Category: Lahore

Lahore: Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States and Punjab University alumnus Rizwan Saeed Sheikh has said that Pakistan has gained benefits and suffered losses due to its crucial geo-strategic location.

He was addressing a seminar on 'Pakistan's Foreign Policy and Pak-US Relations', organised by the Punjab University Institute of Education and Research at Waheed Shaheed Hall. Chancellor of the Institute of Art and Design Faisal Janjua, Director IER Prof Dr Abdul Qayyum Chaudhry, faculty members and a large number of students were present.

In his address, Rizwan Sheikh said that Pakistan's economic development required promoting cooperation with China and GCC countries. He said "Pakistan's location makes us important in international affairs". He said geographical, economic and political conditions play an important role in shaping foreign policy. He said that there were ups and downs in the relations between Pakistan and the US, but whatever task the two countries did together was fruitful and benefited the world. He said that Quaid-e-Azam had also said in an interview that Pakistan would become important for the world. He said "we cannot move forward without admitting our mistakes, but we have also done a lot of good work". He said Pakistan was the only country that is rich in various important natural material. He said that 65 per cent of Pakistan's youth are the biggest national asset.

He said that Pak-US relations would continue to be important in future as well. He added that Pakistan made the most sacrifices in the war against terrorism. He said that Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was working against Pakistan from Afghanistan. Rizwan Sheikh stated that the foreign policy of any country was based on national interests. He was of the view that the population is an asset to Pakistan and if the youth are given skills, they can work for the world. He said that Pakistani IT graduates are playing an important role in the IT sector of America and providing quality services at a price that is 70 per cent cheaper than others.

He added that there is a political polarisation in America in favour of India and against China. He said "our largest trade market is America and one million Pakistanis live in America". He said that Pakistan has tried to ensure its security first in all circumstances. He said that environmental changes are a big threat in the coming time.

Prof Dr Abdul Qayyum Chaudhry said that the institution had been a partner with USAID since 1960, and in 2015, the latter built a new building for elementary education. He said that USAID wanted to promote a culture of peace and tolerance in the world. He said that he was grateful to USAID for playing an important role in promotion of education in Pakistan. He said that USAID had invested millions of dollars for promotion of education in Pakistan.

Lahore: Home Department Punjab has taken a significant step to promote transparency in the arms licensing,sale and repair processes across the province. The entire staff of the arms licensing branch was replaced and all deputy commissioners (DCs) in Punjab were instructed to implement similar changes in their respective districts. A spokesperson said on Wednesday that the decision was aimed at ensuring merit-based practices and addressing public complaints.Also this measure was part of efforts to enhance the performance and accountability of the Arms Branch. The home department instructed that officers and staff should be replaced immediately who had completed one year of service in the Arms Branch,adding that it was further emphasized that such staff changes should be carried out annually, with a report to be submitted to the department within a week. It was important to note that under the Punjab Arms Rules 2023, the powers related to arms licensing had been transferred to the Deputy Commissioners. They now had the authority to handle arms repairs, license verification and issue duplicate licenses. This move was expected to streamline the arms licensing process, improve public trust and address any operational inefficiencies, said spokesperson.

Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to relocate the ODI tri-series involving New Zealand and South Africa to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the NBP Stadium Karachi, as the stadiums would be ready for inauguration by January 25.

The ODI tri-series was originally scheduled to be played at the Multan cricket stadium, Multan, as the above two stadiums were unavailable due to major upgradation and renovation work in anticipation of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to be hosted by the PCB from February 19 to March 9. Since the upgradation could take time, the PCB had decided to play the tri-series in Multan. However, the PCB met the deadlines which enabled it to shift the ODI tri-series fixtures to Lahore and Karachi.

The decision to shift the matches to Lahore and Karachi reflects PCB's confidence and readiness in its preparations for the coveted international event in Pakistan after almost three decades. The PCB has ensured that the players and officials get the best facilities while the spectators' experience is enhanced many times than their last visit to the venues to play and watch cricket.

The ICC Champions Trophy matches are to be held in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi in Pakistan - with four matches including a semi-final are to be hosted by the Dubai stadium under the hybrid model to accommodate India - and these stadiums are being upgraded to deliver world-class experience for players, officials, and fans. Gaddafi stadium, Lahore and NBP stadium, Karachi underwent major upgradation and renovation work while minor changes are planned for the Rawalpindi stadium.

In an update on the upgradation work at these stadiums by the PCB here on Wednesday evening, the PCB said that the spectator capacity at the Gaddafi Stadium has been increased to 35,000, with the installation of new chairs throughout the venue. It was further informed that 480 state-of-the-art LED lights have been installed to enhance broadcast LUX levels, ensuring superior viewing quality for fans worldwide. Two giant digital replay screens - measuring 80 feet x 30 feet and 22 feet x 35 feet - will be installed before inauguration in the last week of January. Moreover, new players' and officials' hospitality enclosure has also been built at the Gaddafi stadium to be ready before January 25.

