CheerUp Pakistan (2024)

13/08/2024

Provincial Ministers Syed Nasir Hussain Shah and Saeed Ghani announced that the Sindh government has launched a free air ambulance service under the Local Government Council Association. They expressed their happiness, stating that this fulfills the vision of their Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. The agreement between the Sindh Local Council Association and the Aircraft Company ASSL for this free air ambulance service will provide essential healthcare facilities to the people of Sindh.

Addressing rumors on social media about changes in the Sindh governor and cabinet, they clarified that their recent meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad was to discuss opening a new campus of a higher education institute in Sindh.

Minister Saeed Ghani highlighted the importance of the air ambulance project, which will transport patients from areas like Ghotki, Sukkur, and Khairpur to Karachi. He mentioned that there will be an agreement between ASSL Aviation and three local councils. This service will help save lives by quickly transporting patients from remote areas to Karachi.

Nasir Shah added that this air ambulance service will also cover Hyderabad, Thar, Nawabshah, and Larkana, with plans to extend it to Badin airstrips. Syed Kamil Haider Shah, Chairman of the Local Council Association Sindh, said that the air ambulance service will also allow patients from South Punjab and North Sindh to be brought to Karachi for treatment.

The ASSL Aviation Company will operate five free flights per month for the Sukkur, Ghotki, and Khairpur District Councils. CEO of Airlift Sales and Services, Akbar Jafri, shared that they are already providing air ambulance services across Pakistan and will now extend this service from Sukkur to Karachi, fully equipped with medical facilities like stents, ventilators, oxygen, doctors, and paramedical staff. The agreement was signed at the ceremony following these announcements.

13/08/2024

Pakistan Shaheens secured their second win in the Top&T20 series by defeating Tasmania Tigers by 5 wickets in their third match. Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan Shaheens had beaten Perth Scorchers by 17 runs but lost to Melbourne Stars by 47 runs.

In Tuesday's match, Pakistan Shaheens won the toss and chose to field first, restricting Tasmania Tigers to 124 runs in 20 overs. The Tasmanian batsmen struggled against the Pakistani bowlers, with Imran Jr. taking 3 wickets for just 18 runs. Abbas Afridi and Jehandad Khan each took 2 wickets, while Jack Doreen was the top scorer for Tasmania with 26 runs.

In response, Pakistan Shaheens chased down the target in 15.1 overs with 5 wickets down. Sahibzada Farhan led the batting with a solid 45 runs, supported by Umair bin Yusuf, who scored 32. Together, they added 58 runs for the second wicket after captain Mohammad Haris was dismissed early. Mubasir Khan and Irfan Khan then ensured the victory with an unbeaten partnership of 26 runs.

William Prestidge was the standout bowler for Tasmania, taking 3 wickets. Pakistan Shaheens will face Melbourne Renegades in their next match on August 15.

13/08/2024

To celebrate Pakistan's 77th Independence Day, the Ministry of IT & Telecom, along with PTA and USF, launched a new National Roaming Service along the Makran Coastal Highway in Balochistan. This initiative aims to improve connectivity and public services in the region.

The launch ceremony took place at the PTA headquarters, with key figures like Ms. Shaza Fatima, Minister of State for IT & Telecom, and Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rahman, Chairman PTA, in attendance. Representatives from Jazz, Ufone, and the PTA were also present.

This new service is a significant step forward for technology in Balochistan and is part of the government's efforts to improve the lives of the people living along the Makran Coastal Highway by ensuring better telecom services in these underserved areas.

09/08/2024

Chairman of the District Council Sukkur, Syed Kamail Hyder Shah, along with SSP Sukkur, Amjad Shaikh, inaugurated 13 new police checkpoints in the riverine area along the embankment of the River Indus. These checkpoints were built in collaboration with the District Council Sukkur to improve security in the region.

