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Tag: Mohsin Naqvi

  • Aakhir Lahore ki roads kab khulein gi?

    Aakhir Lahore ki roads kab khulein gi?

    Lahoris can finally take a breath of relief as Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab has given dates for the inauguration of under-construction roads in Lahore.

    Cavalry Ground Underpass

    A mega infrastructure project in Lahore Cantonment, the Khalid Butt underpass (Cavalry Ground), is set to open on November 26 as the pace of work on construction activities has been accelerated.

    With the completion of this project, along with the Ghora Chowk flyover, residents will enjoy signal-free drive from Cantonment to Gulberg, Kalma Chowk, and vice versa, saving precious time and energy.

    Ghora Chowk Flyover

    The estimated opening date of Ghora Chowk Flyover project is December 7.

    The project is located at the intersection of Masood Anwari Road and Walton Road. Once completed, it will address bottlenecks, providing smooth passage for 180,000 vehicles daily, which currently congest the whole intersection up to Khalid Butt Chowk.

    Central Business District (CBD) Main Boulevard

    The estimated opening date of Central Business District (CBD) Main Boulevard project is December 31.

    Traffic burden on Ali Zeb Road and Ferozepur Road will be reduced, as motorists seeking access to Walton Road and reaching various phases of DHA would prefer using this new road.

    The main CBD has been divided into two districts— Quaid district and Bab district.

    Quaid district will consist of the land from Kalma Chowk to the originating point of the flyover, while the Bab district will comprise the land starting from the endpoint of the flyover and ending at Walton Road (Bab-e-Pakistan).

    It is pertinent to mention that the Kalma Chowk Remodeling Project is one of the core components of the Lahore CBD project and aims to allow easy access to the CBD at Walton, avoiding traffic in the vicinity.

    Walton Road

    The estimated opening date of Walton Road upgradation project is January 31.

  • Awam ka kitna paisa laga hai Mohsin Naqvi ki publicity par?

    Awam ka kitna paisa laga hai Mohsin Naqvi ki publicity par?

    The Lahore High Court on Monday expressed concerns about the utilization of public funds in advertisement campaigns showcasing caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi for various development projects.

    Justice Sultan Tanvir Ahmad, while presiding over the case, voiced concerns that taxes collected from the public should be spent judiciously and not misused for self-promotion.

    A citizen, Hafiz Israrul Haq, filed a writ petition on November 17, challenging the actions taken to promote the caretaker chief minister on the construction of flyovers in the city.

    The judge declared that those who promoted themselves with public money would be held accountable.

    The petition stated, “The Govt. of Punjab designed a plan in order to construct a flyover at Shahdara Chowk to facilitate the public and started to construct the Fly over at Shahdara Chowk Lahore to make smooth flow of traffic as it is the duty of the Govt. to create easiness in the life of the inhabitants and to facilitate them but the Govt. of Punjab after completion of Construction of project of Fly Over started to advertise on electronic, Print Media and by displaying flexes/ sign board to make publicity with the name and style of “MUHSIN SPEED” which they are not authorized as if they have completed the work before time it is not permitted to advertise the same from the public exchequer rather they may advertise for publicity from their pockets not form the public money.”

    The judge summoned a complete record of the expenses incurred for an advertisement campaign for the construction of flyovers featuring the caretaker chief minister.

    Additionally, the Court directed the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to present a thorough record of the construction of the flyovers at the upcoming hearing.

    The move underscores the court’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the expenditure of public funds.

    A similar issue arose in 2018 when then Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mian Saqib Nisar, took suo motu notice against media advertisements by the provincial government featuring images of then Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the lead-up to the general elections.

    Subsequently, the Supreme Court ordered Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to reimburse the national exchequer Rs5.5 million on March 8, 2018.

    A Punjab government newspaper advertisement carrying his photograph was displayed in court during the hearing.

  • Lockdown restrictions revised in Punjab

    Lockdown restrictions revised in Punjab

    The Punjab government on Thursday revised the terms of the lockdown imposed in multiple districts of the province as major cities grapple with crippling fog.

    In its amended notification, the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department of the province notified that call centres and international information technology companies will be allowed to operate during the lockdown.

    While markets in the eight smog-hit districts will be allowed to operate today and tomorrow; however, shopping malls and markets will be closed on Saturday and Sunday.

