Latest news with #ParksandHorticultureAuthority
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- General
- Express Tribune
Free plants handed out for Independence Day
The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has launched a citywide free plant distribution campaign as part of Independence Day and Marka-e-Haq celebrations. Citizens received free plants at Liberty Chowk and Jail Road, while bicycle carts and mobile camps are delivering plants to various locations across Lahore. PHA Director General Mansoor Ahmad said the initiative aims to promote environmental awareness alongside the spirit of Independence Day. "This drive highlights the importance of tree plantation and encourages citizens to contribute to building a green Pakistan," he added. The distribution will continue until Thursday evening. In addition, the city has been decorated for the occasion and major roads are illuminated with green and white lights. Electric lighting adorns all underpasses and decorated floats featuring national images are moving through city streets. A painting competition for young artists will also be organised at the National History Museum.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Rising cost of festive goods fades patriotic spirit
With the nation's 78th Independence Day approaching, sales of national flags, flag-themed clothing, and decorative lights have fallen by 30 to 37 per cent compared with last year, owing to crippling inflation. However, loud air horns and fireworks continue to sell at their usual pace. The mounting inflation has deprived an already struggling nation of the joy of celebrating the country's 78th I-D. In the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, it is estimated that 95% of residents have been unable, despite their wishes, to hoist the national flag on rooftops, cars, motorbikes, or bicycles this year. Street and market decorations are also at a record low. With the cost of flags, children's patriotic clothing, and decorative lights soaring, public celebrations have been markedly muted. Inflation is steadily eroding every occasion for joy, great or small. In response to government directives, the Rawalpindi district administration has issued urgent instructions to all public offices and institutions to adorn their premises with colourful bunting, electric illuminations, and national flags. Departments including the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Social Security, the Education and Health Departments, Barani University, Fatima Jinnah Women University, the Education Board, the Agriculture and Forestry Departments, government schools, assistant commissioners and the Revenue Department have begun decorating markets at public expense. Government offices have also started displaying Independence Day banners and panaflex posters funded from official budgets. Although the administration instructed all officers and employees to wear national flag badges from August 1 to 14, around 95% of them have failed to comply. In commercial areas, only large retail chains have decorated their premises, while in the residential streets of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, flags on rooftops are a rare sight. From Marrir Chowk to Faizabad, some 51 stalls along Murree Road are offering national flags in various sizes, badges, and children's Independence Day outfits. Yet sales have been strikingly poor. Currently, flags cost between Rs200 and Rs1,000, while children's flag-themed suits range from Rs2,500 to Rs4,500.
Express Tribune
03-08-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
PHA enforces smoking ban in parks
The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has begun strict enforcement of a smoking ban in parks in Lahore, following a province-wide directive issued by the Punjab government to curb tobacco use in public spaces. Acting on the instructions of the government and the housing department, the PHA is installing "No Smoking" signage at the entrances, exits, and various locations in the parks. Director General Mansoor Ahmad confirmed that any citizen found violating the ban will be handed over to the police and face legal action under the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Health Ordinance, 2002. "This initiative aims to promote a clean, healthy, and family-friendly environment in our city's recreational spaces," said Ahmad. He appealed to citizens to cooperate with the PHA and respect the rules designed to safeguard public health. The Punjab Housing Department has declared all parks in the province smoke-free zones. A notification prohibits not only smoking but also the sale and advertisement of tobacco and nicotine products, in parks across Punjab. Under the directive, the PHAs throughout the province had been given 10 days to install "No Smoking" signs and begin enforcement. Offenders face fines of up to Rs1,000 for a first violation, with stricter penalties for repeat offences. Park officials are authorised to evict violators from park premises, while enforcement officers may initiate legal proceedings under Section 12 of the tobacco control ordinance. The ban applies to all forms of tobacco, including emerging nicotine products. Kiosks, food stalls, and vendors within park areas are barred from selling cigarettes, vapes, or related products.
Express Tribune
07-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Six new underpasses, flyovers on cards
Six new underpass and flyover projects have been included in Rawalpindi district's development plan for the fiscal year 202526. According to sources, funds have been formally allocated for feasibility studies and PC-1 documentation. Some of these projects will be entirely signal-free and will feature modern, state-of-the-art beautification, to be overseen by the Rawalpindi and Chaklala Cantonment boards as well as the Parks and Horticulture Authority. Once completed, the projects are expected to make 90 per cent of traffic flow through cantonment areas signal-free. The Race Course Underpass is estimated to cost Rs2.6 billion, with Rs94 million earmarked for its initial phase. The Jinnah Park Flyover has a projected cost of Rs4.15 billion, and Rs149 million have been allocated for preparatory work. The Amar Chowk Flyover will cost Rs3.45 billion, with Rs124 million set aside. Chairing Cross Underpass is estimated at Rs1.5 billion, with Rs54 million allocated. The proposed cost for the Fauji Qabristan Chowk (Peshawar Road) Underpass is Rs1.9 billion, with Rs68 million reserved. The largest and most congested project, the District Kutchery Chowk Underpass and Road Widening, is projected at Rs4.45 billion, with Rs160 million allocated for its initial phase. The Iftikhar Janjua Road Underpass is estimated at Rs1.93 billion, with Rs69 million allocated. The District Bar Association has raised strong objections to the Kutchery Chowk project. Bar Secretary Malik Asad Mehmood warned of resistance if lawyers' chambers are dismantled. He urged the administration to share the project plans and consult with the bar before moving forward. The project also affects buildings belonging to the Civil Defence Department, Ministry of Local Government, and Police Department, along with boundary walls of Fatima Jinnah Women University and the Income Tax Office. Due to disputes between government departments and the District Bar, this state-of-the-art project has remained stalled for the past five years, leading to steadily rising costs. MNA Engineer Qamarul Islam, convener of the District Development Committee, stated that the new fiscal year will mark a major development phase for Rawalpindi. He added that work on all the approved projects will begin within three to five months and will be completed and functional by June 30, 2026. Daducha Dam feasibility The contract for preparing the PC-II feasibility study for the Daducha Dam project has been awarded. Once completed, the project will supply Rawalpindi with an additional 35 million gallons of water per day, significantly addressing the city's water shortage. According to the sources, consulting firm Usmani & Co. has been awarded the contract at a cost of Rs42.8 million. The firm is tasked with determining the project's total cost and land acquisition requirements within six months, said the sources, adding that Rs48 million were allocated for the feasibility study, but out of three bidding firms, Usmani & Co.'s bid of Rs42.8 million was accepted. WASA Managing Director, Muhammad Saleem Ashraf, said that the Daducha Dam is a very important project that will significantly enhance Rawalpindi's water supply.