During the inauguration, they inspected the checkpoints to assess the security arrangements and facilities for the police officers stationed there. Syed Kamail Hyder Shah explained to the media that these 13 checkpoints were established based on the SSP’s recommendation to prevent cri_minal activities and stop crim_inals from entering Sukkur.

Last year, the District Council also funded the construction of 10 similar checkpoints. These new checkpoints have been built with improved security features, including watchtowers for better surveillance of the area. He emphasized their commitment to maintaining peace in Sukkur and improving the district's overall security. He also praised Arshad Nadeem, a national athlete, for winning a gold medal for Pakistan, bringing pride to the nation. SSP Amjad Shaikh acknowledged the Chairman's efforts, particularly in addressing law and order issues in areas like Suddoja, Baeji, and Qadirapura, where crim_inal activities like k_idna_pping for rans_om had been a problem.

The new checkpoints aim to curb such incid_ents, and more may be added in the future.

08/08/2024

A contractors training session was organized in the local auditorium as part of the Click Project, which is ongoing with the joint cooperation of the Local Government Department of Sindh and the World Bank.

Provided awareness regarding Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Project Director of Click Project Zainul Abedin Mirani said that it is the common desire of the Department of Local Government of Sindh and the World Bank to inform all the contractors associated with Click Project about all the necessary rules including procurement and bidding. This training session has been organized today to achieve this goal.

Zainul Abedin Mirani further said that click project is moving towards the journey of development and improvement with each passing day, for which the government of Sindh and we are grateful to all stakeholders including the World Bank.

In the program, Saeed Ahmed Maher, Contract Manager on behalf of Click Project, Siddiq Soleimani Sahib on behalf of EA Consulting Firm informed the participants of the program on various points and important aspects regarding the bidding process and procurement laws in the form of different sessions. All the contractors present in the training session listened to the information provided by the experts with great interest and enthusiasm and also got answers to their questions.

Fahad Zubair, Procurement Specialist on behalf of CLICK project, spoke to the participants. He said that the organization of such training sessions from time to time by Click Project is proof that Click Project is serious and engaged in increasing the professional competence and efficiency of its contractors. The participants in the program welcomed the organization of such information sessions by Click Project and expressed their desire to organize more such programs in the future.

05/08/2024

The 47th e-Kacheri, led by Additional DG CAA Taimur Iqbal, was held at PCAA Headquarters to address various public complaints. Attendees included Deputy DG Airports Sadiq Ur Rehman, Deputy DG Works and Development Sumair Saeed, and other officials. Complaints discussed ranged from ticket refunds and exam mark sheet delays to requests for a CPL exam center in Lahore and infrastructure issues at Allama Iqbal International Airport.

Immediate actions were taken on some issues, and all complaints were promised to be resolved promptly. Plans for a new airport in Mirpur, AK, and upgrades to airports in Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot were also discussed. Feedback from the public was appreciated for helping improve services.

05/08/2024

NASA’s Northrop Grumman 21st commercial resupply mission has successfully launched, sending new scientific experiments and supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). The Cygnus spacecraft, carrying over 8,200 pounds of cargo, lifted off at 11:02 a.m. EDT on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Although it missed its first burn due to a late entry, Cygnus is safe and has deployed its solar arrays.

Northrop Grumman engineers are working on a new plan to keep the mission on track, aiming for the spacecraft's original capture time. Live coverage of Cygnus’s arrival at the ISS will start at 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 6, and can be watched on NASA’s platforms.

NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick will use the station’s robotic arm to capture Cygnus at around 3:10 a.m., with astronaut Jeanette Epps as backup. This mission will support various research experiments during Expedition 71, including studies on liquid and gas flow, DNA repair in microorganisms, and the production of stem cells. This research is crucial for future human exploration missions, such as NASA’s Artemis campaign to the Moon and Mars.

Cygnus will stay at the ISS until January, then dispose of several thousand pounds of trash by burning up in Earth’s atmosphere. This mission, named the S.S. Francis R. “Dick” Scobee after the former NASA astronaut, is the 10th under Northrop Grumman’s Commercial Resupply Services 2 contract with NASA.

