Mobile services will remain suspended in Karachi on specific routes due to the visit of the Iranian President till 8:00 am on Wednesday. In a statement, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority said that on the directions of the Ministry of Interior, mobile services will remain suspended on specific routes in Karachi from 3:00 pm (Tuesday) till 8:00 am (Wednesday). PTA said that the decision has been taken to ensure the security of the dignitary's visit to Karachi. It is pertinent to mention here that Commissioner Karachi had announced a public holiday on Tuesday (today), in light of the visit of the Iranian President to the city. Source: Pro Pakistani
Punjab Announces Affordable Apartment Scheme for Public in 6 Cities
The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has launched a housing scheme titled 'Apni Chhat Apna Ghar' to address the housing needs of poor families across the province. This scheme aims to provide 100,000 apartments to citizens residing in six major cities, revolutionizing the housing sector in Punjab. The Apni Chhat Apna Ghar scheme is driven by several key objectives, including ensuring affordable and peaceful accommodation for families near and far from urban centers, constructing eco-friendly houses accessible to people from lower-income backgrounds, and ensuring the quality construction of defect-free houses. Eligibility criteria for the scheme include families belonging to lower-income groups, individuals with monthly incomes below 60,000 rupees, and those living below the poverty line. Preference is given to families without their own homes. Initially, 3000 houses will be constructed in each district of Punjab, providing ample opportunities for families to secure h ousing. The payment plan offers houses in easy installments over five years, making homeownership achievable for many. The total cost of each apartment is set at Rs. 1.5 million, with the Punjab government providing a 60 percent subsidy. Prospective homeowners will be able to purchase apartments by paying 40 percent of the total cost in installments. The scheme will roll out initially in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Multan, and Sargodha. The Social Protection Authority has been tasked with formulating rules and regulations for the scheme. The construction of 5,000 apartments is planned on Raiwind Road in Lahore alone, highlighting the scale of this ambitious project. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's initiative signifies a significant step towards providing housing for poor and deserving families in Punjab, with the potential to transform countless lives. Eligible individuals are encouraged to register for the scheme and secure their own homes under this impactful initiative. Source: Pro Pakistan i
President emphasizes need to enhance Pakistan’s aerial connections with other countries
President Asif Ali Zardari has emphasized the need to enhance Pakistan's aerial connections with other countries. Talking to a delegation of Air Asia Aviation Group in Islamabad today, he said potential of Pakistan's tourism sector can be fully exploited by increasing people-to-people contacts. The President said Pakistan has abundant tourism opportunities, especially religious sites. He said investors should invest in the Pakistan Stock Exchange by taking advantage of the best investment opportunities it offers. The delegation apprised the president about the Air Asia Aviation Group and its flight operations. Source: Radio Pakistan
CM Maryam inaugurates country’s first virtual women police station
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated Pakistan's first virtual women police station, "Mari Awaz, Maryam Nawaz," at Punjab Safe City Authority in Lahore and directed the establishment of 100 new emergency Panic-15 buttons in Lahore. Speaking on the occasion, the Punjab CM said women can now connect with the Virtual Women Police through various features like 15 Call, Women Safety App with Live Chat, Video Call feature, Punjab Police App, and Safe City Web Portal. Under the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Punjab government has also launched a free Wi-Fi project at 50 locations in Lahore. For the first time in South Asia, Lahore has initiated the implementation of Artificial Intelligence for monitoring 19 traffic violations. The Virtual Women Police Station will guide women through the process of lodging FIRs and assist them through investigation and trial stages. Source: Radio Pakistan
PM terms promotion of quality education as govt’s top priority
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has termed promotion of quality education as top most priority of his government. He was talking to a delegation of representatives of UK's leading universities led by Sir Steve Smith in Islamabad today. The Prime Minister said the federal government is working in coordination with provincial governments to bring all out of school children to education. He said an Education Endearment Fund will be established at the federal level on Punjab model. While referring to Pak-UK bilateral relations, he said ties between the two countries span over many decades which are further improving with the passage of time. The Prime Minister said UK could be helpful in training and capacity building of Pakistani teachers. The delegation briefed the Prime Minister about coordination and cooperation between Pakistan and UK in higher education sector. Source: Radio Pakistan