Category: Lahore

Lahore: At least 12 people were killed and 1,601 others injured in 1,361 road traffic crashes across Punjab during the last 24 hours, according to the Emergency Services Department (Rescue 1122).

A Rescue spokesperson on Monday said 740 seriously injured victims were shifted to hospitals, while 861 people with minor injuries were provided first aid at the scene by Rescue Medical Teams, reducing the burden on healthcare facilities.

According to the data, the victims included 904 drivers, 62 underage drivers, 159 pedestrians and 550 passengers.

Lahore reported the highest number of accidents with 253 crashes involving 318 victims, followed by Multan with 87 accidents affecting 99 people and Gujranwala with 76 crashes injuring 88 people.

The accidents involved 1,454 motorcycles, 95 auto-rickshaws, 127 cars, 29 vans, 12 passenger buses, 49 trucks and 71 other vehicles, including slow-moving carts, the spokesperson added.

Lahore: It has been decided to increase the sports fund of education boards in Punjab to promote sports n schools, while the regular provision of sports kits to schools will also be started from the next financial year.

According to board officials, the sports fund will be increased from Rs 10 million to Rs 15 million so that sports activities can be further promoted in schools. Under this project, sports kits will be provided to 1,000 schools in Lahore division next year, including 500 boys and 500 girls schools affiliated to the Lahore Board.

The board authorities have issued instructions to all 9 education boards of Punjab to ensure the distribution of sports kits in their affiliated schools and take effective steps to make sports activities more active.

Lahore: Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) here Monday hailed the China-backed Sahiwal Coal-Fired Power Plant as one of the most successful flagship projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), stating that it has made a significant contribution to Pakistan’s energy security, industrial development, and overall economic progress.

The joint chamber emphasized that success of Sahiwal project demonstrates the importance of initiating more large-scale, technology-driven energy projects to meet Pakistan’s growing electricity demand and sustain long-term economic growth.

PCJCCI President Nazir Hussain stated that Sahiwal Coal-Fired Power Plant stands as a remarkable symbol of the enduring Pakistan-China strategic partnership and reflects the transformative impact of Chinese investment under the CPEC.

He noted that the 1,320-megawatt power plant, developed by Huaneng Shandong Ruyi, has been delivering reliable electricity to the national grid since commencing commercial operations in 2017. Its uninterrupted power supply has helped reduce the country’s energy shortfall, improve industrial productivity, strengthen investor confidence, and support uninterrupted operations across key sectors of the economy.

He remarked that Pakistan’s future economic ambitions require continuous investment in modern energy infrastructure. “As industrialization accelerates and electricity demand continues to rise, more projects of this scale should be initiated under Pakistan-China cooperation. Reliable and affordable energy remains the backbone of manufacturing, exports, digital transformation, and sustainable economic development,” he added.

PCJCCI Vice President Amir Ali emphasized that economic benefits of Sahiwal project extend well beyond electricity generation. He said the plant has made a substantial contribution to national economy through tax revenues, local procurement, business opportunities, and the development of supporting industries while stimulating economic activity throughout the surrounding region.

He highlighted, the project generated thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities during both its construction and operational phases. Additionally, its technical training facilities have equipped Pakistani engineers and technicians with modern operational and engineering skills, enabling them to contribute effectively to the country’s expanding energy and industrial sectors. He stressed that investment in human resource development must remain an integral component of all future infrastructure projects.

The joint chamber’s Commercial Ambassador

Adeel Munawar observed that Sahiwal Coal-Fired Power Plant showcases China’s advanced engineering expertise and commitment to efficient energy production. He explained that the facility utilizes modern supercritical coal-fired technology, which significantly improves fuel efficiency while reducing coal consumption compared to conventional thermal power plants.

He further noted that the plant incorporates advanced environmental protection systems, including Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP), Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD), and Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS), which effectively control emissions and support compliance with internationally recognized environmental standards. He added that the successful integration of advanced technology demonstrates that industrial development and environmental responsibility can progress together through innovation and responsible planning.

Adeel Munawar emphasized that Pakistan should continue attracting Chinese investment in next-generation energy infrastructure, including clean coal technologies, hydropower, renewable energy, energy storage systems, and smart transmission networks. He noted that expanding cooperation in the energy sector would strengthen Pakistan’s energy resilience, reduce production costs for industries, enhance export competitiveness, and create new employment opportunities for skilled professionals.

Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General PCJCCI, stated that Pakistan’s rapidly expanding economy requires a diversified, reliable, and sustainable energy mix capable of supporting industrial expansion, agriculture, digital infrastructure, urban development, and future Special Economic Zones (SEZs). While renewable energy continues to grow in importance, he remarked that efficient baseload power projects such as the Sahiwal Coal-Fired Power Plant remain indispensable for ensuring grid stability and uninterrupted electricity supply.

