Crackdown on illegal parking stands in Shalimar

Lahore: Following the directives of Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza, a crackdown on illegal parking stands was carried out in Shalimar Tehsil, here on Tuesday.

The operation was led by Assistant Commissioner Dr. Anum Fatima, who oversaw the registration of cases against two illegal parking stands.

During the operation, an illegal parking stand near Pakistan Centre, which had been previously closed, was found to have resumed operations. As a result, legal action was taken, and cases were registered.

In another incident, a parking stand at Lee Park in Baghbanpura was discovered issuing fake receipts, and fraudulent fine books were seized from the contractor.

Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza reiterated that the crackdown on illegal parking stands would continue without compromise, emphasizing the importance of these actions for ensuring public convenience and safety.

LCWU, UET VCs discuss modernizing of institutions

Lahore: Vice Chancellor of the Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) Prof. Dr. Uzma Qureshi visited University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore and met with Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir.

She congratulated him on assuming the charge of Vice Chancellor UET. During the meeting at the VC office, she discussed modernizing the university for its development and stability and shared her experiences. She expressed hope that under Dr. Shahid Munir's leadership, UET would achieve a prominent position in the fields of knowledge and research.

CM, Saudi prince discuss bilateral cooperation

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif praised Saudi Arabia's longstanding brotherly cooperation with Pakistan, stating, 'Saudi Arabia is like Pakistan's elder brother; the hearts of the people of both countries beat together.'

The CM held a detailed meeting with the former Governor of Hafr Al-Batin Province of Saudi Arabia H.E. Prince Mansoor, to discuss the promotion of bilateral relations and mutual cooperation, here on Monday.

The meeting also focused on potential investment opportunities in various sectors in Punjab.

During the discussions, the chief minister invited Saudi investors to explore opportunities in infrastructure, health, education, and religious tourism in Punjab. She assured Saudi investors of her government's full cooperation and the provision of incentives under a special package. 'The Punjab government has ensured foolproof security and established a system based on merit to improve the business environment in the province' she said.

Prince Mansoor stated, 'The relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is crucial for the stability and prosperity of the entire region.' He added, 'Saudi Arabia will always stand by Pakistan.'

LHC stays dismissal of PIA senior flight steward

Lahore: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday stayed the dismissal of a senior flight steward of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and directed him to deposit Rs. 500,000 with the deputy registrar (judicial) within a week to avail the relief.

Justice Muhammad Raza Qureshi passed the order while hearing a petition filed by Senior Flight Steward Adnan Khan, who had challenged the Federal Ombudsman for Protection against Harassment's decision to dismiss him. The court also issued notices to PIA, the complainant, and other respondents, seeking replies by January 22.

The petitioner's counsel argued before the court that a female colleague of the petitioner had filed a complaint with the ombudsman, accusing him of sexual harassment via WhatsApp. The ombudsman accepted the complaint, ordered the petitioner's dismissal, and imposed a Rs. 500,000 fine. A subsequent representation filed by the petitioner to the president was also dismissed, he added.

The counsel submitted that the ombudsman's decision was unlawful and that the petitioner was not given a fair opportunity to cross-examine evidence. He also described the penalty as harsh and disproportionate.

After hearing initial arguments, the court stayed the petitioner's dismissal, issued notices to the respondents, and sought their replies.

Lahore police arrested over 10,000 suspects in crackdown on illegal weapons

Lahore: Lahore police arrested 10,723 suspects and registered an equal number of cases during operations against illegal weapons in 2024. The confiscated weapons include 148 Kalashnikovs, 620 rifles, 376 shotguns, and 9,487 pistols, according to a police spokesperson.

CCPO Bilal Siddique Kamyana said that the police carried out successful raids to seize illegal weapons from criminals and offenders. He emphasised a zero-tolerance approach toward illegal firearms, the display of weapons in public, and aerial firing.

Kamyana directed the police to maintain strict surveillance of habitual offenders involved in the possession and sale of illegal weapons. He also ordered action against those using firearms to instill fear in the public.

In addition, he urged continued operations targeting unlicensed weapon holders, fake arms dealers, and unauthorised firearm repairers, ensuring no discrimination in the enforcement of the law.

The CCPO reaffirmed the Lahore Police's commitment to intensifying efforts against arms smuggling and the illegal weapons trade. He commended the force for its vigilant role in crime prevention.

DC reviews cleanliness measures

Lahore: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Syed Musa Raza inspected various towns and zones of the provincial capital to monitor cleanliness measures.

On his visit to the Wahga Zone on Monday, the DC reviewed cleanliness operations at significant locations such as Abdullah Gul Interchange, Khaki Shah Road, and other key spots.

Accompanied by Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL) Chief Officer Shahid Abbas Kathia, Assistant Commissioner Wahga Zone Aamir Butt, Deputy CEO of Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC), the DC was briefed on the ongoing cleanliness efforts in the area.

The DC stressed the importance of swift waste collection and the need to immediately transport garbage to designated dumping sites to maintain a clean environment. He emphasised that LWMC workers must ensure thorough cleaning of streets and public spaces before daily activities begin, to provide a clean environment for citizens from the start of the day. He also called for strict field monitoring of LWMC workers to ensure efficiency in their operations. "I will not tolerate poor cleanliness under any circumstances," the DC affirmed, emphasizing that the primary goal is to provide citizens with a clean, healthy environment.

The DC expressed his commitment to keeping the city free from waste and pollution, stating that he is determined to maintain a pristine Lahore for its residents. He also issued a firm directive against the encroachment mafia, ensuring that no concessions would be made for those responsible for illegal encroachments. Even after repeated warnings, strict action will be taken against individuals causing obstructions in public spaces, with temporary encroachments to be confiscated and permanent ones demolished.

The DC ordered the immediate removal of any unauthorized banners, streamers, or posters displayed in the city. He stressed that animals must not be allowed to enter residential areas, directing that all stray animals and encroaching settlements be removed promptly.

DC Syed Musa Raza emphasized the need for collaboration among all departments to enhance the city's aesthetic appeal. He also urged citizens to contribute to maintaining Lahore's beauty and cleanliness.