Category: Lahore

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.

Lahore: The Agriculture Department has advised spring corn growers to complete the sowing process from January 21 to February 28.

A spokesman for the department said here on Sunday that farmers must cultivate approved hybrid varieties YH 1898, FH 1046, FH 988, YH 5427, YH 5482, YH 5561, YH 5568 and YH 5560 while ordinary approved varieties include Gohar 19, Sahiwal Gold, Sweet 1, Malka 2016, etc.

He said, "Corn is cultivated on almost 2 million acres of land across the province."

The spokesman said that sowing of ordinary corn was preferred in areas with less irrigation arrangements.

He further said that farmers must follow Agriculture Department guidelines to achieve good yield.

Lahore: Carpet Training Institute (CTI) Chairperson Ejaz-ur-Rehman has called for urgent reforms and strategic initiatives to rescue Pakistan's traditional handwoven carpet industry, which is grappling with severe challenges and a steady decline in exports.

Speaking during a meeting with industry experts here Sunday, he stressed the need to adopt innovative business models including business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) export strategies, to cater to the evolving demands of international markets.

'This industry holds immense potential, and by blending the expertise of seasoned craftsmen with the fresh ideas of the younger generation, we can restore its lost glory,' he remarked.

Highlighting the contributions of the sector, Ejaz-ur-Rehman urged the government to recognize its role in providing livelihoods to millions of workers and generating valuable foreign exchange for the country. He noted that Pakistani carpets have consistently showcased superior craftsmanship, earning numerous accolades at international exhibitions for their exceptional quality and contemporary designs.

Ejaz-ur-Rehman described the handwoven carpet industry as a historic pillar of Pakistan's economy, particularly in Punjab, and recalled its role as the country's first major export earner after independence.

'Pakistan was once a global leader in handwoven carpet production and exports, but the past few decades have seen us lose significant ground. Rising production costs and declining exports are key factors driving this downturn,' he mentioned.

He stressed the importance of reducing production costs to remain competitive in global markets and urged the government, manufacturers, and exporters to collaborate on targeted schemes to support skilled workers. These measures, he said, are essentials to keep artisans stay motivated with belief that industry will continue to secure their jobs prospects currently and in future.

'The handwoven carpet industry is not just a source of income for millions but also a cultural heritage that reflect Pakistan's rich craftsmanship. It's time for decisive action to protect and revitalize this vital sector,' he concluded.