Latest news with #CleanPunjab
Express Tribune
04-08-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Murree becomes dengue 'epicentre'
Authorities have intensified dengue prevention and control efforts in Rawalpindi, with a particular focus on Union Council Ghail in Murree, identified as the epicentre of the outbreak after 14 cases were confirmed. District Health Authority CEO Ehsan Ghani confirmed on Monday that with 34 total confirmed cases across the district, including 20 in Rawalpindi and 14 in Murree, the authority is deploying robust surveillance, strategic interventions, and community engagement to curb the spread of the virus. According to the DHA's official data, as of August 4, Rawalpindi hospitals have screened 4,076 patients, identifying 3,819 suspected cases, 2 probable cases, and 34 confirmed cases, with 8 patients currently admitted. No dengue-related deaths have been reported this year. To tackle the outbreak in Murree, the authority has established control rooms at Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Murree and the Basic Health Units in Charhaan, Ban, and Danda to manage patient care efficiently, particularly in the Ghail area. The DHA has mobilised staff from multiple sectors, including the Clean Punjab programme and the education department, to execute a detailed work plan targeting hard-to-reach hilly areas. The enhanced surveillance includes rigorous indoor and outdoor checking with the education department, and local influencers are driving community awareness and participation. THQ Hospital Murree and Samli Sanatorium serve as primary referral points, with private hospitals and CMH integrated for timely treatment and monitoring. The data showed that since January 01, vector surveillance has covered 4,113,932 houses, identifying 46,282 dengue larvae-positive sites, and 1,083,685 spots, with 9,880 positive for larvae. All 56,162 detected larvae sites have been eliminated following standard protocols. Towards punitive actions and enforcing compliance, the DHA has filed 1,747 FIRs, sealed 1,090 premises, issued 3,279 challans, and imposed fines totalling Rs3,161,500.0.
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
