Category: Lahore

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the launch of the 'Chief Minister Punjab Solarization for Agricultural Tubewells' programme.

The program would help convert 8,000 agricultural tubewells in Punjab to solar energy, promoting sustainability and easing the financial burden on farmers.

The Punjab government will provide a substantial subsidy of Rs. 9 billion for the solarization of tube wells. The subsidy amounts are Rs. 500,000 for up to 10 kW, Rs. 750,000 for up to 15 kW, Rs. 1 million for up to 20 kW. Farmers owning at least one acre of agricultural land are eligible to apply for this solarization program. The application process has been made simple and can be completed online at cmstp.punjab.gov.pk. Additionally, the application form can be downloaded from www.agripunjab.gov.pk.

The date for submitting applications has been extended to allow more farmers to benefit from this program.

CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized that every promise made to the farmers will be fulfilled. This solarization project will provide relief from inflated electricity bills, ensuring that farmers can fully participate in the progress and development of Punjab. 'Whenever the PML-N government is in power, the prosperity of farmers is guaranteed,' she said.

Lahore: Punjab Women Protection Authority, Chairperson Hina Parvez Butt, visited the Anti-Rape Crisis Cell set up at the Services Hospital, here on Thursday and reviewed the medical, legal, and psychological services provided there. On the occasion, Hina Parvez Butt stated that a Safe Punjab was the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, and they were working tirelessly to advance this vision. The establishment of Anti-Rape Crisis Cell was a significant milestone by the Punjab government for the protection of women and children. At the cell, victims were provided medical examination, legal guidance, and psychological services under one roof to ensure immediate assistance and justice, she added. Hina Parvez Butt further stated that this model needs to be extended across Punjab so that every victim could receive timely help. Stressing the need for special courts and strict punishment for perpetrators, she said that timely provision of justice was the government's top priority. "My dream is that every woman and girl in Punjab can live her life without fear. Even if a girl steps out at 2 AM, no one should dare to look at her inappropriately. This mission could not be achieved alone; every individual in society must play their role", she observed. Hina Butt appealed to the public to immediately report such incidents to the relevant authorities so that perpetrators could be brought to justice. She reaffirmed her commitment to taking all possible measures for the protection of women and assured that no negligence would be tolerated in this regard.

Lahore: The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) confiscated 8,100 litres of fake beverages and dairy products including 5,300-litre cold drinks, 2,500-litre juices and 600-litre packaged milk and more than 40-kg fake products on violation of food safety regulation, here in the city on Thursday.

According to a spokesman for the authority, the food safety teams raided a major production unit involved in the manufacturing of counterfeit food and beverages. The counterfeit goods were being produced under various popular brand names in violation of food safety regulations.

The owner of the unit was booked and a case was registered against them over his involvement in the illegal activity. DG PFA Asim Javed revealed that the operation uncovered a range of counterfeit products, including low-quality cold drinks, juices, sweetened milk, chewing gum, and other packaged goods.

Lahore: Alhamra Arts Council's Executive Director Tauqeer Haider Kazmi held a meeting with renowned columnist and analyst Suhail Warraich to discuss key literary and cultural issues.

The conversation focused on identifying innovative ways to advance the arts and culture sector, with both parties exchanging ideas and developing strategies to increase its impact.

Kazmi expressed his appreciation for Warraich's insightful suggestions and reiterated Alhamra's commitment to incorporating them into future projects. He lauded Warraich as a national treasure whose extensive knowledge spans journalism, history, language, literature, and the promotion of Pakistan's soft power on the global stage.

Kazmi also stressed that his ongoing dialogue with leading figures from various fields are part of Alhamra's broader vision to be a catalyst for social awareness and positive change. He further noted, "Alhamra's efforts will continue to steer societal thought in new directions. Our initiatives are deeply grounded in literary heritage, and we remain committed to being a vibrant voice for art and culture. The light of knowledge and thought at Alhamra will never fade."

Lahore: The Punjab Home Department, during a crackdown, identified 19 fake weapon dealers and repairers across the province and imposed ban on them.

Acting under the Punjab Arms Ordinance of 1965, the department initiated legal action against the identified individuals. Cases have been filed against them, and steps have been taken to enforce the law.

In line with the instructions of Punjab Home Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, the department released the names and addresses of the illegal weapon dealers and repairers. The listed counterfeit weapon dealers include:

National Rifles Company Johar Town Lahore, MS Moakil Arms Company Begum Kot Shahdara, English Arms Company Neela Gumbad Lahore, Outdoor Sports Arms and Ammunition Dealer, Mazang Chungi Lahore, Muhammad Akhtar Property Pak Arms Store Shahdara, Akhtar Brothers Arms and Ammunition Manawan Lahore, Ameen Brothers Arms and Ammunition Ravi Road Lahore, Ali Brothers and Company McLeod Road Lahore, MS Shahbaz Mohiuddin Arms and Ammunition Neela Gumbad, Lahore, Omega Enterprises and Company Boulevard Gulberg Lahore, Muhammad Zia Al-Mustafa Arms and Ammunition Gujrat and Ilyas and Company Bhimber Road Gujrat.

Additionally, fake arms repair workshops have been identified, including: AA Arms Repairing Workshop, Main Boulevard Gulberg Lahore, English Arms Company, Neela Gumbad, Lahore, Ameen Ali Zafar, Lower Mall, Lahore, Qasim Arms and Ammunition Dealers Repairing Workshop, GT Road, Shahdara, Lahore, Outdoor Sports Arms and Ammunition Dealer, Mazang Chungi, Lahore, Alee Brothers and Company Arms Repairing Workshop, McLeod Road, Lahore, Muhammad Sufyan Repairing Workshop, Sheikhupura Road, Sheikhupura.

In an appeal to the public, the Home Department urged citizens to report any involvement in the illegal arms trade. Information can be shared confidentially through the department's toll-free helpline at 080011111.

Lahore: Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) has introduced a virtual blood bank facility on Punjab Emergency Helpline 15 on a trial basis. According to PSCA spokesman, the Safe City Emergency Virtual Blood Bank had been established under the special direction of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Citizens could easily access the Safe City Emergency Blood Bank by calling 15 and pressing 4. Upon receiving the call, a Safe City officer would connect the caller with a registered donor from the blood bank database via a conference call. Blood donor agencies, NGOs and blood banks of colleges and universities have been linked to the Safe City Blood Bank database. Citizens, students, and members of civil society could register themselves as blood donors by calling 15 or through the safe city website. Additionally, citizens could submit blood donation or request forms at the police facilitation counters set up in all government hospitals. They could also register themselves and request blood dona tions through the emergency helpline 15. Initially, officers and personnel of the Punjab police were getting registered themselves as donors. Over 10,000 personnel have registered blood donors in the Safe City Blood Bank. All citizens were urged to actively participate in the noble cause and donate blood to save lives and stay healthy.