05/08/2024

Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is pushing forward with the "Own Roof... Own House" (Apni Chat... Apna Ghar) program. She recently led a meeting where three house models were approved. She also instructed that no service charges should be taken from those who get a loan to buy a plot.

The CM will officially launch the "Own Roof... Own House" program on August 14th. Model houses have already been built as part of a pilot program. Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized including a living room in these houses and suggested setting up a toll-free number to help people. Additionally, the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) will create a special online portal for this program, allowing people to apply for it from their homes.

Secretary Housing Captain (Retd) Asad Ullah Khan explained that application forms can be obtained from the offices of Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners. Plot owners with plots ranging from 1 to 5 marlas can get interest-free loans to build their houses.

Following the CM’s direction, loan repayments will be made easier for homeowners with soft installments. It was also shared that plans for building a ground along with three-story apartments on state land have been approved, and a feasibility study will be conducted soon. Houses of 3 and 5 marlas will be allocated to Punjab Housing & Town Planning (PHATA) allottees in private schemes. These allottees will repay their house loans over five years.

The Punjab government will provide subsidies to reduce the construction costs for houses in private schemes. Up to 70,000 plot owners in cities or villages can get loans. Owners of 5 marla plots can get interest-free loans to build their houses, and the Punjab government will cover the service charges for these loans through microfinance institutions. Senator Pervaiz Rasheed and Senior Provincial Minister Mariyum Aurangzeb also attended the meeting.

01/08/2024

Under the guidance of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Punjab is set to launch a major shrimp farming project this year. This project will involve farming over a thousand tonnes of shrimp on one thousand acres of land. The Punjab government will offer subsidies, land, and other necessary support to get this project started.

Following CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif's instructions, a decision has been made to begin research on fisheries and shrimp farming. The Fisheries Farms Associations praised CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif for initiating this project. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb met with a delegation from the Fisheries Farms Associations and promised full support from the Punjab government. They agreed to work together with all relevant parties to ensure the project’s success.

Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasized that the government will assist the private sector in starting the fisheries and shrimp farming project. She believes this initiative will be a major benefit for Punjab’s farmers. The delegation appreciated CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s efforts and vision for this project. The delegation included Mohsin Raza Khadal, Malik Azhar Mushtaq, Chaudhry Salahuddin, Chaudhry Muhammad Ashfaq, and Dr. Shahzad Naveed.

28/07/2024

The well-known organization Helping Hand for Relief and Development held an awareness session at Sukkur Press Club. Attendees included Dr. Wazir Ali (DHO Sukkur), Dr. Ahmed Mujtaba Memon (AMS Civil Hospital Sukkur), Haris Masood (Area Manager Upper Sindh HRD), and Zaheer Asif Lodhi (President Press Club).

The speakers highlighted that Pakistan has the highest number of he_patit_is C patients in the world, with 8.8 million cases, and 120,000 de_aths each year. The main cause is the low vaccination rate, with only 77% of children receiving the vaccine. The disease also spreads through reused syringes, bloo_d tra_nsfusions, surgeries, and bar_bers. The speakers emphasized simple steps to protect against the disease and offered guidance on prevention and treatment. They praised HRD's efforts and promised support. Many citizens attended the event.

25/07/2024

Aror University of Art, Architecture, Design, and Heritage in Sukkur held a ceremony to inaugurate a new RO Plant and lay the foundation stone for an Advanced Water Quality Laboratory. Syed Kumail Hyder Shah, Chairman of the District Council Sukkur, led the event.

The Advanced Water Quality Laboratory, funded by the District Government Sukkur, costs Rs. 26.28 million. Prof. Dr. Zahid Hussain Khand, Vice Chancellor of Aror University, welcomed guests including Dr. MB Raja Dharejo, DC Sukkur, and Aamir Ghouri, CEO of Icon Group of Companies, among others. Dr. Khand expressed gratitude to Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, MNA, and Syed Kumail Hyder Shah for their support. Dr. Dharejo highlighted Dr. Khand's contributions to the university and discussed water purification.

