Category: Lahore

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 Institute of Neurosciences (PINS) has officially launched its website.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony on Saturday, Professor Asif Bashir, Executive Director of PINS, highlighted the importance of the step in introducing the institute to a global audience.

Professor Bashir emphasized that the website will soon feature additional functionalities, including links for scheduling patient appointments and accessing lab and radiological reports. He noted that these advancements will provide patients with improved treatment options and make medical information more accessible.

'PINS is performing complex neurosurgeries using state-of-the-art equipment, setting standards comparable to those of developing countries,' said Professor Bashir. He reiterated the institute's commitment to delivering the best medical care, aligned with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

The public can now visit the official PINS website at www.pins.org.pk or reach out via email at [email protected] for the latest updates on treatments and health services. This initiative is expected to enhance the overall healthcare experience, making it easier for patients to manage their health with modern tools and technologies.

Lahore: Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Finance and Planning Mudassar Nawaz, along with Assistant Commissioner Nishter Muhammad Saleem Aasi, Saturday reviewed the ongoing development initiatives in the city, working alongside the National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) team.

Assistant Commissioner Nishter Muhammad Saleem Aasi also personally inspected the schemes in the Nishter zone to ensure the projects are on track.

In Model Town, Assistant Commissioner Sahibzada Muhammad Yousaf conducted an unannounced visit to check the development work. He instructed contractors to accelerate their efforts to meet deadlines. As part of the ongoing improvements, the installation of manhole covers and conduit grills has been completed, and the laying of tiles is set to finish today. The Stylus Street and Model Town Link Road are poised to become the first roads fully completed under this programme.

In the Cantt area, Assistant Commissioner Fatima Arshad also assessed the progress of various projects, particularly emphasizing the need for coordination between the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) and Municipal Corporation Lahore (MCL) for improved efficiency. She directed that the designs for three new schemes be finalized within two days.

Assistant Commissioner Shalimar Dr. Anam Fatima visited Bajwa Road to inspect the work being carried out by MCL and NESPAK. She confirmed that work had commenced on 70 streets in the area, meeting the program's targets. Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner Ravi, Tariq Shabbir, held a meeting with NESPAK representatives and zonal officers to discuss further developments under the program.

DC Syed Musa Raza highlighted that the ongoing efforts of the Lahore Development Program will greatly improve the city's infrastructure, making it more aesthetically pleasing and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

Lahore: Capital City Police Officer Lahore Bilal Siddique Kamyana chaired a meeting at his office on Saturday to review the key performance indicators (KPIs), introduced by the Punjab chief minister to evaluate Police Department performance.

The meeting included a detailed assessment of all divisional performances within the provincial capital.

Strategies to eradicate the beggar mafias was discussed in collaboration with the line Departments.

CCPO emphasized the Chief Minister's vision of promptly resolving complaints of women and children. He expressed satisfaction over a 39 percent reduction in motorcycle thefts, attributing it to the effective actions of Lahore Police. Additionally, he stressed the importance of preventing kite-flying, aerial firing and one-wheeling while urging police to ensure optimal public relief in alignment with the Chief Minister's directives.

Highlighting public service as a key measure of police performance, the CCPO called on the Traffic Police to continue improving traffic discipline. He also emphasized the need to enhance the quality of investigation to provide better relief to the citizens.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including CTO Athar Waheed, DIG (Investigation) Zeeshan Asghar, DIG (Operations) Imran Kishwar, DIG (OCU) Muhammad Faisal Kamran, SSP (Investigation) Muhammad Naveed, SSP (Admin) Atif Nazir and SSP (Operations) Tassawar Iqbal.