Category: Lahore

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.

Lahore: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday strongly condemned the brutal killing of five innocent labourers by terrorists of Fitna al-Hindustan in the Mashkel area of Washuk district, Balochistan.

Expressing heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families, the prime minister said targeting innocent and unarmed labourers was an extremely barbaric and cowardly act that deserved the strongest possible condemnation.

“The elements involved in such heinous crimes against humanity deserve no leniency,” he said.

Shehbaz Sharif said the terrorists of Fitna al-Hindustan were targeting innocent civilians to pursue their nefarious objectives, but such cowardly attacks could never shake the nation’s resolve to eliminate terrorism.

The government and the security forces remain fully committed to eradicating terrorism from the country and ensuring the protection of every citizen’s life and property,” he added.

Lahore: After an alleged torture of an 11-year-old domestic worker on charges of theft in the Ichhra area, the police took immediate action and arrested the main accused.

A video of the incident went viral, in which a man could be seen torturing a minor girl with a plastic pipe.

According to the police, 11-year-old Urooj Fatima worked at a house in the Shah Jamal area, where she was allegedly tortured on charges of theft. On receiving information about the incident, the Ichhra police took action and arrested the accused Qurban from Shah Jamal.

Police said a case had been registered against the accused and handed over to the Investigation Wing for further investigation.

Taking notice of the incident, DIG Operations said that exploitation and violence against children is intolerable and those involved in such crimes did not deserve any concession.