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Punjab govt collects record tax revenue

Lahore: The Punjab government has collected around Rs 650 billion in tax revenue through e-Pay Punjab, developed by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) in collaboration with the Punjab Finance Department. With over 73.94 million transactions processed to date, the platform continues to revolutionize the way citizens interact with government services. During a progress review meeting by PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf, it was highlighted that ePay Punjab enables citizens to conveniently pay 86 types of taxes and fees related to 18 government departments from the comfort of their homes. In his remarks, Chairman Faisal Yousaf stated, 'This initiative has significantly reduced the need for unnecessary visits to government offices and curtailed exploitation by middlemen, while contributing substantially to the provincial exchequer.' He further emphasized that PITB was working to enhance the system by introducing new services to make it even more user-friendly and to simplify citizens' lives.

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DC lauds Khyber eye foundation services for humanity

Peshawar: Deputy Commissioner Peshawar, Captain (R) Sarmad Saleem Akram, on Wednesday made an official visit to the Khyber Eye Foundation, a renowned institution committed to providing exceptional eye care services, particularly to underserved communities.

The Deputy Commissioner was warmly welcomed by the foundation's leadership, including Director of Finance, Khalid Sultan Khwaja; Executive Director Managing Committee, Muhammad Luqman Shah; Vice Chairman, Muhammad Taimoor Shah; and Administrator, Ubaid Ullah Siddiqui.

The visit began with a comprehensive tour of the hospital's state-of-the-art facilities, during which Captain (R) Sarmad Saleem Akram observed the operational theater in action. He was able to witness firsthand the life-changing free eye surgeries being conducted for patients who would otherwise be unable to afford such care.

This experience highlighted the foundation's dedication to its mission of delivering accessible and high-quality eye care to those in need.

Following the tour, the Deputy Commissioner and accompanying guests were led to the foundation's mini-boardroom for an insightful presentation detailing the hospital's achievements and performance over the years.

The briefing highlighted the foundation's impact on the community, showcasing the number of patients served, the advanced technologies utilized, and the efforts being made to enhance healthcare accessibility for underprivileged populations.

Expressing his admiration, Captain (R) Sarmad Saleem Akram commended the foundation's leadership and staff for their dedication and vision. He acknowledged the tireless efforts of the board members and medical team in transforming the lives of countless individuals through their services. He also expressed his gratitude for being invited to witness the remarkable work being done at the hospital.

'It brings me immense joy to see how the Khyber Eye Foundation is providing free eye surgeries and quality care to those who need it the most. The advanced modern equipment and the commitment of the directors and staff are truly commendable,' he remarked.

Captain (R) Sarmad Saleem Akram assured the board members of his full support and encouraged them to reach out to him whenever needed. 'If you ever require assistance or encounter challenges, please know that my services and support will always be available for the Khyber Eye Foundation,' he stated, emphasizing his commitment to strengthening such noble initiatives.

The visit concluded with a warm exchange of gratitude. Captain (R) Sarmad Saleem Akram once again lauded the foundation's efforts in serving the community and uplifting lives through their dedicated healthcare services. His visit not only underscored the importance of such institutions but also reinforced the collaborative spirit needed to address pressing healthcare challenges in the region.

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SDPI’s policy clinic with Oxford’s Dr. Amir Lebdioui underscores survival of the greenest

Islamabad: The Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) hosted a thought-provoking policy clinic titled "Survival of the Greenest" led by Dr. Amir Lebdioui from Oxford University.

The event shed light on the urgent need for green economic transitions in the face of escalating climate change challenges, particularly for vulnerable nations like Pakistan, said a press release issued here on Wednesday.

Dr. Sajid Amin Javed, Deputy Executive Director SDPI, shared reflections on the institute's journey in fostering impactful policy discussions. He underscored SDPI's commitment to advancing climate resilience and sustainable development initiatives in Pakistan.

Dr. Amir Lebdioui, the keynote speaker, drew inspiration from Charles Darwin's Survival of the Fittest, reimagining the concept to emphasize the survival of economies that embrace green transitions. 'It's not only species but economies that are in a race for survival, driven by technological advancements and climate imperatives,' he stated.

Dr. Lebdioui highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing nations like Pakistan, which contribute minimally to global emissions yet face severe penalties, including economic losses, increased borrowing costs, and disrupted supply chains. He presented the 1970s decline of Nauru, once a wealthy island nation, as a cautionary tale of unsustainable resource dependence.

'Green transitions are not just environmental necessities but acts of macroeconomic resilience,' he emphasized. The discussion outlined three primary avenues for sustainable economic transformation namely Green Windows for Industrialization: Large-scale adoption of low-carbon technologies to drive industrial growth, Energy Transitions: Leveraging energy innovation as a cornerstone of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Environmental Upgrading: Embedding green practices within supply chains to enhance productivity and sustainability.

Dr. Lebdioui critiqued global economic distortions, noting how industrialized nations dominate renewable energy investments despite developing countries' greater potential due to lower costs. 'The global north's green protectionism limits opportunities for industrial decarbonization in nations like Pakistan,' he observed. He also stressed that effective green transitions hinge on skills development rather than resource availability.

