them with laptops and gifts, while the students honored her with a traditional Balochi shawl.

Speaking to the students, CM Maryam Nawaz highlighted major development projects in Punjab, many of which also benefit the people of Balochistan. She announced that patients from Balochistan will receive treatment at Pakistan's first government-run Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital. She also shared details about Punjab's field hospitals, a children's heart surgery program, and the transformation of 150 health centers into 'Maryam Nawaz Clinics' of European standards.

The CM outlined several initiatives aimed at education, healthcare, and economic growth, including scholarships for 13,000 students across Punjab and laptop distribution for 100,000 students, including those from Balochistan. Subsidies of Rs. 1 million for farmers to purchase tractors. The launch of Pakistan's first government air ambulance. Interest-free loans of Rs. 30 million through business financing schemes. The introduction of Cryosurgery treatment for cancer patients at Mayo Hospital. The 'Dhee Rani' program, under which 1,500 couples, including differently-abled persons, have been married at government expense.

CM Maryam Nawaz also emphasized environmental sustainability, noting the launch of Punjab's first integrated environmental policy, tree plantations along roads, and a rainwater harvesting program for water conservation.

She further shared efforts to improve infrastructure and public services. The 'Suthra Punjab' program, Punjab's largest-ever rural sanitation project for 24,000 villages. The 'Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar' housing scheme, through which 15,000 people have received home loans. The Pink Button safety system for women and children. A glass train project from Rawalpindi to Murree to boost tourism.

The CM expressed her excitement over Pakistan hosting the Champions Trophy after several years.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Azma Zahid Bokhari briefed the students on Punjab's ongoing projects. The Balochistan students and faculty appreciated Punjab's development, particularly in health, education, and infrastructure.

The students remarked that Punjab is ahead of other provinces in multiple sectors and noted the significant difference in living costs, mentioning that while roti costs Rs. 40-50 in Balochistan, it is available for Rs. 12-13 in Punjab.

Lahore: A 10-member delegation of Bangladeshi journalists toured several historic landmarks in the city to explore its rich cultural heritage on Wednesday.

The distinguished guests visited several key sites, including the Shalimar Garden, Badshahi Mosque, Royal Fort (Shahi Qila), and the tomb of Allama Iqbal. They thoroughly explored the city's cultural heritage, connecting with its history and traditions.

The delegation's visit began at the Shalimar Garden, where tourist guides briefed them about the garden's history.

The guide explained the significance of the Baradari (Twelve-Door Pavilion), highlighting its

historical importance.

The delegation expressed great interest in the rich history showcased within the garden walls.

The Bangladeshi delegates also visited the mausoleum of Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal and

offered Fateha.

The delegation then proceeded to the Royal Fort (Shahi Qila), where they received a detailed briefing from the Walled City Lahore Authority (WCLA) on the fort's various sections. The delegation toured key features of the fort, including the Painters' Garden, Royal Baths, Sheesh Mahal, Naulakha Pavilion, Barood Khana, and the Elephant Gate. The visitors also had the opportunity to take group photographs at various scenic locations within the fort.

Later, the delegation visited the iconic Badshahi Mosque, where a guide provided a tour explaining the mosque's architectural and historical significance. The delegation marveled at the mosque's grandeur, a testament to Mughal architecture.

They appreciated the government's efforts to preserve such historical sites, making them accessible to visitors from around the world. They also thanked the government for its warm hospitality.

The delegates included A M M Bahauddin, Mukhtadir Rashid Romeo, MD Ayub Bhuiyan, Porimol Palma, Mahadi Hasan Talukdar, Haque Faruk Ahmed, Fakhrul Alam Khan, Morshed Hassib Hasan, A K M Sayedad Hossain, and Md Zaker Hossain.