Category: Lahore

Lahore: Air pollution level on Saturday had been increased in the provincial capital

once again. The average air quality index (AQI) of the 'City of Gardens' reached 398, making Lahore the second most polluted city in the world. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the highest AQI was recorded in Cantt area at 796, followed by 621 around Mall Road and 528 in Johar Town. In addition, the AQI was recorded around 493 at Shimla Pahari, while 492 on Defence Road.

Meanwhile, on the other hand, the CM Punjab's flagship initiative Green Credit Programme (PGCP)

has been launched to curtail smog and air pollution in Lahore.

The PGCP is a part of the Punjab Growth Strategy and aims at achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program is being implemented first in the city of Lahore to combat pollution, and will, later on, expand across the entire province.

The programme seeks to mobilise youth, students, women and the broader community to engage in environmentally positive actions. Individuals and communities carrying out environmentally positive actions, broadly have been divided into six areas of interventions including Air, Water, Waste, Land, Biodiversity and Ecology and Awareness.

Lahore: Lahore Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza on Saturday conducted a comprehensive visit to several areas in the Ravi Zone,including Shahdara and surrounding localities to assess ongoing cleanliness measures and monitor the progress of encroachment removal operations.

According to a spokesperson,DC was accompanied by Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL) Chief Officer Shahid Abbas Kathia,CEO of Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC), Assistant Commissioner of Ravi Zone Tariq Shabbir and senior officials from LWMC and WASA.

During the visit,the DC reviewed the cleanliness initiatives along the Ravi river and in the Shahdara area.

He emphasized the need for maintaining high standards of sanitation and keeping the riverbanks free from waste. The DC also observed a successful operation to remove illegal encroachments,particularly makeshift settlements and slums,as part of the broader efforts to reclaim public spaces.

Following the encroachment removal,Syed Musa Raza issued clear instructions to ensure that no new encroachments or settlements are allowed to re-establish themselves.

He stressed the importance of rigorous monitoring and preventive measures to maintain the cleared areas.

The DC also directed that efforts to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the Ravi River be intensified, with necessary steps to improve the surrounding environment.

The DC instructed the Assistant Commissioner (AC) of Ravi Zone to ensure the consistent maintenance of cleanliness across all Union Councils (UCs) in the zone. He commended the role of LWMC in driving the success of the 'Clean Mission' and urged field workers to remain committed to their duties.

He further stressed the importance of closely monitoring field workers and taking strict action against ghost employees or those neglecting their responsibilities.

The DC said that the provincial government's guidance has been crucial in mobilizing efforts for a cleaner, more organized Lahore.

The administration was working closely to implement the Clean Mission,remove encroachments and restore public spaces for the benefit of the city's residents,DC concluded.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has stressed the need for the protection of the rights and independence of special individuals, stating that the provincial government is working tirelessly to ensure that no child, regardless of their disability, is deprived of their fundamental rights.

In a special message on World Braille Day, dedicated to the visually impaired "special heroes," the CM highlighted the significant progress made in providing accessible education and resources to the blind community in Punjab. CM Maryam Nawaz noted that state-of-the-art Braille presses are operational in Lahore and Bahawalpur, through which Braille books are being distributed free of charge to both government and private institutions across the province. She emphasized that the upgrade of these Braille presses has made it possible to provide special individuals with educational material that meets international standards.

The chief minister pointed out that the Braille system is a vital tool for imparting knowledge and awareness to visually impaired individuals. She also shared that over 3,000 special children have been enrolled in educational institutions across Punjab this year, with more than 15,000 Braille books already distributed to visually impaired students. She mentioned that Braille copies of the Quran are also being provided to blind students to facilitate their religious education.

Highlighting the government's ongoing efforts to address the educational needs of special individuals, CM Maryam Nawaz said that assistive devices and tools are being provided to students with disabilities to support their learning. The Special Education Department is undergoing significant reforms to modernize its approach and ensure that special education institutions are fully equipped with the necessary facilities and resources.

In addition to educational support, the government is also focused on alleviating the economic hardships faced by special individuals. Financial assistance is being provided through the "Himmat Card" initiative to reduce the financial burden on people with disabilities. For children with hearing impairments, assistive devices have been provided to facilitate their active participation in social and educational activities.

The CM further emphasized the government's commitment to providing additional resources to meet the educational needs of special individuals. She also shared that work on Pakistan's first Autism School is progressing rapidly and is expected to be completed soon. Creating ease and opportunities for special heroes is one of the administration's top priorities.

The CM praised Pakistan's Blind Cricket Team as national heroes, acknowledging their remarkable achievements and the pride they bring to the country. She stated that their success is a testament to the resilience and talent of special individuals, and their accomplishments have significantly raised the profile of the nation on the global stage.

Lahore: The Alhamra Arts Council set the stage for a vibrant evening of classical music, celebrating the richness of Eastern melodies.

The Alhamra's spokesperson told media on Saturday that the event featured renowned vocalist Ghulam Abbas as the guest of honour, warmly received with a bouquet by Chairman Alhamra Razi Ahmed and Executive Director Tauqeer Haider Kazmi.

The highlight of the evening was the exceptional performances by instructors and emerging artists from the Alhamra Academy of Performing Arts. Well-regarded Sitar and Tabla maestros Ustad Saleem and Shahid Ali Khan captivated the audience with their masterful renditions. World-renowned sarangi player Zohaib Hassan added an enchanting touch, leaving the audience spellbound with his unparalleled artistry.

Chairman BOG Razi Ahmed remarked, "Alhamra is deeply committed to nurturing classical music. Under the guidance of expert instructors, the Academy is preserving and propagating this invaluable art form. Instruments like sitar and Tabla hold fundamental significance in Eastern music, and their revival is a monumental task we proudly undertake."

Executive Director Alhamra Syed Tauqeer Haider Kazmi highlighted the historical importance of traditional Eastern instruments, stating, "The Alhamra Academy has taken on the responsibility of safeguarding and transmitting these timeless musical traditions to future generations. We are privileged to have a wealth of experienced instructors dedicated to this mission."

The event was masterfully hosted by Naveen Roma, whose unique style added charm to the evening. The packed auditorium resonated with continuous applause as the audience celebrated the exceptional talent and dedication of the performers.

With this spectacular beginning to the new year, Alhamra has set the tone for a series of vibrant cultural programs and festivals, promising unforgettable experiences for art enthusiasts in the days ahead.