Project aims to restore natural habitats, boost breeding of local species

BAHAWALPUR: The Punjab government has approved a Rs3.9 billion project to preserve wildlife and promote ecotourism at Lal Sohanra National Park. The initiative, named the Punjab Wildlife Conservation and Habitat Restoration Programme, aims to increase declining wildlife populations and restore natural habitats with active cooperation from the local community.

Officials said the project will focus on protecting and boosting the breeding of key species such as bustards, Chital deer, Nilgai, and blackbucks. Implementation is expected to be completed by June 2027, generating employment opportunities for locals and potentially attracting larger numbers of tourists.

MRI Machine Repair at Bahawal Victoria Hospital

Divisional Commissioner Mussarat Jabeen conducted a surprise visit to Bahawal Victoria Hospital (BVH) on Thursday, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Syed Hassan Raza. She took notice of a dysfunctional MRI machine causing inconvenience to hundreds of patients and directed Medical Superintendent Dr Syed Fakhar Abbas to repair it promptly.

The inspection also covered the cardiac centre and emergency ward, with instructions to improve sanitary conditions and lighting arrangements.

Inter-District Transport Fare Cut

Private transport owners in Bahawalpur have been directed to reduce fares by five percent on inter-district routes following the government’s reduction in petroleum and diesel prices. Secretary Transport Muhammad Tayyub emphasized that the benefits of lower fuel costs should be passed on to passengers and warned of strict action against violators.

Alleged Torture in Vehari District

Police reported that three women were allegedly tortured in Chak 197/EB, Gaggo Mandi Police limits, Vehari. Muhammad Ali Joyia, a zamindar, and his two sons, Abid and Aamir Joyia, reportedly attacked the women over a dispute, leaving them critically injured. Police responded promptly and registered a case against the suspects.

Wasa Office Functional in Vehari

The district office of the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) in Vehari city has been made operational. Deputy Commissioner Khalid Javed Goraya handed over municipal assets from the local committee to WASA Deputy Managing Director Asim Abbas Raza. The agency will now provide sanitation and water supply services in the district.

Compensation Paid in Lodhran Accident Case

Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ashraf, on behalf of the Chief Minister, handed a compensation cheque to Allah Rakha, father of seven-year-old Rehan, who died after falling into an uncovered manhole on under-construction Kahrore Pucca Road, Lodhran. Highway officials and the district police responsible were removed following the incident.