Syed Kumail Hyder Shah praised Dr. Khand's vision for education and promised financial aid for needy students. Souvenirs were given to the distinguished guests as a token of appreciation.

25/07/2024

Asif Siddiqui stated that the CLICK Project is working tirelessly for Karachi. Strengthening local councils is a key mission for both the Government of Sindh and the World Bank.

Siddiqui emphasized that the CLICK Project's doors are always open to local body representatives, ensuring development projects based on merit are carried out in all townships.

Each township has received a website and training from the CLICK Project to support these initiatives.

25/07/2024

Pakistan Railways has introduced a premium lounge dining car on the Khyber Mail Express, enhancing passenger experience on the Karachi to Lahore route. The new dining car features more spacious seating, a designated prayer area, and can serve 34 passengers at once.

The menu includes desi, Italian, and fast food items, with around 40 meals available. A similar dining car will be added to the Allama Iqbal Express by September. Previously, premium lounge dining cars were installed on the Bahauddin Zakaria and Tezgam Express trains.

CEO Aamir Baloch emphasized that the dining car will ensure high-quality food.

24/07/2024

Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has launched one of the biggest "Medicines Warehouse Projects" in Pakistan's history to provide medicines. She visited the Central Warehouse at Maraka, managed by the Health Department, and inaugurated the distribution of free medicines to hospitals in various districts.

The CM has instructed that medicine warehouses in Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Multan be made operational as soon as possible. Nine medicine warehouses are now operational across the province, with the capacity to store more than 17 billion medicines and equipment.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif personally drove a forklift to officially launch the medicines provision project and oversaw the dispatch of medicine trucks to various districts. She inspected the furniture, medical equipment, and other supplies destined for hospitals. The CM also checked the validity of the medicines and the warehouse's temperature control system.

Secretary of Health Ali Jan Khan briefed that medicines can be stored at a standard temperature and transported from these modern warehouses. On the CM's direction, nine central warehouses have been established under the free medicines project, storing medicines worth more than Rs. 10 billion. Additionally, new medical equipment worth over Rs. 7 billion, along with furniture, disposable bed sheets, and other goods, will be provided to hospitals.

Standard furniture, the latest medical equipment, medicine trolleys, and other supplies will be distributed to various district hospitals from these warehouses. Senator Parvez Rashid, Provincial Minister for Information & Culture Azma Zahid Bokhari, Provincial Ministers Khawaja Salman Rafique, Khawaja Imran Nazir, Special Assistant Zeeshan Malik, Dr. Adnan Khan, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Secretary Health Ali Jan, Secretary Information Ahmed Aziz Tarar, and other relevant officials were present at the event.

24/07/2024

Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik met with Mr. Rashid Meredov, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, who is on a two-day visit to Pakistan. Mr. Meredov was accompanied by a Turkmen delegation, including Mr. Ata Haljanov, head of International Economic Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Mr. Eziz Nazarov, head of the Legal Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Mr. Muhammetmyrat Amanov, Chairman of the Board and CEO of TAPI Pipeline Company Ltd, Mr. Atadjan Movlamov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, and Mr. Eldar Permanov, third secretary at the Embassy of Turkmenistan.

Additional Secretary Hasan Yousafzai, Joint Secretary Shahbaz Tahir, and MD Inter State Gas System Limited Nadeem Bajwa were also present.

Dr. Musadik Malik welcomed the Turkmen delegation and thanked them for their hospitality during his last visit to Turkmenistan. He noted that the visit of Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister marks a significant milestone in strengthening the diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.

