Latest news with #MaryamNawaz
Business Recorder
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Steps taken to deal with drug abuse challenge: Azma
LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture, Azma Bokhari, has said that there is no place for drug addicts in Punjab anymore. 'The Punjab government has established a dedicated police force to confront the growing menace of drug abuse and assist in the rehabilitation of addicts,' she said while sharing a video of the Anti-Narcotics Force's inauguration by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on social media. Azma Bokhari emphasised that a zero-tolerance policy against drugs is now in effect across the province. She reaffirmed the government's commitment to making Punjab drug-free, adding that every possible step is being taken to protect the youth from falling into the trap of substance abuse. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Country's first electric tram arrives
Lahore is set to see electric trams on its roads, marking a new milestone following the Metro Bus, Orange Line Metro Train, Speedo feeder buses, and Electro Green buses. The first electric tram, imported from China, has arrived in the city and is currently being assembled at the Ali Town Depot. Officials said the tram, designed to operate without a conventional rail track, will initially run as a pilot project along the Canal Road. A demonstration for senior government officials and transport specialists is expected in the first or second week of August at the Lahore Expo Centre. The state-of-the-art tram consists of three interconnected compartments and can carry more than 200 passengers. Fully electric, it can travel up to 27 kilometres on a 10-minute charge. Although capable of autonomous operation through a digital navigation system, it will be manually operated by drivers in Pakistan due to safety considerations. The vehicle is equipped with steering controls and is designed to operate alongside regular traffic without requiring significant infrastructure changes. "This is the latest technology, recently introduced in cities like Abu Dhabi and two Chinese urban centres, and soon to begin operations in Budapest," said Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan. "We are optimistic that Lahore and Gujranwala will see this service before Budapest." The minister added that the tram would operate along the Canal Road corridor, from Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura, during the trial phase. Authorities will monitor the tram's interaction with existing traffic and assess whether a dedicated lane is necessary. However, constructing such a lane could involve cutting trees and road expansion — options the government aims to avoid to keep project costs under control. A test run is also proposed for Main Boulevard, Gulberg. If successful, the tram system may be expanded to other cities, including Faisalabad and Gujranwala, during the current fiscal year. The initiative is part of Punjab's five-year transport modernisation strategy approved earlier this year. At a February meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, officials outlined plans for an Automated Rapid Transit (ART) system, a cutting-edge, trackless electric bus network modelled after systems already operational in Abu Dhabi, Malaysia, and Qatar. The ART vehicles will feature three coaches, accommodating up to 300 passengers, with onboard Wi-Fi, CCTV surveillance, and rapid charging capabilities at solar-powered smart stations. The system is designed to reduce the need for specialised tracks, making it cost-efficient and space-saving. "The goal is to introduce modern public transportation not just in major urban centres, but also in smaller cities across Punjab," said the CM. "This initiative will improve quality of life and reduce disparities across the province." The ART system is expected to be rolled out in 10 cities over three phases, beginning with Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala.
Express Tribune
19 hours ago
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Lahore set to launch Pakistan's first electric tram
Listen to article Lahore is set to see electric trams on its roads, marking a new milestone following the Metro Bus, Orange Line Metro Train, Speedo feeder buses, and Electro Green buses. The first electric tram, imported from China, has arrived in the city and is currently being assembled at the Ali Town Depot. Officials said the tram, designed to operate without a conventional rail track, will initially run as a pilot project along the Canal Road. A demonstration for senior government officials and transport specialists is expected in the first or second week of August at the Lahore Expo Centre. The state-of-the-art tram consists of three interconnected compartments and can carry more than 200 passengers. Fully electric, it can travel up to 27 kilometres on a 10-minute charge. Although capable of autonomous operation through a digital navigation system, it will be manually operated by drivers in Pakistan due to safety considerations. The vehicle is equipped with steering controls and is designed to operate alongside regular traffic without requiring significant infrastructure changes. 'This is the latest technology, recently introduced in cities like Abu Dhabi and two Chinese urban centres, and soon to begin operations in Budapest,' said Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan. 'We are optimistic that Lahore and Gujranwala will see this service before Budapest.' Also Read: Eight SBCA officers get bail in building collapse case The minister added that the tram would operate along the Canal Road corridor, from Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura, during the trial phase. Authorities will monitor the tram's interaction with existing traffic and assess whether a dedicated lane is necessary. However, constructing such a lane could involve cutting trees and road expansion — options the government aims to avoid to keep project costs under control. A test run is also proposed for Main Boulevard, Gulberg. If successful, the tram system may be expanded to other cities, including Faisalabad and Gujranwala, during the current fiscal year. The initiative is part of Punjab's five-year transport modernisation strategy approved earlier this year. At a February meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, officials outlined plans for an Automated Rapid Transit (ART) system, a cutting-edge, trackless electric bus network modelled after systems already operational in Abu Dhabi, Malaysia, and Qatar. Read More: Commercial waste pollutes water bodies in K-P The ART vehicles will feature three coaches, accommodating up to 300 passengers, with onboard Wi-Fi, CCTV surveillance, and rapid charging capabilities at solar-powered smart stations. The system is designed to reduce the need for specialised tracks, making it cost-efficient and space-saving. 'The goal is to introduce modern public transportation not just in major urban centres, but also in smaller cities across Punjab,' said the CM. 'This initiative will improve quality of life and reduce disparities across the province.' The ART system is expected to be rolled out in 10 cities over three phases, beginning with Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala.
