LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has launched “e Biz,” the province’s first comprehensive digital platform aimed at modernizing business operations and eliminating bureaucratic hurdles faced by investors and entrepreneurs. According to officials, the initiative is designed to provide business related services from multiple departments including housing, communications and works, commerce, industry, and environment through a single, streamlined platform offering faster, more transparent, and business friendly procedures. The project was developed under the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and supervised by Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman. Government officials described the initiative as a major step toward improving the business climate in Punjab, restoring investor confidence, and promoting economic activity across the province. Authorities said that, in the initial phase, 280 business-related government services from various departments have been integrated into the platform. Of these, 121 services belong to the Food Safety and Consumer Protection Department, while 34 services are linked to the Industries, Commerce and Investment Department, 26 to Forests and Wildlife, 16 to Mines and Minerals, 11 to Livestock and Dairy Development, 10 to district administration, nine to agriculture, and eight to irrigation. In addition, services related to tourism, transport, energy, environment, communications and works, fisheries, housing, health, excise, finance, and special education will also be incorporated into the e-Biz portal in phases. Government sources described the consolidation of scattered approval and licensing systems into a unified digital platform as a significant administrative reform. Officials believe the initiative will not only improve coordination among departments but also spare business owners from making repeated visits to multiple government offices. One of the portal’s key features is the “Ask Once” policy, under which applicants are required to submit their basic information only once. The data will then be securely and automatically shared with relevant departments, reducing duplication and saving both time and resources. The platform also incorporates modern technological features including artificial intelligence-based scrutiny of documents and maps, workflow automation, and digital identity verification. Officials said these measures would significantly improve transparency and efficiency in the approval process while reducing delays associated with traditional paperwork and manual procedures. According to sources, nearly 80,000 applications have already been received since the launch of the e-Biz portal, which authorities describe as a positive response from the business community. The Punjab government says additional departments and services will gradually be integrated into the system, transforming it into the province’s central business facilitation hub.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan] Deputy Commissioner Lahore Captain (Retd.) Muhammad Ali Ejaz visited Tehsil Nishter, where he reviewed ongoing development, cleanliness and beautification work around the Hadyara Drain. During the visit, the deputy commissioner also planted a sapling along the drain under the plantation campaign. The deputy commissioner inspected the desilting of Hadyara Drain, curb stone painting and cleanliness operations, directing the authorities concerned to complete all work within the stipulated timeline. He said a regular plantation campaign should be carried out along the drain to improve the area’s environment and overall appearance. Captain (Retd.) Muhammad Ali Ejaz made it clear that no delay would be tolerated in municipal services and cleanliness work. He directed the relevant departments to complete all drainage arrangements before the monsoon season so that citizens do not face difficulties during rains. Later, the deputy commissioner also visited Children’s Hospital Lahore, where he reviewed medical facilities, cleanliness arrangements and administrative affairs in detail. He instructed the hospital administration to ensure 100 percent uninterrupted supply of medicines to patients and maintain high standards of cleanliness in wards. The deputy commissioner said providing better municipal services and quality healthcare facilities to citizens is among the top priorities of the Punjab government, adding that all relevant departments must perform their responsibilities effectively.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has decided to introduce satellite internet service as part of a broader strategy to strengthen digital connectivity and expand access to modern technology across the province. The announcement was made by Senator Anusha Rahman, PML-N leader and Senior Adviser to the Punjab Chief Minister, while addressing a leadership summit at a private university in Lahore. The event focused on blockchain technology, digital assets and the growing role of emerging technologies in Pakistan’s digital future. Speaking at the summit, Anusha Rahman said the Punjab government is working to ensure high-speed internet access in areas that remain underserved or disconnected from basic digital infrastructure. She said satellite internet technology would play an important role in connecting villages, educational institutions and healthcare facilities, particularly schools, colleges and hospitals in remote and less-developed areas. Rahman said there is already strong public interest in digital technology, but many regions still face serious connectivity challenges. To address this gap, she said the provincial government is launching a “Connect the Unconnected” mission, aimed at bringing internet access to communities that have so far remained outside the digital network. According to her, the government will soon begin providing internet services through satellite technology in the public sector. She added that the Punjab Information Technology Department is already working on several modern connectivity projects to support the province’s digital transformation. The senior adviser further said that the Punjab government plans to connect 6 million young people with modern technology over the next four years. The initiative is expected to support digital learning, skills development, innovation and greater participation of youth in the emerging technology economy. Officials believe the planned satellite internet service could help reduce the digital divide in Punjab by improving access to online education, health services, government platforms and technology-based employment opportunities in areas where conventional broadband infrastructure remains limited.