Category: Lahore

Lahore: A domestic workers' thieves gang, which had stolen gold ornaments, has been traced with the help of Smart Safe City Gujranwala's cameras.

According to details, a complaint was made on the 15 emergency helpline regarding the theft of 80 tolas of gold by a domestic worker. Upon receiving the complaint, the search for the suspects began using Safe City Gujranwala's cameras. The suspects were seen traveling in an auto-rickshaw in the footage. Initial investigations revealed that three women fled in the rickshaw with two other accomplices.

The spokesperson for the Safe Cities Authority stated that the three women and two men could be seen in the video escaping in the rickshaw. The virtual patrolling officer of Safe City Gujranwala provided all evidence to the relevant police, who subsequently arrested the gang after a search.

Further legal action is underway against the suspects. Citizens are advised to thoroughly check the police records when hiring domestic workers.

LAHORE: The Gaddafi Stadium Lahore is all but ready to be presented to the global audiences as a model cricketing facility, which would rub shoulders with the best venues of the world.

The players' dressing rooms, hospitality boxes and offices have been created anew besides the enclosures for the spectators. The re-built enclosures present an image of a saucer with quality view of cricket action on the field while the removal of the iron fence will also improve the view and connect the fans with their heroes more effectively.

Everything looks to be overhauled in and around the Gaddafi stadium and an army of engineers and workers is at work round the clock. Green and white chairs are being fixed in the pavilions which have been imported to meet the international standards. Mercury lights have been replaced with LED lights at the light towers and these are expected to be turned on in a day's time. The roads are being carpeted while the beautification work is also being undertaken at a rapid pace.

PCB's Director Infrastructure Jawwad Qazi, during a tour of the local media of the upgradation work, told that the Gaddafi stadium will be ready for action by the end of January and host the tri-series matches against South Africa and New Zealand from February 8.

'ICC Champions Trophy matches will be played in the third week of February but the action will take place here in the first week of the February. PCB is resolute is its commitment with the ICC and the venue will be handed over in time,' PCB Director Infrastructure responded.

Qazi Jawwad dispelled every wrong impression created by a certain section of media about the completion of upgradation work and readiness of the venue before the ICC Champions Trophy, adding that everything is in place and preparation are in the final stage to present to the cricket fans.

He said the cricket field in the center is in pristine form and stadium will be ready well before the action takes place between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 8.

Director Infrastructure said that the PCB had completed the task within the shortest possible time and it was proud of its achievement. He said everything has been revamped except for the media boxes and the adjacent hospitality boxes at the stadium.

He further said Gaddafi stadium has been infused a new life and it will entertain and inspire generations to come in a whole new way.

Lahore: A four-day training workshop on the strengthening of higher education system, under the USAID initiative, concluded at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore on Friday.

The closing ceremony of the workshop was held at the main campus, while the U.S. Consul General Kristin K. Hawkins attended it as the chief guest. She met Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir and discussed various issues including academic exchange opportunities between universities in Pakistan and the United States.

The workshop, conducted with the support of USAID, was held in collaboration with the U.S. government and 16 public universities across Pakistan. The primary aim of the workshop was to equip Pakistani students with the necessary resources to build successful careers in the future.

Experts such as Dr. Randy McCrillis and Dr. Kari Ellingson from the University of Utah, Kerry Johnson from the American University in Cairo, and Dr. Kevin D. Arco from Duke University, provided training on topics including student leadership and mental health services.

In her address at the closing ceremony, U.S. Consul General Kristin K. Hawkins stated that USAID's initiative is part of the U.S. government's long-standing commitment to promoting education in Pakistan. She said, "For decades, the United States has been a partner in expanding educational opportunities for Pakistani students. Through close collaboration with Pakistani partners, the U.S. has helped build schools and universities across the country, provided free opportunities for Pakistani youth to study abroad, and improved the quality of existing educational programs. The USAID workshop is our latest effort to strengthen higher education in Pakistan", she asserted.

On this occasion, Vice Chancellor Dr. Shahid Munir expressed his gratitude for the U.S. support in strengthening student services in Pakistan. He added that the training program will play a crucial role in promoting student-centered approaches at universities, benefiting both students and educational institution.

Lahore: Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique announced that the Institute of Public Health (IPH) will be developed into a centre of excellence, aligning with the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

He made this statement while chairing a meeting at the IPH on Friday. During the meeting, the minister reviewed measures and ongoing efforts to prevent dangerous diseases. Dean Professor Saira Afzal and Director CDC Dr. Yadullah briefed him on the institute's performance in disease prevention. Additionally, officials from the Communication and Works (C and W) Department provided an update on the IPH revamping project.