He emphasized that the TAPI pipeline project will lower energy costs, boost industrial growth, create jobs, and promote economic development. Reliable and affordable energy supplies are vital for industrial sectors and overall economic stability. The project has made substantial progress through collaboration and continuous engagement between the two countries. Pakistan is fully committed to this project, which is important for regional energy cooperation and infrastructure development.

Mr. Rashid Meredov expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome by the Pakistani side and highlighted the need for a cooperative roadmap between both countries. Mr. Muhammetmyrat Amanov, CEO of TAPI Pipeline Company Limited, noted that with the special interest of the Petroleum Minister and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the TAPI project has seen significant progress and is on the right track.

Officials from both Pakistan and Turkmenistan emphasized the project's strategic importance in enhancing regional connectivity, promoting economic growth, and meeting the energy demands of participating nations. They stressed their commitment to continued cooperation and mutual support to overcome any remaining challenges. Continuous diplomatic efforts and political commitments are crucial for ensuring a conducive environment for the project's advancement.

The TAPI project remains a testament to the strong partnership between Pakistan and Turkmenistan, reflecting shared goals of regional stability and prosperity through sustainable energy solutions.

22/07/2024

In a remarkable cricket match, Pakistan Shaheens declared their innings twice, scoring 467-3 in 96.1 overs, with standout performances from Mohammad Huraira, who hit 218, Kamran Ghulam, who remained unbeaten with 100, Sahibzada Farhan, who scored 66, and Umar Amin, who contributed 54. Bangladesh A's bowlers Ripon Mondol and Hasan Murad managed to take 2-84 and 1-130 respectively. In their second innings, Pakistan Shaheens declared at 226-3 in 47.2 overs, with Omair Bin Yousuf scoring an unbeaten 100 and Mubasir Khan adding 95. Bangladesh A's Ripon Mondol and Mukidul Islam took one wicket each.

Bangladesh A, in their first innings, were all out for 266 in 76.2 overs. Key players included Shadman Islam with 88, Aich Mollah with 70, and Shahadat Hossain with 36. Pakistan Shaheens' Khurram Shahzad shone with the ball, taking 6-72, while Mohammad Ali took 2-64 and Shahnawaz Dahani 1-50. In their second innings, Bangladesh A managed 279 all out in 86.2 overs, with contributions from Amite Hasan (71), Parvez Hossain Emon (57), and Shahadat Hossain (42).

Mehran Mumtaz took 4-84 and Shahnawaz Dahani claimed 3-57 for Pakistan Shaheens.

22/07/2024

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched an air ambulance service in the province, fulfilling another promise. For the first time in Pakistan's history, Haleema Bibi from Mianwali was airlifted to Rawalpindi for urgent treatment. Following CM Maryam Nawaz's direction, Haleema Bibi, who had fallen from a roof and was in critical condition, was promptly transported to Rawalpindi via the air ambulance, saving her life.

The surgeon at DHQ Hospital Mianwali had advised immediate transfer to a larger hospital to save Haleema Bibi's life. Upon receiving this information, CM Maryam Nawaz directed that Haleema Bibi be shifted to Rawalpindi using the air ambulance trial service. The doctors successfully operated on her upon arrival. Haleema Bibi's family expressed their gratitude, calling CM Maryam Nawaz an angel of mercy and praying for her long life and success.

In a message to Haleema Bibi's family, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif said, "Saving one life is like saving all of humanity. Alhamdulillah, I followed Allah Almighty's commands." She also asked the nation to pray for Haleema Bibi's full recovery, adding, "It is my sincere wish to eliminate grief and suffering from the lives of all citizens."

18/07/2024

On July 18, 2024, a four-day aviation security assessment of Jinnah International Airport (JIAP) in Karachi, conducted by a team from Transport Canada, concluded successfully. The assessment was led by Transportation Security Inspectors Barbara Durette and Abdel Tahir and hosted by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). Director of Aviation Security, Air Commodore (Retd.) Shahid Qadir, oversaw the process.