The keynote underscored the need for tailored green industrial policies aligned with local realities. Inter-ministerial coordination and private sector inclusion were identified as critical enablers of successful transitions. 'Green policies must evolve and adapt to future outcomes rather than imitate models from elsewhere,' Dr. Lebdioui advised.

In an era defined by intersecting crises, industrial policy offers a strategic tool to manage transitions, according to Dr. Lebdioui. However, he lamented the global failure to prioritize climate commitments, pointing out the disparity in funding mobilized for wars versus environmental resilience.

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Punjab launches 7th agricultural census 2024


Lahore: Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, representing Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, inaugurated the field operations for the 7th Agricultural Census 2024 during a formal ceremony held at the Chief Minister’s House, here on Wednesday.



Speaking on the occasion, the minister announced the launch of the census in collaboration with the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. He emphasized Punjab’s critical role in Pakistan’s agriculture, highlighting its 29.4 million acres of cultivated land. He noted that agriculture contributes 24% to Punjab’s GDP and provides livelihoods to millions of farmers. The census data will enable more effective utilization of agricultural resources and guide the formulation of policies to support farmers’ welfare and productivity improvements, he added.



‘This initiative is a milestone in Punjab’s journey towards agricultural modernization,’ said the minister, adding that the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, is fully committed to the success of this project and will extend all necessary support to achieve its objectives.



The ceremony also featured representatives from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics and the Department of Agriculture. The Provincial Minister officially launched the field operations by activating the data collection device. Attendees commended the Punjab government for its forward-thinking initiative to enhance the agricultural sector and pledged their full support for the project’s success.



The census, titled “Integrated Digital Count,” marks a significant step towards leveraging digital technology to gather comprehensive data on Punjab’s agricultural resources. Utilizing the Geographic Information System (GIS), real-time monitoring will ensure accuracy and transparency in the data collection process.



This census, scheduled from January 1 to February 10, 2025, will focus on collecting data on agricultural lands, crops, livestock, and machinery. The innovative digital approach aims to modernize the agricultural sector, address existing challenges, and enhance policy-making for sustainable development.



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Public cooperation must for effective traffic management: DPO

Dera ismail khan: District Police Officer (DPO) Sajjad Ahmad Sahibzada on Wednesday said that the public cooperation was must for an effective traffic management system.

He stated this during a meeting with Traders, Transporters, and Qingqi Rickshaw Unions held here at Ejaz Shaheed Police Lines, Dera Ismail Khan which was attended by Superintendent of Police (SP) Headquarters Dera Muhammad Nawab Khan, other officials, members and office-bearers of various traders' organizations and rickshaw unions from across the district.

During the meeting, the participants shared their suggestions for controlling the increasing traffic congestion in the city.

The DPO was of the view that an effective traffic management system is not possible without public cooperation.

He instructed the relevant authorities to ensure that Qingqi rickshaws and street vendors operate within their designated routes and comply with traffic regulations.

He urged the rickshaw union representatives to enforce adherence to routes and traffic laws to ensure smooth traffic flow in the city.

The DPO also advised transporters to park their vehicles at their respective bus terminals and comply with traffic rules.

Furthermore, he called on the trader community to cooperate with traffic police by discouraging illegal stalls and improper parking in marketplaces.

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Punjab minister inaugurates revamped dispensary

Lahore: Punjab Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare, Khawaja Imran Nazir,

inaugurated a newly revamped urban dispensary on Bhogiwal Road on Wednesday. Speaking on the occasion, he announced that the new year would be marked with a renewed commitment to serving humanity. The minister lauded the completion of the dispensary's revamping within a mere three months and reiterated that, under the vision of Chief Minister, all urban dispensaries in Punjab would be revamped by the end of year. Khawaja Imran Nazir highlighted key developments in Punjab's healthcare infrastructure, including the near-completion of a state-of-the-art cancer hospital in Lahore, costing Rs 82 billion. He also mentioned the establishment of a second Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC-2) at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, and a new cardiac center in Sargodha. Additionally, new dialysis machines are being provided to healthcare facilities across the province. The minister provided an update on the recruitment of healthcare professionals, stating that 3,500 doctors were hired duri ng the previous tenure, while 1,500 have been recruited so far in the current term. He revealed that by December 31, nearly 600 health facilities had been revamped, and 150 Basic Health Units were being upgraded into Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics. He assured that no doctor, nurse, or staff member would face unemployment, as they would be relocated to nearby facilities. He emphasized that these clinics would significantly enhance the healthcare system at the grassroots level. Local MPA Shoaib Siddiqui also attended the ceremony. The formal inauguration of dispensary was performed by Falah Ghaffar, the daughter of Union Council Chairman Abdul Ghaffar Chaudhry. During the event, the Provincial Health Minister inspected various sections of the dispensary, including the pharmacy, labor room, X-ray room, and ultrasound machine. CEO Health Dr Zohaib provided a detailed briefing on the revamping process. The dispensary now offers a range of services, including OPD, antenatal care (ANC), normal deliveries, nutrition counseling, and family planning. A documentary highlighting the improvements and showcasing the upgraded facilities was presented to attendees. The event concluded with enthusiastic support from the local community, who chanted slogans in favor of Maryam Nawaz, Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz Sharif, and Khawaja Imran Nazir, while showering flower petals to express their appreciation for the upgraded healthcare facility.