Punjab Province

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan]
A high level review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Chief Executive Officer Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (CBD Punjab), Imran Amin, to assess ongoing development projects, future strategic initiatives, and the overall progress of the authority.
The meeting was attended by Executive Director Technical Riaz Hussain, Director Project Management Asif Iqbal, Director Construction Asif Babar, and Director Architecture & Planning Samir Aftab Sial, along with other senior officials.
Project Manager of NESPAK Jamshed Janjua, Project Manager of NSIT Yasir Saifullah, and various project contractors also participated in the session. Participants were briefed in detail on ongoing projects, traffic management plans, and construction progress, while future course of action and planning strategies were also discussed.

Rahim Yar Khan: [Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan]
In Rahim Yar Khan, the first Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified Environmental Testing Laboratory in South Punjab has been inaugurated at Khawaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology (KFUEIT).
The inauguration was carried out by Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), during his visit to the university.
The state of the art laboratory will provide advanced facilities for testing soil, water, and air quality. Its objective is not only to promote environmental protection but also to bridge the gap between academia and the industrial sector.
Addressing the ceremony, the HEC Chairman stated that the establishment of such research centers is essential for sustainable development, advanced research, and institutional improvement. He emphasized that aligning Pakistan’s higher education institutions with international standards is the need of the hour.
He further reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting higher education, improving research quality, and providing scholarships to students.
He noted that equipping youth with modern scientific facilities is crucial for the country’s development.
During the visit, the Vice Chancellor and other senior officials briefed the HEC Chairman on ongoing research projects, laboratories, and infrastructure development at the university. On this occasion, participation in green campus initiatives and a tree plantation campaign also reflected a renewed commitment to environmental protection.
It is worth mentioning that the university, established in 2014, is playing a significant role in promoting education and research in engineering, science, and information technology in South Punjab.

Chiniot | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has intensified efforts to advance a proposed steel mill project in Chiniot, seeking to tap into the district’s substantial iron ore reserves and strengthen the province’s industrial capacity.
Provincial Secretary for Mines and Minerals, Pervaiz Iqbal, visited Chiniot on Monday to assess progress on land acquisition for the project. He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Ayesha Rizwan and other senior officials.
During the visit, the secretary held detailed discussions with district authorities and inspected potential sites designated for the steel mill. Officials provided briefings on the estimated volume of iron ore deposits, proposed mining methods, processing infrastructure, and the overall land requirements for the project.
The initiative is being viewed as a significant step toward enhancing industrial activity in Punjab while effectively utilizing local mineral resources. Authorities believe the project could help reduce Pakistan’s dependence on imported steel and contribute to long term economic growth.
Iqbal directed relevant departments to ensure that land acquisition is carried out in a transparent and timely manner to prevent delays. He also stressed the need for strong inter departmental coordination to keep the project on schedule.
District officials assured full administrative support, noting that efforts are underway to ensure smooth execution and adherence to development timelines.
Once operational, the Chiniot steel mill is expected to create employment opportunities and stimulate downstream industries, particularly in construction and manufacturing.