Daily Balochistan Times

Lahore: Punjab Minister for Communication and Works (C and W) Sohaib Ahmad Bharth chaired an important meeting of the Punjab Ring Road Council at the C and W Department here on Tuesday.

The meeting was attended by Secretary C and W Sohail Ashraf, Chairman Ring Road Authority Sohail Shahzad, Member Planning and Development Abid Bodla, and officers from the Finance Department.

Chairman Ring Road Authority Sohail Shahzad provided a detailed briefing on seven agenda items. The council members recommended that the authority's budget for 2024/25 and the financial records of the last five years be reviewed by the Finance Department and a chartered accountancy firm. Additionally, the recruitment methods and rules were advised to be vetted by the Services and General Administration Department (S and GAD) and the Regulation Wing.

The council approved regulations regarding axle load, road control, and traffic control, contingent upon the Law Department's input. For the authority's financial powers, it was suggested that these be vetted by the Finance Department before presenting them in the council meeting.

The members also recommended initiating a summary for establishing the Sialkot Ring Road project office and recruiting staff. Approval was granted for the post-upgradation of junior report officers, their performance allowances, and toll collection on the dual road connecting the GT Road to the Lahore-Sialkot Motorway via Whando.

Lahore: A suspect who abducted a newborn baby from a hospital in Gujranwala has been arrested, and the infant was safely recovered within hours on Tuesday.

According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Safe City Authority (PSCA), the child's father reported the abduction after an unidentified individual took the baby from the hospital. Using footage from Safe City cameras, the police launched an investigation. By reviewing the footage, the suspect was quickly identified.

The PSCA spokesperson stated that the cameras captured the suspect carrying the newborn while riding a motorcycle. The Safe City Gujranwala team shared the video evidence with local authorities, prompting a swift police response.

Within hours of receiving the information, the police located and arrested the suspect, successfully recovering the baby and returning the child safely to the father.

Lahore: International students of the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore embarked on an unforgettable tour of Lahore's iconic recreational and cultural landmarks here on Tuesday.

The purpose of this initiative was to bring foreign students closer to the rich history and vibrant culture of Pakistan.

The students visited historical sites in the heart of Lahore, including the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, and other significant monuments.

Additionally, the international students explored the bustling streets of Anarkali Bazaar and the famous Food Street, savoring traditional Pakistani dishes such as biryani, nihari, and lassi.

The students were captivated by live performances of folk music and traditional dances, which showcased the diversity and vibrancy of Pakistani culture. At the end, the students expressed their admiration for Lahore's cultural richness and historical significance. They extended their gratitude to UET Vice Chancellor Dr. Shahid Munir for his leadership and efforts in making this experience possible.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shahid Munir remarked, 'Such tours provide international students with an in-depth understanding of Lahore's culture and history while fostering stronger bonds between nations. These activities not only highlight Pakistan's positive image but also promote harmony and collaboration among diverse communities.'

Lahore: Head of the British High Commission's Lahore Office Ben Warrington inaugurated the Roshni Mobile Health Unit launched by the Marie Stopes Society (MSS) here on Tuesday. The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) supported the initiative. The fully equipped unit offers long-term and short-term family planning methods, counselling, sugar and pregnancy tests, and outpatient medical services. The unit will travel across Lahore and Kasur districts, prioritizing underserved communities, especially women and girls. The MSS has already deployed 16 mobile health units in rural areas of Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to bridge the gap in healthcare access in regions lacking trained medical staff. Ben Warrington said , the UK remained commitment to empowering women and girls. He said the British High Commission in Pakistan worked to foster and strengthen relations between the UK and Pakistan. Asma Balal, Country Director of the Marie Stopes Society in Pakistan, stated, 'Our new mo bile health unit is not just a vehicle; it's a beacon of our dedication to improving lives and fulfilling our mission.' She explained that the MSS, a local non-profit organization operating since 1991, provides high-quality reproductive health and family planning services. Serving 700,000 clients annually, the MSS has reached nearly 8 million couples since 2010, saving the lives of over 7,000 mothers across Pakistan.