Category: Lahore

Lahore: A high-level delegation led by Martin Raiser, the World Bank's Regional Vice President for South Asia, called on Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif at CM's office here on Monday.

During the meeting, Martin Raiser commended Punjab's efforts in environmental improvement, declaring the province a 'Regional Champion' for its effective measures in this area.

The discussion also focused on joint initiatives for poverty alleviation, further advancements in IT and infrastructure, and resolving environmental challenges. Both parties agreed to accelerate the ongoing World Bank projects in Punjab, while also launching new ones to address these key sectors.

Martin Raiser praised Punjab's public welfare projects, noting that they align well with the World Bank's country partnership framework. He expressed the World Bank's full support for improving environmental conditions and sanitation systems in the province.

The delegation acknowledged the government's decision to merge the Population Welfare Department with the Health Department, calling it a positive move. Martin Raiser expressed optimism that this merger would enhance service delivery for the people of Punjab.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed her gratitude for the World Bank's continued collaboration in the province's development. She highlighted several key projects, including the launch of the Punjab Clean Air Program with World Bank's support, aimed at tackling environmental pollution. The program will introduce electric buses, rickshaws, and bikes, alongside the establishment of Vehicle Inspection Stations. The CM emphasized that eliminating pollution is vital for Punjab's survival, and the World Bank's ongoing support is crucial to this effort.

The CM also mentioned the introduction of special training programs to equip Punjab's youth with skills to engage in the global IT market. She further reiterated the province's commitment to enhancing education, health, tourism, and environmental projects with continued support from the World Bank.

World Bank VP Martin Raiser reaffirmed the Bank's commitment to strengthening its partnership with Punjab, particularly in the areas of education, IT, and climate change adaptation. He commended Punjab's exemplary steps in addressing these challenges.

Lahore: Punjab University and The Hill Museum and Manuscript Library (HMML) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the digital photography, description and online access to the manuscripts of the PU Library.

In this regard, the MoU signing ceremony was held at VC office. On this occasion, PU VC Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, HMML USA Executive Director Dr Columba Stewart, Field Director for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia Mr. Walid Nabih Mourad, Regional Representative HMML Pakistan Mr. Ahmad Atta and Director External Linkages Prof. Dr. Yaamina Salman, Chief Librarian Dr Haroon Usmani and others were present.

PU VC Dr. Muhammad Ali shared that this collaboration is a significant step towards promotion of protecting and digitizing rare manuscripts at PU. Dr. Stewart expressed his gratitude and said they are really looking forward to working on this project.

Lahore: Punjab University and The Hill Museum and Manuscript Library (HMML) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the digital photography, description and online access to the manuscripts of the PU Library.

In this regard, the MoU signing ceremony was held at VC office. On this occasion, PU VC Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, HMML USA Executive Director Dr Columba Stewart, Field Director for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia Mr. Walid Nabih Mourad, Regional Representative HMML Pakistan Mr. Ahmad Atta and Director External Linkages Prof. Dr. Yaamina Salman, Chief Librarian Dr Haroon Usmani and others were present.

PU VC Dr. Muhammad Ali shared that this collaboration is a significant step towards promotion of protecting and digitizing rare manuscripts at PU. Dr. Stewart expressed his gratitude and said they are really looking forward to working on this project.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif here on Monday met with Wang Jian, Chairman of the Chinese BGI Group, who presented an offer for a pilot project focused on rice and corn cultivation in Punjab, along with the introduction of genetically modified (GMO) cotton to boost production.

The group also proposed collaboration on cancer treatment and genetic testing in the province.

The meeting, which followed up on the MoU signed during CM Punjab's recent visit to China, discussed plans for cultivating rice, corn, and GMO cotton in the desert region of Bahawalpur. The project aims to enhance agricultural productivity, with the goal of increasing cotton production by 15 percent.

The chief minister welcomed the proposal and appointed the Provincial Agriculture Minister as the focal person for coordinating the initiative.

Regarding the health collaboration, CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized the potential for BGI Group's support to revolutionize cancer treatment and genetic testing in Punjab. She instructed the Secretary of Health to prepare a detailed plan for the proposed initiatives. 'This partnership will be a game changer in the health sector, allowing us to establish one of the most advanced genetic testing laboratories in the region,' she said.

The CM added that modern genetic technologies for cancer diagnosis and treatment would be integrated into the province's healthcare system. Additionally, a state-of-the-art government hospital for cancer diagnosis and treatment will be established in Punjab.

BGI Group Chairman Wang Jian praised CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif's leadership in the health sector and assured that the group would provide comprehensive assistance to help Punjab achieve global recognition in advanced medical research.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed profound grief over the tragic loss of lives in the LPG container explosion at the Multan Industrial Estate.

The CM conveyed her heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families affected by this devastating incident. She instructed the relevant authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured. She emphasized the urgent need for strict enforcement of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent such accidents in the future.

Lahore: Senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader and former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf has strongly condemned an assassination attempt on the convoy of Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Chaudhry Latif Akbar.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf expressed his heartfelt prayers and best wishes for Chaudhry Latif Akbar, thanking Allah for his safety during the attack. He also prayed for the swift recovery of those injured in the incident.

Terming the attack a premeditated conspiracy, the former prime minister called for immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice. He emphasized the need for ensuring the safety and security of public representatives to prevent such incidents in the future.