Category: Lahore

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.

Lahore: Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani on Monday said that relevant officials of Bank of Punjab should contact farmers and resolve technical problems of farmers related to Kisan Card.

He said this while presiding over the meeting which reviewed progress of Punjab chief minister's Kisan package, campaign to cultivate more wheat and other projects here at Agriculture House.

He emphasized to expedite the delivery of issued cards to farmers.

Under the Punjab Green Tractor Program, 3,973 tractors had been delivered to farmers across various districts, out of the 9,500 winners selected through a draw, he added.

He further said that overall 9,010 tractors would be delivered by the end of ongoing month besides delivering the remaining tractors by March 31.

The minister highlighted the Punjab chief minister's commitment to promote agricultural mechanization in the province. He encouraged service providers and the private sector to facilitate farmers in renting high-powered tractors and modern harvesters, ensuring easy access to advanced agricultural machinery.

Under the solarization of tube wells programme, over 500,000 applications had been received for shifting 8,000 electric and diesel-operated tube wells on solar systems.

Among these, 60,000 applications were for diesel-operated tube wells, while 441,000 for electric-operated ones.

Under Phase 1 of Smog Control Programme, 1,000 super seeders had been delivered to farmers. In Phase II,

2,000 allotment letters had been issued, and 1,608 farmers had already deposited their shares.

By July 2025, an additional 4,000 super seeders would be distributed to prevent future burning of paddy residues, he added.

The meeting also reviewed progress on establishing Agri Malls in Sahiwal, Sargodha, Multan, and Bahawalpur. Construction in this regard had been completed up to 79% in Sahiwal, 60% in Sargodha, 70% in Multan and 62% in Bahawalpur. Civil works for all Agri Malls were expected to be completed by June 30.

The off-season tomato cultivation target had been achieved. Under the programme to promote oilseed crops, 171,000 acres had been cultivated with canola and 7,000 acres with soybeans. To guide farmers, 422 demonstration plots had been established.

Under Cultivate more wheat programme, 28,000 applications had been received for laser land levelers and tractors.

Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo affirmed that the timeline for implementing the Chief Minister's Kissan Package were being strictly followed. Wheat sowing across 16.2 million acres in the province had been successfully completed, achieving the set target through a comprehensive action plan.

Lahore: Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani on Monday said that relevant officials of Bank of Punjab should contact farmers and resolve technical problems of farmers related to Kisan Card.

He said this while presiding over the meeting which reviewed progress of Punjab chief minister's Kisan package, campaign to cultivate more wheat and other projects here at Agriculture House.

He emphasized to expedite the delivery of issued cards to farmers.

Under the Punjab Green Tractor Program, 3,973 tractors had been delivered to farmers across various districts, out of the 9,500 winners selected through a draw, he added.

He further said that overall 9,010 tractors would be delivered by the end of ongoing month besides delivering the remaining tractors by March 31.

The minister highlighted the Punjab chief minister's commitment to promote agricultural mechanization in the province. He encouraged service providers and the private sector to facilitate farmers in renting high-powered tractors and modern harvesters, ensuring easy access to advanced agricultural machinery.

Under the solarization of tube wells programme, over 500,000 applications had been received for shifting 8,000 electric and diesel-operated tube wells on solar systems.

Among these, 60,000 applications were for diesel-operated tube wells, while 441,000 for electric-operated ones.

Under Phase 1 of Smog Control Programme, 1,000 super seeders had been delivered to farmers. In Phase II,

2,000 allotment letters had been issued, and 1,608 farmers had already deposited their shares.

By July 2025, an additional 4,000 super seeders would be distributed to prevent future burning of paddy residues, he added.

The meeting also reviewed progress on establishing Agri Malls in Sahiwal, Sargodha, Multan, and Bahawalpur. Construction in this regard had been completed up to 79% in Sahiwal, 60% in Sargodha, 70% in Multan and 62% in Bahawalpur. Civil works for all Agri Malls were expected to be completed by June 30.

The off-season tomato cultivation target had been achieved. Under the programme to promote oilseed crops, 171,000 acres had been cultivated with canola and 7,000 acres with soybeans. To guide farmers, 422 demonstration plots had been established.

Under Cultivate more wheat programme, 28,000 applications had been received for laser land levelers and tractors.

Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo affirmed that the timeline for implementing the Chief Minister's Kissan Package were being strictly followed. Wheat sowing across 16.2 million acres in the province had been successfully completed, achieving the set target through a comprehensive action plan.

Lahore: In line with the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Forest Department, in coordination with the police, successfully retrieved 90 acres of state land in a major operation in Khanpur tehsil.

Additionally, the target has been set to recover 188 acres of land in the Rakh Khanpur forest area.

A spokesperson for the forest department told media here on Monday that during the operation, the land mafia attacked their team, snatching cash and mobile phones, and attempting to set fire to a government vehicle. The mafia also removed the battery from a tractor. A case has been registered against the influential culprits, and police are conducting raids to arrest them.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb praised the Forest Department and police team for their successful operation. She reiterated that the protection of state land is the government's responsibility, and all forest lands will be reclaimed.

Marriyum Aurangzeb said that CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz had ordered a grand operation against the land mafia occupying government lands across Punjab. She directed that all government lands be recovered without yielding to any pressure or political influence.

Marriyum Aurangzeb also appealed to the public for cooperation, emphasizing that the success of the operation relies on public support, and lawbreakers will face justice.

Lahore: The Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PCMEA) Sunday expressed concerns over the challenges faced by hand-woven carpet industry, urging the government to take immediate steps to remove export-related hurdles.

PCMEA Chairman Mian Atiq-ur-Rehman and Vice Chairman Riaz Ahmed told media here that no programme or initiative can succeed unless export barriers are addressed in an effective manner.

They pointed out that longstanding issues at the Torkham Border have impacted the carpet sector, which was once a major source of foreign exchange for Pakistan. The delays and disruptions at the border have made it difficult to import partially processed raw materials from Afghanistan, they explained. The office-bearers emphasized that quality and timely delivery of export orders are essential for maintaining the credibility of exporters in global markets.

They claimed that hand-woven carpet industry operates without relying on government energy resources and remains a vital source of employment, particularly for workers in rural areas. This sector plays a crucial role in preventing urban migration by providing millions of people with jobs at their doorstep, they stated, and vowed that Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association and the Carpet Training Institute (CTI) continue to work for sustainability of this traditional craft.

Calling hand-woven carpets a distinctive global identity for Pakistan, they expressed the deep emotional connection that artisans and stakeholders have with the industry, which has thrived for decades. However, they apprehended that without immediate intervention, this sector could face irreversible decline.

PCMEA office-bearers also highlighted a recent meeting with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, where they discussed key issues, including complications at the Torkham Border and certain State Bank circulars affecting the sector. The association appealed to the government to address these matters urgently to ensure the industry's survival and protect the livelihoods of millions of workers.

They expressed optimism about the "Uraan Pakistan" programme, stating that it has the potential to alleviate the challenges faced by export-oriented sectors. However, they demanded proper monitoring of the programme's implementation and regular consultations with stakeholders across all export industries.

Export promotion is vital for the country's economic growth, and sustainable progress can only be achieved if the concerns of the export sector are resolved on a priority basis, they concluded.

Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to send Saim Ayub to London immediately for the treatment of his right ankle fracture incurred during the second Test match against South Africa in Newlands, Cape Town.

Saim Ayub was scheduled to stay with the team in Cape Town and travel to Pakistan as he was advised six-week rest by the doctors. Saim will travel to London from Cape Town on the first available flight.

Upon intervention of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, it has been decided to send Saim Ayub to London immediately as appointment has been fixed with the renowned orthopaedic experts in London. Assistant coach Azher Mehmood will accompany Saim Ayub to London. The decision has been taken after consultation with doctors.

The PCB chairman talked to the opening batter Saim and inquired about his well-being and expressed good wishes for swift recovery.

Mohsin Naqvi said: 'Saim Ayub will be checked up by sports ortho specialist doctors in England as an immediate appointment has been made by the PCB. The medical team is looking into the entire case and Dr. Mumraiz has shared Saim's medical reports with specialists in England."

The PCB chairman said that Saim Ayub is a stylish batsman and an asset to Pakistan cricket.

'Saim's treatment will be ensures at the best hospital of the world and all resources will be used for his treatment. We hope that the left-handed batter will make a full recovery before the ICC Champions Trophy."

Saim Ayub is sure to miss the two Test matches against the visiting West Indies but the PCB wants to see the batter fit for the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled to be hosted by the defending champions Pakistan from February 19 to March 9.