CM unveils plan to promote investments

LAHORE: Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi unveiled a significant initiative aimed at facilitating ease of doing business, fostering industrial development, and promoting investments.

A comprehensive master plan for a one-window operation system has been meticulously crafted to streamline business processes and support investment endeavours. Under this system, all necessary NOCs from various departments will be efficiently issued under one roof, simplifying the landscape for businesses.

During a meeting chaired by the chief minister, the detailed master plan for the One Window Operation system was presented, with an expected completion date next month. The operational hub for this system will be housed in Al Falah Building, providing a centralised and convenient location for the business community. Additionally, an online portal will grant businesses access to comprehensive information, while dedicated focal persons will be assigned for each department. To ensure the effectiveness of the One Window Operation system, Mohsin Naqvi directed the swift resolution of related issues and emphasised the need to enhance the office's seating capacity. Drawing inspiration from the successful LDA one-window cell, the chief minister urged the formulation of long-term SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), crucial for the system's success. The meeting was attended by Provincial Ministers SM Tanveer, Amir Mir, secretaries of industries, local government, environment, Commissioner Lahore Division & DG LDA, Chairman PITB, PITB DG, and relevant officers.

Leads health reforms with ventilator management system

The chief minister chaired a special meeting focusing on health reforms. During the session, the secretary health provided a comprehensive overview of initiatives aimed at enhancing emergency facilities.

The meeting affirmed the principled decision to implement a Ventilator Management Information System, enabling the tracking of ventilators as required. The Punjab Information Technology Board's assistance will facilitate real-time identification of both in-use and available ventilators through a dedicated app, ensuring prompt allocation during high-demand situations in hospitals.

Furthermore, it was agreed to establish a linkage between DHQ Hospital Kasur and General Hospital Lahore. As part of the stroke management campaign, capacity building for 1122 rescuers will be a priority.

Dr Qasim Bashir, Head of Neurology at Services Institute of Medical Sciences, presented a detailed plan on stroke management. Notable attendees included Minister for Specialised Healthcare Dr Javed Akram, Chief Secretary, Secretary Planning and Development Board, Secretary Health, Secretary Finance, Dr Farqad Alamgir, DG Rescue 1122, and others.

Seeks carbon credit plan for afforestation

The chief minister has sought a comprehensive carbon credit plan for afforestation and valuable carbon exchange.

During the meeting, attended by Provincial Ministers Amir Mir, Ibrahim Hasan Murad, secretaries of forests, finance & industries departments and others, a consensus was reached to enlist the expertise of a consultancy firm for the strategic acquisition of carbon credits. The briefing illuminated the diverse sectors, numbering 10 in total, from which carbon credits can be obtained. These sectors include waste management, transportation, renewable energy, industry and land use, among others. It was underscored that the acquisition of carbon credits is intricately tied to activities such as the preservation of forests and the proactive management of environmental pollution.

An important aspect highlighted in the meeting was the practice of countries with higher carbon emissions channelling investments into afforestation and environmental conservation initiatives in other nations. The allocation of carbon credits operates on a specific mechanism aimed at oxygen generation through the meticulous control of carbon emissions. This process involves countries emitting carbon and engaging in financial transactions with others to secure these credits.

Similarly, carbon credits are also bought and sold through the voluntary carbon market, the briefing further explained.