LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan Under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision for an environment-friendly Punjab, an important and advanced scientific initiative is being launched to combat air pollution and smog in the province. As part of the project, Pakistan’s first EPA certified “Liquid Tree” will be transferred from Faisalabad to Lahore. According to the Punjab Environmental Protection Department, the technology will function in the form of an artificial tree, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and releasing oxygen. Officials said this is the first technology since 1987 to be formally certified by the Punjab EPA. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that more than 100 species of microalgae were collected from Karachi to Khyber and tested over a period of seven months. Each species was examined for its carbon sequestration capacity and effectiveness. The most effective algae was found in Sukkur, Sindh. Its seeds were then cultivated in collaboration with Government College University Faisalabad and used in the bioreactor through modern scientific methods. The project is also equipped with an artificial intelligence-based calculator that indicates how much carbon dioxide is being absorbed and how much oxygen is being released at a given time. Through this modern system, environmental performance will be monitored in real time. The Chief Minister appreciated the Environmental Protection Agency, researchers, bioscientists and the entire team for developing and successfully testing the “Liquid Tree.” She said the project reflects the creativity, expertise and commitment of Punjab’s experts, scientists and environmental institutions. Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the “Liquid Tree” is an advanced scientific method that uses algae grown in water and a bioreactor system to remove carbon dioxide from the environment. She said the technology could prove to be a game-changer in reducing pollution in urban areas. The Chief Minister directed that the project be expanded following the successful trial. In the first phase, Liquid Trees will be installed at major malls, plazas, commercial areas and other urban locations, both indoors and outdoors. She said artificial trees installed in large plazas and commercial areas would help improve the environment in the same way as natural trees. The project, she added, would prove to be a major breakthrough in Punjab’s fight against smog, carbon dioxide and air pollution.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has intensified its province-wide crackdown against tax fraud, forgery and defaulters. According to the authority, 14 business premises have been sealed over irregularities in tax records, non-payment of outstanding dues and failure to meet legal requirements, while recovery worth millions of rupees has also been made. PRA officials said five outlets of well-known food chains in the Lahore division were sealed over alleged irregularities and manipulation in tax records. In addition, warning notices have been issued to several business entities, directing them to pay their outstanding tax dues on time and file returns in accordance with the law. According to the authority, penalties are also being imposed on individuals and businesses involved in filing false tax returns, providing incorrect information and failing to submit returns within the prescribed deadline. Officials said further strict action would be taken against repeated violators, including freezing bank accounts for the recovery of fines and outstanding dues. Punjab Revenue Authority Chairman Moazzam Iqbal Sipra said a special enforcement campaign was underway across the province for the immediate recovery of outstanding taxes. He said action was being taken without discrimination against elements causing losses to the national exchequer through fraudulent practices, while legal notices were also being issued to such individuals and institutions. PRA officials said the enforcement measures would continue in the future to ensure transparency in the tax system, increase government revenue and uphold the rule of law.

Lahore: [Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan] Director General Lahore Development Authority Tahir Farooq visited the Data Darbar Expansion Project and the under-construction Bhatti Chowk Underpass, where he reviewed in detail the pace and quality of ongoing development works. During the visit, TEPA Chief Engineer Iqrar Hussain and the project director briefed the LDA DG on the progress of both projects. The briefing stated that finishing work is underway on the Data Darbar piazza and the underground pedestrian underpass, while work on the parking area and toilet block is also being carried out simultaneously. LDA DG Tahir Farooq inspected various sections of the Data Darbar Expansion Project and directed officials to further improve the quality of finishing work. He instructed the relevant officers to ensure that all construction, renovation and beautification works are completed according to high standards so that better facilities can be provided to visitors. TEPA Chief Engineer informed the LDA DG that additional teams are working on the upgradation of properties located around Data Darbar. Under the project, various works are being carried out at a fast pace to improve facilities for visitors, pedestrian movement, parking and other basic amenities. The LDA DG also visited the under-construction Bhatti Chowk Underpass and reviewed the ongoing construction activities. The briefing stated that excavation of the Bhatti Chowk Underpass has been completed, while work on the bed is in progress. Work on the NJ barriers and walls of the project is also being carried out simultaneously. Tahir Farooq directed the relevant authorities to further speed up construction work on the Bhatti Chowk Underpass. He said there should be no compromise on construction quality along with the timely completion of the project. The LDA DG also directed NESPAK officials to ensure 100 percent quality at every stage of the project. He said the Data Darbar Expansion Project and Bhatti Chowk Underpass are important development projects for the city, and their completion will significantly improve traffic flow, visitor convenience and urban infrastructure.