Category: Lahore

Lahore: Comprehensive Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures and Biomedical Waste Management protocols, in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), are being effectively implemented at Shaikh Zayed Hospital to ensure a safe and healthy environment for patients, attendants and healthcare professionals.

These views were expressed by Executive Director of Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, Dr. Muhammad Hatif Iqbal, while talking to this scribe on Friday. He said patient safety, infection control and the provision of quality healthcare services remained the institution’s top priorities.

Dr. Muhammad Hatif Iqbal further said that Shaikh Zayed Hospital was continuously striving to enhance healthcare facilities and improve the standard of treatment. Through modern technology, a well-trained workforce and an efficient healthcare system, the hospital was providing quality and timely medical services to patients across various departments.

He added that these achievements were the result of the dedication, professional expertise and teamwork of the hospital’s doctors, nursing staff and other healthcare professionals. He reaffirmed his commitment that all available resources would continue to be utilized to ensure quality treatment, patient safety, effective infection control and the provision of advanced healthcare services so that the public could receive world-class medical care.

Lahore: The Punjab government has taken a major step towards establishing “Maryam Nawaz Sports City” in Lahore and has approved the feasibility study of the project. The aim of the project is to provide world-class sports facilities in the province and establish a modern sports complex of international standards.

Under the project, a modern, integrated and world-class sports city will be built on an area of 300 acres in Lahore. The feasibility study will examine the cost, financial sustainability, environmental impact, technical issues and other essential aspects of the project in detail so that an effective and solid decision can be taken on its implementation.

During this time, a detailed survey of the proposed site will also be conducted, which will include a review of all technical issues including land availability, accessibility, geographical situation, potential impacts on traffic, geotechnical investigations, utility systems, environmental and social impacts.

According to the proposed master plan, several world-class sports facilities will be established in the Sports City, including a multi-purpose outdoor stadium, multi-sports indoor complex, Olympic-standard swimming arena, velodrome, squash arena, lawn tennis, paddle tennis and futsal courts.

In addition, an archery complex, multi-purpose sports ground, sports institute, athletes’ hostel, administrative offices, commercial areas, restaurants, extensive parking, modern road network, landscaping, utilities and other public facilities will also be part of the project.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Friday expressed gratitude over the successful security operation against terrorists in Bannu and congratulated the security forces on the achievement.

The chief minister commended the professionalism and operational capabilities of the security forces, saying they deserve appreciation for eliminating 24 terrorists during the operation.

She paid tribute to the personnel for their courage, dedication and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country and maintaining peace.

Lahore: Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) Thursday urged the government to take immediate policy measures to safeguard the country’s value-added garment exports.

PRGMEA (North Zone) Chairman Imran Salahuddin told media that delays in key decisions are increasing production costs, weakening competitiveness and discouraging fresh investment at a time when Pakistan has an opportunity to expand its share in the global markets.

He added the garment sector has demonstrated resilience despite multiple domestic and international challenges and remains one of the country’s largest providers of employment and foreign exchange. He said the industry is fully capable of substantially increasing exports if long-standing policy issues are addressed on a priority basis.

Salahuddin said, the first and foremost requirement is the immediate release of pending sales tax refunds, DLTL and other admissible claims. Billions of rupees remain stuck with different departments, affecting exporters’ cash flow and forcing many companies to rely on expensive bank financing for working capital.

One of the major concerns, he said, is the rising cost of doing business, high electricity tariffs, gas prices, financing costs, transportation expenses and other production charges, which are eroding Pakistan’s competitiveness against regional exporters. He stressed that a predictable and competitive energy pricing mechanism is essential for export-oriented industries.

The PRGMEA (North Zone) Chairman added that there is an urgent need for a stable and long-term export policy. Frequent changes in taxation, regulatory procedures and trade policies create uncertainty for manufacturers and international buyers, making long-term business planning difficult. A consistent policy framework encourages fresh investment, capacity expansion and greater confidence among foreign buyers.

Former PRGMEA Chairman Ijaz Khokhar said the global apparel market is witnessing significant supply chain diversification, creating new opportunities for Pakistan. However, these opportunities can only be fully grabbed if exporters are provided with a stable business environment and internationally competitive production conditions.

He said, neighbouring countries are actively supporting their export industries through competitive utility tariffs, easier financing, tax facilitation and investment incentives, while Pakistani exporters continue to struggle with higher operating costs and liquidity constraints.

Ijaz Khokhar said, the apparel industry has the potential to generate billions of dollars in additional export earnings and create thousands of new employment opportunities if policy support matches the sector’s contribution to the national economy. He urged the government to engage regularly with exporters while formulating trade and industrial policies so that practical solutions can be developed through consultation.

