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As the Lahore AQI hits 158, Punjab steps up its anti-smog efforts.

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The Punjab government has initiated more aggressive anti-smog operations after Lahore registered an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 158, triggering a coordinated system of field enforcement, monitoring and prevention against local sources of pollution.

The operation has been initiated on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, while drone, nite and Hawk Eye field squads have also been mobilized to monitor and control pollution sources.

The ministry said that 269 industrial units were inspected in the last 24 hours. Eleven outlets were sealed and one booked and fines of Rs1.2 million levied.

In a crackdown on brick kilns, 431 kilns were inspected, five demolished, nine sealed and nine cases recorded while Rs1.4 million fines were levied.

Authorities also assessed 309 establishments for poor plastic use. Seventeen places sealed, 1,297 kg of plastic seized and fines of Rs 148,000 levied.

We assessed 245 BBQ and commercial cooking sites as part of action on major local smoke sources. Suction hoods were fitted at 55 places. 34 sites were sealed.

Dust pollution was controlled by spraying water on 1,178 km of highways. We took steps to conceal exposed construction material at 44 areas and to fix road shoulders at nine spots.

The ministry claimed more than 2.15 lakh farmers throughout Punjab have been contacted so far on how to prevent the burning of agricultural residue while more than 4.31 lakh farmers have been instructed on methods to prevent stubble burning.

More over 6.38 million acres have been planted out of the total rice acreage of over 6.332 million acres, officials said. The administration claimed 1.259 million acres of crop residue had been managed with 2,800 Kabuta machines and roughly 89,000 acres had been managed through 187 balers.

Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said action, awareness and preventive actions against every local source of smog would continue to ensure clean air, healthy environment and better public health.

She urged farmers and citizens to work with the administration and dispose of the crop leftovers in an environment-friendly manner. She also advised the people to report the smoke related issues by calling 1373.

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IHC direct Islamabad administration to issue domicile to Lakki Marwat citizen

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The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the Islamabad district administration to issue a residence certificate to Hamadulla, who lives in Lakkimarwat, within five days.

The order was issued while considering the citizen’s application for Islamabad Domicile Certificate.

The court also expressed strong displeasure over the district administration’s decision to send a lower division clerk (LDC) to represent the deputy commissioner’s office instead of a senior official.

During the proceedings, the clerk informed the court that a domicile certificate is issued one year after obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the applicant’s previous district. Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar questioned the official about his appointment and asked why the junior officer was being sent to represent the district administration.

Expressing indignation, the Chief Justice pointed out that the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent and Assistant Commissioner were not present in the court. He questioned the rationale behind making citizens wait for a year after issuing NOC and directed the government to complete the household registration process within five days.

The court also warned that if the residence certificate is not issued within the stipulated time, the Deputy Commissioner will have to appear in person.

After issuing the directions, the IHC adjourned further proceedings until next week.

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PM Shehbaz to address COP31 summit in Turkiye, hold key meetings with world leaders

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will address the high-level climate conference COP31 in Antalya, Turkey today as he begins a busy schedule of engagements with international leaders.

The Prime Minister will attend a high-level meeting titled “Clean Energy Transition 2035: Powering the Future” hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He is expected to deliver an important address outlining his vision for renewable energy and the transition towards clean energy.

During the COP31 summit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will also present Pakistan’s National Statement, highlighting the country’s position on climate justice and the challenges faced by nations severely affected by climate change. The announcement is expected to underline Pakistan’s concerns about the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable countries and to emphasize the importance of global cooperation and climate justice.

In addition to the planned address, the Prime Minister will hold important bilateral meetings with several world leaders throughout the day. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing common environmental and climate-related challenges.

Later in the evening, Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif will attend a gala dinner hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to meet world leaders. His participation in the summit provides an opportunity for Pakistan to highlight its climate priorities and strengthen diplomatic engagement with the international community.

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Saudi delegation eyes Karachi port investments as Pakistan expands maritime trade

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A Saudi business delegation led by Prince Mansoor bin Mohammed Al Saud has expressed interest in investing in Karachi’s port infrastructure, logistics links and green initiatives, Pakistani authorities said Monday, as Islamabad seeks to expand maritime cooperation with its longtime Gulf ally.

The visit comes amid efforts by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to expand economic partnership from traditional trade, remittances and financial support to investment-based cooperation in infrastructure, energy and other areas. Pakistan is also seeking to modernize its ports, improve connections with land transport networks and expand transshipment operations to strengthen its position in regional trade.

Prince Mansoor, Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Chapter of the Saudi-Pakistan Joint Business Council, led a high-level corporate delegation to Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Port Qasim and South Asia Pakistan Terminals Limited, where officials were briefed on investment opportunities and ongoing modernization projects.

The briefings focused on the proposed 140-acre Maritime Business District in Karachi and the development of Manora Shipyard.

“Prince Mansour expressed keen interest in KPT’s Maritime Business District, Green port initiatives, terminal infrastructure expansion and connectivity initiatives, recognizing their scope for mutually beneficial Saudi investment and joint ventures,” the KPT said in a statement. The Saudi-Pakistan Joint Business Council serves as a platform for companies and investors from both countries to identify commercial opportunities, develop partnerships and form joint ventures. Prince Mansour has led several delegations to Pakistan as the two governments seek to translate their long-standing political and defense ties into greater private sector investment. In June, KPT signed a memorandum of understanding with its Saudi Arabian and Pakistani partners to explore the development of a maritime business zone on MT Khan Road in Karachi.

The proposed development involves the Saudi Arabian Business Council – Najd Gateway Holding Company, Arif Habib Dolmen REIT Management Limited and a consortium of Pakistani companies and is intended to accommodate commercial and maritime businesses.

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