Daily Times

Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi rejected the proposed Rs.15 fare increase for the Metrobus and Speedo Bus services while presiding over the 24th meeting of the Punjab Masstransit Authority at his office. The meeting was attended by Provincial Minister Transport Ibrahim Hassan Murad, secretary finance and officials from the Punjab Masstransit Authority. Highlighting the importance of innovative revenue-generation strategies, CM stressed the need to explore alternative approaches instead of resorting to fare hikes.

An important decision was taken to initiate a pilot project for energy-efficient public transport. In collaboration with the World Bank, 27 electric buses are set to operate from Lahore Railway Station to Green Town. Moreover, plans were formulated to introduce electric buses for the Pakistan Metrobus System in Islamabad-Rawalpindi. The CM issued directives for immediate action on the electric buses initiative and approved measures to address the shortage of human resources in the Punjab Masstransit Authority. The CM directed repairing and maintaining metro bus tracks in both cities.

The meeting sanctioned the renovation projects for Qaddafi Stadium and Shahdara Railway Station in the provincial metropolis. The proposal to operate diesel-hybrid regenerative buses was thoroughly discussed during the meeting. The government remains committed to providing secure and high-quality transport services to the commuters, he added.

Earlier, secretary transport informed that the Punjab Masstransit Authority, which operates six bus services, has surpassed the target of serving over 1.25 billion passengers. 25 thousand students daily use the Orange Line Metro Train to reach their destinations free of cost. Recognizing these accomplishments, the Government of Pakistan has honored the Punjab Masstransit Authority with the Development Leadership Award, he added.

The spokesperson of the Punjab government announced that the final decision regarding the weekly holiday and other smog-related matters will be deliberated upon by the caretaker provincial cabinet. During the upcoming cabinet meeting, the proposal for implementing a “work from home” arrangement for one day in educational institutions, government offices, and markets will be under scrutiny.

The spokesperson emphasized that conclusive judgments are pending regarding the expert suggestions and recommendations that were presented in the cabinet committee for anti-smog measures. All proposed strategies and recommendations aimed at combating smog will be thoroughly examined in the forthcoming cabinet meeting. The spokesperson of the Punjab government further informed that the recent Cabinet Committee on Anti-Smog meeting saw the presentation of numerous proposals focused on smog reduction. Experts and relevant departments also put forth several recommendations during the meeting. In light of recent rainfall, the air quality index in Lahore has improved to a reading of 55. A strategic action plan will be formulated to sustain this positive trend in air quality.

Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi conducted a surprise visit to DHQ Hospital Gujranwala. During his visit, Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi also inspected Gujranwala Teaching Hospital and Medical College. Furthermore, he visited the pediatric ward located within the premises of the Child Protection Bureau.

Upon arrival at DHQ Hospital, Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi observed standing sewage water and noted inadequate cleanliness. Patients at DHQ Hospital Gujranwala expressed their concerns. Due to the absence of a drip stand, relatives were compelled to hold the drip while standing by the patient’s side. Attendants informed the Chief Minister that a fee of 300 rupees is levied for changing patients’ diapers at Teaching Hospital Gujranwala.

During the visit, Mrs. Tahira, an oppressed mother, appealed to Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi that due to the doctor’s mistake, her daughter died, justice should be done. Expressing his dissatisfaction with the management at DHQ Hospital, Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi promptly ordered an inquiry to be conducted by Deputy Commissioner Gujranwala. He also visited the dialysis center, kidney ward, child ward, waiting area, and emergency block.

Furthermore, Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi inspected the relocated pediatric ward within the premises of the Child Protection Bureau building. Commissioner Gujranwala arrived later, having been informed of the Chief Minister’s visit.

Subsequently, caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi addressed the media, announcing the approval of the Safe City Authority project in Gujranwala. He stated that the project has commenced and is slated for completion within 120 days. Additionally, land has been procured for the establishment of a university in Gujranwala, and construction will commence shortly. The road from Benazir Chowk Gujranwala to Wahandu Interchange M3 link is on track to be completed within the stipulated timeframe. Progress is underway on the road connecting Gujranwala to Lahore.

Meanwhile, caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi also visited Gujranwala Medical College and Teaching Hospital. He inspected the five floors of the hospital and assessed the medical facilities. CM Punjab also inspected the under construction burn unit and instructed the Health Secretary to expedite its operationalization. He interacted with patients across various wards, receiving positive feedback regarding the provision of medical facilities. In the Orthopedic Ward, Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi engaged with the young patients, expressing his heartfelt empathy.

Present during the visit were Commissioner Gujranwala, RPO, Deputy Commissioner, MS Hospital, and others. In a concerted effort to enhance the standards of hospital laboratories across the province, caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi conducted a visit to Chughtai Lab along with members of the health team.

The inspection encompassed a detailed examination of various medical services, including sample collection and testing procedures, the testing through microbiology machine and other facilities provided in different departments such as clinical pathology and clinical forensics. During the visit, CEO Dr. Umer Chughtai briefed about the working of the labs.

Expressing admiration for the efficiency of the system, CM Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the imperative to upgrade the laboratories in government hospitals on the pattern of Chughtai Lab. He issued directives to the health team, urging them to spearhead the enhancement of government hospital labs.

Dr. Javed Akram, secretary health, secretary C&W, special secretary (health), Principal SIMS, MS Services Hospital and others were also present.

Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi expressed profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences on the passing of the father of senior journalist, Naeem Ashraf Butt. In his condolence message, Mohsin Naqvi extended his deepest sympathy to Naeem Ashraf Butt and his family. The Chief Minister prayed for Allah Almighty to grant solace to the departed soul and to bestow patience upon the grieving family during this difficult time.

Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi conducted a comprehensive 4-hour visit to Gujranwala city, personally inspecting various civic amenities. Notably, Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi took immediate cognizance of the substandard condition of parks, the absence of beautification efforts, and irregular cleaning protocols within the city. In light of these concerns, a stern warning was issued to DGPHA Gujranwala, emphasizing the need for immediate rectification. The Gujranwala Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner were instructed to institute improvements within a 7-day timeframe.

Furthermore, In response to the tragic incident at Gujranwala Teaching Hospital, where Mrs. Tahira lost her daughter, Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi promptly ordered an inquiry. Deputy Commissioner Gujranwala was directed to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a detailed report.