    The notification also states that cinema halls, restaurants and gyms will remain open today as per routine.

    The decision will remain in effect in Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala Narowal, Hafizabad and Sialkot.

    Previous Notification

    A day earlier, an environmental and health emergency had been declared in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Hafizabad divisions for four days due to the prevailing smog conditions.

    Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi made the announcement during a press conference on Tuesday when the air quality index (AQI) in the city measured 390, falling under the category of hazardous.

    At this AQI level, the city maintained its position as one of the most polluted cities with citizens experiencing a hazy and smoggy atmosphere throughout the day. The air quality was severely poor, making it nearly impossible to breathe normally outdoors.

    Notification issued on Tuesday detailed that from Thursday to Sunday i.e., November 9, 2023, to November 12, 2023, all markets, shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas, gymnasiums, schools (public and private), and offices (public and private) will remain closed in Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala Narowal, Hafizabad and Sialkot.

    Also, the movement of people will be limited to and from these areas by public and private transport.

    The following will be exempted from closure:

    • Pharmacies/ Medical Stores
    • Medical Facilities and Vaccination Centers
    • Petrol Pumps
    • Oil Depots
    • Tandoors
    • Bakeries,
    • Grocery / Karyana stores
    • Milk / Dairy Shops
    • Sweet Shops,
    • Vegetable / Fruit Shops
    • Chicken / Meat Shops
    • E-commerce
    • Postal / Courier Services
    • Utility Services (Electricity, Natural Gas, Internet, Cellular Networks /Telecom.

    Large departmental stores will only keep their grocery /pharmacy sections open while all other sections will remain closed.

    It has been suggested by the government that people buy groceries and medicines within the vicinity of their residence.

  • Punjab imposes partial smart lockdown for four days

    Punjab imposes partial smart lockdown for four days

    The Government of Punjab, after approval from the Chief Minister, has ordered “restricted movement” in some areas of Punjab to combat smog. 

    The areas of Lahore Division (District Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur), District Gujranwala, District Hafizabad, and District Narowal, have the worst Air Quality Index (AQI), becoming potential hotspots for Conjunctivitis, and will go under lockdown.

    From Thursday to Sunday i.e., November 9, 2023, to November 12, 2023, all markets, shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas, gymnasiums, schools

    (public and private), and offices (public and private) will remain closed in these areas.

    Also, movement of people will be limited to and from these areas by public and private transport.

    The following will be exempted from closure:

    •           Pharmacies/ Medical Stores

    •           Medical Facilities and Vaccination Centers

    •           Petrol Pumps

    •           Oil Depots

    •           Tandoors

    •           Bakeries,

    •           Grocery / Karyana stores

    •           Milk / Dairy Shops

    •           Sweet Shops,

    •           Vegetable / Fruit Shops

    •           Chicken / Meat Shops

    •           E-commerce 

    •           Postal / Courier Services

    •           Utility Services (Electricity, Natural Gas, Internet, Cellular Networks /Telecom.

    Large departmental stores will only keep their grocery /pharmacy sections open while all other sections will remain closed.

    It has been suggested by the government that people buy groceries and medicines within the vicinity of their residence.

  • PMLN, PPP ki dosti? MQMP k sath PMLN elections mein? What is happening?

    PMLN, PPP ki dosti? MQMP k sath PMLN elections mein? What is happening?

    Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari have agreed to collaborate for the betterment of the country during a recent telephonic conversation, Geo news has revealed.

    The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) expressed their commitment to jointly tackle crucial issues affecting the nation.

    Zardari reportedly extended congratulations to Sharif on his return to Pakistan on October 21 after spending four years in self-imposed exile in London.

    Both leaders underscored the significance of the participation of all stakeholders in the collective effort to steer the country towards stability and progress, according to reliable sources.

    Acknowledging the pressing concern of inflation, the leaders also discussed plans to alleviate the burden on the public. In light of their discussion, it is anticipated that a high-level meeting will soon be convened to deliberate on crucial matters.

    The timing of their conversation coincided with the directive given to their respective party workers to gear up for the forthcoming general elections scheduled for February 8.

