CM praises security forces for eliminating 30 terrorists

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has paid glowing tribute to the security forces for their remarkable achievement in eliminating 30 terrorists during three successful operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In her statement issued on Sunday, the CM praised the courage, professionalism, and dedication of the security forces, emphasizing that their unwavering efforts are vital in ensuring national security. She reiterated that the entire nation stands united with the security forces in the fight against terrorism, highlighting the collective resolve to eradicate this menace from Pakistan.

CM Maryam Nawaz acknowledged the sacrifices made by the security forces, noting that their bravery is a source of inspiration and pride for the nation.

PFC starts collecting budget proposals from furniture industry

Lahore: The Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) on Sunday initiated the process of collecting budget proposals from stakeholders in the furniture industry for the upcoming fiscal year. According to a spokesperson,Chief Executive Officer(CEO),Mian Kashif Ashfaq said the aim was to present these recommendations to the federal government in a comprehensive and consolidated form,ensuring that the industry's concerns and priorities are addressed effectively in the national budget. PFC emphasized the need for stakeholders,including manufacturers,exporters and retailers to contribute their insights and suggestions on key issues such as tax reforms,raw material availability,export incentives and infrastructure development. The council highlighted that the furniture sector was a significant contributor to the national economy with immense potential for growth and job creation. Mian Kashif Ashfaq also stressed the importance of creating a favorable policy environment to enhance the sector's global competitiveness.It c alled for measures to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), reduce production costs and promote innovation through research and development. The collected proposals will be compiled and submitted to the federal government as part of PFC's efforts to advocate for the industry's growth and sustainability. Stakeholders have been urged to actively participate in the process to ensure their voices are heard in shaping future policies,he concluded.

PSH emerging as most reliable, cost-effective energy storage technology: FTO coordinator

Lahore: Coordinator to Federal Tax Ombudsman Muhammad Farhan Munir said on Sunday that pumped storage hydropower (PSH) is rapidly emerging as the most reliable and cost-effective technology for large-scale energy storage.

Speaking at a meeting of the industrialists, here on Sunday, he said as Pakistan continues to face challenges in balancing grid fluctuations and integrating renewable energy sources, PSH offers a sustainable solution with minimal risks and costs.

He said that PSH operates by storing excess energy during periods of low demand and releasing it during peak hours. This is achieved by pumping water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir when surplus electricity is available and releasing it back down through turbines to generate electricity when demand surges. This ability to quickly respond to fluctuations makes PSH an invaluable tool for grid stability. He said with Pakistan's increasing focus on renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which are inherently intermittent, PSH serves as a complementary technology which can store surplus energy generated during sunny or windy conditions and provide backup power during periods of low generation. This ensures a consistent and reliable energy supply, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and minimizing environmental impact,he added.

Muhammad Farhan Munir said from a cost perspective, PSH has proven to be more economical over the long term compared to other storage technologies like batteries. The infrastructure has a long lifespan, low operational costs, and requires no significant technological overhauls. Furthermore, Pakistan's diverse topography, with its natural elevation differences, is highly suitable for developing PSH projects,he added.

By adopting pumped storage hydropower, Pakistan can enhance its energy security, stabilize its power grid, and support the transition to a greener energy mix. This strategic investment will not only reduce energy costs but also enable the country to meet its growing electricity demand sustainably, ensuring a resilient energy future, he concluded.

First anniversary of Punjab Police’s ‘Tahaffuz Manzil Foster Home’ celebrated

Lahore: Punjab Police's pilot project 'Tahaffuz Manzil Foster Home' for shelter, protection and care of homeless children marked its first successful year with a grand anniversary celebration.

Inspector General of Punjab Police Dr. Usman Anwar participated as the chief guest. The event was attended by orphaned and homeless children temporarily residing at the foster home, transgender individuals, in-charge officers of protection centers, victim support officers, and Safe City staff.

Director Operations Tahaffuz Manzil Foster Home Maida Raza Butt briefed the IGP Punjab on the facilities provided over the past year to homeless, missing children, women, and elderly individuals. During its first year, Tahaffuz Home supported more than 150 children, women, and elderly individuals.

The IGP Punjab and Director Operations distributed appreciation shields to the officers and staff who played a vital role in the success of Tahaffuz Manzil. The Director of Operations also presented a special souvenir to IG Punjab on behalf of the organization.

IG Punjab remarked that Tahaffuz Manzil Foster Home is a unique welfare project of its kind in the country. The foster home provides high-quality facilities, including shelter, food, education, and training for homeless children, women, and other individuals. Located at Punjab Society, Sattu Katla, the foster home is a prime example of community policing and excellent services.

The event was also attended by DIG Operations Lahore Muhammad Faisal Kamran, SP Saddar Dr. Ghayour Ahmed Khan, ASP Model Town Sheher Bano Naqvi, and other officers. IG Punjab emphasized that Tahaffuz Manzil Foster Home ensures quality facilities and an excellent environment for the accommodation, upbringing, education, and training of children and women.

Tahaffuz Manzil Foster Home was established as a joint venture between Punjab Police and a private welfare organization. Punjab Police spokesperson said that last year, IG Punjab signed an MOU with the private welfare organization to establish Tahaffuz Manzil. The foster home provides psychological support, protection, and rehabilitation services with the help of experts and modern resources to children and women subjected to social abuse or those reported missing. Efforts have also been made for the education of children and vocational training for women residing at Tahaffuz Manzil.

Pervaiz Ashraf condemns assassination attempt on AJK assembly speaker

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.

SACM reviews issues in NA 130, directs immediate action

Lahore: Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Punjab Rashid Iqbal Nasrullah on Sunday visited NA 130, where he listened to the concerns of local residents and directed relevant authorities to address them promptly.

During the visit, Rashid Iqbal Nasrullah emphasized that resolving the citizens' issues is a top priority. "Ensuring the provision of all basic facilities, including infrastructure, is essential," he said, adding that improvements such as repairing roads and drainage systems will be prioritized. He assured the community that all available resources would be deployed to address their problems effectively.

Rashid Iqbal Nasrullah further noted that the Chief Minister is implementing revolutionary reforms across various sectors. "The development of health, education, and infrastructure will be aligned with modern standards to ensure sustainable progress," he added.

The residents of the area praised the welfare and development initiatives led by the Chief Minister of Punjab and expressed their satisfaction with the ongoing progress. They also supported the Chief Minister's mission to eliminate encroachments in the region.