Punjab Province

LAHORE: Renews Pakistan
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said that the protection of wildlife and natural ecosystems is essential for future generations, emphasizing that safeguarding biodiversity is a shared responsibility and a key element of sustainable environmental management.
In her message on World Wildlife Day, the chief minister highlighted the provincial government’s ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening conservation efforts, improving the management of protected areas, and promoting environmentally responsible tourism across the province.
She noted that regulatory reforms have been introduced through amendments to the Punjab Wildlife Act 1974 and the Protected Areas Act to curb illegal hunting and unauthorized possession of wild animals. To facilitate public reporting and ensure prompt action against violations, the Wildlife Helpline 1107 has been made fully operational across Punjab.
The chief minister also underscored the government’s push toward digitisation, stating that online services have been launched for shooting licences, import and export permits, hunting permits, and the registration of breeding farms, improving transparency and administrative efficiency.
Highlighting the role of modern technology, she said that an artificial intelligence-based animal census system has been introduced for the first time in the province to enhance wildlife data collection and management. Additionally, GPS and collar-tracking systems are being used to monitor rescued animals and ensure their safety within protected habitats.
Efforts are also underway to strengthen eco-tourism and public awareness through improved visitor facilities. At Lahore Safari Zoo, new attractions, including a 3D screen and themed installations, have been added, while a 7D wildlife cinema is nearing completion. Construction of Punjab’s first dedicated wildlife hospital has also reached advanced stages, where specialist veterinary doctors will provide species-specific care.
The chief minister further announced plans to establish a 360-degree virtual zoo, enabling citizens to observe wildlife through digital platforms from their homes, a step officials say will enhance public engagement while promoting conservation awareness.

Chunian: Sadaf Arshad, District Reporter | ReNews Pakistan
Modern water filtration plants have been formally inaugurated in the suburban localities of Bhagoki and Budhoki in Chunian, marking a significant step toward ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water for residents. The project was executed under the auspices of the Adeem Foundation, with special efforts from local philanthropists.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by community elders, social figures, and a large number of residents, who described the initiative as a vital public welfare intervention. According to organizers, groundwater in both areas had become contaminated, exposing residents to serious health risks. The lack of potable water had forced many families to travel long distances to collect water, with some reportedly facing accidents during the process.
In response to these challenges, Adeem Foundation installed modern water filtration plants equipped with updated purification systems to provide safe, drinkable water to the local population. The initiative aims to curb waterborne diseases and improve overall public health standards in the region.
Residents expressed relief and gratitude, calling the availability of clean water a transformative development for their communities. Civil society representatives and local notables lauded the foundation’s efforts and expressed hope that such humanitarian initiatives would continue to benefit underprivileged and underserved populations.
Observers note that access to safe drinking water remains a critical issue in many rural and semi-urban areas, and the installation of filtration plants in Bhagoki and Budhoki represents a meaningful step toward addressing long-standing public health and infrastructure gaps.

Kasur: ReNews Pakistan
The district administration in Kasur has intensified its operations against illegal encroachments across all Four tehsils. Assistant Commissioners are conducting daily field visits within their respective jurisdictions, covering city centers and surrounding areas, to oversee and implement crackdowns against unlawful occupations.
According to official sources, the ongoing operations aim to reclaim state land, clear footpaths and public roads, and improve overall traffic management. Authorities maintain that removing encroachments will not only enhance urban order but also facilitate commercial activity and public convenience.
Assistant Commissioners are personally supervising the enforcement drives on the ground, supported by municipal staff and relevant departments. The district administration has reiterated that action against illegal occupants will continue without discrimination and that no leniency will be shown in cases of repeated violations.
Officials emphasized that sustained monitoring and coordinated enforcement are essential to maintaining civic discipline and ensuring that public spaces remain accessible for lawful use. The administration has also urged citizens to cooperate with authorities in making Kasur a more organized, clean, and law-abiding district.