Category: Lahore

Lahore: A delegation from the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, and Human Resource Development visited the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) headquarters on Thursday to meet with DG LDA Tahir Farooq.

The meeting focused on issues related to the OPF scheme. DG LDA praised OPF's efforts for overseas Pakistanis and assured that both the federal and provincial governments are working to restore their trust. He highlighted the billions of dollars in remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis each year and committed to prioritising the resolution of LDA-OPF scheme issues. LDA also agreed to provide technical support to OPF for its scheme.

The discussion also covered LDA's ongoing reforms, including ease of doing business initiatives and IT-based reforms under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's direction. DG LDA shared that over 9,500 illegal commercial properties in the city had been mapped, with strict actions being taken against offenders.

The meeting also touched on proposed reforms in the Private Housing Scheme and Metropolitan Wing. The delegation was led by Syed Qamar Raza, Chairman of OPF's Board of Governors, and MD OPF Mohammad Arshad Bhatti.

Lahore: The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) and Communal Hub have announced the launch of the Eco Literacy Campaign, a groundbreaking initiative designed to transform Androon Lahore [Walled City], one gate at a time.

This ambitious project aims to clean up the mohallahs and galis [streets] of Androon Lahore, plant trees, preserve the city's rich heritage, promote sustainable tourism practices, and foster community engagement.

Commencing from Delhi Gate, the campaign will systematically cover all 12 Gates of the Walled City, engaging the youth of each locality to drive change under the guidance of experts and WCLA staff.

The Eco Literacy Campaign seeks to empower local youth with knowledge and resources to protect and showcase the unique cultural and historical heritage of the Walled City, while promoting environmentally responsible tourism practices that benefit the local community.

The campaign focuses on educating communities about the impact of human activities on the environment and encouraging environmentally responsible practices. It aims to instill pride and a sense of ownership in Lahore's living heritage through conservation and community participation. It promotes eco-friendly tourism infrastructure, responsible travel behaviors, and support for local businesses and entrepreneurs. Organizing workshops, training programs, and events will empower residents to take ownership of their heritage and contribute to sustainable tourism development.

The Eco Literacy Campaign is made possible through strategic partnerships with Najaf School System, Akhuwat, Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD), Beaconhouse National University (BNU), community groups, NGOs, local CBOs, and Destination Media.

Director General of WCLA Mr. Kamran Lashari stated, "The Eco Literacy Campaign is an essential step toward preserving the historical and cultural fabric of Androon Lahore while promoting sustainability. By engaging our youth and local communities, we aim to create a long-lasting impact that ensures a cleaner, greener, and more vibrant Walled City for generations to come."

'Join the Eco Literacy Campaign and become part of a movement that celebrates a clean and green heritage, promotes sustainability, and empowers local youth and communities', he appealed and said that together, we can transform Androon Lahore by preserving its cultural legacy while ensuring a greener and more sustainable future.

Lahore: The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) and Communal Hub have announced the launch of the Eco Literacy Campaign, a groundbreaking initiative designed to transform Androon Lahore [Walled City], one gate at a time.

This ambitious project aims to clean up the mohallahs and galis [streets] of Androon Lahore, plant trees, preserve the city's rich heritage, promote sustainable tourism practices, and foster community engagement.

Commencing from Delhi Gate, the campaign will systematically cover all 12 Gates of the Walled City, engaging the youth of each locality to drive change under the guidance of experts and WCLA staff.

The Eco Literacy Campaign seeks to empower local youth with knowledge and resources to protect and showcase the unique cultural and historical heritage of the Walled City, while promoting environmentally responsible tourism practices that benefit the local community.

The campaign focuses on educating communities about the impact of human activities on the environment and encouraging environmentally responsible practices. It aims to instill pride and a sense of ownership in Lahore's living heritage through conservation and community participation. It promotes eco-friendly tourism infrastructure, responsible travel behaviors, and support for local businesses and entrepreneurs. Organizing workshops, training programs, and events will empower residents to take ownership of their heritage and contribute to sustainable tourism development.