At the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) Stadium, Karachi new players' and officials' hospitality enclosure has been added at the University End while 350 LED lights have been installed, ensuring optimal visibility for global audiences. Two digital replay screens have already been fixed, and 5,000 new chairs have been installed to enhance spectator comfort.

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi is undergoing minor touch-ups, focusing on the installation of 10,000 new chairs, upgrades to hospitality boxes and the installation of two digital replay screens. These improvements are designed to ensure the stadium exceeds international standards for upcoming events.

The PCB further updated that PCB curators, under the supervision of Tony Hemming, have diligently maintained the outfields and playing surfaces to keep them protected, healthy and fresh during the upgradation process at the stadiums in Lahore and Karachi. No competitive cricket was allowed in Lahore and Karachi since the commencement of the upgrades, while Rawalpindi last hosted a match late last year.

The PCB further expressed its resolve to get the stadiums ready well before the start of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and maintain the international standards in order to uphold Pakistan's reputation as a premier cricketing destination.

Lahore: Punjab Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare Khawaja Imran Nazir emphasized the provincial government's commitment to providing quality medicines to the people, stating that it aligns with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

Presiding over the 287th meeting of the Provincial Quality Control Board (PQCB) on Wednesday, the minister reiterated that artificial shortages of medicines across the province would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Khawaja Imran Nazir stressed that all pharmaceutical units must comply with inspections under the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards as part of the drug control regime. He warned that strict legal action would be taken against units resisting GMP inspections. To enhance transparency and ensure the availability of authentic medicines, a new track-and-trace system has been introduced in the market. The minister underscored that the availability of quality medicines in markets and hospitals is a fundamental right of Punjab's 120 million citizens.

He directed the Drug Control Wing to ensure a sufficient stock of medicines in hospitals and markets, with a particular focus on life-saving drugs. The supply chain of medicines will be closely monitored, starting from the inventory of pharmaceutical companies, to prevent any disruptions.

The PQCB meeting was attended by key officials, including Special Secretary Operations Aoun Abbas Bukhari, Additional Secretary Dr. Qalandar Khan, DG Drug Control Muhammad Sohail, Chief Drug Controller Azhar Jamal Saleemi, Secretary Board Dr. Manwar Hayat, and senior medical professionals.

Later, Khawaja Imran Nazir met with a delegation of Lady Health Supervisors (LHS) at the IRMNCH office to discuss their concerns and demands. He acknowledged the critical role of Lady Health Workers (LHWs) and Supervisors in the health system, highlighting their importance in the success of vertical programs and the provision of medical services at health centers.

The minister assured the delegation that steps would be taken to address issues related to their service structure and promotions. He also announced special attention to the training and professional upgradation of 42,000 LHWs and LHSs across Punjab. The delegation, led by Supervisors Sajda and Shahnaz, welcomed these commitments. Project Director IRMNCH Dr. Khalil Sakhani and Deputy Director Dr. Hamza were also present during the meeting.

Lahore: A meeting regarding Lahore Development Authority (LDA) City was held under the chairmanship of DG LDA Tahir Farooq, with the participation of LDA City's development partners here on Wednesday.

The meeting provided a detailed briefing on the pre-acquisition plan for the remaining land in LDA City.

The DG said special attention was being given to development activities at LDA City. He assured that the issues of development partners were being addressed on a priority basis. Farooq also mentioned that soon, there will be good news for the allottees of LDA City Iqbal Sector, with the commencement of development work in this sector.

Furthermore, DG LDA stated that commercial activities in LDA City are set to begin soon. The construction of Chenab Road is in its final stages, and more blocks in LDA City will be allotted shortly.

The DG highlighted the progress in house construction in LDA City's Jinnah Sector, stating that work has accelerated. During the meeting, development partners presented their concerns and suggestions, while Hafeezullah, Director of LDA City, provided a briefing on the working of the development partners.

The meeting was attended by representatives from Paragon City, Pak Estate, Alpha Estate, Mumaar Housing, and key officials including Chief Metropolitan Planning Faisal Qureshi, Director DG Headquarters, and other relevant officers.

Lahore: A meeting regarding Lahore Development Authority (LDA) City was held under the chairmanship of DG LDA Tahir Farooq, with the participation of LDA City's development partners here on Wednesday.

The meeting provided a detailed briefing on the pre-acquisition plan for the remaining land in LDA City.

The DG said special attention was being given to development activities at LDA City. He assured that the issues of development partners were being addressed on a priority basis. Farooq also mentioned that soon, there will be good news for the allottees of LDA City Iqbal Sector, with the commencement of development work in this sector.

Furthermore, DG LDA stated that commercial activities in LDA City are set to begin soon. The construction of Chenab Road is in its final stages, and more blocks in LDA City will be allotted shortly.

The DG highlighted the progress in house construction in LDA City's Jinnah Sector, stating that work has accelerated. During the meeting, development partners presented their concerns and suggestions, while Hafeezullah, Director of LDA City, provided a briefing on the working of the development partners.

The meeting was attended by representatives from Paragon City, Pak Estate, Alpha Estate, Mumaar Housing, and key officials including Chief Metropolitan Planning Faisal Qureshi, Director DG Headquarters, and other relevant officers.