LWMC initiates door-to-door waste collection

Lahore: In line with Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif's vision of 'Suthra' Punjab [Clean Punjab], the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) has launched door-to-door waste collection across various areas of Lahore.

LWMC Chief Executive Officer Babar Sahib Din has been actively engaged in supervising the cleaning operations, conducting visits to different areas. He stated that 10 loader rickshaws each have been deployed for door-to-door waste collection in Union Council (UC) 153 and UC 141. Furthermore, 2 new UCs are being added daily to the initiative, aiming to cover all 274 UCs of Lahore in phases. CEO Babar Sahib Din visited Shalimar Link Road, Muslim Colony, Ramgarh, and Angoori Bagh to review the door-to-door waste collection system.

He also reviewed areas like Gulshan Park, Hameed Pura, Nabi Pura, and Fateh Garh to assess the working of the loader rickshaws. During his visits, He engaged with local shopkeepers and residents, encouraging them to support the door-to-door collection initiative. The residents expressed gratitude towards CM Punjab for introducing the door-to-door waste collection service. CEO LWMC urged citizens to cooperate with LWMC cleaning teams and avoid discarding waste in streets. For cleanliness-related complaints, citizens can contact the LWMC helpline at 1139 or reach out via the social media platforms.

27 eco-friendly electric buses to be operational in Lahore on two routes

Lahore: Punjab Transport Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javid Qazi said on Monday that 27 electric buses for Lahore will reach Karachi Port on January 15.

He announced that eco-friendly electric buses will initially operate on two routes in the first phase.

Talking to reporter, the Punjab Transport Secretary said electric buses are arriving six days ahead of schedule.

He informed that Provincial Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan will complete the process of receiving the buses from Karachi Port during the current week.

He further said the process of purchasing 27 electric buses for Lahore has been completed, adding, these electric buses were purchased from China. Meanwhile the buses will reach Lahore from Karachi on January 21.

After the unveiling ceremony in Lahore, the electric buses will be made operational on two routes in the city.

The secretary said that preparations have been made to make the electric buses operational on January 31.

To a query, he said that two routes have been identified for the electric buses. Environment-friendly buses will be run on the route from Canal Road and Railway Station to RA Bazaar.

The electric buses will remain operational for twelve years, the cost of one bus is Rs.88 million. Currently, 27 buses will be operating at a cost of 2.46 billion.

‘Dedicated lanes for cyclists & motorcyclists in Lahore’

Lahore: Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has decided to make dedicated lanes for cyclists and motorcyclists in the provincial capital to improve traffic flow. On the special directions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, the LDA has initially launched the pilot project on Ferozepur Road, Lahore. LDA DG Tahir Farooq visited the site and reviewed the project while LDA Chief Engineer Israr Saeed and the Project Director briefed him about the development works. The LDA is making biker lanes on the outer sides of both directions of Ferozepur Road. These lanes will be separated from main road by using curb stone and eco-friendly blue paint. In the first phase, a 4-kilometer-long lane is being built on both sides from Kalma Chowk to Lahore Bridge. LDA DG Tahir Farooq said the biker lane would be 12-feet wide and would ease the commute for citizens. The objective of promoting biker lanes was to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents, he added. Later, LDA DG Tahir Farooq visited Block B-3 in Gulb erg to review the ongoing sustainable development projects. The LDA Chief Engineer informed him about the rapid progress in Block B-3 of Gulberg. The LDA DG directed that the development work should continue without any interruption.

CM Maryam vows to provide 100,000 houses to deserving families in one year

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced a bold initiative to provide 100,000 houses to deserving families within the next year.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of Zahra Homes/Maskan Ravi project, here on Monday, the CM expressed her satisfaction over the completion of Zahra Homes/Maskan Ravi, which has already provided homes to 100 families in just two and a half months, thanks to the efforts of RUDA and the Housing and Urban Development Department.

