Latest news with #MaryamNawazSharif
News18
5 hours ago
- News18
'Subway On Wheels': Pakistan's Lahore Gets 'South Asia's First' Trackless Rapid Rail
Last Updated: Posting a video on social media, Pakistan Punjab's CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the system is "modern, cost-effective and environment-friendly alternative to conventional transport" What is trackless, environment-friendly, and runs on rubber tyres on roads? It is the new rapid rail in Lahore, which was welcomed by Pakistan Punjab's Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Billed as a 'subway on wheels", this is Pakistan's first trackless and ticketless solar-powered Metro whose country of origin is China. It is part of Punjab's effort to modernise urban transport and a larger plan to deploy this system in 30 cities. Posting a video on social media, Sharif claimed that the rapid rail system is South Asia's first such, and is a 'modern, cost-effective and environment-friendly alternative to conventional transport". 'South Asia's first ART (Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit) has arrived in Lahore. It is track-less, runs on rubber tires & carries 300 passengers. It is a modern, cost-effective & environment-friendly alternative to conventional transport. Test run on canal road soon Insha'Allah!" Sharif posted on X. Watch the video here: This 'track-less" Metro, which will run around on roads, is called the super autonomous rail rapid transit (SRT) and is part of Sharif's newly approved five-year transport masterplan of an automated rapid transport (ART) system in the province. It uses cutting-edge virtual track technology with sensors, GPS, and digital mapping to operate on roads without tracks and is fully electric. According to a report in Gulf News, the SRT system is part of a pilot project for now. Its trial run has begun near Lahore airport, with a controlled corridor selected for early-stage testing, it said. It The report said officials from both Pakistan and China attended the launch. 'This is not just a test drive. This is a test for the future of public transport in Punjab," an official from the provincial transport department was quoted. view comments First Published: July 30, 2025, 16:44 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
‘Waste to Value' project launched: CM lauds successful biogas production experiment
LAHORE: 'A successful experiment for making biogas from biodegradable animal waste has been conducted at Lakhodair in Lahore, for the first time in history,' Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif informed on Monday. While chairing a briefing session on biogas production from waste project of Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC), the CM directed the authorities concerned to start the 'Waste to Value' project under 'Suthra Punjab' Programme at the earliest. The chief minister was briefed by the authorities concerned, 'Approximately 20 to 25 thousand kg of gas can be produced from 1000 metric tons of waste, and a revenue of Rs 60 to 70 lakh can be generated from biogas production from the waste of sacrificial animals.' They said, '275,000 tons of carbon credits and $4.2 million income will be earned from the rehabilitation of disposal site annually.' They added, 'A pilot project for producing biogas from waste in Lahore at a cost of just a few lakhs has been successful. A 50-MW waste to energy plant will be able to convert 3,000 tons of waste into electricity daily. In 10 years, the gas obtained from the landfill site will generate $2.5 million.' The Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also reviewed a model of a recycling park, which could generate annual revenue of Rs 190 million. She was apprised, 'Rehabilitation of Lakhodair disposal site is expected to generate 2.75 lakh tons of carbon credits and $4.2 million in annual income. There will be a 60% reduction in waste from landfills through municipal solid waste treatment.' The CM was also briefed by the authorities concerned, 'Waste to Value Incubation Centre will provide technical support, seed funding, research and development opportunities for startups.' She appreciated the biogas production project from waste by LWMC. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Health
- Business Recorder
Hepatitis a silent killer: CM Maryam
LAHORE: 'Hepatitis is a silent killer,' said Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif in her message on World Hepatitis Day. She added, 'Hepatitis gradually affects liver and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated on time.' She highlighted, 'The provision of hepatitis vaccines is being ensured.' Madam Chief Minister said, 'Free hepatitis testing facilities are also available in field hospitals and clinics-on-wheels.' She added, 'Free medicines are being delivered to homes of hepatitis patients.' She highlighted, 'With caution and treatment, complete prevention of hepatitis is possible.' Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said, 'Awareness is being raised among public through awareness campaign about hepatitis.' She added, 'A healthy Punjab is a developed Punjab.' She underscored, 'Public must get tested for hepatitis, get vaccinated, and spread the message to others.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Health
- Express Tribune
Screening shows alarming HEP spread