The assessment focused on several security measures, including passenger and baggage screening, perimeter protection, cargo and catering security, and protocols for direct flights to Canada. The team also evaluated security measures for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to Toronto, looking at access control, aircraft protection, security searches, and related procedures.

A debriefing session was held at the PCAA headquarters, where the assessment team received crests and gifts from Deputy Director General Nadir Shafi Dar, representing Secretary of Aviation Capt (R) Saif Anjum. The team expressed their gratitude to PCAA for their hospitality and praised the airport's security protocols for meeting international standards and best practices. The Avsec assessment of JIAP Karachi was deemed successful, following the ICAO USAP Audit and GCAA-UAE assessment.

16/07/2024

On the instructions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Provincial Ministers Azma Bokhari (Information and Culture) and Zeeshan Rafique (Local Government) visited Toba Tek Singh to review preparations for maintaining law and order during Ashura Muharram. They were briefed on various measures, including the cleaning of procession routes, patchwork, removal of encroachments and wall chalking, lighting arrangements, security, and other necessary preparations for Muharram.

Provincial Minister Azma Bokhari stated that processions and gatherings are being monitored live through CCTV cameras, with the army and Rangers assisting the police. For the first time, on the Chief Minister's instructions, arrangements for food and water stalls for mou_rners are being made across the province, with the Punjab Food Authority ensuring their standards. Special arrangements are in place to serve women, elderly people, and children in the processions. Trained staff from the health department and Rescue 1122 are present to provide first aid.

Bokhari also emphasized that the traffic police should ensure alternate routes to avoid inconvenience due to the processions.

Minister Zeeshan Rafique instructed that proper drainage arrangements should be made for the procession routes during rains. He reviewed and received briefings on cleaning, drainage, patchwork, removal of encroachments, lighting, and security.

Speaking to the media, Azma Bokhari said that the administrative and security measures of the district administration and police are satisfactory. She highlighted the importance of maintaining peace during Muharram.

15/07/2024

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the appointment of Tony Hemming as their new head curator on a two-year contract. The Western Australian will arrive in Lahore on Wednesday to start his new role.

One of Hemming’s first tasks will be preparing pitches for the upcoming five ICC World Test Championship matches against Bangladesh (two in August/September) and England (three in October). He will also oversee pitch preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which Pakistan will host from February 19 to March 9.

Hemming is a well-respected curator with almost 40 years of experience. He has worked at many famous cricket grounds in Australia, including those in Melbourne, Perth, and Tasmania. He has also worked in countries like Bangladesh, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, where he served as the ICC’s Head Curator in Dubai from 2007 to 2017.

During his time with the ICC, Hemming was responsible for pitch preparation at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, which was one of Pakistan’s home venues between 2009 and 2019.

13/07/2024

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a partnership with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia to host the first Olympic Esports Games in 2025. This initiative follows the IOC Executive Board's recent establishment of the Olympic Esports Games, with a proposal set to be presented at the IOC Session before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The partnership between the IOC and the Saudi NOC will last 12 years, with the Olympic Esports Games held regularly during this period. IOC President Thomas Bach expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with the Saudi NOC, highlighting their expertise in esports and their commitment to Olympic values, gender equality, and youth engagement.

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sport, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing its potential to inspire new dreams for athletes worldwide. He affirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to hosting a special event that celebrates Olympic values and advances the esports industry.

Supported by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has become a global hub for professional esports, with over 23 million gamers. This partnership aligns with the country's Vision 2030, which has seen significant growth in sports participation and the hosting of major international events.

Women's sports have also seen rapid growth in Saudi Arabia, with nearly half of the country's gamers being female. Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, an IOC Member and President of the Women’s Committee, highlighted the positive impact of sports on women and girls and anticipated increased female participation in the Olympic Esports Games.

