Latest news with #MarriyumAurangzeb
Express Tribune
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Balochistan rights march rerouted
A potential standoff over the 'Balochistan Haq Do March' was averted on Wednesday after successful negotiations between the Punjab government and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), leading to a revised plan for the protest caravan. Instead of heading to Islamabad, participants would proceed peacefully to the Lahore Press Club, while a delegation of JI leaders and march organisers will travel to the federal capital for formal negotiations. The long march, which began in Quetta five days ago, seeks to spotlight longstanding grievances of the Baloch people — including enforced disappearances, political marginalisation, and limited inclusion in national development projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). It had reached Lahore on Monday, with the next stop originally planned for Islamabad. However, the situation grew tense overnight as Punjab Police sealed off JI headquarters in Mansoorah, deploying heavy contingents and restricting the movement of protesters. Talks resumed in the morning and led to a consensus on a de-escalated path forward. Punjab's Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb led the government's negotiation team, which included Law Minister Sohaib Bharth and Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique. Representing JI were Deputy Emir Liaqat Baloch, Secretary General Ameerul Azeem, and Maulana Hidayatur Rehman Baloch, who is leading the march. The senior minister described the two days of negotiations as "constructive and sincere," praising Jamaat-e-Islami for its peaceful and responsible conduct. She confirmed that the protesters would now demonstrate at the Lahore Press Club, where they would highlight their demands in a lawful and dignified manner. "Punjab government will extend full hospitality to our Baloch brothers," she said. "Their protection and dignity are our constitutional and moral responsibility."
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- General
- Express Tribune
Bird Nest removal underway around Lahore Airport
The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has accelerated its aerial surveillance and digital‑mapping operations in and around Lahore, and other sensitive zones, to prevent bird‑related aviation hazards. EPA officials say the agency's Aerial Surveillance Force is conducting reconnaissance flights over key locations, including Lahore Airport, to identify bird activity and nesting sites. They are using advanced technology to geo‑tag nests and bird cages on digital maps, enabling swift removal. The e‑mapping process is expected to conclude within two days. According to the EPA's latest 'Dening Report,' a targeted operation near Mehfooz Shaheed Garrison, close to Harbanspura Ring Road, removed 20 kite nests and 30 crow nests. Pigeon cages were also dismantled at five different locations, including Baden Road and Gulshan Park. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb warned that bird nests pose a serious threat to aircraft and urged the public to refrain from feeding birds in open spaces or on rooftops. The district administration has launched inspections of marriage halls, restaurants, and meat shops. In Nishat Colony and Arbab Market, four shopkeepers were fined, and their premises sealed for maintaining open‑air poultry and meat stalls. Municipal teams have cleared unnecessary branches and garbage from Khurshid Alam Road, Javed Cheema Chowk, and Zarar Shaheed Road, eliminating potential nesting grounds. In a separate action, the provincial wildlife department removed 15 kite nests and 20 crow nests from PAF Golf Club. The operation's next phase is now moving from Mehfooz Garrison toward the Harbanspura Ring Road. EPA has appealed to the public to avoid throwing leftover meat or sacrificial offerings in open areas, warning that such practices attract birds and increase air‑accident risk. Strict action will be taken against violators.
Business Recorder
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Lahore's limits: CM directs grand operation to protect passenger aircrafts
Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the authorities concerned to launch a grand operation to protect passenger aircrafts within Lahore's limits, and mobilized District Administration, Wildlife and Environment Protection Authority for the purpose. She directed the Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb to mobilize Punjab's first Wildlife Force, and decided to dismantle illegal slaughterhouses and poultry farms near airports. She also directed the relevant authorities to strictly implement laws and regulations for garbage disposal of bakeries near airports, and said, 'There will be a ban on doing any kind of business near airports that may create a risk of birds gathering.' In this regard; Punjab government has issued an order, which says, 'Poultry farms, bakeries and slaughterhouses established without environmental protection arrangements will be banned.' The notification added, 'Strict application of environmental regulations will be ensured for companies that manufacture leather and leather products, besides a ban on open skinning of animal hides. Moreover, there will be a complete ban on throwing garbage near airports, making the use of lidded garbage bins mandatory.' Wildlife Headquarters has also issued an order directing Wildlife Rangers to start operations immediately. The CM said, 'Lahore Eastern Bypass, Manawan Hospital Dahoriwala, PKLI, Chungi Amar Sidhu, Ichhra Lal, and Chah Miran areas have been declared 'No-Bird Zone,' operation will start from these areas. The notification of Punjab government says, 'All such reasons should be eliminated due to which flocks of birds gather near airports.' It adds, 'Grain on the roofs of houses, pigeon breeding, pigeon flying in large numbers, feeding of pigeons in temples and public places and excessive gathering of birds should be prevented.' The notification highlights, 'Wildlife Rangers, district administration and related agencies will take action as per Punjab Wildlife Act in case of violation.' The notification says, 'Bird collisions with aircraft during take-off, landing and low-altitude flight of aircraft cause accidents.' It points out, 'According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), more than 90% of accidents occur at altitudes below 3,000 feet.' The notification emphasised, 'Punjab Wildlife Act should be strictly implemented, arrests, punishments and fines will be imposed for violations.' Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said, 'These measures are being taken to ensure safe air travel and safety of hundreds of human lives.' She added, 'Air safety fencing will reduce bird strikes and accidents.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
04-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Unlicensed lion owner arrested
Punjab Wildlife Department officials, with the assistance of local police, have arrested a man for keeping an African lion without a licence in the Shah Di Khoi area of Lahore. The lion has been relocated to a secure facility and legal proceedings have been initiated against the suspect. The arrest follows an overnight incident, when the lion had escaped from a private enclosure and entered a residential neighbourhood, injuring three residents and causing panic, according to officials. Lahore Region Deputy Chief Wildlife Officer Adnan Virk confirmed that the suspect had neither obtained a departmental permit nor complied with essential safety protocols. "Keeping wild animals in residential areas poses serious risks, and strict action will be taken against such individuals," he said. The department has filed a case under the Punjab Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Act. Unauthorised possession of dangerous wild animals without safety measures is a non-bailable offence, punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to Rs5 million. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb ordered a province-wide crackdown against those keeping wild animals unlawfully.
Business Recorder
21-06-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Minister pays surprise visit to LGH
LAHORE: On the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb paid a surprise visit to the Lahore General Hospital (LGH), to personally asses on ground position in the LGH. Disguised as an ordinary citizen and wearing a mask, Senior Provincial Minister inspected various wards and departments of the hospital. During the visit, the senior minister conducted a detailed inspection of the hospital's emergency ward, medical ward, gynaecology ward, and labour room. She also met with patients and their attendants to hear their feedback regarding the medical facilities being provided. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
