Latest news with #CleanPunjab
Express Tribune
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'Clean Punjab' claims fall flat
No effective waste management framework has been introduced in the past five months. photos: express The government's ambitious "Clean Punjab" campaign stands exposed as the deplorable condition of a public rest house near the LCI Gate in Khewra, Jhelum, has drawn strong criticism from local residents. The facility, intended for travellers, is in such a state of neglect that even standing nearby is unbearable due to the overwhelming stench — let alone sitting inside. Citizens expressed deep disappointment and frustration, calling the condition of the facility a stark reflection of institutional apathy. They said such poor maintenance of public spaces not only contradicts the provincial government's cleanliness claims but also raises serious questions about its commitment to basic civic amenities. Locals have made an urgent appeal to the Khewra Municipal Committee and Rawalpindi Waste Management authorities to take immediate action. They stressed that maintaining cleanliness in public facilities — particularly rest houses — should be a daily priority, not only for hygiene but also as a matter of public dignity and fundamental human rights. Residents emphasised that providing a clean and healthy environment must be treated as a top responsibility of the administration.
Business Recorder
19-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
2nd phase of ‘Suthra Punjab Programme' launched
LAHORE: The Punjab government has launched the Suthra Punjab Program into the next phase of waste recycling in which landfill sites considered an environmental challenge will be converted into national assets. Under this initiative, Pakistan is expected to earn Rs 1 billion annually from the carbon credit of the Lakhodare waste dumping site located on the outskirts of the provincial capital; the carbon credit will be claimed under Article 6 of the Paris Accord. The Lakhodare site can produce 20 tons of biogas. The Punjab government also plans to build a recycling park on the outskirts of Lahore under this project. In this connection, Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq chaired a meeting on Saturday to consider various options for waste recycling. Punjab Local Government Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Mian, Additional Secretary for Development Ahmer Kaifi and others attended the meeting. On this occasion, Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) CEO Babar Sahib Din briefed the meeting on various options for waste recycling. While addressing the meeting, the Minister said that a plan to generate energy from offal is under consideration; 1000 tonnes of energy can be generated from offal in Lahore alone. He directed the concerned officials to hold a road show in Lahore or Islamabad to promote the waste-to-energy projects, saying foreign diplomats would be invited to the road show. 'It will also be held abroad to attract investors,' he said, adding that the waste will be utilised in other cities after Lahore under this programme. On this occasion, Punjab Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian directed the LWMC CEO to make a comprehensive presentation for the Chief Minister. He said that waste is being made usable all over the world because recycling is the solution to the environmental damage caused by waste. Babar Sahib Din said that a 50 MW power plant project is also under consideration with the cooperation of the Punjab Energy Department. 'A large amount of waste is collected in Lahore every day under the Clean Punjab, and many domestic and foreign companies have shown interest in recycling waste,' he added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
02-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Plastic waste tarnishes Patriata's scenic charm
While global efforts to combat environmental pollution intensify, the picturesque tourist destination of Patriata in Murree is experiencing increasing environmental degradation due to the rampant use of plastic shopping bags and general littering. The provincial "Clean Punjab" campaign has gained widespread public support, yet the condition of the Patriata Chairlift and Public Park, managed by the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP), continues to deteriorate. Tourists and residents alike have voiced disappointment over the unsanitary environment. A citizen, Zahid Khan, said that the TDCP, despite receiving a sizable budget and earning millions in ticket sales, has failed to maintain basic cleanliness standards, causing significant inconvenience for visitors. Another citizen said that the accumulation of garbage and plastic waste has reportedly led to skin and respiratory issues among locals. The TDCP director told The Express Tribune that cleanliness and courteous behaviour are key to the success of any tourist destination.
