Category: Lahore

Lahore: Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique announced on Wednesday that the ongoing revamping projects in government teaching hospitals are progressing rapidly and will significantly enhance patient care and treatment facilities once completed.

Chairing a meeting alongside Provincial Minister for Communication and Works (C and W) Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bharath at the C and W Department, the ministers reviewed progress on the extensive revamping efforts across the province.

During the meeting, detailed progress reports on the revamping of various government teaching hospitals were discussed. These included Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Teaching Hospital Gujrat, Allama Iqbal Memorial Hospital Sialkot, Punjab Dental Hospital Lahore, Services Hospital Lahore, Nawaz Sharif Yaki Gate Hospital Lahore, Mian Munshi Teaching Hospital Lahore, Lady Aitchison Hospital Lahore, Sardar Begum Teaching Hospital Sialkot, Ghulam Muhammad Hospital Faisalabad, Allama Iqbal Teaching Hospital DG Khan, Bahawal Victoria Hospital Bahawalpur, Sahiwal Teaching Hospital, Nishtar Hospital Multan, Children's Hospital Multan, Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi, Benazir Bhutto Hospital Rawalpindi, DHQ Hospitals in Gujranwala, Rahim Yar Khan, and Sargodha, Allied Hospital Faisalabad, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore, Mayo Hospital Lahore, Kot Khawaja Saeed Hospital Lahore, Jinnah Hospital Lahore, General Hospital Lahore, Children's Hospital Lahore, and the Punjab Institute of Cardiology.

Speaking at the meeting, Khawaja Salman Rafique emphasized the importance of timely completion of revamping projects and assured that 100 percent transparency is being maintained throughout the process. He stressed that negligence would not be tolerated in the revamping projects and reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring world-class healthcare facilities in Punjab's teaching hospitals.

Provincial Minister for Communication and Works Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bharath added that 90 percent of the work has been completed in most hospitals, and directives have been issued to complete the remaining tasks promptly. The Secretary of the C and W Department has been tasked with ensuring adherence to the timeline.

The meeting was attended by Punjab Health Secretary Azmat Mahmood, Secretary C and W Lt. (R) Sohail Ashraf, Special Secretary Development of Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Syed Wajid Ali Shah, Additional Secretary Dr. Waheed Asghar, Chief Planning Officer Abdul Haq Bhatti, and other C and W officers. Hospital principals, medical superintendents, and engineers from the concerned teaching hospitals also participated via video link.

Lahore: On the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a province-wide crackdown on pollution-causing brick kilns and industrial units was launched, resulting in significant actions to improve air quality.

From March 1 to December 31, 2024, hundreds of brick kilns were shut down, while strict legal measures were enforced against violators, says a press release issued here on Wednesday.

The authorities inspected over 11,000 brick kilns across Punjab and issued 11,153 notices to kiln owners, demolished 1,191 non-compliant kilns, and sealed 1,335 others. Additionally, 1,832 FIRs were registered against violators, and 95% of the kilns were converted to zigzag technology to reduce emissions. Efforts to convert the remaining 5% are ongoing.

In specific actions, one non-zigzag kiln was demolished in Sahiwal, while 25 such kilns were razed across Chiniot, Faisalabad, Rahim Yar Khan, and Bahawalpur districts.

The anti-pollution drive also extended to industrial units. In Lahore, seven industrial units were sealed, while 22 others, including textile mills, steel mills, rice mills, and plastic fiber units, were shut down across the province. In total, 29 industrial units were sealed for failing to comply with environmental regulations.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasized the government's zero-tolerance policy towards pollution. 'Those responsible for spreading pollution will not be pardoned under any circumstances. Special teams have been deployed to monitor kilns and industries,' she stated.

The minister highlighted the government's commitment to public welfare, stating that adopting modern technologies to curb pollution would enhance public health and agricultural productivity. She added that stricter penalties would be imposed on violators of environmental laws in the future.

The crackdown reflects the government's determination to tackle environmental pollution and promote sustainable development across Punjab.

Lahore: The police launched comprehensive operations against law violators on New Year's Night, taking decisive action to ensure public safety.

According to the a Police Spokesman, 58 individuals were arrested for aerial firing and 50 related cases were registered.

The spokesman revealed that during a crackdown on illegal weapons, 107 suspects were detained and 107 cases were lodged.

In an operation against one-wheelie, 63 violators were apprehended, leading to 58 case registrations. Additionally 27 individuals involved in fireworks were arrested, and 24 cases were filed against them.

Capital City Police Officer Bilal Siddique Kamyana expressed the satisfaction that foolproof security arrangements were implemented by the police on New Year's Night. He highlighted that the metropolis remained peaceful due to the Police's effective strategy. Public parks, recreational areas and public places were secured to ensure the safety of the families and the citizens, he said.