Khawaja Salman Rafique emphasized the importance of focusing on prevention rather than treatment to effectively combat dangerous diseases. He announced the establishment of a telemedicine department at the IPH to enhance healthcare accessibility. Furthermore, he highlighted plans to increase the institute's capacity for providing technical assistance in disease prevention and to improve the curriculum of technical courses offered at the IPH.

'Under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, we are striving to provide the best healthcare facilities to the people of Punjab,' the minister said.

The meeting was attended by Professor Mulazim Hussain Bukhari, Dr. Tanveer, faculty members, and other medical experts, who also contributed their insights on advancing the institute's role in public health.

Lahore: The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) is actively conserving historical monuments linked to religious minorities, aiming to promote tourism and safeguarding heritage.

These sites are being preserved to remain open and accessible to the public, with guided tours highlighting their cultural significance.

Recently WCLA's Key projects for minorities include the conservation of a Sikh-era temple (Naag Mandir) in Lahore Fort and the Loh Temple, supported by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP).

Additionally, the WCLA is restoring Haveli Kharak Singh inside Lahore fort and Haveli Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Gujranwala, along with St. Mary Magdalene Church in Lahore Cantonment. These initiatives reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region and the authority's commitment to preserving it.

Significant preservation projects of minorities have been formerly completed in previous years by the Walled City of Lahore Authority at various locations includes, the Presbyterian Church (Naulakha) on Nicholson Road, Cathedral Church on Mall Road, Sacred Heart, Cathedral Church on Lawrence Road, Catholic Church Saint Francis Asiaticus Saho Wala in Sialkot, Shivala Temple in Sialkot , Saint Mary De Virgin Cathedral Church in Multan Cantonment , and Christ Church on Jinnah Road, Rawalpindi Cantonment, Christ church Janjua Road Rawalpindi, Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Lal Kurti Rawalpindi and Christ Church ,Okara .

Najam u Saqib, Director Conservation and Planning, Walled City of Lahore Authority, said, 'For the Walled City of Lahore Authority, historical monuments of minorities are as important as others because they have been a significant element of our shared cultural and historical legacies. Therefore, the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has given utmost priority to the restoration of minorities' heritage sites.

Kamran Lashari, Director General, Walled City of Lahore Authority, also expressed his opinions on the restoration projects of heritage sites of minorities. He said, 'Historical and cultural heritage of any nation transcends the boundaries of religions. This is why old and historical monuments of Hinduism, Sikhism and Christianity are also an important part of this region's history. Moreover, we also aim to aware the public about the national heritage extending it beyond the conventional heritage sites. We believe that the restoration of heritage sites of minorities will not only help in enhancing the scope of tourism but, it will create a soft and positive image of our country in the international diplomacy'.

Lahore: Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique Friday highlighted the critical role of religious scholars in guiding societies, stating that communities disregarding their advice face destruction.

He expressed these views as the chief guest at the 22nd annual 'Dai-e-Ittehad-e-Ummat' conference, held at Badshahi Masjid here on Friday. The event was organised to honour the legacy of the late Maulana Abdul Qadir Azad.

In his address, Khawaja Salman Rafique remarked, 'It is a blessing from Allah Almighty that He created humans as the most superior of all creations, and an even greater blessing is that we are the followers of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This conference is remarkable, attended by esteemed scholars whom I deeply respect.'

Highlighting the contributions of Maulana Abdul Qadir Azad, he added, 'Maulana Azad's uniqueness lies in the fact that many of his disciples are proficient in Arabic. It is an honor to visit the Badshahi Masjid, where the Poet of the East Allama Iqbal was laid to rest. Allama Azad always worked for the unity of the Muslim Ummah, and his efforts are evident today as people from all schools of thought are present on this stage.'

Khateeb Badshahi Masjid Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad also addressed the gathering, condemning Israel's atrocities in Gaza and Palestine. 'Israel will have to account for its actions. Every child in Pakistan stands in solidarity with Palestine. While we appreciate the peace agreement, we pay tribute to the sacrifices of the martyrs,' he said.

He also praised the efforts of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, saying, 'She is doing excellent work in Punjab. The cleanliness of Punjab, health initiatives, and numerous welfare projects for women are a testament to her performance. The nation stands with its military institutions, and those spreading discord will face failure. The entire nation is resolute against terrorism, and we will drive the final nail into the coffin of terrorism.'

The conference concluded with a message of unity among different schools of thought and a pledge to work together for peace and harmony.

Secretary Auqaf Tahir Raza Bukhari, renowned Ulema and Mashaikh also spoke on the occasion.