CM pays tribute to martyrs of Kashmir

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has paid glowing tribute to the Kashmiri martyrs and reiterated Pakistan's unwavering support for the Kashmiri people's struggle for freedom. In her message on Right to Self-Determination Day for the People of Kashmir, the CM emphasized that January 5 was a day to honor the sacrifices of Kashmiri people and salute their courageous struggle for self-determination. She recalled that on this day in 1949, the United Nations recognized the right of Kashmiri people to determine their own future. The CM acknowledged the immense suffering of the Kashmiri people, who had endured decades of Indian oppression and brutality. 'Our Kashmiri brothers and sisters have been facing unimaginable hardships, but their resolve remains unshaken,' she said.

The chief minister reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to support the Kashmir cause at all international fora. "The government of Pakistan is raising the Kashmir issue globally and will continue to do so until the Kashmiri people are granted their legitimate right to self-determination," she stated. CM Maryam Nawaz urged the international community to play a proactive role in ensuring the Kashmiri people receive their rightful freedom. "Struggle of the Kashmiri people is our own struggle,' she asserted. The CM expressed confidence that the day would soon come when the people of Kashmir would be liberated and the sun of freedom would shine brightly over the region.

CM pays tribute to martyrs of Kashmir

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has paid glowing tribute to the Kashmiri martyrs and reiterated Pakistan's unwavering support for the Kashmiri people's struggle for freedom. In her message on Right to Self-Determination Day for the People of Kashmir, the CM emphasized that January 5 was a day to honor the sacrifices of Kashmiri people and salute their courageous struggle for self-determination. She recalled that on this day in 1949, the United Nations recognized the right of Kashmiri people to determine their own future. The CM acknowledged the immense suffering of the Kashmiri people, who had endured decades of Indian oppression and brutality. 'Our Kashmiri brothers and sisters have been facing unimaginable hardships, but their resolve remains unshaken,' she said.

The chief minister reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to support the Kashmir cause at all international fora. "The government of Pakistan is raising the Kashmir issue globally and will continue to do so until the Kashmiri people are granted their legitimate right to self-determination," she stated. CM Maryam Nawaz urged the international community to play a proactive role in ensuring the Kashmiri people receive their rightful freedom. "Struggle of the Kashmiri people is our own struggle,' she asserted. The CM expressed confidence that the day would soon come when the people of Kashmir would be liberated and the sun of freedom would shine brightly over the region.

Rain improves Lahore air quality

Lahore: The first rain of the new year, though scattered and light, provided much-needed relief to Lahore's deteriorating air quality on Sunday. The MET Office forecasts similar weather for the next 24 hours.

The rain began in the early hours of Sunday and continued intermittently across various parts of the city until the evening. According to MET officials, a frontal weather system is impacting northern regions of the country and is expected to persist until Monday. They predict cloudy skies with rain and snowfall in Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, Gilgit-Baltistan, and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Moderate to dense fog is likely in most plains of Punjab and upper Sindh during the early morning and night hours.

Rain was also reported in other cities, while snowfall was recorded in Chitral, Kalam, Drosh, and Malam Jabba. The lowest temperature on Sunday was recorded in Ziarat at -11°C, while Lahore experienced a minimum of 7.3°C and a maximum of 17.5°C.

Following the rain, Lahore's average AQI improved but remained at an unhealthy 169, with PM2.5 levels recorded at 16.4 times higher than WHO guidelines. The most polluted localities included: US Consulate (573 AQI), Ada Plot, Raiwind Road (394 AQI), University of Management and Technology (344 AQI), Johar Town (285 AQI), Askari 10 (272 AQI), Phase 8 DHA (248 AQI), Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam (195 AQI)

LESCO UDCs complete six-week IT course

Lahore: A six-week IT course for UDCs (Upper Division Clerks) of Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has been completed at LESCO Regional Training Center.

According to company's spokesman here Sunday, as per instructions of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Engineer Shahid Haider, the center is conducting a series of trainings of LESCO officers and employees on various topics.

He said that during the course, the UDCs were given IT-related lectures and were awarded certificates on successful completion of the course.

He mentioned that LESCO organizes special workshops and training programs for its officers and employees with an objective to enhance their capabilities so that they can serve the institution and customers in the best possible way.

Meanwhile, LESCO's Hujra South Sub-Division conducted operations against electricity thieves and detected dozens of power pilferers stealing electricity by connecting direct wires on LESCO's transmission lines. LESCO's team has disconnected the illegal connections and registered FIRs against the accused, who will also be charged detection units bills.

Work begins on 80 schemes of Lahore Development Project

Lahore: Work has been started on 80 out of 115 schemes worth Rs.59 billion of the Lahore Development Project (LDP).

Out of the six zones, Data Zone and Nishtar Zone are at the top in starting work. Furthermore, work has been started on 967 dilapidated streets of Data Ganj Bakhsh Zone at a cost of Rs3.7 billion.

LDP document reveals that the work will be completed by 23 contractor firms in Data Ganj Bakhsh Zone. Work has also been started on 2397 streets of Nishtar Zone at a huge cost of Rs.12 billion.

Likewise, work has started for 40 schemes of Nishtar Zone, while these development works have been started through digitalized e-tendering.

According to the document, upgradation of tuff tiles, PCC, drainage, sewage system, water supply and street light schemes have also been started on 29 schemes of Ravi Zone.

Similarly, work has started on 13 schemes in Shalamar Zone at a cost of Rs.2.21 billion, while Rs.746.4 million have been allocated for five schemes in Gulberg zone, and Rs.845.5 million for four schemes in Samanabad Zone.

‘Balochistan Summit to boost investment, industrial growth’

Lahore: Convener of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Standing Committee on Food, Shahid Imran, said that the forthcoming 2-day "Balochistan Summit" will yield positive impact and attracting foreign and local investors in diversified industries and sectors.

Speaking to a delegation of traders led by Chaudhary Zahid Iqbal Arain from Vehari, here on Sunday, Shahid Imran emphasized that with the judicious policies and collaborative initiatives, Balochistan has the potential to become a hub for international trade and economic growth, benefiting the entire country.

Shahid Imran highlighted Balochistan's abundant natural resources and strategic location, which offer immense opportunities for business, investment, and industrialization on a global scale. He stressed that the province requires special attention to unlock its economic potential and foster sustainable growth. He noted that the collaborative efforts of Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of FPCCI, and the Balochistan Board of Investment and Trade (BBoIT) will be crucial in driving this transformation.

The focus, he said, will be on promoting joint ventures and international partnerships to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and encourage technology transfer. He emphasized that the two-day summit, scheduled for January 27, will provide an important platform for investor networking and position Balochistan as a lucrative destination for global enterprises.

He further pointed out that Balochistan offers significant opportunities in sectors such as mining, energy, fisheries, agriculture, and tourism. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has further bolstered the province's strategic importance as a trade and connectivity gateway. He called for a business-friendly environment, addressing infrastructure gaps, enhancing security, and streamlining regulatory frameworks to fully capitalize on these opportunities.

He underscored that industrialization efforts should focus on value-added industries, which will create jobs, benefit local communities, and ensure inclusive development.