Category: Lahore

Lahore: The body of a female lawyer who went missing from the Nawab Town area here was recovered from a canal in Hafizabad on Sunday.

According to the police, Saira's body was wrapped in a sack, which made it difficult to identify.

An FIR regarding the disappearance of Saira Advocate was registered at the Nawab Town police station in Lahore on the complaint of her sister Ayesha, while the Hafizabad police had buried the body after registering an FIR after the body was found and could not be identified.

Lahore police left for Hafizabad as soon as they received the information and started an investigation. Saira had married Bilal some time ago. The police said that investigations are ongoing on various aspects and the real facts of the murder will come out soon.

Lahore: At least sixteen persons were killed and 1476 injured in 1286 Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) in all 37 districts of Punjab during the last 24 hours. Out of these, 602 people with serious injuries were shifted to different hospitals, while 874 victims with minor injuries were treated at the incident site by Rescue Medical Teams thus reducing the burden of Hospitals.

Furthermore, the analysis showed those 774 drivers, 78 underage drivers, 191 pedestrians, and 527 passengers were among the victims of road traffic crashes. The statistics show that 227 RTCs were reported in Lahore which affected 264 persons placing the Provincial Capital at top of the list followed by Faisalabad 101 in with 117 victims and at third Multan with 82 RTCs and 96 victims.

According to the data 1210 motorbikes, 88 auto-rickshaws, 158 motorcars, 28 vans, 10 passenger buses, 29 truck and 114 other types of auto vehicles and slow-moving carts were involved in these road traffic accidents.

Lahore: World Bank (WB) Vice President for South Asia Martin Reiser said on Sunday Pakistan had the potential to become a trillion-dollar economy by 2035 with an annual growth rate of seven per cent.

In a statement issued here, he said that long-term projections were difficult, but if Pakistan seriously implemented its domestic economic recovery plan, the target could easily be achieved. Achieving the target was quite possible; however, key reforms and strong policies were needed for that.

Reiser mentioned that the World Bank had promised to provide $20 billion to Pakistan in the next 10 years. However, he clarified that the amount would be provided according to Pakistan's economic capacity and reforms.

Martin Reiser said that Pakistan needs to carry out key economic reforms for a seven per cent annual growth rate.

He added that the country should focus on the factors that were within its control, especially to attract foreign investment and improve trade relations.

The WB vice president further said that he had consulted representatives of various political parties and civil society in Pakistan to build consensus on economic plans. He also explained that the $20 billion loan for Pakistan was conditional and indicative, which would be in line with the size of the country's economy and its repayment capacity. He stressed that Pakistan had many capabilities that could be used to attract investment.

Lahore: Lahore has ranked fifth among the most polluted cities in the world, with an alarming air quality index (AQI) of 166, according to sources from the Pakistan Meteorological Department.

On Sunday, the city's overall air quality index was recorded at 166. However, some areas experienced even higher levels of pollution. Gadaa Hussain House in Johar Town reported the highest pollution level at 237, followed by I-V Green in DHA at 221, Khayaban Iqbal in DHA at 202, Askari Ten at 188, and DHA Phase Eight at 180. Other areas with high pollution rates included Ghazi Road Interchange at 179, Polo Ground Cantt at 175, Shimla Pahari at 174, Gulberg at 170, UCP at 163, Valencia Town at 160, and Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam (Mall Road) at 137.

In response to the worsening air quality, Punjab's Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb revealed the government's plans to combat pollution through the Lahore Green Master Plan. One key initiative under this plan is the creation of a "green ring" around the city, using modern technology to form a "wall of trees" aimed at reducing carbon emissions and boosting oxygen levels.

She added that every tree planted in this green ring would be geo-tagged, and afforestation efforts would be intensified in industrial areas. Collaboration with industries will be prioritized to expand tree plantations, while educational institutions and students will participate in a "Green Force" during the three-month smog season.

Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, Director General of the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency, highlighted major pollution hotspots in the city, including major roads such as Davis Road, Egerton Road, Durand Road, Kashmir Road, and Abbott Road, stretching from Shimla Hill to Gulistan Cinema. Other areas like Empress Road, Queen Mary Road, and several streets around Railway Headquarters were also identified as significant contributors to air pollution.

To help mitigate the crisis, the Punjab government has announced the introduction of 30 electric buses and e-bikes in Lahore. Additionally, the Punjab Safe Cities Authority is issuing daily e-challans to vehicles emitting excessive smoke and taking action against individuals responsible for waste burning.

Lahore: Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza, presiding over a special meeting here on Sunday, reviewed the plan for key events scheduled to taking place in February.

The meeting was attended by Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL) Chief Officer Shahid Abbas Kathia, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Finance) Mudassar Nawaz, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Headquarters) Jafar Hussain, and Assistant Commissioners from across the city, along with Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Muhammad Shojain Vistro.

During the meeting, Additional Deputy Commissioner Jafar Hussain provided a briefing on the major events scheduled for February 2025. He highlighted that Lahore will be hosting a tri-nation cricket series, and the second polio campaign of the year will also take place during this period.

Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza directed that all preparations be completed before the start of Ramazan and stressed the importance of organizing the cricket series with exemplary arrangements and ensuring the success of the polio campaign. "The cricket series must be organized with outstanding arrangements, and the polio vaccination campaign must be executed successfully," he emphasized.

The DC also instructed that work on the Lahore Development Program and the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry be accelerated to ensure timely progress. He highlighted that under the Clean Punjab Program, efforts to improve cleanliness and remove encroachments across the city should be intensified.

DC Syed Musa Raza emphasized the need for strict enforcement of model cart regulations and adherence to official price lists to maintain order and fairness in the market. He also directed that the city be cleared of unnecessary banners, flexes, and streamers, as part of an ongoing drive to reduce clutter and enhance urban aesthetics.

Lahore: The Punjab Highway Patrol (PHP) remains committed to ensuring the safety and service of citizens across the province's highways. In the first 25 days of 2025, the force made notable strides, according to a spokesperson from the Punjab Police.

During this period, PHP checked 2.3 million citizens using the E-Police Post app. In the process, 394 proclaimed offenders and court absconders were arrested. Additionally, 957,223 vehicles were inspected, resulting in the recovery of 139 stolen vehicles and motorcycles.

Legal action was taken against 26,785 overloaded vehicles for violating axle load limits, and 1,000 vehicles were fined for illegally carrying gas cylinders. The PHP also issued 10,019 driving licenses and successfully reunited 57 missing children with their families.

To improve traffic flow, PHP officers removed 398 temporary and permanent encroachments. They also provided assistance and guidance to 7,924 travelers on the highways.

A total of 10,127 citizens received policing services at police service centers across the province. In the fight against crime, 59 cases were registered for the illegal use of weapons and drugs. Authorities seized 759 liters of alcohol, 1,150 grams of charas, and 100 grams of heroin from drug peddlers.

IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar praised the Punjab Highway Patrol for its exemplary performance and urged them to continue their dedicated efforts to ensure smooth traffic flow, as well as the safety and well-being of the public.