Category: Lahore

Lahore: The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PMI Lahore Chapter to create greater professional development opportunities for IT professionals through the Global IT Certifications Program (GITCP).

The MoU was signed by PITB Director General (DG) e-Governance, Sajid Latif, and PMI Lahore Chapter President, Dr. Khalid Ahmad Khan. PITB Director Skills Development Ahmad Islam Syan, Joint Director (JD) HR Farhan Akbar, PMI Lahore Chapter Director Membership Farzok Malik, along with representatives from GITCP and PMI Lahore Chapter, also attended the signing ceremony.

Under this strategic partnership, candidates applying for the globally recognized Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification through GITCP will be eligible for an exclusive 30 percent discount on PMP training offered by PMI Lahore Chapter. The initiative aims to make high-quality project management training more affordable and accessible, enabling aspiring professionals to prepare for one of the world’s most prestigious project management certifications.

The collaboration marks another significant milestone in PITB’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Punjab’s digital workforce by providing access to internationally recognized certifications that enhance professional skills, improve employability, and align local talent with evolving global industry standards.

In his message on the occasion, PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf stated, ‘At PITB, we are committed to equipping our youth and IT professionals with globally recognized skills that enhance their competitiveness in the international digital economy. Our partnership with PMI Lahore Chapter reflects this commitment by making world-class project management training and certification more accessible and affordable.’

PITB’s Global IT Certifications Program is designed to bridge the skills gap by providing aspiring professionals with access to internationally accredited certifications across high-demand technology domains. By collaborating with leading global organizations and industry partners, PITB continues to empower individuals with the knowledge and credentials required to excel in an increasingly competitive global job market.

IT professionals interested in availing the opportunity can register through the Global IT Certifications Program portal at certifications.pitb.gov.pk.

Lahore: The district administration has intensified its grand crackdown against profiteering across the provincial capital on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Ejaz, with the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) force and price control magistrates jointly conducting inspections to ensure the sale of essential commodities at official rates.

According to official figures, teams carried out 66,510 inspections in wholesale markets, retail outlets and bazaars during the current month. As a result, fines amounting to Rs1.9 million were imposed on violators, 38 shops were sealed and 49 persons were arrested over profiteering and other price control violations.

The DC directed officials to ensure the availability and display of government-issued price lists at all markets and ordered indiscriminate legal action against those involved in profiteering and hoarding. He also instructed price control magistrates to conduct daily inspections in their respective areas to ensure strict implementation of official price regulations.

DC Muhammad Ali Ejaz said there would be no leniency for profiteers and those responsible for creating artificial inflation. He said joint operations by PERA and price control magistrates were helping stabilise the prices of essential commodities, adding that the district administration had adopted a zero-tolerance policy against unlawful profiteering.

He further said maintaining a balanced supply chain and stable prices remained the administration’s top priority, while the establishment of PERA had significantly strengthened market monitoring and enforcement.

Lahore: Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Ejaz on Tuesday visited the one-window facilitation cell established at LDA City Block C for the payment of compensation to affected landowners of Mouza Tor Waraich, directing officials to expedite document verification and ensure

transparent, merit-based disbursement of compensation.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Hafiz Karim Dad Chughtai and Chief Officer Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL) Kaleem Yousaf accompanied the deputy commissioner during the visit. The DC met the affected landowners and reviewed the operational arrangements of the special facilitation centre. DC Muhammad Ali Ejaz directed officials to further accelerate the verification process so that affected landowners could receive their compensation without unnecessary delay.

Lahore: The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA), in collaboration with the Special Protection Unit (SPU), has launched an advanced QR panic button system to enhance the safety and security of foreign nationals residing and working across Punjab.

According to PSCA spokesperson on Tuesday, QR Panic Buttons would be installed at the residences and workplaces of foreign nationals across the province. By scanning the QR code, users would gain instant access to Emergency Helpline 15, live chat, video calling and location-sharing services.

In case of an emergency, the user’s live location and other relevant information would be transmitted instantly to the PSCA’s Command and Control Centre, enabling law enforcement agencies to ensure a prompt and coordinated response.

The spokesperson said the QR Panic Button System had been fully integrated with the Punjab Safe Cities Authority’s Command and Control System, allowing the police and the Special Protection Unit to assess situations instantly and respond without delay.

The system would establish a direct communication link between foreign nationals, the PSCA and the SPU, significantly improving emergency response and operational coordination, the spokesperson added.

The spokesperson said the PSCA was continuing to strengthen public safety through advanced digital security solutions, smart policing and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based technologies.

