Cold, partly cloudy weather forecast for Lahore

Lahore: Cold and partly cloudy conditions prevailed in the city on Wednesday, with the Meteorological Department forecasting similar weather for the next 24 hours.

The MET officials reported that a weather system was expected to enter western regions of the country later tonight, potentially affecting upper areas until January 6. Rain and snow are predicted for northern and western Balochistan, Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and adjacent hilly areas. Moderate to heavy rain or snow may occur in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the evening or night.

In addition, moderate to dense fog is likely to persist in most plains of Punjab and Upper Sindh. Other parts of the country are expected to experience cold and partly cloudy weather.

The lowest temperature on Wednesday was recorded in Skardu and Gupis at -9°C, while Lahore's minimum temperature was 6.6°C, with a maximum of 14°C.

Meeting finalizes action plan for Huqooq-e-Pakistan Project-II

Peshawar: A meeting held here with Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Khan Gandapur in the chair on Wednesday discussed and finalized an action plan for the effective implementation of the Huqooq-e-Pakistan Project-II, and achieving its desired objectives.

Besides, Federal Secretary for Human Rights Allah Dino Khawaja and Advocate General Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shah Faisal Utman Khel, the representatives of the relevant federal and provincial departments and the UNDP, attended the meeting.

The meeting decided to have a coordinated mechanism between the relevant federal and provincial departments for the implementation of the project.

A briefing was provided about the project's key features, objectives, proposed activities, areas of coordination challenges, and other related matters.

It was informed that this 3.5- year long project is being launched with the cooperation of the European Union and the UNDP, aimed at strengthening relevant institutions and improving the human rights situation in the province.

It was apprised that under the project, human rights institutions will be established to enhance the delivery of services in the province, and all data related to human rights will be digitized and added that the digitization/Integration of data will also help streamline the people-centered complaint management system.

Furthermore, the project will introduce human rights-related programs in the higher education sector of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the provincial government will identify two universities for this purpose.

Additionally, various measures have been proposed under the program for implementing the Human Rights National Action Plan in the province.

The Chief Minister assured the provincial government's full cooperation for the proper implementation of the project and directed all relevant departments to ensure their support in this regard. He stated that the government aims to centralize the database of marginalized and underprivileged segments of society, and has already instructed the concerned authorities in this regard.

He expressed hope that this project would contribute to the ongoing efforts of the provincial government. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of a comprehensive and integrated database of deserving and underprivileged groups, stating that the establishment of a centralized database and centers would enable the provision of uniform and quality facilities to all.

He added that the provincial government is working to provide necessary equipment and facilities to individuals with disabilities across the province, and the establishment of the database will accelerate progress in this regard.

He directed the appointment of focal persons for effective coordination with relevant institutions for project implementation. He also instructed the formation of a steering committee at the provincial level to ensure the project runs on sustainable bases.

He emphasized including officials from the Finance and P and D departments in the steering committee, as these departments have the capacity to sustain the project permanently.

PU VC inaugurates Urban Bee Hive Mount

Lahore: Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali inaugurated the Urban Bee Hive Mount (UBHM) in Honey Bee Research Garden in collaboration with Lahore Biennale Foundation here on Wednesday. On this occasion, Senior Journalist Suhail Warraich Director Institute of Zoology Prof Dr Nabila Roohi, Director Institute of Botany Prof Dr Muhammad Shakeel, In-charge HBRG Prof Dr Abdul Majid Khan, faculty members and students were present. The Urban Bee Hive Mount is specially designed for Urban Bee keeping promotion keeping in view the changing climatic conditions of Lahore and other cities of Pakistan. In his address, PU VC Dr Muhammad Ali gave the idea of apitherapy and its uses in the human health specially the treatment of arthritis. He further said that HBRG would start a diploma and certified courses soon regarding apiculture. He expressed his interest in commercialization of apiculture and generates entrepreneurship opportunities in this sector. Meanwhile, PU Department of Examinations has declared the results of Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm-D) Final Prof. Annual 2024. Details are available at www.pu.edu.pk.

Two killed ,five injured on road

Sargodha: Two people were killed while five sustained injuries as a speeding dumper hit a tractor trolley near here on Wednesday.

The Rescue 1122 said that Muhammad Riaz and another man were heading to Sargodha on the tractor Trolley when a speeding dumper hit it .

Resultantly, they both died on the spot while riders of the dumper,including Muhammad Abdullah, Muhammad Kashif, Mubashir, Laiqat and Mubarak sustained injuries.

Two killed ,five injured on road

Sargodha: Two people were killed while five sustained injuries as a speeding dumper hit a tractor trolley near here on Wednesday.

The Rescue 1122 said that Muhammad Riaz and another man were heading to Sargodha on the tractor Trolley when a speeding dumper hit it .

Resultantly, they both died on the spot while riders of the dumper,including Muhammad Abdullah, Muhammad Kashif, Mubashir, Laiqat and Mubarak sustained injuries.

5,000 promotions given across province on merit during 2024: IGP

Lahore: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar ensured exemplary initiatives for the police force during the year 2024.

In 2024, more than 5,000 departmental promotions were given across the province based on merit and seniority. Punjab Police Spokesperson shared details that, during 2024, 08 MOUs were signed with educational institutions and hospitals.

An amount of Rs 281.9 million was spent on medical financial assistance for police employees and their families. An amount exceeding Rs. 781 million was disbursed for educational scholarships for the children of police employees.

In 2024, 599 police stations across the province were converted into Special Initiative Police Station Protocols, and the process of constructing 39 Smart Police Stations began in different districts of the province.

Punjab Police spokesperson further said that the approval for establishing 19 new police posts in the Kacha areas of Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur was obtained. Similarly, the construction of 30 border posts in Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Mianwali, and Bhakkar was initiated.

The approval for Hard Area Allowance for personnel performing duties in the Kacha areas was also granted. In the Special Branch Punjab, an Artificial Intelligence Center was established, and a paperless computerized system was implemented.

Additionally, the establishment of a district office for the Special Branch in Murree was completed. The construction of a hostel for female personnel in the Qurban Lines was initiated. The approval for 30 plots from the Punjab Government for shifting rental police stations into personal buildings was also obtained. Over 2.6 million citizens were provided services at police service centers across the province. Over 19 million driving licenses were issued to citizens at Driving License Centers. More than 85,000 minority citizens were provided services at Meesaq Centers.

Over Rs. 2320 million was spent on the welfare of police officers and employees, and more than Rs. 2460 million was approved as financial assistance grants for officers and personnel who died during service. Additionally, 170 plots and Rs. 36.0 million were provided to the families of martyrs for the construction of houses. Over Rs. 80 million was spent on the medical treatment of 241 injured personnel during duty.