The PRGMEA expressed confidence that timely government action on these issues will strengthen Pakistan’s value-added textile sector, improve industrial productivity, attract new investment and help achieve sustainable export-led economic growth.

Lahore: The registration process for the Punjab Rising Stars Portal is underway, providing young athletes across Punjab with a digital platform to showcase their talent and access new opportunities for growth and development. The portal has been developed by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) in collaboration with the Sports Board Punjab to promote sports and identify emerging talent across the province.

Through the Punjab Rising Stars Portal, aspiring athletes from across Punjab can register their online profiles in karate, cricket, hockey, football, badminton, and various other sports. The portal will enable talented athletes to benefit from talent identification, professional training, mentorship, and skill development opportunities, helping them progress toward national and international sporting excellence.

Speaking about the initiative, PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf said, ‘The Punjab Rising Stars Portal provides young athletes with an excellent opportunity to showcase their abilities through modern technology. Our goal is to establish a transparent and integrated platform that helps identify sporting talent and connects athletes with opportunities for training, development, and recognition at both national and international levels.’

Young athletes from across Punjab are encouraged to register through the Punjab Rising Stars Portal by visiting: https: //risingstars.punjab.gov.pk/.

Lahore: Special Assistant to Chief Minister Punjab (SACM) for Food Safety and Consumer Protection Salma Butt said on Thursday that Punjab Government is introducing modern reforms in the food safety system to ensure food quality and consumer protection.

In a meeting with business community here at Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), she said that work is underway on various initiatives, including digitalization, modern monitoring systems, and body cameras, to increase transparency in the operations of the Punjab Food Authority and ensure uniform enforcement of the law. She added that action against substandard, adulterated, and harmful food products will continue without discrimination, while businesses that comply with the law will be fully encouraged.

She said the government’s commitment to working with the business community to promote an environment where consumers have access to safe food and businesses can also thrive.

LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh, Vice President Khurram Lodhi, Executive Committee members along with a large number of businessmen attended the meeting.

Saigol said that providing consumers with quality and safe food products is a fundamental responsibility of every civilized society. Lahore Chamber has always supported initiatives that ensure the public receives better and quality products. He said that honest traders and industrialists should be encouraged, while those involved in adulteration, hoarding, fraud, and the sale of substandard products should face impartial action.

He emphasized that the government and business community are partners and that, alongside enforcing regulations, it is essential to take traders into confidence, listen to their concerns, and adopt transparent and simple procedures. He expressed hope that consultation with trade organizations, the food industry, restaurants, and the retail sector would be further strengthened, while awareness campaigns, training programs, and clear SOPs would help improve the business environment. He praised the initiatives undertaken under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in public service, price control, health, transportation, and other sectors, and said that the Lahore Chamber would stand with the government in every effort aimed at providing quality food, fair prices, and a transparent business environment.

In her address, Salma Butt said that before the meeting she had assumed that the business community might express concerns regarding food safety measures; however, the positive response from the Lahore Chamber encouraged her. She said that food safety measures are not intended to harm businesses but to ensure the protection of citizens’ health and lives. She proposed that the Lahore Chamber and the Punjab Food Authority jointly organize seminars and awareness sessions so that the business community can gain complete understanding of the relevant laws and SOPs.

She said that the Punjab Food Authority has adopted a zero-tolerance policy on several key issues, including the use of adulterated food and ingredients, substandard spices, poor-quality and repeatedly used cooking oil, the sale of expired products, and other factors harmful to health. She added that inspections of cooking oil used at various locations have produced alarming results. Such oil poses serious risks to human health and may increase the chances of various diseases, particularly cancer.

Salma Butt said that the burden of substandard food is not limited to consumers alone but also affects the entire healthcare system. She said that one of the major reasons for the increase in diabetes, high blood pressure, and other diseases is poor-quality food, which places additional pressure on the health sector. She added that the government is working on public awareness initiatives through the use of modern technology and various reform measures so that citizens can know the quality of the food they consume.

She further said that the government is aware of certain licensing and labeling issues faced by the food industry and that the relevant system is being reviewed to address them. She said that consideration is being given to simplifying and improving procedures for food chains with multiple branches and products available in various packaging formats so that the business community does not face unnecessary difficulties. She reiterated that the government stands with all businesses that comply with the law, provide quality food, and prioritize consumer health.

Thanking the Lahore Chamber for its cooperation and positive approach, she said that the government and the private sector would continue to work together to promote safe food and a transparent business environment across Punjab.