Business Recorder
20-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
‘Nation applauds Field Marshal's meeting with Trump': minister
LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said that while Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is launching modern air ambulances to serve the people of Punjab, the KP government, by contrast, has merely introduced rickshaws — a clear reflection of the priorities of the two administrations. Commenting on the recent meeting between Pakistan's Field Marshal Asim Munir and US President Donald Trump, she said the encounter has rattled Modi's government and the 'Fitna' group, but brought pride and joy to the people of Pakistan. She added that world leaders are accorded respect on the global stage based on their national contributions, integrity, and service — as was clearly demonstrated by the warm reception given to Field Marshal Asim Munir in the United States. Speaking on Punjab's rapid development, Azma Bokhari noted that under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's leadership, the province is experiencing an unprecedented era of progress. As part of recent initiatives, 911 vehicles have been inducted into the 'Clinic on Wheels' fleet to ensure timely medical assistance for the public, she said. Highlighting the provincial budget 2025-26, Bokhari said it is a balanced, tax-free, and people-friendly financial plan that truly reflects a commitment to public welfare. She emphasized that the budget not only offers relief to salaried individuals but also lays the foundation for strengthening the economy by expanding the tax net. Efforts are underway to bring non-filers into the tax system, aiming to promote transparency and accountability. While addressing a joint press conference at DGPR alongside Provincial Minister for Labour and Sports, Malik Faisal Ayub, the minister information further stated that the Punjab government is making substantial investments in education, healthcare, sanitation, and transport. Under the 'Clean Punjab' campaign, exemplary cleanliness arrangements were made during Eid-ul-Azha, and soon, 1,100 eco-friendly buses will be operational across the province. Azma Bokhari praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's vision, noting that she considers every public rupee a sacred trust and is steering Punjab toward sustainable growth through transparent governance. Concluding the press conference, Bokhari reiterated the government's resolve to continue working for the development and welfare of every segment of society. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
30-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Air Punjab and the Bullet Train
The spirit of hard work and dedication to public service is a legacy Maryam Nawaz has proudly inherited. Her father, former Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif, launched numerous welfare initiatives during his tenure, from which millions continue to benefit to this day. In Punjab, the Orange Line and Metro Bus services stand as successful examples of his vision. Now, under Maryam Nawaz's leadership, new projects like Air Punjab, the Bullet Train, and the Yellow Line are set to usher in a new era of development and prosperity for the province. While electric bikes and buses are already operating across Punjab, the 'Clean Punjab' mega initiative is rapidly transforming the province's cities and towns. Even critics now acknowledge that under this programme, cleanliness and improved sanitation are evident even in remote rural areas — a remarkable achievement of the Maryam Nawaz administration. Maryam Nawaz's government is not only swiftly delivering public welfare projects but also making bold, historic decisions. Recently, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced two landmark initiatives: the launch of Pakistan's first provincial airline, Air Punjab, and the introduction of Pakistan's first high-speed Bullet Train. In a special cabinet meeting, she formally approved both projects. Initially, four aircraft will be leased for Air Punjab, with domestic flights commencing immediately. In its second year, Air Punjab plans to expand operations internationally. Maryam Nawaz has directed that Air Punjab be developed into Pakistan's premier airline. Simultaneously, a decision was made to operate Pakistan's first high-speed Bullet Train between Lahore and Rawalpindi, reducing travel time between the two cities to just two and a half hours. The Chief Minister has entrusted Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb with the special task of overseeing the Bullet Train project. In this regard, Marriyum Aurangzeb has held key meetings with Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, and railways officials have briefed her on technical and operational aspects. The proposed Bullet Train route will pass through Lahore, Shahdara, Narowal, Raiwind, Kasur, Pakpattan, Lodhran, Sheikhupura, Jaranwala, Shorkot, Jhang, Sargodha, Lalamusa via Mandi Bahauddin, Faisalabad, Chak Jhumra, and Shahinabad. Additionally, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has instructed that the feasibility study for the Yellow Line project, connecting Jinnah Terminal (Thokar Niaz Baig) to Harbanspura, be completed by May 30. Similarly, the feasibility study for the Gujranwala Mass Transit Line must be finalised by June 15. Important decisions regarding the E-Taxi project have also been made, signalling Punjab's rapid march towards modern and eco-friendly transportation solutions. While Punjab accelerates towards modernity, other provinces present a stark contrast. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, people still rely on makeshift cable crossings (dolis) to traverse rivers, and in Sindh, public transportation outside of Karachi is almost nonexistent. Against this backdrop, Maryam Nawaz's vision is to transform Punjab into a truly modern and developed province. Recently, at an international conference in Türkiye, Lahore was officially declared a 'Tourism City.' To further enhance Lahore's historic beauty, the Punjab government has formed a special committee with Mian Nawaz Sharif himself serving as Patron-in-Chief. His deep love for Lahore is well-known, and he has personally taken responsibility for the city's restoration. Lahore enjoys a unique identity on the global stage. However, to elevate it further, urban management standards must match international benchmarks. The city's cleanliness, lush green spaces, modern transport systems, and well-developed road infrastructure have already contributed to its reputation among the world's most beautiful cities. Citizens, too, must fulfil their responsibility in preserving Lahore's charm. If the Yellow Line is constructed along the Lahore Canal, the city could soon join the ranks of global metropolises like Dubai, Shanghai, Beijing, Moscow, Paris, and London. The Lahore Canal, a signature landmark of the city's beauty, will be further enhanced by this project. One of Maryam Nawaz's defining traits is her proactive leadership style. Her projects do not remain trapped in bureaucratic files; she personally monitors progress and ensures effective delivery. As a result, her team performs with full commitment and responsibility, helping to translate her vision into reality. (The writer is the PRO of Information Minister Punjab) Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
