Category: Lahore

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has taken a revolutionary step to modernize Lahore's transport infrastructure by directing the development of separate lanes for cyclists and motorcyclists on city roads. This initiative aims to protect bikers and cyclists from accidents and improve overall traffic flow. The CM said, "Cyclists and motorcyclists will be protected from accidents, and biker lanes will be built on all roads of Lahore in a phased manner." She revealed that work on Phase-I of the project is already underway, with construction focused on the stretch from Ferozepur Road Canal Road to Lahore Bridge. The 10-kilometer biker lane is being designed in an eye-catching green color to enhance visibility and reflect the modern global concept of bike-friendly infrastructure. The CM emphasized, 'This initiative will not only reduce accidents but also streamline traffic flow in Lahore.' The CM directed the authorities concerned to ensure the highest construction quality for the bik er lanes, reinforcing her commitment to providing safe and efficient transport facilities for the city's residents.

Lahore: The three-day 33rd annual Urs celebrations of renowned spiritual scholar Hazrat Wasif Ali Wasif will start from January 23. The Urs will commence with the ceremonial laying of Chaddar after Asr prayer. Former provincial minister Sardar Nasrullah Khan Dreshak and Diwan Azmat Mahmood, along with devotees, will perform the ritual. This will be followed by a session of Na'at recitation. On Jan 24, a seminar focusing on the personality and teachings of Hazrat Wasif Ali Wasif will be held at Alhamra. Professor Hasan Askari Kazmi will preside over the seminar. Later in the evening, a Mehfil-e-Sama will be held. On the third day, the Urs will conclude with a special prayer.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the authorities to complete the construction and rehabilitation of roads and health centers across Punjab by June 30, 2025. Presiding over a special review meeting on the ongoing development projects of roads and health centers across Punjab, here on Sunday, she emphasized the significance of timely project completion, saying, 'Millions of citizens will benefit from the rehabilitation, construction, and repair of roads across Punjab.' The CM stressed the importance of Phase-I of health center construction and rehabilitation, stating, 'I will personally inspect and inaugurate the newly constructed Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centers (RHCs) in the Province.' She instructed the Planning and Development Department to devise measures for generating additional resources to support these initiatives. During the meeting, Provincial Secretary Communications and Works Sohail Ashraf presented a detailed briefing on the progress of ongoing projects. He revealed that out of 462 approved projects under the Road Rehabilitation Program, work has started on 455, with over 25 percent completed. Of the 72 schemes under Phase-II, work has begun on 67, with more than 24 percent progress made. For health centers, 75 percent of the work on 1,236 basic health units across Punjab is complete, while 54 health centers in various districts have been fully rehabilitated. Construction and rehabilitation of 1,164 health centers are advancing, with 1,211 plastered, 1,143 floored, and 1,004 nearing final stages. CM Maryam Nawaz stated the construction of farm-to-market roads would boost economic activity and improve rural connectivity. She also noted that the new Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics would bring top-tier health facilities to residents of remote areas, offering them the standards of private urban clinics for the first time. The chief minister reaffirmed her commitment to enhancing the province's infrastructure and health services, ensu ring tangible benefits for citizens in both urban and rural areas.

Lahore: Federal Minister for Information Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar on Sunday visited the residence of Mian Amer Mehmood, Chairman of Dunya Media Group, and offered condolence on the demise of his mother-in-law. During the visit, he expressed his heartfelt sympathy to Mian Amer and his family and offered Dua for the departed soul. Attaullah Tarar said, "I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Mian Amer's mother-in-law. This is a great loss, and may Allah grant you patience. May Allah grant the deceased a high place in His mercy and give her family strength and patience" he prayed. Provincial Assembly Member Mian Imran Javed accompanied the Federal Minister during his visit.

Lahore: Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage, and Culture Attaullah Tarar has said that the entire world has seen the corrupt face of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

He remarked that the judicial verdict has confirmed allegations of corruption against the PTI founder, claiming it as the largest financial scandal in Pakistan's history involving £190 million.

Speaking at the inauguration of developmental projects in Union Council 238, NA-127, Lahore, Tarar said that economic development and public relief remain the government's top priorities. Member of Provincial Assembly Mian Imran Javed, Chairman Ghulam Nabi Toor, Vice Chairman Haji Aslam Bhatti, and other party workers were present.

Attaullah Tarar asserted that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is a people-centric party dedicated to resolving public issues. "We are tirelessly working to fulfill our election promises," he said. Highlighting the government's efforts, he noted that inflation, which was at 38 per cent last year, has decreased to 3.9 per cent, and foreign investment is steadily increasing.

Referring to the £190 million corruption scandal, he criticised the PTI leadership for approving significant financial misappropriations behind closed doors. "They manipulated funds meant for the state, used religion as a cover, and indulged in personal luxuries, including acquiring expensive properties and jewellery," he said. He challenged PTI's legal team to refute the allegations and questioned the credibility of the religious education initiatives at the Al-Qadir Trust.

The minister highlighted the global recognition of the PTI founder's corruption. "International media headlines have exposed the former prime minister's fraudulent activities," he stated, adding that the nation must now decide which political party genuinely prioritizes the country's welfare.

He highlighted the positive economic trajectory under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, and Maryam Nawaz. "The day the PTI chairman was convicted, the stock market soared by 1,000 points, reflecting the business community's confidence in the judicial decision," he added.

Attaullah Tarar credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for steering the country away from default and creating a conducive environment for foreign investment.

The minister assured the residents of his constituency that their pressing concerns, including the persistent gas shortage, would be resolved on a priority basis. He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and public services, emphasizing that development projects would bring long-term benefits to the area. Expressing heartfelt gratitude for the warm reception by local leaders and community members, he reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to transforming the constituency into a model area. He pledged to address issues affecting daily life, ensure better access to resources, and promote sustainable development, further strengthening his bond with the people and fulfilling the promises made during the election campaign.

Lahore: An agreement for mutual cooperation has been signed between the Punjab Department of Industries and Commerce and the US-based environmental company, M2D.

The agreement was signed by the Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain and President of the US investment company, Fawad Sarwar.

Under the agreement, joint efforts will be made to tackle the impacts of climate change and promote environmentally friendly technologies. Technical assistance will be provided to communities, policymakers and stakeholders to address environmental challenges. Strategies and recommendations will be formulated to mitigate the impacts of climate change, according to spokesman of Punjab Industries department here Sunday.

To raise public awareness, joint educational programs, workshops, training sessions and seminars will be organized. The US-based company will invest in environmental projects in Punjab and an effective public-private partnership model will be evolved .M2D's services will be promoted across Punjab.

Speaking at the occasion, Provincial Minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain welcomed the cooperation agreement between the Punjab Department of Industries and Commerce and the US investment group. He stated that this partnership will assist in addressing environmental challenges. He emphasized that climate change is a global challenge that requires collective efforts.

The minister highlighted the significant steps taken by the Punjab government to combat smog and expressed the focus on promoting the electric vehicle sector. He expressed the desire that the foreign investment companies should establish electric vehicle assembly and manufacturing plants in Punjab.

He stated that both domestic and international investors are being provided with the best facilities in Punjab's industrial estates. He stressed the need for practical steps to increase the export of textile products from Pakistan to America.

The minister assured that he believes in and practices effective follow-ups to ensure results.

The event was attended by the US company's Director Sadaf Shah, Faisal Javed, environmental expert Mrs. Anna Isabel Melgarrijo, and others. Director of the Punjab Board of Investment Dr. Imran Hashmi and other officials also participated in the signing ceremony, held at the Punjab Board of Investment's Committee Room.