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Sport
- Business Recorder
PBCC gets cricket stadium; Indian blind cricket team invited
LAHORE: Punjab Sports Department handed over the control of Asia's first designated Blind Cricket Stadium to Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) at an impressive ceremony held at Nishtar Park Sports Complex E-Library and Youth Centre on Monday. Provincial Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar was the chief guest on this occasion. Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Muzaffar Khan Sial, Director General Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Khizar Afzaal Chaudhry, Director Admin Dr M Kaleem, Director Youth Affairs Syed Omair Hasan, Divisional Sports Officer Tanveer Abbas and members and officials of World Champion Pakistan Blind Cricket Team were also present on this occasion. Divisional Sports Officer Tanveer Abbas and PBCC Syed Sultan Shah singed the handing over documents at the ceremony. Addressing the ceremony, Provincial Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that the Blind Cricket Stadium at Rakh Jhedu is a gift from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for Blind Cricket Team. 'Pakistan is the first country in Asia to build a dedicated cricket stadium for blind cricket team. I congratulated the National Blind cricket team on this great achievement,' he said, adding: 'There is no doubt that the National Blind cricket team has won several coveted world titles for the country'. Faisal Ayub Khokhar invited Indian blind cricket team to play competitive cricket against Pakistan team at this venue. 'We are quite upbeat that Pakistan team once again will beat India at the newly constructed stadium. There is no doubt that India had more resources than Pakistan but even then they don't have a single stadium dedicated for their national blind cricket team.' He further said that Punjab Sports Department has completed the construction of Blind Cricket stadium with full dedication for which I paid tribute to the entire team of Punjab Sports Department. 'Probably, today is the biggest day in the last one and half year'. Sharing more details, he announced that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz will inaugurate the International Squash Complex at Nishtar Park Sports Complex and first baseball ground of the province within two months' period. 'Punjab Sports Department is promoting true sports culture across the province in accordance with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz,' he said. Earlier, Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Muzaffar Khan Sial presented a welcome address stating that pedal tennis courts are being constructed in Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi. 'A state-of-the-art volleyball complex is also being constructed in Lahore, he said.' He further said that other special children will also be able to play at the newly constructed Blind Cricket Stadium. 'Punjab Sports Department is taking effective measures for the promotion of sports culture across all districts of the province,' he said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Arab Times
Meet Pakistan's Futuristic New Metro: Solar-Powered, Trackless, and Smart
LAHORE, July 21: Lahore has just rolled out South Asia's first trackless, solar-powered metro system — an ambitious, high-tech answer to the region's outdated urban transport. Dubbed the Super Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (SRT), this sleek electric vehicle is billed as a 'subway on wheels,' gliding on ordinary roads without the need for expensive tracks or overhead wires. In a futuristic twist, the SRT relies on Virtual Track Technology, using GPS, sensors, and digital mapping to stay on course — all without laying a single rail. Think tram meets Tesla, with zero emissions. A pilot run is already underway near Lahore Airport, drawing curious onlookers and high-level officials from both Pakistan and China — the system's developer. This is the first time such a vehicle has ever hit the roads in South Asia. 'This isn't just a test drive,' said a senior Punjab transport official. 'This is a test for the future of public transport in Pakistan.' A Metro Without the Mess The high-capacity electric buses — capable of carrying 250 to 300 passengers — are set to transform mobility in Punjab and beyond. Unlike conventional metros or Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, the SRT and its future cousin, the Automated Rapid Transport (ART) system, don't require tracks or elevated lanes — meaning cheaper builds, quicker rollouts, and no ugly overpasses slicing through cities. The initiative falls under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's five-year transport master plan, which aims to bring smart, solar-powered mobility to 30 cities across the province. 'This isn't just infrastructure,' said Maryam. 'It's a leap toward equitable, green mobility for all citizens.' Phase One: Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala The first phase will roll out in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala, with 10 more cities added each year over the next four years. If the Lahore trial proves successful, full-scale operations could begin as early as 2026 — with potential future expansions to Karachi, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi. A Cleaner, Quieter Commute Aside from its tech credentials, the SRT promises a dramatic social and environmental impact. Each vehicle could replace up to 100 private cars, slashing air pollution, traffic congestion, and noise in Pakistan's smog-choked cities. 'This is about climate justice as much as convenience,' said an official involved in the rollout. 'It's about narrowing urban divides and giving people a cleaner, faster way to move.' The SRT runs like a tram, follows a virtual track with pinpoint precision, yet has the agility of a bus — making it ideal for traffic-clogged, infrastructure-limited cities like Lahore. The future of Pakistani transport, it seems, is arriving quietly… and on rubber wheels.
