­Transport sector to be strengthened: minister

LAHORE: Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan on Wednesday said transport sector would be strengthened with the help of urban unit.

Chairing a meeting with the officials of Urban Unit Transport at his camp office, the minister said the experience of the Urban Unit could be utilised as the Punjab Chief Minister pins hopes on the transport sector.

The minister said a great team work would tackle challenges. He said Punjab Transport Infrastructure Management System seems to be an excellent system, but going forward, the condition of the bus terminals will have to be improved, while the road system of Punjab will be further improved and for this all the stakeholders have to perform well. Chief Executive Umar Masood and Senior Transport Specialist Dr Murtaza also attended the meeting. The minister was told that mega projects of urban unit included in 2012 work on Metro Bus Traffic and Routes System, Asset Management for Railway Pakistan in 2015, Punjab Transport Infrastructure Management System in Plan, 2016, worked on National Road Transport System in 2019, Rural Roads Programme in 2020 and Parking and Commercial Plaza in 2021.

PHA to distribute free saplings

The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) will distribute saplings free of charge to public to mark International Forest Day today (Thursday).

According to PHA spokesperson, the PHA planted over a million saplings across the provincial metropolis last year to reduce carbon levels and combat the climate emergency. According to the spokesperson, multiple plants distribution points across Lahore would be established where people would be given free of cost saplings. Participants of a recent meeting, chaired by Director General Muhammad Tahir Wattoo, pledged to elevate Lahore to one of the world's greenest cities. They also committed to supporting and ensuring the success of the Green Future plantation drive initiated by the Punjab Chief Minister.

In recent months, the PHA has been actively beautifying the cityscape. Alongside planting the saplings, the authority has also installed colourful light structures on and around several thoroughfares in central Lahore.

Moreover, the department has adorned the canal with decorative lights ahead of the annual Canal Mela that is organised by the provincial government. During this festival, the canal and sections from The Mall underpass to the Jail Road underpass will be illuminated with vibrant light structures and models showcasing various cultures of Pakistan, the spokesperson added.