LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore: [Re News Pakistan] A positive development has emerged for journalists in Lahore as the scrutiny process for Journalist Colony Phase II has entered its final stages at a rapid pace. Secretary Information Punjab, Tahir Raza Hamdani, while speaking to the media, stated that the scrutiny process for Phase II is progressing swiftly and is expected to be completed by the end of this month. He said that the issuance of allotment letters will begin immediately after the completion of scrutiny, expressing strong hope that eligible journalists will receive their allotment letters by next month, May. Tahir Raza Hamdani added that the government is taking serious steps for the welfare of journalists, and Journalist Colony Phase II is an important part of these efforts. The completion of this project will not only provide housing facilities to the journalist community but will also fulfill their long-standing demand.

Lahore | Re News Pakistan The Lahore High Court has upheld the government’s policy regarding free electricity units for officers of power distribution companies, ruling in favor of monetization. The court dismissed a petition filed by the GEPCO Engineers and Officers Association and maintained the notification issued on December 5, 2023, under which free electricity units for officers in BPS-17 and above were converted into monetary compensation. In its judgment, the court observed that free electricity units were not a permanent or legal right but rather a concessional benefit, which the government is empowered to modify or withdraw under its administrative policies. The petitioners failed to establish that the benefit formed part of their salary or was protected under any law. The ruling further stated that such benefits do not become part of service conditions unless they are granted legal status. According to the court, no violation of fundamental rights was proven, and the matter falls within the employer-employee relationship. The court also clarified that having separate policies for different grades does not constitute discrimination, as officers in BPS-17 and above belong to a distinct cadre. Terming the Power Division’s policy as reasonable and financially justified, the court noted that the power sector is facing serious challenges, including circular debt, making measures like monetization necessary. The judgment emphasized that the facility has not been withdrawn but converted into cash, and there is no evidence suggesting any adverse impact on overall salaries. The court reiterated that judicial interference in policy matters is limited and that policies cannot be struck down unless they are illegal or made in bad faith. Justice Malik Javed Iqbal Wains issued the detailed 14-page written judgment, while Assistant Attorney General Malik Tanveer Ahmed Awan assisted the court on behalf of the federation.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government and Pakistan Railways have taken a major step toward modernising the province’s railway system and improving public transport by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the launch of a fast train between Lahore and Rawalpindi, along with several other projects. The agreement was signed between Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi. Under the initiative, the country’s first fast train service will be introduced between Lahore and Rawalpindi, covering approximately 280 kilometres in just 2 hours and 15 minutes. The project involves the construction of a new railway track, with an estimated cost of Rs350 billion. Alongside this flagship project, the railway network across Punjab will be expanded and upgraded. A total of 1,415 kilometres of rail infrastructure will be developed, covering 20 regions and eight major local routes. These include Shahdara to Narowal and Sialkot, Raiwind, Kasur, Pakpattan to Lodhran, Sheikhupura, Jaranwala to Shorkot, Lalamusa to Sargodha, Faisalabad to Shaheenabad, and the inter-provincial route from Kot Addu to Kashmore. As part of the plan, modern Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains will be deployed, along with the induction of new locomotives and upgraded passenger coaches to bring services in line with international standards. According to Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, the project is expected to benefit approximately 90 million passengers nationwide and marks a defining milestone for Pakistan Railways. He emphasised that, under the leadership of the Punjab Chief Minister, the railway system is being upgraded to meet global benchmarks. He further stated that the Punjab government has committed Rs45 billion for the upgradation of nine local railway routes, aimed at reducing traffic congestion on roads and helping control smog. Infrastructure improvements under the initiative include the renovation and beautification of Lahore Railway Station, development of international-standard parking facilities, and installation of advanced automated safety systems to minimise accidents and enhance operational efficiency. Environmental sustainability is also a key component of the project, with plans to plant over 400,000 trees along railway tracks. Additionally, a 40-kilometre green corridor from Shahdara to Raiwind is being developed to create a modern, eco-friendly railway environment. Officials believe the project will bring a transformative change not only in Punjab but across Pakistan, offering faster, safer, and more affordable travel to the public.