The CM paid tribute to the vision of PML-N Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, acknowledging his dedication to the nation's development over the past 45 years. "When it comes to progress in Pakistan, the name of Nawaz Sharif is synonymous with nuclear power, economic growth, and infrastructure development like motorways," she said.

The CM emphasized the importance of ensuring merit and transparency in the distribution of homes under the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar program, a key initiative under which interest-free loans of up to Rs. 1.5 million are being provided to families to help them build their homes. These loans, repayable in seven years, have already helped thousands, with more houses under construction in 37 districts across the province.

CM Maryam Nawaz also revealed plans for a new scheme to provide free residential plots of three marlas to deserving individuals, further expanding access to affordable housing. "This initiative reflects my commitment to fulfilling Nawaz Sharif's dream of serving the people of Punjab," she said.

Under the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar program, the first five houses will also be furnished as a gift. "The overwhelming positive feedback from beneficiaries is a source of strength, and it motivates us to continue our efforts," she added.

The CM highlighted other ongoing initiatives such as the Kisan and Livestock Cards benefiting farmers, free medicines and tests at hospitals, and ongoing construction of healthcare facilities like the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital. The Suthra Punjab program, aimed at cleaning up the province, and the construction of 400 roads were also mentioned as part of the government's development agenda.

In addressing concerns over inflation, the CM pointed out significant reductions in the prices of essential items like flour and bread, attributing this to effective governance. "The price of bread has dropped from Rs. 30 to Rs. 12, and the price of flour has also reduced," she affirmed. The CM pledged the launch of more development projects, aimed at further improving the lives of the people of Punjab.

PJA launches training course on forensic analysis of evidence

Lahore: The Punjab Judicial Academy (PJA) on Monday launched a comprehensive training course on the forensic analysis of evidence in criminal cases.

The current batch comprises 32 judicial officers, including civil judges, senior civil judges, and additional district and sessions judges, from across the province.

Addressing the inaugural session, PJA Director General Justice (Retd.) Sardar Ahmad Naeem emphasized that the Academy offers a range of training programs, conferences, seminars, and workshops to promote capacity-building and ethical development. He affirmed the Academy's commitment to providing top-quality training to judicial officers, enabling them to deliver impartial and sustainable decisions.

The director general highlighted the significance of forensic sciences in criminal cases and stressed the need for judges to remain updated on the latest advancements in the field. He underscored that judges play a pivotal role in upholding justice and that their decisions should have a profound impact on society. He encouraged the participants to gain as much knowledge and skill as possible from the course material and to benefit from the expertise of renowned instructors.

He added that this training course aligns with the vision of the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court and aims to equip judicial officers with the necessary tools to effectively analyze forensic evidence and deliver justice in criminal cases.

CM announces free 3 marla plot scheme for deserving people

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the launch of a free 3 Marla plot scheme for deserving individuals, aimed at providing affordable housing to those in need.

The announcement was made during her visit to the Zahra Homes/Maskan Ravi Scheme in Kala Shah Kaku, here on Monday, where she also conducted a detailed inspection of the project.

The CM handed over allotment letters and keys to 100 families, expressing her satisfaction with the quality and facilities provided in the scheme. The Zahra Homes project, located in Mouza Nehra Pur on Kala Khatai Road, Lahore, features 100 houses, each spanning 400 square feet, including two bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a courtyard.

Zahra Homes are designed with advanced technology, incorporating earthquake-proof structures, energy-efficient systems, and environmental sustainability measures using EPS Smart Panel Technology. Each home is powered by a 5 kW solar system, and the community is equipped with essential facilities such as an RO plant for clean water, a school, playground, mosque, and dispensary.

The Maskan-e-Ravi Housing Scheme is a collaborative effort between the Punjab Government's RUDA (Ravi Urban Development Authority) and EPS Solutions Pakistan. During the ceremony, a documentary highlighting the services and contributions of PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was also presented. Provincial Minister for Housing Bilal Yasin also addressed the gathering.