Punjab is grappling with a staggering hepatitis crisis as alarming new data reveals that nearly half of certain risk groups may be infected with hepatitis C. Large-scale screenings conducted in healthcare facilities, including the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute, have found a 42.7 per cent prevalence of hepatitis C and 8.4% of hepatitis B among those tested. These figures, gathered from over 141,000 people, present a dire challenge to the province's public health system. Given the province's estimated population of 125 million, experts warn that the data points to more than 50 million people potentially living with hepatitis C and over 10.5 million with hepatitis B. The prevalence rates in Punjab exceed national averages. As the world marks World Hepatitis Day 2025 under the theme "Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down", Punjab's health officials and experts emphasised the urgency of combating the silent epidemic through widespread awareness, prevention, and treatment initiatives. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated in her message on World Hepatitis Day, "The provision of hepatitis vaccines is being ensured. Free hepatitis testing facilities are also available in field hospitals and clinics on wheels. Free medicines are being delivered to homes of hepatitis patients." She highlighted, "With caution and treatment, complete prevention of hepatitis is possible." The chief minister urged the people to get tested for hepatitis, get vaccinated, and spread the message to others. Pakistan ranks among the top five countries with the highest hepatitis burden. Nationwide, it is estimated that there are nearly 10 million hepatitis C patients and around four million of hepatitis B, with related complications causing over 20,000 deaths annually. Globally, hepatitis is responsible for more than 1.34 million deaths each year, making it a significant contributor to the world's infectious disease mortality rates. The experts say the root causes of the hepatitis epidemic in Punjab are entrenched in unsafe medical practices. Reuse of syringes in clinics, use of unsterilised instruments in barbershops and beauty salons, unsafe blood transfusions, and unhygienic traditional practices such as cupping therapy continue to be major sources of infection. Socioeconomic disparities, lack of awareness, and limited access to safe healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas, have exacerbated the spread of the viruses. Studies indicate that the 16-30 age group is more vulnerable to hepatitis B infection, while older populations carry a heavier burden of hepatitis C. Additionally, men are statistically at double the risk of contracting hepatitis B compared to women. In response to the alarming statistics, the Punjab government has implemented several targeted interventions. The measures include the mandatory use of auto-disable syringes to eliminate reuse, installation of medical waste incinerators to ensure safe disposal, and the establishment of Hepatitis Prevention and Treatment Centres (HPTCs) across the province. These centres offer free testing, vaccination, and treatment services. Mobile health units have also been deployed to reach underserved communities, providing on-site testing and awareness programmes. Over 10,000 hepatitis patients have received free treatment under these initiatives, which are aligned with the World Health Organisation's goal of eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Despite these efforts, health experts caution that Punjab's battle against hepatitis requires a sustained and expansive approach. Millions remain undiagnosed and untreated, and the province faces an uphill task in scaling up interventions to match the enormity of the crisis. The health authorities urged citizens to undergo hepatitis screening, practice safe medical habits, and break the stigma surrounding the disease. Modern antiviral therapies offer complete cures for hepatitis C, while hepatitis B can be effectively managed with proper medical care. However, without systemic reforms, community engagement, and unwavering political commitment, the province risks escalation of the epidemic. "Hepatitis is a silent killer that damages the liver and this is the reason the Punjab government is giving awareness in this regard and also focusing on availability of vaccine. The CM Punjab's programme to deliver medicines to homes is playing an important role to counter hepatitis in the province," said Punjab Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
CM launches 'Waste to Value' project
"A successful experiment for making biogas from biodegradable animal waste has been conducted at Lakhodair in Lahore for the first time in history," announced Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Monday while chairing a briefing on the project of Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC). She directed the authorities concerned to start the 'Waste to Value' project under the Suthra Punjab Programme at the earliest. The chief minister was informed that up to 25,000Kg of gas can be produced from 1,000 metric tonnes of waste, and about Rs7 milion in revenue can be generated from biogas production from the waste of sacrificial animals. Officials said 275,000 tonnes of carbon credits and $4.2 million income would be earned annually from the rehabilitation of the disposal site.