He concluded that the remarkable success of the Sahiwal project should serve as a model for future Pakistan-China collaboration.

PCJCCI believes that initiating more strategic energy projects under CPEC will not only strengthen Pakistan’s energy security but also accelerate industrialization, attract greater foreign investment, create employment opportunities, and contribute substantially to the country’s long-term economic prosperity.

Lahore: Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Chairman and Vice President Zaki Aijaz emphasized on Monday that innovation, renewable energy, and advanced energy storage technologies are indispensable to strengthening Pakistan’s industrial competitiveness, ensuring long-term energy security, and accelerating the country’s transition towards a sustainable and green economy.

Addressing a seminar on “Innovation Driving the Energy Future” here, he added that availability of affordable, reliable, and environmentally sustainable energy is fundamental to enhancing industrial productivity, reducing production costs, expanding exports, and attracting domestic as well as foreign investment. He stressed that the adoption of advanced battery energy storage systems, coupled with greater utilization of renewable energy, will significantly improve the resilience and efficiency of Pakistan’s energy infrastructure.

Zaki Aijaz further underscored the need for closer collaboration among the government, the private sector, technology providers, and international development partners to create a policy environment that encourages investment, innovation, and the large-scale deployment of clean energy technologies. He noted that such initiatives would not only support economic growth but also contribute to Pakistan’s climate commitments and long-term sustainable development objectives.

The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, technology experts, and key stakeholders from Pakistan’s energy sector to deliberate on the future of renewable energy, advanced battery storage technologies, and sustainable power solutions.

Speaking on the occasion, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Chief Executive Officer Faiz Ahmed stressed the need for promoting technological innovation and facilitating investment in modern energy solutions to strengthen Pakistan’s industrial base and enhance its global competitiveness. He observed that sustainable energy technologies present significant opportunities for economic growth, export expansion, and industrial modernization.

Punjab Energy Department Secretary Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti and SM Solar (Pvt.) Limited Chief Executive Officer Adil Mehmood also addressed the gathering.

The speakers collectively reaffirmed that advanced energy storage systems, renewable energy integration, and innovation-driven policies will play a transformative role in shaping Pakistan’s energy future. They called for sustained public-private collaboration to accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies and establish a secure, resilient, and sustainable energy ecosystem.

The event concluded with an interactive session attended by prominent industrialists, investors, energy professionals, policymakers, and representatives of leading national and international companies. Participants exchanged views on emerging trends in energy storage, technological innovation, and investment opportunities aimed at supporting Pakistan’s transition towards a cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable energy future.

Lahore: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) arrested suspects in two separate operations against cyber blackmail and online harassment, including a man accused of sharing a woman’s private photos and videos with her husband and another allegedly involved in impersonation to extort money from citizens.

According to an NCCIA spokesperson on Monday, during the investigation of case No 122/2026 registered at NCCIA Lahore, the accused, Haroon Qureshi, was found involved in sending a complainant’s private photographs and videos to her husband through WhatsApp to harass her, damage her reputation and disrupt her family life.

The suspect was arrested on the basis of digital evidence, and a mobile phone was recovered from his possession.

A case was registered against him under the relevant provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, as amended in 2025.

In another operation, NCCIA Faisalabad arrested Muhammad Anwar during a raid in Sherwan Kalan, Abbottabad, in connection with case No. 91/2026.

According to investigators, the suspect allegedly posed as a woman on social media to befriend victims, obtain their private photographs and personal information, and later blackmail them for money.

The accused allegedly extorted Rs 40,000 from one victim through Easypaisa and continued demanding more money. After the victim refused to pay, the suspect allegedly circulated the victim’s private content through multiple WhatsApp numbers. A mobile phone was also recovered during the raid.

Lahore: Emergency care courses have been formally launched at the Emergency Services Academy with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), while it has also been decided to adopt WHO courses to promote world-class training at the Rescue Academy.

Director General Rescue 1122 Dr Rizwan Naseer, while addressing the inaugural ceremony, said that it has been decided to adopt the emergency care courses of the United Nations subsidiary WHO for the Rescue Academy, which will provide world-class training to emergency professionals.

He said that the Emergency Services Academy has so far trained more than 27,000 emergency professionals across the country. He said that with the accession of the World Health Organization, international standard courses will be available for emergency professionals, while with the cooperation of WHO, the training of first responders will also be made more effective.

Dr Rizwan Naseer added that the search and rescue team of Rescue 1122 is already certified by the United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), which is a manifestation of the organization’s capabilities according to international standards.

WHO Pakistan team leader Dr Naveed Asghar was a special guest at the opening ceremony, while Dr Jamshed and his team, along with other international experts, also attended the ceremony.