Category: Lahore

Lahore: The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) recorded a remarkable increase in utilisation of government services through its innovative 'Maryam Ki Dastak' initiative, as over 74,000 online requests for services were received, with the app now offering a newly added Self-Service option.

This emerged during a meeting presided over by PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf at Arfa Software Technology Park (ASTP) here on Wednesday.

During the meeting, it was revealed that out of the 74,000 online applications received, 28,000 have been successfully processed, and an additional 25,000 are expected to be resolved within days. Furthermore, over 87,000 young individuals have registered themselves as Dastak Facilitator to assist citizens in availing services.

The newly added Self-Service option is a significant enhancement, allowing citizens to directly visit the relevant department to submit their applications or choose a Dastak representative for assistance. Chairman Faisal Yousaf emphasized that this feature not only simplifies the process for citizens but also provides a unique opportunity for youth to earn additional income by registering as representatives.

It is pertinent to mention here that the 'Maryam ki Dastak' initiative has successfully rolled out over 70 government services in 40 districts of Punjab. Services such as Domicile Issuance, Birth Certificates, and FIR copies are now accessible without requiring visits to government offices. Citizens can avail these services through the Dastak Doorstep Delivery App or by calling the helpline at 1202.

Chairman Faisal Yousaf further highlighted the program's success in making public services more accessible and citizen-friendly. He stated, 'The Maryam ki Dastak program is transforming lives by delivering essential services at citizens' doorsteps, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and enhancing convenience.

Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced that the HBL PSL 10 Player Draft will be held at the iconic Huzoori Bagh opposite majestic Lahore Fort on January 13 (Monday) at 12.30 p.m.

The event was originally designed to be held in the port city Gwadar, Balochsitan, but it was moved to the heritage site in Lahore due to unforeseen logistical challenges.

However, Gawadar remains a key location for the HBL PSL 10 Trophy Tour scheduled in March when the trophy will be displayed at many cities across Pakistan.

The landmark 10th edition of the HBL PSL will take place between 8 April and 19 May later this year. The six franchises will assemble their star-studded squads on Monday, 13 January during the Player Draft ceremony at one of Lahore's most iconic heritage sites.

Lahore: An accountability court on Tuesday indicted former chief minister Punjab Chaudhry Parvez Elahi in a corruption reference related to development projects in Gujrat.

Accountability Court Judge Zubair Shahzad Kiyani presided over the reference proceedings, during which Advocate Amjad Pervaiz appeared on behalf of Parvez Elahi, who remained inside his vehicle parked on the court premises during the hearing.

Advocate Amjad Pervaiz apprised the court that the former chief minister was present on the premises but unable to leave his vehicle. He stated, "Anyone can verify his presence as he is within the court premises." He also submitted a request seeking permanent exemption from court appearances for Parvez Elahi.

In response, court staff marked Parvez Elahi's attendance by visiting his vehicle. While Parvez Elahi denied the allegations, he signed the charge sheet, prompting the court to summon witnesses for January 21.

The court also issued a notice to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on an application filed by Chaudhry Parvez Elahi seeking permanent exemption from appearance and sought a reply.

It is pertinent to mention that the court had previously indicted co-accused Muhammad Khan Bhatti and others during the last hearing.

The NAB had accused Parvez Elahi and Moonis Elahi of receiving over Rs. 1 billion as kickbacks through intermediaries in more than 200 development projects in the Gujrat district during Parvez Elahi's second term as Punjab chief minister.

Lahore: Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Punjab Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani met with Prince Mansour Bin Muhammad Al Saud, former governor of Province Hafir Albatin, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the Punjab Assembly. The meeting focused on matters of mutual interest and strengthening bilateral relations.

The Minister for Agriculture said that Pakistan values its friendship with Saudi Arabia, which has supported Pakistan in every difficult time. The minister appreciated Saudi Arabia's cooperation in various sectors of Punjab.

He highlighted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab government is focused on agricultural sector development, taking comprehensive measures to achieve the goal. He further said that the "Transforming Punjab Agriculture Programme" is being implemented with a significant investment of 400 billion rupees, under which 150 billion rupees interest-free loans would be provided to farmers through the Kisan Card this year.

The minister emphasised that mechanisation is a long-term solution to the issue of smog, and the government has taken timely measures to control it. This year, 5,000 super seeders are being provided to farmers with a 60/40 subsidy. Additionally, the Punjab government would soon launch a modern agricultural machinery rental service, where farmers would have access to all necessary machinery at subsidized rates.

The minister also announced that Agri- Malls will be established in every district of Punjab, offering high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides at subsidized rates. Farmers would have the option to either purchase or rent agricultural machinery, added Kirmani.

Furthermore, under the Green Tractor Scheme, the Punjab government is providing 9,500 tractors, each with a million rupee subsidy. Steps are also being taken to convert farmers' electric tube wells to solar energy, he added.

Kirmani reaffirmed the Punjab government's commitment to developing the livestock sector, mentioning initiatives such as the Livestock Card for farmers and the distribution of calves (animals) among widowed and divorced women in 12 districts of South Punjab.

Lahore: Punjab Food Authority discarded 2,000 liters of adulterated milk during inspections on Sheikhupura Road here on Tuesday.

Acting on the orders of DG Food Authority, dairy safety teams tested over 6,500 liters of milk from 50 vehicles at early morning checkpoints discarding substandard milk on the spot.

Adulterated milk, intended for supply to Lahore was found to have water contamination, reduced fat levels and substandard LR (Lactometer Reading) and SNF (Solid-Not-Fat) content. Strict legal action is being initiated against those involved in its production and distribution.

DG Asim Javed stated that Punjab Food Authority is implementing international standards to ensure traceability and safety in milk supply chain across Punjab. He reiterated the PFA commitment to eliminating adulteration, warning traders of strict penalties and business closures for violations.

Dairy safety teams continue daily monitoring and inspections to safeguard public health and maintain food quality standards. Citizens are encouraged to report food related violations to PFA helpline 1223.

Lahore: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Tuesday extended the interim bail of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Mussarat Jamshed Cheema and Jamshed Iqbal Cheema till January 29 in 11 cases related to the May 9 riots.

ATC Judge Manzer Ali Gill conducted proceedings on the bail applications of the PTI leaders and sought arguments from the counsel for the parties on the next date of the hearing.

Mussarat Jamshed Cheema and Jamshed Iqbal Cheema also appeared before the court upon the expiry of their interim bail and marked their attendance.

The leaders had approached the court for bail in cases related to Jinnah House attack, Askari Tower attack, torching of vehicles near Rahat Bakery, and other incidents.