Following this announcement, the IOC will begin planning the event, including selecting a city and venue, determining the event schedule, and outlining the qualification process for players. The IOC will collaborate with International Federations and National Olympic Committees already involved in esports to ensure a successful inaugural event. The IOC will also establish a dedicated structure within its organization to manage the Olympic Esports Games, separate from the traditional Olympic Games framework.

13/07/2024

Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has kept her promise to the people by announcing the launch of a solar panel distribution program starting on Independence Day, August 14th. Households using up to 200 units of electricity can get free solar panels.

Those using between 200 and 500 units will receive solar panels by paying only 10% of the cost, with the Punjab government covering the remaining 90%. The payments, which are interest-free, can be made over five years through banks.

In her announcement, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif explained that this initiative will reduce electricity bills by 40%. She emphasized her commitment to providing relief to the people, stating, "Despite challenging circumstances, we stand with the people and will continue to support them." The procedure for distributing the solar panels has been finalized to ensure smooth implementation.

13/07/2024

Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, launched the Chief Minister's Youth Initiative, an E-bike program, by handing over the symbolic key of the first E-bike to a college student from Jampur. During the event, she also launched a Vehicle Inspection Regime for Private Vehicles and issued the first e-loader rickshaw manufacturing license in Punjab to Nawawa Mobilizers Company.

In her speech at the E-Bike launching ceremony, CM Maryam Nawaz made several major announcements. She introduced the second phase of the E-Bike project and revealed plans to establish solar-powered charging stations in colleges and universities.

Additionally, she announced that bikes would be given to students who have lost their parents. A special scholarship worth Rs.25 billion was also announced for students, along with the early launch of a laptop scheme. This is part of a broader “Green Vision” program to transition Punjab to electric transport.

Maryam Nawaz urged other provinces to follow Punjab’s lead in launching the E-Bike Scheme for students. She stated, "Today, we have launched the E-Bike Project and will increase its scope in the next phase. The Punjab government will cover Rs.20,000 of the Rs.40,000 down payment for an E-Bike." She added, "Over one lakh applications were received, and 27,200 students will be given E-Bikes. All districts are equally represented in this scheme. There is no gender quota, but 8,000 female students applied, and all will receive E-Bikes. Daughters should learn to ride E-Bikes for their empowerment."

She further mentioned, "We will soon distribute laptops to students, and I have already reviewed the models. For students who cannot afford higher education, we are introducing a Rs.25 billion scholarship program. It is my responsibility to ensure children get an education. No child should have to sit at home because they can't pay fees. We have set affordable monthly installments for the E-Bikes, and for children without parents, we have removed the need for parental guarantees. We aim to make Punjab green and shift to electric transport like other parts of the world.

Solar charging stations will be established across Punjab, and insurance for E-Bike batteries will cover theft or fi_re. E-Bikes will be distributed fairly through e-balloting without any recommendations."

Maryam Nawaz also highlighted an agreement with a renowned bus company to bring environment-friendly buses to Punjab, with 27 buses expected to arrive by December. She expressed her dream of seeing eco-friendly buses in every city. Helmets and protective gear will be provided with the bikes, and she urged students to ride safely and responsibly.

She emphasized, "We aim to lead in providing facilities and making progress in all sectors, including education. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif is pleased with this initiative for the youth. We are focused on positive activities and providing maximum facilities to students over the next five years." She acknowledged Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb's efforts in combating smog and pollution and praised the Transport Minister and Secretary for their work on the E-Bike project.

The ceremony concluded with CM Maryam Nawaz inviting students to the stage, interacting with them, and inspecting various electric vehicles, including E-Bikes, scooters, and rickshaws. She also reviewed a video documentary on the 'Murree-Rawalpindi Tourist Glass' Train. Provincial Transport Minister Bilal Akbar, Secretary Transport Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi, and President Bank of Punjab Zafar Masood also spoke at the event. CM Maryam Nawaz highlighted the joy of PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif over the project's inauguration.

Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Azma Zahid Bokhari, and other provincial ministers and officials were present at the event.

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