Latest news with #MaryamAurangzeb
Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
ADB, Punjab govt to launch ‘Agri e-Mechanization Project'
LAHORE: The Asian Development Bank and the Punjab government have reached a mutual understanding on launching the 'Agri E-Mechanization Project' in Punjab which is expected to receive cabinet approval soon. The consensus was reached in a meeting of the ADB delegation with Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb on Saturday. The meeting discussed climate change, agricultural development, and environmental initiatives. The Senior Minister briefed the delegation that CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif's priorities include strengthening health, education, agri e-mechanization, establishment of a climate observatory, a climate action plan, farmer welfare, carbon credits, and developing local experts in every sector. She added that strategies are being considered to link Punjab's agricultural universities with global institutions. She highlighted that under the CM's initiative, 5,000 super seeders have been provided to farmers at a 60% subsidy to prevent crop residue burning. Additionally, climate-resilient agricultural machinery and easy loans for farmers are being introduced. A comprehensive strategy has been devised based on four agricultural zones, and complete machinery mapping has been carried out. The delegation was briefed on rice transplanters, balers, and harvesters. A subsidy of one million rupees per tractor is being offered, and 20,000 tractors will also be manufactured locally. For those unable to purchase machinery, rental options are being provided. Under local financing, harvesters are being made available, and the payment system has been improved. The meeting emphasized international collaboration on carbon markets, air quality, and carbon credits. The senior minister stated that the private sector would also be engaged in the carbon financing programme. A climate resilience policy and vision have been developed, and all departments are working in unison under a joint strategy. Technical assistance is being acquired for carbon storage, market, and data development. She affirmed that all climate initiatives are aligned with the targets of the Paris Agreement. Punjab's first Climate Observatory is ready for launch with a detailed PC-1 prepared, while the Climate Action Plan, flood protection, and other related programmes are actively progressing. The project also focuses on multi-sectoral carbon storage and AQI improvements. Work is underway on a collection system to curb crop residue burning. Additionally, 1% of every ADP scheme budget has been allocated for plantation. Agriculture, energy, and transport sectors are among the key stakeholders in the climate-resilient programme. Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb extended her gratitude to the delegation for their assurance of support and cooperation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab approves region's largest climate observatory
LAHORE: The Punjab government has approved the establishment of region's largest and most advanced climate observatory to assist in timely forecasting, analysis, and policymaking related to climate change. Major decisions were taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb. The meeting was informed that the climate observatory will be set up at the Punjab Planning & Development House while its building will be constructed at Nawaz Sharif IT City. The University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore has already submitted a comprehensive report regarding the establishment of the observatory. A feasibility plan has been prepared for the provision of budget, equipment, and land. The observatory will be equipped with a state-of-the-art automated communication and linkage system. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
Lahore Qalandars players take ‘Climate Action Plan' pledge
LAHORE: In a groundbreaking initiative under the 'Smog Ko Karo All Out' campaign, Lahore Qalandars became the first professional cricket team to officially take a 'Climate Action Plan' pledge, setting a new benchmark for environmental responsibility in the sporting world. Senior Provincial Minister of Punjab, Maryam Aurangzeb, administered the climate action oath to the team. On this occasion, the players declared that cricket is no longer just a game; it is now intertwined with the spirit of environmental protection. Lahore Qalandars cricketers pledged to embrace environmental responsibility both on the field and in their daily lives. They committed to conserving water, promoting efficient resource usage, and raising awareness about climate issues. Further commitments included planting trees, fostering greener surroundings, reducing waste and pollution, avoiding smoke-emitting vehicles, and minimizing plastic usage. The team affirmed that these actions would become part of their everyday routine. The cricketers also expressed their intent to mobilize their fans, friends, and families to join the climate action movement and to continue raising their voices on environmental issues. In their pledge, the players stated, 'Our victories will only be complete when we win the battle against pollution — when Punjab wins, Pakistan wins.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
20-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Plan afoot to clear drains ahead of monsoon
Ahead of the monsoon season, city authorities have finalised a plan to clean the Nullah Leh, 13 seasonal drains, roadside channels, sewer lines, and neighbourhood drains. A schedule has been issued, assigning duties to the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), the District Council, Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RCB), and Cantonment Boards. Monitoring of the cleaning operations will be carried out regularly, and a third-party survey has also been approved. Various heads of government departments have been appointed as circle in-charges for flood-prone areas, with focal persons designated as well. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb are expected to make surprise visits to inspect flood preparations. An estimated Rs200 million has been allocated for the desilting campaign, with an immediate release request of Rs140 million. Under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema, a detailed plan was laid out during a high-level meeting. According to the plan: WASA will clean 11 km of the 22 km of Leh Nullah, along with 13 seasonal drains and all sewerage lines across the city. The District Council will handle the seasonal drains flowing through rural areas. Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) will be responsible for cleaning roadside drains and neighbourhood drains. The Cantonment Boards of Rawalpindi and Chaklala will manage the remaining 11 km of Leh Nullah and drains within their jurisdictions. Each of the four institutions — WASA, RWMC, Cantonment Boards, and District Council — will receive funding from the allocated Rs 200 million. The deputy commissioner has banned the disposal of garbage and construction material into the drains and instructed local police to register FIRs against violators. The flood season will run from June 15 to August 15, with a pre-monsoon phase starting from May 15 to June 14. Cleaning contracts will be awarded to private firms through a tendering process, with preference given to bidders equipped with heavy desilting machinery. Federal Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi told The Express Tribune that the Nullah Leh and seasonal drains have been causing destruction for the past six decades. He said he would personally oversee cleaning operations this year, especially in narrow areas previously inaccessible to labour teams. Meanwhile, the Punjab Water and Sanitation Authority (PWSA) Director-General, Tayyab Farid has directed all five WASAs to expedite their preparations for the monsoon season and complete all arrangements before May 15. Cleaning of sewer lines and drains, repair of heavy machinery, timely installation of monsoon camps, as well as training exercises and identification of low-lying areas should be carried out expeditiously so that all arrangements were in place well before the pre-monsoon season which started on June 15, he added. The PWSA DG was presiding over a meeting to review the performance of all Water and Sanitation Agencies (WASAs) and their preparations for the monsoon season.
Express Tribune
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Punjab CM launches Environment Protection Force
Listen to article Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday inaugurated the province's first dedicated Environment Protection Force, marking a major step in Pakistan's environmental governance. The launch ceremony in Lahore featured the passing out parade of the newly formed force, attended by senior officials, ministers and dignitaries. The Chief Minister also introduced two key environmental systems — the Environmental Approval Management System and the Emission Testing System — aimed at improving pollution control and regulating vehicle emissions. CM Maryam Nawaz personally inspected a vehicle and applied the first official emission testing sticker to symbolically launch the system. Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb briefed attendees on the operational framework of the new force, which has been structured to tackle a wide range of environmental issues across Punjab. The force is divided into specialised units focused on combating plastic waste in cities, controlling dust and dengue, protecting water resources, monitoring emissions, and overseeing industrial and hospital waste management. In a symbolic gesture, the chief minister hoisted the flag of the Environment Protection Authority and announced the provision of 25 hybrid vehicles and 200 electric bikes to the new force. The fleet is expected to improve operational efficiency while promoting clean transport initiatives. Additionally, 360-degree surveillance vehicles, thermal drones and mobile air quality stations have been introduced for real-time environmental monitoring. In her address, Maryam Nawaz called the establishment of the force a milestone in the province's fight against environmental hazards and a reflection of the government's long-term commitment to creating a safer, greener Punjab.