    Notably, the PPP and the PML-N were previously coalition partners in the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government, which came into power following the removal of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    However, while the news of the conversation has been making rounds, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari downplayed its significance, emphasizing that the PPP remains open to collaborating with all political parties.

    Contradicting earlier reports, PPP Central Information Secretary Faisal Karim Kundi denied any direct communication between Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari, urging the public to verify the authenticity of such claims before spreading them.

    He took to X (former Twitter) and said, “I would like to clarify that the news of Mr. Mian Nawaz Sharif contacting President Asif Ali Zardari is false and holds no truth. We urge everyone to verify information before spreading it.”

    In related developments, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) on Tuesday announced that they would be jointly contesting the upcoming general elections scheduled to take place on February 8, 2024.

    The development comes following a meeting of an MQM-P delegation led by Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Farooq Sattar, and Syed Mustafa Kamal with the PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif in Lahore at the party’s Model Town secretariat.

    Later, speaking to the media, senior PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique said, “It has been decided that both parties will contest February 8 polls jointly”.

    Amidst escalating political activities, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and President Arif Alvi have reached an agreement to hold the general elections on February 8, adhering to the Supreme Court’s directives following a case regarding the delay of elections.

    Following the electoral alliance between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari has said that he welcomes his opponent’s intention to stand in elections.

    “We will stand against our opponents that are coming in elections and we welcome them,” Zardari said while addressing party works in Ghotki’s Khangarh. 

    The former president was of the view that when people who oppose each other contest elections then the competition among them delivers the “best results”. 

  • Punjab CM orders strict enforcement of ‘one-dish’ rule for weddings

    Punjab CM orders strict enforcement of ‘one-dish’ rule for weddings

    Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, has taken a firm stance on the violation of regulations regarding the number of dishes served and the timing of marriage ceremonies.  

    The CM has instructed the Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners to rigorously enforce these restrictions across the province, including Lahore. These rules specify that only ‘one dish’ can be served, and ceremonies must conclude by 10 pm. 

    Naqvi emphasised that these restrictions should be strictly adhered to without exception, even at farmhouses. He insisted on taking immediate action against any violations and discouraged leniency towards those who failed to comply. 

    Furthermore, the Chief Minister visited the Ghora Chowk Defence Mor flyover project to assess its progress and the construction work.  

    He observed the steel fixing process, interacted with the labourers, and commended their swift work. 

    Naqvi expressed satisfaction with the project’s continuous day-and-night progress and urged the team to maintain high construction quality standards while expediting the work. 

    In addition, the CM praised the security forces for thwarting a terrorist assault on the Mianwali Training Air Force Base.  

    He commended their timely actions, stating that they had defeated the terrorists’ sinister intentions. He paid tribute to these brave soldiers, considering them heroes of the nation, and expressed the nation’s pride in their courage. 

  • Lahore smog: Court orders government to impose emergency

    Lahore smog: Court orders government to impose emergency

    The Lahore High Court (LHC) held the interim government responsible for the current situation of smog in Lahore, directing authorities to impose an emergency in the city.

    The LHC issued an order after reviewing applications demanding action.

    Lahore Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhwa and other officers appeared before the court in today’s hearing.

    The court ordered the caretaker government not to unseal factories that are emitting black smoke.   

    LHC judge Shahid Karim said that “previously, smog started to affect the city at the end of November and December, but now it has started in October.”

    While ordering an imposition of an emergency in the city, he said, “The government is responsible for the current situation of smog.”

    The judge directed officers to fulfil their responsibility as the owners of the city and to take care of Lahore.

    The judge then adjourned the hearing till November 3.

  • Punjab govt approves Rs2.07 trillion budget for four months

    Punjab govt approves Rs2.07 trillion budget for four months

    In a significant development, the Caretaker Punjab Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, convened for its 31st session at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Monday.  

    During this session, the Cabinet approved a surplus budget of Rs2.07 trillion for the upcoming four months, with a substantial allocation of Rs351 billion dedicated to development projects. 

    It is worth noting that this budget represents a crucial step in the interim governance of the province, as the caretaker government lacks the authority to approve a full-year budget in the absence of an elected government.  

    This temporary budget is designed to ensure that essential ongoing expenses are accounted for, enabling the effective management of the province’s daily affairs. 