The newly launched QR system, he said, was another important component of the authority’s integrated digital security framework aimed at providing a safer environment for foreign nationals while enhancing the operational efficiency of law enforcement agencies.

Lahore: The district administration on Tuesday continued its grand operation against dangerous and illegal buildings across the city on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Ejaz, demolishing eight hazardous structures and sealing four others to ensure public safety.

The operation was carried out in Data Ganj Bakhsh and Shalimar zones, including GT Road, Baghbanpura and Islampura. Authorities also demolished illegal constructions on Ghori Shah Road, Kachho Pura, Sanda Road and Abdali Road over violations of approved building plans.

The administration removed dangerous walls and dilapidated structures posing risks to the public, while illegal constructions located near high-voltage electricity transmission lines were dismantled to prevent potential loss of life.

Officials said a hazardous portion of a building on Ayub Road was safely demolished without heavy machinery due to the presence of electricity wires.

The DC directed authorities to further expedite the identification of unsafe buildings across the city and ensure indiscriminate legal action against owners violating approved building plans. He also instructed officials to prioritise public safety and maintain smooth traffic flow during demolition operations, particularly in areas close to power lines.

DC Muhammad Ali Ejaz said public safety remained the administration’s top priority and all dangerous buildings would be removed without exception. He added that violations of building regulations would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Lahore: Industrialists and business representatives from Daroghawala, Saggian, Mahmood Booti, Barki Road and other industrial areas sought regularization, investor-friendly reforms during a protest here at Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Tuesday.

The participants also expressed concerns over relocation of industrial units, and the actions of Lahore Development Authority (LDA), Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) and the district administration. They demanded an immediate halt to the relocation of industries, regularization of long-established industrial units and the provision of a safe and business-friendly environment for investors.

Referring to a recent incident at Masood Tech Industries, they called for a transparent and impartial inquiry into the conduct of the officials involved.

LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol addressed the gathering, while Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh, Executive Committee Member Rana Shouban Akhtar, office-bearers and members of industrial associations also attended the gathering.

Among those present were Rameez Dewan and Masood Akhtar from Daroghawala Industrial Association; Haji Liaqat, Malik Amin, Haji Dilawar, Malik Asif and Faraz from Saggian; Naeem Shehzad from Wahga Union; along with representatives of various industrial unions and business organizations.

They said that industrialists play a vital role in the country’s economy, exports and employment generation, but they are facing administrative hurdles and uncertainty. They demanded the regularization of industries operating in these areas, the provision of basic infrastructure and facilities, and an end to what they described as unnecessary actions against industrial units.

The protesting industrialists emphasized that industries in Daroghawala, Saggian, Mahmood Booti and surrounding areas have been contributing to Pakistan’s economy, exports, tax revenues and employment for decades.

They said, thousands of industrial units are operating in these areas and providing livelihoods to a large number of families, but recent actions and policies by different government departments have created uncertainty and concern within the business community.

Industrialists said that instead of relocating or shutting down industries, the government should focus on their facilitation.

Addressing the gathering, LCCI President Fahim ur Rehman Saigol expressed full solidarity with the industrial community. He said that when the current LCCI leadership took office, it pledged to work for the protection, growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as they form the backbone of Pakistan’s economy.

He said the SME sector provides jobs to millions of people, promotes investment, increases industrial output and contributes significantly to national development.

Saigol stated that governments must facilitate investors, encourage industries and create ease of doing business to spur economic growth, industrial expansion and higher exports.

Pakistan has a rapidly growing population and every year the country adds a population comparable to that of a European nation. In such circumstances, creating employment opportunities is one of the country’s biggest challenges.

The LCCI President said that the industrial sector provides employment, skills and economic opportunities to the country’s youth. Any slowdown in industrial growth would have serious consequences for the national economy.

He said industrialists respect the law and are willing to comply with all legitimate legal requirements. However, any action against businesses must be carried out transparently and in accordance with legal procedures and mutual respect. He stressed that trust between government institutions and the business community is essential for investment, industrial growth and economic stability.

Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol urged the Punjab Government and relevant authorities to take the concerns of industrialists seriously, review plans related to the relocation of industries, prioritize the regularization of industrial areas and establish an effective mechanism to resolve the issues faced by the business community.

Other industrial leaders who addressed the gathering stated that industries in areas such as Daroghawala, Saggian and Mahmood Booti have been serving the economy for decades and should be provided with facilities similar to those available in modern industrial zones rather than being relocated or shut down.

They called on the authorities to consult all stakeholders before taking any action and to avoid decisions which could create uncertainty among investors.