The Eco Literacy Campaign is made possible through strategic partnerships with Najaf School System, Akhuwat, Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD), Beaconhouse National University (BNU), community groups, NGOs, local CBOs, and Destination Media.

Director General of WCLA Mr. Kamran Lashari stated, "The Eco Literacy Campaign is an essential step toward preserving the historical and cultural fabric of Androon Lahore while promoting sustainability. By engaging our youth and local communities, we aim to create a long-lasting impact that ensures a cleaner, greener, and more vibrant Walled City for generations to come."

'Join the Eco Literacy Campaign and become part of a movement that celebrates a clean and green heritage, promotes sustainability, and empowers local youth and communities', he appealed and said that together, we can transform Androon Lahore by preserving its cultural legacy while ensuring a greener and more sustainable future.

Lahore: The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) shut down a pickle producing unit besides imposing heavy fine here at Wagha on Thursday.

Under the guidance of DG Food Authority, food safety teams conducted an inspection of a pickle unit and found violations of food safety standards.

During the inspection, authorities seized 240 litres of industrial-grade acid and imposed a fine of Rs. 200,000 on the unit. The unit was shut down after it was found using prohibited industrial-grade acid in the preparation of pickles.

DG Food Authority emphasized that the unit was violating previous instructions and had poor sanitation practices. The inspection revealed the use of expired open colours, a heavy infestation of pests and flies, and food items stored improperly on the ground. Additionally, records were found missing, and the items were not stored as per regulations.

"As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure food safety, we will take strict action against those who deceive the public by producing supposedly nutritious food items in unsafe conditions," stated Asim Javed, DG Food Authority.

He urged food business operators to comply with the established regulations and ensure proper hygiene practices in their operations. The public has also been requested to report any such food-related violations to the PFA helpline at 1223.

Lahore: A Dolphin official was arrested from the force's headquarters here and a case was registered against him on the SP Dolphin Shah Mir orders for using liquor while on duty.

The official, identified as Arslan, had reached the SP Dolphin office to apply for a leave.

According to police sources, the officer underwent medical examination, and was found drunk. A case was registered against him at Factory Area Police Station.

The SP Dolphin suspended the officer and ordered an inquiry at DSP Headquarters.

Lahore: The official opening ceremony of the revamped Gaddafi Stadium will take place on Friday (February 7), featuring music, dance, and fireworks to create a memorable experience for fans, who have been granted free entry.

The stadium gates, except for the Imran Khan enclosure reserved for guests, will open to the general public at 5: 30 pm. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will inaugurate the upgraded venue at 7pm, marking a new chapter in the iconic cricket stadium's 65-year history.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has invited renowned singers Ali Zafar, Arif Lohar and Aima Baig to enthral the audience with musical performances, followed by a spectacular drum and fireworks display. A unique light show will further enhance the evening's grandeur.

The upgraded Gaddafi Stadium now features brighter LED lights, two large score screens, and imported seating in all enclosures, ensuring an exceptional viewing experience for fans.

Additionally, the stadium now offers enhanced facilities, including newly built hospitality boxes and upgraded amenities for players and spectators. Around 10,000 new seats have been added to expand the venue's capacity.

These enhancements promise a world-class cricketing experience, with improved seating arrangements, superior viewing angles, and a lively atmosphere. Completing the stadium's transformation ahead of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 was a formidable challenge, but PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi accepted the challenge and completed the project against all odds. Under Mohsin Naqvi's leadership, the PCB transformed the venue into a modern cricketing hub in just 117 days.

On this momentous occasion, Naqvi stated, 'Our venues now meet international standards, and we take pride in offering cricket fans the best experience possible. The stadium's rapid transformation is a testament to our team's hard work and dedication.'

Acknowledging the workforce's efforts in making the upgrade a reality, Naqvi added, 'I extend my gratitude to the workers who turned this impossible task into a success.'

He also recognised the contributions of the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), NESPAK, contractors, and authorities in realising the vision. The PCB remains committed to hosting top-tier cricketing events and positioning Pakistan as a premier destination for international matches.

Gaddafi Stadium will host New Zealand in the opening match of the tri-nation ODI series on February 8 (Saturday) and will also be the venue for four matches of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, including the second semi-final.