    Within this four-month budget, particular emphasis has been placed on directing resources towards critical sectors.  

    Notably, Rs208 billion has been earmarked for the healthcare sector, and Rs222 billion has been allocated for the education sector. An additional Rs10 billion has been allocated to promote the progress of the agricultural sector. 

    In addressing various challenges facing the province, the Cabinet has committed Rs1.80 billion to the National Health Support Programme and Rs5 billion to the Punjab Textbook Board. Moreover, an allocation of Rs7.30 billion has been designated to address climate change issues, reflecting the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability. 

    The Cabinet meeting also saw the finance secretary provide a comprehensive overview of the forthcoming four-month budget, highlighting the robust financial position and surplus resources of the Punjab government.  

    In a significant move, the Cabinet approved a minimum wage of Rs32,000 for workers, effective July 1, 2023, further promoting workers’ rights and economic well-being. 

    Furthermore, the meeting underscored the importance of anti-smog measures in various regions, including Sheikhupura, Sahiwal, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore, and Kasur.  

    Chief Minister Naqvi urged strict enforcement of regulations on smoke-emitting vehicles and brick kilns by commissioners and deputy commissioners.  

    Stringent measures were also advised for ongoing construction projects, including the regular use of water sprinklers and a strict ban on crop residue burning, contributing to environmental preservation. 

    The Punjab Price Control for Essential Commodities Ordinance, 2023, received the Cabinet’s approval, reinforcing the government’s commitment to regulating essential commodity prices and ensuring consumer protection. 

  • ‘Congratulations Nawaz Sharif on becoming Ladla Plus’: PPP

    ‘Congratulations Nawaz Sharif on becoming Ladla Plus’: PPP

    The recent decision by the Punjab caretaker government to suspend the sentence of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the Al-Azizia reference has triggered a political firestorm, with major parties, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), vehemently opposing the move.

    PPP’s Punjab chapter leader, Hasan Murtaza, lashed out at the decision, referring to Sharif as ‘Ladla Plus’ and labelling the suspension as a ‘cowardly’ act.

    “The caretaker government is doing everything it should not do,” the PPP leader said.

    “The caretaker government is not here to give relief to criminals, but to hold elections.” He added: “It is not the task of the caretaker Punjab cabinet to approve the suspension of Nawaz Sharif’s sentence.”

    He urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to take notice of the partiality of the caretaker government.

    Simultaneously, PTI’s legal affairs spokesperson, Barrister Gohar Khan, condemned the decision as a direct violation of the law.

    He took to X (former Twitter) and said, “Provincial Government has no power whatsoever to extend any relief regarding sentence under CrPC to someone convicted by NAB Court – period.”

    In response to the criticism, Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi clarified that the government had not directly suspended Sharif’s sentence but had instead referred the case to the court of law under Section 401, leaving the final decision on bail to the judiciary.

    Section 401 of the criminal procedure code says, “When any person has been sentenced to punishment of an offence, the provincial government may at any time without conditions or upon any conditions which the person sentenced accepts, suspend the execution of his sentence or remit the whole or any part of the punishment to which he has been sentenced.”

  • International Journalists visit Jaranwala on the invitation of Mohsin Naqvi

    International Journalists visit Jaranwala on the invitation of Mohsin Naqvi

    The Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, invited international journalists to Jaranwala on Thursday. The small town near Faisalabad was the site of a riot in August in which armed mobs burnt the homes and churches of the Christian community.

    The visit aimed to provide the journalists with an opportunity to observe the administration’s endeavors in assisting the Christian families impacted by the tragic events of August 18.
    Faisalabad Deputy Commissioner Abdullah Nayar Sheikh and CPO Muhammad Ali Zia provided an overview of the efforts undertaken to support the affected families, the process of restoring churches, and the transfer of churches to the administration.
    Journalists learned that each impacted household received a financial grant of Rs2 million and had the damaged electricity and gas meters in their homes replaced.
    Christian students were able to return to their educational institutions after receiving support in the form of school bags, textbooks, uniforms, and writing materials. Additionally, jobless workers from the private industrial sector were successfully rehired with the cooperation of their employers.

    The visiting media reporters included representatives from the Washington Post, BBC, AFP, Arab News, Russia Today, and bureau chiefs of different international news agencies in Islamabad.